December 2021 Happenings Magazine by Happenings Magazine

Your health needs to come 昀rst. That’s why the relationship with your primary care doctor is one of the most important you’ll ever have. From identifying risk factors to coordinating specialty care, LVHN partners with you every step of the way. And with virtual and in-person visits, it’s never been easier to put your health at the top of your to-do list. Find your primary care partner today. Visit LVHN.org/primarycare or call 888-402-LVHN.

INBOX Publisher

Paula Rochon Mackarey

Dear Happenings, What a beautiful magazine! EVERY issue is so well done! I miss picking it up when out and about but I am very happy to subscribe now and have it delivered right to my door.

Associate Art Director Director of Social Media

Mary Joyce

–Carol S. Saar –South Abington Twp., PA

Contributors

Christine Fanning Ben Freda

Interns

Kayla Binner Angelina Wheeler

Dear Happenings, When I turned to page 78 in the November issue, and knowing my own work, it impressed upon me the quality of the printing of Happenings Magazine. I realized every photograph in ever article and advertisement was sharp, clear and colorful. I believe Happenings Magazine reaches the professional level of the best magazines in the nation. I am honored to have some of my work included in Happenings, it is the best representation in print an artist can attain. Thank You. –James Ruane

Art Director

Lisa Kalaha Ragnacci Peter Salerno

Account Representative Linette Manley l_manley@happeningsmagazinepa.com

(570) 878-5009

On the Cover: Western Wayne High School student, Adelaide Treibley, captures the magic of the approaching holiday season! Published Monthly. Also read at HappeningsPA.com ©2021 HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any process except with written permission. Happenings Magazine published since 1969 Phone: (570) 587-3532

Dear Happenings, The Happenings article “The Lure and Allure of the City, November 2021” was great. I’m happy to have had the exposure. There was a typo in my last name however and in case anyone wanted to reach me about the mural project, I hoped to point out the correct spelling, as listed below. Thank you, Happenings is wonderful!

Read our digital issue for free at www.HappeningsPA.com

–Rose Randazzo-Pizzuto –Scranton, PA Dear Happenings, The November issue looks wonderful! Thank you so much for such a lovely feature article about The Theater at North! –Laurie Houser, Ph.D. –Vice President of –Theater Operations –The Theater at North

$18/12 issu

or Subscribe for Home Delivery Call 570-587-3532 or E-mail info@happeningspa.com Call 570-587-3532 or E-mail info@happeningspa.com

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December 2021

contents DECEMBER 2021

10 12 30 54 76

Frosty the Snowman

Around the Globe on New Year’s Eve

December 2021

Christmas on Campus Holiday Events Around the Region Mental Health and Holiday Blues A Classic Christmas The Oldest House

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sunday Dec. 3-16 Dietrich Theatre 12 Movies of Christmas

monday

tuesday

december wednesday

Shawnee Playhouse through Dec.19

thursday

Dec. 4-5 Factoryville Christmas Market

Waitress

State Theatre, John Denver Christmas Show

National Brownie Day

National Pastry Day

Dec. 10 & 11 Theater at North, Civic Ballet, The Nutcracker

Penn State Scranton Annual Holiday Concert

National Gingerbread Latte Day

Nimble Hill Winery & Brewery Live Music.

saturday

4 Dec. 3, 4 &5 Lackawanna Winter Market

Dec. 3-5 Dec. 3 & 4 Oldest Broadway House Christmas Theatre/ Scranton Tea Cultural Center

Hanukkah through Dec. 6

friday

11 Dec. 4, 11 & 12 Bach and Handel Chorale

State Theatre, A Christmas Carol

Dec. 10 & 11 PNC Pops Holiday Performances at Philharmonic

National Maple Syrup Day

Penn's Peak Wizards of Winter Theater at North The Italian Broadway Christmas Show

Bach and Handel Chorale

State Theatre, Kenny G Holiday & Hits Tour

Theater at North, Twelve TwentyFour Holiday Rock Orchestra

Egg Nog Day

Christmas Day

Kenny G

26 Dec. 26, 27 & 28 Ballet Theatre of Scranton The Nutcracker Televised Check local listings

National Bacon Day

National Champagne Day

See the Christmas Lights: Koziar’s Christmas Village Open every night through January 1 Stone Hedge Festival of Lights Stone Hedge Golf Course Through December 31 Open every night except Christmas Eve

Dear Readers,

s I look over some of the keepsakes that I have kept since I was a toddler, I realized that they each have one thing in common: my name is affixed to each one. In the 1970s when my mother had ceramic classes in our home, she gave me some extra “slip” or clay to roll into balls to make a snowman. She later wrote my name in gold ink, applied a mother of pearl glaze and fired my little snowman in her kiln. My aunt made me this gingerbread man and my father had engraved my name on the soapstone from one of our favorite lake regions in Canada. I keep each one in a top drawer of my dresser and no one but me would understand the value of each treasure. It is interesting to note that we often keep items upon which our names are affixed. As Christians celebrate the birth of their savior this month, I am reminded of the value of a monogram, or name. “And He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Imagine having these titles after your name! What value would that bring to any table? A Wonderful Counselor? A Prince of Peace? Exactly who couldn’t benefit from knowing anyone with those qualities? It’s always a pleasure to wrap up each issue and send off our files for publication. We are so very thankful for each one of you: our partners who support us and those who share their stories. We are grateful for you. Our best wishes for many peaceful moments this holiday season, sprinkled heavily with much joy.

Much Love,

Paula

Publisher, 1994-Present

Do you want to o matter what they say, Frosty is a fairytale, just a snow sculpture, albeit with some human characteristics like a button nose and eyes made out of coal.

There’s no magic in Frosty the Snowman, but there sure is a lot of history. Frosty can’t be found in every state in the country. He exists in areas with lots of packable snow and may come to life in the hearts of moms and dads and their little ones who work together to build him and dress him in the appropriate accoutrements. Common accessories include branches for arms and a button or carrot for a nose. Coal was used for eyes back in the days when Coal was King but nowadays grapes can be used for eyes and blueberries for the mouth. A

hat or scarf should be included. Use a candle snuffer for a corn pipe, for historical sake.

In North America, snowmen are generally built with three spheres representing the head, torso, and lower body. In the United Kingdom, two spheres are used, one sphere representing the body and one representing the head. Japanese snowmen have two spheres and a bucket hat. In 2015, a man from Wisconsin made a snowman 22 feet tall and with a base 12 feet wide. The record for the world's largest snowman was set in 2008 in Bethel, Maine. The snow-woman stood 122 feet 1 inch in height and was named in honor of Olympia Snowe, a U.S. Senator representing the state of Maine. Frosty-like art was found in periods during the Middle Ages when snow was used to create art, say scientists. It’s been said that Michelangelo built a snowman in the garden of the ruler of Florence. However, these days Florence

only gets one inch of snow per year. Another legend goes that snowmen were used as stand-in guards during the Massacre of 1690. Fort Schenectady was under attack by Frenchmen and Native Americans. For about a week, they were navigating in snow that was about knee-deep. The way to the fort had been so strenuous that the Native Americans and the French were preDecember 2021

build a Snowman? By Christine Fanning

pared to surrender if they were met with force. When the village was in sight, a blizzard had arrived and the north gate was opened. It turned out that the two guards who should have been at their post had abandoned it to indulge in some drinks at the pub. In their place, two snowmen were left as the guards. In what seems to us Frosty December 2021

lovers as a bit barbaric (though Happenings does not subscribe to ethnocentrism), people in Zurich, Switzerland take the Boogg, a cotton snowman stuffed with dynamite, throughout the town and throw bread and sausages to the onlookers. When the parade reaches its conclusion, the Boogg is set on a lit 40- foot wood pile. Its explosion signifies the end of the winter season. HappeningsPA.com

In 1853, after the camera was invented, Mary Dillwyn, a Welsh woman, tested her camera on a snowman. So Frosty may have been the first photographed subject. This Christmas season, have your camera and all snowman accessories at the ready. Watch the weather forecast and when it comes, bring Frosty back to life! H –Christine Fanning

Marywood University

“Making Spirits Bright ”

hristmas and Advent traditions at Marywood University continue this year, with protocols in place to ensure safe, in-person experiences, and opportunities for prayer, cultural events and community service endeavors. “Making Spirits Bright” is Marywood’s way of encouraging prayer, sharing gifts and uplifting people throughout the holiday season, starting on December 1 and continuing through New Year’s Day. “After all the challenges we’ve faced since the pandemic began, we want people to have some-

thing to anticipate and celebrate,” said Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Marywood’s president. “This sacred season encompasses preparation, sharing and rejoicing. We think our collective efforts to count our blessings, to give back to the community and to celebrate our cherished traditions, in simple but meaningful ways, certainly will make spirits bright.” The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place in the Marywood University Rotunda on December 1 at 4 p.m. Seasonal music from student musicians will be featured. For safety reasons, the tree lighting event is closed to the public and will be open

only to Marywood students and staff. However, the public may view the tree during the normal operating hours of the Liberal Arts Center, Monday through Friday, December 2-22, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Masks must be worn inside. Students can vote for their favorite campus décor during the Office Decorating Contest, sponsored by the Student Government Association. A $250 donation will be given to the winning office’s favorite charity. Following the tree lighting ceremony on December 1, and throughout the holi-

day season, members of the local community are welcome to drive through Marywood’s campus to see the main Christmas display at the Arch and the other seasonal outdoor displays after 4:30 p.m. Additionally, Marywood’s award-winning, student-run radio station, VMFM 91.7, will once again become Christmas 91.7 and continue its traditional community gift of broadcasting commercial-free Christmas music, 24/7, beginning Wednesday, December 1, at 4 p.m., and continuing through New Year’s Eve. Those who do not live within the station’s local broadcast range can stream it for free online or through the Tunein app. Concerts include: • Chamber Singers Holiday Concert, December 5, 4 p.m., at the Marian Chapel. This performance will include the famous "Alleluia" by Randall Thompson, the popular setting of "Lux Aurumque" by Eric Whitacre and Carol Barnett's spectacular "Hodie," as well as carol settings and other sacred and secular music. • Guitar Ensemble: Holiday Concert, December 8, 7 p.m., at the Marian Chapel. Produced in partnership with Marywood’s Center for Global Engagement. Enjoy a musical holiday message that Marywood President Sister Mary Persico IHM wrote especially for the event, spoken by the student musicians in several different languages. • String Project Holiday Gala Concert, December 9, 6:30 p.m., at the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. This performance will include children and student teachers from Marywood's String Project. Enjoy holiday music from around the world. Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the feast day of the IHM Sisters, will be celebrated on December 8, noon, in the Marian Chapel.

Merry Chri猀mas We’re Making Spirits Bright at Marywood University during the Christmas season! Sister Mary Persico, IHM Marywood President and the Marywood University Community

» Christmas tree available for public viewing in the Liberal Arts Center Rotunda 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon.-Fri., December 2-22 » Commercial-free Christmas music on Marywood’s award-winning, student-run radio station, VMFM-91.7 December 1-New Year’s Eve » Check out info for concerts and more at marywood.edu/makingspiritsbright

During Advent, the IHM Sisters will videostream two Evening of Prayer Events on December 1, and December 15, both at 6:30 p.m., at: https://video.ibm.com/channel/ihm-tv.

marywood.edu

Visit marywood.edu/makingspiritsbright. H December 2021

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Photo: Brian T. Anderson

Holiday Traditions

King’s College

oliday traditions at King’s bring excitement and hope to the community, as they mark the Christmas season. On December 3 the facilities team finds the most perfect freshly cut tree and the King’s campus becomes a winter wonderland. Before the tree lighting, holiday gift shopping is available at the Christmas Fair in the center of campus. Vendors have everything from King’s merchandise to homemade one-of-a-kind items. While waiting for the tree lighting, guests gather in the center of the campus, enjoying hot cocoa and the sound of music from the Cantores Christi Regis Choir. The Choir also hosts a concert at 7:30 p.m. on

December 4, in the Chapel of Christ the King. As the region enjoys holiday traditions, the King’s community wishes everyone a joyful holiday season. H

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December 2021

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Penn State P

Scranton

enn State Scranton will present a very special Annual Holiday Concert as a gift to the Scranton community on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 4 p.m. at The Peoples Security Bank Theater at Lackawanna College in downtown Scranton. The concert will feature three musical groups: The Penn State Scranton Chorale – a mixed chorus of 25 singers consisting of students, faculty and staff; The Roc[k]tet – singers who perform in a show-choir style; and the Campus Jazz Band – which plays a variety of music from holiday music to Broadway to jazz to Latin American. Admission is free. For more information visit: 570-963-2500 or scranton.psu.edu H

Join us for our

Free Holiday Community Concert Sunday, Dec. 5 @ 4 p.m. The Peoples Security Bank Theater @ Lackawanna College 501 Vine Street, Scranton, PA

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December 2021

COVER ARTIST

Favorite Style of Art: Realism. There is something magical about capturing exactly how the subject looks on paper. Favorite Medium of Art: Pen and ink. I love the way it looks and how much detail can go into a piece and how the texture is conveyed by line style. What Inspired the Cover: When I think of winter, I remember being a kid and making snowmen with my younger brother. The best part of winter was playing in the snow. I would spend hours outside just building forts or snowmen.

Adelaide Treibley Moscow • Western Wayne High School, Grade 12 Parents: Heather and Justin Treibley Siblings: Gabe Treibley and Rose Powel

Extracurricular Activities: National Art Honors Society, National Honors Society, Spanish Club, Envirothon, FBLA, FCCLA and Science Olympiad.

What has living through the pandemic taught me about life? Life goes on, no matter how dismal things seem the world still turns. While most schools went virtual, Western Wayne stayed in person. I saw how for most other students, their entire world was confined to a house or a room. I’m thankful to be in person and still be able to see my friends during such a hard time in life. Post graduation plans: I am getting a degree in chemistry and I hope to go work as a lab technician. How do I hope to change the world: I want to use my ability to create to help other people. Who inspires me the most: The other students in my Advanced Studio Art Class are my biggest inspiration. When I see the wonderful things they create it pushes me further to make more art. Favorite aspect of NEPA: The environment here is always so pretty, and no matter the season it is beautiful outside. H Addie, with friend,

Hudson Malinowski 18

Holiday Gift Guide Bella Faccias, Old Forge The Blessing Bracelet Message: Be grateful for four people or things in your life on each of the four beads of the bracelet. The more you wear the bracelet and the more blessings you find, the more you will be blessed. In one year, if followed, you will be aware of a profound change in your life.” The Attitude of Gratitude. Starting at $29.00 800-401-8990

Van Gorders’ Furniture, Lake Wallenpaupack, Honesdale, Milford Van Gorders’ Furniture carries unique lake-themed items like custom signs, barware and accent pieces for your home or rustic retreat. 570-253-1860

December 2021

Alpacas of Sunshine Farm, New Milford The Essential Sweater does it all! It’s a shrug, it’s a cardigan, it’s a hoodie, it’s a shawl collar! Available in a variety of colors. Best worn with a dark shirt and jeans to bring out its beautiful color and texture! 70 percent alpaca - 30 percent acrylic Reg $130, XL $140 570-465-3360

The BriarPatch at Thornhurst Nurseries, Thornhurst Natural soy candles. Invigorating woodsy evergreen fragrances such as Forest Crunch and Frosty Pines. 14 oz. Jar $19.99 278 Pine Grove Rd, Thornhurst, PA. Follow us on Facebook 570-842-1266

Boccardo Jewelers, Scranton Start your stack of Frieda Rothman stackable bracelets at this fine family-owned business that’s operated in downtown Scranton for 80 plus years. Starting under $200 570-344-9021

Edible Arrangements, Dickson City Holly Jolly Music Bundle: You can select from five downloadable music albums. Gwen Stefani You Make It Feel Like Christmas $127.98 570-983-0621 19

Alpacas Of Sunshine Farm

t Alpacas of Sunshine Farm in New Milford, PA Catherine and Don Hines have been raising alpacas at Sunshine Farm in Milford for more than 23 years. Initially a breeding and educational farm, educa-

tional visits and shopping at the farm store are now the main objectives of the farm. Visitors are welcome year ‘round to learn about alpacas and shop at the store for items from raw alpaca fleece to finished lined alpaca jackets. Currently, there are 36 alpacas living at the farm and visitors can come into their pens to visit and pet those looking for

attention. The store has gloves, scarves, socks, woman and men sweaters, coat, capes and yarn. There is no charge for visiting with the alpacas. Through the end of the year, any item $50 or more will receive 15 percent off when purchased at the farm store. Visit the farm at 2312 East Lake Road, New Milford. 570-465-3360 or 570575-1230. H

BOCCARDO JEWELERS B

occardo Jewelers is a third generation full service jewelry store. We are one of the oldest family-owned and operated jewelry stores in the area. We are proud to carry some of the top designers in jewelry as well as the top watch brands. We also specialize in jewelry repair, watch repair and corporate gifts. We offer financing and layaway.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY TRUNK SHOW THURSDAY DECEMBER 9

201 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 570.344.9021

December 2021

SHOP OUR WEBSITE: boccardojewelers.com HappeningsPA.com

Ski What’s New at

Shawnee Mountain

amily-focused and beginner- friendly Shawnee Mountain announces improvements to enhance its ski, snowboarding and snow tubing facilities for the upcoming winter season. New this year, purchase all tickets, rentals and lessons online.

Adding to its already impressive grooming capabilities, Shawnee Mountain purchased new grooming equipment for the upcoming season. Shawnee is also constructing a brand-new surface lift at their snow tubing park. All of Shawnee’s 23 trails, two terrain parks and the snow tubing park are groomed nightly. As part of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar snowmaking upgrade project, Shawnee has added three new fan guns in the beginner’s area and 55 new automated

snowmaking hydrants on Bushkill and Pennsylvania. Snowmaking covers 100 percent of all Shawnee’s 125 acres of skiable terrain, of which 85 percent is now fully automated.

An investment in new equipment in the eateries will also benefit skiers and guests. The lodges will now offer more grab and go options with fresh new interior design throughout. One thousand new pairs of skis, hundreds of new snowboards, boots and helmets will also offer renters excellent options. The Shawnee Mountain Rental Shop, one of the largest in the U.S., is able to outfit over 4,000 skiers and riders daily. Shawnee Mountain is wellknown as a beginner and family-friendly ski area, welcoming all levels of skiers and riders. Shawnee Mountain is located in the Pocono Mountains just off Exit 309 on Interstate 80. Call 570-421-7231.

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December 2021

Follow Shawnee on Facebook. Email info@shawneemt.com Visit Shawnee Mountain online at: www.shawneemt.com H

December 2021

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Street (Route 2001) in Milford, PA, just down the road from The Waterwheel Cafe. Scott’s three sons Derek, Dylan and Max now manage the three showrooms.

Van Gorders’ Furniture

Quality Furniture Ready for Delivery All of Van Gorders’ showrooms offer Sealy Mattress Galleries where customers can test out the newest Sealy Posturepedic and Stearns & Foster mattresses. And, the Honesdale location offers a La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio with hundreds of recliners and sofas of all styles and sizes. Right now, Sealy mattresses and Laz-Z-Boy recliners are in stock and ready for delivery.

Celebrates 85 Years in Business

ack in 1936, Ralph Van Gorder rented the bottom floor of the Jenkins Building on Honesdale, PA’s Main Street and placed an ad in the Wayne Independent saying he would buy anyone’s used furniture— “a single piece, an attic full or a house full.”

Although he first named his business the Honesdale Furniture Exchange, it has matured into an 85-year-old fourth-generation family business now known as Van Gorders’ Furniture, featuring quality name brands of the latest furniture styles for every room. Three Big Showrooms in Milford, Hawley and Honesdale Business picked up quickly and Ralph soon realized the need to expand. He purchased a sprawling four-floor historic landmark in Honesdale, which is still in use today as Van Gorders’ flagship showroom. The building, which 24

was originally the National Hotel, has stood at the corner of Church and Sixth Streets since 1865. As the business continued to grow, Ralph’s son Don opened a second showroom on Route 6 near scenic Lake Wallenpaupack in 1978. Eventually, Don’s son Scott came on board and added a unique focus on rustic Adirondack-style furnishings that reflect the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains, Catskills and Upper Delaware River region. Since that time Van Gorders’ has specialized in the finest Americanmade rustic home furnishings. In October 2014, Van Gorders’ Furniture once again expanded into its third showroom at 321 Water

Unlike the typical big box stores, all three of Van Gorders’ showrooms feature a unique mix of lodge-style furnishings that bring the outdoors inside. Friendly Staff Another factor contributing to Van Gorders’ 85 years of success is its caring and knowledgeable staff—many of whom have been with the business for decades. For more information, check out Vangorders.com or stop by one of its three welcoming showrooms soon for your shopping adventure! H

Eggnog is Available

We are a local dairy that milks our own cows and bottles our milk every day!

P A

November 10 thru January 1

Holiday ice cream cakes and ice cream pies - all locations

Award Winning Store Made Kielbasi Black Angus Choice Beef Variety of Store-Made Sausage Pork, Poultry, Lamb & Veal Full Variety of Deli Meats & Store Made Salads

16 First Place Awards!

524 Burke By-Pass, Olyphant • 570 383-5260 www.BosaksChoiceMeats.com

M A D E

Farm 563-1702 Dunmore 207-0405 Clarks Summit 586-1288 Meadow Ave. Scr. 961-1645 Main Ave. W. Scr. 558-1680

I N

No added RBST (bovine growth hormone)

Manning Farm Dairy ince the 1920s, Manning Farm Dairy has delivered fresh milk and ice cream products to Northeast PA. Enjoy holiday treats such as egg nog, ice cream cakes and featured ice cream specials such as pumpkin, cinnamon, apple and peppermint stick. 570-563-1702 www.manningfarm.com

Edible Arrangements dible Arrangements are perfect for holidays and occasions of all types. Featured promotions include an upcoming snowman arrangement that is so festive to give or receive. Visit their Facebook page or call 570-983-0621.

Bosak’s Choice Meats Northeast PA holiday is not complete without Bosak’s award winning store-made kielbasa and sausage. Bosak’s Choice Meats has offered its specialities for nearly the past 20 years. Bosak’s fan favorite kielbasa comes in five flavors: fresh, smoked, smoked with cheese, turkey and turkey cheese. They make it in three forms including rings, patties and sticks. Their store-made sausage comes in 10 flavors. The old fashioned butcher shop also offers a full variety of deli meats and store-made salads, prepared foods, custom cold cuts and kielbasa. In addition to kielbasa and sausage, best sellers for the holiday season include prime rib, ham and turkey. The Bosak family cuts, packs and grinds all their own meats. Bosak’s also offers the option for hunting customers to bring in deer, pheasant and other game for wild game processing to your liking!

The Bosaks cut, package and grind all of their own meats and believe that the excellent meats they sell should be enjoyed to their fullest, which is why they love to give customers ideas on delicious meals. If you don’t know how to cook or are a beginner, ask them for help and they will happily share. Though Bosak’s is a meat store, shoppers can find everything needed for a holiday meal, including fresh fish and bakery bread. Lunch from Bosak’s consists of hot sandwiches and storemade soup, prepared fresh every morning. Bosak’s is located on the Burke Bypass in Olyphant. Call 570-3835260. www.bosakschoicemeats.com. Custom orders are always welcome and gift certificates make recipients more than joyful. H

Throughout the years Bosak’s has collected several awards, including winners of first place trophies for its store-made meats and poultry as well as for its customer service. 26

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December 2021

Wayne Bank’s Kristen Lancia K

Earns National Certification

risten E. Lancia, Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer for Wayne Bank, was recently awarded the Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP) certification from the American Bankers Association (ABA). President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, Lewis J. Critelli, noted “Earning the CFMP certification validates Kristen’s experience and depth of education in the bank marketing arena. We are so pleased to congratulate her on this admirable achievement.” The CFMP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in financial services marketing. To qualify for the CFMP certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the financial services marketing profession, pass an exam and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CFMP exam covers many areas including financial principles, laws and regulations, market research, characteristics of marketing plans and marketing components. Kristen began her career with Wayne Bank in 2012 and currently serves as the Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer at Wayne Bank. She earned a B.S. in design and merchandising with a writing concentration from Drexel University and specializes in digital marketing. Kristen resides in Scranton with her husband, Ralph, and enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time outdoors. The American Bankers Association is the voice of the nation’s $22.5 trillion banking industry, which comprises small, regional and large banks that together employ more than 2 million people, safeguard $18 trillion in deposits and extend nearly $11 trillion in loans. Financial services 28

professionals, working through ABA, initiated the CFMP certification and seven others in order to establish meaningful standards of knowledge in specialty areas of the financial services industry. ABA professional certifications formally recognize those who meet these standards and meet professional continuing education and development requirements. Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 30 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York State, including those offices operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL. H

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December 2021

Koziar’s Christmas Village estled on a farm in Berks, arriving at Koziar’s is a little like coming to the North Pole. Millions of Christmas lights welcome visitors from the darkness. The Koziar family has entertained thousands of guests for nearly 75 holiday seasons. What began as a private Christmas display created by William H. Koziar has grown into a major destination– even earning a place as one of the Top 10 Travel Attractions in Pennsylvania by the PA Travel Council. Tour the grounds at your own pace. Paved walkways wind through hundreds of holiday displays, lighted decorations and festive scenes. Two giant outdoor train setups chug through a miniature village and farm scenes. Small buildings along the way house scenes of

December 2021

holiday traditions. Peek through the giant windows to get a glimpse of Santa’s Post Office, an old-fashioned bakery, a candy shop and Santa’s Toy Shop plus beautiful Nativity scenes. Warm up with

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hot chocolate and warm cookies or other festival food. Koziar’s Christmas Village is open daily through January 1. www.koziarschristmas-village.com H

Meet Laurie Houser Vice President of Theater Operations at The Theater at North in Scranton

aurie Houser has a wide variety of experience in the performing arts. She has developed a comprehensive knowledge of various aspects of theater and dance productions in both academic and professional settings. She has extensive experience overseeing both front and back of house operations through her professional work behind the scenes and on stage with theater organizations. Hauser has performed in and worked on hundreds of productions. She has appeared on stage as an actress and dancer and on local television. She has taught dance for many years and is trained in classical ballet, pointe, lyrical, liturgical, jazz, tap, modern, belly dancing, Broadway and stage combat. She has worked behind the scenes as an Equity stage manager, director, choreographer, rigger and house manager. Her theatrical design credits include: lighting, sound, props, scenery, costumes, hair and makeup. In addition to working full-time at The Theater at North, Hauser works part time as a stagehand for the I.A.T.S.E. Local 329 Stagehands Union at both the Scranton 30

Cultural Center and Montage Mountain’s Concert Pavilion. She also teaches in the theater program at Marywood University, works as a freelance theater technician and teaches at a local dance company. Hauser is a graduate of Marywood University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in communication arts with a major in musical theater and a minor in dance and English. She completed her master’s degree in communication arts with focuses in technical theater and children’s theater. She also earned her Ph.D in human development with a concentration in higher education instructional leadership. Hauser’s love of theater comes from her family. Her mom was a professional dancer who toured Northeastern Pennsylvania with her own act, and her dad was a stage manager as well as an entertainment booking manager.

Hauser’s husband Ryan holds a degree in technical theater and is the technical director/production manager for Marywood University’s Music, Theater and Dance Department. Ryan works professionally as a stagehand, lighting designer and stage manager in the industry and works alongside Hauser for nearly every show at The Theater at North. You can often see Hauser’s parents (Ernie and Barbara) and Hauser’s in-laws (Pam and Don) volunteering as ushers for performances in the theater too! Hauser, who was born and raised in the Poconos, now lives in Dickson City with Ryan and their cat Leko (who was named after a type of theatrical lighting instrument).

Upcoming Events at North December 10-11 “The Nutcracker” presented by Scranton Civic Ballet Company December 18 “The Italian Broadway Christmas Show December 23 “Twelve Twenty-Four Holiday Rock Orchestra • Visit thetheateratnorth.com H

A community tradition dances right into your home! Ballet Theatre of Scranton Presents

Dec. 23 on WQMY at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 on WOLF at 3 p.m. Dec. 25 on WQMY at 8 p.m. Dec. 26 on WSWB at 10 p.m.

Joanne D. Arduino / Artistic Director

December 2021

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COME VISIT THE ENDLESS MOUNTAINS O F N O R T H E A S T E R N PA !

Christmas in Our Hometown Tunkhannock will host Christmas in our Hometown on December 3 and 4. Share in Christmas traditions and holiday fun with horse rides, carolers, entertainment and new activities for the whole family.

15% off any item $50 or more until Dec. 31st!

Dietrich Theater’s 12 Movies of Christmas December 3 – 16, 2021 Admission: Free Seating is first come, first served. No advance tickets Enjoy 12 holiday movie favorites for free on the Dietrich’s big screen at various showtimes for 14 days. For list of films and showtimes visit DietrichTheater.com 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock •dietrichtheater.com • 570-836-1022 Funded in part by the Wyo. Cty. Tax fund and the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.

www.endlessmountains.org • 800-769-8999

Christmas

Across the Region

ver the river and through the woods, to Northeastern Pennsylvania we go! Whether you celebrate the holiday season with time-honored traditions or with the latest trending event, these celebrations have you covered with different ways to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic PNC Holiday Pops Performance December 10-11 Enjoy the festive sounds of a one-of-a-kind holiday concert and a performance of the wooden soldiers from Ballet Theatre of Scranton. 570-270-4444. nepaphil.org

Dietrich Theater Tunkhannock December 3-16 12 Movies of Christmas. Enjoy classic holiday movies in a restored, small-town historic theater. Free admission. 570-836-1022 www.dietrichtheater.com

Ballet Theatre of Scranton’s Nutcracker Dec. 23 on WQMY at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 on WOLF at 3 p.m. Dec. 25 on WQMY at 8 p.m. Dec. 26 on WSWB at 10 p.m.

Festival of Lights Stone Hedge Golf Course Tunkhannock Grab a carload of family and friends and drive through nearly three miles of exquisite holiday light displays. Open every night through December 31 except Christmas Eve. Tickets available at the gate. Open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 570-836-5108 www.playstonehedge.com

State Theatre Celebrate Christmas at the State Theatre in Easton with holiday events such as a “John Denver Christmas Show” on December 3 and “A Christmas Carol” on December 10 and Kenny G’s Holiday & Hits Tour on December 19. Find more info at www.statetheatre.org and 610-258-7766

Pictured here:

The Rupert Covered Bridge is located between Bloomsburg and Montour Township in the village of Rupert. Celebrate a Factoryville Christmas Market December 4 and 5. factoryville.org 570-945-7484

HappeningsPA.com

Football with Friends and Family

ulian Campenni was recently inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. He is the current defensive line coach at Bowling Green University. Having played as a defensive lineman himself, he earned many accolades throughout his high school and college career.

high school with friends he played mini football with as a boy. He grew up watching Wyoming Area High School football, so getting to play on the team was a fulfilled dream. He loved being part of the culture and pride that went into playing at Wyoming Area High School. "To play with your best friends and mak-

Julian was influenced by his family to start playing football at age 7. He played for the mini football league in his hometown of Pittston. His team was called the West Pittston Rams. Since then, he has been enjoying this sport. "I fell in love with it and got involved with it ever since," he said. Julian continued football in high school at Wyoming Area High School. He also participated in track and field, seeing it as an opportunity to compete in a sport during the spring when football is off season. He also found it to be a way to train for football since both sports require running and throwing.

"You’re competing with not only first round draft picks but with familiar college guys, and you’re at the highest level." he said. "It was a tremendous experience." Julian felt confident about himself holding his own against the first draft picks.

ing best friends through football, to me that was the best part," he said. "That was the most fun."

"It just made it easier to kill two birds with one stone," he said. "But I enjoyed track. It's a very technical sport. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to perfect a technique and trying to become the best thrower I could."

During his senior year, Julian earned many accolades as varsity captain such as the 2010 MVP of Wyoming Valley Conference Small School Division II, Chosen 2010 Big 33 Defensive Lineman and 2010 2nd Team AP All State. He felt it a great honor when he was in the WNEP Channel 16 Dream Team. That same year, he became the Chesapeake Bowl All Star/Times Leader AllWyoming Valley Defensive Lineman as well as the Citizen's Voice AllWyoming Valley Conference Defensive Lineman.

Julian enjoyed playing football in

In 2011, Julian earned a scholarship

to the University of Connecticut, where he continued to play football. He majored in human development and family studies. In 2015, when he was a team captain, he became the All-Atlantic Coast Conference 2nd Team Defensive Lineman. He participated in the Rookie Mini Camp with the Indianapolis Colts.

After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Julian became the graduate assistant in the offensive line at Boston College from 2017 to 2018. Since December 2018, he has been coaching in the defensive line at Bowling Green University. He teaches his students the value of effort. "You should put effort into something, and if you commit to something, it's going to turn out well," he said. "The results might not be immediate.You’ve got to put effort into anything you want to be great. If you give it your absolute best, you can't fail." Julian also enjoys playing golf as well as being with friends and family. Julian thanks his family for supporting him and being a great influence in his life." H –Ben Freda

December 2021

ALLEY OL’MANGAN :&

‘Best Law Firm in Northeastern Pennsylvania’

ifty years ago, Attorney Todd J. O’Malley was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar. One of eight children born to the late District Attorney Carlon M. O’Malley and Lucy Boland O’Malley, he and four of his siblings - Carlon, Billy, Peter and Mary - all became lawyers. As a boy, under his parents’ tutelage, Todd learned his most important life lessons, including the value of loyalty. A scrappy, energetic paperboy during his teenage years, he found the persistence to work through his dyslexia and eventually graduate from Scranton Prep, The University of Scranton, and The University of North Dakota, where he earned his Juris Doctor

law degree. From 1971 to 1973, he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas, and spent the next 18 years in The Pennsylvania National Guard, where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. After practicing law with his brothers Carlon and Peter for many years, a young man named Gerard Langan joined them as an Associate. Todd remem10 38

m left to right: of his siblings, fro few a th wi Mary, and Bill n, dd To Peter, Todd, Carlo

December 2021

bers, “Jerry first came to me as a college student, very interested in becoming a lawyer. As I enjoy mentoring people, it was a terrific opportunity to work together. In 1990, we joined forces to form O’Malley & Langan.” In his early years as an attorney, Todd came face to face with the grim realities of how work injuries often come with disastrous financial consequences, and how workers’ compensation can be a lifeline. Since then, he’s devoted much of his career to fighting for workers' rights on many fronts. He is a past president of the national Workers Injury Law & Advocacy Group and the recipient of their “2011 Lifetime Achievement Award,” is a past chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the American Association for Justice, has served on the board of directors of the PA Association for Justice, and has been featured in Philadelphia Magazine’s “Super Lawyers of PA” for 18 consecutive years. Todd is also the recipient of the American Association for Justice “Distinguished Service Award.” Todd says, “As a lawyer, I’ve very much enjoyed the opportunity to help people.” Such a simple statement belies the fact that his tenacity and professionalism have earned him decades of recognition including a recent “Mel Award,” named for famed attorney Melvin Belli, awarded to only one lawyer in the country each year. “It meant a great deal to me because I was honored by my peers. The Belli Society comprises some of the greatest lawyers from around the world, and for them

to choose me for this award was truly humbling.” Attorney Mary Anne Lucas, Todd’s daughter and a Partner at O’Malley & Langan, admires her father’s many accomplishments, “My dad has a huge heart. He really cares and invests all his energies into the people he knows and the cases he takes. He sets an incredible example, not only for our staff here at the firm but for his children and grandchildren. We’re lucky to have him!” Todd is very active in the greater community, lending his support to numerous charitable causes including The National Down Syndrome Society, Illinois’ Hope School Learning Center, and The Bill Bursis Foundation 39

clients in the same communities and practice areas. An industry leader whose influence impacts people on national and international levels, Todd is never happier than when he’s here at home in Northeast PA or traveling to spend time with family. He and his wife Elizabeth, married for more than 50 years, are the parents of Lucy Brady, a management consultant with the McDonald’s Corporation in Chicago, and his afore-mentioned daughter Mary Anne. Liz and Todd are devoted to their six grandchildren: Christopher, Caitlin, Cassidy, Maddie, Robby and Katie. When asked about his next adventure, his enthusiasm shines through, “After our upcoming trip to Chicago, Liz and I will meet up with family in Ireland and Belgium where we’ll visit the cemetery in which my Uncle Todd, who was killed in World War II, is buried. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.” H Todd and his wife Liz...in the beginning

–Christine Fanning

for Spinal Cord Research. At O’Malley & Langan, Todd’s leadership and integrity have attracted a highlyskilled, dedicated team of professionals, the vast majority of whom have been with the firm for decades. In 2021, he was pleased that the firm’s newest associate, Attorney Kyle Stelmack, accepted a partnership role with the firm. O’Malley & Langan has offices in Scranton, Pittston and Towanda, and focuses primarily on workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability and Personal Injury. O’Malley & Langan has been ranked for 2022 as a “Best Law Firm in Northeastern PA” by Best Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report (Metropolitan Tier 1 in Workers’ Compensation Law - Claimants). This achievement signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. The tier designation reflects the highest level of respect a firm can earn among other leading lawyers and 40

Todd and Liz with

their daughters Ma ry

Anne Lucas and Lu cy

Brady

Aim to eat healthier in 2022 s a new year draws near, plenty of people in Northeast Pennsylvania and beyond will resolve to eat healthier and perhaps shed pounds.

If you’re among them, bravo! Better eating habits can improve your physical and mental health, help you avoid – or control – chronic diseases such as diabetes, and even boost your self-esteem. As a longtime dietitian, however, I encourage you to not jump onto the Jan. 1 bandwagon without first planning how to succeed at becoming the “new you.” Consider your commitment level. Many people say they want to drop weight in the quest to impress at the next class reunion or maybe to squeeze into a new swimsuit for an upcoming vacation. In those cases, however, any “progress” is likely to be limited and temporary, not a true lifestyle change. For long-lasting results, you

have to be committed and in a “readiness stage” to make a change. You can gauge your readiness by making a prosand-cons list. Identify the positive reasons you’re motivated to eat healthier (such as “feel better” and “have more energy”) and any potential drawbacks or barriers (“don’t like to cook”). If the pros outnumber the cons, you probably have the proper mindset to get started.

Set a reasonable start date. New Year’s Day might not be the best choice for implementing a new eating plan. That’s especially true if you’ll be feasting with family or friends during early January or if your house will be full of leftover holiday cookies and other sweet temptations. Perhaps pick a start date during the second or third week of January for your new eating plan. Use those extra days to go through your refrigerator and cabinets, removing less healthy options that won’t sup-

Karen Papi, M.S., R.D., C.D.C.E.S., L.D.N. port your new eating habits. Be realistic with expectations. Weight loss is a slow process. A person typically can expect to drop a half a pound, perhaps up to 2 pounds, per week. Realize that it’s going to take time to achieve your longterm goal. Meanwhile, set smaller, attainable goals. And stop to celebrate your victories along the way. You’re aiming for a lifetime change, remember? So prepare to incorporate your new behaviors over the long haul. Even among people who undergo weight-loss surgery, there is sometimes a mistaken belief that after the medical procedure they will not have to worry about their weight status. That’s not accurate. They still will need to continue to eat healthy and be active in order to maintain the weight they lost.

December 2021

Form a habit. To get the full benefits of healthy eating, you’ll want to make it a habit. That’s not a simple thing to accomplish; we know that after adopting a new behavior, it generally takes 28 days of repetition to make that change stick. So rather than try to radically revamp your entire diet at one time, it might be more practical to implement small changes one at a time, mastering each for a few weeks before adding another change. Over time, you’ll become more mindful of what foods you’re choosing and how much you are eating at one time. Beware common pitfalls. When life gets busy, it’s natural to search for time-saving shortcuts such as dining out at a restaurant or ordering delivered meals. But by getting your

food outside the home, you might inadvertently consume excess calories. A person can easily gain an average of 2 pounds over the year simply by eating out once per week, typically because restaurant portion sizes are much larger. Explore motivations. For some people, unhealthy eating practices might be linked to unresolved issues in their lives, even from childhood. For example, adults who were deprived of food as children, either due to household poverty or as a misguided form of punishment, might be prone today to overindulging. Talking with a behavioral health professional can help to unravel those complex emotions and further promote a permanent change that includes healthier eating.

Create a support team. When planning to make significant diet and/or exercise changes, it’s always best to work in consultation with your primary care physician or other health care professionals. Also, you are more likely to reach your goals with a good support team, whether it be family members, friends or an “eating buddy” who will urge you to follow your plan and be there to applaud your successes. Here’s to a happier, healthier 2022. And to the start of a “new you!” H Karen Papi, M.S., R.D., C.D.C.E.S., L.D.N., of Old Forge, is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes care and education specialist at The Wright Center for Community Health. Call 570-941-0630 or visit TheWrightCenter.org.

The Wright Center launches ‘Neo’

he Wright Center for Community Health recently launched “Neo,” a secure patientfriendly smart bot on its website to help new and existing patients directly schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, learn about available COVID-19 services and more. By clicking on the easily identifiable icon, located at the bottom right-hand corner of the website (TheWrightCenter.org), consumers can start a convenient chat session with a live agent. “Neo” can find the nearest primary care location, help schedule an appointment, refill prescriptions, share the latest

December 2021

COVID-19 information, address billing questions and more. “Neo” begins the online interaction with the user by asking for a first name. It then offers a suite of options. The consumer can select, for example, assistance with making an office appointment with their primary care provider for themselves or a family member. “The Wright Center for Community Health strives to be on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to providing and delivering the best health care and information possible in Northeast Pennsylvania,” HappeningsPA.com

said Jignesh Y. Sheth, M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice president at The Wright Center. “The new technology is all about making it more convenient for patients.“Neo” has learning capabilities that will streamline and personalize future interactions with the smart technology. HIPAA compliant, the friendly chatbot is safe and secure when it comes to protecting patient privacy. The bot also will be phased into Facebook Messenger and eventually allow for direct SMS texting capabilities. H 43

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class of 2021-2022

eadership Lackawanna’s youth program, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT), recently met for its first session, which included an orientation, leadership basics, ice breakers and interactive sessions including a silent disco and tour around downtown Scranton.

Leadership Lackawanna’s seven-month Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program develops the leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills of high school juniors, giving them an enhanced understanding of Northeastern Pennsyl44

vania as well as the opportunity to explore teamwork. Participants learn collaborative decision making, explore different communication styles and engage in problem solving techniques. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of Northeastern Pennsylvania and meet community leaders and other high school students. Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program accepts applications from sophomores who attend high school in Lackawanna County or in the Lackawanna Trail and Western Wayne school districts. HappeningsPA.com

Pictured above: Front row (l to r): Giuliana Mazza, Kaylee Butler, Audrey Cobb, Nina Ghirelli, Mary McHugh, Ella Frounfelker, Lindsay Tunis, Sarika Mongar, Maya Chorba. Second row (l to r): Cecilia Otis, Julia Murphy, Colleen Blockberger, Emily Acevedo, Bella Nee, Pranav Palle, Michael Cummins, Skylar Long, Ayman Mounota, Sanliya George. Third row (l to r): Ethan Roberts, Abby Drozdick, Faith Bennett, Camia Capalongo, Ben Warring, Ally Anderson, Carson Bushta, Adhinav Palle, Frankie Cocchini, Evan Pierce, Noah Planey. Last row (I to r): Adam Howanitz, Vienna Supon, Luke Kotcho, Jennifer Genell, Eddie Kaufmann, Sydney Degnon, Manan Pancholy, Rina Hanumali, Morgan Seamon, Ethan Symuleski. Missing from photo: Marshall Davis. H December 2021

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Homeowners, renters, and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, LLC. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko® image © 1999–2021. © 2021 GEICO

Even Kathleen McGuigan Doesn't Know the Gecko's Name

he GEICO gecko is so darn cute and proper and everybody asks Kathleen McGuigan about him and if he works in the office with her. “They want to know what his name is – it's not Martin, as some think. As a matter of fact, we don't know what it is. But we have lots of tchotchkes with the gecko’s image that we give away to people, including little plastic geckos.”

From her office in the Keyser Village Shopping Center in Scranton, she has helped thousands of local residents with automobile, homeowners, motorcycle, boat, RV and other insurance needs. She and her husband, John, decided to move back to their hometown to raise their six sons after John

For 14 years, Kathleen has represented GEICO as the local agent in Northeast Pennsylvania. 46

HappeningsPA.com

retired from a career in the United States Navy. “John retired in 1999 after serving for 20 years. He was an aviation electrician and worked on helicopters. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8). He deployed many times over the years for six months at a time. It goes without saying that when you have a house full of children to manage alone you need to be organized. The boys and I would get into our own routine and I really believe it was as difficult for him to be away as for us to be alone. When he December 2021

was 14 and the youngest 1. When she first opened the office, her eldest was 22 and the youngest was 10. “To be honest, there were quite a few fights over who got to wear the gecko costume to whatever marketing event we were doing. Unfortunately, they all outgrew the desire to be stuck in the hot suit.” Her sons are now 34, 33, 30, 28, 26 and 23. The eldest, Michael, served in the Navy; No. 2, John/JR is a scientist; No. 3, Daniel, and No. 6, Brian are Marines; No. 5, Matthew, is a lieutenant in the Army and No. 4, Kevin, worked for Kathleen for five years and now has his own GEICO office in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She also has four daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. When she applied for the office, she was one of many vying to be chosen. “I was up against people with years of experience in the insurance industry. What ultimately won the recruiter over was the story I told of how I went door to door after moving back to Scranton to win a seat on the Scranton school board, which I held for 11 years. I told her how I had to sell myself (I was largely unknown) to win that seat. She felt as though that was exactly what GEICO was looking for.

company can be a rewarding and exciting profession that may allow one to make a positive impact on people's lives. Probably what I like most about the insurance industry is helping people save money while at the same time making sure they have the coverage they need. It's great to help people understand the protection they are purchasing and realizing the value and peace of mind GEICO provides. Also, as a business owner, I feel it is so important to give back to the community that supports us. I love

to support local veteran organizations and I am always looking to support additional school and youth organizations as well.” Your local GEICO office is staffed with professional insurance agents who are available six days a week and offer great insurance products from a company you can trust, GEICO. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. H –Christine Fanning

Working for an insurance December 2021

HappeningsPA.com

Northeastern PA Native Returns as

New CEO of Scranton Counseling Center

fter a national search, Scranton Counseling Center (SCC) selected Sarah Wodder, Psy.D. as the organization’s new president and CEO. In late summer Dr. Wodder, a Northeast Pennsylvania native, returned to the area to lead the community based, non-profit behavioral health organization. Dr. Wodder most recently served as an executive director of Edison Court, Inc., a Doylestown, Pennsylvania, child and adolescent residential and outpatient treatment facility for those with behavioral health issues. She received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, and her Master of Science in community counseling from the University of Scranton. She was awarded her doctorate in clinical psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia. She assumed her new responsibilities in September, relieving Sal Santoli, the interim CEO, who has remained in a senior management position with the Center. “Having grown up in the Scranton area with deep roots in this community, I am thrilled to be chosen to lead 48

Scranton Counseling Center and its professional staff of behavioral health specialists,” said Wodder. “My previous outpatient and residential experiences will be valuable in leading the devoted team HappeningsPA.com

in providing exceptional service.” Scranton Counseling Center is a community-based, private nonprofit behavioral health provider serving children, adolescents, adults December 2021

and families with mental health and substance abuse issues in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and surrounding counties. SCC is Northeast Pennsylvania’s largest integrated behavioral health provider with quality, accessible services for those in need. The center also serves as the 24/7 mental health crisis service provider for Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties and provides in-person, telephone and mobile individual and team services to respond to mental health crises in the community. The center provides crisis services in the five

hospital emergency departments in Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. SCC staff works in conjunction with human service agencies, the courts, schools and other groups with the intention of addressing behavioral health and substance use disorder issues.

They strive to promote greater community awareness of available behavioral healthcare programs and related services and recently moved into a new $15 million campus of facilities on the corner of Cedar Avenue and Cherry Street in South Scranton. Contact 570-348-6100 H

YOUR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH

Specialists from left : Kashif Khan, M.D. Tiffany Hughes-Eagen, M.D. Dorothy Perillo, PA-C Muhammed Rahman, M.D.

Treating adults, children, and families for behavioral health problems such as, depression, stress, anxiety, child behavioral problems and family problems, in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. 570.348.6100 l ScrantonSCC.org l Cedar Ave. at Cherry St., Scranton

December 2021

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Handle With Care (HWC) Initiative T he Luzerne County Human Services Division, including Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services through the LuzerneWyoming Counties System of Care, announces the launch of a countywide initiative, Handle With Care (HWC). HWC promotes safe and supportive homes, schools and communities by protecting and helping traumatized children heal and thrive. HWC promotes schoolcommunity partnerships aimed at ensuring that children who are exposed to trauma in their home, school or community receive appropriate interventions to help them achieve academically at their highest levels despite whatever traumatic circumstances endured. The ultimate goal of HWC is to help students succeed in school. Regardless of the source of trauma, the common thread for effective intervention is in the school setting. Research now shows that trauma can undermine children’s ability to learn, form relationships and function appropriately in the classroom. HWC programs support children exposed to trauma and violence through improved communication and collaboration between law enforcement, schools and

mental health providers. It connects families, schools and communities to mental health services when needed. The Handle With Care initiative allows police to notify schools if they encounter a schoolaged child at a traumatic scene. Notifications are made through a web-link as part of the Safe2Say Something platform. No information is shared regarding the details of the trauma the child may have been exposed to, as this program is designed to treat all children with universal precautions. Evidence demonstrates that everyone responds differently to trauma and all should be Handled With Care despite the perceived nature of the traumatic event.

The Luzerne County Human Services Division, including Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services through the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties System of Care, began researching Handle With Care more than a year ago. This division has spear-

headed this cross-system endeavor which has strengthened existing partnerships in the community through ongoing sharing, communication and planning. After studying how it was successfully implemented in other states, a plan was developed to effectively train all the partners (schools, law enforcement and mental health providers), Initiative was successfully launched in February 2021, in the Wilkes Barre Area School District and the Hazleton Area School District as a pilot program. The pilot was successful in both districts and with minimal adjustments, Handle With Care has been launched countywide as of October 1, 2021. In Luzerne County, all law enforcement municipalities including the Pennsylvania State Police are involved and

actively participating. The Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce, along with all law enforcement, have been supportive in implementing Handle With Care. Many chiefs of police see this as an opportunity to support the children they protect and serve. Although many police departments had an informal system established with schools, this formalizes the process and makes it much easier. All school districts and private schools are participating in the program, thanks to the support of each of the district’s superintendents, the Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18 and Luzerne-Wyoming Counties System of Care. This also includes the Berwick Area School District whose five

school buildings serve Luzerne County. Each school is equipped with a multidisciplinary team to triage the notifications and alert each of the identified student’s teachers to Handle With Care. Luzerne County is committed to becoming a trauma-informed county and continues to put practices in place to prevent

and/or improve the way those impacted by trauma are served. The Handle With Care Initiative is an example of the strides made toward this goal. For information on Handle With Care, contact Joe Kloss, 570-408-1332 or joseph.kloss@luzernecounty.org H

Every child grows and learns new things at his or her own pace. You know your child better than anyone else. If you have any concerns about your child’s development

WE CAN HELP!

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Early Intervention Program

December 2021

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Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium (NBHCC)

Health Choices

n February 1, 1997 the Commonwealth of PA introduced a new integrated and coordinated health care delivery system, known as the HealthChoices Program, to provide medical, psychiatric and substance abuse services to medical assistance recipients. The physical and behavioral health components of the HealthChoices Program were implemented through separate procurements. Counties were offered the option to manage the behavioral health program within their respective counties. On July 1, 2006 the HealthChoices Program was implemented for behavioral health services (mental health and drug and alcohol) in Northeastern PA, specifically Lackawanna, Luzerne, 52

Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. This program now serves over 140,000 medicalassistance eligible individuals in the four-county region.

These counties accepted a contract with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and have delegated the management of the project to the Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium (NBHCC) to manage the project on the counties’ behalf. NBHCC, a non-profit company, is responsible to manage the mental health and drug and alcohol services provided to medical assistance recipients. NBHCC receives a fixed capitated amount of funds (based on actuarial projections) to serve the needs of all of the residents in the four-county area. The goals of the DHS, and NBHCC, are to: HappeningsPA.com

Improve access to services. Improve quality of services. Control costs. NBHCC was planned for many years, and explored many options in designing its structure. They attribute their success in expanding and enhancing services to prudent management and close monitoring of the program. NBHCC has engaged Community Care Behavioral Health (CCBH), a recognized and experienced managed care organization, in designing and delivering the best services in the most efficient manner. Learn more about this behavioral health program located in Moosic, PA by contacting (570) 344-2005 or www.nbhcc.org H December 2021

Lochen & Chase,P.C.

Warm Wishes This Holiday Season

Full Service Accounting Firm

PSBanking.com

Offering the following services: Tax Preparation & Planning, Auditing, Payroll, Bookkeeping 100 Old Lackawanna Trail Clarks Summit (570) 585-6400 A DIVISION OF PS BANK

251 E. Grove Street Clarks Green (570) 586-3122

Individuals, Corporations, Partnerships, Government, and Non-profit Gordon W. Chase, CPA Tunkhannock, PA 18657 (570)836-3868

Richard S. Lochen, CPA Nicholson, PA 18446 (570)942-4578

www.Lochen-Chase.com

Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium

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

72 Glenmaura National Blvd. Moosic, PA • 570-344-2005 • www.nbhcc.org

December 2021

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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Mental Health and the Holiday Blues

igh expectations, loneliness and stress can lead to the “Holiday Blues.” In most cases symptoms are temporary, but they can be serious if they last for more than two weeks, leading to clinical anxiety and depression. The “holiday blues” can stem from a variety of sources, such as current events, personal grief, loneliness, illnesses of all kinds, economic concerns, separation from family members, separation or divorce. The COVID-19 crisis has made maintaining mental health more challenging for many. “For many, the holiday season is not always the most wonderful time of the year,” said NAMI Northeast Region PA executive director Marie Onukiavage. “For individuals 54

and families coping with mental health challenges, the holiday season can be a lonely or stressful time. There is a tremendous need for people to reach out and watch out for each other in keeping with the spirit of the season.” Be mindful of the following: • Holiday blues are different from mental illness, but shortterm mental health problems must be taken seriously because they can lead to clinical anxiety and depression. • People already living with mental illness are often affected by the holiday blues. Individuals, families and friends should know symptoms and watch out for each other. • There are many ways to avoid or minimize holiday blues. NAMI can be a source of support. • It’s a myth that suicides increase during the holidays, but suicide risks are always serious. HappeningsPA.com

• Children and teens get the blues too. The highest rate for child psychiatric hospitalizations occurs in winter. None of this means that we should skip the holidays entirely. Instead, there are strategies to minimize the negative aspects of the season. Be realistic. Don’t worry about how things ‘should be.’ Ask yourself, do I really have to do everything on my list? Why am I doing things that make me miserable? Draw up a list of reasons to engage in holiday traditions, and then a list of reasons not to engage. A simple pro and con list will remind us that we do have a choice. There is a lot of cultural pressure during the holidays. We tend to compare ourselves with idealized notions of perfect families and perfect holidays. Remember, other families have their own stressors to contend with. December 2021

Accept your needs and keep your own mental and physical well-being in mind. Recognizing triggers can help prepare you for stressful situations. Is shopping for holiday gifts too stressful? Is preparing all the traditional homemade dishes overwhelming? Once you know what is making you feel physically and mentally agitated, you can take steps to avoid or cope with the stress. Finding ways to manage time by making a day-to-day schedule can help keep us from feeling overwhelmed and allow us to say “No” to things that don’t fit our schedule or make us feel good. Likewise, it is helpful to spend time away from the hype, even if it’s just for half an hour a day. Spend time in nature. Studies show that time in nature reduces stress. Break away from family during a holiday gathering. Take a walk in a local park. Eat well. Get enough sleep. Eating habits are challenged during the holidays. Eating unprocessed foods, like whole grains, vegetables and fresh fruit can help to maintain a healthy diet. Exercise has an antianxiety, anti-depression effect. Even a small amount of exercise, such as parking further from the store, can help. Eating well, exercising and sleep can help to stabilize mood.

to two hours or less and frequently wash hands and surfaces. Don’t let the “holiday blues” become a scapegoat. If these are persistent feelings, make an appointment to see your doctor! Find support. Whether it’s with friends, family, a counselor or a support group, airing out and talking can help. Consider attending a free support group provided by NAMI Northeast Region PA. If you or someone you love is experiencing a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255; use the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. Overall, remember that this is not an easy time of year for a lot of people. We need to be gentle with ourselves. For more information about NAMI Northeast Region PA visit www.naminepa.org or call 570-342-1047. H

Avoid alcohol and drugs. Substances don’t reduce stress: in fact, they often worsen it. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, educate yourself and get help. Volunteer. Simply knowing that we're making a small dent in the lives of people who are not as fortunate can be a great source of comfort. This is a great strategy to combat feelings of loneliness or isolation. Consider seeking out community, religious or other social events. Take steps to stay safe. As COVID-19 continues to pose a risk, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the safest way to gather is to spend time with people living in the same household or to gather virtually. Limit the number of people, gather outdoors when possible and don’t attend if sick and/or in a high-risk group. Continue to practice physical distancing, wear a mask, keep gatherings December 2021

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Suicide Prevention: Shawn’s Law

“F

rom the bottom of our hearts…a big thank you to PA State Rep. Dawn Keefer and Rep. Frank Ryan as well as the entire PA General Assembly for being wonderful champions for our children, and for helping to further protect vulnerable, precious lives from horrible predators who encourage or assist with the tragic act of suicide," said Jacqueline Bieber, York County. Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed “Shawn’s Law”, which is hoped to become another important life-saving measure in Pennsylvania. “It also honors the legacy of our beautiful daughter Shawn, who sadly ended her life with the help from a horrible, online suicide forum on May 22, 2019 as she battled mental illness, depression and anxiety, “ Jacqueline said.

Pennsylvania families in an attempt to spare them from this painful grief, while offering them hope.” Shawn took her life at her family's home in Newberry Township. “Shawn died with the direct assistance and encouragement from a horrific suicide website. I’ll never forget the feeling I got when I looked at her phone that day and saw this website and the chatroom discussion she was having during her suicide. Pure evil, cruelty and darkness are all I can use to

describe this horrific tragedy. I still can't believe that there's website that provides a menu on ways to die and the step-by-step instructions and recipes are all provided. The horror we’ve experienced these past two years has been excruciating and painful. “ “Our laws need to be updated due to how quickly technology is changing and ruling our worlds. Today, through Shawn’s Law, we are toughening penalties and sending a clear and loud message to that we will not tolerate helping anyone end their life! And, that there are REAL consequences and stiff penalties awaiting and to leave our children alone. We are leading the way right here in Pennsylvania, “ Jacqueline said.

“While our lives have been forever shattered after tragically losing our beloved daughter, Shawn, we are empowered to fight back against ugly predators and to fight for our youth, to fight for life and to fight for other 56

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December 2021

While more needs to be done, this is a first step in the right direction. Our youth and young adults, like our daughter Shawn need our protection. Next, we must work on adequately funding our mental health system, offering incentives to mental health professionals to attract people to the profession, and providing ample funding for our mental health and Intellectual Disabilities or IDD programs. We also must work to shut down these horrific sites. Shawn's Law or House Bill 184, holds accountable any person who encourages the suicide of a minor under 18 years old, or any person with an intellectual disability. Shawn’s family hopes to help further educate everyone about this devastating and leading cause of death and stop predators and criminals and preserving life!

Did you know? • According to the CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019:• Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 48,344 people. • Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34. • Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44. • There were nearly two and half times as many suicides in the United States as there were homicides. • 1.4 million is the number of suicide attempts in the U.S. • There is an average of 130 suicides daily in this country. • Thes statistics were before the pandemic hit. The number of suicides has skyrocketed during COVID-19. The pandemic’s impact on individuals across our state and across this country has heightened mental health illnesses and challenges!

Each year, more than 40 million American adults will experience a serious Mental Health condition – Less than half will seek treatment due to stigma and discrimination. It's time to end the stigma! If you or someone you know needs support, please dial 211. Help is just a phone call away.

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health & Developmental Services 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 200 Wilkes-Barre, PA • 570-825-9441 www.luzernecounty.org/mhds

December 2021

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Dr. John Kuna on Therapy as a Process of Self Discovery

ohn G. Kuna, Psy.D. was born and raised in Scranton. His parents, the late Joseph and Anna Kuna owned a small grocery store in Dupont and early on in his life Joseph worked in the mines. As Dr. John grew up, he realized that his family structure was very supportive to health and behavior treatment and he was inspired by his parents to achieve a higher level of education. Dr. Kuna lives in Nicholson with his wife, Joellen, a registered nurse, who is case manager for her husband’s practice, John G. Kuna, Psy.D. and Associates. His children Jason, Beth and Phil are grown and he has eight grandchildren. “My children and grandchildren make me proud by caring for one another and participating in their community,” he said. He has been practicing for 23 years and with his more than 50 professional associates offers evidencebased, psychological and counseling services to individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents and adults. “We view therapy as a process of self discovery. We see ourselves as guides, allies and navigators on our client’s

journey to self-knowledge and healthier lives, physically, mentally and spiritually.” Dr. Kuna entered the mental health helping field to offer treatment for those in need of various mental disorders and problems. “I am daily influenced by the people we help to believe in themselves and to face the past, present and future with confidence. We offer a broad range of counseling services for depression, anxiety and mental health disorders. Especially after the pandemic, people are faced with depression and anxiety more than ever and benefit from someone to talk to. I love my profession for helping others. I wake up ready and happy to go to work in the company of like-minded and caring therapists. We are all committed to helping our clients in a compassionate and confidential environment.”

Latin poetry and after work he enjoys reading about history. On weekends he visits family and travels. John G. Kuna, Psy.D. and Associates sees clients in 13 locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming and Pike counties. See drjohngkuna.com for more information. H –Christine Fanning

Dr. Kuna studies

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December 2021

How would your life differ if you knew where to turn for help? Not sure where to begin? Give us a call and lets figure it out together. In a compassionate and confidential environment, we provide evidence-based, psychological and counseling services to individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents and adults. You can feel confident and comfortable moving forward with therapy at any of our 13 convenient locations in NEPA. We accept most insurance plans and a sliding scale is available to pay for your care.

570.961.3361 Offering tele-health and in-person services

drjohngkuna.com • 13 Locations in PA

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December 2021

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Country Inns

Penn’s Peak Wizards of Winter

and B&Bs

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 onsite boat launch and docking available. Find us on Facebook and at 24 Water St., Hammondsport, NY 14840. (607) 569-2600, www.keukalakesideinn.com

Treasure H U N TI NG u

PLAINS ANTIQUES AND HOME FURNISHINGS Plains Antiques and Home Furnishings is the largest Antique Mall in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton area, featuring 50 vendors with high quality items. Antique to Retro, including Furniture, Glassware, Lighting, Jewelry, Pottery, Artwork, Quality Collectables and more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! 29 East Carey Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705. 570-2703107 • www.plainsantiques.com

December 18, 8 p.m. The Wizards of Winter was originally formed as a way to give back to the band’s hometown community food pantry. The quality of the original music, combined with its message, has attracted world class talent from groups like The TransSiberian Orchestra, The Irish Tenors and Alice Cooper band who now join them on stage. It truly is a Christmas Rock Opera for those in search of the meaning of Christmas.

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December 2021

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HELEN & ED’S TREE FARM

The tradition continues...In business since 1957, Helen and Ed’s is a 220 acre tree farm located in Dorrance Township, PA. Find fresh cut evergreens or choose and cut your own from many varieties and sizes. Wreaths and garland are handmade and pin tree stands are available. Come enjoy Christmas music, friendly atmosphere and service. 3758 Saint Mary's Road, Wapwallopen, PA 18660 www.helenandedstreefarm.com (570) 868-6252

THE BRIAR PATCH AT THORNHURST NURSERIES CHRISTMAS TREE FARM & GIFT SHOP Pre-cut Fraser, Concolor & Douglas Fir. Choose & cut (7' & above) Colorado Blue Spruce & Norway Spruce. Available tree sizes 6 ft-14 ft. Fresh handmade wreaths. 78 Pine Grove Rd, Thornhurst, PA (570) 842-1266. Follow us on Facebook.

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December 2021

Don’t Miss a Single Issue Subscribe for only $18 a year m $18 for a year m $28 for 2 years m Payment Enclosed (check made payable to Happenings Magazine)

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Go to HappeningsMagazinePA.com and click Subscribe Now. To place an order call (570) 878-5009 or print and mail to P.O. Box 61 Clarks Summit PA 18411. Rates good in the U.S. Only. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Subscriptions are not refundable.

Festival of Lights

eight until new oil could be prepared. It is this miracle that is now celebrated by Jews across the world. To celebrate the eight-day festival of lights, families attend special services, perform special prayers, eat delicious foods and exchange gifts.

eginning November 28, menorahs will be placed in windows, letting their light shine to the world outside. Their flickering flames symbolize a miracle that occurred almost two thousand years ago.

Hanukkah is the only holiday where Jews publicize to the world. Every other holiday they observe and take to themselves, but because of the nature of the miracle, they are supposed to put a menorah in the window so that the outside can see.

Hanukkah celebrates the uprising of faithful Jews against their powerful Greek oppressors. When the Jews defeated their enemy against all odds, they traveled to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to reclaim and rededicate it to the service of God. They found only enough oil inside to light the menorah for one day; however, it miraculously lasted for

The centerpiece of Hanukkah is the menorah—a nine-armed candelabra. On the first night, the center candle, or shammash, is lit, then used to light a second candle. Another candle is added each night until the eighth and final night of Hanukkah. Just as Hebrew is written from right to left, candles are placed in the menorah from right to

Excellence

left; however, the candles are lit each night from left to right. After placing the candles in the menorah but before lighting them, three blessings are recited to commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah. The menorah is always placed by a window. Traditional Hanukkah foods add flavor to each night’s celebration. In remembrance of the miracle, fried foods like potato latkes and jelly donuts are always included. The dreidel game is another popular Hanukkah celebration, especially for kids. While its origin is unclear, the letters that appear on the four-faced piece—un, gimmel, hey and shin— are said to stand for the phrase, “Nes gadol haya sham,” which in Hebrew means, “A great miracle happened here.” Though not an original part of the celebration, many exchange gifts on each night of Hanukkah as well. In this way, it has been adopted to American culture. H

Brian J. Cali, Esquire Marianne M. Stivala, Esquire Kurt T. Lynott, Esquire Adrienne R. Pierangeli, Esquire

LEGAL

103 East Drinker Street • Dunmore, PA • (570) 344-2029 • www.brianjcali.com

December 2021

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Dr. David Janerich Brings the Latest in Physiatry Home to NEPA

avid A. Janerich, D.O., a Dallas resident, is a physiatrist in Plains. He received his medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia. Following his residency at Thomas Jefferson hospital in Philadelphia, and two fellowships in Philadelphia and York, David returned home in 2021 to join his father, Albert D. Janerich, M.D. in practice at Janerich Pain Specialists. Dr. David Janerich and Dr. Albert Janerich are both board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Albert Janerich is also board certified in addictive diseases. “My father and I attended the same physical medicine and rehabilitation -- also known as physiatry -- residency at Jefferson in Philadelphia. He has been in private practice since 1993. I went on to complete further training at two fellowships in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine, as well as cervical dystonia and spasticity management. By joining my father, I bring the most current and advanced treatment options to Northeastern Pennsylvania so 66

patients don't feel they need to go to a major city to get the best care they deserve. Our practice is unique in today’s world of medicine. We are a family and our goal is to treat our patients like family. We listen to the patients’ unique situation and formulate an individualized treatment plan.” “The goal of physiatry is to help people function better. Relieving patients of their pain does that and often is taken for granted,” he said. “Cervical Dystonia is a common condition that may contribute to neck pain and is vastly undertreated in the United States. Spasticity develops for many reasons and it usually occurs after brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and other underlying conditions that affect the central nervous system. It can be extremely debilitating and even affect one’s ability to perform basic daily tasks such as dressing themself. Neurotoxin medications such as Botox or Dysport are extremely HappeningsPA.com

helpful at decreasing the tone and spasms that develop with spasticity. After completing fur-

“By joining my father, I bring the most current and advanced treatment options to Northeastern Pennsylvania” ther specialized training in cervical dystonia and spasticity management, I wanted to bring these important effective treatment options to serve my home community.” Drs. David and Albert Janerich treat chronic pain, which is long standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis. Chronic pain may come and go or be continuous. “There can be a number of causes of chronic pain. Many physicians in the past have treated chronic pain with medications that, at that time were considered rou-

December 2021

tine, but are now no longer indicated for those pain conditions. Consequently, we work with patients to tailor their pain medications while also relieving pain. There are certain procedures which I perform in the office that have been effective at improving chronic pain symptoms. Most often, managing chronic pain symptoms involves a multifaceted team approach. When physical therapy and medications are not helpful, I offer non-surgical procedures, such as injections, using an ultrasound machine or fluoroscope (x-ray) to guide the injection or procedure. This allows for direct visualization of the target during the injection to ensure that the medication is being delivered exactly

December 2021

DMD, a practicing general and cosmetic dentist in Kingston, PA. “I feel honored to have the ability to serve the community in which I was raised. My ultimate joy is hearing that I helped a patient get their life back and help them get to do the things they love to do, again!” In his time off, Dr. David likes to ski, play golf and tennis, and enjoy his wife’s excellent cooking. “I do the dishes — it works out well.” where it needs to be to maximize treatment and recovery.” Dr. David was born in Wilkes-Barre and raised in Shavertown. He said he loves the four seasons in Northeast Pennsylvania and the genuine, down-to-earth people who call this valley their home. He is married to Brittany N. Lahoda,

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We wondered, what is something people don’t know about him? “It’s a secret! That’s why no one knows,” he said. “Just kidding, I can be shy at first but I’m told I can be quite funny.” H –Christine Fanning

Safe Living in Senior Years

t some point, support from family, friends and local programs may not be enough for safe senior living. Those requiring help full-time might move to a residential facility that provides many or all of the long-term care services needed.

Facility-based long-term care services include: board and care homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities.

Montrose Square Apartments

Now Accepting Applications 62 or older, handicapped or disabled. Rent based on 30% of your income. Includes all utilities except cable and telephone.

Some facilities have only housing and housekeeping, but many also provide personal care and medical services. Many facilities offer special programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

CLOSE TO ALL THE AMENITIES

Residential care facilities or group homes, are small private facilities, usually with 20 or fewer residents. Residents receive personal care and meals and have staff available around the clock.

570-278-3849

145 Church Street, Montrose, Pa.

Assisted living is for people who need help with daily care, but not as much help as a nursing home provides. Assisted living facilities range in size from as few as 25 residents to 120 or more. Typically, a few "levels of care" are offered, with residents paying more for higher levels of care. Assisted living residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. They have access to many services, including meals, assistance with personal care, help with medications, housekeeping and laundry, 24-hour supervision, security/on-site staff and recreational activities. Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide a wide range of health and personal care services. Their services focus on medical care more than most assisted living facilities. These services typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, are also available. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life care communities, offer different levels of service in one location. Many of them offer independent housing (houses or apartments), assisted living, and skilled nursing care all on one campus. Healthcare services and recreation programs are also provided. In a CCRC, where you live depends on the level of service you need. There are many sources of information about facility-based long-term care. A good place to start is the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

Now Accepting Applications 62 or older, handicapped or disabled. Rent based on 30% of your income. Includes all utilities except cable and telephone. CLOSE TO ALL THE AMENITIES 230 Lackawanna Avenue • Olyphant, PA

570-489-4756

Who is the cutest of them all?

Angelo The Sabia family says Angelo loves sipping morning coffee and riding in boats. He is also an avid walker.

Electra Electra loves people and welcomes anyone that comes to the Raymer family's home! She also loves her treats!

Mollie Mollie is a lovable rescue dog who was rehomed twice before finding her forever home with the Alunni family. She is from Jefferson Township.

Ginger The Nolan family says Ginger loves playing fetch with her necklaces and taking naps. She is from Archbald.

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Pip and Jedi Pip and Jedi both love to sing all day and keep the Aragona family entertained. Pip always tries to get Jedi's toy, and Jedi is laid back until he's had enough of Pip!

Binx Binx is a cat who thinks he's a dog, says the Graff family. Binx loves playing with his best friend, Peanut.

December 2021

in... s arteof the e t o v The r’s Pe

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

be Novem nth is Louie ! Mo ions atulat Congr

Tucker Tucker is full of energy and love, the Ryan family says. He loves his family, playing fetch and giving kisses! He enjoys car rides, especially in the convertible.

Kiss Kiss loves to watch out the front screen door. She wags her tail or cries when she sees neighbors’ cars, neighbors walking, neighborhood children playing as well as frequent visitors, says the Torrey family.

Sookie and Fluffer Sookie and Fluffer are both lovable and playful but mostly lay on their dad's lap. Both cats were rescued from the flood of 2011 by the Henry family and are very appreciative.

December 2021

Rosie Rosie loves exploring in the woods and chasing anything that moves, says the Tonkin family. She enjoys peanut butter and snuggles from her big sister Abby!

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Sid Vanessa Williams and Mike Golembeski know if there is a lap, Sid will want to be sitting on it. He loves people and thinks everyone loves him. He loves swiss cheese and will not eat his scrambled eggs unless there is melted cheese on them.

Stella The Naughton family says Stella is such a sweet dog and loves going on long walks and playing with her toys.

Theresa Germano C.R.N.P. L A C K AWA N N A M E D I C A L G RO U P

heresa Germano C.R.N.P., saw how both her mother and her sister made a difference in people’s lives as nurses.“They were role models for me and their dedication to their profession influenced me to go into nursing.” Theresa is a certified registered nurse practitioner at Lackawanna Medical Group (LMG) located on the Morgan Highway in Scranton. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, both from from the University of Scranton Her expertise as a nurse practitioner is in gastroenterology (GI) and internal medicine (IM). Gastroenterology is a profession that treats irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s Disease and colitis. Theresa also offers environmental and food allergy testing, needle-free and virtually pain-free allergy tests that are safe for even very young chil-

dren. LMG also offers immunotherapy for environmental allergies with the goal to reduce discomfort by treating the root causes of allergies, not just the symptoms. “At LMG, we participate in clinical trials in both GI and IM. We are affiliated with Care Access. We are on the cutting edge of medicine; bringing new treatment options to patients that would not otherwise be available and we are always looking for new treatment options for patients.

stop learning and growing, as healthcare is ever changing,” she said. “I am always learning something new.” She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, gardening, hiking, living a healthy, active lifestyle, watching and playing sports, and cooking. “My grandpa taught me how to make a mean pasta sauce.” H

Theresa said she loves building a trusting relationship with patients and listening to their concerns and helping them achieve their health goals. “You also never

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December 2021

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AWARD WINNING FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES RUANE

im Ruane is an award winning J photographer and a lifelong resi-

dent of NEPA. His work has been used in numerous brochures and advertising campaigns promoting the natural beauty and historic attractions of the region. He has been published in numerous issues of Happenings Magazine and his work has appeared on the cover of Happenings 28 times.

jamesruane@mac.com

A Winter Lake Wallenpaupack Even in the winter, Lake Wallenpaupack is fun. As a freshwater lake in the Pocono Mountain Region, it is the third largest lake in Pennsylvania measuring 52 miles of shoreline, 13 miles in length, 60 feet deep at points and has a surface area in excess of 5,700 acres. It was created in 1926 by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company for hydroelectric purposes. It is located near Hawley and forms part of the boundary between Pike and Wayne counties.

Ice fishing in the winter at the lake is popular. An annual winter event is the “Ice Tee Golf Tournament,” which takes place on the frozen lake. Each day, thousands of individuals go to places managed by Brookfield Renewable like Lake Wallenpaupack to enjoy time outdoors with their families. H

MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY

“Warning: Conditions near dams can change” Follow signage & stay at a safe distance

Warning! Water conditions near dams can change rapidly

December 2021

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A Classic Christmas

The Oldest House, Laceyville

A group of community volunteers decorate the home over the course of one weekend using natural Christmas trees and garland in each room.

he Oldest House in Laceyville PA, gives visitors a historical glimpse into Victorian Era Christmas traditions. Originally built in 1781 to face the Susquehanna River, the house was restored in 1940 and has been occupied by many families through the years.

The house is built around a large stone fireplace that measures 8 feet by 12 feet, with two

openings on the basement level and three on the main floor. The house is decorated in a Victorian style and stays true to its roots on the basement level, but it is slightly more modernized in the main, upper part of the house. 76

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December 2021

The original hanging irons, as well as hardware elsewhere in the house, were forged by a local blacksmith shop.

The 2021 Christmas Tea will take place December 3 to 5. The three rooms located on the main floor will feature three individual themes for the season. The living room will showcase a Christmas tree displayed in front of the window. The dining room includes cookies for guests. A classic train display will also be on display.H December 2021

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A display of quilts and wool blankets will be featured upstairs

Photos by Stan Warunek, Montage Photography 77

Church andChristmas

HappeningsPA.com

December 2021

merican society still celebrates Christmas according to a new survey however most adults believe the religious features of Christmas are not given as much prominence as in the past.

w Nine-in-10 U.S. adults say they celebrate the holiday, which is nearly identical to the share who said this a decade ago.

Currently, 55 percent of U.S. adults say they celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday.

About eight-in-10 will gather with family and friends. Half say they plan to attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

While the public’s commemoration of Christmas may have less of a religious component now than in the past, the share of Americans who say they celebrate Christmas in some way has hardly budged at all.

December 2021

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The Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann

Christmas Christmas Eve Eve & & Christmas Christmas Day Day Masses Masses

ChristmasEve, Eve,Thursday, Friday, December Christmas December24: 24: Masses at 2atp.m., 4 p.m. 6 p.m. Masses 4 p.m. andand 6 p.m. ChristmasDay, Day,Saturday, Friday, December Christmas December25: 25:Masses MassesatatMidnight Midnight (11:30 p.m. Carols), 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. (11:30 p.m. Carols), 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Reservations needed for the Christmas Eve Masses. Call 570-342-5166 1233 Saint Ann Street, Scranton, PA 18504 www.stannsmonasterybasilica.org The Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann

Christmas Service Schedule December 24 4 p.m. - Christmas Eve Family Service 11 p.m. - "Christ Mass"

December 25 10 a.m. Christmas Day Service

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

St. Luke's Episcopal Church 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA • 570-342-7654 • stlukescranton.org

What is the Perfect Gift? In this season of giving we often wonder, “what is the perfect gift?” The definition from Merriam-Webster is “something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.” Gratitude is one main reason why we give. There has been much in recent health news about the healing power of gratitude. Quite simply, it feels great to give when we are grateful. A well thought out gift says so very much to the receiver. Recognition is another motivation for gifting. What better way to say “I see you” or “thank you” or “I appreciate you” or “congratulations” then to deliver a spot on, intentional, wellplanned gift. When the receiver feels known and recognized for a special occasion, a job well done, or an accomplishment, or “just because”…. then the stage is set for a “perfect gift.” When a gift is well-considered or well-matched, the recipient can feel loved and honored because time and care were put into “getting it right.” Gifts given can become positive, concrete and lasting memories for that recipient. The perfect gift starts with really knowing the recipient. It is fine to ask for help or direction. Take what you know about an individual and let someone guide you to a perfect gift. Recently I witnessed a story about grandparents who had an unplanned visit from a grandson at the time of his (milestone) birthday. The visit took place in a cabin, far from

stores. The couple considered their grandson’s passion for golf and realized that a family heirloom club was right there at the cabin. The grandfather began penning an inspiring and heart-felt note to the boy. They gift-wrapped the golf club, simply but beautifully, and enclosed this once-in-a-lifetime message about the great-granddad who had purchased that club. In no time at all, the givers created a most memorable and meaningful treasure. Enjoy the gifting process. Let others help you think about why you are gifting and what you know about your recipient. Include your thoughts in a note or card. Take the time (or let someone help you) to wrap or present the gift beautifully or uniquely. Remember, it is not about the dollar amount spent. It is more about the thought and preparation. When you feel excited to give something, no matter how small or grand, you know that is the perfect gift. H Maggie Pettinato East Coast Director of Concierge Gifting Blue Atlas Marketplace

“Make it a pleasure to give and receive” Maggie Pettinato Maggie@blueatlasmarketplace.com blueatlasmarketplace.com

& Christmas? zTrains What’s the connection?

he connection of trains with Christmas evolved from the idea of going over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house for the holidays. The journey (as in the beloved song) was best accomplished by trains. Over the years, Santa Trains have been carrying passengers to the "North Pole" as part of holiday event traditions for residents and visitors. Many communities use trains as vehicles for their holiday charity events. For example, in Appalachia, a holiday tradition since 1943 is its Santa Train which stops at 14 locations between Pikeville, Kentucky and Kingsport, Tennessee. The train’s passenger cars are loaded with more than 15 tons and over $200,000 82

"Trains move quickly to their journey's end Destinations are where we begin again Ships go sailing far across the sea Trusting starlight to get where they need to be When it seems that we have lost our way We find ourselves again on Christmas day..." "Believe" song from the Polar Express, sung by Josh Groban

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December 2021

For many Americans, toy trains also evoked sentimental feelings similar to the other emotions associated with Christmas.

worth of gifts, including toys, books, backpacks, fresh fruit, candy, coats and meal vouchers, which are distributed at each stop. Historians believe the train tradition dates back at least 100 years to the early 1900s, around the time when manufacturer Lionel began to produce the first electric toy trains. Lionel's electric toy trains were very popular. In fact, they became the focus of a new hobby: model railroads. Since most children were more familiar with trains than automobiles, toy train sets were popular requests

for Christmas gifts. Upon opening a toy train set, assembling it to run under the Christmas tree was a natural thing to do. For many Americans, toy trains also evoked sentimental feelings similar to the other emotions associated with Christmas. Christmas was a time when many people traveled long distances to reach home or to see relatives. Most of these journeys would involve a train ride. Likewise, the nation's railroads were a primary means of transporting packages around the country at Christmastime. Over time, many families

added to their toy train setup year after year. What might have started out as a simple circular track around the tree with a few train cars could eventually become an elaborate layout with multiple tracks, as well as buildings. Some families began

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Allentown and Auburn Railroad

constructing entire holiday villages under their Christmas trees soon after Thanksgiving. In the Chinchilla home of the late Bernard and Helen Fanning, an intricate village featuring family businesses and two train sets, complete with real coal pieces, encircled and then disappeared in the tunnel under a raised Christmas tree. Their children remember long nights beginning at Thanksgiving to get the set up just right. Family and friends would sit ‘round the tree for visits during the holidays and for a month after. The whole holiday scene would remain through February. With the rise of modern technology and electronic gadgets filling Christmas lists, toy trains under the Christmas tree became less prevalent over the years. Within the past decade or so, though, some experts have seen a renewed interest in the toy train tradition. Some experts believe this resurgence of toy trains might have to do with the popularity of modern entertainment that features trains prominently. From Thomas the Tank Engine to the Hogwarts Express of the Harry Potter books to The Polar Express movie, trains have made a comeback in the 84

public's imagination. Train enthusiasts hope that interest continues to fuel a return to the timehonored tradition of oldfashioned toy trains under the Christmas tree. Finally, trains running around Christmas trees bring back memories of simpler times. Christmas trains are to the soul what "comfort food" is to the appetite — a kind of reassurance that there are still good things in the world, and even good experiences in your own past. H –Christine Fanning

Sources: wonderopolis.org familychristmasonline.comwi

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December 2021

Addiction treatment you and your family deserve. Everyone deserves high quality treatment. From the moment you turn down the driveway, you realize that this isn’t like any other addiction treatment center. Brookdale is a one of a kind, premier facility built on a foundation rooted in nearly half a century of experience in addiction treatment, nestled on a private lake in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. Whether we’re helping someone begin their journey in recovery or navigate the long-term challenges attributed to their chronic disease, Brookdale’s patient-centered approach focuses on the individual, encouraging change, growth and empowerment. By integrating traditional treatment methods with innovative evidencebased practices and holistic therapies, patients are oﬀered a customized experience and the best pathway to a Life…Recovered! Program Features Include: 100 Acres • 34 Detox Beds • 76 Residential Beds • Semi-Private Cabins • 24 Hour Admissions • Transportation Services • Yoga and Reiki • Indoor/Outdoor Pools • Fitness Studio • Recreation Center • Hiking Trails • Lake Activities

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Wayne County Inspires

Winter Wonderland

leigh bells ring, are you listening?” Chances are you can sing the next sentence. “Winter Wonderland” is one of the most recognizable Christmas songs in history and the most often recorded. Honesdale native Richard “Dick” Smith was inspired by his hometown to pen the beloved tune in 1931. Smith was born in Honesdale, PA on September 29, 1901. He lived with his parents John and Eliza Smith and siblings in a house with a direct view of Central Park and the Wayne County Courthouse. He learned to play the piano at his family home. He graduated from Honesdale High School in 1920 and then left the area. Smith attended Penn State where he conducted the school’s orchestra, served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and

wrote several songs for the Glee Club and plays. After graduation, he managed movie theaters in Connecticut, New York City and Chattanooga, TN.

Smith married Jean Connor from Scranton on March 30, 1930 and contracted tuberculosis shortly after in 1931. He was admitted to Lenox Hill Hospital and later Scranton’s West Mountain Sanatorium, where he wrote his best-known work, “Winter Wonderland.” He wrote the song about the snow-covered beauty of the park that he saw from his boyhood home. Felix Bernard composed the music for the song.

He wrote the song about the snow-covered beauty of the park that he saw from his boyhood home. Although Smith realized his dream of writing a Christmas song, he passed away before it rose to popularity. He died on

September 29, 1935 at the age of 34. “Dick Smith‘s song has become a classic– a work of enduring excellence,” said the Wayne County Historical Society. “It has timeless lyrics that are just as fun to sing or listen to as they were in 1934. Though the song is generally recognized as a Christmas song, the lyrics do not refer to Christmas at all, just the snowy winter season.” “Winter Wonderland” was featured in Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway and Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadian Orchestra performed the song. Over 200 artists have recorded “Winter Wonderland” including Bing Crosby, The Andrew Sisters, Perry Como, The Carpenters, Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin. “There is a small plaque on the front porch of a privately owned house in Honesdale where Dick Smith grew up. The locals know which house it is and tell their children and friends.” H

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December 2021

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2022 T he babies are coming: January 2019 Submit your baby's photo for inclusion in the next “New Baby Photo Gallery”. All entries must be received prior to December 10. (Baby must be born after Nov. 1, 2020)

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IS COMMUNICATION HAPPENING

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Healthier Eating in 2022

is the season for gathering with family and friends. We enjoy entertaining and attending parties and center it around holiday drinks and food. I am not about to tell you to avoid the calorie-laden things you enjoy during the holidays. In fact, I encourage you to enjoy! When we deprive ourselves from having a dessert, an appetizer or a glass of wine, we tend to get miserable and what fun is that? As a trainer and nutrition coach, I advise my clients to eat things in moderation and to always be mindful. I live by the 80/20 rule which is clean, healthy eating for 80% of the time and the remaining 20% allows us a little bit more freedom to splurge (within reason.) This can be accomplished by having a healthy breakfast and lunch and then enjoying a glass of wine and dessert with your healthy dinner. During the holidays, remember

not to skip a meal because this sets us up for being more hungry and then grabbing what is convenient and not necessarily the best choice. Drink an 8-ounce glass of water after an alcohol drink to stay hydrated and more full. Plan ahead so you have veggies and lower calorie snacks to offer in addition to cookies and candy. We also tend to stress frequently during the holidays. Getting the perfect gift for everyone, wrapping, baking, 90

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cleaning the house and juggling our time can create anxiety and lack of sleep. The holidays also bring out many emotions when we miss someone who is no longer in our lives or when one of our loved ones is sick or struggling. I suggest going for a walk to look at holiday lights, going sledding or skiing with the kids or turning on some upbeat music for a workout! These activities will clear your head and get endorphins flowing to create a more peaceful mind. Many people wait until after the holidays to start, or December 2021

restart, a plan for exercise and better eating habits. There is never a better time to start than the minute you are thinking about it. If you ever thought about working with a personal trainer or a nutrition coach or changing up your workout for something new, I would be happy to talk to you about the many options we offer. Whether you are looking to lose weight, get fit, learn to eat better and/or you just simply want to start or make a fresh change with your workouts, The Training Loft, LLC, can help. Our new, exciting location has many new things to share. One-on-one personal training, semi-private training, small group training, nutrition coaching, meal planning, energy raising guided meditation and Zen Barre. Come and get fit with us!

Christmas Charcuterie Board: Arrange in the shape of a tree or wreath Focus on: Green grapes Red grapes Strawberries Cucumber slices Wheat crackers Pretzel sticks Small cubes of assorted cheese Almonds and pistachios Dark chocolate pieces Candy Cane Caprese Salad Fresh log of mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices 2-3 Beefsteak tomatoes, cut into same thickness as mozzarella Balsamic glaze

cane, staggering each slice. Sprinkle sea salt over the candy cane and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves around the Caprese candy cane to give hints of green! Pour ½ cup of balsamic glaze into a small bowl and place on the platter next to the caprese candy cane. Add baguette slices around the board for pairing. Serve immediately!

–Jackie Kerekes

Jackie Kerekes is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She trains one-on-one clients and does small group training. She has taught a variety of classes including kickboxing, fat burn pilates, spin, barre, strength training, Bosu bootcamps, TRX, and POUND. Additionally, she designed a class named F.I.T. Factor(Functional Interval Training).

Arrange the mozzarella and tomato slices on a large platter into the shape of a candy

PERSONAL TRAINING SEMI PRIVATE TRAINING SMALL GROUP TRAINING NUTRITION COACHING GUIDED MEDITATION

Jackie Kerekes, Owner NASM CPT, NASM FNS 513 S. State St., Village Square Clarks Summit, PA trainingattheloft.com 570-332-8519

December 2021

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New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World In America, on New Year’s Eve, many people are looking to make healthy, wealthy and wise choices for a new way of life as they usher in the new year. Families and friends gather to share a meal. Many stay up late to ring in the New Year with a kiss, a toast and a song. For many Americans, New Year's Eve is a major social holiday where thousands travel to take part in the festivities and ball drop at Times Square in New York City. Other cultures hold unique traditions surrounding the last day of the year. It must be a scary sight for government officials in Ecuador, where people parade around the city carrying scarecrows resembling politicians and cultural icons. At the stroke of midnight, they burn the scarecrows to a crisp to cleanse the new year of everything evil. Yikes! In Brazil, it’s customary to light candles and throw white flowers into the water as an offering for Yemoja, the Queen of the Ocean. Cleansing sigh.

Mervet Abdou has brought her Egyptian tradition of leaving the old behind and ushering in the new when she came to this country 28 years ago. Leading up to New Year's Eve, Mehmet cleans her entire home. “I want to put the old and dirty behind.” On New Year's Eve, she places clean sheets on her beds, makes sure all the towels are clean and wears clean pajamas. “Everything must be clean,” she said. In Spain, 12 grapes are eaten, each grape at each strike of the bell after midnight in hopes of a year of good fortune and prosperity. Grape consumption started in the 1800s as a way to enrich vine growers at the end of the year and the sweet tradition carried on. In Scotland, New Year's Eve has become so important that there’s even a special name for it: Hogmanay. The tradition of First Footing holds that the first visitor crossing the threshold on New Year’s Day will be a dark-haired man carrying gifts of coal, salt, shortbread and whiskey, all of which contribute to the idea of prosperity and good fortune. The darkhaired man is the antithesis of the Vikings who invaded Scotland in the 8th through 13th centuries. HappeningsPA.com

Italians who hope to conceive wear red underwear to usher in the New Year. In Chile, New Year's Eve Catholic Masses are held in cemeteries so the faithful can sit with their deceased family members and include them in New Year's Eve festivities. In Ireland, it’s customary for a single girl to sleep on a mistletoe. Sleeping with the plant is said to help girls find their future husbands -- if only in their dreams. Polish housewives are known for cleanliness, but on New Year’s Eve, they don’t worry about shiny floors. Some people believe that vacuuming on New Year’s Eve can suck out one’s happiness. However, though the house may be a bit messy, the fridge is full of good food -- a stuffed pantry ensures good fortune for the new year. Back in Pennsylvania, on New Year’s Day, those who are not nursing hangovers and forgetting about resolutions, or just sleeping in, are hoping someone is preparing Pennsylvania’s traditional New Year’s food: pork and sauerkraut. “The first meal of the New Year is a very important one. Whether the superstition is rooted in true belief, a family tradition or just for fun, the foods that are enjoyed on January 1st do hold a certain significance.” H –Christine Fanning

Sources: PA Eats, Best Life

December 2021

New Year’s Day Pork Roast

The pig has long been a symbol for good luck and well-being. Because of this, many people believe that eating a meal with pork will bring luck in the coming new year. The folk saying was that pork brought good luck since the pig roots forward. This “rooting forward” by the pig and its snout symbolizes progress, as compared to the chicken and the turkey, which scratch backward.

Ingredients: 1 boneless pork loin roast (3 to 4 pounds) 4 garlic cloves, pressed or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder 6 tbsp minced fresh dill or 2 tbsp dill weed (to taste) 2 tsp fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon of dried oregano 4 tsp of chopped fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary 3 tsp of fresh parsley or 1 ½-2 of dried parsley 1/2 tsp of onion powder Salt and Pepper

December 2021

Preheat oven to 325 degrees In a small bowl, combine seasonings. Cut about four to five slits across top of roast. Stuff some of the seasonings into the slits. Rub the remaining seasonings on top of roast. Place roast in a mediumsized roasting pan. Add a little water to the bottom of the pan (1/2 cup). Cover and bake for 40 minutes per pound at 325 degrees covered. I like to uncover during the last 10-15 minutes to brown a bit. Internal temperature should be 145 degrees to 155 degrees. Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let stand 10-15 minutes before slicing.

There was quite a competition in previous generations as to whose pork roast or porketta (porchetta) was most “authentic” depending on what part of Italy our ancestors were from. The spice blends varied from region to region. Some added fennel seed and basil while some like it more peppery. Garlic and dill are the two main seasonings used by my mother and grandmother – even though they came from opposite Compliments of ends of the “boot”. Adjust JoAnn Marianelli Finnerty/ seasonings to your personal Bella Faccias taste.

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Mushrooms in Garlic Butter Sauce T his is one of my quick “go to” recipes when I need a scrumptious side dish. Melt-in-your mouth garlic mushrooms can be enjoyed with many main dishes but my favorite is spooning them over steak, filet mignon, pork, veal or chicken. They can even be served as an appetizer alongside a cheeseboard. This easy recipe will take your dinner from ordinary to “extraordinaire” in 15 minutes.

DIRECTIONS

2 tablespoons dry white wine* (optional)

Heat the butter and oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel or soft pastry brush if needed to remove loose dirt and debris. Work one at a time. Lightly rinse under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towel. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges. Pour in the wine and cook for 2 minutes, to reduce slightly. Stir in thyme, 1 tablespoon of parsley and garlic. Cook for a further 30 seconds, until fragrant. Season generously with salt and pepper (to your taste). Sprinkle with remaining parsley and serve warm. Notes: * Use a good quality dry white wine, such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, or a Sauv Blanc.

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves chopped**

** Herbs that can be substituted for thyme are oregano, basil, rosemary, etc. Your preference."

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Buon Appetito!

Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound (500 g) Cremini or button mushrooms

4 cloves fresh garlic minced

Compliments of JoAnn Marianelli Finnerty, Bella Faccias

Salt and pepper to taste

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December 2021

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Spend $30 or more and get a free pint of Maryland Crab Bisque!! Dec. 23 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Dec. 24 8 a.m.-4 p.m • Dec. 30 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Dec. 31 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Avocado Holiday Tree : Ingredients os ad 2 Large Avoc mon Juice Le s 2 Tablespoon bled Feta 1/4 Cup Crum eet ge, or Yellow Sw an 1/4 Diced Or Pepper ry Tomatoes Grape or Cher ns by Salad Gree 1 Bag Mixed Ba

Rinse avocados. Cut in half. Spoon out pits. Carefully remove peel. Cut each avocado half lengthwise into 4 to 5 slices. Sprinkle slices with lemon juice. On large plate or platter arrange largest avocado slices to form the branches of the tree. Scatter with cheese, pepper dices and tomatoes. In salad bowl, toss smaller slices with baby greens and a citrus-based vinaigrette. Makes 4 to 6 servings. Note: Add cranberries and salmon as shown as another option

Make us Your

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December 2021

Dining around the Region Note! All hours are subject to change without notice. Call ahead, consult website and Facebook pages of each individual restaurant for updated information.

The Inn at Starlight Lake

Savory Maza

Discover one of Wayne County’s hidden gems. Baked goods made onsite. See website for hours. http://innatstarlightlake.com/restaurant 570-798-2519.

Abbiocco

Mendicino’s Pizza and Family Restaurant

Shish barak special on Wednesdays this season! Indulge in fresh, homemade vegetarian and meat meals, plus daily specials. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. and Sat.11 a.m.-8 p.m. 200 N. Main St., Scranton. savorymaza.com 570-969-2666.

Try our signature dishes, such as Chicken Abbiocco, manicotti or blackened salmon. BYOB. Text Abbiocco to 51660 to receive our texts every Wednesday or see weekly specials. Tues-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 639 N. Blvd., Clarks Summit. www.abbiocco.net 570-319-9633.

Apple Valley Restaurant Casual dining with ribs, smoked beef brisket, wings, burgers, specialty salads, wraps and more. Open 11:30 a.m. Lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays. Check website: www.applevalley-restaurant.com. 104 Route 6, Milford. 570-296-6831.

Coney Island Lunch Try our Texas Wiener with mustard, onions and chili sauce! Tues.-Sun.11 a.m.-3 p.m. 515 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. www.Texas-wiener.com. Delivery by DoorDash! 570-961-9004.

Pizza, pasta, hoagies and more! Daily lunch and dinner specials. Full menu, dine in, take out and curbside available. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m-8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sundays. Located in the ShopRite Complex, Covington Twp. www.mendicinospizza.com 570-842-2070.

Barley Creek Brewing Company, Inc.

Pettinato’s Restaurant

Barley Creek Tasting Room and Pub at the Crossings

Try our grilled salmon in Asian sauce. Take out and delivery. Mon.-Sat. 4-8 p.m., Sun. 4-7 p.m. 78 Dundaff St., Carbondale. 570-282-5860.

Sibio’s Restaurant Our fettuccine Alfredo is a customer favorite! Lunch and dinner regular hours, full menu with specials. 1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore. Sibiosrestaurant.com 570-346-3172.

Try our beer cheese soup, with Antler Brown Ale. Lunch and dinner: Sun.-Thur. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m-10:30 p.m. Breakfast: Fri.-Mon. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. 1774 Sullivan Trail, Tannersville. www.barleycreek.com. 570-629-9399.

Grab a bite to eat and taste our PA craft brews, spirits, wines and cocktails.MonThur 11a.m.- 7p.m. Fri-Sat 11a.m.8 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

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

John Mackarey, LUTCF, RICP Agent, New York Life Insurance Company Registered Representative oﬀering securities through NYLIFESecurities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC),A Licensed Insurance Agency.

220 Penn Avenue, Suite 100 Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: 570-340-1320 Email: John@JohnMackarey.com

December 2021 Happenings Magazine

Articles inside

A Classic Christmas The Oldest House

Mental Health and Holiday Blues

Holiday Events Around the Region

Christmas on Campus

Around the Globe on New Year’s Eve

Frosty the Snowman