17 minute read
Heaven is a Place on Earth
Protecting animals, the earth and our own health.
Indraloka is “heaven on earth” for nearly 200 farm animals who faced abuse, neglect, hoarding and worse.
Indraloka rescued them and provides lifetime care for the most at-risk animals in the world. Founded in 2005, Indraloka is a farmed animal sanctuary and is world renowned for its animal welfare work and innovative children’s programs, said Indraloka founder, Indra Lahiri, Ph.D. According to Dr. Lahiri, Indraloka embraces a kind, compassionate, healthy and sustainable lifestyle that helps create healthier individuals, communities, animals and environments. The sanctuary’s programs and mission also help children understand how everything in our environment is interconnected and that our choices affect not just ourselves, but our world. Indraloka’s new veterinary clinic is an example of the commitment the sanctuary has extended to the veterinary care crisis in Northeast Pennsylvania through its low-cost services to area animal shelters. In the community, Indraloka pioneers programs to provide children, teens and adults with depression and anxiety a safe space and to help those with autism and other neurological/developmental conditions develop empathy and healthier relationships. It’s been shown that animals have a calming effect on traumatized individuals and Indraloka’s special needs animals illuminate for children and teens who are otherabled how to deal with adversity and develop their unique abilities. Indraloka also works with psychologists to help provide trauma support and violence prevention and provides event space for organizations and individuals. The Wright Center, for one, has made use of the sanctuary’s space. On Saturday, November 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Indraloka will host, Thanksliving, a celebration of life for the sanctuary’s “feathered friends.” The event will also be a celebration of gratitude for the support of communities within Northeast Pennsylvania and surrounding communities. Thanksliving is an opportunity for the community to enjoy a fun-filled day of kindness and compassion, friendly animals, delicious food and more in an idyllic environment surrounded by the Endless Mountains, which is a 10-minute drive from Clarks Summit. The festive fall day, co-hosted by Lucy Noland and Paola Giangiacomo, kicks off with an open tour of the sanctuary and a chance for people to meet many of the animals, including cows, horses, mules, alpacas, goats, sheep, pigs, mini goats and mini pigs. Children’s activities include games, face painting, storytelling, music and art. Everyone gathers on hay bales around a long banquet table, spread with the birds’
favorite foods, to greet the guests of honor—Indraloka’s beautiful turkeys, chickens, peafowl and ducks. Children interested in helping can guide the birds to their meal or help feed them. A sumptuous dinner, catered by the five-star Parlor City Vegan, follows the birds’ feast. Festivities include raffles, a silent auction, live music by The Hot Club of Scranton and surprises. For art aficionados, Indraloka’s Art Barn features floor-to-ceiling walls of original photos and prints by local artists. Many of the pieces are available for purchase. Many farm animals are treated as mere commodities, crammed together with little space, natural light or stimuli (compassion in world farming). To save space, factory-farmed animals are crammed together in barren pens, crates or cages, preventing normal behaviors such as nesting or foraging. Indraloka’s future includes additional housing so more animals can be rescued. Indra also will develop additional programs for the community. Indra Lahiri is an acclaimed author who, in addition to writing her first book, pens an award-winning blog, “Sanctuary Stories That Save Us.” She is also a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and events throughout the world. Indraloka means “Heaven for the Gods” in Sanskrit.
A tale of an animal resident
Grover the Snowy was found in the middle of the road late at night with no houses or humans around for miles. As an albino bunny, he could never have survived in the wild. An Indraloka staff member picked him up and brought him to Indraloka, where he has lived happily ever since. Pax, meaning peace, is the youngest and largest of the group of alpacas rescued in 2021. He is gentle and kind, and has a remarkable sense of humor, but he is also anxious–especially around other alpacas. He was considered the bully out of his herd, which is why Pax was such a special name for him learning to embody peaceful nature, and once he was given the opportunity to coexist with mini pigs and goat friends instead of alpacas his assertive personality shifted into calmness. He plays with Franklin, Serendipity, Mazzie, Chandra and Eve joyfully. Pax especially loves blueberries and greens. H
–Christine Fanning
Who is the cutest of them all?
Alex
Alex is a 2-year-old Border Collie from Dickson City who loves toys and herding his family, The
Carpentier’s. Buster
Buster is playful, cuddly and loves playing with his Shih Tzu brother Junior. Buster is a member of the Petrucci family of Scott Township.
Caine
Caine loves going for walks with Dianne Ostrowski of Dalton and loves cooling down in his little pool and playing catch.
Chunky Monkey, Peanut Butter & Lola Bean
The Pezzuti Family of Old Forge says all three pets are quite different but have a love of snacks and belly rubs in common.
Lanci & Finn
The Weinberg Family of South Abington Township says Lanci and Finn are two goldens who are the exact opposite of each other. Lanci is white and an English Cream and Finn is an American Golden.
Lilly
Lilly loves playing with her older siblings and the Aloe Family of Conway. She's a ball of energy who’s good at hide and seek.
Vote for your favorite October pet at
www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com! The winner receives a Happenings bandana!
The votes are in... September’s Pet of the Month is Pumpkin Congratulations!
Otis
Otis loves to play catch with his family, the Ericksons of Mountain Top, enjoys naps and loves to cuddle.
Reggie
Reggie enjoys rides in the car and going for walks with the Noreika family of Scranton.
Ripley
Ripley loves belly rubs and food and can be found draped over a chair napping in the Barnes household in Dupont.
Teddy
The Stanton family of Blakely says Teddy enjoys swimming and boating with friends at the lake in Party Cove.
Trinity & Mitten
Trinity and Mitten love napping, eating and working on their computers. Rose and Jim Liesiefsky of Throop say they are very tech-savvy.
Tyra
Tyra enjoys lounging on the couch, walking downtown and car rides. Gianna and Ollie of Honesdale say that Tyra believes everyone that goes to their house is her visitor only.
Sahar M. Almasri, Attorney
Michael J. McDonald, Ann K. Rink, and Dr. Marwan A. Wafa will be honored at Lackawanna Pro Bono’s 25th Anniversary Gala on
November 10. Proceeds support Lackawanna Pro Bono’s 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 the efforts of selected individuals who work to help their community. The honorees who will be pre-
Lackawanna Pro Bono
25th Anniversary Gala
sented with this year’s Attorney Robert W. Munley Distinguished Service Award are: Attorney Michael J. McDonald, Sahar M. Almasri, Ann K. Rink and Dr. Marwan A. Wafa
Attorney Michael McDonald is the founding partner of the law firm McDonald & MacGregor, LLC. He is a graduate of Villanova University and Penn State Dickinson School of Law. Board certified in civil trial advocacy for over 20 years, he has been selected for certification in several national organizations. He has volunteered for Lackawanna Pro Bono for more than a decade and serves on numerous non-profit boards. He currently serves as President-Elect of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank. He and his wife, Dr. Mary Ann McDonald have two children. Sahar M. Almasri is a Palestinian /Arab / American born and raised in Kuwait. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kuwait University. Sahar moved to the United States in 1982 with her husband, Marwan. She is a devoted advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity, having served as a facilitator for diversity programs within universities, schools, churches and prisons. Ann K. Rink volunteered as a candy striper at St. Joseph’s Center when she was in 8th Grade. After obtaining a degree in elementary and special education from Marywood University, she began a 43-year career with St. Joseph’s Center, working first as a home-based early intervention teacher where she provided educational services to developmentally delayed children. She managed five community homes prior to becoming the administrator of
community services for the center, which she continued until retirement. She was honored for her extensive work and serves on the boards of local service organizations. Ann and her husband Terrence Rink have four children and eight grandchildren. Dr. Marwan A. Wafa took the helm as chancellor of Penn State Scranton in July of 2015. He has extensive teaching and academic leadership experience, served as a civil engineer, a consultant to the private sector and has been published extensively in academic journals. Dr. Wafa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kuwait University, a Master of Science in Management from Clemson University and a Ph.D. in Industrial Management from Clemson University. His priorities for Penn State Scranton include access and affordability, offering programs that are aligned with regional needs, community engagement, diversity and inclusion, student retention and assessment of student learning outcomes. He established the Center for Business Development and Community Outreach to serve as a bridge between Penn State Scranton and the business community. Dr. Wafa has been engaged in interfaith activities with the objective of “building bridges” between people of all faiths. He currently serves on many regional boards and has
been honored for his extensive work. Dr. Wafa and his wife, Sahar have three children and an adopted niece. Tickets to attend Lackawanna Pro Bono’s 25th Anniversary Fundraising Gala in-person are $150. Guests preferring to attend virtually via Zoom, can support the event and pick up a take away dinner prior to the event. Contributions in the form of ticket sales, program ads, sponsorship and donations help assist the most vulnerable in the community. Visit www.lackawannaprobono.com, or call 570-961-2714.
In the 25 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 in almost 4,500 civil legal matters, assisting roughly 10,000 low income individuals. To qualify for Lackawanna Pro Bono’s services, household income must be less than 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (some exceptions where warranted.) Cases handled include landlord/tenant, unemployment compensation, debtor/creditor matters, child custody and visitation protection from abuse. For senior citizens, LPB provides simple wills, powers of attorney and healthcare directives.
“Right from the start, under the direction and guidance of Executive Director Sylvia Hahn, the members of the Lackawanna Bar Association responded to the need with overwhelming support. Because of the support of our volunteer lawyers and the continuing outpouring of support by our community, LPB continues to grow and expand its programs. Within the last few years, it has added Elder Law Clinics, Family Law Help Desks, and most recently, a Pardon Project for people with criminal records,” said Attorney Joseph Price.
Pro Bono Gala Committee
Richard S. Bishop, Esq. Frank P. Castellano, Esq. Joseph S. Colabassi, Esq. Kevin M. Conaboy Esq. Tom Donohue Melinda Ghilardi, Esq. Nada Gilmartin Devon Heffer Mary Ann Laporta Edward A. Monsky, Esq. Daniel Munley, Esq. Jerry Musheno, Esq. Morey M. Myer, Esq. Sondra Myers Sidney Prejean, Esq. Joseph G. Price Esq. Judith Gardner Price, Esq. Leah Ducato Rudolph Elaine Frieder Shepard Keith Williams Julianne K. Zaleski, Esq. Bruce S. Zero, Esq.
H
LACKAWANNA PRO BONO 25TH ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISING
HONORING Sahar M. Almasri and Dr. Marwan A. Wafa Attorney Michael J. McDonald Ann K. Rink
Thursday, November 10, 2022
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Scranton Cultural Center Ballroom Guests may attend in-person or via Zoom
Celebrating 25 years of providing equal access to justice!
Honorees will receive the Attorney Robert W. Munley Distinguished Service Award In-person tickets are $150 and include cocktails, light fare, and dessert. Virtual tickets are $125 per person and include take-away dinner and dessert. Program book ads and sponsorships available from $100 to $10,000. For more information, contact Sylvia at (570) 961-2714 or ProBono.LC1@gmail.com or Carla at (570) 840-7589 or Carla.probono@gmail.com.
Step back into Fall at our 1912 Mansion!
Call today for the grandeur of it all!
Beautiful restored and decorated 1912 home for overnight rentals Accommodations for up to 10 Perfect for family get togethers or office parties with overnight rentals
570-319-9992 • hamiltonsj45@gmail.com thewaverly1912mansion.com
Now Accepting Applications
McDade-Chichilla Apartments
CLOSE TO ALL THE AMENITIES
230 Lackawanna Avenue • Olyphant, PA
CLOSE TO ALL THE AMENITIES
145 Church Street • Montrose, PA
Maryland Crab Cakes
Compliments of Cooper’s Seafood
Instructions:
1 pound jumbo lump, handpicked Maryland crab meat 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg, beaten 5 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp prepared mustard 1 tbsp J.O. Crab Seasoning
Step 1
Combine breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and crab seasoning and mix well.
Step 2
Pour mixture over crab meat and fold in taking care not to break up the lumps.
Step 3
Form into six cakes and pat until just firm, then deep fry in 350°F corn oil 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
701 N. Washington Ave • Scranton, PA • 570-346-6883 • www.coopers-seafood.com
R E C I P E Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
Meatloaf is such a comfort food. It reminds me of my childhood when we would gather around the table with the family for dinner. When you add cheese into the center of this classic recipe, it brings meatloaf to a whole new level. Everyone loves the melted gooey cheese oozing from the center of the meatloaf. It is one of my family’s favorites.
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1 egg 1 onion, chopped 1 cup milk 1 cup Italian bread crumbs salt and pepper to taste 1 - 8 oz. pkg. Kraft creamy melt shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup of ketchup 3/4 cup Honey Barbeque Sauce
( I use 1 cup to make it a little more spicy)
Compliments of JoAnn Marianelli Finnerty Bella Faccias
Directions Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk and bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Take half of the mixture and form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 - 3/4 of the bag of mozzarella cheese on top of loaf about an inch away from edges. Form remaining mixture into shape of loaf and place on top of mozzarella cheese loaf in pan. Seal the sides of the top of the loaf to the bottom of the loaf to “lock in” the cheese from melting out of the middle of the meatloaf mixture.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup and barbeque sauce and spread over top of meatloaf.
Step 4
Bake at 375 degrees F for 1 hour.
Step 5
Take meatloaf out of oven 10 minutes before meatloaf is cooked and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Put back in oven for approximately 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Buon Appetito!
Note! All hours are subject to change without notice. Call ahead, consult website and Facebook pages of each individual restaurant for updated information.
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.
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.
Northern Light
Espresso Bar and Café
Downtown Scranton’s original Espresso Bar. Celebrating 20 years! Enjoy locally roasted brewed coffee, Espresso, Tea and more. Grab and go for breakfast and lunch! Fresh baked goods daily! northernlightespresso.com M-F 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. S 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 536 Biden Street, Scranton (formerly Spruce St.)
Pettinato’s Restaurant
Try our grilled salmon in Asian sauce. Take out and delivery. Mon.-Sat. 4-8 p.m., Sun. 4-7 p.m. 78 Dundaff St., Carbondale. 570-282-5860. Sibio’s Restaurant Our fettuccine Alfredo is a customer favorite! Lunch and
Dining around the Region
dinner regular hours, full menu with specials. 1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore. Sibiosrestaurant.com 570-346-3172.
Savory Maza
Shish barak special on Wednesdays this season! Indulge in fresh, homemade vegetarian and meat meals, plus daily specials. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 200 N. Main St., Scranton. savorymaza.com 570-969-2666.
Stirna’s
Our Stirnaburger is full 1/4 lb. top choice ground beef with tomato, bacon and American or Swiss on a semi-hard roll. Wed.-Sat. 4 p.m.9 p.m. 120 W. Market St. Scranton. On/off premise catering daily. 570-961-9681. H
