Happenings Magazine March 2026

Dear Happenings,

What joy you delivered with your excessive Feb playlist (Dear Readers, February 2026)! What a variety of artists, years and styles.

I didn’t wait for February, but listened to all your selections with smiles, hums and backup vocals, yesterday and today.

Where else would one find Edith Paif, Bradley Cooper, Joshua Kadison, Simon Khorolskiy and Chris de Burgh listed with Leon Russell and Johnny Cash?

There was a recurring theme of love that kept connecting many of your chosen ones.

Thank you for the memories in sound.

–Philip P. Condron

–Condron Sweda Advertising

Dear Happenings,

We are so proud that Eva was featured in Happenings Magazine for Heart Health Awareness Month! She is very honored to be chosen for this, and to share her story!

We are forever grateful for her amazing medical team, the power of prayer and the many Christians and churches who lift her up in faith. We are also so thankful for the incredible support from friends, family and the kind souls who reached out with such generosity and compassion.

Seeing her happy, smiling and back doing what she loves is nothing short of a blessing. God is so good, and we are beyond thankful.

Special thank you to Happenings Magazine, Dolly’s Boutique in Scranton for dressing the girls in beautiful gowns and Michael Straub Photography for the stunning photos!

Link to Happenings Magazine February issue is online.

–Sandy Kroposky –via Facebook

Dear Happenings,

Thank you, Happenings Magazine for allowing me to be part of such an important issue (Matters of the Heart, February 2026). You are always finding ways to inspire us all here in NEPA.

–Michael Straub Photography –via Facebook

Publisher Art Director

Associate Art Director Director of Social Media Contributors

Paula Rochon Mackarey

Lisa Kalaha Ragnacci

Peter Salerno

Mary Joyce

Christine Fanning

On the Cover: Celebrating the beauty and intricacies of our natural environment. Mallards at Merli Sarnoski Park is an acrylic on canvas by local artist Rosalie Booth Krastek.

Published Monthly. Also read at HappeningsPA.com ©2026 HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE

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

Happenings Magazine published since 1969 Phone: (570) 587-3532 info@happeningsPA.com www.HappeningsPA.com

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“In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small

Dear Readers, E

ach month, a very tiny team of three full-time individuals create each issue of Happenings Magazine—approximately 100 pages of thoughts, articles, advertisements, tips, photographs, events, facts, figures and information about community events and much more. What is in each issue is unique and sometimes intricate. Perhaps, you’ll recognize the face of someone you know—perhaps, you’ll learn of a new business to try or perhaps, you’ll read about a service that could greatly benefit your life.

Gathering every detailed piece of information and presenting it to our readers, delivering copies to our advertisers, making sure each subscriber receives his or her copy, on-time—the details of each issue can be definitely overwhelming for three people, despite each person giving 1000%. Honestly, like most conscientious people in business, it makes your head hurt keeping track of all the necessary details and deadlines.

The image for our cover was rather serendipitously sent in to us by a long-time artist of the region. Her reminder for each of us to protect our beautiful environment—created exclusively for our pure enjoyment, comes at a timely moment—when the first signs of Spring’s new life will soon appear. After reading over the infinite and orderly assemblance of organisms found on the amazing woodland campus of Keystone College, I was struck by the number

precision, and in perfect sync with nature to support so many forms of life, with mysterious accuracy. Keeping track of the myriad of details of such an intricate system is mind boggling. Who is in charge of this masterpiece? That is a question that many of us grapple with throughout life. Does someone or some being really keep track of the hairs on our very own heads?

Our goal is to convince you to explore the natural beauty surrounding us; to learn of the uniqueness of the people of our region and to celebrate that which unites us!

Let us March forward, in love!

Fondly, Paula Paula Mackarey Publisher 1994-Present

Smart, Seamless, and Flexible Banking

Rosalie Booth Krastek Cover Artist

Featured on the cover of Happenings’ issue is Mallards at Merli Sarnoski Park acrylic on canvas by Rosalie Booth Krastek.

Rosalie was born in Carbondale and moved to Waymart as a child, where she graduated from Waymart High School,. She studied fashion illustration, design and life drawing at the Traphagen School in New York City, worked as a fashion illustrator and art director in the Globe Store Advertising Department in Scranton and later worked as a graphic artist and illustrator for Gentex Corporation in Simpson.

In recent years, Rosalie has been creating art, enjoying retirement and going on day trips with her husband Ronald.

Painting and drawing have always been Rosalie’s most effective means of communication. She has devoted most of her spare time to painting things that move her—it could be a luminous color scheme, still life, scenery or animals.

Living near lakes and woodland areas in Lackawanna County provide the subject matter and inspiration for some of her work.

The idea for a painting originates from a personal experience that touches her emotionally in a way she cannot ignore and must express. The mallards were dipping for food, swimming around—pleasing to the eye in their surroundings as they went about their business. The Drake Mallard, with its striking iridescent green head was a natural for a design filled with interest and beauty.

“Conservation of our land and wildlife habitat should be a big concern for everyone. Our land, fragile and beautiful, is for all of us to enjoy and for all of us to protect for future generations.”

Rosalie is represented by The Looking Glass Art Gallery in Hawley. H

James Ruane

Nature Is Your Teacher:

Keystone’s Woodlands Campus

• Strengthens Academic Programs

• Supports Community Recreation

• Promotes Conservation

Tfields found on the Keystone College campus serves as a dynamic outdoor classroom where nature truly becomes the teacher. This living landscape supports environmental degree programs with hands-on learning experiences in a large variety of ecosystems.

Forests, Wildlife and Maple Sugaring

Mixed hardwood forests include eastern hemlock, pine, maple, hickory, oak, black cherry, birch, American beech and formerly abundant ash. These woodlands provide habitat for many species, including the federally endangered northern long-eared bat and southern flying squirrels. Extensive sugar maple stands support Keystone’s maple sugaring program, where students learn the art and science behind maple syrup production. From tree tapping to forest management, connections with forest ecology, sustainable land use and regional heritage are formed.

Rocky Streams and Water Studies

The Ackerly Creek and the South Branch of the Tunkhannock Creek flow through the campus and form the foundation for many aquatic studies. Stocked with trout, they attract anglers and wildlife alike. Macroinvertebrate surveys show excellent

water quality, highlighted by mayfly, stonefly, damselfly and dragonfly larvae. Students conduct long-term monitoring through water chemistry testing, biological indexing and electrofishing. Bald eagles, great blue herons, and mink are often seen along these waterways.

Ponds, Wetlands and Amphibian Habitats

Several freshwater habitats serve as important breeding grounds for amphibians:

• Biology Pond supports turtles, frogs, salamanders and eastern newts, whose life cycle includes both aquatic and terrestrial stages.

• Vernal Pool provides fish-free breeding habitat and hosts spring peeper choruses each April.

• Seamans Pond, fed by groundwater, supports turtles, fish and wetland plants.

Fields, Meadows, Apple Orchard and Pollinators

Open fields and meadows filled with wildflowers, grasses and young woody plants provide essential habitat for insects and wildlife.

Dogwoods and brambles supply food and shelter, while these areas attract migrating birds in spring and fall.

The campus is also a breeding area for blue-winged warblers, prairie warblers and Louisiana waterthrushes.

At the top of the campus, a historic apple

orchard from the former Seaman farm era continues to provide food for wildlife and pollinators. Nearby, a teaching apiary allows students to study honey bee biology.

Unique Rocky Summit Grassland

This area is considered globally vulnerable with approximately 385 occurrences found around the world.

Historical Relevance

Nature and history meet along 1.3 miles of the former Northern Electric Trolley Railway route. From 1907 to 1932, the trolley connected local farms and communities to destinations such as Scranton, Nicholson and Lake Winola, with plans to extend to Binghamton. A former suspension bridge once linked downtown Factoryville to the campus station. Today, remnants of stations and crossings remain and the trail is widely used for walking, biking and running. H

Chloe Mazur is a sophomore at Keystone College studying Wildlife Biology. The Kingston native has a deep passion for wildlife and the outdoors. She is president of Creekwalkers, the college’s fly fishing club, where she has organized trips, reconnected the club with Trout Unlimited and reestablished the club’s status as a 5 Rivers Chapter. Chloe is an active member of the Ecology Club, is a work study student for the Woodlands Campus/KCEEI and regularly participates in environmental events. She plans to pursue a career as a Game Warden in Montana, working to protect wildlife and engage the public in conservation. Outside of her academic and outdoor pursuits, Chloe enjoys painting and creative writing, having completed over 70 pages of a novel she is currently developing.

North Branch Land Trust

“Conserving precious land... forever.”

Founded in 1993, North Branch Land Trust is a nonprofit, communitydriven organization dedicated to conserving the lands, waters and natural resources of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

North Branch Land Trust partners with landowners, communities and stakeholders to conserve and care for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s lands and waters.

“We envision a future where abundant conserved lands help maintain clean air and water, diverse forests and wildlife habitats, vibrant working farms and inspiring natural beauty.”

NBLT works with private landowners to protect their land for conservation purposes. The organization works to ensure that private land placed under easement is properly conserved and stewarded, bringing lasting conservation benefits. Of most recent success is the completion of a 220-acre conservation easement on the lands surrounding the Huntsville Reservoir in Dallas Borough and Lehman Township, Luzerne County, in collaboration with Pennsylvania American Water. Additionally, NBLT is committed to conservation education throughout its service area including opening nearly 600 acres

of natural passive recreation space to the public.

Learn more and get involved. Visit nblt.org or email info@nblt.org

The North Branch Land Trust 2026 Dinner and Auction will be held March 25, 5:30 p.m. at The Westmoreland Club

Proceeds from the event directly support NBLT’s ongoing efforts to conserve critical lands, expand outdoor education and inspire environmental stewardship across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Mericle Family will be honored for their longstanding support of the nonprofit and its mission.

The 2026 Annual Dinner and Auction is led by Committee Co-Chairs, Kelly Bray, Director of Business Development, Pennsylvania American Water and Jeremy Eden, Senior Director of Northeast Operations, Pennsylvania American Water.

This is the Land Trust’s largest fund and friend raising event of the year. The event brings together conservation supporters for an evening of celebration, impact and generosity. Guests will enjoy great camaraderie, delicious fare and the chance to bid on exclusive auction items.

North Branch Land Trust invites everyone—community members, conservation advocates and business

North Branch Land Trust 2026 Dinner and Auction March 25, 5:30 p.m. The Westmoreland Club Register at nblt.org/events

(570) 310-1781 • info@nblt.org 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive, Dallas, PA

leaders to come together for this special evening. H

GGive your home personality and add a dash of character easily and affordably with small paint projects.

The Grand Entrance

Personalize your front door by painting it an unexpected hue to bring character, add personality and offer fresh curb appeal. A stately shade can wake up a simple cottage-style door and accentuate a front garden. A bold yellow hue can energize an otherwise neutral exterior and a bright pop of

Colorful Spring Paint Projects

orange makes for an unexpected statement.

Complement your newly painted door with colorful, eye-catching address num-

bers in a contrasting hue.

Make a Splash

The kitchen is the perfect place to have fun with color since it’s often the communal area of a home. Cook up a scene-stealing space by giving your backsplash a makeover. Stencil in a design or favorite quote. Consider the other colors at play in the space before selecting the backsplash paint color. If the kitchen has dark cabinets, choose a lighter shade to keep the room from feeling heavy. For white or light-

color cabinets, both brighter and darker paint colors work well.

Customize your kitchen by painting the island a hue that complements the other colors in the room. Select a subtle shade for the island such as cream, beige, green or gray. Or, choose a shade such as turquoise, navy blue or mint. A striking color will make the room feel fun and

inviting. You can also incorporate the color in new accessories such as a rug, curtains or dishware to create a feeling of harmony.

More to Adore

Make a personal statement in the bedroom by transforming walls into exceptional works of art. A frame wall with favorite pictures or prized album covers centered in painted blocks puts

a spin on the traditional. Or create big-time graphic impact with an oversized DIY wall clock. Add perceived dimension to a room by creating nontraditional stripes with color. Angled stripes painted in different widths are less structured and provide a unique design, and an exaggerated single stripe of color can rescue plain walls H

CARE FOR A MINT?

The mint plant is a hardy perennial that can be grown outside in a garden or indoors in a container. Mint tends to spread aggressively. The mint’s long stem grows upward, flops over and roots wherever it touches soil. Mint plants produce small purple or white summer blooming flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

As a culinary delight and digestive aid, it is known for its refreshing taste and spicy scent. Mint may also serve as a pest repellent and can be toxic to animals. If planting outside aim to begin after the threat of frost has

should be planted in either full-sun or part shade areas.

If you plant mint in pathway crevices of rocky spaces, the scent of mint will release whenever leaves are stepped on, leaving a lovely aroma.

Throughout the centuries, mint has been included in our food and drinks. Mint flavoring is used in refreshing breath candies and gum, in our oral hygiene products, alcoholic beverages, iced teas and hot herbal teas. Mint’s medicinal usages range from dietary aids, headache relief and for its cooling and refreshing sensation.

A lovely dessert for St. Patrick’s Day includes Mannings

Chocolate Chip Mint ice cream with a Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie or a Chocolate Ganache Brownie.

includes Mannings Chocolate Chip Mint ice cream with a Girls Scout Thin Mint cookie or a Chocolate Ganache Brownie

Use freshly harvested mint as a garnish for various recipes or in mixed drinks, salads, soups, tea, baked goods and more. Mint can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days, but its freshest flavors are most prominent on the first day of harvesting. Mint can also be chopped and frozen to maintain its aroma. H

From Peppermint Patties to Creme de Menthe chocolates, candy canes to Altoids, peppermint is found in our purses, medicine and liquor cabinets. Oral hygiene products such as toothpaste, oral rinses and even dental floss may include a peppermint or spearmint flavor.

Spearmint is also used in flavoring teas and salads.

Sibio’s Restaurant uses mint with its lamb chop entrees as well as in some signature drinks such as a Mojito, Grasshopper Mint Julep and Moscow Mule.

Celebrating HER voice–

International Women’s Day honors more than a century of women’s struggle for equality, liberation and recognition.This year’s theme, Give to Gain, emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support, and the belief that when women thrive, we all rise.

Penn State Scranton’s female English faculty on the importance of women’s literature

In that spirit, four female English professors at Penn State Scranton discuss how their courses highlight the importance of women in our culture, and how studying women writers across the centuries deepens our understanding of women’s lives today.

Jody Griffith, Ph.D., Associate Teaching Professor of English

“Women authors and characters are important to the 18th- and 19th-century literature I teach, but we also look at the way women readers were changing during this period. Women’s literacy rates went from about 50% at the beginning of the 19th century to over 90% by the 1890s.

This brought social anxiety about what women, especially young women, were reading. Critics feared that reading novels would distract women’s attention from more appropriate activities and that the individual reading experience would allow young women to engage with ideas and interpret text without outside guidance.

Jane Austen’s novels are a good example of how women authors took on this social anxiety, showing female protagonists learning how to read their situations and trust their own judgement. Austen’s narrators also poke fun of the idea that young women readers would naively believe everything they found in their favorite novels!

I feel fortunate to work with an exceptional group

of teachers and scholars in our English department. In addition to their impressive accomplishments, they model a version of professionalism that combines sharp, rigorous intellectual curiosity with generous support and kindness. Everyone is invested in helping our students discover their passions, helping them express those passions in their own voices and helping them see a place for themselves in the wider world.”

Kara Stone, Ph.D.,

Associate Teaching Professor of English

“One of my first memories of noticing the importance of women writers was in fourth grade; my teacher, Ms. Migliorino, introduced us to Lois Lowry’s works. I became hooked and read everything she had written. I also was greatly influenced by the classics and read my dad’s weathered copy of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. These were all signs that I found depictions of women in literature powerful.

As part of a group of very distinguished female English professors at Penn State Scranton, we collaborate to offer a unique experience for students through courses that highlight women’s literature from many perspectives.

In Medieval Literature, we focus on works of female writers such as Margery Kempe, Julian of Norwich and Christine de Pizan. In Classical courses, we study modern female reimaginings of epics such as Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad and Madeline Miller’s Circe. Both focus on how translation affects the depictions of women.

I am proud of my ability to help students become scholars both within and outside of the classroom. I have advised students on projects analyzing medieval women’s literature that have won awards and have been accepted at national research conferences. I remind students that we keep these often previously unheard literary voices alive through their research and presentations.”

Éva Tettenborn, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor of

English

“As an Americanist, I teach a survey course of American literature in which students learn to notice and appreciate the groundbreaking contributions women writers have made to the development of American literature at large. Recently, we’ve studied works by Puritan author Anne Bradstreet, who emerged as the first published American poet and wrote about her identity as a loving wife, but also as a grandmother grieving a grandchild. Students also engaged with the works of Phillis Wheatley, enslaved in colonial Boston, who became the first Black author to publish a book of poetry in the American colonies. We also consider how American women wrote political doc uments to advance social change, including the Declaration of Sentiments (1848) that demanded the right to vote.

In my research and courses, I’ve always been interested in exploring how translations of classical and medieval texts depict the complexities of gender and representation of women, since historically, most of these works were translated by men.

As educators, our lived experience shapes much of what we teach. My goal is to have students understand that at least half of the students in the room do not share the same background or beliefs. I challenge them to find strategies to persuade their peers to see their viewpoint. I help students explore how women’s experiences and depictions in literature are influenced by societal expectations.

I’ve also taken students to meet authors we studied in class, including Brandy Shillace and Madeline Miller. We’ve travelled to the Met’s Cloisters Museum to experience artwork and sculpture from the medieval era that reflected our literary studies.

As a researcher, I work in the field of contem porary African American fiction, including women’s writing. In November 2025, I pre sented a paper at the Society for the Study of American Women Writers Conference on Yaa Gyasi’s novel Homegoing. I have published works on African American women writers including Octavia Butler, Diane McKinneyWhetstone, Toni Morrison, Phyllis Alesia Perry and Phillis Wheatley in peer-reviewed scholarly journals and incorporate my research into my 400-level courses on African American literature.

I draw inspiration from working with my colleagues in Penn State Scranton’s English Department. All of us are driven to help our students reach their professional goals. We have educated law school students, Ph.D. students in English, insurance and health insurance professionals and teachers.”

Kelley Wagers, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English

“I regularly teach courses focused on women writers, including an advanced American Women Writers course, an international Women Writers course and a relatively new interdisciplinary one called “Representations of Women and Gender in Art, Literature and Popular Cultures.” That expansive title gives a sense of the exciting growth in gender-related education and scholarship we're in the midst of right now.

Students in our classrooms today are curious about and able to discuss nuanced concepts with openness and respect.

The students are helping to redefine women writers and texts as well, so that we can talk about Instagram posts and environmental activism, for example, as important modes of expression and arenas for exploration and change.

I also host local women artists and writers as guests so stu dents can talk with working professionals about their craft and careers. In a recent class we had a great time diving into some of Emily Dickinson's digitized manuscript archives, tracing her handwriting and uncovering the power of the ways she put words on paper, alongside the adaptation of her life and work in the contemporary TV series, Dickinson. Students connected to the idea of women inventing new ways to represent the world and themselves, and the limits and possibilities of how they are represented in all kinds of media.”

About Penn State Scranton’s English Department

“I think that one of the reasons our English program has continued to thrive at Penn State Scranton is that our faculty is complementary in every sense. We are all dedicated writing instructors, and because of our different specialties in Medieval, Victorian, Modernist and Contemporary African American literature, at our small campus, we truly can deliver the full range of Penn State University's traditional BA in English, Wagers said.

“Working well together is not exclusive to female professionals, but it is certainly something we do exceptionally well. My colleagues and I have taken students on field trips for art exhibits and career exploration, and together we design on-campus research and creative events. I can't imagine a way to offer this rich experience without our truly collaborative department.”

Tettenborn added: “Collaborating with accomplished scholar-teachers in a supportive environment inspires all of us to serve our students, the profession and the community here at Penn State Scranton.”

Together, these professors, along with Program Coordinator/Assistant Teaching Professor of English Paul Perrone, comprise an award-winning English department at Penn State Scranton that is committed to broadening students’ understanding and appreciation of literature from a wide range of genres, time periods and subjects. H

Barbara Maculloch

Pennsylvania Regional President Community Bank, N.A.

Barbara Maculloch serves as Pennsylvania Regional President for Community Bank, N.A., bringing nearly 40 years of banking and financial services experience to the role. Since joining Community Bank in 2011, she has held a range of leadership positions supporting growth across the Pennsylvania market. She was appointed President of Pennsylvania Banking in 2017 after serving as Senior Vice President and Pennsylvania Market Director for Community Bank Wealth Management.

Before joining Community Bank, Maculloch was a Vice President at PNC and M&T Bank, where she led their private banking divisions for Northeast Pennsylvania.

A highly respected community leader, Maculloch is deeply involved in civic and nonprofit organizations throughout the region. She currently serves on the boards of the Greater WilkesBarre Chamber of Commerce, CBI Board of Directors and Industrial Committee, Cancer Wellness Center of Northeast

Pennsylvania, The Luzerne Foundation, and the Scranton Preparatory School Board of Trustees. She is also a member of Circle 200, a networking group of executive women supporting each other when business opportunities present themselves.

Since 2006, Maculloch has chaired more than 50 fundraising and community events all to support nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Through these efforts, she has helped to raise more than $5 million for those in need.

Maculloch holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin-

istration with a concentration in Banking from Misericordia University and is a graduate of Leadership Wilkes-Barre and Lackawanna Executive Leadership. Maculloch has received numerous honors, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Leadership Wilkes-Barre, 2007. In 2015, she was recognized as one of the Top 25 Women in Business by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal. In 2016, she earned the Community Stewardship Award from North Branch Land Trust, and in 2017, the Athena Award from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce. In 2021, she received the Evergreen Award from the Osterhout Free Library, and the same year was recognized with the Golden Anna Cervenak Community Impact Award from Northeast Sight Services.

A life-long, proud resident of Northeast PA, Maculloch resides in Wyoming, PA with her husband, George, and is the very proud mom of their daughter Rachel. H

Inspirational Women

Sunita Arora

Broker/Owner, ERA One Source Realty

Sunita Arora is not simply a real estate professional — she is a builder of businesses, careers, and communities.

As the Broker/Owner of ERA One Source Realty, Sunita has spent more than three decades shaping the regional housing market while mentoring the next generation of real estate leaders. What began as a career quickly evolved into a mission: helping families build wealth through homeownership and helping agents build lasting, ethical careers.

As her client base grew, Sunita opened her own brokerage with a clear vision — to create a company defined by professionalism, accountability, and service. Today, many of the agents she has mentored have gone on to become top producers themselves, a success she considers one of her proudest accomplishments.

shaped the principles she still leads by today: Honesty. Integrity. Hard Work.

For nearly four decades, these values have defined her reputation in the industry and the culture of her company.

She is fluent in multiple languages including English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Marathi — allowing her to serve a broad and diverse client base with clarity and trust.

Community First

Sunita’s leadership has also been recognized at the company level. ERA One Source Realty was nominated for the Gene Francis Memorial Award for Top All-Around Company three consecutive years, one of the most respected honors within the ERA network, recognizing excellence in production, service, growth, and community impact.

A Foundation Built on Determination

Sunita’s journey began internationally. She attended boarding school in Hong Kong and later earned a degree in hotel and

business management, developing a deep appreciation for people from diverse cultures. After moving to the United States in 1979, she raised her family while demonstrating entrepreneurial drive — first preparing tax returns at H&R Block, and later pursuing real estate after experiencing the home-buying process herself.

She quickly recognized the power of real estate not only as a profession, but as a path to financial security. After working with several firms, she joined the ERA brand — a publicly traded real estate and relocation services company — where her leadership abilities flourished and ultimately led to opening her own brokerage.

Leadership Philosophy

Sunita credits her father as an early mentor who taught her that real estate builds long-term financial stability. His advice

Sunita believes leadership extends beyond business success. She actively supports and volunteers with organizations including:

• St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen

• Women’s Resource Center

• Toys for Tots

• American Red Cross

• Lackawanna County Office

• of Economic Development

• Greater Scranton Board

• of Realtors

• Lackawanna County

• Coalition for Diversity

Her contributions have earned her numerous recognitions, including being named one of Pennsylvania’s Top 50 Women in Business along with multiple awards for real estate excellence.

Despite a long list of achievements, Sunita measures success differently:

Her greatest accomplishment is her family — and the community she has helped grow, one home and one career at a time H

Christine Baron Owner, Steamtown Hot Yoga

Christine Baron, owner of Steamtown Hot Yoga (SHY) since 2023, has more than 25 years of experience as a critical care Registered Nurse. She is a graduate of West Scranton High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Marywood University.

In 2009 she began her yoga journey at Steamtown Hot Yoga with one class that changed the path of her life forever. She particularly loves the hot yoga lineage because it helped her overcome lower back injuries. Since yoga saved her and allowed her to be the person she was meant to be, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. The union of the mind, body and spiritual well being is powerful, she says. Her husband, daughter and son—the most important people in her life, have made every bit of the sacrifice, shed tears, and sleepless nights worth the journey of building her business.

“Yoga taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible. It led me to the path of self-realization,” she said. As of 2026, Christine has been a yoga instructor for 10 years.

“Follow your heart, follow your dreams... never give up.... Namaste!”

Steamtown Hot Yoga is located in the new Lace Village complex.

Dr. James W. Galasso, III D.O. Welcomes

Dr. Susan M. Baroody, D.O., FACP

Dr. Baroody is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine

Physician who has been serving patients in NEPA since 2010. Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Dr. Baroody is a graduate of Hanover Area Jr/Sr High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and neuroscience from King’s College and received her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine through the Scranton Temple Residency Program.

Dr. Baroody is a member of several local, state and national medical societies, including the Northeast Counties Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Society and the American Medical Association. She is also a member of the American College of Physicians (ACP), where she received the region’s first John Derrickson Early Career Physician Service Excellence Award. Additionally, she holds fellowship status within the ACP, signifying her ongoing dedication to internal medicine, her patients and the community.

Her professional interests include patient-centered care with an emphasis on preventative medicine, practice and quality improvement, osteopathic ma-

Dr. Baroody is currently accepting new patients (ages 18 and older) at 1200 Main Street, Swoyersville, PA (570) 283-3301

E Elizabeth Nagy

lizabeth Nagy serves as VP, Director of Sales, Marketing and Digital Banking for The Honesdale National Bank. She joined HNB in 2017 as VP, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer and was promoted to her current role in 2021.

Nagy obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and German from Susquehanna University. She continued her formal education at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University where she earned her Master of Science in Public Relations. She earned a certification in Customer Experience Management from Rutgers University. She is a graduate of the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing and Management and is accredited as a Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP).

Bank, Nagy supports her professional community by serving on the public relations committee for the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. In 2024, she was appointed Chair of the Bank Marketing School for the American Bankers Association. She further supports the NEPA community through serving on the board and executive committee of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. She is a volunteer coach for Valley Youth United Soccer and the Carbino Club. She further serves as treasurer for The Honesdale National Bank Foundation and has held previous board terms with other community organizations including Dress for Success Lackawanna, the Greater Carbondale YMCA, Skills in Scranton, and Leadership Lackawanna.

VP, Director of Sales, Marketing and Digital Banking Honesdale National Bank Lois Christman

A New Jersey native, prior to moving to Pennsylvania Nagy worked at Taylor, a public relations agency in New York City supporting Fortune 500 consumer and luxury brands.

In addition to working for The Honesdale National

While she extracts as much as she can from her professional experiences, she finds that some of the most influential and teachable moments come from home through her role as a wife to her husband, Brandon and a mother to her three children, Ava, Benjamin and Madilyn. The family resides in Jessup H

The ATHENA Leadership Award

The 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award will be presented to Laureen “Laurie” Cadden. For more than 35 years, Laurie Cadden has shared her time and talents with dozens of civic organizations and charities in northeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to her love of the arts, Cadden has committed herself to empowering women through financial education and literacy. Through decades of hands-on service and leadership, she has helped shape a more vibrant, equitable and connected community in which women are encouraged to lead, invest and thrive.

The ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti, LLC, CPA, is presented to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her/his business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. H

KEUKA LAKESIDE INN

Hammondsport’s exclusive lakefront accommodations on the shores of Keuka Lake. This Inn offers 17 comfortable rooms and spectacular views with an on-site boat launch and docking available. Find us on Facebook and at 24 Water St., Hammondsport, NY 14840. (607) 569-2600, www.keukalakesideinn.com

Rock N’ Roll Gymnastics Academy T

Dr. Lauren Dennis

his year marks a major milestone for Rock N’ Roll Gymnastics Academy— 20 years in business! What began as a passion-driven program has grown into a thriving gymnastics community dedicated to empowering children, building confidence and fostering lifelong skills both inside and outside the gym.

Founded in 2006 by Dr. Lauren Dennis, Rock N’ Roll Gymnastics Academy was inspired by her desire to give back. Offering gymnastics classes was a way to raise money to embark on her first missionary trip to Managua, Nicaragua, where she worked with underprivileged children. What initially intended to be a one-time program quickly evolved into a lifelong mission. Since then, the business has expanded three times and now operates as a full-service gymnastics studio located in the Westmoreland Business Center in Shavertown.

Rock N’ Roll Gymnastics Academy is comprised of a team of dedicated coaches who genuinely enjoy investing their time in children’s lives. The gym is a proud member of American Gymnastics Leagues, AAU Gymnastics and USA Gymnastics. For Dr. Dennis, one of the most rewarding aspects of owning the business is witnessing the positive impact the gym has on so many families in the community. She has watched countless friendships form, confidence grow and children thrive through the sense of belonging that comes from being a part of a team.

Several of the coaches are former gymnasts who trained under Dr. Dennis when they were children themselves.

Watching students grow into confident gymnasts and later return as leaders and mentors has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career. Dr. Dennis strongly believes in the value of education and lifelong learning. In addition to owning the gymnastics studio, she has worked in the field of education for over 15 years. In 2025, she earned a Doctor of Education from Liberty University. She graduated from King’s College with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and later earned a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction. She also holds a

professional certificate in fitness and exercise and small business management from Ashworth University.

Rock N’ Roll Gymnastics Academy offers a wide variety of programs, including Mommy & Me, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Competition Teams and Ninja Warrior classes. Individual private lessons, birthday parties and summer camps are also available. Classes are designed to empower stu-

dents, help them develop selfconfidence, practice diligence and learn the importance of teamwork in a positive and encouraging environment.

As Rock N’ Roll Gymnastics Academy celebrates 20 years of serving the community, the mission remains the same: to create a welcoming, heart-centered space where children can grow, thrive and discover their potential— one cartwheel at a time. H

Wayne Bank Promotions

Wayne Bank recently announced 17 promotions, highlighting employees who exemplify its Every Day Better™ (EDB) philosophy through leadership, dedication and commitment.

Deborah Kennedy

Senior Vice President, PA Retail Banking Market Manager

Deb joined Wayne Bank in April 2024, bringing nearly 20 years of banking experience along with an MBA in marketing. Her leadership, strategic insight and customerfocused approach have already made a meaningful impact across its retail market.

Kayla Dixon

Vice President, Business Intelligence Manager

Kayla joined Wayne Bank in January 2012 and has grown her career through multiple roles, including as a teller and an indirect lending service representative. With 13 years of experience, Kayla’s institutional knowledge, analytical expertise and commitment to continuous improvement embody the spirit of EDB.

Alison Menotti

Vice President, Loan Operations Manager

Since joining Wayne Bank in January 2008, Alison has advanced through numerous roles, including as a teller, a loan operations associate, commercial loan operations associate and as a loan operations supervisor. Her experience, steady leadership and dedication to operational excellence continue to strengthen Wayne Bank.

Anna Van Acker

Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer

Anna joined Wayne Bank in October 2021 as a commercial loan associate and has quickly distinguished herself through her professionalism, community involvement and customer advocacy. She actively serves on multiple industry boards and is currently attending the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Advanced School of Banking.

Katy Doan

Assistant Vice President, Penn Yan Community Office Manager

Katy joined Wayne Bank in July 2017 and brings 20 years of banking experience to her role. Her consistent leadership, focus on customer

relationships and team development reflect her commitment to being better every day.

Tiffany Dzwieleski

Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Originator

Tiffany joined Wayne Bank in December 2021 as a consumer lending service representative and transitioned into mortgage origination in 2022. Her dedication to outstanding customer service and community engagement continues to elevate customer experience.

Bobbie Gurnari

Assistant Vice President, Forty Fort Community Office Manager

Bobbie joined Wayne Bank in September 2024 with an impressive 37 years of banking experience. Her leadership, mentorship and depth of knowledge have already strengthened her team and community office.

Jamie Polley

Assistant Vice President, Payroll Officer

Jamie joined Wayne Bank in 2014 as a human resources administrator and has continued to grow professionally, ensuring the bank’s compensation and benefits are administered with accuracy, courtesy and professionalism. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from the University of Scranton.

Mercedes McCracken

Bank Officer, Milford Assistant Community Office Manager

Mercedes began her Wayne Bank career as a teller in 2020 and has since advanced to head teller, branch specialist and now assistant community office manager. Her growth, leadership and dedication reflect the opportunities available when commitment meets effort.

LeeAnn Peterson

Bank Officer, Credit Analyst

LeeAnn joined Wayne Bank in May 2022 as a commercial loan assistant and has more than 27 years of banking experience. Her analytical skills, technical background and thoughtful approach continue to support sound credit decisions.

Brittney Romance

Bank Officer, Consumer Loan Officer

Since joining Wayne Bank in 2019, Brittney has earned multiple promotions through her strong work ethic, customer focus and willingness to grow. Her progression is a true example of EDB in action.

Justin Roach

Bank Officer, Creative Officer

Justin joined Wayne Bank in October 2014 and has transformed how the bank’s brand is seen and experienced. His creativity, innovation and visual storytelling have firmly established Wayne Bank’s presence across social media platforms. Justin earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton.

Cody Shauger

Bank Officer, Main Street Assistant

Community Office Manager

Cody joined Wayne Bank in 2024 as a teller and has advanced rapidly through multiple promotions. His enthusiasm, adaptability and commitment to excellence have made him a valued leader in the bank’s Main Street office.

Title Change Promotions:

Lizbeth Lamont

Community Office Manager, Marshalls Creek Lizbeth joined Wayne Bank in 2019 and has held several roles, most recently serving as an assistant community office manager. Her promotion reflects her leadership growth and dedication to her team and community.

Amanda Miller

Senior Credit Analyst

Amanda began her Wayne Bank career in 2002 as a floating teller and has contributed across multiple departments over the years. Her deep institutional knowledge, technical expertise and consistent contributions make her an invaluable part of credit administration.

Gary Steich

Retail Collections Manager

Gary joined Wayne Bank in October 2016 and has consistently excelled in collections. His leadership, professionalism and ability to balance performance with customer care continue to move the department forward.

Cheryl Wilkerson

Monroe County Regional Community Office Manager

Cheryl joined Wayne Bank in 2007 as a parttime teller and has grown through numerous leadership roles. Her career journey reflects dedication, resilience and a commitment to serving both customers and colleagues with excellence.H

Tobyhanna’s Environmental Efforts

Tobyhanna Army Depot recently received high marks for its environment standards.

Auditors cited its high level of technical knowledge and active management of environmental programs, including solid waste, restoration, hazardous waste, air quality, hazardous materials, water and wastewater, energy management, storage tanks and National Environmental Policy Act compliance.

Tobyhanna was also recognized for its strong commitment to environmental stewardship, demonstrated through consistent support to operational teams in meeting regulatory requirements. Environmental Protection Specialist Matt Argust emphasized the value of maintaining a strong Environmental Management System.

“The Environmental Management System is a crucial framework for any organization seeking to operate in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner,” he said. “It provides a structured approach to managing environmental aspects, fulfilling compliance obligations and addressing risks and opportunities. “Maintaining an Environmental Management

System has economic advantages such as improved resource efficiency and cost savings. This allows Tobyhanna Army Depot to keep a competitive edge in both the public and private sectors. This is in addition to increasing our corporate reputation with customers and the community as a center of environmental excellence, not just electronics excellence.” H

Weddings

Elizabeth Corbett Conor Walsh &

Elizabeth Corbett, daughter of Robert and Trish Finnerty Corbett, married Conor Walsh, son of David and Liz Kennedy Walsh, on December 20, 2025 at Divine Mercy Parish in Minooka.

The couple initially met at the oldest pub in Philadelphia, McGillin’s Old Ale House. Elizabeth is a Scranton native while Conor grew up in Havertown. Once the couple began talking, they quickly discovered common Scranton roots, as Conor’s parents were both Scranton natives and many of his relatives, (including grandparents), still live in the region. In addition to each possessing large families with lots of cousins, the couple also learned that they had many mutual friends. They also bonded over their love for the City of Brotherly Love.

As the relationship developed, Elizabeth ultimately moved to Philadelphia.

Elizabeth is a graduate of Scranton High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University. She received a master’s degree in K-12 school counseling from the University

of Scranton She works as an elementary school counselor at the Haverford Township School District.

Conor is a graduate of Haverford High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Villanova University. He works as a technical sales representative for SPS Clean Tech in Philadelphia.

Conor proposed to Elizabeth on a walk in their Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia. Conor got down on one knee in front of the stoop of their row home apartment. He chose a Thursday evening as he was certain that Elizabeth would be surprised.

Conor very thoughtfully designed a beautiful ring made of stones from his grandmother’s engagement ring and his mother’s diamond earrings. It was crafted to match Elizabeth’s mother’s wedding band, perfectly tying the two families together.

Elizabeth’s parish priest at Divine Mercy Parish, Father Paul McDonnell, along with Father Michael Bryant— the priest who married Conor’s parents—both served as co-celebrants of the wedding ceremony.

A wedding reception followed at The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, designed with a holiday theme. Elizabeth, a singer, joined the couple’s wedding band for a few numbers. Conor dressed up as Santa Claus and passed out Santa hats on the

dance floor. More than 300 people were in attendance, representing the couple’s large families with an abundance of cousins.

For their honeymoon, the couple took a weekend trip to Longboat Key, Florida. They are planning a trip to Italy.

As a couple, Conor and Elizabeth enjoy going on walks and exploring new places and restaurants. Carving out time to spend with family and friends and attending sporting events and concerts are

also priorities. They offer this advice to others planning a wedding: “Remember that you’re a team, never stop going on dates, have fun and remember that your partner is your best friend!” H

National Doctors Day March 30

A Physician Workforce That Trains Here–and Stays Here

When Dr. Amatus Legbedion finished her residency at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education in 2024, she was not focused on where she might go next. She was thinking about how she could stay.

The board-certified family medicine physician now provides comprehensive, whole-person primary and preventive health services to patients at The Wright Center for Community Health in Wilkes-Barre. She represents the full arc of The Wright Center’s mission of training physicians in the communities that need them most— then retaining them to expand access and address persistent workforce shortages.

Her path to remain in Northeast Pennsylvania was anything but straightforward.

Raised in a household where health care was woven into daily life, Dr. Legbedion, a Canadian native, first saw medicine through her mother's eyes, who worked in the field. She was moved by how essential clinical skills are and how compassion often becomes the turning point for patients and families.

That early exposure to medicine as both science and service stayed with her throughout undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph in Ontario, medical school at Windsor University School of Medicine— St. Kitts, West Indies and clinical experiences in Canada and the United States.

Upon arriving in Scranton in 2021 to begin her family medicine residency at The Wright Center, Dr. Legbedion found a community with familiar challenges: chronic disease compounded by economic strain, limited continuity of care and a thinly stretched health system.

What she also found, and what ultimately rooted her in Northeast Pennsylvania, was trust.

Patients welcomed her into their lives and allowed her to participate in their care in meaningful ways. She witnessed how continuity of care could stabilize health and restore hope, and she saw how her presence mattered.

“What stood out most was the sense of mutual

investment,” Dr. Legbedion said. “Patients wanted me to stay, and the community made space for me to belong. I realized that Northeast Pennsylvania wasn’t just a place to train; it was a place where my presence could make a tangible, lasting difference.”

During residency training, she also rose quickly as a natural leader. As chief resident, she handled responsibilities that extended well beyond patient care, including advocating for her peers and guiding them through difficult clinical and personal situations. Residents turned to her when the pressure felt overwhelming, and attending physicians relied on her ability to bridge viewpoints and keep patient care at the center of every decision.

Graduation should have marked the culmination of her training. Instead, it ushered in a daunting detour.

Immigration and licensure barriers delayed her return to the United States from Canada, postponing her start at The Wright Center, and temporarily separating her from the communities she intended to serve. The experience sharpened her empathy and gave her firsthand insight into systems that challenge rather than support. When she was finally cleared to return, she didn’t hesitate.

“At times, the uncertainty felt overwhelming,” Dr. Legbedion said. “But that experience sharpened my empathy for patients facing complex systems that often feel impersonal. It also reinforced my responsibility as a physician leader to advocate, persist and help dismantle barriers wherever possible.”

Dr. Legbedion also holds two leadership roles at The Wright Center. As the director and physician liaison for academic affairs, she connects staff, learners, educational partners and clinical teams. As an outpatient family medicine physician faculty member, she provides high-quality patient care while teaching and supervising resident physicians.

These roles require her to balance patient care with education and institutional leadership, moving seamlessly between exam room conversations and decisions that shape physician training programs. Teaching is central to her purpose, not a side assignment, but rather another way to honor and reciprocate the investment The Wright Center made in her.

“As faculty, I see my role as creating a supportive environment where learners feel seen, challenged and empowered to grow. Staying and teaching here is both a privilege and a responsibility to strengthen the pipeline of com-

passionate physicians committed to this region, Dr. Legbedion said. Her clinical work reflects the same intentionality.

She recalled a patient with several chronic illnesses who felt overwhelmed by medications, appointments and life circumstances. Over time, with clarity and consistent follow-up, the patient learned to manage her conditions and regain control.

For Dr. Legbedion, the turning point wasn’t a procedure or prescription; it was showing up, listening and staying present long enough for trust to take hold.

“Family medicine allows space for that kind of transformation, fostering relationships rather than quick fixes,” she said.

“Community is not only defined by geography, but by relationships built through trust and service,” she said.

Experiences across multiple countries and health care systems shape her approach, including community health fairs in the Caribbean, diabetes education in Toronto and frontline pandemic work in Ontario. While setting change, human needs do not: dignity, continuity and access matter everywhere.

“Many patients struggle with

navigating fragmented systems, juggling medical needs with financial or social stressors and feeling unheard,” Dr. Legbedion said. “Addressing these barriers requires partnership, patience and advocacy.”

Colleagues describe Dr. Legbedion as calm under pressure, measured in decisionmaking and universally respectful. She teaches by modeling the family medicine mindset: slow down long enough to listen and allow people to meet you where they are.

Outside of medicine, she values quiet routines that restore balance: spending time with loved ones, reading, working on jigsaw puzzles and prioritizing personal wellness.

Her goals for the future include strengthening primary care systems, supporting residency training, mentoring intentionally and serving with empathy.

To future physicians, especially those on international or unconventional paths, she offers the lesson of her own journey: the harder the road, the more meaningful the work becomes.

Learn more by visiting TheWrightCenter.org or calling 570-230-0019. H

College Admissions and Mental Health: Promoting Student Well-Being

The time of year has come when high school seniors will be receiving admissions decisions from colleges. The relief of submitting their final applications has led to the anxiety of waiting for responses from schools. This anticipation is one of the most stressful times in a college-bound high school senior’s life. Coping with this weighs heavily on the students as it is one of the most monumental transitions in their lives. The College Board reported that over 70% of seniors admitted that they were stressed about college.

Currently, the end of another very stressful college admissions season

is not over for those students who have been deferred or waitlisted. Of course, some of the tension will be alleviated as students must make a college choice based on the decisions they have received. by May 1.This stressful time can bring anxiety, pressure, guilt, shame, embarrassment and depression, and as a result, these conditions can become exacerbated when classes begin in the fall.

A decade ago, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) surveyed college students living with mental health conditions in order to hear directly from students about whether colleges were meeting their needs and what improvements are

needed to support their academic experiences. These concerns are very important because colleges across the country have been reporting large increases in the prevalence and severity of student mental health conditions.

It is important to recognize the signs when stress starts to affect student overall mental health and well-being. These can include:

• Insomnia or chronic trouble sleeping

• Lack of motivation

• Anxiety that results

• in physical symptoms

• (hair loss, nail biting,

• losing weight)

• Depression (withdrawal • •

• from friends, sleeping •

• excessively and appetite •

• changes)

• Mood swings (bursting

• into tears, bouts of anger)

Some strategies coping for helping students adjust to the college experiences:

1. Students must practice coping skills with the understanding that experiencing anxiety and stress during this time is normal. This is challenging because most students have never been required to make so many life decisions in a such a short time.

2. Students must develop personal resilience during such challenging times. Students will need strength for college, career and overall life success.

3. Students must prioritize physical and mental health which are key to well-being. Take a walk, ride a bike, go out with friends, see a movie–step away from the stress. Not only

should parents and others encourage these well-being behaviors, but they should also model them in their own lives.

4. Students should practice self-talk and make a strong commitment to defining their own college experiences. One key to this is not listening to others regarding college major or advice about attending a specific college. The belief that success will only result by attending a specific college puts an enormous amount of pressure on the student. Believe that college is about the experiences and what he or she

lifestyle, prior to making appropriate adjustments better aligned with success. Most often highest performance levels of any kind (school, sports, career) depend heavily on lifestyle choices. Students should

Key Aspects of Student Anxiety:

• Prevalence: Roughly 32% of college •

• students reported anxiety in recent • •

• studies, a slight decrease from

• previous years but still a significant •

• concern.

• Causes: The high-stakes nature of

• applications, academic pressure, and

• the transition to college are primary

• drivers of stress.

• Symptoms: Anxiety can manifest as

• extreme stress that causes students

• to avoid necessary activities, such as

• taking tests or filling out applications.

continue to practice self-assessment strategies throughout college and their professional lives.

Jennifer Severini-Kresock NEPA Career and College Counseling Associates (570) 702-5700 or jkresock@nepacareerandcollegecounseling.com. H

“Notification day was the first time I had ever seen our daughter cry from happiness. We are so proud and beyond excited for her future college career at her first choice school! Your entire team was phenomenal in all of the guidance provided. Thank you so very much–we appreciated all of your hard work.”

—Angela

Jennifer L. Severini-Kresock, MS

and Marty Heyen, Wheaton, Illinois

LOUDER THAN CANCER!’ CONCERT

“Louder Than Cancer!,” on

and doors open at 5 p.m.

The event will feature Rockdoc and the Healers, a rock band comprised of medical professionals and musi-

Gastroenterology Fellowship

Program. More than 20 years ago, Dr. Khurana, along with Dr. Steve Eskin, now the lead singer of the rock band and a fellow gastroenterologist, dreamed of combining their passions. That vision is finally coming to fruition, grounded in a simple but powerful belief: music can make a

deeper, more lasting impact than wordy teaching alone.

The Wright Center for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education is the platinum sponsor of the event.

“Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it’s caught early, yet too many people delay or avoid screening,” said Dr. Eskin. Dr. Eskin will be joined on stage by Dr. Reese Hofstrand, a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, along with the Giron brothers, rounding out the band’s high-energy lineup.

The event is being organized by Dr. Peter Iskander, also a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program.

Tickets for “Louder Than Cancer!” are free and available at TheWrightCenter.org/events.

23rd Annual CASUAL Day

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer can be a preventable disease. Through screenings, if polyps are found and removed, a future colon

cancer can be prevented. If colon cancer is found at an early stage, it can often be cured with removal alone. Colorectal screening saves lives.

On March 26 participants throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania will take part in the 23rd Annual C.A.S.U.A.L. Day to raise awareness for Colon Cancer screenings.

Participants pay $10 for CASUAL socks and CASUAL hats, and $20 for a long sleeve or short sleeve cotton t-shirt. The ordering deadline is March 11 at 4 p.m. Individuals interested in getting their organization or school involved can become team captains, responsible for ordering and distributing the group’s shirts and socks. All proceeds from the event stay in NEPA and go toward the Cancer Institute’s efforts regarding Colorectal Cancer.

C.A.S.U.A.L. Day, which refers to the statement, “Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives,” was originally created in memo-

ry of Northeastern Pennsylvania native Helen Phillips. In 2002 Phillips was diagnosed with colon cancer and within six months the disease took her life. In 2003 her family and friends partnered with the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute to create a campaign to build awareness for colorectal cancer screenings, a preventative measure that may have saved her life. CASUAL Day is a dress down event to raise awareness of colorectal cancer and to prompt folks to have casual conversations about prevention, early detection and screenings.

Each year, hundreds of individuals in this region are diagnosed with colon cancer and some will lose

their battle. Colon and rectal cancers are two of the most common cancer diagnoses in the region with a higher per centage than the national average.

Screenings should begin at age 45. Average risk individuals are those without a history of inflammatory bowel disease, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or a personal or family history of high-risk polyps. The American Cancer Society recommended lowering the screening age for average risk individuals to 45 given the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer amongst younger individuals. The frequency of screening can be anywhere from annual to every ten years based upon findings and genetic risk factors.

The late Dr. Alessandro Giovanni Smeraldi, MD of South Abington Township died February 9, 2025 at age 52 after a courageous and well fought battle against colon cancer. For the third year in a row, his wife Gail is co-chairing

children are committed to bringing attention to the importance of colon screening, explaining risk factors and encouraging everyone who is 45 and older to get a colonoscopy.

To learn more, visit cancernepa.org.

If you would like to make a donation, please consider Northeast Regional Cancer Institute/ CASUAL Day. (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) 570-904-8808 or www.cancernepa.org. H

In Pennsylvania, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death. Screening for colon cancer using colonoscopy can detect ulcers, colon polyps, tumors and areas of inflammation or bleeding.

Screening can catch the disease at an early stage, and can also make the disease easier to treat.

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is a nonprofit community-based agency serving seven counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania for the past 31 years. With offices in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, its mission focuses on surveillance, community and patient services, and hospital and practice support services. The Cancer Institute invests 100% of its resources locally.

TheImportanceof Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when detected early. Screening is the strongest defense at helping find cancer before symptoms start, even for those without known risk factors.

Jason, a patient at Guthrie, shared:

“I have no family history of cancers and my genetic testing found no genetic markers for cancer. Without screening, my cancer would have been far more developed by the time bigger symptoms showed up. These tests can save your life.”

Jason’s experience shows that early screening saves lives, even for those with no family history.

Why Early Detection Matters

Colorectal cancer often begins with small polyps that can develop into cancer over time. Symptoms may not appear right away, which is why regular screening is so important. Experts recommend starting conversations about screening at age 45, or earlier if you have additional risk factors.

Colonoscopy is the most effective screening tool, allowing doctors to find and remove polyps during the same procedure.

Care and Treatment at Guthrie

At Guthrie, your care team includes board-certified specialists from many areas working together to bring you the best care possible.

Every patient has access to a Cancer Nurse Navigator for support and guidance. Social workers and clinical research trials are also available.

Take the Next Step

Screening can save your life, as Jason’s story illustrates. If you are 45 or older, or at increased risk, talk to your Guthrie primary care doctor about colon cancer screening. Visit www.Guthrie.org or call 866-GUTHRIE (866-488-4743) to learn more.

“ “

I have no family history of cancers and my genetic testing found no genetic markers for cancer. Without screening, my cancer would have been far more developed by the time bigger symptoms showed up. These tests can save your life.

Key Estate Planning Tools to Remember

By taking steps in advance, you have a greater say in how questions are answered.

Wills and trusts are two of the most popular estate planning tools. Both allow you to spell out how you would like your property to be distributed, but they also go far beyond that.

Just about everyone needs a will. Besides enabling you to determine the distribution of your property, a will gives you the opportunity to nominate your executor and guardians for your minor children. If you fail to make such designations through your will, the decisions will probably be left to the courts. Bear in mind that property distributed through your will is subject to probate, which can be a time-consuming and costly process.

Trusts differ from wills in that they are actual legal entities. Like a will, trusts spell out how you want your property distributed. Trusts let you customize the distribution of your estate with the added advantages of property management and probate avoidance. While trusts offer numerous advantages, they incur upfront costs and ongoing administrative fees. The use of trusts involves a complex web of tax rules and regulations. You should consider the counsel of an experienced estate planning professional and your legal and tax advisors before implementing such strategies.

Wills and trusts are not mutually exclusive. While not everyone with a will needs a trust, all those with

trusts should have a will as well.

Incapacity poses almost as much of a threat to your financial well-being as death does. Fortunately, there are tools that can help you cope with this threat.

A durable power of attorney is a legal agreement that avoids the need for a conservatorship and enables you to designate who will make your legal and financial decisions if you become incapacitated. Unlike the standard power of attorney, durable powers remain valid if you become incapacitated.

Similar to the durable power of attorney, a health-care proxy is a document in which you desig -

nate someone to make health-care decisions for you if you are incapacitated. The person you designate can generally make decisions regarding medical facilities, medical treatments, surgery and a variety of other healthcare issues. Much like the durable power of attorney, the health-care proxy involves some important decisions. Take the utmost care when choosing who will make them.

A related document, the living will, also known as a directive to physicians or a health-care directive, spells out the kinds of life-sustaining treatment you will permit in the event of your incapacity. The decision for or against life support is one that only you can make.

That makes the living will a valuable estate planning tool. You may use a living will in conjunction with a health-care proxy. Bear in mind that laws governing the recognition and treatment of living wills may vary from state to state.

Estate Planning Tip

Keep all your important financial and legal information in a central file for your executor. Be sure to include:

• Letters of instruction

• Medical records

• Bank/brokerage statements

• Income and gift tax returns

• Insurance policies

• Titles and deeds

• Will and trust documents

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2026.

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. Member: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC. 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. H

Ryan Wilson, CPA, CFP®, CRPC, AWMA®, CEPA® AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary®)

Executive Vice President/Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

72 Glenmaura National Boulevard, Suite 103 Moosic, PA 18507

800.638.4417

rwilson@janney.com WilsonWealthAdvisory.com

Ignation Volunteer Corps (IVC) will Host an Evening of Gratitude

Thursday, March 19 • Scranton Preparatory School

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) is an American-Catholic volunteer service which matches volunteers with charities and nonprofits. The Ignation Volunteer Corps was brought to the Scranton area more than a decade ago.

A Northeastern Pennsylvania Evening of Gratitude will be held March 19 at Scranton Preparatory School, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Three awards will be presented at this year’s gathering.

Honorable

Robert P. Casey Jr. will be presented with IVC’s Pedro Arrupe, SJ Award for exemplary public service. This National Award is named as a tribute to the late Pedro Arrupe, S.J. who served as the 28th Superior General of the Society of Jesus from 1965-1983. In 1973, Arrupe coined the phrase, ‘men and women for others.’

out of ourselves to give ourselves to others in love,” he said. For Arrupe, the commitment to others meant undertaking a willingness to pay attention to the injustices around us and develop a ‘firm resolve

“Gifted with conscience, intelligence and power, each of us is indeed a center. But a center called to go

to be agents of change in society; not merely resisting unjust structures and arrangements but actively undertaking to reform them.

The Scranton Jesuit Community will be presented with the IVC Northeastern Pennsylvania Madonna Della Strata Award. This award is presented to an individual or organization reflecting the Ignatian value of transformative service grounded in justice, mutuality and equality. It is named after the first church that Ignatius and the early Jesuits obtained to meet the needs of Rome’s underserved, the Sancta Maria Della Strada.

NativityMiguel School of Scranton will receive the IVC Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Award. This award is presented to an IVC NEPA partner agency that has had a direct and measurable impact on IVC NWPA program, members and those served.

The community is invited to attend the Evening of Gratitude on March 19. For tickets and registration contact: Teddy Michel, IVC Regional Director, at (570) 941-4264, or visit the IVC website at ivcusa.org/newsevents/ivcnepaeog2026/. If you would like more information on becoming an Ignatian Volunteer, you can also contact Michel at JMichel@ivcusa.org. H

About IVC

IVC was originally created as a program for retired and semi-retired women and men, age 50 and over, with two major components: ministry to the poor and reflection on that ministry. IVC members commit to serve 8-hours a week from September through June of skilled service with local nonprofit partner agencies.

IVC works with partner community organizations addressing social problems. Candidates are screened and vetted by region directors, with suitable candidates matched with a service placement based on their skills, experience and interest. Volunteer work includes literacy and education programs, soup kitchens and shelters, advice and counseling programs and healthcare.

IVC’s communal and spiritual aspects set it apart from other volunteer opportunities. Transformation occurs for Ignatian Volunteers when they minister to the less fortunate, and then take the time to intentionally reflect on their ministry.

What began as a simple plan to install a brick walkway outside Casa de Maria Maternity Home has grown into a living symbol of care, community and lasting impact.

The Providence Pregnancy Center (PPC) supports hundreds of women each year throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, offering free pregnancy services, education, material assistance and encouragement during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. At the heart of that mission is Casa de Maria

More Than Bricks: Growing Hope at Providence Pregnancy Center

Maternity Home, a safe and supportive residence that can house up to four women at a time, along with their young children, while they prepare for motherhood and independent living.

The Leave Your Mark — Build Hope Commemorative Brick Campaign continues to gain momentum, transforming an initial fundraising effort into the thoughtfully designed Garden of Hope—a peaceful outdoor space where residents can reflect, connect and find calmness. Garden of

available for donation now, with installation of the completed garden anticipated in June 2026.

Each engraved brick tells a story. Names, dedications and messages of encouragement will line the garden’s paths, offering a visible reminder to every mother who walks there that she is supported by a caring community.

Renovations with Purpose

The Garden of Hope campaign also supports Phase Two renovations inside Casa de Maria, improvements designed to enhance both accessibility and daily life. Planned updates include a renovated kitchen and dining area for shared meals and routine, a handicap-accessi-

ble bedroom to ensure the home can serve residents with mobility needs and a dedicated chapel offering a quiet space for reflection and spiritual grounding.

Together, these upgrades reflect PPC’s commitment to dignity, stability and holistic care for mothers and children.

Hope Beyond the Bricks

While engraved bricks remain central to the campaign, supporters can also contribute to the Garden of Hope through additional features that will shape the space for years to come. Available items include trees, benches, statuary, decorative garden elements, an entrance arbor, fencing and lighting. Each donation may be dedicated with a commemorative plaque, allowing families, individuals and organizations to honor loved ones or share messages of encouragement.

A Living Legacy of Community Care

As the Garden of Hope moves toward completion in 2026, it stands as more than a landscaped area—it is a testament to what happens when compassion becomes action. Whether through a brick, a bench or a tree, every contribution strengthens the mission of the Providence Pregnancy Center and helps ensure that Casa de

Maria remains a place where hope doesn’t just exist—it grows.

Learn more about donating to the Garden of Hope, by visiting www.ppcscranton.org/hopegarden. - Submitted by: Providence Pregnancy Center

QR code to get to www.ppcscranton/bricks

Sensible Senior Living

The Arc US is the largest advocacy organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the nation. The Arc of Northeastern PA is one of nearly 700 chapters throughout the US. The local chapter began 70 years ago by families looking for educational and recreational opportunities for their children. The Arc provides advocacy throughout seven counties in NEPA, through information and resources to families and individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arc also coordi nates with other local agencies and programs.

Support related to transportation

Blue Envelope Program

A program through the Lehigh Valley Health Network and local police departments throughout PA, (locally in Throop and Dickson City.)

PA Yellow Dot program

A yellow dot sticker on the car’s back lower left car’s window alerts responders during traffic incidents that an occupant in the vehicle may have a medical condition and may not be able to respond. A yellow pamphlet can contain the pertinent medical information and be kept with the vehicle's other documents. Sign up online at https://www.pa.gov/services/penndot/sign-up-forthe-yellow-dot-safety-program

The Arc is happy to answer any questions. Advocates are available to assist with areas of disability from birth through adulthood, in areas of education, rights, community access, future planning and others.

http://www.thearcnepa.org/ H

Drivers with autism or other developmental disabilities can present a Blue Envelope containing their driving documents, explanation of disabilities and other pertinent information to an officer during a traffic stop or driving situation involving emergency responders. Find more at: https://www.lvhn.org/blueenvelope

Pennsylvania State Police Autism Information Card

For those with autism, The PA State Police Office of Community Engagement has a card that explains difficulties that can be presented when interactions take place. It includes space for the individual's personal and emergency contact information. It can be downloaded or picked up at a local barracks.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psp/resources/safety-resources.

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Direct Support Professionals

Goodwill Industries of NEPA: Strengthening The Community

For more than eight decades, Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) has built a strong legacy of helping people with barriers become self-sufficient in their lives. Goodwill Industries transforms revenue from its retail locations and helps individuals by providing education, career training, job placement, socialization, re-entry assistance and more.

Mark K.’s journey with Goodwill Industries of NEPA’s supported employment program shows the true power of opportunity, determination and potential.

Starting at Chili’s Grill & Bar in March 2025, Mark brought a positive attitude that quickly made him an important member of the Dickson City team. He didn’t just meet expectations, he enthusiastically embraced more responsibility, eagerly taking on additional tasks like dishwashing and food preparation.

Mark’s dedication has made quite an impression with Chili’s

management. Dory, a manager at the restaurant, speaks highly of his progress. “Mark always has such a positive attitude and always asks for feedback from his team,” she said. “When he first started, he needed a lot of guidance, but now not so much. Now, he shows up and does his job with confidence,” Dory said. “We are happy to have Mark here at Chili’s and he does a great job!”

More than just earning a paycheck, Mark found a place where he was truly welcomed and feels at home.

Mark K., a participant in Goodwill Industries of NEPA’s supportive employment program.

Mark’s journey is Goodwill’s mission in action. Through the agency’s employ ment programs, individuals like Mark have the opportunity to make meaningful connections, gain essential job skills and confidently re-enter the workforce to build a brighter future.

Goodwill’s retail stores and donation cen ters are the engines that power the agency’s programs, transforming secondhand treasures into life-changing opportunities. Every purchase and donation directly supports the programs that help neighbors in Northeastern Pennsylvania overcome barriers to independence.

Goodwill’s shoppers and donors help the agency provide the essential programs and resources that allow individuals to build brighter futures and achieve their goals. Learn more about Goodwill Industries of NEPA at www.goodwillnepa.org. H

and purchase helps your neighbors with barriers become selfsufficient in their lives.

Help individuals with challenges gain work skills or ease into adulthood

Employment and job placement

Re-entry assistance

Your local Goodwill stores help fund these services and more! www.goodwillnepa.org

Developmental Disabilities Month Feature Dominic Vetrini

Dominic Vetrini is an outpatient pediatric client at Allied Services John P. Moses Esq. Pediatric Rehab Center in Wilkes-Barre.

Erica and Justin Vetrini married in 2015. Their first son, Jason, was born in 2016 after a normal pregnancy with no issues. Dominic, the couple’s second son, was born in 2018 after an equally uneventful experience. Although Dominic seemed to hit some of his early milestones, “Dad Justin” had inclinations that something seemed amiss.

mental differences based on their experience with their first son. “It seemed as if Dominic lacked personality and the typical baby babble was absent. He also seemed to have a distant stare,” Justin said.

Dominic grew, both par-

began to

“Mom Erica” was busy tending to the needs of both boys and perhaps didn’t note the differences as early as Justin had. However, her background and education in psychology soon kicked into gear.

Between Dominic’s first and second birthdays, Justin and Erica raised concerns about his development with their doctors. Their fears were initially dismissed. After Dominic’s second birthday, Erica prodded the doctors for further definitive testing. Chromosomal testing proved to be normal. At first, it was suggested that he had autism; however, Erica knew that Dominic didn’t display the typical autistic mannerisms.

Dominic was non-verbal except for a few words that took plenty of interpretation to understand. He also had infantile tendencies and trouble controlling his emotions-beyond that of a typical child his age. He had fears and anxiety about such experiences as getting wet with water, or having the wind on his face, or walking in the grass–concerns that most children had outgrown. Conversely, as they would learn later in his life, he was fearless about such experiences as a deathdefying roller coaster, (saying “again!”) whereas many children might be terrified to even go once.

psychologists, neurologists and genetic counselors, (both locally and at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) a diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay–a rather broad umbrella term–was given.

Upon hearing the diagnosis, Erica jumped into her research and problem-solving mode to seek available resources. She made many phone calls, attempting to get on waiting lists of organizations that might be able to meet their needs. The child psychologist recommended occupational, physical and speech therapies. Fortunately Erica was able to get Dominic into Allied Services Pediatric Rehab Center in Wilkes-Barre–exactly where she wanted him–at just 2 years old.

Now, at nearly 8 years old, Dominic has been seen at Allied continually and with continuity for the past six years.

His occupational therapist, Lynn Dunay, OTR/L, his speech therapist, Erin Poperowitz, MS, CCC/SLP and physical therapist Sarah Prebish, DPT, PT have truly become part of their family. The communication between the OT, PT and speech therapists has been excellent, says Erica. “The most important part about therapy is continuing at home with what you do each week at the facility,” she said. Erica is most diligent about making the home part of therapy happen. If the therapists are working with a certain tool, Erica will make sure she orders the identical one for home so that consistency is paramount.

Right from the beginning, with her own experiences, Erica also began exposure therapy to help Dominic with some of his fears. For example, because a bath or shower was monumentally challenging, she began swim lessons very early to gently work on his fear of water. Erica reports that he still takes swim lessons today and loves jumping in with sheer delight. Another past fear involved stuffed animals. No stuffed animals could be in their house whatsoever as they terrified him. Erica slowly began introducing him by putting a very small stuffed animal in a room that Dominic wasn’t always

in. She would carefully take his hand while walking past it, showing him that a stuffed animal could indeed be fun.

In May of 2023, Dominic’s diagnosis was further defined as genetic disorder called GABRA2–a very rare disorder affecting the GABRA2 gene. The variant of genetic mutation that Dominic has is believed to be the only confirmed case thus far, with the root mutation affecting less than 30 individuals worldwide. Each day, Dominic is involved in some form of therapy, whether it is speech, physical, occupational or behavioral. He is continually improving. His speech has come so far that he can hold full blown conversations with his older brother without an issue.

“I never thought we’d be where we are, with Dominic–thriving. Yes, we have had set backs,

Justin. “He will achieve what he wants to, whether it is unloading the dishwasher or getting potato chips–he will find a way. He has a strong sense of independence and his brain is developing its own reward structure. He knows there are some things he can’t do, but nothing will stop him from doing what he thinks is possible. We refuse to let his diagnosis define who he is or who he will become,” he said.

Dominic attends public school at Pittston Area. He receives some extra educational assistance through the autistic support classes but he is also able to join the other kids in general education classes. The family considers Pittston Area as an integral part of their team. Dominic reads and enjoys school thoroughly. Erica says she never thought that this would be a possibility for him.

Day by day, amidst a chaotic family life, in which they must always know where Dominic is in the house, they celebrate the wins, such as when Dominic will say a new word. “Long term we are striving to get to wherever Dominic can be. We are hopeful for the future, thankful that he has not had any seizures yet, but we may not be completely out of the woods yet,” Erica said. Variants of Dominic’s condition do exhibit seizures.

“I never thought we’d be where we are, with Dominic–thriving. Yes, we have had set backs, and we have to begin some things again but he is very smart, determined and goal oriented,” Erica said.

“It’s Dominic’s world and we all live in it,” said

The couple accepts that Dominic’s life may not be what the rest of the world would consider ‘typical.’

His parents want to be sure that he has the basic tools to take care of himself so that he can accomplish whatever the future has in store for him, much of which, remains to be seen as, thus far, Dominic has exceeded expectations.

Dominic “loves himself,” the parents said laughingly.

He has passions for what he loves and currently one of his hobbies is collecting watches. While they were on a recent trip to Disney World, his parents discovered that Dominic had ordered many watches from Amazon. When they got home several boxes had arrived! “Some we kept and some we sent back,” Justin said. If Dominic wants something, that is exactly what he wants and he must have it ‘right now!’ We have learned to meet Dominic ‘where he is’ at the moment.

The couple worries that older brother Jason might be slighted out of what could be considered a “typical childhood.” The boys are only 16 months apart, and Jason is the perfect older brother–very supportive, compassionate and under standing. “Dominic’s diagno sis and our family’s experi ence has certainly shaped Jason’s life. He has had to grow up a lot faster and view the world differently. He notices when grown adults in public stare at Dominic when he is having issues,” Erica said. “Jason is so sweet and always watches out for Dominic. If he knows Dominic must have a certain blanket, Jason will run to find it for him,” she said.

Dominic’s good sleeping habits are still a blessing to his parents, as once he is in bed, they can relax for a bit and not be concerned with what he is doing. He generally sleeps throughout the night without any issues from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Physically, Dominic is very healthy. He has some slight coordination issues. He is a great sleeper and always was even as a tiny baby. “We could put him in a pitch black room, with no night light or sound machine on and he would go right to sleep–no fear,” Justin said.

The couple draws strength from the support and help that they receive. “Each day is so chaotic; we have many speed bumps that we go over but we are truly grateful for our support system of family (and that includes our therapists at Allied whom we consider family) and friends. We are thrilled that Dominic sees the same therapists year after year. We love that Allied is able to retain their experts and certified staff.”

Erica offers this advice to parents. “Trust your ‘mom instincts’ when you think something is wrong. Don’t stop until you are heard. Don’t delay. I also urge parents to get genetic testing.” H

Scranton Prep 2025 Girls Tennis Team Accomplishments

H Undefeated Season 21-0

H Lackawanna League Champions (AA-AAA)

H PIAA District 2 AA Champions

H PIAA AA State Champions

H (Team state champs also in 2023)

H Senior Emma Cuck and Junior Lily Lengyel won PIAA District 2

H AA doubles championship

H Senior Emma Cuck and Junior Lily Lengyel won PIAA State AA

H doubles championship

H Junior Hannah LaCoe and Freshman Adithi Velaga won

H bronze in PIAA District 2 AA doubles

H Junior Lily Lengyel won silver in PIAA District 2 AA singles

H Senior Emma Cuck won bronze in PIAA District 2 AA singles

H Senior Emma Cuck, Junior Lily Lengyel, and Junior Hannah

H LaCoe were selected to the Lackawanna County Coaches’ All Stars

H Senior Emma Cuck, Junior Lily Lengyel, and Junior Hannah LaCoe

H were selected for the All Region Team

H Head Coach- Kendra Croker Brunner

H Assistant Coach- Robert Croker

“The Cracked Nut”

an original reimagining of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker May 8, 7:30 p.m. • Theater at North

Ballet Theatre of Scranton’s 50th Anniversary Nutcracker season continues with The Cracked Nut, an original reimagining of the holiday classic!

Set in 1940s New York City, this vibrant retelling follows Claire from a lively dance-hall party to a daring duel beneath the city bridges, then onward with her Prince to a

dazzling dreamscape of bubbles and wonder that ends in Coney Island. Featuring jazzinfused musical adaptations of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Brian Setzer Orchestra and Pentatonix, this original production by

Joanne Arduino, Artistic Director of Ballet Theater of Scranton, is sure to be an unforgettable night at the ballet!

Tickets are available for purchase in April.

Visit www.balletscranton.org or call 570-347-2867 H

Featured senior company cast members include Valentina Ruiz Giraldo as Claire and Brennan Connor as James/the Prince. In Coney Island Gia Vachino will dance the Sugar Cookie, John Roman Vachino will dance Caramel Corn, Mya Harrity and Michael Brown will dance Taffy, Katie Gutekunst will be featured as lead Candy Apple, Meredith Duffy will be the Coney Island vendor, Madeleine Mackarey will be featured as a Lead Gumball who slides down from a gumball machine and Anna Barrett and Annie Reilly will dance as Lead Bubbles.

TheCracked

A reimagined version of the traditional Nutcracker ballet

Our 50th anniversary Nutcracker season continues

Friday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. • Theater at North

Tickets available for purchase in April

Joanne D. Arduino • Artistic Director

Share a Photo of Your Antique Car!

1941 Willys Pickup

Lew Randolph • Harveys Lake

Submit a photo of your antique car to share with readers. Our readers love reminiscing about treasures of the past that were part of their lives.

1954 Packard Caribbean

John Walker

This 1954 green and white Packard Caribbean convertible is a rare low production 359 cid V8 model built on a short wheelbase. Only 750 were built. It cost $5210 and was expensive for a car of that era but it was well received. It came with an outside spare tire "Continental kit” and chrome wire wheels and every amenity available

1955 Buick Century

Dan Wigley

“I’ve had a life-long fascination with classic/antique vehicles since I was a young man. In my opinion, the 1950s, in particular include some of the greatest looking and well built vehicles ever made. I have the most fun cruising around in the car and getting looks from people who usu ally stop, wave and give a thumbs up. If we stop for something to eat, I often have people walking over to the car to get a closer look. They always compliment the vehicle. The most challenging aspect about owning an antique is maintaining the vehicle. Antiques need more attention than modern cars to operate well, and finding a mechanic to work on the car can be a little tough. In addition, certain parts can be challenging to find.”

Dan Wigley, Clarks Summit (former South Scranton resident, retired from law enforcement)

In the heart of Clarks Summit, Golden Coast stands as more than just a clothing boutique—it’s a vibrant, fashion-forward sanctuary where style meets individuality. Owned by the ever-fabulous Tara Atkins, this locally loved shop offers a meticulously curated collection of apparel and accessories that exude personality, creativity and charm.

From the moment you step inside, Golden Coast greets you with an atmosphere that’s equal parts boho-chic and effortlessly cool. The racks are filled with standout pieces from

Golden Coast:

brands like Z Supply, known for cozy yet sophisticated sweaters and Pistola, a favorite for its statement-making denim. But Tara doesn’t stop there—she brings in very artistic selections ensuring all shoppers can find something uniquely theirs.

Beyond the clothing, Golden Coast’s accessory game is unmatched. Whether you're hunting for bold statement earrings, a delicate layered necklace, a cozy scarf or the perfect handbag to complete your look, the boutique’s collection is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Every item in the shop is handpicked with Tara’s keen fashion sense, ensuring that each piece contributes to a wardrobe that tells a story.

But what truly makes Golden Coast special is Tara herself. Funky, spunky and always rocking an outfit that turns heads, her energy infuses the store with warmth and creativity. Shopping here isn’t just about picking out clothes—it’s about finding a style that makes you feel your

Benefit for Outreach in Scranton Golden Coast Fashion Show

on April 18, guests are invited to a fashion show by Golden Coast in Clarks Summit, appropriately titled, “Dress for Your Success.” The event will be held at Glen Oak Country Club and will also feature The Haberdashery, a men's store from Forty Fort who will bring male fashions and models!

The theme of "Dress for your Success," will highlight clothes each of the models would wear in their occupation. The event will benefit Outreach in Scranton. Outreach is a local nonprofit supporting individuals and families through education, job training, parenting support, youth programs and workforce development. Their work helps people build stability, confidence and opportunity. On April 18, cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. The runway show is at 7 p.m. fol -

A Boutique That’s as Unique as You Are

best. Tara has a gift for helping customers step out of their comfort zones, discover new styles and embrace fashion as a form of self-expression.

More than just a boutique, Golden Coast is a destination—a place where good vibes, great style and an appreciation for unique fashion come together. Whether you're revamping your wardrobe or just browsing for that one special piece, you’ll leave with more than just a bag in hand—you’ll leave feeling confident, inspired and ready to take on the world, one fabulous outfit at a time.

Tara is also a new author with a children’s book coming out March 24, pre-order available on Amazon. Check her social media for locations of readings at area bookstores and libraries and for the date of a book launch. H

lowed by light bites and Good Vibes at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person. VIP tickets are $125 per person (only 10 seats available). VIP tickets include bougie, Cushy lounge seating at the end of the runway, Prosecco served throughout the show, extra raffle tickets and a special swag bag. Sponsorships are available in $250, $500 and $1000 increments.

This is the fourth annual Golden Coast Spring fashion show. Last year, $10,000 was raised for local charity and this year promises to be even more successful!

For more information and to purchase tickets with cash or check contact Tara Atkins at Golden Coast, 570-319-6444. H

THE JERSEY TENORS

The Jersey Tenors™ is an explosive blend of 60s and 70s Rock, Big Band standards along with the most iconic Opera classics featuring industry greats such as Frank Sinatra, Journey, Elton John, Springsteen and Billy Joel – to name but a few.

But our ‘Jersey pride’ also brings us back to our roots as we highlight hometown heroes like Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Kool and The Gang and even Whitney Houston (Jersey Girl)!

The Jersey Tenors™ pride also extends to our nation and the heroes that defend it! We are

proud honor Guard members with The Wounded Warrior Project, and we pay tribute to those men and women who have paid the ultimate price for freedom during our show.

Whether it’s a theatrical production, corporate event, private event, party, or outdoor concert…

These four charming wise guys will raise the roof with their powerful voices, and they will have you singing along before yous guys know it.

From Frank Sinatra to Frankie Valli to Figaro…Forgettaboutit!!!

– Jim Fox Knows Sarasota

Later in the month, the Philharmonic presents Debussy & Frenemies on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at the Luzerne County Courthouse. This intimate concert features husband-and-wife flute and marimba duo Greg and Pat Zuber, whose inventive arrangements challenge classical conventions and reimagine French repertoire through an unexpected instrumental pairing.

The program explores works by French composers including Claude Debussy, Olivier Messiaen and Erik Satie, offering audiences a fresh perspective on familiar and lesser-known works alike.

For tickets, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Box Office at (570) 270-4444.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic presents Celtic & Bluegrass Sky

Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming Seminary Kirby Center for the Creative Arts. Timed perfectly for St. Patrick’s Day, this lively program features dueling fiddlers Kitty Amaral and Caitlin Warbelow and a spirited blend of Irish and American traditions. The evening’s repertoire includes the sweeping Far and Away Suite by John Williams, the bluegrassinspired violin concerto Sky by Michael Torke, The Magic Harp by Irish composer Ina Boyle and The Devil Went Down to Georgia . Enjoy Singers from Marywood University and an array of energetic Celtic tunes.

Concert admission includes a post-concert afterparty featuring Celtic and bluegrass music by The Fiddle Tamers. Wine and beer will be available for purchase, along with specialty themed cocktails and small bites, creating a festive and immersive evening.

Jurassic Park™ in Concert

F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre

This epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Experience it now, projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Welcome… to Jurassic Park!

Join the adventure! The Marywood University Concert Choir and the Choral Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania join the Philharmonic for Amanda Lee Falkenberg’s powerful Moons Choral Suite and Holst’s epic work The Planets, both set to stunning visual projections, alongside iconic selections from Star Wars™.

March 6-8 • Scranton Cultural Center

Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz. In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star

Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart— become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy.

Broadway’s longest-running musical has been razzle dazzling audiences for over 29 years.

Clue • April 24-26, 2026

A mansion. A murder. A mystery. Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fanfavorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter.

Meredith Willson's The Music Man • June 12-24, 2026

Meredith Willson's The Music Man, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen.

Andy Cooney Irish Celebration

again brings a show surrounded by the finest in Irish entertainment, showcasing Ireland’s music, song, comedy and dance– as he has for over 25 years.

Andy Cooney, christened by the New York Times as “Irish America’s Favorite Son,” has been taking the Irish-American music scene by storm for the last 20 years. Andy’s unique tenor voice has been heard in concert halls internationally, including hallmark venues ranging from Dublin’s National Concert Hall to sold-out performances in New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall. Cooney’s show cred its also include “American Voices” placing him on stage with Grammy Award win ners, legendary Larry Gatlin and the everpopular Crystal Gayle in performing arts centers

and concert halls throughout the U.S. At the heart of The New York Tenors, Andy presents new and exciting ways to experi ence the artistry of the finest in Irish entertainment.

George Casey

It’s a long way from County Clare, Ireland to Las Vegas, but that is the road that comedian/enter tainer, George Casey has traveled to fulfill his life’s mission of making people happy! For over 30 years, George has been entertaining audiences all over the US with his sense of humor, clean jokes and stories. George has opened for and toured with Rosemary Clooney, Melissa Manchester, Charley Pride, The Osmond Brothers, Ray Price, Three Dog Night, Brooklyn Bridge, Donald O’Connor and Bobby Vinton. He has performed at Caesar’s Palace, The Sahara and was a regular at The Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

with the world-renowned show. Riverdance. Mitch Reilly on Sax, flute and Irish whistles is a veteran on the music scene. He has toured with greats such as Englebert Humperdinck, Brendan Lee and Celtic legend Phil Coulter. Colm Graham is a 40-year veteran in the Irish Music world working with Ireland’s greats, Roly Daniels, Margo, Dermot Henry and has toured with Andy Cooney for over 25 years.

Emerald Fire Irish Dancers

Dublin’s Irish Cabaret features the finest in Irish Dancing. The dancers are highly trained and decorated with some of the most prestigious awards in the Irish Dancing World. They will dazzle with their amazing steps!

The Guinness Irish Band is made up of the greatest Irish and Irish American Musicians on the Irish Music Scene today. This year’s tour will feature Jimmy Kelly on drums whose amazing talent was appreciated

Happenings would like to list and recognize nurses who have been faithful and diligent in their practice for over 10 years. To nominate a nurse, go to www.happeningspa.com.

Our Salute to Nurses will be featured in our full color glossy magazine, as well as across our digital platforms, including our website and social media.

Accepted and verified nurses will be listed in the May 2026 issue of Happenings Magazine as such: Name, Title and Place of Employment/or Retired. Additional opportunities for profile articles will be available for purchase/publishing fee.

Turn to Stone: A Tribute to ELO returns to The Theater at North!

With sellout crowds across more than 18 states and Canada, Turn to Stone delivers an ever expanding and nostalgic show which pays homage to the expansive catalog of Electric Light Orchestra

Turn to Stone recreates the magic of ELO as they appeared on stages through the 1970s and 1980s with a live string section, light show and authentic apparel. The band delivers the classic hits like

Don't Bring Me Down, Mr Blue Sky and Evil Woman while also catering to ELO superfans with a rotating ensemble of deep cuts like Fire on High, 10538 Overture, Xanadu, Twilight and others you will not hear anywhere else!

Do not miss your chance to see Turn to Stone: A Tribute to ELO live on stage and relive the creative genius of Jeff Lynne. Make sure to buy tickets today!

Friday, March 20 – 7 p.m.

Vote for your favorite March pet

Whitey lives in Archbald with Mary Martin and feline brother Red. He’s laidback–enjoying the patio in warm weather or stays cozy inside in the cold.

Stella loves her yard, her parents and chasing squirrels She lives in the Slangan-Lahart family in Jenkins Township.

The Votes are in. . . February’s Pet of the Month is Fletcher Congratulations!

Morty loves his bed, house, parents and chicken! He lives with the SlanganLahart family of Jenkins Township.

Jimmy lives with the Cliff family in Jessup. He enjoys, playing with his lambs, rolling in the dirt and camping.

These best friends love their morning snuggles together, rough housing, sunrise walks and naps with the Cawley Family of Milford.

T GO GREEN! GO GREEN!

he month of March brings to mind shades of green with St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of spring. Let’s keep greens in mind when planning meals for the week. A good rule of thumb is to fill half your plate with greens and to get five servings of green veggies a day. A serving size equals one cup of raw leafy veggies or one-half cup cooked or frozen. Green veggies are an important part of a healthy diet, packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber and low in calories. Health benefits include reducing risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and helping keep memory sharp!

Most of us do not get enough greens in our diet. Kids and adults alike tend to stick their noses up at veggies, especially greens. There are so many delicious ways to eat veg gies and incorporate them into our nutrition. I have always loved green veggies and will try any kind.

When counting calories and trying to lose weight, green veggies are a great way to eat a bigger portion and feel full. Green veggies as a snack could include fresh cucumber, broccoli or green beans with hummus. Edamame is a popular snack or appetizer and is a great source of protein, iron and vitamin C. Grape leaves are usually not a typical salad addition or veggie on their own but as a wrap, are stuffed and packed with fiber, iron and vitamins.

Start the day with greens by adding spinach or broccoli to an omelet or adding leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to a smoothie or protein shake. Leafy greens like spinach, kale and okra are a great addition to soups, boosting flavor and nutrition. As for lunch

tein, the possibilities are endless! I recommend steam ing, grilling or roasting fresh veggies. Frozen veggies are fine, too! Keep a variety at hand with broccoli, green beans, asparagus, brussel sprouts, spinach and artichokes.

The most popular way to get greens is through a green salad. Salads are so creative since you can make them with whatever you like. They can be an appetizer, side dish, or a meal by adding protein. H

–Jackie Kerekes/The Training Loft

Green Goodness Salad

2 cups mixed greens (either a bag or make your own combination including lettuce and arugula)

1 cup fresh spinach

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cucumber sliced

8 oz fresh green beans, cut into pieces

2 hard-boiled eggs (sliced)

Dressing:

1 cup non-fat creamer or milk

½ medium avocado

¼ cup basil leaves, chopped

1 lemon, juiced

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

3 tbsp olive oil

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Pour over salad. Sprinkle shaved parmesan on top (optional).

Skytop Lodge-The nation’s post-World War I prosperity was still at its height in 1925, when the planning stages of Skytop began. John Stubbs, Frederic Smith, Earl Mayne and Sam Packer had an idea to build a grand resort in the Poconos on a high plateau three miles north of the village of Canadensis.

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 fullservice bar featuring specialty 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.

Barley Creek Brewing Co & Distillery

Try our hospitality, it pairs well with our award-winning handcrafted brews, spirits and atmosphere. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.barleycreek.com 1774 Sullivan Trail, Tannersville. 570-629-9399.

Bingham's Family Restaurant

One of the last havens for real home cookin' and homemade baked goods. Fabulous breakfasts with homemade sweet breads, lunches with soups and stews and real old-fashioned suppers, with "comfort foods" such as pot roast and real turkey breast. Save room

for fabulous home baked delicious treats - all available for takeout.

Binghamsfamilyrestaurant.com 6092 State Route Kingsley, PA 18826 (570) 222-6666.

Camelot Restaurant and Inn

Experience fresh seasonal flavors, craft cocktails and cozy stays. Dine, drink and unwind at our restaurant, bar and inn! Enjoy our stunning patio for brunch, lunch or dinner. Our full outside bar offers beer, wine and cocktails. Tuesday-Saturday 11a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday & Monday 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. 17 Johnson Rd., Clarks Summit. Phone 570-585-1430 camelotrestaurantandinn.com

Gerrity‘s Sandwich Shop

Gerrity's turkey, Italian and roast beef subs are made to order with fresh ingredients and our special seasonings. Served on our scratch-made rolls baked fresh everyday in Mom's bakery. Try our cheesesteaks too! 1782 N. Keyser Ave, Scranton, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. gerritys.com 570-347-0393

Gin’s Tavern

We have been serving great food and fun over 30 years! Our motto is "You're a stranger

but once at Gin's” . 255 SR 107 Factoryville PA

Mailing address P.O. Box 235 Factoryville PA 18419

Visit us on Facebook. 570-945-3617

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. Daily Happy Hour 4:30-6:30-see website. Mon.-Thurs.11 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri. and Sat.11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sundays. ShopRite Complex, Covington Twp. www.mendicinospizza.com 570-842-2070.

Sibio’s Restaurant

Our Fettuccine Alfredo is a customer favorite! Lunch and dinner regular hours, full menu with specials. Celebrating 50 years! 1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore. Sibiosrestaurant.com 570-346-3172.

Stirna’s

Our Stirnaburger is full 1/4 lb. top choice ground beef with tomato, bacon and American or Swiss on a semi-hard roll. Wed.-Sat. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. 120 W. Market St. Scranton. On/off premises catering daily. 570-961-9681.