October 2023 Happenings Magazine

INBOX

Dear Happenings,

We had a great turnout at our Summer Festival. A reader who caught the article about the Andrea Doria exhibit in Happenings Magazine (Artifacts from the Andrea Doria Shipwreck, August 2023) came in from Tunkhannock with photographs of her trip on the ship taken just prior to this fateful voyage. She shared them with the diver, who really appreciated them. Thanks for the very nice weather also.

–All the best,

–Janis Rae Winter

–Arts

At Hayfield

–Summer

Festival Chair

Publisher

Art Director

Associate Art Director

Director of Social Media

Contributors

Paula Rochon Mackarey

Lisa Kalaha Ragnacci

Peter Salerno

Mary Joyce

Christine Fanning

Ben Freda

Account Representative

Linette Manley

Dear Happenings,

I am writing to tell you what a great job you all do in publishing this magazine. I am renewing my subscription because I do not want to miss a single issue. Thank you!

–Doug

Lane

Dear Happenings,

Saw us highlighted in the Disaster article this month (National Preparedness Month, September 2023). We are never disappointed and always impressed with the quality, professionalism and congeniality at Happenings! Thanks so very much!

–Sincerely,

–Christina Warman

–Integra-Clean

–Marketing

& Dry

Director

l_manley@happeningsmagazinepa.com (570) 878-5009

On the Cover: College students from across the region gather on Keystone College’s scenic campus. Photo: Michael Straub Photography

Published Monthly. Also read at HappeningsPA.com

©2023 HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any process except with written permission.

Happenings Magazine published since 1969

Phone: (570) 587-3532

Dear Happenings,

I am a resident at Woodloch Springs. I picked up a copy of Happenings Magazine and I’m in love with it. This publication is a gift to the people of this part of the state. The August Issue with the covered bridges is so fascinating. I will be getting in our car to visit them all! Subscriptions are very nice gifts for special people in your life. I have been in media, in journalism and television and I so appreciate the quality and excellence of this magazine. Happenings is like a Bible for the region and once you start reading it you don’t want to put it down. I’m so excited that I found this “to-die-for“ treasure. I so enjoy each inspiring article. The colleges and universities are so important to this region and it is so great to hear first hand from the students through your magazine. Keep up the excellent work.

–Diane Bottjer –Woodloch Springs –Hawley, PA

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E Dear Readers,

ach October we have a chance to meet “who’s on campus.” You will thoroughly enjoy hearing directly from the students as to why they have chosen to study at each institution and what drew them to pursue a particular field. Having graduated from a university over 30 years ago, I love to reminisce about this wonderful period of learning, exploring, growing and developing. I consider how little I actually knew then, compared to now, three decades later, yet I am aware that those crucial years of education set the course for the life I live today. The strength, confidence, knowledge and experience that I learned then, is relied upon and put into action daily. This is why it is so refreshing to hear about faculty and administration who truly take their mission to challenge, push and encourage each student to develop to his or her full potential. The societal impact of those who teach and lead cannot be under measured.

Regardless of a person’s background, being presented with opportunities, sometimes even second chances, is truly what can change the trajectory of a life.

October brings recognition to breast cancer and the stories of those who are currently charging through its obstacle course. In addition, October 24 is World Polio Day. You will also read about Rotary International’s mission to eradicate the disease.

I was aware of polio in my childhood having known of some who had been afflicted by it. My husband’s grandfather, James F. “Hoppy” Scanlon was the principal of the Adult Institute at Scranton Technical High School. Hoppy had a 44 year career in education and was also a sports buff, who at one time was called “the voice of Scranton.” He received his nickname because of his bad leg, damaged from childhood polio. It is ironic that, adjacent to the Scranton Technical High School building, at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, a conference will be held on World Polio Day bringing together medical, government, educational professionals and 200 high school students, all organized by the Scranton Rotary. What began in the early 1980s as a mission by Rotary International to eradicate polio now has the finish line in sight.

Education, partnerships and wisdom can solve many issues. Enjoy reading about some of the exciting “happenings” occurring right here in this region.

L essons Old Main f rom

Happenings’ Contributor, Mary Joyce, discusses her college experience.

G

rowing up, I never had a dream school in mind. I knew only two things for certain about my post-secondary aspirations: I wanted to grow as a writer and to do so in a place where I would feel just as much at home as I did in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

When it came time for applications, essays and campus tours, there was one school that began to stand out — Penn State University. From the moment I stepped foot on campus with a group of friends in my junior year of high school, I knew that Penn State would be that home-awayfrom-home I was searching for.

In the fall of 2016, after graduating from Scranton High, I began my first semester at Penn State studying journalism and public relations in the Bellisario College of Communications — and the rest is history! In my four years at University Park, I met some wonderful people who have become

lifelong friends and got to study with amazing professors who taught me everything I know about communications. My senior year I was lucky enough to become editor-inchief of VALLEY Magazine — the premier student-run life and style magazine on campus — and learned with my wonderful team just how much I love digital marketing and magazine writing. Now a few years into my professional life, I know that without the experiences I had at Penn State, I would never have had the platform needed to kick off my career. Reflecting on those four years (and beyond), there are a few bits of advice that I have to offer to students everywhere — not just my fellow Penn Staters! Network, Network, Network! The thought of networking can sometimes be daunting, but building up a network of

classmates while you’re still in school can make or break your success in building a career you love. Especially at a university like Penn State with such a large, varied alumni network, it’s crucial to make connections to

supplement your professional work and to make lasting friendships in your field. Platforms like LinkedIn make it easy to connect with and stay in touch with the people you’ve studied with, and allow you to reach out to prospective connections who work in your field. Remember: networking can open doors that job applications alone might not be able to!

Connect with your Professors

It can be easy to head to class everyday, take notes and sneak

right out once the lesson is over, but taking the time to connect with your professors will not only pay off in the quality of your education, but will help with your post-grad goals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, to participate and to take full advantage of office hours — your grades will thank you! When applying to internships or full-time roles, having references willing to offer recommendation letters on your behalf will be crucial — and there’s no better way to secure some glowing reviews than by making those connections with your professors.

Keep Up on your Scholarships

Scholarships are a fantastic way to help cover the cost of tuition and any extra expenses, and to cut down on the total amount of students loans borrowed. It’s important to explore all of your scholarship options not only for your freshman year, but throughout your four or more years in school. Explore opportunities offered in your community, and check out databases like CareerOneStop.org

Networking can open doors that job applications alone might not be able to!

(a U.S. Department of Labor site), built to help you search and apply for awards you qualify for.

Branch Out!

Some of my favorite memories come from the clubs and groups I joined outside of the classroom. It’s important to

pick up extracurriculars that you’re passionate about and that will build up your resume, but it’s equally important to break out of your comfort zone a little. Sure, it’s advice you’ve heard a thousand times, but that’s only because it’s good advice! There’s no better time than your college years to put

yourself out there, say yes to new experiences and meet amazing people you might not have met otherwise.

After Graduation...

Graduating in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 was confusing to say the least, but through this experience I’ve learned what might be my most valuable lesson. Life is full of twists and turns. Entering the professional world after college, you lose that sense of structure that’s been in place since Pre-K. Letting go of the idea that you’re on a set timeline, and allowing yourself to explore opportunities with no pressure to shape your career around anyone else’s will be invaluable in your professional and personal growth.

Now get back to studying and (of course) WE ARE! H

Anna Morrill Clarks Summit University Accounting Program

High School: Homeschooled; Batavia, New York

Parents: Jon and Rachael Morrill; Siblings: Adam, Gabi, Grace and Katie Morrill

I was drawn to CSU by the Christian community it offers. I chose Accounting so that I can be more knowledgeable in the business world. At CSU I participate in Women’s Soccer and serve as a Resident Assistant and student worker in the President’s Office.

My proudest college moment is having the privilege to be a captain on the soccer team. My proudest high school moment was being dual enrolled and making the college’s Dean’s List. I was surprised at how difficult it is to build study habits and find the balance of building relationships while completing homework. I advise high school students to be disciplined and to turn homework in on time; small habits will carry over into your future career.

Location: Keystone College campus

I love that Clarks Summit University is a small school, because you can invest in the people that you interact with every day.

I would like to pursue the Certified Public Accountant certification and go into tax accounting. I want to serve people through financial services or any job. In the spring I will be starting the MBA program at Clarks Summit University, which will help me have enough credits to take the CPA exam. My dream job would be traveling and being able to see the world.

A college myth that I had heard is that you will be too busy studying to have any fun. If you have good time management, you will still be able to take a break from homework and hang out with friends.

My biggest challenge of college has been studying for exams, and in life it has been deciding what I want to do after I graduate.

Student Photos: Michael Straub Photography

Three words that best describe me are:

Hard-worker • Loyal • Funny

Favorite quote: ‘Whatever your life’s work is, do it well.’

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Anna interned at Freed Maxick, and received a job offer to work there after graduation. Freed Maxick is a CPA firm ranked in the top 100 in the nation by organizations like Forbes, Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting. Anna also received a CMA scholarship from the Institute of Management Accountants, was inducted into CSU’s Alpha Gamma Epsilon honor society and received an All-Sportsmanship Team award from CSAC for women’s soccer. She volunteered with CSU doing tax preparation through the IRS VITA TCE program for community members.

Stelios Stefen Melekos

East Stroudsburg University

College of Business and Management

Major: Business Management • Concentration: Entrepreneurship

Minor: Sport Management

High School: Holy Ghost Prep

Parents: Jim Melekos and Daphne

Melekos Sisters: Faye and Mattie

The soccer program and coaches, Rob Berkowitz and Shaquille Stephenson, made me feel welcomed and at home as an incoming freshman. ESU’s strong business program provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive. I am involved in soccer, fishing and hunting. My proudest college moment so far is win ning the PASSHE Startup Challenge. With the support of ESU, my soccer teammates and my coach, I entered this statewide contest and secured the top prize of $10,000 for my company, Blitz Performance LLC. This venture provides anglers with specialized lures and appar el for both saltwater and fresh water fishing. This achievement highlights how ESU’s resources and encouragement have empowered me to turn my pas sion into a successful business. One of my proudest high school memories revolves

Our goal was to help a struggling family by renovating their house. We stayed in a church basement for three nights and dedicated ourselves to completely transforming their living conditions. Working tirelessly, our group poured our hearts into repairing the family's home. Through shared stories and hard work, we not only improved the physical structure but also formed deep bonds. This mission trip taught me the power of compassion, teamwork and stepping

out of my comfort zone. It reinforced my belief in the profound impact of even small acts of kindness.

The aspect of college that has surprised me the most is the level of support I've encountered from both my professors and alumni network. At ESU, the connections I've made have gone beyond the classroom, linking me with accomplished entrepreneurs like Jonathan Weber. My advice for high school students would be to get involved, stay focused and to be the best version of yourself.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at ESU is being a part of the soccer team. The support from my teammates feels like a true brotherhood. Being a member of the ESU soccer team has not only had a positive experience on my college experience, but also taught me the importance of collaboration and lasting connections.

I would love to leave behind a positive mark and inspire others to follow their dreams. In the fishing world for my company, I want to provide anglers with top-tier fishing products, all geared towards helping fellow fishing enthusiasts achieve their goals on the water.

My post-graduation plan is to go for my master’s degree and play one more year of college soccer. I am unsure where I will do my masters degree but I am keeping my options open. I also plan to keep growing my company, Blitz Performance.

My dream job involves running and expanding my fishing business with a strong focus on innova tion and growth within the fishing industry. My passion for fishing will drive my commitment to developing cutting-edge fishing gear, enhancing product quality and performance, engaging with the fishing community, and promoting sustainability. I aspire to make Blitz Performance a trusted and innovative brand that resonates with fishing enthusiasts worldwide.

In my college experience, which predominantly revolves around athletes, I am convinced that the notion of the "freshman 15" remains a myth The active lifestyle and rigorous training routines of athletes create an environment that counters the idea of significant weight gain during the first year of college. My biggest challenge in college is balance.

My favorite quote is ‘You'll Never Walk Alone.’

- Liverpool FC

Luke Glidewell

The University of Scranton Business Program

High School: Abington Heights High School

Parents: Dr. Todd and Nicole Glidewell; Siblings: Kate, Austin, Phoebe and Simon Glidewell

I chose the University of Scranton to gain access to the well-developed network of professionals and the vast opportunities for growth and leadership. At the University of Scranton, I serve as President of the Operations and Analytics Club, Club Relations Chair for the Kania Student Advisory Board and I am a member of the Business Leadership Honors Program. I also help incoming students find a home at Scranton by speaking at open houses and at our “Path to Business Excellence” events.

My proudest high school moment was graduating with high honors. The most surprising aspect of college for me is the personal relationships I have built with professors and faculty and their desire to help students succeed. I would advise high school students to not be afraid to be active in classes and extracurriculars; make an impact on those around you!

My favorite aspect of the University of Scranton is the small classrooms and professors who are willing to help any individual. I hope to be able to help others both in my personal life and in business. My upbringing and education at The University of Scranton has made me a “man for others,” one of the core Jesuit values. This could look like providing career advice to a student at my alma matter, or technical consulting to a business in need.

I have multiple job opportunities but I hope to find myself in a client facing role. I would also like to use my technical and analytical skills developed as a business analytics major at Scranton and through internships to help my future company adapt to a more advanced business model. Down the road, I would like to hold a leadership role to share what I have learned with others.

Double major in Business Analytics and Operations Management with a minor in business leadership.

My dream job is to be a well-rounded businessman with time to spend with loved ones and to be active in my community.

A college myth I always heard was ‘you go to school for the degree.’ While earning a degree is important, that piece of paper is not worth nearly as much as the meaningful life lessons and connections you will gain through your education.

My biggest challenge in college has been managing my time, — I am an excellent procrastinator. The freedom college provides can make or break you depending on your personal drive.

Throughout my life, I have always been interested in a wide range of fields from machines to medicine. This has made it difficult to decide on one career path.

Three words that best describe me are: Hard-Working • Persistent • Vivacious

My favorite quote is: ‘People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.’

- Dale Carnegie

The University of Scranton, specifically the Kania School of Management, desires to see each student succeed, both as a professional and as a person.

have real-world experience that they bring to class each day, giving insight into more than just textbook material. On top of great classes our school hosts a multitude of events to help students on their way to securing a job.

Scranton also has a tremendous amount of outreach and service opportunities in the community.

Tiffany Britton Career Technology Center of

Lackawanna County

Practical Nursing Program

High School: Mid Valley High School

Husband: Justin Britton; Sons: Landon and Parker Britton

After spending many nights in the hospital with my youngest son, I was inspired to become a nurse. I chose CTC for their amazing reputation. At CTC I am a part of student council, serving as Vice President of my class. One of my proudest moments was being asked to represent my school in this magazine! I thought going back to school would be so difficult, but it is actually one of the best decisions I have ever made. High school can be tough and full of cliques, but you get to start college with a fresh slate. I really enjoy the people, both faculty and students at CTC. It is a very welcoming community that I’m so proud to be part of. In my career I hope to make my mark on the world by making sure that each and everyone of my patients feel safe and comfortable while at their most vulnerable time.

I plan to continue my edu-

cation to become an RN. My dream job is to be a pediatric nurse.

A college myth that I had found to be untrue was is that you can’t have a life while in nursing school. If you can effectively prioritize, you can most definitely still do fun things.

My biggest challenge of school is being a full-time student while having a job and raising kids. My biggest life challenge was getting laid off from my job while pregnant and, four days later, learning that my unborn baby would be born with a severe birth defect. It was a very dark time, but it led me here and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Three words that best describe me are: Compassionate • Outgoing • Ambitious

Continued on page 24

My favorite quote is:

‘Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.’

-Bob Kerrey

At CTC, you are pushed to become your absolute best. The faculty and staff do everything possible to help you succeed. Group projects help facilitate strong relationships and lasting friendships. You will feel a sense of pride being able to give back and make a difference in the community with fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. It is no surprise that CTC is the #1 practical nursing program in Pennsylvania. I am so grateful to be here.

Submitted Photos

Michael DeWolfe Pennsylvania State Scranton Accounting Program

High School: Mountain View Jr./Sr. High School

Parents: Barbara Maxon and William DeWolfe; Sibling: Lexie DeWolfe

The small campus and class sizes led me to choose Penn State Scranton.

I am involved in Varsity Baseball, Business Club and I am a Peer Tutor.

My proudest college moment was winning Academic Athlete of the Year.

In high school my proudest moment was winning the PIAA Soccer District Championship.

I was surprised about the amount of free time that is still available after finishing your work. I advise high school students to not be intimidated by college. Professors and your peers want you to succeed.

My favorite aspect of college has been making new connections and discovering what I love to do. I would like to inspire individuals to not give up on their dreams no matter how difficult the road to get there is.

I want to inspire individuals in the path of accounting to figure out the story behind the numbers they are looking at.

After graduation I hope to secure an accounting position and become a CPA. My dream job is to be an Accounting Controller.

A myth I discovered about college is that it is only about studying and getting good grades.

My biggest challenges so far have been understanding how to overcome stress and turn it into nervous excitement. Life as a student athlete has been challenging, but the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

Three words that best describe me are:

Adventurous • Persistent • Flexible

My favorite quote is ‘Lead from the back and let others believe they are in front.’

- Nelson Mandela

Kevin T. Lloyd Luzerne County Community College

Accounting Program

High School: West Side High School • Newark, New Jersey

Parents: Kevin Brown and Rose Lloyd; Brothers: Keith, Kaleem, Deontay and Zahrie; Sisters: Zahnae, Aleia, Javey and Jaenaha

While at LCCC, Kevin is President of BASIC Club: Campus ministry; a peer mentor and a college ambassador.

Proudest college moment: Being called upon to give a speech to high school students as to why they should pursue college and higher education. I wasn't an accomplished, decorated high school student. I didn't experience graduation. I received my GED from testing at my local community college. The most surprising aspect of college: How much others invest into you, and the opportunities that exist for you to impact the community and the lives of others. It is at college you brush shoulders with your career purpose and truly come to understand who you are.

My favorite aspects of LCCC are the instructors, faculty and staff members. They have an amazing, supportive culture and are resourceful to present opportunities for growth personally and financially.

The mark that I would like to make on is to become an advocate for second chances and allocate resources for those who need another chance to invest in skill training and college education. I believe that change is possible. I am a great example to show that with the right support and community pushing an individual forward, he or she can be a great contributor to his or her community. In my chosen career path, I would like to create an optimum work environment; a blueprint that would become the foundation for establishing a work culture of camaraderie and community. I believe that these conditions result in a productive and efficient work place.

I am part of an accelerated five-year master's program for an MBA degree at King’s College. I plan to take the CPA exam after receiving my degree and I would like to become thoroughly experienced in the finance industry before starting my own venture capitalist firm, my dream job.

A college myth that I found to be untrue is that college was a scam for your money.

The biggest challenge of college,

“God instructed me to go to College; I obliged. Accounting came naturally so I pursued a major that complimented my strengths.”

“

and biggest challenge of my life thus far, has been time management.

Three words that best describe me: Leader • Visionary • Loving

Favorite quote: ‘If it ain't broke don't fix it.’

I am a non traditional student I started college at age 30. I am a husband to my lovely wife Dajuana Lee-Lloyd and a dad of four children, three boys and one girl: Darius, Al-Tamir, Kevin and Zayonna. I was a troubled youth which resulted in me getting into trouble with the law, that consequently left me in a position of not being able to be competitive in the job market. There were jobs that I was clearly qualified for, but because I had a record, I was ineligible for employment within any corporate or service jobs and was stuck with high-labor, low-wage jobs. College has reformed my career experience and now I am gaining knowledge and experience through internships within my field. College has made that possible for me and it is equipping me with the work experience and know-how to be an asset in the finance industry. College provided me with a second chance when no one else would give me one. The greatest investment I've ever made was in obtaining a college education.

Maria Ortiz Fortis Institute

Practical Nursing Program

Maria Ortiz is a student in the Practical Nursing program at the Fortis Institute campus in Scranton. Maria has always believed that everyone in healthcare deserves a champion and a source of unwavering care. Inspired by strong and compassionate women in her life, Maria chose a path that combines her love for nursing with a desire to significantly impact people's lives.

As a recent high school graduate, she made the decision to enroll in the nursing program at Fortis Institute with the goal of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) after completing the practical nursing program and taking the NCLEX-PN licensure test after graduation.

Maria sees her nursing education at Fortis as the ideal steppingstone that will provide her with essential nursing skills and clinical experience to begin a long and successful career. The practical knowledge and hands-on skills she will develop will serve not only to prepare her for further studies, but also to give her a firsthand understanding of both the challenges and rewards inherent in nursing.

Maria is particularly interested in specialized nursing areas like the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because she knows that she will thrive in a high-pressure and challenging environment. She looks forward to finding fulfillment in making meaningful contributions during critical moments in patients' lives.

Beyond nursing, Maria is committed to positively impacting her hometown community where she can bring traits like compassion, empathy and personal connection to bear. She believes these qualities will aid her success in healthcare.

As she progresses on her educational journey, Maria is aware that dedication and hard work will be required to succeed in the nursing profession. She is driven to rise to these challenges and is confident she will remain steadfast to reach her personal goals and her commitment to local communities.

If you think a career in nursing sounds exciting and rewarding, then consider enrolling at Fortis Institute. This is a great school where you can pursue your dream of a career in nursing. We all can look forward to a future where Fortis educated nurses can influence the lives of many and contribute to the well-being of Scranton and greater Northeastern Pennsylvania, she said.

Submitted Photo

Dylan Lukachko

Misericordia University College of Business

High School: Pittston Area

Parents: Paul and Lisa Lukachko; Sibling: Brandon Lukachko

“The moment I stepped on campus, I felt how great the culture was, and knew this would feel like a home for me. At Misericordia I participate on Misericordia’s Football Team as Running Back/Wide Receiver.

My proudest college moment has been being named to the Dean’s List. In high school, my proudest moment was scoring four touchdowns in one football game against Williamsport.

The most surprising aspect of college for me was finding different academic interests. I went from being a Sport Management major to a Business Administration major while specializing in Marketing.

My advice for high school students is to not take college lightly. Work on time management, and everything else will fall into place.

I especially appreciate the happy/loving culture here at Misericordia. I would like to make my mark on the world by making everyone happy, having a family and enjoying every day for what I do with my future career. After college I plan to pursue my career in Marketing with Social Media and Digital Advertising.

My dream job is to run my own business some day.

A college myth that I found to be untrue was that since I didn’t have to study in high school I wouldn’t have to study in college either!

My biggest challenge thus far has been working on time management and figuring out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Three words that best describe me are: Competitive • Caring • Goal-driven

My favorite quote is: ‘It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!’ - Rocky Balboa.

An interesting fact about me is that I had perfect attendance all throughout my high school career!

Jack Anderson

Keystone College

School of Professional Studies, Department of Business, Management and Technology • Major: Business and Hospitality Business Management

High School: Western High School, Davie, Florida

Parents: Brett and Gia Anderson; Sibling: Grace Anderson

I chose Keystone College because I wanted to play basketball in college and I knew I was never the big university kid that all my hometown friends were. My college activities include men’s basketball, intramurals and bonfires. I’m proud of the person I have become in the last two years. As a man, a basketball player and a student, I have grown so much. I’ve also been able to move up in Residence Life. During my sophomore year I served as a resident assistant, and this year I was promoted to a senior resident assistant. The growth is evident. I was surprised to learn that college professors and faculty want to help you in any way they can. They want to see you succeed and all you have to do is ask for help if you need it. My advice for high school students is to step out of your comfort zone; the worst thing that can happen is you learn something.

At Keystone, everybody seems to know everybody. I know the faculty by first name and vice versa. The support I feel here at Keystone is unmatched. I hope to leave a positive impact on every person I interact with. It is hard for one person to change the world by themselves, but by making one person’s day better, maybe that can make a change.

I plan to go where life takes me. I like the hospitality industry, but I could see myself being a coach, basketball player, firefighter or an accountant.

My dream job is to do something I love to do so that it doesn’t feel like a job.

A college myth that I found to be untrue is that college was “harder” than high school. The college workload is more concentrated and challenging, but my high school workload was incredibly hectic because of the busy work I had.

The biggest challenge I have faced in

college was adjusting to not being around my family all the time. It’s been a few years and I still miss being around them every day.

Three words that best describe me are: Driven • Genuine • Goofy

My favorite quote is: ‘In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside you.’

- Deepak Chopra

“At Keystone, complete strangers have turned into people I call my family. I know the relationships I made here will last a lifetime. Go Giants!”

To Test or Not To Test T

here has been a lot of discussion in the past few years about ever-changing college admissions testing requirements at educational institutions across the country. In order to gain a better understanding of this complicated process, it is best to consider the college admissions tests and the options regarding the decision to test or not to test.

The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is owned by the College Board, a private, not-for-profit organization. The test is intended to assess students' readiness for college. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is supposed to measure the literacy, numeracy and writing skills necessary for academic success in college. The College Board states that the SAT assesses how well the test-takers analyze and solve problems — skills that they will need in college.

In January 2022, College Board announced that the SAT would change from paper-based to digital (computer-based). Testing centers in the U.S. will continue using the paper-based format until December 2023 and switch to digital on March 9, 2024. The digital SAT takes about an hour less to complete than the paper-based test. It is usually administered in an official test center, but students will use their own testing devices (a laptop or tablet). If a student does not have a device, one can be requested from College Board. Prior to the test, College Board's "Bluebook" app must be successfully installed on the testing device.

The ACT is also a standardized test used for college admissions. It is currently administered by ACT, a nonprofit organization of the same name. The ACT will offer a “limited pilot” of a digital exam in December 2023. The ACT’s stated plan is to expand capacity to offer more opportunities for digital test ing throughout 2024. The ACT has not indicated that the paper version of their test will be eliminated, and has stressed that they want to retain students’ ability to choose their preferred testing format.

During the pandemic, colleges introduced more flexibility into the admissions process. Many decided to adopt a “test-optional” policy regarding college

entrance exams, either temporarily or permanently. If a college or university has a test-optional admissions policy, they allow applicants to decide whether to include SAT or ACT scores as part of their applications. It does not indicate that colleges are not interested in seeing test scores, but if a student does not submit scores, it will not be counted against him/her in the application review.

Understanding test-optional policies can help students and their parents make informed decisions about whether to take the SAT, the ACT, both or neither. The most important point is that policies vary widely. It is important to read each college’s test optional, test flexible or test blind policy carefully to comprehend the admissions requirements. The list of test-optional colleges is fluid. Check directly with the college to confirm their testing policy. H

Contact

Jennifer Severini-Kresock at (570) 702-5700 or jkresock@nepaca

L. Severini-Kresock, MS

“Ms. Kresock is a master at navigating the labyrinth of the college application process. She has successfully assisted with expert guidance for two of our children.”

—Mrs. T. Kehagias

Philip Benjamin Rochon Achieves Top ACT Score

Philip Benjamin Rochon, great grandson of the late Philip Benjamin Rochon of Scranton, recently earned the most rare and highest possible ACT score of 36 in all four categories of the test. Son of John and Rebecca Bach Rochon of Dallas, Texas. He is also the grandson of John Rochon, a Scranton native, and his wife Donna Rochon, as well as Gene and Glennda Bach of New Orleans.

Rochon is a senior at the Episcopal School of Dallas, in Dallas, Texas. About one-quarter of 1% of students who take the ACT earn a top score. The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1-36. “Earning a top score on the ACT is a remarkable achievement,” said ACT CEO, Janet Godwin. The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures what students have learned in school. ACT scores are accepted by major four-year colleges and universities across the U.S.

Rochon is an honors student who also received the AP Scholar Award for receiving a score of 4 or 5 on three or more AP exams. He is currently the Executive Treasurer of his high school class, a school ambassador, the Vice President of Communication for the Young Men’s Service League, a teen board member of the Ronald McDonald House and is on the steering committee for the Junior Symphony Orchestra. He plays varsity football and varsity baseball, and has also served on Vestry for four years, assisting during chapel services. He received a President’s Service Gold Award for conducting over 650 community service hours. He plans to major in Computer Science and Business.

“I’m honored to have the ability to pursue goals that can help make a positive impact on this world,” said Rochon. “I have the legacy of hardworking and driven men and women before me in my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. With God’s help I look forward to pursing my future educational goals,” he said. H

Following

Rochon bears the exact name of his late great-grandfather who grew up on Dorothy Street in Scranton. The late Philip Rochon married Sylvia McCullough, a native of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The couple settled in Dunmore and then the Green Ridge section of Scranton where they raised seven children.

his retirement from the Art Print Company, the late Philip Rochon helped his youngest daughter with the monthly publication of Happenings until his passing in 2000.

Re-IMAGINING the Arts at Keystone College: Celebrating the Past and Creating the Future

The arts at Keystone College. For so many years, that phrase has been synonymous with excellence — excellence in creativity and self-expression; excellence in art education; and excellence

with a “Re-IMAGINING the Arts Celebration” on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. at the Theatre in Brooks on campus.

The event will honor the talented artists and educators who have dedicated their lives to making Keystone a recognized leader in the arts for decades, and will emphasize Keystone’s revitalized commitment through a more contemporary program that envisions an integrated environment for creative development and expression.

“Keystone’s tradition of excellence in the arts is legendary, not only in education, but also in promoting the work of faculty, students, alumni and guest artists in the local community,” said Keystone President, John F. Pullo, Sr. “Now, we intend to expand upon that tradition and renew our commitment to the arts and all that it can bring to Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.”

Emeritus Karl Neuroth. A well-known and successful artist in his own right, Mr. Neuroth began his career at Keystone in 1970 and is widely credited, along with his colleagues, for propelling the college’s art program to distinctive levels. He was awarded the prestigious Chamberlin Chair for Distinguished Service in 1980, and has also served as Coordinator of Exhibits, Dean of Enrollment Services and Chair of the Division of Fine Arts. He retired in 2005 after 40 years of proud service to Keystone.

the arts as it reimagines the meaning of art for the current generation of college students and to local communities.

Keystone will focus on celebrating the college’s proud history and promising future in the arts

During the event, Keystone will celebrate retired members of its art faculty who played major roles in developing the college’s excellent reputation for art education in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The event will honor Professor

Keystone Professor Emeritus William Tersteeg and Professor Emeritus Cliff Prokop will also be recognized for their longtime achievements as artists and art educators. Mr. Tersteeg was hired as an instructor in 1971 and granted tenure in 1978. He was promoted to associate professor in 1983 and professor in 1987, and became senior halftime professor in 2005 before retiring in 2011 after 40 years at Keystone. He received the Chamberlain Chair for Distinguished Service in 1990. Mr. Prokop joined the Keystone faculty in 1973 and was granted tenure in 1980. He was promoted to associate professor in 1983 and professor in 2002 and was awarded the Chamberlain Chair for Distinguished Service in 2002. Currently retired, he received the Life Time Service Award in 2018 for 45 years of service to Keystone.

Professor Emeritus Karl Neuroth

Re-IMAGINING the Arts will not only focus on the past but will celebrate Keystone’s present and, more importantly, its future. For example, Keystone’s renowned glass program and its Mobile Glass Studio are widely recognized for bringing the art of glass blowing to

Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Keystone College Glass Studio is the only program of its kind in the region.

Thanks to partnerships with organizations such as the Dorflinger Glass Museum, Nivert Metal Supply and many

others, the glass program continues to thrive at Keystone and in the local community. Similarly, Keystone’s programs in areas such as studio art, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, digital media, 3D printing and photography continue to provide students with strong foundational skills and opportunities which are essential to a successful career in the arts. Additional programs will be offered to focus on integrating skills and entrepreneurship in the arts.

While Keystone’s past successes in the arts are renowned, the future is even brighter as the college reimagines the arts for the future. For more information, reservations, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.keystone.edu/ ReimaginingtheArts. H

Professor Emeritus Cliff Prokop Professor Emeritus William Tersteeg

In one word, Melissa Lemus can sum up why she applied to the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement while trying to jump-start her career and land a job as a medical assistant.

“Flexibility,” she says.

As a single mother of two, the Scranton resident needed a training program to propel her toward her goals while not breaking her budget or forcing her to quit her day job to take classes. The institute’s program offered Lemus the best of everything: lower tuition and lots of freedom to set her own schedule.

“The classes are online,” she says. “I was able to work during the day, then go home, take care of my kids and do online coursework. It was a lot to juggle.”

Lemus, 28, became the first person to complete the institute’s program through a training partnership with The Wright Center for Community Health. She graduated from the program in October 2022 and started a full-time job as a certified

Scranton grad finds path forward as medical assistant

The Wright Center offers training to jump-start career in health care

clinical medical assistant (MA) in the same building where she trained – The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice.

The institute, based in Denver, partners with health centers nationwide to offer job-training opportunities to people in their home communities. Its program is designed to allow participants to become medical assistants faster and at less cost than many other MA programs, typically preparing a student to sit for the credentialing exam in about eight months. The career-launching program now costs less than $7,500.

The profession – and all the dedicated people like Lemus who have chosen to enter it –will be in the limelight during Medical Assistants Recognition Week, from Oct. 16-20.

Medical Assistants Recognition Day falls on

Oct. 18, providing a prime opportunity to say thanks to MAs for their versatility, dedication and many contributions.

Their duties go far beyond measuring patients’ vital signs. Lemus and her fellow MAs at The Wright Center sometimes draw blood samples, perform annual screenings, vaccinate children, educate individuals on topics such as diabetes management and prepare patients to be seen by a doctor or other clinician. Beyond those and other clinical responsibilities, they also do certain administrative tasks.

Today, the Scranton High School alumna is “thriving” in her new job, according to her manager.

“Melissa is still a new employee, but she’s already so seasoned,” says Amber Bello, co-assistant manager of medical assistants at The Wright Center. “She was able to live the MA life while learning the life.”

So far, Bello, 28, has guided two people through the externship portion of the NIMAA program at The Wright Center, and two more are expected to finish in October 2023.

Lemus is currently one of about a dozen MAs who work at the Scranton Practice, greeting and ushering patients to exam rooms and performing essential tasks that support physicians and other clinicians while promoting patient wellness.

“I feel like we are vital to the

team,” says Lemus. “We are the first ones to see the patient. We’re the first ones to get a sense of how they’re feeling. Sometimes, they really open up to you.”

Lemus, who speaks both English and Spanish, feels a sense of satisfaction each time she successfully connects a patient to the right treatment or service or simply offers comfort and understanding with her translation skills.

“There are a lot of moms who come to our clinic and who don’t speak English,” she explains. “They might not have taken their kids to a primary care provider in a long time because of a language barrier. So, when they come in and are able to get the help they need, it’s good.

“You feel like you’re really doing something — something positive,” she says.

For information about the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement program, contact Carla Blakeslee at The Wright Center, at blakesleec@thewrightcenter.org. Or visit nimaa.edu. H

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Strength, Grace and Positivity

Julie Larioni Ludka

Julie Larioni Ludka, age 48, went to her mammogram appointment in November of 2022. As many women are also told, she had very dense breasts which makes diagnostic testing more challenging. Two years prior, she had a benign tumor removed, which contributed to her being very faithful in keeping up with screenings. This time however, the detection of a “possible mass” turned into Julie receiving a breast cancer diagnosis on December 8, 2022.

“Unfortunately, the cancer was categorized as being ‘triple positive,’ making it a more aggressive form of breast cancer,” she said.

At the time of her diagnosis, the mass measured 2.5 cm, and no detection of cancer was shown in the lymph nodes. Chemotherapy was prescribed to prevent the spread of the tumor. Julie concluded her chemo treatments on April 27, 2023. However, an MRI revealed that the chemo was not as successful as they had hoped for; her cancer had spread to other areas of the same breast. The initial mass measuring 2.5 cm had now grown

to 5 cm and had infiltrated nine lymph nodes. Julie underwent a bilateral mastectomy on May 31.

Following the surgery a PET scan revealed that she was clean in other parts of her body. Complications from the mastectomy however, including an allergic reaction to adhesive, created more difficulty for Julie, including an infection and subsequent additional surgery to drain the affected side.

Following the surgeries, Julie began 28 days of radiation which concluded on August 31, 2023.

“Mentally and financially I had to get back to work,” she said. As a physical therapist herself, she knew that she had to be in a fit condition to be able to work with her own patients.

Currently Julie is part of a clinical trial at Fox Chase, recommended to her by her oncologist, Dr. Kristen Liptock. In addition to receiving 14 infusions every three weeks of a drug called Kadcyla, she is also in a blind study for a drug called Tucatinib until April 2024.

Like each participant, she does not know if she has received the placebo or the actual drug.

Julie’s ordeal continues as she is scheduled for bi-lateral ovary removal in November. “Because my cancer is estrogen-driven, and chemotherapy put my body into a postmenopausal condition, my ovaries are currently shut down. As a precaution to make sure they do not reactivate, this is a recommended step,” she said. In addition, future surgeries to replace soft tissue expanders following her mastectomy complications are also in her future.

Julie was told that her type of

cancer is not genetic. When she was first diagnosed, she had none of the risk factors, particularly as a person who paid attention to her family’s health in consuming mainly organic foods. Because it is not a genetic form of breast cancer, her two daughters, Maeve, a junior at Abington Heights High School, and Celia, a 7th grade student at Wyoming Seminary, are at no increased risk for breast cancer.

Married since 2006 to her husband, Michael, Julie has striven to keep her family life as normal as possible throughout her ordeal.

“At first when my chemo began, I was very sick. We really had to rely on the support of family and friends. I can’t even begin to share my appreciation for the immeasurable community support that we received. Abington Heights School began a meal train. A Go Fund Me account was set up. People donated gift cards for food. It was all a complete

godsend. I had used up all my available time off from work and I wasn’t able to even make dinner for my family at times. We truly would have sunk without the extremely gracious community support,” she said.

Julie, daughter of Val and Julie Ann Larioni, grew up in Mt. Cobb, and graduated from North Pocono High School. She received a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical therapy from the University of Scranton. Julie’s husband, Michael Ludka, graduated from Abington Heights High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Marywood University and a master’s

degree from Wilkes University. He is currently a health and physical education teacher in the Abington School District and also has an athletic coaching business for middle school to college age individuals who are looking to increase their speed, endurance or agility. Family has been a big support to Julie and she says hers has been “rock solid.” Her sister, Chrissy Ludka is just 15 months older and coincidentally, married to Michael’s brother, making this a true family ordeal.

“I decided early on that I didn’t want my diagnosis to really interfere with our life, as much as I could control. Maeve is a competitive dancer, and Celia participates in cross country, volleyball and figure skating. Ensuring that they were able to continue with their activities meant that many parents and friends chipped in with rides whenever needed. I also felt that it was important to show my girls strength, perseverance and hope and not give in completely to fear, even though it

exists,” she said. “Life is not always what you plan or expect, but there are always positives in everything. A positive attitude can change your outcome. Yes, my life is filled with appointments and treatments I would much rather not have. I’m very much looking forward to having, hopefully, much of this being behind me next year, but I will do anything if it can ensure that I will enjoy a long and healthy life. I can’t let thinking about what I may have scheduled next week ruin my today. I want to have fun with my girls and

family, to really listen to them and enjoy time together. It’s easy to let your thoughts wander if you do not control them. My heart goes out to every single woman who gets this diagnosis. It is indeed torture. But I try to push through each day; I have faith. I believe in medicine, in God and I really believe everything is going to be ok. I hope that my children are better off for having had to deal with this adversity; I hope it will help them with whatever obstacles they may have to face in the future. I want them to approach life with strength, grace and positivity.”

If you are a woman who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, Julie has this message for you: “Don’t be afraid; you are not going through this alone. There is a world of support available for you. I am sure that if you need a ride to an appointment, I, or any other person who has been through this will be willing to help you and hold your hand. You will be ok. Do I want to be featured in Happenings because I have breast cancer? Absolutely not! But I’d like to help others,” she said. H

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-ofthe-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.

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.

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

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Leslie Fritz

Leslie Fritz is a tenured Nurse Practitioner who has held herself to the highest standards of patient care since she began her career more than 25 years ago. She began her career as a Registered Labor and Delivery nurse within the esteemed Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Over the past 15+ years, Leslie has lived and worked as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner within the nationally-ranked Jefferson Health System in Philadelphia.

Three years ago, during an annual screening, her experience on the other side of the exam table elevated Leslie’s understanding of breast cancer on a much more personal level. Her own breast cancer diagnosis initially left her feeling hopeless and defeated.She was 44 years old, with two children, ages 3 and 4. She was frightened that her young children would have to live without her, and there wouldn’t be a “next day.” But, a shifted focus on playing her hand of cards to the best of her ability instead of resenting the deck she was dealt, completely changed her perspective. “It’s important to remember that this is just one chapter of your life and not your whole life,” said Leslie.

She credits modern medicine, self-empowerment through

research and education, and positivity and mindfulness techniques for the gift of the life she now cherishes and enjoys as a survivor, alongside her family and friends.

According to breastcancer.org, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases in women each year, nationally. Risk factors such as age, gender, family history and genetics all affect risk. About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations. Healthy lifestyle choices and screenings can help with early diagnosis.

Since Leslie is a breast cancer survivor, she fully understands the emotional impact and changes to everyday lives for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. She also understands how important it is to take care of yourself, physically as well as mentally.

It was this understanding and passion to help others that helped launch the Breast Cancer Support Program at LMG Wellness. At LMG Wellness in Scranton, Leslie works with women who are

experiencing the reality of a breast cancer diagnosis, helping them with tried and true resources while unlocking the power of mindfulness and self-advocacy. She understands first-hand that navigating a traditional treatment plan can be incredibly overwhelming during this highly challenging time. Customized support calls, emails and care packages are available to help ease their minds and empower women to awaken their inner strength and make more informed decisions.

Leslie is passionately committed to empowering women diagnosed with breast cancer. Leslie’s collective wisdom helps women awaken, expand and leverage the strength within themselves that has been there all along.

Find more information about Leslie Fritz at www. LMGHealthandWellness. com. To schedule a consultation call 570.961.0171. H

Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture

Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business or retiring comfortably?

These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached. That is where financial planning comes in. Financial planning is a process that can help you target your goals by evaluating your whole financial pic-

implement specific strategies and choose suitable products or services. Best of all, you'll know that your financial life is headed in the right direction.

The financial planning process

Creating and implementing a comprehensive financial plan generally involves working with financial professionals to:

• Develop a clear picture of

• your current financial

• situation by reviewing • •

• your income, assets and •

• liabilities and evaluating •

• your insurance coverage,

• your investment

• portfolio, your tax

• exposure and your

• estate plan

• Establish and prioritize

• financial goals and time

• frames for achieving • • • •

• these goals

• You experience a life-changing event such as marriage, the birth of a child,

• health problems or a job loss

• You have a specific or immediate • • •

• financial planning need (e.g., drafting

• a will, managing a distribution from a

• retirement account, paying

• long-term care expenses)

• Your income or expenses

• substantially increase or decrease

• Your portfolio has not performed

• as expected

• You are affected by changes to the • •

• economy or tax laws

Having a comprehensive financial plan can help you see the Big Picture when making important financial decisions. H

ture, then outlining strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and available resources.

Why is financial planning important?

A comprehensive financial plan serves as a framework for organizing the pieces of your financial picture. With a financial plan in place, you will be better able to focus on your goals and understand what it will take to reach them. One of the main benefits of having a financial plan is that it can help you balance competing financial priorities. A financial plan will clearly show you how your financial goals are related, for example, how saving for your children's college education might impact your ability to save for retirement. Then you can use the information you have gleaned to decide how to prioritize your goals,

• Implement strategies that address your current financial weaknesses and build on your financial strengths

• Choose specific products and services that are tailored to help meet your financial objectives

• Monitor your plan, making adjustments as your goals, time frames or circumstances change Staying on track

The financial planning process does not end once your initial plan has been created. Your plan should generally be reviewed at least once a year to make sure that it is up-to-date. It is also possible that you will need to modify your plan due to changes in your personal circumstances or the economy. Here are some of the events that might trigger a review of your financial plan:

• Your goals or time horizons change

Accredited Investment Fiduciary®

Executive Vice President/Wealth Management, Financial Advisor

72 Glenmaura National Boulevard, Moosic, PA 18507

800.638.4417

rwilson@janney.com |

www.WilsonWealthAdvisory.com

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC. Member: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC.

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

Ryan Wilson CPA, CFP®, CRPC, AWMA®

Back to the

Grind

School is back in session and our routines should be too! Summer is such a great time but we all seem to drift from our schedules and routines. Kids, moms, dads and even grandparents get into “summer mode” with vacations and pool or lake days and nights. There is a tendency to stay up later and often grab food on the go.

In my family, we had baseball and softball then football and cheer practice every summer. We spent a lot of time at the fields and have wonderful memories. We also spent a lot of time in the car, had late nights and struggled having meal time around the hectic schedules. I hated summer to end but I knew we all needed to be back on a routine. Not only do kids thrive on routine, but parents need it back too.

Here are a few tips for moms, dads, grandparents and caretakers to get back in the groove:

Sleep: Aim for 7-8 solid hours • a night. Go to bed earlier. Your chores and work will be there • in the morning.

Nutrition: Grocery shop for

the week. Plan for breakfast

before everyone goes out the

door in the•morning. Eggs are

one of the best breakfast

foods to start your day. You can hard boil a dozen eggs at

the beginning of your week and have them ready to grab!

Have lunches and dinners planned so there is no scrambling for something.

Exercise: Get back into the gym, fitness studio or fitness class! Strength train ing is so important for all • ages. Walk, or run if • you are a runner.

Movement is key!

Mental Health:

There are so

many small ways to calm your

mind. Set aside

time every day

or night

whether it is

five minutes or

an hour.

can start with

just taking

five minutes

to focus on

breaths. Put your phone down and just listen to nature or a calming sound.

Someone once told me “when you ground yourself, everyone around becomes grounded.” Take care of you and the rest will fall into place. Have a healthy fall and school year!

H –Jackie Kerekes

Rotary District 7410 and The Rotary Club of Scranton will hold an evening panel discussion on World Polio Day, this Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The event will be held at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) located at 525 Pine Street, Scranton. The panel discussion will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with the last half hour reserved for public questions. Panelists will include world, national and regional leaders from the fields of healthcare, higher education and government. Serving on the panel is Michael K. McGovern who, as Chair of the Rotary International PolioPlus Committee, is at the forefront of the battle to eradicate polio throughout the world. Topics of discussion will include pandemic preparedness, immunization/ vaccine accessibility, critical first response issues and current global polio eradication efforts.

“Similar to 1980 when smallpox was finally eradicated, I have a desire to be part of what would be only the second time in history to accomplish something of this magnitude. I am honored to be a part of a great mission, working with wonderfully driven people who are all pressing toward a common goal for the human race, in making this world a healthier, better place. So much has already been done toward this goal. I believe we are at the last mile of making this a reality. I like that Rotary is working together on an international level to eradicate polio. We are people of action,” he said.

In addition to the evening panel discussion, Joseph initiated bringing two hundred high school students to the medical school on World Polio Day as part of a young leaders public health summit. “Our goal is for this to not be limited to polio, but rather to involve motivated high school students who are interested in STEM topics to create a young leaders’

Joseph A. Riccardo, Jr., Foundation Chair of the Rotary Club of Scranton joined Scranton Rotary a few years ago and is very proud of Rotary’s international mission to eradicate polio.

laboratory of sorts. The students will be presented with issues of local and global impact, to engage in problem-solving discussions and model exercises that place them in the roles of public health officials, private researchers and community leaders. We hope it is a call to action within the community,” said Joseph.

Contact Joe A. Riccardo, Jr., at 570-904-0166 or by email at joericcardo@yahoo.com for more information about World Polio Day. www.scrantonrotary.org H

Jesus Christ Superstar

October 27 - 29, 2023

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie, this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ

Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him,’ ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar.’ H

Susquehanna County Interfaith I

t may be a bit early for holiday related news, but time does fly. November 10 will be the big reveal of Susquehanna County Interfaith’s Christmas shops. Staff and volunteers are working hard to make the Interfaith Christmas Shop 2023 even more magical than ever before. According to Cindy Beekman, Executive Director, “Each store is quite a sight to behold, with a carefully curated collection of thrifted Christmas items.

Christmas Shops

The Susquehanna store will have more of a retro style and the Forest City store will be have more rustic appearance. The Montrose location will have a hometown community feel. Each store will highlight the theme “Give Love” through design elements that can be reproduced at home. Expect to see floor-to-ceiling décor, vintage garlands, figurines, as well as gifts less ordinary, all priced to fit each budget.

Why does an area thrift boutique make such

an effort? Because every person has value and worth and should see and experience beauty. Not only does Interfaith have beautiful thrift boutiques for everyone to shop, but the funds raised are able to help others. Susquehanna County Interfaith celebrates “Giving Love” by sharing Christmas hope, love and joy with families that need assistance. From providing family dinners, and keeping the heater on, to putting toys under the Christmas tree, Interfaith helps with Christmas, giving gifts that serve the body, mind and soul.

Come, relax, find a treasure! In doing so

“Give Love” by helping others.

Susquehanna County Interfaith is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to providing help and hope to residents of Susquehanna County. Clothing and household items can be donated by calling 570-278-1776 for an appointment or visiting www.interfaithsc.org.

Monetary donations for Christmas Bureau can sent to the main office at Susquehanna County Interfaith 526 Church Street, Montrose, Pa. 18801 or through www.interfaithsc.org.” H

Photo: James Ruane

Wayne Bank Celebrates Halloween!

Hold onto Your Broomsticks! Wayne Bank Celebrates Halloween! The nights are getting longer, the air is getting cooler, fall foliage is radiating from the trees and the autumn festivities are starting to begin. Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States and has been celebrated since the 1800’s. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried over versions of their traditions and America soon started to develop their love for celebrating Halloween. Wayne Bank employees came together to share how they have a “spooktacular” season. The accounting department has a long-standing tradition of group costumes. One of their most memorable was when they all dressed up as Gotham City’s favorites. Employees have also gotten creative with handmade costumes. Baylee Krumm, from the Roxbury Office, can thank her mom for dressing her as a hydrangea; you wouldn’t want to mess with Derek Bellinger, Residential Mortgage Sales Manager, when he dresses up as The Undertaker. Jacki Ploss in Customer Service, won first place with her Day of the Dead costume; Kristen Lancia, Marketing Manager, cherished all the costumes that her mom made for her and sisters, especially the Smurfette year. Lorraine Holt, in the Central Scranton office, made her daughter and grand daughter the most un-scariest matching Scarecrow costumes; Marylee Bogart, in Electronic Banking, looked just like Raggedy Ann with her yarn hair; Melinda Jensen in Geneva, brought Who-Ville to life when her kids dressed up as The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who; and Clare Kerl, in Accounting, made her Wicked Witch costume to go with her entire family as they skipped down the yellow brick road. Corissa O’Malley in Consumer Lending hosts a Halloween Party every year filled with trick-ortreating, pumpkin painting and a spooky hayride!

Kayla Dixon

Accounting Dept.

Baylee Krumm

Derek Bellinger

Jacki Ploss

Kristen Lancia

Lorraine Holt Family

Jensen Children

Clare Kerl & Family Marylee Bogart

Jessica Pope Daughter

Honesdale office always makes sure to attend her best friend, Corissa’s party. Doug Atherton in the Effort office gets serious with elaborate pumpkin carvings. Katy Doan in the Penn Yan office is also raising quite the little pumpkin carver; Jennifer Hooks in the Exeter office enjoys the holiday with her family to the fullest, with their house decorations being the talk of the neighborhood. Taylor Day, Customer Service Representative, visits Salem, Massachusetts every year with her mom; Jessica Pope, Marketing Specialist, enjoys planning “Trick or Treat through Hamlin” every year and having many Halloween movie nights with her daughter, Evelyn. No bones about it, Wayne Bank employees know how to celebrate Halloween to the fullest. Keep an eye out as they participate in the annual Honesdale Jaycees Halloween Parade on Main Street this October.

Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 29 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

O’Malley Family

Dixon Family

Doug Atherton

Doan Family

Taylor Day & Mom

Hooks Family House

Taylor Day & Mom

Hellstead Manor: Chapter Eight

“There’s Voices in the Fog”

Hellstead Manor is excited to announce its 8th year of operation and can’t wait for visitors to see what is in store for this season including new changes that may give you “frightmares” for years to come! Feeling brave? Venture the halls of the manor to the newest attraction, “The Swamp of Sorrows.” Venture through the murky depths and become immersed in a terrifying swampland filled with vile creatures found around every mossy tree, each of which will provide an unexpected hair-raising fright. The ever popular Wretched Woods has also been expanded. Can you survive the terror that is Hellstead Manor? The Manor is open Friday and Saturday nights beginning September 22 at 7 p.m. through October 28. Admission to the haunt is

$38 and tickets can be purchased in person or online at www.hellsteadmanor.com.

Celebrate your trip through wickedness at the Brew-Garten with a pint of 2 Dogz’ regionally famous “Hellstead O Negative” , the official after haunt nerve calmer, or cozy up to a bonfire and enjoy refreshments. Hellstead Manor, a top 10 must see haunt in Pennsylvania, is located just minutes away from the Hallstead Exit (230) off I81, between Scranton and Binghamton. Upon exiting the

interstate, travel southbound on Route 11, taking a left immediately after crossing the Susquehanna River onto Harmony Road. Entrance to Hellstead Manor’s main parking is on your right. Parking is free and concessions are available before or after the haunt.

Season sponsors are Gina Curcio and staff at Curcio Printing and Jim and Chris Shuster, proprietors of 2 Dogz and A Guy Brewing. Hellstead Manor is a creation by local Emmy Award

Winning special effects artist, Eric Lusk, whose work has been seen on films and television shows such as: House, CSI, NCIS, X-Men 3, The Omen, Epic Movie, and Painted Skin 2. Eric was also an advanced prosthetic instructor in Hollywood and Florida.

For more information contact Eric Lusk at (570) 396-5871 or Michelle.hellsteadmanor@gmail. com. H

HalloWineFest

The Endless Mountains

HalloWineFest will be held October 28 at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds, located at 9141 US 6 in . Enjoy an indoor Winefest from noon to 5 p.m., with several wineries, craft vendors, food and music. Wear your best costume for a contest at 2 p.m. Categories of funniest, most creative and best group will be recognized. Entertainment will be provided by

CasselRock Entertainment. The event is for those age 21 and older; ID must be shown. Pre-sale tickets are $20 and will be $30 on the day of the event. All proceeds will help build a new community playground and pavilion on the fairgrounds. Watch social media for more details.

Honoring the Men, Women and Children of Coal Country Honoring the Men, Women and Children of Coal Country

Take a trip to Hugh Moore Park in Easton this fall to discover stories of the individuals who helped kick-start the American Industrial Revolution. The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) is illuminating the often coal-dusted faces of anthracite coal miners and their families with its 2023 National Canal Museum special exhibition, “Coal Country Portraits.”

“Coal Country Portraits” celebrates the hardworking men, women and children who helped extract the anthracite coal that powered America’s industrial growth. Centered on George Harvan’s black-and-white photography of anthracite miners and their families, the exhibition offers a window into the gritty reality of miners’ working conditions. Harvan’s portraits are complemented by works by photographer Lewis Hine and artist Frank “WYSO” Wysochansky as well as artifacts evoking the daily life of miners.

The discovery of anthracite coal in northeastern Pennsylvania in 1791 spurred the American Industrial

century. Anthracite coal was the primary fuel used in America through the early 1900s and its production drew tens of thousands of Americans and newly arrived immigrants to live and work amongst the mines of Carbon and Luzerne Counties and the other anthracite regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Living and working conditions were hard and often dangerous. These led, however, to very tight-knit communities that continue to define the coal regions today.

“When anthracite mining began in the 19th century, it required new technologies, experts from abroad and enormous financial investments. But money and technology would have been worthless without miners—the men and boys with the courage and determination to go deep underground and hack the coal from its ancient seams,” said Martha Capwell Fox, DLNHC Historian. “We remember and celebrate them, along with their families, with this exhibition.”

The core of the exhibition are photographs from the George Harvan Collection held by the DLNHC in the National Canal Museum archives. From Lansford, PA, George Harvan (1921-2002) was a nationally recognized newspaper and freelance photographer. From the mid-1950s to the early 1980s, much of his work focused on documenting coal mining operations both above and below ground. Harvan’s black and white photographs will be juxtaposed with the colorful and more abstract works of Frank “WYSO” Wysochansky (1915-1994), an artist from Blakeslee, PA. Both sons of miners, these men’s creative works are clearly influenced by their intimate knowledge of mining communities. Also on display will be photographs taken in the anthracite region by Lewis Hine in the early

1900s. Hine’s work, particularly of young boys working in the mines and coal breakers, led to the development of child labor laws in our country.

“Coal Country Portraits” will be on display through December 17, 2023. The National Canal Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday with rides offered on the mule-drawn Josiah White II canal boat until the end of October.

Museum admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (65 and above), $6 for children (3-15), and free for children under three. As a member of Blue Star Museums and Museums for All, the National Canal Museum provides free admission to active-duty service members and their families and to families receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Admission is free to DLNHC members. Visit the National Canal Museum website at www.canals.org. H

COAL COUNTRY PORTRAITS COAL COUNTRY PORTRAITS

Celebrating the hard-working men, women, and children who helped supply the anthracite coal that fueled America’s industrial growth.

The photography of George Harvan and Lewis Hine and the artwork of Frank “WYSO” Wysochansky are on display at the National Canal Museum until December 17th, 2023!

Joe “Gimbo” Geusic, by George Harvan

WAITING for ARMAGEDDON

By Christine Fanning

Homeschooling became an acceptable form of education in the United States over the past 50 years but before 1970 it was illegal to homeschool in many states.

In the 1970s, a modern homeschooling movement began when American educator and author, John Holt, questioned the efficiency of schools and the sustainability of school learning, arguing that schools focus strictly on “skill drill” instead of other methods of learning.

Before homeschooling was a thing, there was Annie Laurie Riley Mansour, a woman ahead of her time. In the 1960s, Annie Laurie began to believe the public school system in Washington D.C. was deteriorating. Her twin daughters, Maryam and Michele, describe their mother in their book, “Waiting for Armageddon: A Twinoir,” as well bred, college educated, a free-spirited woman with firmly-held beliefs, an actor and model in her younger years, and a wife and mother of eight by the late 1960s

when her eldest children were in high school.

Annie Laurie and her husband, Farris Mansour, had been college professors who met in Missouri and married in 1947. They were, at first, champions of public education. However, Annie Laurie experienced what she determined was the education system’s slow progression into decline with her children’s high school as the first casualty.

The dress code was dropped, open classrooms stunted

concentration and took the joy out of learning, administrators exerted too much control over teachers and many teachers were inept. When her youngest son, Matthew, was barely literate by the fourth grade and son, Stephen, a mathematics lover, announced in his senior year that he hated math due to an incompetent teacher, Annie Laurie knew something had to change. What soon changed was Farris’ death at 65 years old in 1974. The loss of his quiet emotional support, as well as financial support, was jarring for his family. Annie Laurie fell into depression and mourned his loss for months. She was never one to get down for long though, and that fall Annie Laurie chal-

lenged the establishment when she set up school in her Foxhall Village home, an upper middle class neighborhood next to Georgetown University.

The living and dining rooms became classrooms with easels, blackboards and desks. Her daughters explained: “Annie Laurie named her school The Academy of Semitic Studies –ASS” (Semitic, likely a shout out to her husband’s Arab background). “She loved to poke fun at acronym-crazy D.C.”

Complicating matters was the family’s devotion to Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian denomination which sets doctrine based on the Bible and teaches that the destruction of the world system at Armageddon

is imminent and the establishment of God’s Kingdom over earth is the solution to all of humanity’s problems. While Annie Laurie’s decision to withdraw her children from public school and teach them at home was met by legal troubles, her argument with the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ elders regarding their refusal to allow her son to work in the Witness headquarters and other accusations caused her to become “disfellowshipped”— excommunicated from the “Truth” for conduct unbecoming a Christian.

The legal system offered Annie Laurie a way out of trouble: “It was not long before school officials and social workers were knocking on our door insisting that

our mother register and send us to school. When she declined, one of them suggested she fill out a form requesting permission to teach her children at home. ‘What?’ As it dawned on our mother that this had always been a possibility, she almost had a conniption fit. Her authority came from God. ’Get out of my house’, she roared.”

Annie Laurie was arrested and charged with neglect of her children for disobeying the compulsory education law. Her minor children were seized and they were admitted into the foster system. Her finances were diminished and her home was sold.

She may have been kicked out of the Witnesses but she held on to her Biblical beliefs and her decision to teach her children. “A big believer in public education, it was hard for her to admit that the schools had failed. But boy, when she came to that realization, there was no going back,” her daughters explained.

“God gave her the authority to teach her children, in short, it was the right thing to do.”

Annie Laurie was able to

teach her children for only a few short months but her strong determination to buck the rules in general and make the rules for her own family brought them to New York City where they had incredi-

Florida and Georgia.

ble adventures ,including a period of homelessness and, ironically, a return to the public school classroom.

Incredibly, the authors of “Waiting for Armageddon” , Michele Mansour Axtell and Maryam Mansour Mangan, never doubted their mother’s judgment. “I was 30 years old before I questioned my mother’s behavior,” Maryam said, but “neglect,” they wrote, "of all the things we could have complained about, that’s the one thing we never felt.”

Sadly, Annie Laurie lost two of her adult children, the details of which are found in the book.

As of July 2023, there are 3.7 million homeschool students in the United States. The states with the most homeschoolers are North Carolina,

Some analysts contend that there is an abundance of homeschooling today because there is a biblical command for parents to take personal control of the education of their children. Others maintain that the phenomenon can be yoked to the visible shortcomings of schools. Both of these points are accurate. However, the biblical rationale is hardly new, and schools have been systematically lambasted for their failures for a century. Indeed, since the 1950s critical analysis of education has become a cottage industry. Yet before 1970 there were almost no homeschoolers.

(National Home Education Research Institute)

Annie Laurie lived in New York City for 20 years then joined six of her children in Scranton’s Hill Section. Annie Laurie died in 1999. Three of her children continue to live in Scranton. At one point Maryam worked at her brother Paul’s Mansour's Market on Prescott Avenue before it was sold. It still operates under the Mansour name.

Currently, Michele and Maryam are in talks to bring their book to the screen. Readers can buy their book, "Waiting for Armageddon" in Scranton at the Library Express Book Store in the Marketplace at Steamtown and online, at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. H

–Christine Fanning

“It was not long before school officials and social workers were knocking on our door insisting that our mother register and send us to school.”

The Equinunk Historical Society

The society began with a series of organi zational meetings starting in March 1981, with the stated purpose of bring ing together those interested in the history of Equinunk, Stockport, Dillontown, Lordville and surrounding areas of Northern Wayne County, and to discover and collect any material which may help to establish or illustrate the history of the area and provide for the preservation of such material and for its accessibility as far as may be feasible. H

Christin and sw Cresco,

Bonnie D’Ulisse - Fiddle Lake, Ararat SusquehannaTownship, County.

Bonnie D’Ulisse - Fiddle Lake, Ararat Township, Susquehanna County.

Lisa Gintoff-Spring Street, Austin Heights section of Old Forge

Dorothy SneddenRoute 29,Harvey’s Lake

Favorite Fall Scenes

Readers’

ne Piazzi- Woods winging bridge, o, PA

Bonnie D’Ulisse - Fiddle Lake, Ararat Township, Susquehanna County.

Kathy Farley-Francis Walter Dam

Christine Medley-D&H trail in Forest City

Fall Photo Gallery

Photo: James Ruane

Photo: James Ruane

Photo: Ed Golden

Photo: Ed Golden

Photo: Ed Golden

Photo: James Ruane

Photo: James Ruane

Photo: Ed Golden

Surrounded by Lore, October’s

The Opal

Opal’s spectacular play-of-color can display all the hues of the rainbow. In fact, Opals contain a kaleidoscopic gem of colors: the red of ruby, the green of emerald, the yellow of topaz, the blue of sapphire and the purple of amethyst. Truth be told, no two opals are exactly alike. Due to their vibrant display of color, opals have been compared to volcanoes, galaxies and even fireworks. The word opal derives its name from the Latin opalus, which means “to see a change in color.”

Over the millennia, opals have intrigued and romanced the lives of such notable figures as Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare, Napoleon and Josephine and Queen Victoria. Most notably, October holds a special place as the gemstone of choice for October babies. Since this gemstone embodies the colors of other

Birthstone

precious gems, opal was considered by the Romans to be the most precious gem of all. The infamous Roman general, Marc Antony, coveted the opal ring of the nobleman Nonius so much so that he banished Nonius for refusing to sell Antony his treasured opal (Antony had intended to gift the opal ring to his belovèd Cleopatra). The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Arabic legends say they fall from the heavens in flashes of lightning.

Opal was mined and appreciated as a gem material by the pre-Columbian peoples of Mexico and Central America. In Nahuatl, the Aztec language, opal is referred to as “the stone like a bird of a thousand colors.” In today’s age (especially within the last ten years), opal has seen a resurgence among the collections of antique and contemporary jewelry enthusiasts.

Nye Jewelers strives to import the very finest opals directly from the Andamooka

There are as many worlds as there are kinds of days, and as an opal changes its colors and its fire to match the nature of a day, so do I.”

-John Steinbeck

mine in South Australia. For half a century, some of the world’s finest opals have been uncovered in the mines of Andamooka in the Australian Outback. Nye Jewelers also sources precious opals mined in Ethiopia. Whereas Australian opals have a teal back ground color, Ethiopian opals feature a pearl-like white-cream base hue. Opals at Nye Jewelers come in all shapes and sizes. As a matter of fact, fine opals are often cut into irregular shapes that keep as much play-of-color as possible. Visit the showroom in Dickson City to try

on opal rings, necklaces and pendants from the collection. H

We buy gold, silver & coins! Turn your old or broken jewelry into cash... or a new piece of jewelry!

Engagement • Wedding • Birthstone • Specialty Jewelry Watches • Engraving • Jewelry Repair

Beau and Rosebud are two rag doll cats who love to lounge and birdwatch with their Dietz family of South Abington Township.

Who is the cutest of them all?

Buddy Susan, Joe, Olivia and Jack. Comfy pillows underneath him are a few of his favorite things as well as napping poolside in the sun.

Dash lives in Scranton with Marty, Barb, and Matt Myers, Freckles, Perry and Vana. He was rescued from a puppy mill.

Honey hails from Throop where she lives with the Walck family. She especially enjoys playing with her favorite hair scrunchy!

Jesse has great big eyes and loves to run and play with his toys, according to his Hauenstein family of Lake Ariel.

Max loves is daily walks and playing with his toys. A nice nap on the couch is what makes living with the Malinak family of Dunmore extra special.

Buddy Dash

Honey Jesse Max

Beau and Rosebud

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

votes are in... September’s Pet of the Month is Rhys Giovanni Congratulations!

Mushu is a rock enthusiast who enjoys hiking and eating things that he shouldn’t. He lives with the Schlipp family of Clarks Summit.

Otis and Cruz Peckville. They are sweet and snuggly and love the water, walks and car rides.

Ringo lives with Riya, Ivy and South Abington. He loves to bury his bones in a hole outside.

Rip lives with the West family in Texas. He loves the riding on Daddy’s boat and is super smart and lovable.

Taz loves to swim and resides with the family of Scranton.

Trixie lives with of Dunmore. Sleeping, treats and being outside are a few of her favorite things.

The

Mushu

Otis and Cruz Ringo

Rip Taz Trixie

Lackawanna Pro Bono Celebrates 26 Years 15th Annual Gala F

ormer Mayor Jim Connors, Susan Blum Connors, Attorney John R. O’Brien, Attorney Sally F. O’Brien and David J. Price will be honored at the 15th Annual Lackawanna Pro Bono Gala on November 9, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center Ballroom. Proceeds will support Lackawanna Pro Bono’s

in the firm. He served as the Chief Solicitor of Lackawanna County from 2008 until 2012. He taught Business Law at Marywood University for 20 years and served two terms as a member of the Executive Committee of the Lackawanna Bar Association. He has provided free legal services through Lackawanna Pro Bono for many years. He has served on several nonprofit

the next. She served on various advisory boards including Penn State Scranton Campus, Moses Taylor Foundation and Scranton Area Foundation. Her retirement activities include volunteering with her rescue dog, as a therapy member at a local hospital, golfing and spending time with family.

mission to provide free legal representation to residents who are faced with serious civil legal problems, but do not have the means to hire a lawyer.

Each year Lackawanna Pro Bono recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the community. The evening’s honorees will be presented with the Attorney Robert W. Munley Distinguished Service Award.

Attorney John R. O’Brien is a graduate of The University of Michigan and Boston College Law School. After serving a clerkship under the Honorable Richard Conaboy in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, he joined the firm of Oliver, Price and Rhodes, and remains a partner

boards. He and his wife Sally O’Brien have been married for over 40 years and have three children and two grandchildren.

Attorney Sally F. O’Brien is a graduate of Penn State University and Temple Law School and a member of the Lackawanna Bar Association since 1979. She retired after 38 years in wealth management at PNC Private Bank in Scranton. The focus of her career was developing relationships with clients, gaining knowledge and understanding of their needs and concerns and delivering financial peace of mind. It was her privilege to see the positive results of planning and investment strategy during the transition from one generation to

Former Mayor of Scranton Jim Connors began his career in public service in the mid-seventies when he led the charge to keep his neighborhood school from closing. That led to the formation of the Minooka Neighborhood Association and Jim ultimately becoming president of the council of Neighborhood

Associations. Jim was simultaneously teaching in the Scranton School District. In 1990, he was elected Mayor of Scranton and served three terms. In 2003, he became the Deputy Director of Governor Ed Rendell’s Northeast Regional Office, a position he held until his retirement. Jim remains active in politics and, in 2020, was elected as a Biden delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Jim continues to volunteer with many organizations. He is a past board member of Jewish Family Services of NEPA, is active with the Tour de Scranton, the NEPA Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the Teen Symposium

David J. Price

John R. O’Brien Sally F. O’Brien

Susan Blum Connors

Jim Connors

on the Holocaust and the Jewish Home Auxiliary, among others. He and his wife Susan Blum Connors have three children and five grandchildren.

Former First Lady of Scranton, Susan Blum Connors, taught in the Scranton School District for 34 years before retiring in 2006. Susan’s experience as a community leader and volunteer includes being past President of the Board and life member of Jewish Family Service of Northeastern, PA, board member of the Jewish Federation of NEPA and chairperson of its women’s division for the United Jewish Campaign. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Jewish Federation’s annual Teen Symposium on the Holocaust and has served with many organizations including, Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Webster Towers and Tour de Scranton Bike Committee. She serves, annu-

ally on Congressman Matt Cartwright’s. United States Military Academy Selection Board.

David J. Price is Managing Partner, Co-Owner, and former CEO of PDQ Print Center, a position he has held since 1996. Dave works part time on a consultative basis for the Taylor-based printing and mailing company. Dave has served on over a dozen nonprofit boards and foundations throughout NEPA and currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Additionally, Dave currently serves on the Board of Directors of the NEPA Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Northeast PA Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), Geisinger Marworth and Trinity Congregational Church. He is a past Board President of the Boys and Girls

Clubs of NEPA, NEPA Council of the Boys Scouts of America (he is an Eagle Scout) and The Scranton Salvation Army. Dave and his wife Lauren reside in Clarks Summit.

Lackawanna Pro Bono was established for the purpose of addressing the unmet need for pro bono legal services. In the 26 years that Lackawanna Pro Bono has served the citizens of Lackawanna County, it has matched more than 400 local attorneys who have volunteered their services free of charge to low-income clients in close to 4,600 civil legal matters, assisting over 10,000 people.

Tickets for Lackawanna Pro Bono’s 15th Anniversary Gala are $150. please visit www. lackawannaprobono.com, or call 570-961-2714 for more information. H

Case Quattro Winery

Since its establishment in 2015, Case Quattro Winery, located in Peckville, has evolved into more than a typical small winery with a tasting room. Owners Sam and Marlene Sebastianelli’s goal is to produce high quality, distinguished wines that please all palates.

In late 2019, Case Quattro Winery began supporting other small businesses by selling Pennsylvania-made beers. As times changed for businesses during COVID-19, Case Quattro Winery evaluated where it stood in the industry. In 2021, a small food menu was introduced to set them apart from other wineries. As the food became well received, the menu continued to expand.

Case Quattro Winery also provides a venue for all types of special milestone events and celebrations. Bachelorette parties, bridal showers, small weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, gradua-

tion parties, anniversary celebrations and many other events have all been hosted. According to Case Quattro, they strive to support local talent including musicians, comedians and artists. A schedule of events and entertainment is posted on the winery’s social media accounts, including upcoming bands, comedy nights, karaoke, trivia and paint ‘n’ sips.

Further diversification recently took place with the inclusion of Pennsylvania-made liquor from local distilleries, allowing for a selection of mixed drinks. Personalized, made-to-order special occasion baskets including holiday wine baskets and bridal shower and wedding favors are also available to purchase. Customers can customize each basket by selecting the wines and the size of the basket.

As Case Quattro Winery enjoys supporting local charity organizations, schools and libraries that need fundraising support, their venue is also offered as a space to hold fundraisers. The Winery enjoys being a part of Blakely Borough and looks forward to continuing to be a part of local business by providing wine, food, entertainment and a special

event venue for years to come. Stop by for a wine tasting and ask about the outdoor patio space available to enjoy on a beautiful fall afternoon.

Hours: Sunday 1-6 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday reserved for special events; Wednesday and Thursday 3-7 p.m. or when entertainment concludes; Friday and Saturday 1-9 p.m. H

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.

Alter House

Restaurant & Bar

Introducing a farm-to-table restaurant with a vibrant ambiance! Enjoy our delectable cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Join us for a lively happy hour, indulge in our delightful Sunday brunch, and groove to live entertainment. Our versatile venue is perfect for hosting events. Open Thursday through Sunday for your enjoyment! www.summitalterhouse.com

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.

Dining around the Region

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. 570282-5860.

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.

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.

What business or organization truly makes you happy? Is it a pleasure to truly engage with certain organizations or businesses?

Look for weekly online voting for specific categories of organizations, beginning October 15.

Sign up to receive weekly notices at: info@happeningspa.com

10.20.23