September 2023 Happenings Magazine

Dear Happenings,

Thank you for the beautiful layout and article that accompanied our advertisement in the August 2023 of Happenings Magazine (Nicholson Bridge Day). It was great exposure for our event and our town of Nicholson.

–Karin Wellings

–Nicholson Heritage Association/ –Nicholson Women’s Club

Publisher

Art Director

Associate Art Director

Director of Social Media

Contributors

Dear Happenings,

I look forward to receiving the magazine in the mail. PS – I had picked up a copy, looking through I saw the ABBA show offering in Scranton, purchased tickets and was thankful for Happenings alerting me to cultural events, so I subscribed. Well done and please carry on!

–Lance Spodek

–Lords Valley, PA

Dear Happenings,

Thank you for sending the link to the July issue of Happenings Magazine. I appreciate the very hard work of the staff in creating such a cool publication that is so effective in reaching our potential audiences for each of our shows.

–Steve Plesac

–Booking Place

Paula Rochon Mackarey

Lisa Kalaha Ragnacci

Peter Salerno

Mary Joyce

Christine Fanning

Ben Freda

Account Representative

Linette Manley

l_manley@happeningsmagazinepa.com (570) 878-5009

On the Cover: “Yay for today!” Eric Pochas shares his inspirational story of courage and strength. 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,

Thank you for featuring our SC Old Forge Admin, Elasha Pace, and her passion for nursing in the July issue. We can’t tell you how lucky we are to have a compassionate, dedicated and skilled staff member like Elasha!

–Serenity Care

–via Facebook

Dear Happenings, Archie admiring himself in Happenings Magazine. ����

Desiree Gallagher via Facebook

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A Dear Readers,

s I think of music and each of the months, it seems that more songs have been written about September than others. I have a few favorites, “September Morn” by Neil Diamond (1979), “September” by Earth Wind & Fire (1978) and of course one of our favorites here on staff, “See You in September” by The Happenings (1966).

Another song that I stumbled upon a few years ago in my hobby of music research is “September When it Comes,” released in 2003 by Roseann Cash. I find the song to be very poignant for reflection, as it is a strong metaphor for life. There is still beauty left in September as we await the late summer’s longer evening shadows, in preparation for autumn’s splendor and the onset of winter. I love the father/daughter duet in this song, by Roseann and Johnny Cash, the last song that they recorded together. Although its meaning seems a bit ambiguous, I believe it relates to “preparation.” It is no coincidence that the month of September was designated as National Preparedness Awareness Month in 2004, encouraging Americans to prepare for unexpected situations. The definition of the word prepare is “to make (something) ready for use or consideration, or to make (someone) ready or able to do or deal with something.” We prepare for a multitude of things throughout our lives. Perhaps some are readying for the arrival of a new family member and the events that surround such excitement. Many are preparing for their futures by attending colleges and universities, or working as trade apprentices.

Other designations in September include a Family Health and Fitness Day; Life Insurance Awareness Month and Recovery Month. September is a perfect month to make new strides. It is the time to commit to the things we know we should do or want to do. Begin by celebrating each day in some small way with friends and loved ones. Support the events available to us in the community. It is no small feat to put such events on, no matter how small or large. The biggest way to support the efforts is to show up.

We hope to see you this September! Enjoy each morn, afternoon and evening. Write in to let us know about your favorite September song or memory.

With Much Love, Paula

Paula Mackarey Publisher 1994-Present

He is on a mission to Share

By Christine Fanning

When the world “shuttered in” during the pandemic, so did Eric Pochas and his family. A resident of Greenfield Township, Eric was 48 years old at the time and the picture of health. He was in great shape. A dedicated marathoner, Eric has run nine marathons including Boston, New York City (twice), various half marathons and local 5ks. He felt good and since healthcare was stretched thin at the time he didn’t see any reason to see a doctor.

Around Christmas of 2021 when society was tentatively venturing out, Eric went to his physician, Dr. Jeffrey Montgomery, for a routine appointment. No reason, no pain, just taking care of his health as was customary for him. He mentioned only that he had experienced more frequent urination when running. Eric wasn’t too concerned because “as a runner you subject your body to many things.”

Dr. Montgomery ordered a blood test of his PSA (prostate specific antigen), a protein which is produced by the prostate, a walnut sized gland just below the bladder. An elevated level may indicate noncancerous conditions as well as prostate cancer. Eric’s PSA scored high and he was referred to Urologist Dr. Michael Campenni, who performed a digital rectal examination (DRE). The DRE indicated problems, so Dr. Campenni ordered and performed a biopsy of the prostate. He assigned a Gleason score of 9 out of 10 on the biopsy. A Gleason score of 6 is low grade, 7 is intermediate, and a score of 8 to 10 is high grade cancer.

“My wife and I were called to come into Dr. Campenni’s office. He was matter of fact: ‘You have a significant prostate cancer.’ My wife didn’t believe it. Campenni said, ‘I am not even going to pretend that I can fix it. I know a guy at Fox Chase who specializes in this situation.’ Campenni got right on the phone. Within a few hours I was getting calls from Fox to start doing the planning to

“Dr. Campenni was matter of fact: ‘You have a significant prostate cancer.’”

ultimately get me down there.

I was literally left numb. I called my boss and told her what was happening and said I’m not coming back to the office. I’m going to coach my son’s little league game.”

Eric and his wife, Michelle, decided they would keep the news between themselves for a while. Eric had to assimilate his diagnosis, feelings of sadness and thoughts about his life before they could share the information with their boys, Evan, 18, and Jackson, 13.

“You deal with massive swings in emotion. At first you think, stop worrying about work, make the most of life, travel the world, start making the most of every day, Eric said. ”Then, you think about the practical things: career, having to be all those things to all those people, having those conversations with my boys.”

The family shared a Gmail account and emails from Fox Chase started to come in. “The older boy saw them and asked ‘What’s this?’ That was the moment we had to tell them. ‘I’m not afraid and you shouldn’t be either.’ I’m not afraid of dealing with this heads up, of doing the things that need to be done.”

Evan digested the news and told his dad: “These are words you never want to hear.”

Urologist Dr. Alexander Kutikov at Fox Chase proved to be a “wunderkid.”

cably. He’s super nice, super down to earth, a world-class surgeon/ oncologist,” explained Eric.

He talked about the treatment to rid Eric of cancer using the metaphor of two hammers, with the first being the surgical removal of the prostate while preserving quality of life and the second, radiation therapy.

The old surgery involved taking

male, having the ability to have an erection was part of quality of life. With the old way, there was no chance of having an erection.

In June 2022, Dr Kutikov and another surgeon performed Eric’s five-hour robotic assisted radical laparoscopic prostatectomy where they carefully removed his prostate using robotic tools while preserving the veins that are so important for an erection.

“Your ability to recover is very short,” Eric said. He was home a day later with a urinary catheter which was in place for 10 days until swelling decreased and he was able to urinate on his own.

Four months after surgery, Eric ran the Steamtown Marathon. “I sent my doctor a picture of me and my boys standing around after the race, as a thank you.” He was also gratified to learn that he was able to achieve an erection. However, in January, the second hammer delivered its impact: radiation.

A necessary evil

After surgery, Eric went back to monthly PSA screenings. The levels started to move up and down, but in January, they were up by a miniscule amount. His doctor said, “Let’s not mess around, let's make ithappen.”

The radiation treatments were going to be every day, five days a week at Fox Chase. “The idea was how I was supposed to get there and back. In the meantime, my doctor at Fox, Dr. Jessica Wong in Radiation Oncology said, ‘Look, I’d love to have you as a patient but I know Dr. Thomas Churilla at NROC (in Dunmore) can do the same for you as I would.’ What impressed me most, from the minute I walked in, was that Dr. Churilla knew my case flat. He didn’t have to refer to anything.”

Eric explained that this type of radiation treatment is 10 minutes a day, every day on the table for 38 sessions and you can circumvent the receptionist. Even on the bad weather days in February and March, they were still open. They’d

show up and I just had to find a way to get myself there.”

Radiation ended in March. Because prostate cancer feeds off of testosterone, hormone injections were advised to starve the cancer cells, especially if they had traveled elsewhere.

“Hormone therapy made sense, but it’s a challenge for men. The radiation deal; The shot of Lupron; I felt all the effects. There were warnings. Boobs, weight in different areas, hot flashes. I wear a headband to bed. One surgery restored my ability to have an erection. Bad news: that too was temporary.”

The worry always continues. “There are areas of uncertainty as to where I’m at. Did I wait too long? Did the Covid break cause the problem or did we just catch it in time?

“When they took the prostate out they did a pathology on what actually was there. At that point in time my Gleason 9 was reduced to a Gleason 7. But, pathology revealed [the cancer] may have spread into the neck of my bladder.”

To this day, Eric doesn’t know where things are going. “At this point I don’t know. I could be fine. I could be on course. I’m not looking too far forward. I don’t know what it means to be cancer free. I’ve thought about treating [the disease] as a chronic illness.”

At a certain point, Eric was determined to tell his story but his wife, Michelle was wary. Then he noticed that Michelle was sharing information about their journey on social media. “So, OK, now I can talk about it, I’m on a mission to speak.”

Not every man fighting prostate cancer would tell their story. For Eric, the telling may be part of his emotional therapy as well as a desire to help other men going through the struggle with prostate cancer. Conveying information is also who Eric is — a career communicator, honed in the art since his college days at Marywood and sharpened through his corporate experience.

Eric is Director of Client Services at Baker Tilly Vantagen LLC. He

Photos - Michael Straub Photography

30 years. His son, Evan, just graduated from Lakeland High School and Jackson will be entering 8th grade at Lakeland. Eric works out at a home gym and continues to run four or five days a week. “Never has a single doctor ever told me to stop doing what I’m

doing, just to listen to my body.”

He takes a lot more breaks now — “I never used to have to.” He leans into his faith, family and friends. “I am a believer and I lean on God when I need Him.”

In telling his story, Eric said he has never felt sick, not back in the beginning of his cancer and not now. He remembered when he arrived at Fox Chase for his first consult. “I broke down when we drove up to the building. As we walked in the door, a woman handed me a card with the words ‘Yay for Today’ written on it. Around me people who looked like they were very sick were

being escorted to different places. It smacks you in the face how big the cancer problem is.”

Lately he told Happenings: “We talked about being afraid. I guess one of the things that makes me not afraid is I’ve been blessed with a good life for these 50 plus years I’ve been alive. Some people would say cancer isn’t fair. To me, it’s not fair when children get diagnosed with this disease. For me, life is no longer about fairness. It’s about faith, family and friends and my fortunate ability to be able to lean on each, whack-a-mole style. I keep hitting them and they keep popping back up. Each time they do, I am filled with peace, love and strength.

‘Yay for Today.’”H

He leans into his faith, family and friends.“I am a believer and I lean on God when I need Him.”

The Wright Center knows that success in recovery takes a village

September marks 30th anniversary of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

Substance use disorder affects people in all walks of life, no matter their profession or socio-economic status. No one is immune from substance use disorder impacting their lives, whether it is a family member, friend or themselves.

September marks the 30th anniversary of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger,” could be the theme for The Wright Center for Community Health’s comprehensive recovery programs for people facing alcohol and substance use disorder.

The Wright Center was recognized as a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania designated Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence in 2016, accepting their first patient in February 2017. Since then, about 2,300 people have interacted with the program and 670 patients are currently actively involved in the Center of Excellence.

“We've grown tremendously as an organization and as a recovery community. When you have a village mentality, you are tapping into every resource to meet the needs of patients. It's about getting them on and keeping them on a recovery journey, regardless of their pathway,” said Scott Constantini, assistant vice president of primary care and recovery services integration at The Wright Center.

Support for people with SUD

As an integrated health care organization, the Center of Excellence works with patients to ensure they have the proper medical care and treatments for their recovery to be successful. When a patient who hasn’t seen a doctor in 20 years enters the Center of Excellence program, they are offered access to medical, dental, behavioral health and other supportive service lines. Every patient is connected with a case manager and a certified recovery specialist (CRS) for support. Medication for Opiate Use Disorder (MOUD) treatment is also available.

“We offer multiple pathways to recovery; what works for one patient may not work for another. We have grown both our Center of Excellence to expand patient capacity and we’ve also grown our collaborative partners in the community,” said Constantini. Together with these community partners, The Wright Center connects patients with multiple recovery supports, treatment and socioeconomic necessities.

The Healthy MOMS program

The Healthy MOMS (Maternal Opiate Medical Support) program supports pregnant women and mothers with substance use disorder. Launched in 2018, the program has treated 420 mothers, with 223 babies born during that time. Currently, 168 mothers are active within the program.

Healthy MOMS provides intensive

case management services for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy up until their youngest child is two years old. The program aims to stabilize this high-risk population and allows participants to receive the necessary support to manage their chronic condition in conjunction with pregnancy and the postpartum period.

“Many mothers in the program are considered high-risk pregnancies because of their prescribed MOUD. Our case management provides many services by connecting this population with resources including family planning, OB/GYN, pediatricians and

social services like transportation, housing and WIC,” said Maria Kolcharno, director of addiction services.

Reducing the Stigma

An important function of the Center of Excellence is to educate the community in order to reduce the stigma associated with addiction.

“We are doing a lot of work around stigma. People are no longer feeling alone in their recovery journey,” said Constantini. “Unfortunately, society doesn’t look at addiction as a chronic health condition. They tend to look at it as a moral failure or choice and we are working to change that narrative.”

The Wright Center is a part of Project PROGRESS (Providing Recovery Opportunities for Growth, Education, and Sustainable Success), a multicounty recovery-to work program

that connects people in recovery with employers in six counties. The program works with employers to educate them about the benefits of hiring people in recovery and coordinates training to make more CRSs available in the community.

Addiction Affects the Family

Families struggle with addiction as it is a family disease. Addiction is very powerful and no different than if someone was diagnosed

with a life-threatening illness. Families are encouraged to also seek support to understand the disease through local, Al-anon support groups or other family support organizations. In these groups, families will learn how to offer positive support and understand the symptoms of the disease. For more information visit TheWrightCenter.org. H

Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium

The counties of Luzerne, Wyoming, Lackawanna and Susquehanna have partnered to create the Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium. NBHCC is a regionally focused, non-profit, Behavioral Health Organization serving medical assistance recipients. Our mission is to provide enhanced access to high quality, fiscally responsible, recovery oriented Behavioral Health Services. These positive outcomes will be accomplished through an intense, ongoing dialogue including consumers, families, providers and all other stakeholders.

Scott Constantini with Pennsylvania Department of Health officials.

Best Practices: Getting and Remaining Sober

Sobriety is very personal and may mean different things to different people. By definition, sobriety means not being under the influence of a substance, whether it be alcohol or drugs.

It is estimated that 80% of people who experience long-term sobriety had at least one relapse during their journey to sobriety. Some people experience many setbacks before they find long-term recovery.

You have recognized your need for sobriety, which is the very first step. The more strategies you use for your recovery, the higher the chances are that you will remain sober. Below are some best practices to getting and remaining sober.

Identify your triggers. The biggest part of preventing relapse is knowing what causes the relapse and avoiding them. Some common triggers include:

• Stress

• Environmental cues

• People who are still using

• Relationship troubles

• Job or financial problems

Recognize warning signs. A relapse can happen when you least expect it. Warning signs of relapse include:

• Returning to addictive thinking patterns

• Engaging in compulsive behaviors

• Seeking out situations or people involved with drugs or alcohol

• Thinking less rationally

Additional strategies for a successful recovery include:

• Prepare for Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)

• Avoid old routines

• Build healthy relationships

• Ask for help and seek local agencies that can assist you with getting the appropriate help

• Get support from new, sober friends and those who are successful in their recovery

• Develop a structured routine to your day

• Find employment and focus on your finances

• Practice healthy living and exercise

• Deal with past mistakes

• Find balance in your life

• Acknowledge your hard work and how far you have come towards your recovery

Visit The Wright Center Opioid Center of Excellence online at thewrightcenter.org H

The four pillars of recovery are said to be health, home, purpose and community. There are many things from which an individual may recover: an illness, injury or surgery, a traumatic event, an addiction, grief/loss, mental and emotional health crisis or a financial crisis. Many of these go hand-in-hand and some stand alone.

There are many coping skills for recovery. Self care is the most important part of all recovery. Meditation/prayer, communication/connection, music and exercise each play a key role. These actions/activities take a person out of his or her thoughts for a bit to focus on something positive. Meditation and prayer put your mind in a peaceful space. They are very helpful when anxiety, panic or chaos sets in. Meditation and prayer can be done in a group setting or individually. There are even apps for meditation.

I have learned to meditate by sitting outside and picking one sound to listen to and tune into for as little as five minutes or as long as I find it effective. Communication or connection comes from being part of a support group or having a support person who listens to you. There is connection by feeling some comfort through being with that person or group. Music can give us a soothing feeling. We can sing along or dance or just listen.

Exercise is my passion and I cannot sing its praises enough. There are endless benefits that come from exercise. Aside from the physical benefits, exercise does wonders for our mental health. It releases endorphins and gives us a sense of well-being. Stress and anxiety play a major part in recovery and 30 minutes of

exercise every day can help combat a lot of these symptoms.

My best advice to someone just starting out or getting back into exercise is to get outside and walk. Then add strength training and maybe some other physical activities. Be mindful. Be self aware.

One day at a time. You got this ❤ H –Jackie Kerekes

Recovery: a return to a normal state of health, mind or strength.

CRISIS!

Melanie Galli is currently the coordinator of the Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Unit (CRSU) at Scranton Counseling Center where she has been employed for the past nine years. Her prior experience includes working as a case manager were she was part of Lackawanna County’s Mental Health Court Program. She also served as a crisis worker with the focus of helping those in urgent need throughout the area.

Melanie received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Keystone College. During her time at Keystone, she said she was mentored by professors who not only gave her knowledge and understanding of the field, but also dedicated time to genuinely listen to her concerns. “It was during my time at Keystone, that I decided I wanted to work in the mental health field so I can be able to help others,” she said.

Happenings recently asked Melanie for insight into her position.

“Leadership goes beyond just administrative positions; it is a guiding principle that

influences everything that the Scranton Counseling Center does. From the moment individuals walk through the center's doors seeking help, they are met with an environment driven by a genuine commitment to their well-being. For more than seven decades, our mission has directed us to persist in serving our communities and assisting those who require help.

Working in crisis

Having a job in crisis, you will often be working with individuals facing intense emotional challenges. Someone considering a career in crisis should be able to possess the ability to be empathetic and compassionate toward others and be able to connect with individuals while offering genuine support. The field of crisis can be emotionally taxing. Resilience allows you to navigate high-pressure situations and maintain your own wellbeing amidst the challenges you may encounter on a daily basis.

Coverage area, expertise and new services

Scranton Counseling Center currently provides various crisis services for those living in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties such as face-to-face evaluations, telephone crisis counseling and mobile team. Also, we have a crisis co-responder that works with the Scranton Police Department, and is dispatched to crisis calls within the Scranton area.

Additionally, Scranton Counseling Center is expanding our crisis services this fall as we are opening a Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Unit (CRSU) located at the center. This is a short-term stabilization program and will have eight beds. Anyone over the age of 18 and

Melanie Galli Coordinator, Intake and Emergency Services Scranton Counseling Center

out of high school, is able to come as a walk in at any time throughout the day. The individual will have an assessment and screening completed to determine the level of care needed. While they are at the CRSU, staff will be able to offer an individual therapeutic support in a non-institutional/restrictive setting. Once the individual is ready for discharge, staff will implement an after-care plan that will include appointments with the individual’s providers, safety planning and crisis follow up to ensure successful reentry back into the community. Besides crisis, Scranton Counseling Center offers a multitude of other services for all stages of life. If someone is looking to get established as a new patient, they can contact Scranton Counseling Center, and ask to speak with an intake staff member.

Support

If someone you know is in a crisis situation, help is available 24/7! Scranton Counseling Center offers a range of crisis services available to individuals. To get in touch with a crisis clinician, an individual can contact Scranton Counseling Center at 570-3486100. The crisis clinician will be able to assist the individual in crisis and be able to connect them with the appropriate service depending on the situation.

Safe Crisis Management (SCM)

A Safe Crisis Management (SCM) was developed to provide staff with a professional, comprehensive and safe approach to handling individuals’ behaviors. At Scranton Counseling Center, SCM instructors teach staff different interventions and deescalation techniques for when a person is in a crisis situation. To become a certified SCM instructor, I had to attend a five day training to learn the curriculum and different emergency safety interventions. To keep my certificate up to date, I have to get re-certified every year.

Melanie also functions as a mental health delegate for the Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health, Intellectual Disability and Early Intervention Office. She is responsible for reviewing criteria of 302 petitions to ensure that warrants are issued appropriately according to the Mental Health Procedures Act. She also provides ongoing training to staff to guarantee understanding of the Mental Health Procedures Act.

Personal:

Melanie was born and raised in this area. “I have a big family and am very family oriented. Once my niece and nephew were born, I wanted to be able to watch them grow up as well. I feel very fortunate to work so close to home that I am not missing out on any time spent with my family.”H

Hospice Remembrance Walk Returns

After a three year hiatus, more than 1,200 walkers are expected to pause and remember their loved ones in a unique and special way at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Remembrance Walk. The walk will take place on Saturday, October 7 at McDade Park in Scranton for the first time since 2019. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will kick off at 10 a.m. The Wright Center is the presenting sponsor.

The one-mile walk around scenic McDade Park is wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly. The $25 registration fee ($30 after September 20) includes lunch and a longsleeve t-shirt with a customizable pin-on bib, so participants can walk in memory of a loved one. Teams of five or more are $20 each and children 12 and under are free. There will be a DJ, basket raffle, children’s activities, a ceremonial bell ringing and ice cream. Proceeds from the walk will help support Hospice of the Sacred

Heart programs and services. The event will begin with an opening prayer by Msgr. Thomas M.

Muldowney, Pastor, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Moscow and WNEP-TV anchor and reporter, Stacy Lange, will start the walk. Diane Baldi, Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO, will be available for interviews.

Those wishing to participate individually or as a team can register online at www.HospiceSacredHeart.org, by calling 570-706-2400 or at McDade Park the day of the walk. H

About Hospice of the Sacred Heart:

▪ Not-for-profit, free standing hospice program serving Northeastern Pennsylvania since 2004

▪ Main office is located in Moosic, with an Inpatient Unit located in Dunmore

▪ Care provided for over 1,000 patients in 2021 and over 21,000 to date

▪ Employs approximately 120 employees throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania

▪ Volunteers provide countless hours of support to patients and families after most volunteer activities were suspended in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

The Y is a causedriven, nonprofit organization that focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The organization believes that positive, lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.

The staff of the YMCA takes immense pride in the work that they do to strengthen communities and to help each person to be the best of themselves. The YMCA provides a place to play, to learn, to be healthy, to eat well and to give back. The YMCA gives

working parents childcare, young adults job opportunities, seniors a way to con nect and chil dren a safe place to go.

The YMCA oper ates with the belief that every one — no matter who they are or where they are from — deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Everything the Y strives to do is in service of making sure people and communities thrive.

Area (which includes the Wilkes-Barre Family and Greater Pittston YMCAs), Greater Scranton YMCA, Greater Carbondale YMCA and Wayne County.

Why don’t you come to the

Y - M - C - A

YMCA offers something for everyone in the community. For generations, these YMCAs have taught children, adults and families how to be safe in and around the water through lifesaving swim lessons. The YMCA is proud to provide older adults with numerous opportunities for social interaction and exercise. From summer day and overnight camps to chronic disease prevention and from youth sports and enrichment programs to early childhood education and programs designed to combat the achievement gap, the Northeastern Pennsylvania YMCAs make a profound impact on the lives of the individuals and families served.

The YMCA understands that mental health and the risk for substance abuse is directly affected by limited resources, increased social isolation and extreme economic circumstances. The effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency are long-lasting and the collaborating YMCAs are working to make a profound impact on the mental health and the current substance abuse emergency.

In 2022, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $1.836 million dollar grant through SAMHSA

(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), made possible through Community Project Funding from Congressman Cartwright’s office, to support the YMCA’s Mental Health Substance and Use Disorder Treatment Services Programming, which includes wraparound services. The project is a collaborative effort between the Greater Scranton YMCA, Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA, Greater Carbondale YMCA and

Wayne County YMCA.

The Wellbeing Initiative offers these YMCAs and their communities a myriad of opportunities to enhance and support emotional and mental health and wellness. This is done through a combination of educational and awareness programming, specialized instruction, socialemotional learning, workshops and seminars, community collaborations, as well as connection to community resources and services.

Through the YMCA’s

all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds — both YMCA members and non-members — to convene to grow stronger in mind, body and spirit. Examples of classes

YMCAs include Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Mindfulness Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chai and Cooking.

The YMCA is a charity turning no one away for an inability to

families deserve the chance to grow stronger together through a family membership; all children deserve the chance to attend an early childhood education program, allowing them to enter kindergarten ready to succeed; all adults suffering from chronic health conditions deserve the chance to participate in a chronic disease prevention and management program; and all youth deserve the chance to experience summer camp.

The Y is more than a gym. It is a cause. Join the YMCA! H

harvest [här-vəst]

The crop that ripens or is gathered in a season. The amount or measure of the crop gathered in a season.

verb

To bring in a harvest; reap; glean. To be occupied bringing in a harvest To win, achieve a gain.

A report in 2017 stated that there were more than 53,150 farms in Pennsylvania. Mushrooms and Christmas trees were some of the top items, along with corn, wheat, oats, soybeans, tobacco, sunflowers, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

History books state that since the founding of Pennsylvania in 1682, agriculture has been a major part of the economy beginning with the Lenape and Monongahela peoples.

Wayne Bank: Money Saving Tips for Cash Strapped Students

For college students, money management is key to securing a stable financial future. Taking control and saving wherever you can, will help reduce your financial burdens. Wayne Bank has developed money-saving tips to help college students stay on track financially.

Create a budget

You are now responsible for managing your own finances. Create a realistic budget and stick to it.

Watch spending

There are many apps to help keep track of your spending and budget. Search for your favorite one and utilize it. You will be more aware and able to pace your spending and increase your savings by cutting unnecessary expenses like eating out or shopping.

Take advantage of your bank’s resources

Most banks offer online and mobile banking tools to manage your account night and day. Use these tools to check balances, pay bills, deposit checks and monitor transaction history.

Buy used books

Consider buying schoolbooks used or ordering them online. Often used books are in just as good of shape and are half the cost.

Find a part-time job or workstudy program

Many colleges and local organizations offer part-time jobs for students. This gives students the opportunity to get steady, parttime work to help fund their educations or earn extra income. Consider working at local shops, restaurants or libraries.

Use the meal plan

Almost all colleges and universities offer a meal plan with tuition. Explore the cost of this versus the cost and time of purchasing your own groceries and preparing your own food.

Use your school ID

Opt to use the school gym instead of paying for a private gym membership and hang out with friends in the dorm lounges or campus Student Union. Both options will help keep expenses down while meeting other students.

Apply for Scholarships

Start to apply for scholarships during senior year of high school and continue to apply throughout college. Scholarships reward a deserving student with the ability to afford a higher education and minimize debt. Visit the Student Loans page on Wayne.bank to take advantage of the scholarship search tool that Wayne Bank offers through Sallie Mae. Once the profile form is completed you will be matched with your best fit scholar-

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Apply for Student Loans

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Prepare for Student Loan Repayment

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J anis

Wilson Seeley, Ph.D Luzerne County Community College

anis Wilson Seeley, Professor and Chairperson of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department

at Luzerne County Community College considers herself to be a lifelong learner. She received a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences with a concentration in social work from Kutztown University, a master’s degree in family and community development from The University of Maryland, a master’s degree in public administration and a Ph.D in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University.

Prior to teaching, she counseled adolescents who had run away from home and individuals with substance abuse challenges.

We recently asked her for some insight into her position at LCCC.

“My position has allowed me to meld my passion for helping others with my love of lifelong learning,” she said.

The Social and Behavioral Science Department has a multitude of programs that have a common focus in developing the knowledge and skills needed to understand human behavior in its

social and cultural aspects. These programs focus on preparing students for careers in assisting individuals in developing behaviors and skills which will lead to healthy, happy and purposeful lives.

In her tenure at LCCC, she has been very active in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. In the community, she was a Co-Chair of the local Fresh Air Fund Committee and she and her family served as hosts. She is currently the Board Chair of the Trucksville Early Childhood Education Center..

Dr. Seeley grew up in Wyoming but left the area for her postsecondary education. She returned to the Wyoming

Valley with her family when her husband accepted a faculty position at Wilkes University to teach Economics. “I love the four seasons in NEPA and the wonderful trails and walking paths throughout the region,” she said.

Decision to pursue psychology

“My entry into the field of psychology was rather unusual. When I was about 8, I began reading Dear Abby and found it fascinating to learn about the concerns that others had in the course of their daily lives and their need for advice from a person who did not know them well. A fabulous high school teacher cemented the deal as we explored the vast discipline of psychology to understand the complexities of human thoughts, feelings and behaviors. My original goal was to work in the social services; however, my goal changed when I was accepted into the Penn State Doctoral program in Human Development and Family Studies. My interdisciplinary degree provided me with the knowledge required to understand the multifaceted nature of human growth and development through biological, psychological and social lenses and led to an academic career.

Shifts in the quality of lives

There have been many notable shifts which have the potential to lead to positive and negative outcomes in the quality of lives. First, the mapping of all genes in the human body has led to great progress in understanding the functioning of genes and has incredible implications for understanding the determinants of mental and physical health and subsequently the development of interventions to improve the quality of life. Second, the extensive technology that has evolved to understand the structures and functions of the brain has vastly improved our understanding of human thought, feelings and behaviors and the interventions which can be utilized to foster happy, healthy, purposeful lives. Of course, the impacts of social media and artificial intelligence have great positive and negative influences on the psychological lives of each and every one of us.

Experience with The Fresh Air Fund

The good news is the Fresh Air Fund still exists. The intent of the program is to provide lower income children who live in New York City with the opportunity to experience life in rural and suburban areas. Unequivocally, all members of my family would say it was the best experience of our lives. We hosted Karena from the time she was 8 years old until she aged out of the program at the age of 18. While the intent of the program was to host children for two weeks, each year after the first summer Karena stayed with us for 6 to 8 weeks. Karena was the only child of a mother who had to work two jobs and consequently, staying with us ensured that Karena was safe and secure during the summer. Karena graduated from Misericordia University with a master’s degree in Physical Therapy.

Karena taught us how to marvel at the stars, frolic with the fireflies, show compassion for animals and cope with our fears. From her, we came to understand the depth and breadth of potential that exists in each and every one of us and that it can be either enhanced or diminished by one’s environment. Karena made a significant positive difference in our lives.

A Career in Social Services

Students should have a fundamental curiosity about people, be open to understanding the multifaceted nature of human development, and for those who are seeking a career in the helping profession, be willing to develop the ability to help people as they want to be helped. Perhaps the most important characteristic, as noted by many of my students, is having a passion to make a difference in the lives of others so that they might optimize the quality of those lives.

Development of a successful childhood

At the core of healthy development is that children be loved unconditionally by those who they love. Each child brings their unique qualities and traits to the world and as such, the child will change the environments in which they live and the environments will change the child according to the culture of that environment. Children who live in stable, predictable environments, where expectations are clear and their voices are heard, will be prepared to lead healthy, happy lives. Unfortunately, many children are not loved unconditionally and do

environments both in the United States and around the globe.

About LCCC

It is not so much what I do, but rather what the college does that I would like readers to understand. As readers

hopefully know, LCCC has an opendoor admission policy providing access not only to education, but also support servicenable all students to be successful. This policy provides a diverse population of students with the opportunity to pursue academic and career goals. Through their array of lived experiences, this diverse population contributes greatly to enriching the educational experiences at LCCC.

The accomplishments of which I am most proud

involve my work with many outstanding students who would not have achieved their academic goals if LCCC had not been accessible to them. I created LCCC’s Psychology Program in 2013 and I am proud of the many students who have completed that program who have not only transferred to four-year colleges, but also earned a master’s degree. In fact, I am very proud to say that one of my former students will return this fall to teach as an adjunct in my department.

I am proud of the work I began early in my career, (which continues today), to create an inclusive, equitable and diverse climate at the LCCC. I am also very proud of the recent additions of Applied Behavioral Analysis and Public Health Programs as the department continues to adapt to societal changes.” H

Dr. Brooke Langan, Ed.D

East Stroudsburg University

Dr. Brooke Langan, Ed.D., credits her professional inquisitiveness and successes to the East Stroudsburg University (ESU) community. She graduated in 1991 with a B.S. in Sociology and Criminal Justice, and began her career working with inner-city youth assigned through the Philadelphia juvenile justice system. Her concerns for equity led her back to ESU to pursue post-baccalaureate coursework in Professional and Secondary Education –English and an eventual M.Ed.

For the next 20 years, Dr. Langan worked as an educator in the East Stroudsburg Area School District. Her roles as a junior high/high school English teacher, TV/Video Productions teacher and online course developer and instructor evolved into an interest in educational technology, lead-

work organizing high school students, the eTeam, in teaching senior citizens functional aspects of current technologies as well as co-producing an annual statewide technology conference for educators.

high school in the Pocono Mountain School District. Dr. Langan is an avid reader and enjoys spending time camping with family and friends.

Happenings recently discussed the following with Dr. Langan:

ESU: Educating educators since 1893

ing her back to ESU to pursue coursework to prepare for a Pennsylvania Instructional Technology Specialist certificate. During her time as a K12 educator, she was recognized for her

In 2016, Dr. Langan assumed the role of Director of Field Experiences and Partnerships within ESU’s College of Education and began her doctoral studies with a focus in online learning. In 2020, she was appointed Assistant to the Dean of the College of Education. After a successful defense and completion of her doctoral degree, she was appointed Acting Dean. Dr. Langan is married and has three children, an ESU COE graduate, one enrolled at ESU currently and one attending

ESU has been foundational in the training of educators since 1893 when it opened its doors as a “normal school” preparing elementary and science teachers. Since then, the College of Education has expanded its preparation to include secondary education, special education and health and physical education. “We have supported the careers of thousands of local educators over the past 130 years. We take pride in developing teachers and administrators who can educate today but also throughout the future no matter what changes take place. Having educators who can think independently, find passion in continued learning, and understand that children’s needs are ever-evolving, has allowed us to remain a pillar in educator preparation. Our graduates understand that education is an evolving field and as such, they too must reflect, grow and evolve to benefit their students and community. The ESU College of Education was recently nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for its excel-

“

We have supported the careers of thousands of local educators over the past 130 years.”

lence in preparation programs. We are proud to be recognized as one of only 14 in Pennsylvania and the only CAEP accredited college in Northeastern PA,” said Dr. Langan.

Personal early college experience

Dr. Langan was one of three children in her family and the only one to pursue and receive a college degree. ”None of my parents, grandparents or others had pursued higher education before me. I entered ESU in 1987 as a psychology major with the goal of becoming a therapist. I was always drawn to helping others as a career. Upon arriving at college, I learned that psychology entailed more of a research focus, so I chose sociology since it centered on the interactions of people. Criminal justice was my minor as it allowed me to focus my knowledge and understanding on youth in the juvenile justice system. Working with teens who faced obstacles was always a challenge I enjoyed as I knew I could make a difference,” she said.

Diversity in education

Dr. Langan immediately recognized a disparity of students of color entering the field of education. “As a classroom educator for 20 years, I saw firsthand the changing demographics of our student population and the need for representation. All students need to see, engage with, and connect with teachers who look like them and have similar backgrounds; research supports that this connection in education leads to student success,” she said.

Over the past year ESU has been working to develop a Grow-YourOwn program with area school districts. The program’s goal is to promote a career in education for all students and educate every-

one on the unique needs of all students. “At ESU and in the College of Education, we are committed to developing educators who represent, respect and relate to the diverse needs of today’s learners. We have established the Aspiring Educator Pathway Program (AEPP) at ESU with 12 local partners which will celebrate diversity in education and promote a pathway to a rewarding career for all interested students.

How education changed Having worked as a classroom teacher and Instructional Technology Specialist for 20 years, Dr. Langan experienced two specific areas which changed education from 1996-2016: standardized testing and technology. “The onset of No Child Left Behind in 2001 required high stakes testing to be integrated into almost all subject areas, changing instruction from an inquiry-based approach to a standardized curriculum. Creativity, teacher autonomy and individualized learning took a backseat in education. This is still a current challenge for edu-

cators. Technology, on the other hand, was a change that many educators embraced and spent countless, uncompensated hours learning so they could successfully utilize to support their instruction. Teaching is a career of lifelong learning and in order to instill this in today and tomorrow’s students, teachers must be trusted to make sound decisions and be provided with the professional development steeped in research-based best practices,” she said.

Characteristics of a teacher

“Being an educator requires a plethora of skills and knowledge. Teachers today must be patient, caring, organized, tech savvy, passionate and lifelong learners. These traits are the same as they have always been; however, now educators must learn to juggle a much heavier load due to the

“Teachers must be trusted to make sound decisions and be provided with the professional development steeped in research-based best practices.”

rising mental health concerns of their students and the accountability demands of the field. While educators are still required to cover content appropriate to a student’s level of development, educators must also support beyond the academic to the social and emotional learning and well-being of their students. Teachers understand that student success is not based on academic achievement alone but on the holistic success of the individual. This holistic approach is not new but carries much more importance post-pandemic,” she said.

Educating teenagers

Authenticity and relevance are important to the conceptual understanding of a teenager. Teenagers need a “why” as they learn and should be able to con-

that led to the development of the eTeam at East Stroudsburg Area School District. The eTeam was a symbiotic effort to assist the community in learning about tools to help them in their lives, but it also supported high school students’ ability to communicate with others and provide opportunities for them to provide a necessary service to their immediate community. It was a win-win approach for all and I am proud this program is still running successfully in the community,” she said.

Making online learning more effective

areas (math, physics, chemistry). Another area of great shortage is grades 5 & 6 due to a grade span change in 2012-2013. Prior to this change, elementary certification extended from kindergarten through grade 6. After this change, it extended to grade 4. A middle level certification, grades 4-8, was created; however, there was no overlap in certification grade spans like in content grades 7-12, so the 5th and 6th grade certifications dropped dramatically and have not risen enough to fill this two grade span void,” she said.

How can teachers avoid burnout?

nect learning to their futures. Providing students in grades 7-12 with experiential and projectbased learning opportunities in all subject areas will create interested learners who can see how their current education can impact their future careers.

Working with senior citizens and technology

Having a love for technology, Dr. Langan would often chat with her students about the latest and greatest tech they were using. This often led them into showing her how to utilize these tools.

“Often they would comment that parents and grandparents also asked for their support and guidance. It was these conversations

Over the past decade, educators have come to realize that online learning is much different than inperson learning. “Just like education is holistic for success, online education, too, must be holistic. Online education consists of a Community of Inquiry made up of social, teaching and cognitive presence. For students to learn and be successful in an online course, they must engage with the teacher and peers in the course, be provided with instructional delivery that is conducive to the online format and must have cognitive presence that allow learners to construct and confirm meaning through reflection and discussion. All three of these aspects must be present in a course to garner learning success,” she noted.

Teacher shortage

“Currently, the profession of education has no abundance of teachers, counselors, administrators, nurses, etc. as we have seen in the past. The greatest areas of shortage are currently in special education and STEM content

“This is the most important question that can be posed at this time in education. For the answer, we must provide educators with the collective voice to share their concerns and seek collaborative solutions. Some teachers will tell you it is the pressure of highstakes standardized tests, others will say the additional support needed for mental health while others will tell you it is the increased requirements placed upon them to assess and analyze data in order to drive their decision making. All of these and countless more are the foundation of burnout; however, I think the biggest impact we can make at combating burnout is by listening to the educated voices of teachers. Teachers have taken many courses in their field, continue to pursue advanced degrees, and are on the frontline daily. We need to include them in the conversations about how to make change in order to secure student success. Education is an everevolving profession that changes as society changes. We cannot continue to teach today as we did yesterday and expect to excel into the future,” said Dr. Langan. H

“ We must provide educators with the collective voice to share their concerns and seek collaborative solutions.”

Dr.Ritch Kelley

Clarks Summit University

D

r. Ritch Kelley, dean of the School of Education, came to Clarks Summit University in 2002 to join the mission of preparing professional educators. His degrees include a B.S. from Liberty University; M.Ed. and D.Ed. from The Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Kelley was named after Richie Ashburn, who played and announced for the Philadelphia Phillies. “My father loved playing baseball, and God gave him a son with the hand-eye coordination of a carp. Who says that God does not have a sense of humor?”

Kelley has experience in elementary classrooms, administration, literacy and curriculum development, as well as teacher supervision and certification preparation. He and his wife, Diana, have two adult children.

“We have seen the issue of shortages and continue to offer a quality program at CSU to get our graduates trained, certified and ready to teach both in public and private school classrooms,” said Dr. Kelley.

Adapting to the changing students

“Teaching is a ministry. So many kids need one person to care, just one. Whether you are in a public, Christian, charter or online school, it is an opportunity to impact the next generation. A study by The National Council on Teacher Quality in 2021, ranked CSU fourth in the entire state of Pennsylvania for their elementary education students’ test scores,” he noted.

Happenings Magazine recently asked Dr. Kelley for his insight into preparing students to be educators.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have been reporting that the social and emotional development of students has been on the decline. According to Child Mind, social and emotional development includes things like managing difficult emotions, making responsible decisions, handling stress, setting goals and building healthy relationships. When students don’t master these skills, they often develop behavior problems that, in turn, can interfere with their functioning in school and their ability to learn. Curriculum has been developed for teachers, school counselors and other specialists to help those students who need extra support. CSU’s School of Education makes sure that our teacher candidates are provided the necessary knowledge and skills through courses such as educational psychology, child and adolescent development and special education. Teacher candidates are also given hands-on experiences during classroom observations, field work, practicums and student teaching placements.

“So many kids need one person to care, just one.”

Challenges of the teaching profession

According to a nationally representative 2022 survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, only 18% of the respondents said they would encourage students to go into K-12 education. The responses identified inadequate pay, insufficient resources, large workload and stressful environments as top barriers for the profession. These issues are very real for many teachers. At CSU we teach our students to be advocates for the students and for the teaching profession. For those who want to help students succeed academically, impact students' personal lives, support their community, promote education equality for all students and find satisfaction from watching students learn and grow, teaching is the profession to join.

Emergency teacher certificates for shortages

Many areas of the country are struggling to hire and retain certified teachers. On the other hand, some districts report a surplus in qualified teaching candidates but still struggle to retain staff and hire suitable substitutes when teachers need time off.

Many urban and rural districts experience a larger struggle due to the lower salaries paid. Factors such

as feeling under appreciated, inadequate pay, insufficient resources, large workload, unrealistic pressures and stressful environments each play a role. State departments of education have been offering emergency teacher certificates to those who have a conferred bachelor's degree but do not hold a qualifying valid and active teacher certification issued by the PA Department of Education. A school district can hire someone as a substitute by requesting an emergency permit.

The substitute shortage is tied to the fact that the fulltime teachers are facing more burnout and stress so they are taking more time away from their classrooms and there are not enough substitutes to go around. As school districts nationwide struggle to find subs, some communities seem to have been hit harder than others, particularly at schools serving high-need students.

Schools with large numbers of high-need students such as low-income, English learners and foster youth, have always struggled to find substitute teachers, but COVID19 brought schools to a breaking point.

Addressing teacher burnout

Teacher burnout is a concern. According to a national poll by the EdWeek Research Center, 60% of teachers are finding their jobs frequently or always stressful, affecting their physical health, sleep and social lives. Teachers report that they feel less effective when they are stressed, which research shows can negatively impact the quality of their instruction, classroom management thus causing relationships with students to suffer. In an

Only 18% of the respondents said they would encourage students to go into K-12 education.

attempt to make up for lost time and combat learning loss, expectations placed on teachers have been raised.

Because CSU is a faith-based institution, we teach our teacher candidates that it is vital that they keep a strong spiritual life. One’s faith is a great source of strength and can help fight against burnout. Teacher candidates at CSU are also taught to prioritize self-care, set and keep clear work boundaries, identify and recognize the early warning signs of burnout and seek out connections with people they work with which can help protect them from succumbing to burnout.

Personal perpetual learning

Like most educators, I am a life long learner. I am continually reading new books, keeping up-to-date on new

research findings through professional journals and I attend professional conferences such as the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators.

Characteristics for an education career

Considering a career in education is a noble and impactful choice. To be successful in education, one should possess a love for learning, patience, strong communication skills, empathy, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, creativity, time management, resilience, cultural sensitivity, strong collaboration skills, ethical integrity, a commitment to lifelong learning and a positive attitude. These characteristics can be developed and refined over time through personal growth, education and experiences. If one possesses a

genuine love for education and a willingness to work on these qualities, he or she is well on the way to building a successful career as a teacher.

Closing thoughts

I have been involved in some aspect of education for over 35 years. I have seen many educational reforms come and go. Some have been successful and others have not. Throughout these many years I have had the privilege to have worked with and have come to know many wonderful, professional and caring educators. I have seen the dedication and joy that they bring to their classrooms and schools. I loved being a classroom teacher and I find great satisfaction in helping to prepare our future teachers. Jerry Whittle said, ‘To teach is to touch a life forever.’

Teaching is a great way to leave a lasting legacy.” H

“Teaching is a great way to leave a lasting legacy.”

Patricia Davis, Ph.D.

Keystone College

Patricia Davis, Ph.D., is the Chair of the Business, Management, and Technology program and Professor of Accounting and Program Director of Business, Hospitality Business Management, Financial Planning, Supply Chain Management and MBA with Accounting Concentration, Health Systems Management Concentration and MAcc.

She holds a:

Doctorate in Post Secondary and Adult Education, Capella University; Master’s of Business Administration in Accounting, University of Scranton; Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, Wilkes University; and Associate of Arts in Business Administration, Keystone Junior College.

Patti joined the Keystone faculty as an accounting professor in 1984.

In addition to sharing her dedication and love of Keystone with her students, Patricia has passed on that spirit to her family.

Daughters Amber Davis Trunzo, Dr. Suzanne Davis Cercone, Jennifer Davis Casey and Dr. Gretchen Davis Welby, and son, Adam Davis, J.D., all received their bachelor’s degrees from Keystone. Dr. Welby and Dr. Cercone also served as adjunct faculty members and Dr. Welby served as president of the Alumni Association.

Additionally, Patricia’s son, Albert, and her husband, Al, have taken courses at Keystone. For years, her husband has been known for his expert disc jockey skills at Keystone social events. As an alumna and faculty member, we recently asked her about her Keystone journey and the differences between the student journey then and now.

Then and Now

“Students today have more choices and a different outlook on careers. They do not see themselves staying in the same job for 20-30 years, or even the same career. They have so many more opportunities but they are also unsure of how to take advantage of what is available.

Since I was a Weekender student, I had classes with other adults, and we supported each other. We had families and jobs in addition to our courses and we juggled them all since we were all in the same boat. We learned how to manage our time and still found a way to be successful. My most favorite place on campus was Bailey Field where we had our commencement ceremony. It brings to mind the journey we made together to complete our degrees and how our family and friends shared in the celebration.

The field of accounting

After completing my bachelor’s degree in three years, I was going to take some time off to decide what I wanted to do next. That only lasted six weeks as I registered in July to take a summer course for my MBA at the University of Scranton! Since I started working for Robert Kelly, CPA, after I graduated, it seemed only natural that I would gravitate toward accounting. I also had encouragement from two Keystone

faculty mentors, Joe Garvey and Anita Appleton. Joe was my first accounting instructor and he made accounting interesting and sparked a desire to succeed. Although I never had Anita as an instructor, we became friends through various on-campus activities at Keystone and she was instrumental in my becoming a college professor. I often said that Anita was my second mother.

Accounting student today

Today, a high school student thinking about majoring in accounting needs to be aware of the technology. Data analytics and AI have become so engrained in business and economics that it is difficult to compete without additional coursework and experience in these areas. The accounting student should be aware of business trends and have the ability to view the big picture rather than a narrow view of the world. The ideal accounting students would be objective, ethical, willing to work hard and above all, dedicated to completing the job. I enjoy keeping up with current

changes in the accounting field through research and attending seminars. This is how I keep up-to-date and can bring the information to my students. As faculty, we can no longer rely strictly on textbook information which may be out dated by the time the textbook is published. We need to con stantly scan the vast horizons before us to ensure that our students are on top of the curve and are able to com pete in the ever-changing world.

Career prior to teaching

I worked in public accounting for two years but sensed that I was missing something more. A teaching opportunity presented itself at Keystone. I was not sure that teaching was going to be my next adventure, but 39 years later I am still at Keystone doing what I enjoy most. One of the things on my bucket list was

completing a Ph.D. before I was 60. It would probably have been easier to pursue a Ph.D. in accounting or business, but I felt I needed to explore other options and since I was an adult learner, I opted for post-secondary and adult education. It was challenging

Keystone College’s Woodlands nature area includes a large network of hiking trails leading to a sugar shack, suspension bridge, vernal pool, biology pond and more.

because I had to study all the theory behind that field of study while teaching full-time, but I did complete my Ph.D. within my bucket list timeline. Finding a purpose in life I started taking classes in 1977 in the Keystone Weekender program because my husband just started a business and I had to become the bookkeeper. I had no business knowledge or experience, but jumped right

four daughters ages 1 to 8 at the time. Our girls grew up seeing me studying and writing papers. Our eldest son was born on the morning of finals of my last semester at Keystone and our youngest son was born the summer after I began working at Keystone, so our children were immersed in the college experience from an early age.

I would like to think that I instilled a spirit of determina-

tion and hard work as examples for my children. Our six children attended Keystone and went on to become successful in their careers. I also think they in turn have instilled that same attitude into their children. Our eldest grandchild graduated from Keystone with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and continued at Keystone completing her MBA.

I believe that Keystone has changed over the last 150+ years to accommodate the needs of an ever-changing student population. Keystone championed the Weekender program to help adults complete their degree by taking courses on weekends because they know most busy adults could not succeed taking traditional classes. In 1998, Keystone introduced its first bachelor’s degrees to meet the request of students who wanted to continue their college life

beyond a two-year degree. I am proud to have been part of the process to introduce master’s degrees to Keystone. We now have eight master’s degrees and will be adding a few more concentrations to the MBA program next year.

These additions to the curriculum show how responsive Keystone is to the needs of our students. We also offer a variety of support services such as tutoring, a writing center, a career center, counseling, as well as internships. Each student has a faculty advisor who helps with course selections and can offer advice on career choices.

I try to mentor my students because I know how much the mentors that I had changed my life. I hope that my students would say I made a difference in their education and helped them achieve their goals. This is the

optimal goal of a professor.

Long history with Keystone

In my 39 years at Keystone. I have been a program director, faculty advisor to Student Senate, served on various college-wide committees, and served as chair of the Business, Management and Technology three times. I also received the Margaretta Belin

Chamberlin Chair Award for Distinguished Faculty Service in 1997. My career at Keystone began with my first accounting class on a Friday night in September 1977 and I could not have imagined a better place to learn and work. I feel truly blessed to have been part of Keystone’s history. H

Annette M. Weiss, PhD, RN, CNE

Misericordia University

Ph.D. Duquesne University

Post Master's Certificate in Forensic NursingDuquesne University

M.S.N. - University of Hartford

B.S.N. - The Pennsylvania State University

Dr. Weiss serves as the Chairperson of Undergraduate Nursing Department at Misericordia University. Her primary teaching responsibilities include nursing research and professional concepts. Her clinical background is in neonatal intensive care and medical-surgical nursing. Her research interests include incarcerated mothers and perceived learning of online students. She is a certified nurse educator (CNE). She received the 2008 Laura Martin Endowed Scholarship from Duquesne University, and the 2009 Sigma Theta Tau Research Award from the Theta Phi Chapter. Her community involvement includes being the grant coordinator for her local volunteer fire department and VISION volunteer through her church. Dr. Weiss serves on campus as a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Penn State Alumni Nursing Program group and is a Penn State Alumni Mentor. She works as a CPR instructor for the American Heart Association and a Divemaster for PADI. We recently asked Dr. Weiss for more insight into her role.

Preparing nursing students for the future

Currently, my focus is on professionalism — taking final semester students and readying them for the real world of nursing. Things like how to get a license, knowing about insurance/healthcare financing, legal and ethical concepts are things we role model, but don't normally teach until they are heading out into practice. A big focus is preparing students to be successful at taking the NCLEX-RN exam.

Research with incarcerated mothers

My children were ages 2 and 3 when I started my PhD program. There were many interests related to forensic nursing, however, I kept coming back to the fact that there were mothers in prison. I couldn't imagine being separated from my children for any amount of time. That piqued my interest as to how they ended up on a path that resulted in time incarcerated.

Research of online students

I was interested in comparing students in the classroom to those taking courses online — did students feel they were learning the same in online versus the classroom? Indeed, they did!

SART team experience

Serving on the SART team (Sexual Assault Response Team) was a great experience. Fortunately, I never received a call in the middle of the night that took me into the emergency room with a victim. However, I did offer support to a few callers during that time-fielding questions related to sexual assault. I would tell anyone that ‘no’ is ‘no- always.’ There is no grey area. Intoxicated also means ‘no.’ If a person does not have the ability to consent not under the influence, get them home safe and call them for another date. Also, trust your instincts. When something feels off, it probably is. Make a friend pack and ensure everyone leaves together.

Experience as a Divemaster for PADI.

I worked for the Scuba Shack in Connecticut, helping to train future divers. It was important

to have a female role model, as there were questions they would only come to me with. My favorite place to dive was the Molokini Crater in Hawaii. I spent many weekends diving the New England waters. More recently, I do more resort diving as a guest rather than working [a Divemaster].

Characteristics of an ideal nursing student

An ideal nursing student enters the profession knowing that they will be the voice for those who do not know what to say, what to ask or how to move forward. Compassion and caring are the biggest attributes necessary for patient care. A student should come to college knowing that nursing is hard — the education is challenging, clinicals are intense and it is important to be mentally prepared for this endeavor.

Significance of Misericordia’s nursing program

We hear so often that patients (nurses, doctors and staff) know a Misericordia nursing student (or nurse) because of how they are — truly living the charisms of the Sisters of Mercy and providing compassionate care to all patients no matter who they are or why they need nursing care.

Personal:

I have two children. Dominic just graduated with a degree in Philosophy, Political Science and Economics (minors in French and Spanish) and is now a first-year law student, and Brooke is a college senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Environmental Science. I love to hike and spend time outdoors. This summer our family vacation took us on a road trip to Acadia National Park and around New England, hiking many trails. I also greatly enjoy wine and craft beer tasting. My boyfriend, Brendan and I love to visit Seneca Lake each summer to explore the wine trail. We love finding small, unique wineries and breweries, along with great gourmet restaurants. H

D James Wilkerson, Ph.D. Penn State Scranton

r. Jim Wilkerson is the Program Coordinator for Penn State Scranton's degree programs in Business, Business Administration and Project and Supply Chain Management. Prior to joining Penn State Scranton in 2017, Dr. Wilkerson split his career between academia, as a professor, and the private sector, as an entrepreneur and human resource management executive. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Wilkerson earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech, his MBA from the University of Missouri, and his BS from the University of Alabama. He lives in Clarks Summit with his wife and twin sons, and he says he has fallen in love with the NEPA mountain scenery and fair weather.

As an assistant teaching professor at Penn State Scranton, Jim Wilkerson employs a variety of strategies drawn from his experiences working in the private sector and with entrepreneurs to motivate his students in the classroom. “I try to inspire enthusiasm and engagement in the topic [being taught] with my own display of enthusiasm and engagement.”

He uses questioning techniques, humor and even voice techniques to show students how the material he is presenting in the classroom will translate to actual challenges, opportunities and issues they will experience in their professional lives.

The experience he gained in the private sector, prior to becoming an academic, fuels his ability to cite endless real-world examples of concepts, models and theories that his students encounter in their textbooks. “It’s not just some anecdotal effect,” he says, “it’s a reinforcing effect that brings together the conceptual and the practical for my students’ benefit. It’s about functional relevance to the student but, of course, most motivation must begin inside the student.”

Another tool he uses is one today’s students have practically grown up with: technology. “When I teach marketing research, for instance,

we rely heavily on the computer lab and statistical software. When the topic is more qualitative and discussion-driven, using displayed question prompts and the occasional video will suffice.”

Outside of his work in the classroom, Wilkerson oversees three degree programs at Penn State Scranton — the bachelor of science degree in Business, the associate degree in Business Administration and the bachelor of science degree in Project and Supply Chain Management.

In addition to faculty and administrative duties, the position also requires him to keep current with industry and work-world realities. “It is relatively easy for me because my industry background conditions my attention to certain news, and I read Reuters business news reports online daily. Also, I maintain some industry contacts across the country. These people often share insights with me and also seek my input on workplace and strategic issues,” he says.

Wilkerson is also an avid researcher, conducting professional research in three areas of interest: effects on entrepreneurial venturing in declining cities, elaboration of the human resource management function in small firms and entrepreneurship in the creative sector (the world of artists and artisans). “My research in these areas is both conceptual and empirical,” he explained. “I published my 10 most recent peer-reviewed academic journal articles since coming to Penn State Scranton, and six of those have involved these research areas.”

One outreach effort he is particularly enjoying right now is his involvement with a newly formed partnership between Penn State Scranton, NEPA Creative (a networking organization for the creative sector in this region, including creative entrepreneurs), and the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department. “This involves hosting several monthly NEPA Creative meetups on our Penn State Scranton campus, which has expanded the NEPA Creative reach from Luzerne County now to include Lackawanna County.

He is also active with Friends of Shady Lane Cemetery, a non-profit group his wife, Carol, co-founded, doing pro bono consulting for them and participating in some of that organization’s events, such as its Memorial Day ceremony and golf tournament fundraiser.

A resident of NEPA for over six years now, Wilkerson says he has fallen in love with the natural beauty and weather of NEPA. “I was born in Montana and used to think the rugged, large Rocky Mountains were the only ‘real’ mountains worth my attention. NEPA has made me appreciate the gently overlapping mountains and ridges around here, however. I love the mountain views. As to the weather, I’ve lived in and travelled to some really hot places in the USA and abroad, places that are getting still warmer, sadly. NEPA’s cooler summers and autumns and relatively low humidity, are fabulous! The only thing better would be even more snow in winter!” H

shoe) Sapphire: Something Borrowed Something Blue

For Nye Jewelers, sapphire jewelry is amongst its largest inventory right after diamond. Sapphire’s breathtaking blues have captured our imagination for millennia. What makes sapphire, the September birthstone, everyone’s favorite? Its vibrant hue, irresistible sparkle and remarkable strength. In addition to being the September birthstone, sapphire is also the gem which commemorates 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. ‘Sapphire’ derives from the Greek word sappheiros simply meaning ‘blue gemstone.’ Although the term sapphire usually refers to the blue variety, this birthstone comes in a rainbow of other colors.

The ancient Persians believed that the world rested on a giant sapphire, that the reflection of the stone created the brilliant blue sky, and that earthly sapphires were mere chips which had fallen from this sapphirine sphere. In the JudeoChristian tradition, God the Father sits upon a magnificent sapphire throne, as revealed through identical visions to both the prophet Isaiah and Ezekiel (Isaiah 54:11; Ez. 10:1). Likewise, Moses, Aaron, his sons and seventy elders of Israel ascended Mt. Sinai and were granted a vision of the God of Israel who dwells upon a sapphire-paved throne (Ex. 24:10). In ancient Greece, those who consulted the oracle

at Delphi, and brought a sapphire, had quick and favorable answers. Clerics of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because the gemstone symbolized Heaven. Sapphires have long been a favorite of modern European royal ty as an engagement ring.

The French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte gifted a diamond and sapphire engagement ring to his first wife, Josephine. This 18th-century gold ring is in a setting called toi et moi, "You and Me," with opposing tear-shaped jewels, a blue sapphire and a diamond. Today this ring could be made for around $15,000, yet this notorious ring recently sold at auction for close to a million dollars due to its historical importance. Perhaps the best-known sapphire in recent years is the 12-carat sapphire ring with diamond halo first gifted to the late Princess Diana by King Charles III, and then presented by her son Prince William to Kate Middleton, now Duchess of Cambridge. Princess Diana’s sapphire hails from Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, and Ceylon sapphires are prized as the world’s highest quality and thus

(and a sixpence in your

most expensive sapphires. This royal ring, originally purchased for £47,000, is now estimated to be worth over $400,000, excluding historical value!

Tips for a sapphire purchase

Provenance, color and treatment determine the value of a sapphire. At Nye Jewelers, we hand pick our sapphires from the most desirable mines from across the globe, such as Montana and Sri Lanka. The more vivid the color, the more cost per carat and untreated sapphires are always the way to go. Treated sap phires are exposed to high heat lattice diffusion in laboratory set tings in order to increase the color vividness – such sapphires do not command the premium price associated with natural, untreat ed sapphires. Visit Nye Jewelers showroom in Dickson City to see a vast inventory of masterfully crafted sapphire rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets. H

We buy gold, silver & coins!

Turn your old or broken jewelry into cash... or a new piece of jewelry!

42nd Annual Lumberjack/Chainsaw Carving Competition

Chamber of Commerce will host the 42nd Annual Lumberjack/Chainsaw Carving competition at the Forksville Fairgrounds on October 14 and 15. This unique event brings men and women from all over Pennsylvania and New York. Carvers have the weekend to work on their masterpiece carving to win top prizes. An amazing show is put on with the one hour quick carve

and Sunday, immediately followed by an auction, where the attendees have the opportunity to take one of the unique carvings home. Lumberjack and jills compete Saturday in competitions such as the ax throw, log roll, Jack/Jill crosscut, spring board, underhand chop and more. Sunday each lumberjack will have the opportunity to show off his or her chainsaw skills; best time

Attendees can enjoy live music on the outdoor stage, an assortment of craft and food vendors, an art expo and quilt show and sale along with children’s activities. A special treat this year will include the Pennsylvania WoodMobile and “An Educational Walk in Penn’s Woods. ” What a great, uniquely Pennsylvania family event in a beautiful region.

The Endless Mountains region, geologically speaking, is part of the Allegheny Plateau. The current geography was slightly modified during the last ice age by the Wisconsin Glacier about 15,000 years ago. Glacial striations can be found on the rocks of some of the high ridges, but the area was at the margin of the ice sheet. The mountains are made up of sedimentary rocks (mostly sandstone and shales, with a little conglomerate) that

were part of a lowland that collected sediments eroded from surrounding mountains. The Susquehanna River established its meandering course during that time, when it was a mature stream on a topography of very low relief. When the area was uplifted, the river's bends were preserved as incised meanders. The large river cut a deep valley and established a low baseline for its tributaries, which then cut the plateau into the rugged hills of the present day.

elebrating 20 years of foreign independent and art films at the historic theater and cultural center in downtown Tunkhannock

September 22 - October 12

The Dietrich Theater Fall Film Festival C

Reserve your seats for the Opening Night Gala for The Dietrich Theatre’s Fall Film Festival on September 22. Enjoy two movies, hors d’oeuvres, drinks as well as desserts at intermission! Opening night movies “The Miracle Club” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” will be shown. Call 570-836-1022 x3 for tickets. Reservations are required for Opening Night. $40 in advance and $45 at the door. The Fall Film Festival will run for three weeks from September 22 to Oct. 12; 21 Films In 21 Days. 570-836-1022 x3 dietrichtheater.com 60 East Tioga Street, Tunkhannock H

Fri., Sept. 22 through Thursday, October 12

Friday, September 22 Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Call 570-836-1022 x3 for tickets. Come out to the Dietrich’s Opening Night Gala. Bring your friends and enjoy food, two films, beer, wine, desserts and good fun.

Tickets

Background photo credit: Lesli Van Zandbergen

27th Annual Susquehanna Studio Artists Tour

This self guided tour features the abundant beauty of Susquehanna County by artists working in many media including, textiles, photography, fused glass jewelry, painting, sculpture, metalworks, pottery, guitars, unique bird houses, contemporary wood furniture and fine art giclee prints. Visitors from near and far travel to enjoy great art and special events and participate in demonstrations and conversations.

Background photo credit: Lesli Van Zandbergen

Photo: James Ruane

United Sports Academy Reaching New Heights

U

nited Sports Academy has been in business for almost 30 years and is a leader in providing a place for children and adults of all ages an opportunity to reach optimal physical health and well-being. With three locations — Scranton, Mayfield and Dunmore — that specialize in gymnastics, trampoline, tumbling, ninja and adventure, they offer your child a wide variety of classes in each area for learning and growth in each of these sports.

United Sports Academy has trained dozens of athletes who have earned four year collegiate scholarships at some of the most prestigious universities in the United States such as Yale, Penn State and Temple. They also have several athletes who are currently ranked in the top 8 in the nation in their prospective events.

“We believe that it is just as important to be a champion off the competitive floor as it is on, which is why we have on staff some of the most talented coaches in the world,” they state. Two former olympians are on staff: owner Dima Raynova who is also an author of four athlete journals focusing on developing the person as a whole, and not just as an athlete and

United Sports Academy’s newest location in Mayfield is an all inclusive facility for the whole family. “Our dream was to build a location that would be a place where the whole family can actively engage in their health and well-being journey together. Our dream came true last August when we opened a one-of-a kind facility that encompasses 12 and 14 foot warped walls, a full ninja course, harnessed 20 foot rock climbing walls and a fully harnessed 2nd level ropes course which teaches adults and children alike to face their fears in a safe way,” they stated.

Each location was designed to focus on developing the athlete as a whole and developing skills valuable throughout life, such as balance, endurance, flexibility, strength and selfmotivation.

Classes are offered at all three locations for all ages beginning at 15 months in Gymnastics, Trampoline & Tumbling, Ninja and Climbing & Adventure. Competitive team programs are available at both the Dunmore and Scranton locations.

In addition to classes, private birthday parties, open gyms for

all ages and field trips are available at each of the three locations. Private team building events can be scheduled at the Mayfield location. Fundraising opportunities are also available. A public skating rink at the Mayfield location always allows families to skate the night away or book for a private party. With so much to offer, they promise, “you won’t be disappointed.” H

Silvia Topalova who is also a former Olympic coach.

There are steps you can take now that may help your child obtain more financial aid later. All federally funded financial aid programs use a formula known as the federal methodology to determine how much money a family must contribute toward a child's educational costs before becoming eligible for financial aid. This figure is known as the expected family contribution (EFC). The difference between your EFC and the cost of your child's college equals your child's financial need. The greater your EFC, the lower your child's financial need and the less aid your child will be eligible for.

To determine your EFC, the federal methodology considers the value of your family's income and assets in the calendar year two years before the year that your child applies for aid. In other words, it is your tax information from two years ago that counts. This prior-prior year is known as the base year. Thus, lowering your income and assets in the base year can lower your EFC and increase your child's financial aid eligibility. It is important to note that these strategies are not meant to subvert the financial aid rules in any way. Instead, they simply take advantage of the rules regarding what is counted.

• Defer employment bonuses until after December 31

• Sell investments that can be taken as a loss (if they're not expected to recover)

• Avoid selling investments that will incur capital gains or interest

• Avoid pension plan and IRA distributions

• Pay all federal and state income taxes due during the base year (this reduces your available cash–a countable asset–and you're allowed to deduct taxes you paid during the base year on the financial aid application)

• Use available cash to reduce outstanding consumer debt or to make large planned purchases

In addition to taking steps during the base year to lower your available income and assets, you can take steps several years before the time your child applies for aid. Generally, such strategies work best with your assets. Specifically, the federal methodology excludes four types of assets from consideration when determining how much your family is expected to contribute to college costs. These assets are home equity (in a primary residence only), all types of retirement plans, annuities and cash value life insurance. So, all other things being equal, you

financial aid purposes.

One final note

Just because your child is eligible for more financial aid does not necessarily mean that more of the aid will be in the form of favorable grants or scholarships. Your child may simply end up with more loans that will need to be repaid at some future date. H

Ryan Wilson CPA, CFP®, CRPC, AWMA®

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

What I can do now so that my child can obtain more financial aid later?

A Tight-Knit Community is Always a Touchdown C

harles Robert Suppon, Jr. Ed.D. was recently inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. He has been recognized for his accomplishments in football, basketball and track in high school and his continuation of football post graduation.

Charles was born in South Wilkes Barre. His father, who played football and baseball in school, involved him in playing sports at a very young age. Charles moved to Larksville during his childhood, and joined the Ed Lark Little League. He played mini-football with the Larksville Greenways and basketball at the Wilkes Barre YMCA.

When he moved to Bucks County with his mother and stepfather, he played AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball in Yardley and football, basketball and baseball at the Pennsbury School District. When he was in the 8th grade, he and his blended family moved to Dallas, where they became tight-knit.

When Charles attended Dallas Middle School, he won the district championship in javelin on the track team. At Dallas High School, he became a four-year starter quarterback for the Mountaineers. He was an MVP in basketball. He was also accomplished in track. He was a team captain for football and basketball.

“I liked taking on a leadership role,” he said. “It gave me an opportunity to train tight-knit bonds with my teammates,” he said.

Charles loved the brotherhood and how the community sup ports the athletic programs. He credits his football coach, Ted Jackson, for instilling in him disci pline and his demeanor.

“He taught me a lot of things that kept me going and allowed me to persevere through adversity on and off the field,” he said.

James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Once he stepped onto the campus, he fell in love with the school. He majored in sports management/kinesiology and minored in business. He continued his passion of football. A few of his accolades include All Athletic 10, All Virginia and All American Honorable Mention. He credits his D-line coach, J.C. Price at JMU, for teaching him everything about playing defense.

He also credits his head football coach Mickey Matthews at JMU.

“Mickey took me under his wing,” he said. “He was certainly tough on me, but he cared, and he has always been there for me, and I still talk to him to this day.”

Charles always enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow teammates, with whom he still keeps in touch. He also enjoyed the school spirit. He recalls last year when JMU made it to the top 25 in college football in the country.

“The students and the fans are the best,” he said. “Everything about JMU is awesome!”

After his graduation in 2007, Charles was offered a contract with the CFL (Canadian Football League). He signed with the Montreal Alouettes. Afterwards, he signed with the Arena 2 football league in Illinois. Although he didn’t play for long, he has been always grateful for the opportunity and experience. When his foot-

ball career ended, he realized that he wanted to help children. Therefore, he went back to school at King's College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education. He received additional certification in English as a Second Language (ESL), mid-level math and mid-level science. He also received a master’s degree in curriculum and institution with an ESL concentration. He then earned his doctorate in educational leadership at Delaware Valley University.

Charles’ first teaching job was a substitute teacher at the Wyoming Valley West School District. He was later hired as an 8th-grade science teacher before becoming a vice principal at the district’s middle school. Following that he became the principal at the Third Avenue Elementary School, vice principal at West Scranton High School and Director of Special education for the Wyalusing School District. He

is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Tunkhannock Area School District.

Charles and his wife Melanie have been together since 2007 and have been married since 2016. Together, they have two children Cash, age 5 and Kingsley, age 2. Like their father, they are playing sports at a young age. Cash is taking up tee-ball, flag football and hockey. Kingsley is taking up soccer and dance.

Charles believes that activities help them develop characteristics and keep them on the right track.

Charles was honored to be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame.

“I take pride in the area,” he said. “My wife and I chose to live here because we love it,” he said. “It is a true honor to be a part of that very selective group of individuals athletically; it's a true honor.” H –Ben Freda

njoy an evening of Taylor Swift's greatest hits on November 4, 7 p.m. at The Theater at North.

Carla Sacco is a talented singer and musician who has had an impressive career performing tributes to many artists, and now arguably the biggest pop star of all time, Taylor Swift. Born and raised in Canada, she developed a love for music at a young age. Her passion for music led her to pursue a career in the industry.

Carla was captivated by the way Swift's lyrics spoke to her and millions of other fans around the world, and she was determined to pay tribute to the iconic singer. Her performances are known for their energy, authenticity and attention to detail, with Carla taking great care to recreate Swift's sig-

nature sound and style. From her heartfelt ballads to her catchy pop anthems, Carla has mastered Swift's entire catalog, earning rave reviews from fans and critics alike.

In addition to her music career, Carla is also known for her philanthropy. She regularly volunteers for charities, using her voice to inspire and uplift others. She is passionate about using her platform to make a positive impact on the world, just like Taylor Swift. She is a true tribute to Taylor Swift and a rising star in her own right.

Carla is performing with a full band and dancers!

Tickets are $30-$35 and can be purchased online at www.thetheateratnorth.org or in person at the box office. H

St. Ann Maronite Church Lebanese Festival September 17

The Annual Lebanese Festival will be held September 17 at Saint Ann Maronite Church in West Scranton. Celebrating many decades of Lebanese culture, the festival features delicious cuisine such as tabbouleh, hummus, grape leaves, spinach pies, pastries, kibbeh and other Lebanese cuisine. The festival brings together generations of parishioners and community members to connect and learn more about the rich heritage of Lebanese culture in Scranton, which originated more

than 100 years ago when a large group of Lebanese families settled in the area in 1903. "Preparing for the festival is a lot of hard work, but there's still time for fun and laughter,” says Reverend Anton Youssef (Father Tony). “We all come together for this occasion.” The event will run Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Call (570) 344-2129. H

28th Annual

Sunday Sept. 17, Noon- 7 p.m.

Authentic Lebanese Food & Pastry, Gift Baskets, 50/50 Raffle, Souvenirs

1320 Price Street

West Scranton, PA

Shawnee Mountain, one of the premier destinations in the Pocono Mountain region, announces the highly anticipated Pocono Food Truck Festival taking place on September 30 and October 1. This exciting event will bring together a delectable array of food trucks, offering a wide variety of cuisine, delightful flavors and mouthwatering treats, plus chairlift rides and a magic show each day. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the festival

The Pocono Food Truck Festival at

Shawnee Mountain

will feature electrifying live performances by The School of Rock, Christian Porter Band and The Roots in Blue Stone.

With a picturesque backdrop of the beautiful Shawnee Mountain, attendees can indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings. With live entertainment and an energetic atmosphere, it’s the perfect weekend outing for food enthusiasts and families. Admission is $5 if purchased online ahead of time and $8 at the gate. Children 46 inches and

under are free. Purchase tickets at shawneemt.com

Shawnee Mountain

Shawnee is a family-friendly winter sports destination that features over 125 skiable acres, 23 slopes & trails, two terrain parks and snow tubing. Shawnee offers an expansive selection of on-site rental equipment, season passes, daily lift tickets, group rates, beginner packages, kidfriendly programs and both private and group ski & snowboard lessons. Visit www.shawneemt.com or call (570) 421-7231. H

The picturesque Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area straddles a stretch of the Delaware River and includes miles of trails for rafting, canoeing, swimming, fishing, hiking and rock climbing.

Leah Rudolph, Clarks Summit, PA with grandkids Abe and Grant Campbell, Ellie and Sophie Edwards.

Leah Rudolph, Clarks Summit, PA with grandchildren.

Elona Pohl, sent in by Alex Camayd

Bobi, sent in by Alex Camayd

Ken Chergosky, Dingmans Ferry

16th Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference

tion on topics of interest to GRG families will be featured.

Howard J. Grossman, Chair of the NEPA Intergenerational Coalition noted, “We expect a large turnout. Attendance is free to GRG families. We commend all those who will be attending as well as the support groups who provide great assistance to GRG families."

A hot luncheon will be served. Past conferences have enabled many questions to be addressed and this year’s conference will offer the same.

The Annual Conference for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, (GRG) will be held on October 20 at the Woodlands Hotel from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging, Jason Kavulich will be a major speaker. The conference offers attendees the opportunity to meet many people who are raising their grandchildren and to hear from speakers on a panel discussion. A discussion of legal matters presented by attorneys is also on the agenda. Resource tables with informa-

Two of the conference’s goals include ensuring that families and community organizations obtain basic knowledge about available community resources and that core issues and potential solutions of GRG families are addressed.

To register for the conference, email Susan Harding at Susan.harding@luzernecounty.org or call 570-822-1158, ext 2383. The Woodlands hotel is located 1073 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre. Visit grgnepa.org or contact Howard Grossman at 570-262-3443 for more information. H

NEPA Intergenerational Coalition presents: The 16th Annual Conference for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG)

October 20, 2023 • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Objectives:

• To ensure that families and community organizations obtain basic knowledge of available community resources.

• To explore core issues and concerns of grand families.

The Woodlands Inn 1073 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA

To register: call 570-822-1158 or e-mail susan.harding@luzernecounty.org

• 570-262-3443

Howard Grossman, Chair of the Coalition, grossmanhj@aol.com

Four decades after their debut, ABBA remains one of the most beloved and enjoyed bands of its kind. Timeless and transcending, their music has touched and sparked an undeniable energy in audiences of all ages.

Experience the music and the majesty with Always ABBA as they bring you ABBA’s greatest hits featuring Canada's finest vocalists and musicians.

Relive the fun as you enjoy the classic looks and sound that made ABBA famous. Always ABBA’s impeccable vocals and stellar musicianship make it easy to see why the band plays to sold out venues across North America. This greatest ABBA tribute offers you a night you are sure to love, as your Dancing Queen is reborn.

Michelle Truman (Agnetha Lead Vox)

Michelle is a born entertainer. Lead singer for the Canadian Classic rock band Toronto, she is an accomplished vocalist, with a career that spans countless musical theater productions across Canada and Europe. She has performed in the sold out musical production, Summer of Love, as Janis Joplin and in the epic Monster Rock Orchestra. Touring member of Big Top Radio portraying Joan Jett, Lita Ford and Heart, Michelle has sung with several American symphonies across the United States.

Karen Coughlin (Anna-Frid Lead Vox)

Karen is a versatile performer with over 20 years in the entertainment industry. Originally from Halifax, NS, she has headlined for several Canadian symphonies and starred in many productions across Canada and the United States. She is well known for her work as Patsy Cline, June Carter and Linda Ronstadt in musical review shows as well as roles like Belle in Beauty & the Beast, The Narrator in Joseph and Sarah in Guys & Dolls.

Chris Julke (Bjorn) Guitar and vocals

Committed to a positive attitude and lifelong flair for performing live music, Chris invested in quality friendships and partnerships creating and maintaining a network of great musicians. He graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood and is dedicated to the passion of his profession. He is a full time member of Helix.

Mike Walmsley (Benny) Piano and vocals

Mike has been a professional musician in Toronto for over 17 years. For five years, he was the resident piano man at The Madison Avenue Pub. Other gigs include dueling pianos, music directing and working in various bands, such as Finnighan, The Free Press, Electric Blonde and Dreamer (the Supertramp experience).

Ed Mortenson Drums and vocals

Ed is a freelance drummer and educator. He is a graduate of Red Deer College (classical percussion studies) and Grant

McEwen College (music program.) He has performed all over the world from playing for the troops in Afghanistan to performing at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He is the proud creator of Mornin’ Buzz Coffee Co.

Joel Lightman Keyboard

Synth, guitar, vocals

Joel Lightman has been a musician for more than 20 years, playing with bands such as CCR and M People. When not touring or playing, Joel runs an agency providing dueling pianos shows across Canada and the United States. He is the creator of the incredibly entertaining Great Canadian Dueling.

Interview with Michelle Truman

Michelle grew up in Milton, Ontario moved after high school to sing in Europe.“I’m actually one of the odd ones who didn’t study, although I was always learning. I was a child performer who didn’t take lessons or have formal training. Watching people inspired me and I always working on my own craft.

I always knew the mainstream ABBA hits, but once I started learning their catalogue, I was blown away at how great the songs are. My two favorite ABBA songs are Winner Takes it All and Knowing Me, Knowing You. Knowing Me, Knowing You is sung by Karen Coughlin in our show. She is my costar and dear friend of many years. Every night we play I get chills hearing her incredible voice singing that song.

Always ABBA started nine years ago. I had worked in a show with ABBA music before, so I knew the impact it had and how enjoyable it was to perform. I wanted to create my own show, on a bigger level, involving my incredibly talented and wonderful friends. It is the best feeling in the world to share the stage with people you love, especially when they are also so darn great!

Our show has had many highlights throughout our tour. We had a lot of fun and good laughs on our Florida tour.... with palm trees and the gator hunting. Another great memory we all share is playing in Edmonton for two nights. The venue needed to put up security gates by the stage because the crowd was loving the show and going wild thinking that the dance floor needed to be onstage with us!

The Mamma Mia broadway musical and movies are fabulous; both are done so well. Not many artists or bands are known and loved by so many age groups. It is won-

derful to see young children and older age groups sing along and know all the words. The musical and the movies have introduced ABBA's great music to the younger generations.

If the audience can leave the show on a high, feeling uplifted and have been taken away for a couple hours, that is awesome. Hopefully everyone feels the sentiment of such great songs and feels the magic that good music gives. Keep going out and seeing live entertainment, it is a beautiful thing and can really fill your soul!” H

A Weekend of F

and anyone who simply enjoys great food, lively entertainment and the Italian culture and spirit, all roads lead to Scranton this Labor Day weekend.

La Festa Italiana will be held Friday through Monday, September 1-4, on Courthouse Square, Scranton. Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The presenting sponsor is Lehigh Valley HospitalDickson City.

A variety of vendors will offer great Italian food and other items and continuous live entertainment will be featured on two stages. There is no admission

Friday’s (Sept. 1) menu includes Lights Out, a Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Saturday (Sept. 2) features The Cameos, New Jersey’s Favorite Oldies Group.

Sunday (Sept. 3) begins with the annual Mass in Italian at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Peter. The Mass will also be televised live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton.

The entertainment on Sunday includes a Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Tribute Show featuring Chris DiMattio and Las Vegas’ Andy DiMino with Ken McGraw’s Brass & Ivory Big Band.

Among the many culinary delights is the famous porketta sandwich prepared by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the Italian-American service organization. Another hot spot – literally – is the Cappuccino Café, where you can sip a creamy cup and enjoy a pastry.

La Festa Italiana will literally hit the ground running with the 11th Annual Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m. The race is being sponsored by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the Italian-American service organization, and pro-

Italy in Scranton!

Northeastern Pennsylvania Christmas Party and college scholarships for West Scranton High School students. To register in advance ($25) go to: runsignup.com/Minicozzi or on race day ($35) from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at corner of North Washington Avenue and Linden Street. Visit the festival website at: www.lafestaital iana.org. H

ITALIAN FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT IN DOWNTOWN SCRANTON LABOR DAY WEEKEND FRIDAY SEPT. 1 TO MONDAY SEPT. 4 LAFESTAITALIANA.ORG

Ballet Theatre of Scranton dancers will perform

National Preparedness is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. Disasters and emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime—even in someone’s own home. The American Red Cross urges everyone to take three easy steps to get their household ready: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.

Discuss with family members how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how you will work together as a team. Practice as many elements of your plan as possible.

Be familiar with natural disaster risks that may include hurricanes, floods or tornadoes. Consider also how you will respond to home fires and floods. Think about emergencies that may require your family to shelter in place (such as a winter storm), versus emergencies that may require evacuation (such as a hurricane). Choose two places to meet up: right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire and outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate. Choose an out-of-area emergency contact. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should carry emergency contact information in writing and saved on their cell phones. Make sure places where your children spend time also have these contact numbers, like at school or daycare.

Your plan should account for family members who may live elsewhere during the year, such as members of the military on deployment or students away at college, or those who travel frequently. Decide where you would go, such as a hotel, the home of a friend or an evacuation shelter and what route you would take to get there. Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Grab your emergency kit, then drive to your planned evacuation route. Some members of your household—senior citizens, people with disabilities or children —may need special accommodations during an emergency, which means planning ahead is even more crucial. There are 30 days in September. Use just one of those days to make a plan. H

National Preparedness Month

Basic Disaster Kits Should Include

Dleast expect it. Develop a game plan to deal with unexpected disasters. Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or

Integra Clean is a water restoration, mold removal and basement waterproofing company that has served Northeast PA for nearly two decades. They are on call 24 hours a day and respond to calls in 30 minutes or less. Pipe breaks or leaks, sewage back-up, roof leaks, toilet overflows and flooding due to water entry from the outside are part of their scope of services. Visit www.integracleanpa.com

In Northeast PA the two most common emergencies are house fires and floods. If you do nothing else in September, take time to create a disaster plan including a home fire escape plan.

Water: one gallon per person for three days

Food: three-day supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand crank radio

Flashlight and batteries

First Aid Kit

Whistle

Dust mask to filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape to build a shelter

Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Medications (seven day supply) and medical items

Multipurpose tool

Copies of personal documents

Family emergency contacts

Additional Suggested Items:

Medical supplies such as hearing aids, glasses, contacts, syringes, etc.

Baby supplies

Games and activities for children

Extra set of car and house keys

Can opener

Photo : Jim Ruane, Thunderstorm over Washington D.C.

W ho is the cutest of them all?

Hades and Titan hail from Tunkhannock where they reside with Russo Lee by a lake. They enjoy watching neighbors, licking faces and super chewer Bark

Hades and Titan Maverick

of playful energy

an expert bone chewer and lives with the

Bison

Boxes.

Maverick is full

and love. He lives with Daria and Chris Celia in Eynon.

Nugget

Cantarella family of Olyphant.

Maggie

Hazel Nugget

Hazel lives with Clel Tomlinson in Clarks Summit. She is a friendly greeneyed cat who welcomes all visitors.

Bison lives with Elayne Totten of Clifford Twp. He loves to go the park, on car rides and on many walks.

Maggie hails from Simpson where she lives with the Swingles family. Toys and cuddling are a few of her favorite things.

Vote for your favorite September pet at www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com!

The winner receives a Happenings bandana!

Oreo lives with the Shields family in Scranton. He really loves to snuggle and enjoys playing with his ball.

Otis serves as a great watchdog for the Lafferty family of Jefferson Township. He enjoys resting on the bed and looking out he window, especially for deer or squirrels.

Parker’s favorite food is roaster chicken. He loves his family, the Rogers, who live in Greentown.

Rhys Giovanni lives in Old Forge with the Vender family. He loves climbing in his toy box to pick out his favorites and is huge Phillies fan, thus his name after a player.

The Dougher family of Mountain Top report that Shadow is cuddly and loving… and has a girlfriend who he loves to stare at! This German Shepard believes he is human.

Sierra lives in Dallas and according to the Smith family, is a beautiful intelligent cat who enjoys watching rock videos!

The votes are in... August’s Pet of the Month is Sushi Congratulations!

Otis

Rhys Giovanni

Shadow

Parker Oreo

Sierra

KEEN LAKE CAMPING AND COTTAGE RESORT

Breathe deep and relax... camping at Keen Lake Resort remains the antidote to the stress of everyday life, with a welcome invitation from our family to yours to join us for camping, glamping, or a rental cottage stay this summer. With 2022 rates still in effect, it's easier than ever to enjoy a carefree escape to our awardwinning resort on our private 90-acre, spring-fed mountain lake. Your breath of fresh air is waiting here!

HICKORY RUN CAMPGROUND

Hickory Run is a family-owned campground located in Lancaster County. RV sites, tenting, and cabin rentals are available. Here, all ages can have fun from bingo, ceramics, hayrides, pool parties, BBQs, live music, fishing, boating, game room and much more! 285 Greenville Road, Denver PA, 17517. (717) 336-5564 or hickoryrun285@gmail.com

PAPER MILL PINES BED & BREAKFAST & GLAMPING

Paper Mill Pines glamping getaway is a campsite located on a beautiful 28 acre property which also homes a bed & breakfast. It’s only seven miles from Ricketts Glen State Park and features a 4 acre pond and lovely views. It comes with a cozy tent with a comfy queen size bed, a clean outhouse and campfire. 12 Daro Rd, Shickshinny, PA. (570) 690-6820 or papermillpines.com

Where to Camp Golf Guide

SCOTT GREENS GOLF CLUB

Challenging nine hole golf and teaching facility in Scott Twp. Home of “A Swing for Life” Golf Academy featuring Teaching Professional Scotty McAlarney, a “Top 100” W.G.T.F. Instructor. Fun for the whole family! Minutes from Clarks Summit, Rt. 81, Scranton and the valley area. Great membership!

SKYTOP GOLF

Enjoy Skytop Lodge’s course on 5,500 acres. No other Poconos golfing vacation offers a mountain-style track that plays over rolling terrain and boasts wide, tree-lined fairways and small greens that challenge both the casual player and serious golfer alike. Above average in speed, this course incorporates water and plenty of strategically placed bunkers over its 6,656 yards.

STONE HEDGE GOLF CLUB

18 hole championship golf course masterfully carved out of the rolling hills and meadows of the Endless Mountains. A relaxing natural habitat to play golf at its best. Golf our mature links. Dining in our in-house restaurant, The Hedge. 570-836-5108 www.stonehedge-golf.com

Summer Fun

COSTA’S FAMILY FUN PARK

Offering go-karts, water slides, laser tag, mini-golf, bumper boats, batting cages and more. Fun for the whole family! Our snack bar features family favorites and Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream. Open daily mid-June–Labor Day and weekends Spring and Fall. Route 6 Hawley. 570-226-8585. www.costasfamilyfunpark.com

LAHEY FAMILY FUN PARK

Our top of the line Arcade is open all year long! Spring, Summer and Fall, putt through waterfalls on the massive 36 Hole Mini Golf course, speed under bridges on the ¼ mile Go-Kart track, hit balls in the multi-speed Batting Cages, or splash around on the Bumper Boats. 500 Morgan Hwy. Clarks Summit 570-586-5699 LaheyFunPark.com

MANNING FARM DAIRY

A small family-run farm bringing the freshest and best tasting homemade ice cream and milk to the people of Northeast PA. We grow the crops that our cows like to eat, since happy cows are productive cows. Milk is bottled and ice cream made on the farm and delivered to our stores daily. Manning Road, Dalton. 570-563-1702 www.manningfarm.com

SUSQUEHANNA KAYAK & CANOE RENTALS

Now 2 locations. Lake paddling with hourly rentals of kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, SUP’s, and Jon boats, no reservations required. Mt. Olivet Rd., Wyoming, Pa. at Frances Slocum State Park. Also at 119 Krafty Rd. Falls, Pa., Susquehanna River offers daily, weekly, and overnight kayak, canoe & tube rentals with camping. Join one of our events or take your own trip, reservations required. Www.kayak the river.com or follow us on FB. Frances Slocum: (570)687-0172 Susquehanna River: 570-388-6107

WALLENPAUPACK SCENIC BOAT TOUR & BOAT RENTAL

Take a scenic boat tour on one of our passenger pontoon boats or rent a pontoon boat, kayak or stand up paddle board (SUP). For rates, times and reservations visit our website. Open daily. Located at the Lake Wallenpaupack Observation Dike, 2487 Route 6, Hawley PA. Call 570-226-3293 or visit www.wallenpaupackboattour.com

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. 570-282-5860.

Sibio’s Restaurant

Our fettuccine Alfredo is a customer favorite! Lunch and dinner regular hours, full menu with specials.

1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore.

Sibiosrestaurant.com

570-346-3172.

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.

Situated conveniently between Luzerne and Lackawanna County in Dupont, The Venue is northeastern Pennsylvania’s newest venue for uniquely memorable experiences and event celebrating for area businesses and organizations.

FEATURING:

• Beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces

• A large bar and lounge area

• Private dining space for luncheons and meetings

• Parking for 150 people

• Pre-function space, state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, and much more!

LEARN MORE AT: culinarycreationsbymetz.com/the-venue or call us at 570.310.1618

PLANYOURCORPORATE EVENTWITHUS!