Lehigh Valley Health Network is now proudly part of Jefferson Health
We’re coming together! Like-minded health care leaders committed to improving the community’s well-being and combining our strengths, today–and for the future of care. Ours is a future with a nationally ranked network of specialists that complement your already great care. A future where academic medicine informs research and clinical trials that promise you better treatments. And a future where our communities thrive.
We’re coming together. Even stronger, for you.
INBOX
Dear Happenings, I recently moved and I am so thankful that I can update my subscription address to my new location. I certainly do not want to miss a single issue; I really enjoy having it delivered to my door.
–Jean Monahan –Moscow
Dear Happenings,
Dang! I’m honored that my photograph was chosen for the cover and also a photograph my grandson took of me as an insert cover photograph is just over the top!!! Papa and Rhys in print.
Happenings Magazine is the premier Guide to Life in Northeast PA with a distribution range that covers over a million people. The August theme and incredible cover story of “Traveling Through Summer” also just happens to be a reflection of my life... having spent 43 years and over 1.5 million miles traveling for work and play to almost any imaginable part of Pennsylvania and beyond in the Northeast.
Daniel Kauffman via Facebook
Dear Happenings,
When I returned to my home in Staten Island after my time in Pennsylvania I so missed picking up my copy of Happenings Magazine. I’m happy that I can now have it mailed to me in New York so that I don’t have to miss an issue. Thanks for a great magazine.
–Carol Sonnenblick –Staten Island, NY
Dear Happenings, Thanks for sharing about our programs (July 2024)!!
“Meeting needs with the love of Jesus!” #bestweekever
Walk with a Doc, Wayne County Farm to Family Festival, Dalton
Lackawanna Historical Society, Annual Local History Fair\ Remembrance Walk, Hospice Of Sacred Heart
Always ABBA, Theater at North
W Dear Readers,
hat happened to the wonderful adventures?
The places I had planned for us to go (slipping through my fingers all the time) Well, some of that we did but most we didn't And why I just don't know…”
In the ABBA song (1981) made famous by the Mamma Mia musicals and movies, the hit song “Slipping Through My Fingers” touches the heart of parents coming to grips with the swift passage of time. When our daughter was born, I recall looking at her newborn face and raising a question: “Where will life’s adventures take us together?”
Hikes to places like Ricketts Glen and Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park were a few of the places that I had planned for us to go... and we got there. But as I reviewed the 10 Hikes included in this September issue, I realized that ‘some of that we did but many we didn’t.’ The why seems to be that indeed, time is slipping through our fingers.
Let’s make September 2024 a month to actualize visits to a few of the places that “we have planned to go.”
And if there is a way to include a senior in a country drive, phone call or visit, let’s also make it a point to do so.
In another September feature article, you’ll learn how the United Way and the Moses Taylor Foundation are spearheading a project to address the issue of social isolation amongst seniors in the region.
Much Love, Paula
Paula Mackarey Publisher, 1994-Present
Boulder Field/Hickory Run State Park
"Slipping Through My Fingers" is a song written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and recorded by Swedish pop group ABBA from their 1981 album The Visitors. The song is about a mother's regret at how quickly her daughter is growing up.
Guthrie’s interventional pain management team provides minimally invasive, non-surgical techniques and treatment options to help those dealing with chronic pain. Our knowledgeable and compassionate specialists use a variety of methods to free patients from physical discomfort and improve your quality of life.
Don’t let chronic pain get in your way. Visit www.Guthrie.org or call 866-GUTHRIE (866-488-4743) today.
10 Unforgettable Hikes
Northeastern Pennsylvania holds some of nature’s finest masterpieces available for our exhilaration and enjoyment. From lush forests, abundant with wildlife, to cascading waterfalls, the region is blanketed with hidden treasures of beauty and grace.
Crisscrossing this beautiful landscape are countless hiking trails that beckon visitors to view spectacular scenes and best-kept secrets. Here is a list of just a few must-see places, with more to come in future issues.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park encompasses 13,193 acres in Columbia, Luzerne and Sullivan Counties. It is a National Natural Landmark known for its old-growth forest and 24 named water falls. The park is near the borough of Benton on Pennsylvania Route 118 and Pennsylvania Route 487. Ricketts Glen's land was once home to Native Americans. The park's water one of the main attractions for a hotel from 1873 to 1903, and the park is named for the hotel's proprietor, R. Bruce Ricketts.
Hickory Run State Park/Boulder Field
Hickory Run State Park located in Carbon County, lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The large park has more than 40 miles of hiking trails, three state park natural areas and Boulder Field, a striking boulder-strewn National Natural Landmark area. This incredible virtually unchanged relic of the Ice Age is 400 feet wide and a quarter mile long, with some boulders measuring as large as 25 feet in length.
Photo: James Ruane
The Pinchot Trail System
The Pinchot Trail System, including a modified trail accessible from Suscon Road in Lackawanna County, is part of the Pinchot State Forest, named after Gifford Pinchot, a Pennsylvania native who served as governor and was the first director of the United States Forest Service. The system was constructed in the 1970s by tying together various short trails, in what was then the southern section of the former Lackawanna State Forest.The Pinchot Trail System includes a few significant climbs, and is known for opportunities to view birds and
Blooming Grove 4-H Hiking Trail
This nearly seven-mile trail system was developed by Pike County 4-H Club members in cooperation with the Bureau of Forestry. It features two loop trails encircling hardwood swamps and a meadow.
The entire trail offers wonderful scenery and an abundance of wildlife and is also open to snowshoe users in winter. It is located just west of Route 402, about one-half mile south of US 6.
Promised Land State Park
About 3,000 acres in size, Promised Land State Park is on the Pocono Plateau, 1,800 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by 12,464 acres of the Delaware State Forest, including natural areas. Hikers can enjoy explor ing the forests of the park, consisting of primarily beech, oak, maple and hemlock trees. Two lakes and several small streams add to the park’s outstanding scenic beauty with numerous rolling water
Lacawac
Lacawac Sanctuary in Pike County includes a nature center, environmental education center and biological field station located on 550 acres. This pristine National Natural Landmark reveals treasures that are unique to this region, including the 52-acre pristine glacial Lake Lacawac, a virgin forest and a col lection of steep rock ledges inhabited by unusual vegetation. Visitors can enjoy over nine miles of hiking trails and viewing of numerous species of birds along the trails.
Devil’s Hole State Gamelands
Devil’s Hole State Gamelands is located within State Game Lands 221 in Cresco, Monroe County. Enjoy an unforgettable trail leading along Devil’s Hole Creek, featuring magnificent water falls and a deep, wide gorge. Stumble upon the crumbling walls and fireplaces of Devil’s Hole Ruins. Devil’s Hole Trail is moderately difficult.
Sanctuary
Photo: James Ruane
Canyon Vista World’s End State Park
views of Loyalsock Creek and surrounding moun tains. There may be not be a better vantage point to
Salt Springs State Park
Woodbourne Sanctuary
The Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve is a protected area that is managed by The Nature Conservancy. It covers 648 acres and is located just south of Montrose. Hikers will encounter old fields, meadows, creeks, bogs and forests that are home to more than 180 species of birds.The preserve's forests, which are part of the Allegheny Highlands forests ecoregion, contain 120 acres of old growth northern hardwood forest with eastern hemlock, sweet birch, sugar maple, northern red oak, white ash and American beech trees, named the largest of its kind surviving in the region, with Hemlock trees that are nearly 400 years old.
Focal points of the park are the towering old growth hemlock trees, many estimated to be more than 300 years old, and the rocky gorge cut by Fall Brook with its three water falls.
Photo: James Ruane
42nd Annual Covered Bridge & Arts Festival
The leaves will soon be in their autumn glory, which means it will be time to celebrate the start of fall in Columbia and Montour Counties with the 42nd Annual Covered Bridge & Arts Festival.
This popular fourday fall festival will be held at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds from October 3–6. Hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, are 9 am.– 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. The event is produced and coordinated by the Columbia-
are always welcome.
Enjoy one of the East Coast’s largest craft festivals, which features 300+ fine arts and craft vendors, food vendors, wine, beer & spirit tastings, fall activities, live fine artist crafting demonstrations, and a weekend petting zoo.
The Covered Bridge & Arts Festival has been awarded the tag of one of the 200 Best Arts & Craft Shows in the country ten times by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
Columbia and Montour Counties are home to 25 covered bridges, third most in the United States, and the area festival pays homage to these historic treasures. Visitors can elect to spend a day or two at the festival and another portion of their visit sightseeing the counties' iconic bridges, nestled in the rural Central Pennsylvania landscape amongst a vibrant fall foliage backdrop.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will be able to see some of the crafters working on their craft in real-time, right in front of them. From painting to photography, woodcrafts, textiles, pottery, blown glass, jewelry, handmade fudge and hot sauces,
and more. Find something for even the pickiest of family members on the Christmas gift list.
New features of note this year include MARC on the Midway: A Montour Preserve Benefit Walk , to be held on October 5 and a festival scavenger hunt, organized by the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum. Vesper services will be held at 8 p.m. Sunday morning.
A special guided cov ered bridge bus tour will return this year, leaving directly from the festival on October 5.
Tickets for the bus tour will be available for purchase
Visitors Bureau. Bridges on the tour will include: Rupert, Wanich, Shoemaker, Kramer, Patterson, East & West Paden Twins, Josiah Hess and Stillwater. The bus will leave and return directly from the Fairgrounds. Contact the Visitors Bureau office at 570-784-8279 or visit: iTourColumbiaMontour.com/CBF H
Stillwater Bridge
East & West Paden Twins
The Magic of Fall Foliage Across Tioga and Potter Counties
As the cooler temperatures approach, enjoy the scenic splendor of Tioga and Potter Counties, home to the iconic Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and the awe-inspiring Dark Skies of Cherry Springs State Park. The entire region offers visitors some of the most spectacular fall colors in the state as it combines an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
Home to 10 state parks and over 400,000 acres of state forest, Tioga and Potter Counties are ideal for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, ATV riding, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing or a leisurely stroll through the lustrous network of trails, you will discover many ways to explore the great outdoors.
One of the highlights of the region is the popular Ole Covered Wagon Tours . Take a horse-drawn tour along the Pine Creek Trail and discover a unique way to experience the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon from the bottom up. The two hours spent surrounded by the flora and fauna of this rail-trail along Pine Creek provides visitors, families and groups with an unforgettable adventure.
The small towns across Tioga and Potter
Counties are bustling with activities, events and opportunities to find seasonal treats and products such as Highland Chocolates in Wellsboro, Potter County Artisan Center in Coudersport or Stained Glass Reflections in Wellsboro. When it comes to “Made in PA” products, the seasonally operated Mansfield Cider Mill , the many varieties of locally-made wines at Oregon Hill Winery , the year-round products made at Patterson Maple and the sweet nectar farmed and processed from nature’s busiest creatures at Draper’s Super Bee Apiaries offer a wide variety of products.
Planning a visit is easy with the resources available on the Visit PotterTioga website (www.VisitPotterTioga.com) . No matter your personal preference – hotels, motels, vacation rentals or cozy bed & breakfasts – the perfect lodging is yours for the booking. The region’s outfitters and equipment rental businesses are standing by to make gearing up for your outdoor adventure a breeze.
Dining across the region runs the gamut from morning bistro to nostalgic diners to full-service restaurants. Enjoy a great
Tim McBride Photography
meal before heading out to concerts, plays, special events and educational programs that you’ll discover on the Visitors Bureau’s Calendar of Events. Attractions like The Deane Center for the Performing Arts, Mansfield University, the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum and state parks offer cultural and informational pro grams for little or no cost, providing enriching experiences for all ages.
Whether your taste is for outdoor recreation or cultural events, the fall season across Tioga and Potter Counties offers ideas galore to create lasting memories. Gaze at the stars of the gold level
International Dark Sky Park at Cherry Springs State Park; explore the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon or spend an afternoon exploring the scenic byways. There’s no end to the countless ways to lose yourself in the natural beauty of the region. H
East & West Paden Twins
Curt Weinhold Photography
28th 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.
Painting by Earl Lehman
S Salt Springs Park
alt Springs Park is a hidden gem, tucked away in the lush hills of the Endless Mountains in Susquehanna County. The park offers a steep gorge with three beautiful waterfalls surrounded by a virgin hemlock forest. There are trails on both sides of the gorge which afford hikers splendid views of the waterfalls and creek. A wooden lookout along the popular Hemlock trail provides an overview of the top waterfall and features a short boardwalk to the famous
Penny Rock, where thousands of visitors have stopped to marvel at, and sometimes add to, the metallic collection.
There are approximately 15 miles of hiking trails with vary-
ing degrees of difficulty winding through 842 acres. At the base of the gorge is a bubbling salt spring, along with historic mid19th century farmhouses and barns.
Salt Springs is open to hunting and fishing in season, except for the designated Natural Area, which encompasses the picnic area, covered pavilion, (which can be rented for reunions, birthdays, weddings, etc.) and the land surrounding the hemlock grove, waterfalls and farm houses. In winter, portions of the park are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
There are 14 campsites and
park at 570-967-7275, email friends@saltspringspark.org, visit www.friendsofsaltspringspark.org.
Fri., Sept. 20 through Thursday, October
Friday, September 20
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Call 570-836-1022 x3 for tickets.
to the Dietrich’s
Have a Stress Free September to Remember
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction 8 Week Course
Cultivate the tools to better manage stress, pain, illness and the challenges of everyday life. Increase ease and well-being.
Lisa Rigau
MS, BSN, RN, DipACLM Owner of Healthy Lifestyle Management
Certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher through Brown University’s School of Professional Studies and The Mindfulness Center at the School of Public Health.
Lisa is a certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine educating individual clients and groups in implementing evidence-based, whole person, lifestyle changes utilizing the six pillars of lifestyle medicinea whole food, plant predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive social connections.
What to expect:
• Learn proven techniques to manage stress
• Develop mindfulness and meditation skills
• Improve focus and emotional well-being.
• Certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Instructor, Lisa Rigau guides you throughout the course.
Course Schedule:
• Every Wednesday, starting September 11, 2024
• Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
• Held at The IHM Center, on Marywood University’s Campus
Mandatory, Free Orientation:
• Wednesday, September 4, 2024
• Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
• Location: IHM Center, on Marywood University’s Campus
Registration: Visit www.EatBreatheMoveLive.com or contact Lisa at mindful4life1@gmail.com or 570-814-8188
Course Tuition: $350. Sliding scale available.
National Yoga Awareness Month
September is National Yoga Awareness Month. a time to promote the benefits of yoga and encourage healthy lifestyles. Yoga is a physical practice that also involves mental and spiritual components, such as breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation. It can help improve strength, balance and flexibility, and can also help with mental well-being, stress relief and quality of life. Yoga can also help with specific health conditions, such as back pain, arthritis and anxiety.
We create wellness through community and a community through wellness.
At SHY, we believe the body-mind-spirit practice of Yoga and a life infused with the Eastern Healing Arts is more powerful when experienced safely within a group setting.
Steamtown Hot Yoga & Barre Studio will unlock your body through physical practice, open your mind through the inspiration of your own progress and nurture your soul with the comfort of community and friendship. Our trained instructors and class variety support all levels. Start today and see for yourself!
James Ruane Photography
Columbia County, New York
Kinderhook means "Children's Corner" in the language of the original Dutch settlers. The name "Kinderhook" has its root in the landing of Henry Hudson, in the area around present-day Stuyvesant, where he was greeted by Native Americans with many children. Kinderhook is most noteworthy for its native son, Martin Van Buren, the 8th President of the United States.
Lindenwald Estate, Kinderhook, New York, a National Historic Site and the estate of the 8th President of the United States Martin Van Buren.
Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, New York, the estate was home to Frederic Edwin Church, one of the major figures in the Hudson River School of landscape painting.
Bradford CountyPennsylvania
The population of Bradford County is approximately 62,600. Its county seat is Towanda and it is surrounded on the east by Susquehanna County, southeast by Wyoming County, south by Sullivan County, southwest by Lycoming County and west by Tioga County.
The rolling hills of Bradford County offer visitors camping, hunting, fishing, kayaking and hiking, fairs and festivals, (when appropriate) and wineries. Museums and heritage opportunities abound amongst postcard-like streets brimming with eclectic shops and romantic restaurants.
The residents of Bradford County warmly invite visitors to experience their county, where you will find it to be your home away from home. www. visit-bradfordcounty. com 570-265-TOUR H
The Wyalusing Rocks located in Bradford County are also known as The Prayer Rocks. People have been led to these rocks for as long as there is documented his tory. The Wyalusing Rocks are important in native ameri can culture as a beautiful high point overlooking a stunning horseshoe bend in the Susquehanna River allowing sights for miles.
In and Around Northeast Pennsylvania June 2000
Photos: Mel Wowk James Ruane (inset)
Providence Pregnancy Center
I“’m about to have a baby boy next month and I lost everything due to my landlord throwing everything out. My ex beat me up in front of my kids and almost killed me and my unborn baby.” Unfortunately, texts and calls like this are not uncommon for Jessica Freyne. As Executive Director of Providence Pregnancy Center (PPC), she fields requests daily from pregnant women looking for both emotional and material support in a crisis.
“It’s been such a blessing being able to serve the women and mothers in our community,” Jessica said. “There is such a great need and the women we get to serve are so grateful to have this support. We can’t wait to see how this continues to grow.” Not all requests are quite so traumatic, but still immediate. The need for diapers, clothing and baby equipment is endless. PPC has been serving women and their children by providing resources throughout pregnancy and motherhood such as material assistance, community referrals and peer counseling. All services are free of charge and open to the community.
While the organization began in 2022 with simple material pick ups in a spare room at St. Thomas
More Parish, the Board saw the immediate need to expand. They purchased a former funeral home in October 2023 and began renovations to make it a pregnancy resource center and maternity home. The organization has now opened its Resource Center and thrift boutique—ReBorn.
In addition to the ongoing operation of the Resource Center, PPC is renovating a five bedroom home on the property. Casa De Maria will house up to five pregnant women (and their children up to age 5). Unlike any other maternity home in over a 100mile radius, women will have access to safe housing and be able to keep their young children with them, while benefiting from a program designed to help them achieve stability and independence. Other maternity homes are not equipped to allow children to
move in with their mothers during pregnancy; making women choose between remaining with their existing children or housing. PPC continues to receive requests and referrals of women needing this type of housing.
In an upcoming fundraiser, actor Jim Caviezel will be speaking at a benefit on October 16. Most commonly known for his leading roles in the Passion of the Christ and Sound of Freedom, Jim Caviezel is a strong advocate for pro-life causes and will be lending his support to this exciting event as the keynote speaker. Find information on VIP and General Admission tickets to Arise for Life at: ppcscranton.org/events. Tickets can be purchased online or through the Goodwill Theater at North. The evening will include a VIP mixer, silent auction, a brief documentary on PPC and a keynote by Jim Caviezel.
Providence Pregnancy Center, located on North Main Ave in Scranton, PA is a nonprofit organization. Donations in support of this mission can be made at ppcscranton.org/donate. H
Submit your baby's photo for inclusion in the next “New Baby Photo Gallery.” All entries must be received prior to December 11. (Baby must be born after Nov. 1, 2023)
$35 Entry Fee
See details at happeningspa.com Question? Email info@happeningspa.com
Swan Antiques
An eclectic array of European, American and Oriental antiques housed in historic 1870’s general store. Paintings, porcelains, furniture, objets d’art and collectors memorabilia. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed for Lunch Noon-1 p.m.; Sat. Noon5 p.m.; Sun.-By chance; Always best to call before heading out. 424 So. Sterling Road/Rte. 191, So. Sterling, Pa. 18460; Tel 570-594-7316
Save the Dates
THURS. 9/19/24
7:00 PM
Chamber 1
Sordoni Art Gallery, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre
Kirby Center for the Creative Arts, Kingston (Wyoming Seminary Upper School)
Dvorak, White, and Orff’s Carmina Burana
F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre
Chamber 4
Black Scranton Project Center for Arts and Culture, Scranton
Simply the Best: A Tribute to Tina Turner
Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino, Wilkes-Barre
PNC POPS in collaboration with Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher
Thalenfeld
Cael Hill’s Courageous Life Journey
Cael Hill is outgoing and curious. He loves to give hugs, to sing and to make people laugh. He is fascinated by trains and animals. He loves movies and music. He also looks forward to hiking and exploring with his mom and dad.
Cael is 5 ½ years old. Cael also has Dravet Syndrome (DS) a rare genetic epilepsy that gives rise to seizures that don't respond well to existing seizure medications. DS usually begins before age 1, with
seizures often occurring in the presence of fever or warm temperatures.
In Cael’s case, brief instances of jerking of his arms began when he was 4-months old and necessitated emergency trips to the hospital by his worried parents, Matt and Reagan Hill of Roaring Brook Township. When describing what they saw to doctors, no one suggested that the jerk ing may be seizures. After several more episodes and little concern expressed by medical professionals, Reagan recorded what they now know were seizures and took the video to a neurologist. A fourhour EEG to measure the electrical activity in Cael’s brain didn’t offer a diagnosis. At 5-months old after a
bath, Cael suffered a full body, tonic-clonic seizure. Reagan called 911 and the seizure ended after 20 minutes as EMS arrived.
The Hills took Cael to Johns Hopkins where he stayed for extensive testing that included a multi-day EEG.
the pediatric neurolo gists diagnosed him with epilepsy. Cael was put on a daily epilepsy medication and prescribed a rescue medication should another prolonged seizure occur. When Cael was 8 months old, his grandmother was watching him when he seized. The rescue medication was given, but the seizure did not stop. A second dose was given as directed, but the seizure still did not stop. A call was placed to 911 and the parents rushed home from work. Cael was transported to a local ED where the seizure continued for an hour and a half despite multiple doses of other medications. Cael was placed in a drug-induced coma and intubated before being life-flighted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
At CHOP, specialists sus -
pected Dravet Syndrome because of the way Cael’s seizures presented. Genetic testing revealed a mutation of the SCN1A gene, confirming their suspicions. The diagnosis was frightening but at least it gave the disease a name. Cael was life flighted to CHOP three more times before his 4th birthday due to prolonged seizures.
Today, in addition to his daily medications, Cael is on a strict ketogenic diet through CHOP which is designed for difficult
to control seizures. Each one of his meals and snacks needs to be portioned and precisely weighed using only ingredients on the program. His parents are both heavily involved in his menu preparation. Through the keto diet his seizures are not as numerous or severe. Finding a rescue medicine that works for Cael has also made a significant difference, making ER visits and hospitalizations much less frequent.
Cael’s grandmother, Mari King, described him as imaginative and full of energy.
“Cael loves the beach, but his beach vacations have to be taken during cooler weather because heat and sunlight are triggers for his seizures,” Mari said. “In hot weather, Cael’s temperature must be monitored throughout the day, and he wears a cooling vest and baseball cap when playing outside in the sun.”
Reagan explained that Dravet Syndrome is more than just seizures. It affects all aspects of life. Each case is unique, with each seizure’s types, triggers and degree of developmental delay varying per child.
Dravet rides a spectrum like autism does. In fact, Cael has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder—a pervasive developmental disorder that frequently co-occurs with epilepsy.
Cael is a fluent speaker who met his language milestone at the appropriate age. He attends a daily autism program at Friendship House and frequent therapy for fine motor delays. He starts kindergarten at Moscow Elementary Center this month.
“This year huge develop -
ments are possible,” Matt said. “Cael is smart, though he struggles to stay on task.”
“He has a one-on-one nurse Monday through Friday when he goes to school,” Reagan said. “She gives us huge peace of mind.”
The Dravet Syndrome Foundation works to advance research, increase awareness and provide crucial support to affected individuals and families. On September 15, Reagan, Matt and the Dravet Syndrome Foundation will present Steps Toward a Cure 5k and One Mile Family Fun Walk at McDade Park. Readers can help make a difference to fund valuable research toward a cure. Check-in and onsite registration is at 9 a.m. Timed 5K and 1 mile Family Fun Walk start at 10 a.m.
Visit dravetfoundation.org for more information. H
–Christine Fanning
Friendship House Coming to
Wyoming Ave and Biden Street, Scranton
Recovery...
Recovery: a return to a normal state of health, mind or strength.
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
Endless Mountains Extended Care, LLC
is a state-licensed inpatient drug & alcohol treatment facility for adult males.
Mind
We use an empathetic, trauma-informed approach to recovery, unlike traditional confrontational methods. Our qualified counselors offer diverse trauma-focused cognitive therapies; collaborating with medical professionals for effective, sustainable support that includes individual counseling, mental health group sessions, and comprehensive care for disorders.
Body
Addiction can cause tremendous, lasting damage to a person’s body. We help clients regain their physical health by offering proper nutrition, physician consultations and appointments, and a variety of healthy activities such as: adventure therapy, access to exercise equipment, outdoor sports, swimming, and hiking in the beautiful mountains that surround our facility.
Spirit
Reconnecting with one’s spiritual side often proves helpful in building and maintaining long-term recovery. We help clients identify and explore options for becoming truly whole again by offering mindfulness classes, meditation sessions, as well as optional weekly access to religious services, and on-site staffled bible study.
We believe long-term recovery relies on reestablishing and strengthening connections, which is why our clients have the opportunity to participate in community volunteer projects, family counseling sessions, and family visitation.
Golf Guide
ELMHURST COUNTRY CLUB
Elmhurst Country Club is a private facility located just outside of Scranton PA and the Pocono Mountains. Established in 1929 and designed by Scotty Robson, Elmhurst offers immaculate course conditions and views that cannot be rivaled on and off the golf course. It is a true hidden and historical gem. 319 Gardner Rd, Moscow, PA 570-842-7691 www.elmhurstcc.golf/
LAKELAND GOLF CLUB
Lakeland Golf Club's 9-hole executive course in Fleetville features 1,525 yards of golf for a par of 32. Challenging enough for seasoned golfers and perfect for beginners, the course includes a putting green and beautiful clubhouse. Call 570-945-9983 for information regarding leagues, lessons, memberships and venue rental.
MARJON GOLF COURSE
Marjon is a 9 hole, par 35 public golf course. We are operating under new ownership. The course is situated on gently rolling terrain and features well maintained greens. The Pavilion at Marjon is available for tournaments, public and corporate events. New changes and major upgrades were made. 1360 Griffin Road, Roaring Brook, PA 570-842-7922
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 levels!
SCRANTON CANOE CLUB
The Scranton Canoe Club is located on beautiful Lake Winola. You and your friends and family can enjoy nature, fine dining, extraordinary service, scenic golf, and an warm community of members that welcomes families and individuals of all ages. The Canoe Club has no initiation fee and is much more economical than other regional country clubs. 570-378-9976
SKYTOP GOLF
Enjoy Skytop Lodge’s award-winning course on 5,500 acres, voted 30th best course in the country on Golf Pass, rated #1 in the country for conditions, and 22 for pace of play. No other Poconos golfing vacation offers a mountain-style track that plays over rolling terrain and boasts wide, treelined 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
Where to Camp
KEEN LAKE CAMPING AND COTTAGE RESORT
For 70 years, Keen Lake Resort has been hosting relaxation and reconnecting at our 90-acre private lake in the Pocono Mountains. Join us for the best glamping experience in Northeast PA, or come stay for a while at a campsite or rental cottage. We want to celebrate our Platinum anniversary with you this camping season... and your breath of fresh air is waiting here. Thanks for the memories-- let's make some more!
LEDGEDALE CAMPGROUND & MARINA
Located on beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack. We offer seasonal and daily sites, seasonal boat slips, kayak rentals and have a camp store. We also have a boat launch and picnic area with view of the lake! 153 Ledgedale Road, Greentown, PA phone 570-689-2181, www.ledgedalerecreationarea.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
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-August–Labor Day and weekends Spring and Fall. Route 6, Hawley. 570-226-8585. www.costasfamilyfunpark.com
LAHEY FAMILY FUN PARK
THE FRENCH AZILUM HISTORIC SITE
August 3 Civil War Day
August 23-25 Revolutionary War Day
October 5 Open Hearth Experience
October 26 Escape the Guillotine 469 Queens Rd., Towanda. 570-996-7534 thefrenchazilum.com
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
WALLENPAUPACK SCENIC BOAT TOUR & BOAT RENTAL
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
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
SCRANTON ART HAUS
An independent theater in downtown Scranton offering convenient in-theater dining and a full service bar. From date night to family night, we provide a higher level of service and amenities to meet your needs. Birthday parties, events and theater rentals available. 570-955-0293 / scrantonarthaus.com
The French Azilum
The French Azilum, near Towanda in Bradford County, was originally conceived and designed as a place where Marie Antoinette and other French Nobles could settle once they fled France and the Revolution— and the Guillotine.
Founded in 1793, the settlement at its height boasted more than 200 residents, most from royal and noble families who had been loyal to the French Monarchy, and recreated ‘Versailles on
the Susquehanna’ as best they could! Although there were many plans for Marie Antoinette and her nobles to escape the Revolution, no other place exists in the world which was a planned community for the refugees. Visit the French Azilum, and discover the remarkable history behind the village on the horseshoe bend of the Susquehanna River.
Whether you are interested in a kitchen or bathroom remodel, an addition or a full-scale renovation, our in-house interior design and construction experts are dedicated to providing the highest quality craftsmanship, customer service, design and creative solutions.
Finger Lakes region. As one of the oldest operating theaters in the United States, The Smith has not only endured but thrived, enriching the community with a rich tapestry of performing arts and cinematic experiences for over a century. It is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and has been called an architectural gem by The New York Times and the Smithsonian.
Originally established as a vibrant venue for entertainment, the Smith Opera House has evolved into a cherished institution renowned for its commitment to historic preservation and artistic excellence. The theater under-
back in time, with its ornate architecture and plush seating providing a nostalgic ambiance for visitors.
The Smith's stage has hosted an impressive array of performances over the years, ranging from classical concerts to contemporary theater productions, dance performances and thought-provoking speeches. Beyond live performances, the Smith Opera House also serves as a cultural hub for the community, screening films on a sizable 40 by 30foot screen. This dual role as both a live performance venue and a cinema ensures that there is always something captivating happening within its walls,
the opera house. Collaborating with promoters, local educational institutions like Hobart and William Smith Colleges and nonprofit organizations such as Geneva Concerts and Geneva Light Opera, The Smith ensures a steady stream of high-quality programming year-round. This collaborative effort not only sustains the opera house financially, but also enriches the cultural fabric of Geneva and its surrounding communities.
For residents and visitors alike, attending an event at the Smith Opera House is not just about entertainment; it's a celebration of history, community and the enduring power of the arts. The opera house stands as a testament to the perseverance of non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and promoting creativity H
‘No one leaves empty-handed’
The Wright Center’s food pantries
Apallet of food sat near the storage shed at The Wright Center for Community HealthMid Valley location, delivered that morning from the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank.
In two hours, vehicles would begin lining up in the parking lot—the drivers and passengers waiting for much-needed help to fill their pantries and fridges. Before distributing the nutritious food, however, volunteers from The Wright Center had to unload the delivery and pack hundreds of cloth bags with fresh produce, milk, juice, meat and other items.
Gerri McAndrew, director of development and relations for community outreach and codirector of The Wright Center for
Patient & Community Engagement (PCE), clapped her hands once to get the attention of the volunteers. “We can start filling the bags assembly-line style.”
Soon items such as eggplants, squash, potatoes and grapefruits made their way into each bag. McAndrew, who oversees the monthly food pantries organized by PCE, began approaching vehicles to greet the people waiting to pick up the bounty.
September is Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness about hunger in communities across America. McAndrew oversees regular food pantries at The Wright Center’s community health centers in Mid Valley, North Pocono and Hawley. Additional pantries, including
two recent pop-up events at Scranton’s Weston Field, are held as needed. The Wright Center began hosting food giveaways about a decade ago, thanks to help from Volunteers of America and, later, Friends of the Poor.
The need increased exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and leaders at The Wright Center recognized an opportunity to help patients and others in the community. In addition to the Weinberg Food Bank, The Wright Center partners with a variety of community groups to help distribute food, including the Wayne County Food Pantry and the City of Scranton.
“It was a small program that grew to address the needs of our communities,” McAndrew said. “There are a lot of people in need who don’t drive. The more places you can offer for people to come and get food, the better for the community.”
As the pandemic eased, the need for nutritious food did not disappear. Neither did PCE’s mission to improve the health of our communities through education, advocacy and patient-centered services that help individuals overcome food insecurity, homelessness, transportation issues and other factors known as the social determinants of health. In 2023, food distributions organized by The Wright Center helped nearly 900 families. PCE also donated more than 300 turkeys and hams to families for Thanksgiving.
“Gas, utilities and rent are all getting more expensive,”
McAndrew said. “People are often facing tough choices— pay their light and water bills or pay for food.”
Channel Kearse, an outreach coordinator for the city of Scranton, said many in the Electric City are familiar with those difficult choices. The city began hosting pop-up events in 2022 to increase access to food for Scranton residents and is happy to partner with The Wright Center.
“We know there’s a great need, based on what we’re seeing and what our community partners are seeing,” Kearse said. “Why not bring the resources right to the neighborhoods? We’re going to take every opportunity we can to help people access services.”
Back at the Mid Valley health center, the number of bags
McAndrew’s smile grew as she greeted each person individually, jotting down basic information to report back to the Weinberg Regional Food Bank.
“No one will be turned away,” she said. “If we run out, we have resources to make sure no one leaves empty-handed.”
Peckville resident Margaret
tion, appreciates the assurance.
“I’ve been coming to this food bank for years,” she said. “What I can’t use, I’ll pass out to my neighbors in need. It’s a great variety of veggies and meats. It really helps when you need to stretch your money. I’m very grateful for this food pantry being close to where I live.” H
QUEEN!
F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre
PNC POPS in collaboration with Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher
Experience an electrifying fusion of classic rock and symphonic music like never before with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic! Prepare to be enthralled as the orchestra joins forces with the phenomenal Jeans ‘n Classics live band performing iconic songs like Bohemian Rhapsody and hits such as We Will Rock You and Don’t Stop Me Now. Join us on a musical journey that celebrates the timeless brilliance of Queen’s extraordinary repertoire.
Feel Good, Live Well: LMG Wellness at Lackawanna Medical Group
Long gone are the days of waiting until sickness strikes to seek medical care. Now we recognize the importance of proactively pursuing treatments and solutions to live up to our full potential. By embracing a preventative approach, we can maintain our health and vitality, helping to ensure that we can live longer, fuller lives.
LMG Wellness in Scranton is a hub for proactive wellness in Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. Dr. David Horvath and Theresa Germano, CRNP specialize in weight loss management, hormone therapy, sexual health, gut health and overall wellness for men and women.
Dr. Horvath, board certified plastic surgeon and Medical Director of LMG Wellness and Cosmetics, joined the team from the suburbs of Philadelphia where he practiced at Jefferson Abington Hospital for over 10 years. He is excited to bring his knowledge and expertise to the Scranton area.
“The most important outcome is patient satisfaction, and our goal is to ensure that our clients look, feel and perform at their best,” said Dr. Horvath.
After beginning her career in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, certified registered nurse practitioner, Theresa
Germano, is excited about expanding her practice to include these preventative services. She believes strongly in working proactively to keep her patients healthy, and is proud of the lives that she and Dr. Horvath have changed throughout this past year.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure being able to help out the community,” said Theresa. “We’ve helped so many patients feel like themselves again.”
This past July, the team celebrated their first anniversary. Liz Grad Murphy, the Business Operations Director of Lackawanna Medical Group, has been instrumental in shaping LMG Wellness since its inception. Her leadership continues to guide the team as it evolves into a larger and more dynamic healthcare practice.
“It is so rewarding to see how our treatments and services are improving the lives of so many patients,” said Liz. “I couldn’t be more confident about our providers and our entire team.”
For more information about LMG Wellness or to book a personalized consultation, visit lmghealthandwellness.com or call at (570) 961-0171. H
The 18th Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) Conference will be held October 18, 2024 at the Woodlands Inn in Wilkes-Barre. State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, who has been actively involved with the organization, will deliver the keynote address. Several informative panel discussions will be made by specialists and legal advice will be offered by
attorneys. The conference will also feature dozens of resource tables with helpful information for grandparents.
More than 21,000 GRG families live within the Pocono-Northeast region, and approximately 90,000 GRG families reside in Pennsylvania. Nationally, more than 2.5 million youngsters are being raised by grandparents.
The GRG Coalition has existed since 2004 and has been a great resource, increasing the awareness of GRG families in the region. The official name of the organization is the NEPA Intergenerational Coalition, and it maintains a close relationship with the Luzerne Foundation and the Area Agencies on Aging as well as with many other entities across the region.
The event will include a luncheon. Closing remarks will be made by Rabbi Larry Kaplan of Temple Israel in Wilkes-Barre. The coalition is thankful for all of the support, sponsors and organizations that have helped the conference and organization grow through the years H
Find the WRIGHT Care Close to Home
September is National Service Dog Month
Service dogs can be an excellent layer of protection and companionship for an elderly person. They can help seniors remain independent by assisting with hearing, vision, mobility, cognition and other disabilities.
Hospice Remembrance Walk Returns
More than 1,200 walkers are expected to pause and remember their loved ones in a unique and special way at the sixth Hospice of the Sacred Heart Remembrance Walk. The walk will take place on Saturday, September 28 at McDade Park in Scranton. 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 long-sleeve 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.
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 cause-driven non-profit organization that focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We believe 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.
At the Y, we take immense pride in our work to strengthen communities and help all of us be our best selves. We provide a place to play, to learn, to be healthy, to eat well and to give back. We give working parents childcare, young adults job opportunities, seniors a way to connect and children a safe place to go. We believe that everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from— deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Everything the Y does is in service of making sure people and communities thrive.
The Greater Wyoming Valley Area (which includes the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, Greater Pittston YMCA, YMCA Camp Kresge, YMCA Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Education, Charlotte L. Casterline M.D. YMCA Early Learning Center and the YMCA Child Care Center at Bear Creek Community Charter School), Greater Scranton YMCA and Wayne County YMCA offer something for everyone in our communities. For generations, our YMCAs have taught children, adults and families how to be safe in and around the water through lifesaving swim lessons. We are proud to provide older adults in our communities 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, our Northeastern Pennsylvania YMCAs make a profound impact on the lives of the individuals and families we serve.
The YMCA is a charity turning no one away for an inability to pay. We believe all families deserve the chance to grow stronger together through a family membership to the Y; all children deserve the chance to attend an early childhood education program, which provides them with the skills needed 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 and before and afterschool programs.
WILKES-BARRE FAMILY YMCA 40 W. Northampton Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
www.wvymca.org, 570-823-2191
GREATER PITTSTON YMCA 10 N. Main Street, Pittston, PA 18640 www.wvymca.org, (570) 655-2255
YMCA CAMP KRESGE 382 Camp Kresge Lane, White Haven, PA 18661 570-443-2267 • www.wvymca.org,
CHARLOTTE L. CASTERLINE M.D. YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER 915 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, PA 18704 www.wvymca.org, 570-931-3791
YMCA MERICLE FAMILY CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 1122 Oak Street, Pittston, PA 18640 www.wvymca.org, 570-931-3795
The Y: For a better us. “ “
We hope you join us! The Y. For a better us. H
YMCA CHILD CARE CENTER AT BEAR CREEK COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL 30 Charter School Way, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 www.wvymca.org, 570-990-1126
GREATER SCRANTON YMCA 706 North Blakely Street Dunmore, PA 18512 www.greaterscrantonymca.org, (570) 342-8115
WAYNE COUNTY YMCA 105 Park Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 www.wcymca.com, (570) 253-2083
Addressing Senior Social Isolation
Aclose personal relationships and faceto-face interactions plays a much larger role in our potential longevity than previously thought. Social support with positive connections boosts our cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and immune systems. People with healthy social integration show a lowered likelihood of experiencing age related cognitive decline. Well documented facts such as these, coupled with the high percentage of older adults living in this region, provided the impetus for the United Way to embark on a three year program funded by the Moses Taylor
Lackawanna County. The program is a collaboration amongst 27 community partner organizations and has three specific goals:
• develop a single screen-
• ing tool for community
• partners to identify • •
• potentially high-risk
• individuals
• develop “trained
• navigators” to identify
• and connect older adults
• to services designed to
• reduce isolation
• conduct a public
• awareness campaign
• about the problem and
• potential solutions
• targeted to the communi-
• ty, caregivers and seniors
• themselves.
lated older adults are at greater risk for poor health and death than their wellconnected counterparts. A lack of social contacts, including interactions with either close family relationships or with casual interactions, such as neighbors or store attendants, is associated with an estimated $6.7 billion annual federal spending. The AARP estimates that Medicare spent an average of $134 more monthly ($1,608 annually) for each socially isolated older adult than it did for those with more social contacts.
The Institute of State and Regional Affairs and the
Pennsylvania Population Network released a study (December 2020) of counties with high-risk adult populations. A score of 100 represented the highest risk. With an overall ranking of 69.3, the report listed Lackawanna County as having the 4th highest at-risk isolation population in the Commonwealth.
There are now more people over the age of 65 than at any other time in history, according to recent data, and studies indicate that of those who live into their 90s and 100s, only 35 percent have the longevity gene. The remaining factors may be controllable. Social interaction is helpful in minimizing stress, maintaining physical activity, keep -
ing the brain active and laughing more, all included in non-genetic indicators of longevity.
Gary Drapek, President and CEO at United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties has been with the organization since 1987. As part of the over age 65 category himself, he is to retire next year, after decades of serving in volunteer and leadership roles within the organization including with projects targeted to elder population.
even more fully appreciate the project’s goals,” said Drapek. “Our community thrives when the needs of each segment of our population is adequately addressed. This project will assist us in yet another way of helping to keep our community vibrant, for all ages.
“I am delighted that we are addressing this crucial need in our community. As I am now a member of this senior community myself, I can
The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties is the organization that has the trained navigators and that connects older adults with numerous services and providers in Lackawanna County. When older adults, their relatives, neighbors or concerned friends call the United Way, their trained professionals follow up and interview the older adult and arrange for appropriate services,” he said . H
Attention Medicare Recipients
The PA Medicare Education and Decision Insight Program, PA MEDI, helps Medicare beneficiaries apply for financial assistance through the Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs if you qualify.
There is NO COST for the PA MEDI Program’s help or for enrollment into these programs. Call your local PA MEDI Program to learn more! Monroe County • 570-420-3735 Pike County • 570-775-5550 ext. 1313 Wayne County • 570-253-4262
The Older Pennsylvanians Legal Assistance Program provides access to free legal advice and services for adults 60 and older. The program can help with legal matters relating to age discrimination, housing & utilities, wills & power of attorney. While there is no charge, contributions are always welcomed and appreciated! For more information on legal assistance, contact the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, (570) 963-6740.
St. Luke’s Specialists
Richard M. Boulay, MD
Gynecologic Oncology | Obstetrics & Gynecology
In addition to a strong clinical focus, Dr. Boulay has a passion for cancer patient survivorship. He studied the multiplicity of experiences of cancer survivors and has produced awardwinning blogs for the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) and “Cure” Magazine. Dr. Boulay collaborated with PBS39 to produce an Emmy-nominated documentary, “Close to Home: Cancer Survivorship,” which featured the stories and advice of local cancer survivors.
Dr. Boulay is the founder of the Catherine Boulay Foundation, a notfor-profit charitable organization he established in honor of his late grandmother who passed away from cancer when he was young.
Dr. Boulay is a board-certified, fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist with more than 25 years experience. He received his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed an internship and residency at Magee-Women’s Hospital, part of UPMC. He completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State College of Medicine.
Dr. Boulay’s professional experience includes holding numerous leadership roles and stewarding education and research endeavors. He has served as principal investigator for clinical trials, co-chair and chair of IRB and Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement groups, respectively. He previously served as assistant clinical professor for Penn State University.
Professional honors have included CREOG National Teaching Awards, Felix Rutledge Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Berlex Faculty
Development Course. He has also been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology and Clinics of North America.
Dr. Boulay is an accomplished vocalist, having recorded multiple albums and performed in numerous venues including Miller Symphony Hall, PPL Center, Coca-Cola Park and Penn’s Peak.
In his spare time, Dr. Boulay enjoys furniture making, skiing, sailing and history. He resides in Allentown with his wife, Julie. They have two daughters.
Dr. Boulay sees patients at St. Luke’s Cancer Care Associates in Stroudsburg and Allentown. Visit www.sluhn.org or call 484-5267555.
Meredith A. Harrison, MD
Specialties
Surgery (General Surgery) | Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery
Expertise Lung Surgery | Navigational Bronchoscopy | Oncological Surgery
Dr. Harrison believes that every patient deserves to have every question that they have answered, no matter how much time it takes. If she were navigating a new cancer diagnosis for herself or a family member, she would hope that a physician would give her this kind of time. She prides herself on the relationships she has with her patients and the bond that they form.
Dr. Harrison is a dual board-certified thoracic surgeon and general surgeon, having trained at Thomas
Jefferson University Hospital and University of Virginia. She specializes in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, both thoracoscopic and robotic, focusing specifically on diseases of the lung, chest and esophagus. Dr. Harrison has a special interest in treating cancers of the lungs and esophagus. Additionally, she performs surgical and endoscopic procedures in patients with swallowing disorders involving the esophagus and the stomach.
In addition to her primary role as a surgeon, she also sees herself as an educator. Training the next generation of surgeons is essential to the continued success in the field. This is why she became the assistant program director of the St. Luke’s general surgery residency program.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Harrison is an avid runner and loves to travel. The best part of her life though is spending time with her husband, Andrew Brown, who is also a surgeon at St. Luke’s, and their two sons. She is a Philadelphia native who is filled with hometown pride.
Dr. Meredith Harrison sees patients St. Luke’s Thoracic Surgical Associates in Stroudsburg, and St. Luke’s Thoracic Surgical Associates in Bethlehem. Visit www.sluhn.org or call 484-526-3950. H
Richard M. Boulay, MD Meredith A. Harrison, MD
HEALING BEGINS WITH
Hope
at the St. Luke’s Cancer Center
With You Every Step of the Way
When it comes to choosing cancer care, choose the team you can trust. The best team of experts with complete services and the finest facilities.
At St. Luke’s, we deliver world class cancer care with personalized treatment plans. From superior radiation therapy and state of the art infusion technology to groundbreaking clinical trials. We give you hope with unparalleled compassion and support. Right here. All in one location.
Happenings Update on Hannah Hughes
We first met Hannah Hughes on the cover of Happenings Magazine in January of 2008. Now over 16 years later, she is nearing the end of her high school career and is looking excitedly to the next chapter of her life.
The daughter of Rob Hughes, of Clarks Summit, and the late Megan Hughes, Hannah was born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Currently a senior at Abington Heights High School, Hannah is expected to walk the stage at graduation in 2025.
“Since you last saw me, a lot has happened,” says Hannah. “Back around 2015/2016 my mother got breast cancer, and as time went on it got worse, but she fought it for as long as possible. She even did the Race for the Cure!”
“In 2017 her cancer got worse, so she went into hospice,” says Hannah.
“I could tell, even as a 10yearold, my mother was not getting better.”
In December of 2017, Hannah’s mother passed away in her sleep. Only a child at the time, Hannah says that in losing her mother, she grew up faster than many other children at school, and for while she struggled to keep up with her grades. But as time passed, with strength and determination, she pulled through middle school.
Last year, another shock shook Hannah’s family when her father, Robert, was diagnosed with throat cancer. It was during this time that Hannah and her younger brother, Harrison, truly came together, providing unwa vering support not only to their father but also to each other.
“I was shocked when he said this, it unlocked trauma that I had pushed down,” Hannah says. “I was scared I was going to lose him, too. But I did not. He pushed through and now he is better than ever!”
Outside of school, among other hobbies and extracurriculars, one
of Hannah’s passions stands out the most—horses.
“I am a equestrian and have been riding horses since I was 5 or 6 years old,” says Hannah.
“My mother noticed I liked the horses at Roba’s and booked lessons for me.”
Hannah is proud of the hard work and determination that comes with being an equestrian, especially when navigating difficult times and roadblocks.
In October 2023, Hannah began leasing a horse named Archer. Recently, Archer fell ill and had
to be retired, but Hannah still takes the time to visit him.
“He inspires me to keep pushing forward even if life has other plans in store for us,” says Hannah.
Alongside her time spent with Archer, Hannah credits her trainer, Trudy Sutton, at Over the Hill Farm in Clarks Summit as one of her biggest inspirations—not only in her riding but also in her dedication to the farm and her students.
Hannah recalls the many times Trudy has stood out, rain or shine or in frigid Pennsylvania
winter temperatures, to care for the horses and teach her students.
"Trudy has been a huge inspiration and influence on me since I was little and I cherish that. She and I do not get along at times, but it just strengthens our relationship as two people,” says Hannah. “Since my mother passed away, she has been there for my family and me. I call her my second mother because she technically is to me.”
Regarding her plans for higher education, though she is currently undecided on where she would like to study, Hannah is planning to follow her heart and enter the field of equine science and business.
Outside of the stables, Hannah shares that she is
happiest when spending time with her family and friends, and she also finds comfort in the moments of solitude she gets to herself. Her closest friend, Victoria, has been by Hannah’s
side through it all—during both good times and bad.
“I’m passionate about making those in my life smile, specifically my best friend Victoria,” says Hannah. “She has been there for me through thick and thin and I would do anything to make her smile and I know she feels the same way about me.”
From her debut in Happenings Magazine as just a baby to her current feature as a busy high school student and accomplished equestrian, Hannah has truly flourished. She is a remarkably resilient, driven and passionate young woman, with a future ahead of her that holds boundless potential.
“Life has been a whirlwind of events but so far,” says Hannah. “ But I am still here with my family, friends and pets.” H
Thomas M. Churilla, MD
Christopher A. Peters, MD
Meghan S. Haggerty, MD
Believe
Survivor Reflects on Breast Cancer Journey With Positivity
ary Beth Kolata was dismayed that at age 53 she would need a hip replacement.
The surgery was scheduled for August 15, 2022, but before that, she had to make an appointment for a routine mammogram. Mary Beth was diligent about her yearly mammograms, but in 2022, she was two months overdue due to the death of a friend. While driving home from her rescheduled mammogram, the radiologist who knew about her upcoming hip surgery called her to come in the next day for a biopsy on her right breast. On August 11, 2022, Mary Beth was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in her right breast.
negative is a very aggressive breast cancer and has the highest rate of reoccurence within the first five years,” Mary Beth explained.
Her saving grace was that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes and that her tumor was less than two centimeters. She was Stage I. As she left the area for her hip replacement at Rothman Institute of Philadelphia, Mary Beth said she was devastated. Too young for hip replace-
Mary Beth and her husband, John, went to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and Fox
Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia to determine in which facility she wanted to be treated. She chose Fox Chase. Mary Beth decided on a double mastectomy.
“I know the type of person I am and I knew the cancer was aggressive,” she said.
There wouldn’t be radiation, she learned, but she would have chemotherapy for five months starting in September 2022 and running through January 2023. Thankfully, Mary Beth had her family and John, all through the beginning of her health ordeal and throughout what was to come.
tors. Cancers having high levels of these receptors are called HER2positive.
In the first week of February, she developed a blood clot near her port (a surgically placed device under the skin to allow healthcare providers to access a vein). She received anticoagulants to reduce blood clotting. Two weeks later, she contracted Covid.
“I had a high fever for three days and they were watching for sepsis,” she said.
At the time of her double mastectomy, they removed a “residual tumor.” Her treatment had not fully removed the cancer, thus requiring more treatment. Two weeks later when her biopsy came back, she learned the tumor had either morphed or was heterogenous. What was removed during the surgery came back HER2-positive, a whole new diagnosis. If Fox Chase hadn’t started with neojuvent chemotherapy, she never would have known about the HER2-positive. Mary Beth was cancer-free but needed another year of treatment, which she continued in Philadelphia.
The result, HER2-positive, is a protein that can affect the growth of some cancer cells and is found on the surface of normal breast cells. Some breast cancer cells have a
In October 2023, a DEXA body scan revealed osteoporosis in her spine and that her osteo-arthritis had gotten worse.
However, there was joy tempered with pain in the battle. A daughter was married a year ago in April. A new grandson was born in July. Then, in November while holding her brand new grandson, her other hip started to hurt. She had a stress fracture and more osteo-arthritis. Chemo had to stop for six weeks. She needed another hip replacement surgery, which was performed in January 2024.
“Recovery is much harder while going through chemo,” she said.
Her treatment ended in May of this year.
“I’m good now finally,” Mary Beth said. “I’m starting aqua therapy and acupuncture for arthritis in my lower back, spine and upper neck.”
In recalling her battle with cancer and everything that came with it, Mary Beth expressed dry amusement in her journey.
“I wouldn’t have been able to go through it without a sense of humor and positivity,” she said. “My husband and I had a motto:
now it’s, ‘I can’t believe I did it!’”
Mary Beth couldn’t say enough about Fox Chase Cancer Center. Their wellness program Unite for HER sent fresh vegetables for up to 16 weeks. Sun Basket meals were also provided. The Pink Fund paid household bills up to $3,000 for up to three months. In December 2022, the Kolata children, family and friends held a Christmas Cabaret fundraiser.
“It was a wonderful lift of spirits, and helped tremendously financially,” she said. “My sister-in-law told me about a contest she found in People Magazine for women going through breast cancer treatment called Little Pink House of Hope. I submitted my name and we won a fully paid trip to Sedona, Arizona, which we went on in June. It was with other families going through breast cancer. We have been so blessed throughout an awful time.”
The Kolatas live in Madison Township. They have four children, four grandchildren and another grandchild due in October.
“The journey was long, but with a loving husband, and awesome family and friends, I’m proof you get through it. I cannot stress enough the importance of early detection by getting your yearly mammogram.” H –Christine Fanning
Are 529 plans a good way to save for college?
Yes, 529 plans can be an excellent way to save for college as they let you save in an individual investment account that offers federal tax advantages along with potential state tax benefits for Pennsylvania residents. Established by individual states, 529 plans are managed by experienced financial institutions designated by the state. Plans may have slightly different features but essentially work the same way.
You (or anyone else) can open an account in your child's name and contribute as much money as you want, subject to the plan's lifetime limit. You select from a variety of investment portfolios depending on your risk tolerance or other factors that are important to you. Most plans offer agebased portfolios whose underlying investments automatically become more conservative as your child gets closer to college.
A popular feature of the 529 plan is the ability to combine many desirable tax features with being able to use the money at any accredited college in the country. Your contributions grow tax deferred and withdrawals are taxfree at the federal level if used to pay the beneficiary's qualified education expenses. Many states also add their own tax benefits, such as a tax deduction for contributions and exemption of the earnings from state income tax. However, if a withdrawal is not used to pay the beneficiary's qualified education expenses
(known as a nonqualified withdrawal), the earnings portion of the withdrawal is subject to a 10% federal penalty and is taxed as income at the rate of the person who receives the withdrawal (a state penalty and income tax may also apply).
There are no income limits that determine whether you are eligible to open a 529 account — everyone is eligible. If your child decides not to go to college or gets a scholarship, the money in the account can be transferred to a qualified family member without penalty.
But investment returns aren't guaranteed. By law, 529 plans are authorized — but not required — to let you change the investment options on your existing contributions twice per calendar year. (Plans are also free to let you change your investment option for future contributions at any time.) If your plan doesn't provide this flexibility, then you are allowed by law to roll over your existing 529 plan account to a different 529 plan (savings plan or prepaid tuition plan) without penalty once per calendar year.
You are not limited to your own state's 529 savings plan. States generally allow anyone to participate in their plan. You might choose a different state's plan for a variety of reasons, such as more investment options, a better track record for investment returns, lower fees or better customer service. However, if you join another state's 529 plan, make sure to find out if you will be giving up any 529 tax benefits offered by your state because some states limit their tax benefits to the in-state 529 plan.
Note: Before investing in a 529 plan, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully. The official disclosure statements and applicable prospectuses - which contain this and other information about the investment options, underlying investments, and investment company - can be obtained by contacting your financial professional. You should read these materials carefully before investing. As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. There is also the risk that the investments may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. Investment earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis, and withdrawals are tax-free as long as they are used for qualified higher-education expenses. For withdrawals not used for qualified higher-education expenses, earnings may be subject to taxation as ordinary income and possibly a 10% federal income tax penalty. The tax implications of a 529 plan should be discussed with your legal and/or tax advisors because they can vary significantly from state to state. Also be aware that most states offer their own 529 plans, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers. These other state benefits may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Financial Advisors are available to discuss all considerations and risks involved with various products and strategies presented. We will be happy to provide a prospectus, when available, and other information upon request. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, its affiliates, and its employees are not in the business of providing tax, regulatory, accounting, or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC. Member: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC. For more information about Janney, please see Janney’s Relationship Summary (Form CRS) on www.janney.com/crs which details all material facts about the scope and terms of our relationship with you and any potential conflicts of interest. H
Sapphire: Something Borrowed Something Blue
(and a sixpence in your shoe)
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
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
Goodwill Industries of NEPA
How does your lamp turn into someone else’s paycheck? How do your tooloose blouse and faded skinny jeans become a dance party? By donating it to Goodwill Industries of NEPA! Goodwill turns your gently used donations into meaningful activities and jobs for people with disabilities or other barriers right here in our community.
For 80 years Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania has been providing supports, services
Donate, or Shop to Help Those With Disabilities
and opportunities for people with disabilities right here in our community. In their early history, Goodwill would hire individuals to sort, repair and sell unwanted goods in small thrift stores. Proceeds from the sales would become the paycheck for those individuals.
Throughout time, community needs changed, and Goodwill continued to develop and imple ment innovative pro grams to meet those needs. Goodwill has been applying princi
ples of diversity, equity and inclusion through programs that are individualized, community-based and focused on individuals’ wants and needs. Programs vary based on each individual served.
Goodwill programs include community participation supports. A day service runs throughout the week for individuals with disabilities. The staff works with participants to navigate their community, explore career options and achieve personal goals. H
and purchase helps your neighbors with barriers become self-sufficient in their lives.
Help individuals with disabilities gain work skills or ease into
Tracey Glynn-Roulinavage
Heights Murray Elementary School of the WBASD
Tracey GlynnRoulinavage will soon celebrate the big 5-0!
She is a busy mother of two young children, and has been married to her wife Falan for the past 12 years. The couple recently moved to Mountain Top. Tracey has been a Registered Nurse for 24 years.
I became certified in school nursing seven years ago and feel this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I attended Luzerne County Community College (after which I earned my Registered Nurse designation), Misericordia University (where I earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing) and Cedar Crest University (where I obtained my school nurse certification). Nursing is my passion and it is my destiny to help others.
“While I absolutely love my job as an elementary school nurse, I also look forward to the summers to enjoy my backyard and day trips with my family. Volleyball, gardening and dancing with my kids are also some of my favorite activities.”
My current job duties include caring for students
in kindergarten through 5th grade. Every year is an adventure and brings something new to my skill set. I love to see the smiles on my students’ faces daily when they feel their best, both in and out of school! I often can turn frowns upside down. I love where I work and what I do, and I am incredibly proud to make an impact on so many children's lives.
Walking through the hallways and classrooms, hearing students say my name, ‘Nurse Tracey,' from a slight whisper to a loud yell (and even when I am out in public), makes my day and warms my heart. The smiles and cute little voices confirm why I do what I do with pride and gratitude everyday.
The outside world may not really be aware of what a school nurse does, how we function in our roles and what we are responsible for on a daily basis.
One state requirement is that each certified
Seuss week picture!
Dr.
Pictured left to right: Tracey, Stacey Kile (a reader), Mr. Bob Peters (a door greeter) and Vice-Principal Mary Tranguch.
school nurse is responsible to ensure school-age vaccine (immunization) compliance for the entire school, each student, each school year. Our enrollment fluctuates between 950-1,200 K-5 students each year. We also have annual state mandated screenings that include growth (K-5), vision (K-5) and hearing screenings (K-3).
We manage multiple acute and chronic illness and conditions including diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, asthma, allergies, ADHD, ASD, depression, congenital heart disease, cerebral palsy, sickle cell disease and psychological disorders— to name a few! Most people are not aware that more than 40% of school-age children in the United States suffer from at least one chronic health condition.
We also coordinate physicals completed by our district physician every year. We educate and support all topics regarding health, safety, hygiene, adolescent changes/puberty and overall wellbeing. We educate our students, families, faculty and community.
Common visits to the school nurse’s office include reasons such as headaches, fatigue and stomach aches. Sometimes the student may complain about a stomach ache, but often, we must use our assessment skills to examine the bigger picture and rule out emotional distress or anxiety. I work closely and in conjunction with our teachers, school counselor, support staff and district psychologists.
A few usual reasons that I have encountered for past visits include ‘I put a bead in my ear’ and ‘my braids are too tight’ or ‘my nose hurts when I breathe.’
Parents dealing with traumatic situations should always remember: you are not alone. Tell someone about what you are dealing with. Contact the school counselor, nurse, teacher or principal because we are here for you. Your children's physical and mental health is so important.
Factors such as adequate sleep and proper nutrition are crucial to growing little minds and developing brains, especially in elementary years. We encourage parents to find a primary care doctor and follow up with appropriate appointments.
I remind parents to pay close attention to their children’s vision and hearing. Issues in behavior, laziness or a lack of motivation just might be that the student may not see or hear adequately to function to an optimal level in school. Keep in contact with the school nurse so that we can better care for your child as a whole.
My personal wish for my own kids is that they are always kind, wash their hands, find joy in learning, make wonderful friends and grow with curiosity. I want their experiences to provide a strong foundation for a future filled with exploration and discovery.
At Heights Murray Elementary School, we are a family, a united front for students and the community. We strive to serve our students and their families with dignity and respect. We are honored to partner with families on each child’s educational journey. Our goal is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel valued and encouraged to reach their full potentials. Together, we can foster a community of learners who are curious, compassionate, healthy and ready to explore the world. Your support and involvement are vital to our shared success and their academic success. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead. H
“
Tracey pictured with her two sisters (both teachers at Heights) and her best friend (also a teacher).
Join MyCIL for a Fun Fall Night of FREE Bowling for People With All Abilities!
Wed, Oct 9 • 4–6pm • Idle Hours North 2008 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 18508
RSVP Online for This Free Event by Tues, Oct 1
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
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
Saint Ann Maronite Church Lebanese Festival
September 15
The Annual Lebanese Festival will be held September 15 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,
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. 15, Noon- 7 p.m.
Authentic Lebanese Food & Pastry, Gift Baskets, 50/50 Raffle, Souvenirs
1320 Price Street West Scranton, PA
The Lebanese Heritage Festival is possible through the work of many long-time church volunteers as well as high school students who gain service hours for their commitment.
A Doo Wop Spectacular at Theater at North
Step back in time and groove to the classic sounds of Doo Wop at the Theater at North on November 10 at 3 p.m. Gene DiNapoli presents an afternoon filled with the enchanting harmonies and timeless melodies that defined an era.
Emil Stucchio and The Classics take center stage with their unparalleled style, led by the iconic voice of Emil Stucchio. Since their 1959 debut, they have captured hearts with hits like “Cinderella” and albums such as “Intimate Reflections” and “Gold Dust.” Their repertoire spans beautiful standards and Italian classics, delighting fans with CDs like “La Musica D’Italia” and “Club Illusion” .
The Cookies, the Brooklyn trio that made waves during the pre-Beatles era, continue to charm with chart-toppers like “Chains” and “Don’t Say Nothing Bad (About My Baby).” Margaret Ross Williams keeps the group’s spirit alive, touring with new backup singers and preserving their rich musical legacy.
The Mello-Kings pay homage to the late '50s with their hit “Tonite, Tonite.” Jerry Scholl’s musical heritage lives on through Mick Mansueto, as they per-
form at casinos, performing arts centers and festivals, now known as Jerry Scholl’s Mello-Kings.
Bobby Brooks Wilson, the son of legendary R&B/Soul Singer Jackie Wilson, shines as ‘Mr. Entertainment.’ A Grammy Balloted Artist, he’s celebrated for hits like “It’s About Time” and continues to captivate global audiences with his vibrant shows.
The Chiclettes offer a vibrant tribute to legendary female artists, thrilling audiences with timeless hits and a universal appeal that transcends generations. The Fireflies continue to tour and light up the stage with their 1959 hit “You Were Mine”
Share the magic of the golden era of music and enjoy a nostalgic journey filled with the magic of Doo Wop. Tickets are available at The Theater at North or by calling the box office at 570-800-5020. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience where every performance promises to leave you wanting more! H
Dining around the Region
Many restaurants offer beautiful outdoor dining!
Abbiocco
Try our signature dishes, such as Chicken Abbiocco, manicotti or blackened salmon. BYOB. Text Abbiocco to 1-888-354-1059 to receive our texts every Wednesday or see weekly specials. TuesThurs. 12 -8 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 12 -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! 926 Lackawanna Trail, Clarks Summit, PA 570-319-6665
Anthony's Restaurant
Anthony’s menu offers a variety of steaks, seafood and Italian specialities. Enjoy classic Old Forge pizza along with their popular thin crust.
Dine in one of three elegant dining areas, including a full-service bar featuring speciality cocktails and a skillfully curated selection of wines. Hours are WednesdaySunday, 4 - 9 p.m. 202 S Main St, Old Forge, PA 570-451-0925.
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.
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 premises catering daily. 570-961-9681.
September is All American Breakfast Month!
Glenburn Grill & Bakery
Serving breakfast and lunch every day from 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., and dinner on occasion. Our wide variety of menu items and weekly features are cooked to order using real butter and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. We offer a vast assortment of made-from-scratch baked goods. Catering available at our place or yours. 1144 Lackawanna Trail, Clarks Summit 570-585-8777
Which restaurants should appear here? Call us at 570-587-3532 or email: info@happeningspa.com
The Blue Shutters
Modern dining in a timeless setting. Our patio uniquely features an array of flowers, micro greens and plants that naturally repel insects.
200 Memorial Drive Elmhurst Township PA 18444 • 570-842-9497 brianna@theblueshutters.com
Dyberry Forks
Back in the 1820’s Honesdale was known as “Dyberry Forks,” a wilderness where the Dyberry Creek joins the Lackawaxen River. This restaurant location at 939 Main Street dates back to the late 1830s when William Reed established an agriculture cooperative and general supply shop. More than 150 years later, the restaurant, “Dyberry Forks,” is still the place where folks gather together to share local food and new experiences, like William Reeds Cooperative. Chef Eddie Cheatum continues the farm-to-fork dining experience, purveying meats, produce and cheeses from local farmers and artisans in Wayne County. 939 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 570-253-2266
Camelot Restaurant and Inn
Camelot Restaurant and Inn of Clarks Summit features a stunning patio for brunch, lunch or dinner. Enjoy our full outside bar with 32 bar stools, offering beer, wine and cocktails. Reservations are encouraged. 17 Johnson Rd Clarks Summit, PA 18411 570-585-1430 house@camelotrestaurantandinn.com
Sibio’s Restaurant
Our Fettuccine Alfredo is a customer favorite! Lunch and dinner regular hours, full menu with specials. Celebrating 50 years! Summer outside dining available. 1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore. Sibiosrestaurant.com 570-346-3172.
