JANUARY 2020

Dallas American Legion Riders Post 672 would like to thank everyone who donated to the annual Christmas Pick-A-Tree campaign

The Dallas American Legion Riders Post 672 would like to thank everyone who donated to the annual Christmas Pick-A-Tree campaign making it a huge success again this year. The Riders made donations to the VA medical center Wilkes Barre, Patriots Cove, Noxen, Saint Hedwig’s Veterans Village Edwardsville and the Pastors Food Pantry, Noxen. Shown above, first row are: Larry Lansberry, President; Becky Miers; Frank Gola, Vice-President. Second row, Michael Culver, Road Captain; Lisa Culver, Secretary; Linda Van Orden, Pam Gola, Treasury; and Donna Sclafani Davies. Community News • January 2020 • Page 2 Alzheimer Artwork on display at the Back Mountain Memorial Library Support Group The Back Mountain Memorial Library is host- Join us on the first Thursday of each ing a snow-filled exhibit of artwork created by month at 10:00 am., at the Meadows 5th through 8th grade students from its circulation Nursing Center, Dallas. Everyone is area. These students, most of whom are from Dal- welcome. No fees or charge. We’ve las and Lake-Lehman School Districts, have cre- been sharing our compassion and love ated drawings and paintings of snowy landscapes for 15 years. as well as birds and animals in the snow by us- ing the art mediums of graphite, colored pencil, Republican Women of watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. The “Snow Show” will be on display throughout the month of Luzerne County plan January on the art wall at the library. meeting Exhibiting student artists include: Grade 5 – Republican Women of Luzerne Chase Harris. Grade 6 – Dennis Lee, Maya Gross, County will hold their monthly meet- Sierra Stash, Ishan Mukul, Wyatt Russick, Jillian ing January 30th at Grotto by the mall Savitsky, and Kathryn Morgan. Grade 7 – Aaron at 6:00 pm. Girvan, Lindsay Matinas, and Paicey Clower. Guest speakers will be Ted Grade 8 – Anna Dorofeeva, Isabella DeFinnis, Daniels, 8th Congressional District Julianna Sobocinski, Sarah Gauntlett, and Bri- candidate and Lee Ann McDermott, anna London. Shown in photo above, front row: Luzerne County council member. All are welcome to attend. For further Kathryn Morgan, Lindsay Matinas, Ishan Mukul, information please contact, Deborah Maya Gross. Standing behind are: Brianna Lon- Barbose at [email protected], or don, Sarah Gauntlett, Dennis Lee, Sierra Stash, 570-760-2514. Aaron Girvan, and Anna Dorofeeva.

Deadline for February issue of the Back Mountain Community News is Monday, January 27 at 9:00 am.

Please note: Due to some email concerns with Comcast not always being reliable, if you send an email to: [email protected] and you receive a return message undeliverable - please forward to [email protected] Community News • January 2020 • Page 3

Daddow-Isaacs Dallas American Legion Wyoming Seminary Lower School Students donate gifts Post 672 held their annual Pearl Harbor to Luzerne County Children and Youth Day commemoration on the Post Grounds

Daddow-Isaacs Dallas American Legion Post 672 held their annual Pearl Harbor Day commemoration on the Post Grounds on a cold, snow-covered December 7, 2019. “Nothing will prevent us from remembering that ‘Day Wyoming Seminary Lower School students recently participated in the school’s annual Holiday Gift Giving of Infamy’” declared Post Commander Darlene Kupstas. Chaplain Bill Community Service Project, benefitting the Luzerne County Children and Youth Social Services. About Lewis offered a remembrance prayer to begin the ceremony. John Emil, 220 students in grades 4-8 and school faculty and staff purchased more than 400 gifts and donated them to Sr. spoke of the day’s significance. Clarence J. Michael led the singing of Children and Youth, which distributes the gifts to needy children later in December. the rallying song “Let’s Remember Pearl Harbor”. The Honor Guard This is the 25th year that Lower School students have participated in the gift-giving program. Eighth-grade offered a rifle salute. Rev. Lewis gave the benediction and John Emil, Sr. leaders of the school’s Blue and White teams are seen with Children and Youth staff and the collected gifts; played “Taps”. After the ceremony, a breakfast was held at the Post home. from left: Eliana Parra, Wyoming, Blue Team co-leader; Sienna Popple, Bear Creek Township, Blue Team Pictured, first row: Clarence J. Michael, Commander Darlene Kupstas, co-leader; Nicole Lahart, Children and Youth caseworker; Michael Vodzak, Wilkes-Barre Township, White Charlie Fleming, Reverend Bill Lewis, Nathan Jacoby. Standing behind are: Art Parks, John Emil, Sr., and Harold Bolton. Team co-leader; and Celeste Perry, Wyoming, White Team co-leader. Community News • January 2020 • Page 4 Antique Dolls on display at the Meadows Auxiliary thanks Back Mountain Winter Back Mountain Memorial Library Bloomers for helping to run Plant Stand Commencement, The Back at annual Market on the Pond event Misericordia Mountain Me- morial Library University students will be showcas- graduation ing a collection Local Misericordia University of antique dolls students who applied and were eli- that will be on gible to participate in the winter com- display during mencement ceremony on Sunday, the month of December 15th, 2019. January. Bridget Boyle, Dallas, Physical Some are part Therapy, DPT; Victoria Cadwalader, of the Christina Dallas, Psychology, BS; Kristian Doll Collection. Dyrli, Dallas, Physical Therapy, DPT; The dolls are all various sizes and will be for sale in the $10 to $30 price range. Christopher Edkins, Dallas, Physical All proceeds will benefit the Back Mountain Library. Come in, take a look and Therapy, DPT; John Gibbons, Dallas, pick one up for the doll collector in your life during the month of January. Mathematics, BA; Russell Jenkins, Dallas, Accounting, BS; Marlena Ostrowski, Dallas, Biology, BA; Mi- The Meadows Auxiliary recently honored the Back Mountain Bloomers randa Parry, Dallas, Business Admin- for its years of service in helping the run the popular plant tent at Market istration, BS; Sarah Reeder, Dallas, on the Pond, the Auxiliary’s largest annual fundraiser. A plaque commem- Biology, BA; Alycia Zidek, Dallas, orating the club’s contribution was presented at the “Bloomers” meeting Medical Imaging, BS. last month. In photo above from left are: Pete Klein, Meadows Auxiliary President; Camille Sicolo, Meadows Director of Resident and Community Back Mountain Community News Services; Norm Johnstone, Meadows Auxiliary Secretary and Market on read online free of charge at: www. the Pond Chairman, and Carol Sorber, Back Mountain Bloomers Presi- communitynewsonline.net. dent. Community News • January 2020 • Page 5

Christmas Stockings filled for Indoor Garage Sale planned Friends of the Join us on Saturday, January 25, 2020 – Snow Date 2/01/20 at the Dallas Library Announce Keystone Kids Project Eastern Star Building Hall, 15 Foster Street, Dallas, PA. (Behind CVS Drug- store) from 9:00 – 2:00. Someone’s recycled item maybe just what you are 2020 Luncheon Date looking for, some are new items. The Friends of the Back Mountain Because they were so popular we will have Jar Mixes, Bean Soup, Cookies Memorial Library have set Thursday, Mixes ~ Potato Chip Pecan, M&M, Chocolate Chip ~ Hot Cocoa and Russian April 23 for their annual Luncheon Tea. They make great gifts and the jars are decorated all come with instructions With A Special Author. The event on how to prepare them. Lunch will be available with tables to sit down. Our will take place at the Appletree Ter- famous Welsh Cookies will be for sale. Mark your CALANDER for our Spring race, Newberry Estate, Dallas. Craft & Vendor sale to be held on March 14, 2020. For information call Dianne Tickets will go on sale in March at Corby at 570-675-4893. the library on Huntsville Road in Dal- las. More details will be announced as they become available. Misericordia University occupational therapy program improves social skills Read Back Mountain Community News FREE Online at: for children with autism www.communitynewsonline.net The Misericordia University Department of Occupational Therapy is of- Available free of charge at 90 fering a nine-week program beginning in January to help school-aged children locations throughout the with autism spectrum disorder increase their social skills through the use of Back Mountain & Lego building blocks. The Sensory Social Lego Based Therapy program fea- Surrounding Communities. tures carefully designed programs for children 6 to 14 years of age who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It’s All Good News ... Thank you to everyone who helped collect and donated stockings for the The free program, under the supervision of assistant professors Lori Char- Where Community Matters. Keystone Kids Stocking Project! Juliet Price organized the drive for her ney, O.T.D., O.T.R./L. and Orley A. Templeton, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., operates on 13th Birthday. Her goal started at 30 stockings but Juliet has very generous select Thursdays beginning Thursday, Jan. 30 through April 16 from 4:45-5:45 To our Readers and Advertisers friends, and was able to gather about 70 stockings. p.m. in room 135 of John J. Passan Hall, 100 Lake St., Dallas Borough. Wishes for a safe, Special thanks to all of her wonderful family at Sweet Valley Church of The complete schedule includes Thursdays on January 12, February 6, Feb- Christ, and her sweet friends who donated stockings for her birthday for ruary 13, February 20, February 27, March, 12, March 19, April 2 and April 16. healthy & happy New Year! all they did to help her birthday project be such a success. Also thank you April 23 has been set aside as a make-up day in case of inclement weather. Thank you for letting us serve Representative Karen Boback for the coloring books and notepads for each For more information about the program or to register, please contact Dr. you in 2019 & looking stocking! Above pictured amongst the Christmas stockings is Juliet Price. Templeton at [email protected] or 570-674-8154.​ forward to serving you in 2020! Community News • January 2020 • Page 6 Community News • January 2020 • Page 7 From our family to yours ... Happy New Year from Uncle Tony’s Diner

Back Mountain Police Association holds coat drive Daddow-Isaacs Dallas American Legion Post 672 held their annual “Warm Coats For Kids” Pearl Harbor Day breakfast

Daddow-Isaacs Dallas American Legion Post 672 held their annual Pearl The Back Mountain Police Association recently held a “Warm Coats For Kids” collection drive for children in- Harbor Day breakfast on December 7. A breakfast under the supervision volved with the Big Brothers of The Bridge program and their families. The drive also included hats, scarves, of Art Pimm was offered prior to the formal program. Art Parks was the gloves and snow pants. The items were distributed at a special Christmas party held at St. Robert Bellarmine breakfast chairman. Commander Darlene Kupstas delivered an address Parish at St. Aloysius Church. The children were also treated to a pizza, cookies and snacks, Christmas stockings which fortified the fact that we should always remember this Day of In- and a visit from Santa. famy. 50 and 60- year members of the Dallas Post were honored. Richard Assisting with the party were members of the Confirmation class of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish. Shown, from Williams and James West were in attendance. Other honorees unable to left: Sabie Cummings, John Cummings, Gina Kotowski, co-chairperson of the coat drive; Ross Piazza, chairman attend were: Richard Kitchen, Charles Pucky, Charles Young, Theodore of the coat drive; John Cummings, Mark Costello, Father Richard Cirba, pastor, St. Robert Bellarmine Parish; Radzinski, and Allen Rebennack. State Senator Lisa Baker and Repre- Pilar Marino, Big Brothers Big Sisters; Michael Huntzinger, president, Back Mountain Police; Dave Rinehimer, sentative Boback’s representative, Carol Sweeney, presented Pennsylvania Kristie Swetts, Big Brothers Big Sisters; John Fuches, vice president, Back Mountain Police; John Fowler, Jim House certificates to the honorees. Clarence J. Michael, Post Historian, led Stout, Amanda Sivco, Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge. the assemblage in the famous rallying-cry song “Let’s Remember Pearl Harbor.” Pictured above are: Carol Sweeney, James West, Commander Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge is a program of Catholic Social Services of The Diocese of Scranton. For Darlene Kupstas, Charles Fleming, Lisa Baker, and Richard Williams. more information, call (570) 824-8756 or visit www.bbbsnepa.org. Community News • January 2020 • Page 8 Daddow-Isaacs American Legion in Dallas hosted the annual Christmas Party for Children By MB Gilligan Back Mountain Community News Correspondent

The Sons of the American Legion at Daddow-Isaacs American Legion in Dallas hosted the annual Christmas party with the help of their auxiliary, the Riders, and the members. Over 80 people enjoyed pizza, hot dogs, and snacks, in addition to a visit from Santa. The children received Sandy Dzury, left, and Commander Dar- stockings full of treats and enjoyed a Helping out at the annual party at the American Le- lene Kupstas handled registration and raf- story read by Santa Claus. gion in Dallas, from left, are: Becky Miers, Lisa Cul- fle tickets for the boy’s and girl’s bicycles ver, Wink Fleming, Charles Fleming and Joe Kelley. that were awarded during the party.

Photo right: Just waiting for the party to start, from left, are: Madelyn Ropietsky, Kim Hib- bard, Ryan Ropietsky, and Mat- thew Hibbard.

Photo left: Pictured in front of the filled Christmas stockings All ready for Santa to arrive are: Joe Sudek, are: Amber and Jasmyne Kre- Pauline Sudek and Jenna June and Raelyn Wil- idler. helm.

Decked out for the holidays, on left from back, are: Jack Willis, Brittany Willis, SJ Vanorder, and Lilly Morse. On right from back are Allie Morse, Ed Morse, Marley Willis, Derek Morse and Diane Morse,

Pictured in front of the Christmas tree at the American Legion party, from left, are: Averie Root, Ethan Kempa, and Bella Root. Community News • January 2020 • Page 9 Wyoming Seminary supports Toys for Tots

Happy New Year! The Wyoming Seminary Upper School community recently collected funds from students, faculty and staff to purchase new toys for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. Upper School Community Service Group stu- dents organized the project and raised more than $450 to purchase a wide assortment of toys. Seen with the collected toys are: Lance Corporal Colby Thompson, at left, and sophomore Owen Sweitzer, Dallas, who led the Sem Toys for Tots project.

To advertise in the Back Mountain Community News, call Lisa at (570) 674-7772 or email: [email protected] Read the paper online, free of charge at: www.communitynewsonline.net Serving the community for over 14 years with All Good News ... Where Community Matters! Community News • January 2020 • Page 10 Dallas High School First Marking Period Honor Roll ~ Mr. Gregory S. Riley, Dallas High School Principal, announces the first quarter honor roll. The honor roll is determined by the following: Honors with Distinction: 98-100, no C’s, D’s, or F’s. First Honors: 93-97, no D’s or F’s. Second Honors: 88-92, no D’s or F’s Honors with Distinction ~ Seniors: Joshua Balara, Madison Baloga, Shannon Barrett, August Bednar, Rebekah Boback, Gwyn Cruz, Olivia Delevan, Alexandre DeRome, Gracie Dombroski, Ethan Dyrli, Isabella Farina, Alison Francis, Derek Gordon, Olivia Habib, Abigail Hastings, Terrence Herron, Matthew Hirko, Alexander Jennings, Makenna Kaminski, Carley Kavanagh, Sarah Krokos, Morgan Landau, Christiana Leu, Morgan MacNeely, Nina Malkemes, Samantha Matushek, Jensen Meade, Andrew Molitoris, Sam Nocito, Shannon O’Donnell, Kristen O’Malley, Jacob Onda, Tyler Osipower, Brett Ostroski, Shreena Patel, Madison Pertl, Madison Porasky, Olivia Roback, Gabrielle Sabatini, Matthew Scherer, Dean Shaver, Joellen Spencer, Sarah Stallard, Abigail Sutzko, Shane Szczecinski, Trent Szczecinski, Jacob Thomas, John Toussaint, Hannah Wolfe, Kelly Young, Colin Zeiss, Jeremy Zolner. Juniors: Noah Abdulqawi, Gabrielle Avila, Sabrina Barlow, Samuel Barral, Amanda Bedony, Amelia Bendick, Maura Berecin, Katie Bogdon, Ava Bonita, Chloe Burke, Claudia Carver, Claire Charlton, Alondra Church, Emily Crahall, Wade Curtis, Brady Dautrich, Vidhan Dhol, Drew Dickson, Daniel Flynn, Hope Frantz, Spencer Gabriele, Nikolus Gashi, Andrew Gryskevicz, Aubrey Halbach, Logan Hayes, Isabella Hill, Olivia Karcutskie, Julia Kocher, Gabriela Krochta, Sam Leandri, Alex Lian, Janice Lisman, Andrew Lojewski, Julia Macey, Zachary McEntee, Karly Milazzo, Kareem Morsy, Hanna Oldt, Lauren Palfey, Julia Phillips, Shelby Pocono, Garrett Porasky, Mia Reinert, Harley Sabol, Alexandra Strobel, Paige Tamagnini, Sydney Tellis, Sidney Thomas, Morgan Vincelli, Emily Weiland, Riley Wren. Sophomores: Danielle Blessner, Kaya Brown, Elena Burdge, Julia Buro, Delaney Butler, Abigail Chase, Samuel Collins, Jake DelGaudio, Audrey DelGaudio, Nadia Evanosky, Janet Federici, Austin Finarelli, Paige Frank, Allison Hrivnak, Thomas Janoski, Matthew Jesse, Jason Joshi, Connor Kavanagh, Kyle Kintz, Lorisa Klinger, Megan MacNeely, Edward Matushek, Emily Miller, Kyleigh Motley, Douglas Newbigging, Jr., Nicholas Nocito, Matthew Oley, Olivia Podskoch, Alyssa Pritchard, Michael Raub, Jr., Kalie Rizzo, Brooke Robbins, Derrik Rygelski, Morgan Sakulich, Amelie Salahie, Julia Sciandra, Gabriella Spaciano, Gabija Stewart, Nina Swailes. Freshmen: Morgan Bednar, Megan Bryk, Lucas Carver, Selina Chen, Aiden Cotter, Zachary Crahall, Caitlin Curran, Lucas Derome, Chloe Dudik, Seth Dyrli, Peter Federici, Aiden Fennell, Sophia Filali, Kai Gomeau, Sadie Grochal, Reagan Halbach, Nolan Hedglin, Richard Hoyes, Mark Karcutskie, Colby Klinetob, Danielle Konnick, Jenna Maslowski, Jordyn Meade, Madisyn Musselman, Aidan Niebauer, Erin Oldt, Megan Ostrowski, Madison Pevear, Kira Pomrinke, Abigail Quinnan, Matthew Richards, Abigail Salitis, Madison Simmons, Ty Solensky, Chelcie Strobel, Carter Thompson, Gary Weaver, Mary Young. First Honors ~ Seniors: Christopher Allen, Kevin Allen, Katryna Ansilio, Ian Atkinson, Emma Berger, Sydney Bittner, Zachary Blockus, Megan Borton, Karisa Brunges, Samantha Bufalino, Liliana Carredo, Lauren Charlton, Jacob Connolly, Olivia Connors, Noah Cooper, Noah Daily, Madison Dixon, Dani Eldred, Jacob Esposito, Jack Farrell, Emily Finngan, Haley Habrack, Cheyanna Hillman, Zachary Holthaus, Steven Horst, Abigail Jacobs, Mia Karcutskie, Madison Kaufer, Rachel Klinges, Everett Klusmeyer, Robert Lauer, Jennifer Leonard, Melissa Leonard, David Lipinski, Michael Lukasavage, Nora Luke, Lucas McGeehan, Jared McGuire, Alexandra McNee, Alexey Metz, Samantha Michael, Brandon Milewski, Savanah Millan, Mira Miller, Jacy Muldoon, Logan Nystrand, Sydney Perloff, Calvin Polachek, David Rinehimer, Dominick Rizzo, Anna Samanas, Tanner Saracino, Dylan Schuster, Christian Sebastianelli, Hannah Shultz, Madison Sinoracki, Michael Starbuck, Emma Sweitzer, Emma Thomas, Kaitlyn VanEtten, Jack Zeyher. Juniors: Siwar Abdo, Dominic Aliciene, Samantha Arias, Abigail Blockus, Sydney Brady, Madison Carlsson, Matthew Cheskiewicz, Bryce Chopyak, Morgan Cochran, Aidan Conrad, Alicia Cooper, Duane Craig, Dale Deyo, Benjamin Fife, Sarah Gurzynski, Kelsey Hardy, Brooke Higgins, Kaci Hockenberry, Alyssa Hopple, Kayla Hopple, Jillian Kapitula, Carly Kappler, Sofya Khabiyeva, Anthony King, Allyson Kugler, Samantha Lancaster, Samantha Leon, Grace Letwinsky, Cooper Lewis, Matthew Lukasavage, Zachary Luksic, Meagan Manzella, Colin Marshall, Thaddeus Mead, Logan Moore, Ashley Mosca, Julia Nicholson, Gabrielle Olson, Tegan Ostroski, Rachael Panzer, Madyson Pendolphi, Abigail Perrego, Joshua Peters, Thomas Pierce, Evan Plank, Amanda Puza, Celia Reabuck, Robert Redmond, III, Dylan Roberts, Kaylie Rollman, Chase Ross, Brayden Saracino, Nathan Savignano, Jules Schooley-Bartorillo, Elizabeth Sheeder, Ethan Shilanski, Paul Shoemaker, Taylor Sitkowski, Carissa Speck, Chrectien Stoss, John Stout, Rachel Strazdus, Madalyn Strutko, Emma Thomas, Eric Timlin, John Tosi, IV, Carla Weiss, Kindra Yudiski. Sophomores: Zeid Alhashemi, David Biscontini, III, Emma Brown, Lauren Butwin, Zachary Calkins, Steven Carr, Lorelei Centrella, Rachel Chamberlain, Kaitlyn Conrad, Ryan Cooper, Logan Dalsanto, Ashley Decker, Leah Dettore, Emma Dombroski, Patrick Doran, Matthew Esposito, Brandi Friedenthal, Hunter Fuller, Alexia Gronski, Samantha Handley, Benjamin Higgins, Matthew Jesse, Olivia Jorda, Shauna Kern, Gina Kerrick, Emma Klusmeyer, Andolena Kovacs, James Lehane, Marlee Letoski, Kate Lettieri, Cades Linder, Mia Linder, Aidan Mateos, Komal Mathon, Mallory McGeehan, Alexis Mikolosko, Alexandra Morse, Brielle Moser, Bryan Osipower, Cara Pocono, Lukas Polachek, Jason Puza, Marc Ramirez, Maggie Ropietski, Kyla Saracino, Trey Schappert, Caden Skasko, Anna Smagin, John Sobocinski, Morgan Solano, Caroline Stallard, James Tigue-Ruane, Robert Wicht, IV, Michael Willliams, Joseph Wysocki, Kya Yourdon, Angelo Zarola, Allison Zeiss, Kaylin Zelinski. Freshmen: Jessica Allen, Jessica Atkinson, Brandon Banks, Parker Bolesta, Jordan Bond, Abigail Boraski, Ryan Borton, Hayla Bryant, Michael Bufalino, Benjamin Carpenter, Natalie Conrad, Tatiana Crane, Ryan Cuba, Hayden Curran, Emily Dautrich, Sean Dolan, Catherine Elgonitis, Dominick Fazzino, William Filali, Madison Fostock, Caelan Gallagher, Maxim Gingo, Ian Goldsmith, Sarah Hastings, Shane Healey, Karlie Holena, Kamryn Hutchins, Emily Iannucci-Fur- man, Madison Kerdesky, Abigail Lauer, Claire Lehane, Anderson Leo, Isabella Lepore, Hannah Letwinsky, Alan Lisman, Anthony Mackay, Olivia Martin, Mathew Maxfield, Stephen Miller, Isabella Molitoris, Noreen Morsy, Mihir Mukul, Isaac Myers, Brian Nguyen, Jordan Nichols, John O’Donnell, Lauren Oschal, Sophia Piccolotti, Amelia Priebe, Isabella Roback, Madison Robbins, Jacinda Rose, John Scherer, Jr., Marissa Schuler, Olivia Sitkowski, Victoria Spaciano, Ashley Sweeney, Nicholas Teberio, Jordan Thomas, Michael Timinski, Matthew Tosi, Nicholas Vincelli, Bryce Voitek, Courtney Wallace, Brianna Whitaker, Isabella Wickenheiser, Carolyn Wintersteen, Zoe Yonkoski. Second Honors ~ Seniors: Kaylee Albrecht, Joshua Anderson, Jr., Thomas Bolesta, Skyler Boyer, Anthony Carannante, Gabriella Compres, Matthew Dolan, Logan Evanosky, Ryan Fisher, Lyndsey Hornlein, Sydney Hornlein, Chad Hutchins, David Janoski, Christopher Langan, Clinton Lehman, Scott McLaughlin, Daniel Meuser, Hannah Ostrowski, Heather Samsel, Kayla Segear, Ethan Thomas. Juniors: Brendon Austin, Jacob Banta, Mason Baranski, Thomas Baseski, Patrick Beisel, Kayla Chlubicki, Ryan Collins, David Cooper, Jeremy Fagan, Piper Hall, Chase Hector, Allison Jones, Claire Malarkey, Julia Montgomery, Jacob Psolka, Devin Richards, Elijah Samuel, Isabella Savoy, Clint Smith, Austin Sowga, Ciera Spencer, Cristian Vasquez, Robert Wren. Sophomores: Jared Adamski, Benjamin Bradley, Stephen Brdaric, III, Delaney Butwin, Sawyer Christman, Riley Donnelly, Haley Friedman, Christopher Killian, Jesse Kosierowski, Lillian Lombardo, Abigail Lushefski, Lauren Mackey, Olivia Maniskas, Morgan McAndrew, Maeve McAvoy, Logan Miller, John Mulcahy, Alicia Napersky, John Orando, Kaydence Palfreyman, Blake Perrego, Dylan Rice, Sarah Sedeski, Max Steinruck, Bradley Strazdus, Zakary Waslick, Lydia Wrubel, Olivia Yourdon, Evan Zawadzki, Ethan Zawadzki, Colby Zern, Katherine Zeyher. Freshmen: Olivia Andress, James Antall, Jordan Artmont, Kathryn Branca, Emmalee Carlsson, Tyler Casey, Olivia Cavill, Sara Dixon, Tyler Edmondson, Allison Ellsworth, Ella Fleschut, Chloe Fosko, Liam Hite, John Jennings, Jordan Kovaleski, Cody Lee, Alyssa Little, Edward Maier, Morgan Matticks, Casey McGlynn, Troy Myers, Drey Ogurkis, Alexandra Pehala, Joseph Peters, Mary Popielarz, Dustin Shaver, Christian Shedlock, Steven Straka, Floyd Sutton, Emily Tinner, Katherine Troutman, Kennedy Wood.

Dallas Middle School First Marking Period Honor Roll ~ Mr. Jeffrey D. Shaffer, Dallas Middle School Principal and Director of Secondary Curriculum for the Dallas School District, announces the First Quarter Honor Roll. The Honor Roll is determined by the following: Honors With Distinction – 98 or above with no grade lower than 74; First Honors – 93 to 97 with no grade lower than 74; Second Honors – 88 to 92 with no grade lower than 74 Honors with Distinction ~ 8th Grade: Jackson Barr, Sam Barrouk, Brynn Bittner, Emma Blazure, Juliana Burdge, John Cummings, Gabriela Da Silva, Mary Dahdal, Alex DelGaudio, Lillian Ferretti, Ellie Flynn, Caleob Friedenthal, Sarah Gauntlett, Zoe Hakim, Scarlett Hobson-Tomascik, Nathan Johns, Daniel Mattey, Katherine McCabe, Bryce Phillips, Caroline Podskoch, Daniel Sabulski, Paige Scott, Artem Smagin, Julianna Sobocinski, Jacob Solomon, Carleigh Thomas, Jacob Valkenburg, Ryan Vallach, Elizabeth Viglone, Natalie Vincelli, Maddoc Watkins, Jessie Wienckoski, Haily Yakus, Lindsey Yencha, Madeline Youngblood. 7th Grade: Samantha Berlew, Rachel Bogdan, Davyn Bonvie, Angelina Camoni, Roman Carpenter, Giavanna Cella, Carolyn Comitz, Kaden Coyne, Kierra Cronin, Molly Curran, Riley Dewey, Lydia Federici, Peyton Feeney, Matthew Ferretti, Cora Finn, Rachael Flanagan, Jack Fleury, Lydia Gonzales, Hannah Gozikowski, Bruce Graham, Noah Greco, Madison Hedglin, Logan Herman, Gabriella Hodne, Cole Johnston, Adriana Kopalek, Katerina Kopalek, Jack Leandri, Lindsay Matinas, Christopher Miller, Paige Miller, Makenzie Musselman, Jude Nocito, Meadow Novicki, Caroline Pitarra, Don Riemensnyder, Derek Rizzo, Tyler Roberts, Cameron Rodzon, Ellie Root, Zara Salahie, Blake Seiwell, Giovanna Smacchi, Arianna Spurlin, Peyton Stauffer, Keerstyn Tabor, Jamie Timlin, Clark Van Orden, Elinore Wallace, Sadie Watkins, Penelope Youells. 6th Grade: Chasity Basara, Jacob Bryk, Teagan Cotter, Abbie Coy, Mahi Dhol, Ayden Feeney, Alexa Gauntlett, Nara Gomeau, Maya Gross, Makenzie Hrivnak, Delia Maloney, Brady Mizzer, Ishan Mukul, Jacob Phillips, Mia Saracinaj, Colton Van Orden, Dominick Zangardi. First Honors ~ 8th Grade: Samantha Alaimo, Noor Almeky, Audrianna Atherholt, Trinity Basara, Shelby Bedony, Sydney Bolesta, Maximilian Bransford, Ryan Brennan, Kaylee Carver, Nicole Chen, Abigail Cooper, Zachary Coy, Ciana Cruz, Michael Cumbo, Landon Daney, Brianne Dempsey, Sophia DePolo, Anna Dorofeeva, Yana Dorofeeva, Gianna Evans, Sophia Farina, Kaylee Farrell, Alyssa Fazzi, Jonathan Florencio, AnnaLouise Fotiadis, Allyson Gattuso, McKenzie George, Sophia Gordon, Joshua Gross, Nathan Heffron, Mackenzie Hodakowski, Jacob Hoegen, Isabella Jacobs, Jack Karosa, Cassie Kern, Lia Kirwan, Emma Krzysik, Kayla Landi, Andrew Lewis, Reghan Lloyd, Alyssa Loftus, Robert Lu- ongo, Alex Marcin, Paul McMillan, Mikayla Miller, Emmett Moore, Lauren Morris, Kassidy Motley, Rory O’Brien, Christian Patts, Sophia Phu, Taylor Pickett, Marie Popielarz, Jordan Porasky, Trevor Radvanyi, Emily Raub, Nickolas Ripa, Belah Robbins, Gabrielle Rogaski, Hannah Scherer, Benedict Sevenski, Jacob Speicher, Sophia Tellis, Madalyn Thomas, Olivia Thomas, Ethan Tinner, Logan Tomkins, Chloe Vinnacombe, Andrew Wilk, Amber Zimmerman. 7th Grade: Nina Barrouk, Andrew Bolesta, Carter Brunn, Kasey Bryant, Lucien Burkhardt, Aubrey Chandler, Nathan Christopher, McKenna Cochran, John Crawford, Jack Dale, Ava DeMichele, Ella English, Lexie Faux, Vincent Fazzino, Faith Fennell, Taylor Fink, Audrey Haydu, Logan Hite, Jayden Ho, Iris Hobson-Tomascik, Leanne Hodgson, Gabrielle Holley, Rylie Hoyes, Luke Karcutskie, Kaitlynn Keller, Noah Kolinovsky, Karly Kozick, Kenzlie Kuderka, Taylor Laity, Lindsay Landmesser, Morgan Langdon, Rowan Laubach, Charles Letwinsky, Gavin Lewis, Michael Lewis, Sophia Maier, Nathan Malarkey, Margaret McCabe, Robert Mesko, Emma Miller, Callan Murphy, Jasmin Nguyen, Kyla O’Brien, Meadow Parry, Aaron Patton, Johnna Pesavento-Dudick, Croix Pevear, Stephen Phillips, Gina Pugliese, Madyson Redmond, Emerson Rivera, Nicholas Salsberg, Cassidy Siglin, Paige Slavinski, Emma Snell, Sarah Snell, Samuel Steinruck, Logan Valkenburg, Sarah Williams, Carly Yoder, Brady Zapoticky. 6th Grade: Cassidy Alaimo, Julia Antall, Paige Banks, Emily Barber, Theo Barr, Kael Berry, Roderick Bransford, Benjamin Bush, Irelyn Butler, Sam Casey, Addison Cavill, Kevin Chen, Travis Cheskiewitz, Lauren Clark, Ashtyn Cote, No- elle Cunningham, Mia DelGaudio, Samantha Dixon, Sophia Dove, Daniel Dudrick, Michael Elgonitis, Jeremy Evans, Olivia Farrell, Julia Fleury, Serina Florencio, Isabella Forlenza, Emma Fostock, Abigail Friedenthal, Briana Greco, Emily Grochal, Harmony Gronkowski, Isabel Handley, Avery Heffron, Zachary Hodakowski, Riley Jackson, Brady Johnson, Cora Jones, Noah Kaczmarek, Adelaide Kanton, Ryan Kintz, Aubrey Kirwan, Juliana Konnick, Kailey Kovaleski, Megan Kuzma, Camryn Laule, Noah Love, Izabela Makukova, Benjamin Mattey, Leo Matus, Vera Moser, Julie Navestad, Laken Parry, Andrew Popielarz, Zoey Price, Maria-Lucia Priore, Joseph Raub, Leah Ricardo, Lia Riley, Aiden Romanoski, Madelyn Sabulski, Mia Salsberg, Cole Sarday, Sarah Snowdon, Lydia Sutton, Elena Swanson, Peyton VanValkenburgh, Molly Walsh, Madeline Zuk. Second Honors ~ 8th Grade: Benjamin Ackourey, Gavin Adamski, Layan Alhashemi, Trevor Brdaric, Koehl Comiskey, Madison Danishanko, Savina Evanosky, Cameron Faux, Alex Fife, Andrew Goodrich, McKenna Hart, Jack Herron, Daniel Jones, Bruce Kapral, Ty Kaufer, Gavin Kenzakoski, Steven Kollar, Bradley Kugler, Andrew Machulsky, Camryn Mallarkey, Camille Marianacci, Makenna Markham, Colin McCann, Zakary Mikolosko, Zachary Paczewski, Adam Perry, Coral Pugh, Declan Reavy, Samuel Robson, Jacob Savignano, Logan Slacktish, Archibaldo Stephens, Caleb Stephens, Lucas Tirpak, Myles Tirpak, Itzel Tlatenchi, Braylee Walsh, Lindsay Ward, Nicholas Williams, Shalenia Wylie-Locke. 7th Grade: Luke Austin, Zachary Brody, Shawn Collins, Ivan Dombroski, Dylan Geskey, Franceska Ginocchetti, Bernard Kovacs, Lawrence Long, Morgan Lukasavage, Michael Major, Mackenzie Mangan, Meghan Maxfield, Brian Naves- tad, Devon Nelson, Sidney O’Donnell, Rashid Ofsiam, Caleb Palmer, Cole Rigol, Kerry Sitler, Margaret Smith, Yaretzi Tlatenchi, John Ungvarsky, Alexander Vasquez, Jarratt Webb, Benjamin Wickenheiser, Scott Williams, Zachary Williams, Ashlynn Wolfe, Esme Yonkoski, Juliana Ziomkowski. 6th Grade: Xavier Arzola, Jade Baez, Matteo Berry, Robert Booth, Jaxon Carey-Bullock, Lila Chamberlain, Olivia Craze, Callie Davis, Hannah Dillon, Brynlee Fosko, Jack Galushka, Natalie Geiser, Logan Geskey, Conor Healey, McKenna Heffron, Mason Kivler, Brandon Lee, Julie Mulzoff, Dylan Rhoades, Charlie Rischawy, Daniel Robson, Nathan Sakulich, Caiden Scouton, Jacob Shaskas, Logan Spencer, Rowan Stanley, Kaylie Swida, Emma Szuch, Hayden Walsh, Nico Wilk, Isabel Williams, Trevor Williams, Marley Willis, Massimo Winters, Lyla Wydra, Allyson Wysocki. Community News • January 2020 • Page 11 Dallas Lions Club welcomed First Vice District Governor Legion Logbook The Dallas Lions Club recently hosted Daddow-Isaacs Dallas American Legion Post 672 the 1st Vice District Governor, Tom Mul- held their monthly meeting on December 10 which was hern at a dinner meeting at Irem Coun- presided over by Commander Darlene Kupstas. An try Club. Mulhern spoke to the club outside ceremony was held on December 7 to remem- members about the “Pennsylvania Plan ber that “day of infamy”, Pearl Harbor. At 9 A.M. the to Increase Membership” with a goal annual Pearl Harbor Day breakfast was held. Guests in- of 100 this year. He also explained the Clarence J. Michael cluded State Senator Lisa Baker, State Representative Past Commander “Kidsight Program” which the District Karen Boback’s representative Carole Sweeney, and Dallas American is undertaking. This program employs 50-60 year members of Post 672. A good crowd en- Legion, Post 672 a camera to take pictures of children’s joyed a great breakfast under the direction of Art Pimm. eyes to identify problems with referral to The spouses of former Commander Jim Baloga and former Adjutant George a physician. The program is expected to Tucker attended and enjoyed glancing through the pictures and sharing stories launch in February and individual Lions of past Pearl Harbor breakfasts featuring their husbands. are encouraged to obtain certification for A report on the Turkey Raffle was given. The event was made a success due use of the machine in order to test chil- to the wonderful participation of a crowded bar area. The non-smoking, clear dren in this area. air was especially appreciated by the large number of women that were present. The Dallas Club makes an annual Twenty-five large turkeys were awarded to lucky ticket holders. The monies “Fair Share” donation to the District for raised will be used to fund the Childrens’ Christmas Party. This party was held several charities, such as Leader Dogs on December 14, beginning with the arrival of Santa Claus at 1 P.M. for the Blind, Beacon Lodge Camp for Charles Fleming has graciously assumed the mantle of Adjutant due to the blind children, Diabetes and Sight con- passing of George Tucker. He is in the process of reorganizing the paper work servation research, Veterans Affairs and several other charities. Pictured above presenting the club’s check to Vice Dis- in the Adjutant’s office to update any roster changes. Charlie’s former experi- trict Governor Mulhern is Dave Keating, Lions President. ence as Adjutant will hold him in good stead. Let me post another reminder that our annual Essay Contest deadline is January 17, 2020. This year’s topic is, “Does the U.S. Military Receive the Respect They Deserve?” Also the Oratorical Contest deadline is also in Janu- ary. In the latest American Legion Magazine our Vice President Mike Pence extols the American Legion Oratorical Contest on the Constitution as having a profound effect on his career. He placed 2nd one year and took first place the following year. If you get an opportunity to read the article, contact me on your evaluation, or better yet show it to a student in grades 9-12. For further informa- tion on either contests, I may be reached at (570) 675-0488. In closing I would just remind you that on December 16, 1944, the Battle of the Bulge was fought. If you are unfamiliar with its importance, I suggest you read about it. Hopefully, you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The next monthly meeting of the Post will be January 14, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. Commander Darlene Kupstas invites all members and prospective members to attend. One wonderful New Year’s Resolution would be: JOIN THE AMERICAN LE- GION. God Bless America! Misericordia University Occupational Therapy Program establishes Support Group for Stroke Survivors The Department of Occupational Therapy at Misericordia University is offering a free 12-week Support Group for Stroke Survivors beginning in Janu- ary at John J. Passan Hall in the College of Health Sciences and Education to provide socialization and service support to stroke survivors. The program is for people who have had a stroke within the last five years and have completed all formal rehabilitation services, including outpatient ther- apy and home health. The weekly program begins Friday, Jan. 17 from 9-11 a.m. in Passan Hall room 109, and will be available to participants and family members on consecutive Fridays, with the exception of holidays and days the college is closed. The program runs through April 24. The program includes coffee and light refreshments. “The group will focus on the needs of community-dwelling stroke survivors after they have completed formal therapy services,’’ said Assistant Professor Cheryl M. Jayne, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., faculty advisor for the support group. “The participants will complete an assessment of their current occupational perfor- mance at home and in the community, and be provided with interventions and education to help them engage in various occupations to increase overall life balance and quality of life.’’ For more information or to register for the support group, please contact Dr. Jayne at [email protected] or call 570-674-6740. Community News • January 2020 • Page 12 Food Pantry in Men’s Breakfast Grief Support Sweet Valley open Group meets weekly A Grief Support Group is avail- The new food pantry in Sweet Val- The Back Mountain Men’s able at River of Life Fellowship ley, located inside the Church of Christ Ecumenical Group meets at the Ministries, 22 Outlet Road, Lehm- on Main Road in Sweet Valley will be Irem Country Club for their weekly an, on an as-needed basis. If you need help, or just someone to talk open to those in need of food on the breakfast meetings at 8:00 a.m. on first Friday of each month. Food do- to, call Denise at 570-639-2115 for Thursdays. All men are welcome further information. nations are also being accepted. For to join the group. more information call 570-477-2320. Community News • January 2020 • Page 13 Dallas Rotarians host Christmas party for active adults Dallas Rotarians ring the bells for the On December 13th, the Rotary Club of Dal- Salvation Army las hosted their seventh annual Christmas party luncheon and gifts for 60 members of the Dal- las Active Adult Center at the Appletree Terrace in Dallas. They were en- tertained by Santa played by Richard Burkhardt and were led in the singing of Christmas carols by Ro- tarian Eric Martin. The center members wanted to show their grat- itude to the Rotarians by giving something back. Because supporting the Back Mountain Food Pan- try has been an important project of the Dallas Rotary for more than two decades, the party attendees brought 150 pounds of canned food to be delivered to the pantry. Also, their singing group, the Silvertones, did an outstanding job entertaining the crowd with two popular Christmas songs. On December 13 and 14, several members of the Dallas Rotary once again Shown in photo are the Silvertones - Front row, from left: Gerry McNulty, Center Director Nancy Restaino, Mary braved the cold weather to ring the bells for the Salvation Army raising Ann Knepp, Emily Jenkins. Second row: Joe Kester, Dan Stanczak, Paul Meade, Madeline Perrone, Joe Malak, John hundreds of dollars to help with both their missions to serve others. Rotar- Dermako, Pat Hummel, Budd O’Malia. ian Jon Pomrinke was the chairman of this annual event. From left: Ted Horn, Janice Horn, Maureen Doerfler, President John Doerfler.

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services’ Employees Recognized

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services (MHDS) Advisory Board recognized employees for milestone years of service at their December Board meeting. Department Managers/Directors presented the awards along with Advisory Board Chairman, Tom O’Neill; Wyoming County Commissioner Chairman Thomas Henry, Luzerne County Council Chairman Tim McGinley and Luzerne County Office of Human Services Program Director John Alunni. Pictured are first row (left to right), Honorees: Lori Holdredge, Trucksville, 5 years; Amy Tomkoski, Plains, 10 years; Mary Jean Baird-Stanislow, Plymouth, 15 years; Luke Reynolds, West Pittston, 15 years; and Joan Kaminski, Mountaintop, 30 years. Second row, Advisory Board members: Craig Mark; Dave Wilson; Dr. Carl Charnetski, Secretary; Raelene Darling, Vice Chair; Tom O’Neill; and Commissioner Henry. Tim McGinley; John Alunni; and Adam Wiernusz, Luzerne County Office of Human Services Fiscal Director. Also recognized but not pictured are: Lindsay Price, Scranton, 5 years; and Laura Da- vis, Tunkhannock, 10 years. Community News • January 2020 • Page 14 Mark Hutsko of Harveys Lake awarded Wyoming Seminary Supports Back Mountain Eagle Scout citation Angel Tree Project Memorial Library announces the addition of New Memorial Books In Memory of Andy Doerfler, “The Serious Goose” by Jimmy Kimmel, presented by The Doerfler Family. In Memory of Carol Oliver, “Great Jobs in Education” by Don Nardo, presented by Donald and Joyce Lloyd. In Memory of John Handley, “How to Think Like a Fish” by Jeremy Wade, presented by Dolly Hoffman. In Memory of Margery Gordon, “Last Summer” by Kerry Lonsdale (large print), presented by Elizabeth Fairchild. State Representative Karen Boback recently presented an Eagle Scout The following books are in Memory citation to Mark Hutsko of Harveys Lake. Congratulations, Mark! of Faye Tenenbaum and are presented by Janet Marchakitus and Family: “Chasing the Bright Side” by Jess Wyo Sem announces fall sports MVPs Eckstrom, “Wanderlust: a traveler’s guide to the globe” by Philippe Glo- aguen. The following books are in Memory of John V. Morris III and are presented by Dave and Dolly Hoffman: “Penn- sylvania Waterfalls: a guide to hikers & photographers” by Scott E. Brown “Hiking Waterfalls in Pennsylvania” by Johnny Molloy. The following books are in Mem- ory of Megan Elizabeth Oravitz and are presented by Grammy and Papa Making Christmas a little brighter for needy children in the Wyoming “Always in our hearts”: “Stargazing” Valley is the goal of the annual Angel Tree Project, sponsored by the Sal- by Jen Wang, “Making Friends” by vation Army. In November members of the Wyoming Seminary Upper Kristen Gudsnuk, “Making Friends: School Community Service Group began collecting new toys and clothes back to the drawing board” by Kris- for 41 boys and girls, completing the drive on Dec. 9. This is the 15th year ten Gudsnuk. that Sem’s Community Service Group has participated in the Angel Tree Honor Books: In Honor of My Program. Seen with some of the collected Angel Tree items are, from left: Grandchildren, “Santa Bruce” by Elizabeth Frosini, community service group advisor, and junior Kyleigh Ryan T. Higgins, presented by Deb Cooper. Wyoming Seminary Upper School recently named the Back Mountain O’Hara, Dallas, Angel Tree project coordinator. athletes who received Most Valuable Player Awards, Coaches Awards and Gold Awards for the fall season. Athletes who earned four varsity letters or three varsity and one junior varsity letters in their sport receive Gold Awards. In girls cross-country, junior Caroline Siegel of Dallas received the Most Valuable Runner Award. In field hockey, senior Danielle Reiser of Shavertown received the Gold Award. In football, senior Todd Phillips of Dallas received the MVP Award and the Gold Award. In golf, senior Harrison May of Dallas received the Gold Award. In boys soccer, senior Reggie Grayek of Shavertown received the Most Valuable Player Award, while junior Cooper Wood of Shavertown Shop the Back Mountain Community News ... received the Coaches Award. Grayek also received the Gold Award. Where Community Matters. In girls soccer, senior Katarina Banks of Dallas received the Coaches Award Your dollars spent in locally-owned and the Gold Award. In girls tennis, junior Shailee Desai of Shavertown businesses have three times the impact on received the MVP Award, while senior Nicole Joanlanne of Dallas received our local economy. Locally owned busi- nesses are the businesses we count on for the Coaches’ Award. Joanlanne also received the Gold Award. donations to our local organizations and Shown in photo are, seated from left: Shailee Desai, tennis; Nicole Joan- contribute dollars to our local causes. lanne, tennis; and Caroline Siegel, cross-country. Standing, from left: A marketplace made-up of many small businesses ensures lower prices over the Reggie Grayek, soccer; Todd Phillips, football; Cooper Wood, soccer; and long-term and local business owners work Harrison May, golf. Not present for photo: Katarina Banks, soccer; and hard to fulfill the needs of the people Danielle Reiser, field hockey. within our community every day. Community News • January 2020 • Page 15 Wyoming Sem. STEM Program, to Big Brothers Big Sisters visits Dallas Rotary offer “Kids Who Code” Saturday event Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Children in grades kindergarten through eighth who would like to learn Bridge was recently invited to the more about computer programming are invited to attend a special STEM Satur- day at Sem Event to take part in a program titled “Beyond the Hour: Kids Who meeting of Rotary Club of Dallas, Code.” The program will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Wyoming where members were informed Seminary Lower School, 1560 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort. about volunteer opportunities with The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m. and is free and the agency. open to the public, but registration is required and space is limited. No previous Shown, from left: Amanda experience in coding is required. For more information on this STEM Saturday Sivco, program supervisor, Big at Sem event or to register on line, visit the Sem website at www.wyomingsemi- Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge, nary.org/academics/stem. John Doerfler, president, Rotary This event is designed to introduce or continue the exploration of computer Club of Dallas. Big Brothers Big coding begun during the “Hour of Code Challenge” held around the world dur- Sisters of The Bridge. Big Brothers ing the week of December 9-15, 2019. Sem students have been participating in Big Sisters of The Bridge is a pro- the Hour of Code since its inception in 2013, building coding skills on tablets, gram of Catholic Social Services of laptops and robots. Hands-on coding challenge activities have also been a part The Diocese of Scranton. For more of coding instruction at Sem. information call 1-800-955-4376 or visit www.bbbsnepa.org. The January event will feature four sessions. The first session, designed for children in grades kindergarten to first grade, will introduce programming basics through iPad apps and tangible coding pieces. The second session will be open to children in second and third grade and will include unplugged coding and coding using the Lightbot iPad app. Students in fourth and fifth grades will Braving the cold, vendors at the Back Mountain Memorial build coding skills using the unique Apple Swift Playgrounds app and small robots. In a fourth session, students in sixth through eighth grades will do higher Library Famers Market level coding that will help them gain an in-depth understanding of coding used By MB Gilligan in high school and college courses. Back Mountain Community This STEM Saturday at Sem event is an aspect of the STEM School’s pro- News Correspondent gramming which includes a variety of programmatic and curricular sections at both the Upper and Lower Schools. Lower School students explore STEM Some of the vendors from the sum- themes in their science classes. Upper School students participate in a ninth- mer Farmers Market still meet on Sat- grade foundational science course and are offered a variety of STEM electives. urday mornings in the parking lot of Public lectures and workshops on issues related to science, technology, engi- the Back Mountain Memorial Library neering and math are a part of the Louis Maslow STEM School and are open to distribute preordered items. to the public. Pictured on a recent cold Saturday The Louis Maslow STEM School at Wyoming Seminary seeks to engage and morning are Vince Landers from Beta inspire students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics Breads and Amy Butler from Stone through holistic and integrated paths of study. Students in the program will be Hollow Farms. To order baked goods prepared for collegiate study and able to respond to rapidly changing global email [email protected]. challenges and advances in technology in today’s world. To order vegetables, contact Amy at For more information about Sem’s STEM event “Beyond the Hour: Kids [email protected]. Who Code,” please contact STEM School Director John Eidam at jeidam2@ wyomingseminary.org.

Expires 1/31/20 Expires 1/31/20 Community News • January 2020 • Page 16 Boback Announces January Outreach Dallas Kiwanis supports Ruth Matthews Bourger Women Hours with Children Program at Misericordia University Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) today announced The Dallas Kiwanis recently award- her office’s outreach schedule for the month of January. As always, these events ed a check for $500 to the Ruth Mat- will be weather permitting. thews Bourger Women with Children On Friday, January 10, the American Legion will hold office hours at Program at Misericordia University. Boback’s Dallas district office, located at 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive, from Kiwanis board member Bernie Banks 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A claims consultant from the American Legion will provide made the presentation to Katherine the assistance. Area veterans may seek assistance and information pertaining to Pohlidal, director, and Sandy Johnson, specific benefits and programs. Additional meetings will be held on the fourth coordinator, of the Bourger Program. Tuesday of every month. Appointments can be made by calling Boback’s Dal- The funds were used to create holiday las office at 570-675-6000. gift bags for children in the program, On Tuesday, January 21, a representative from the VFW will be at Boback’s including a variety of holiday gifts Dallas district office, located at 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive, Dallas, from 10 such as stuffed animals, pajamas and a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist veterans. There is no appointment necessary for the VFW toiletries. outreach hours. The Bourger Women with Children On Thursday, January 23, a consultant from PA Career Link will be at Bo- Program is one of only eight programs back’s Dallas district office from 1-3 p.m. to offer assistance to disabled veter- of its kind in the country, and provides ans. Please call her Dallas office at 570-675-6000 for more information. free housing to as many as 16 single On Tuesday, January 28, the American Legion will hold office hours at mothers at the poverty level and their Boback’s Dallas district office, located at 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive, from children on campus. The women also 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A claims consultant from the American Legion will provide receive academic support and social the assistance. Area veterans may seek assistance and information pertaining to services to help them while they earn their bachelor’s degree in four years. There are currently 16 women and 26 children specific benefits and programs. Additional meetings will be held on the fourth living in three houses on campus. To date, 30 women have graduated from the program. Efforts are underway to expand Tuesday of every month. Appointments can be made by calling Boback’s Dal- the program and a fourth house will be added in time for the fall semester in 2020. las office at 570-675-6000. Above: Bernie Banks, a board member of the Dallas Kiwanis, center, is flanked by Katherine Pohlidal, director, For more legislative information, visit Boback’s website at RepBoback.com. Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program at Misericordia University, left, and program coordinator Sandy Johnson, right, during the check presentation in Mercy Hall. Community News • January 2020 • Page 17 Harveys Lake American Legion made Tovon and Co. Diamonds donated a portion of proceeds its annual donations from their Anniversary Sale for children in need

Tovon and Co. Diamonds presented a check for $1,100 to members of the Dallas School District including SRO, Recently the Harveys Lake American Legion made its annual donation to Officer Gina Kotowski and members of the Dallas Township tree lighting committee including Brenda Pugh, both the Harveys Lake Fore Co., and Harveys Lake Ambulance Associa- Committee Chair. The money was a portion of proceeds from an anniversary sale held during a holiday weekend, tion. Shown in photo above, from left are: Mike Avery - Fire Chief, Bernie and in conjunction with the Dallas Township Tree Lighting event. Funds will go to assist local Back Mountain Castillo-Finance Officer, April Higgins - Ambulance Captain and Allan Children in need for the holidays. Shown in photo above from left are: Jason Rushmer, Dallas School District; Barber - Vice Commander. Jaclyn Degnan, Dallas School District; Diane Siracuse, Tovon and Co. Diamonds; Gina Kotowski, Dallas Town- ship Police Officer; Tommy VanScoy, Jr., Tovon and Co. Diamonds; Brenda Pugh, Amanda Faneck and Susan Maloney, Dallas Township Police Department. Missing from photo: Denise Swida, Tovon and Co. Diamonds. Community News • January 2020 • Page 18 Wyoming Sem. Five Tips to Prepare For Taxes Happy New Year! Looking forward Announces By Martin A. Federici, Jr., CEO of MF Tax & Accounting, Inc. to serving you in 2020. Upper School It’s that time of year – tax preparation season is Dean’s List here! I’m sure some of you dread this time of year, Wyoming Seminary Dean Tom but I’ve got five suggestions that can help you get Morris has announced the Back through this: Mountain students named to the 1. If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, hire an ex- Upper School Dean’s List for the perienced, professional tax preparer to handle your first term of the 2019-2020 aca- returns. Stay away from the generic chain tax prep demic year. services – they tend to significantly overcharge for Dean’s List High Honors: Grace preparing returns…as in charging by the form (which we view as being a rip- Adams, Dallas; Khizar Ali, Dallas; off) instead of using an hourly rate (much fairer). Nicole Amoachi, Shavertown; Ka- 2. Make sure you have all needed tax documents. Sounds simple enough, but tarina Banks, Dallas; Jakob Baur, being organized about collecting your tax documents (where did I put that W- Shavertown; Emma Bean, Dallas; 2?) makes life much easier for your preparer (and you too)! Christina Cikowski, Hunlock Creek; Gabriel de Luna, Dallas; Richard 3. Your preparer should ask you many questions, especially if it is the first time de Luna, Dallas; Shailee Desai, they are preparing your returns. Even after the first year, personal/financial situations change over time, and any qualified tax preparer will know to ask the Shavertown; Holly Egbert, Shaver- important questions (law changes, new possible deductions, etc.) so you don’t town; Thomas Figura, Shavertown; leave anything on the table. Diane Friedman, Shavertown; Evan Hromisin, Dallas; Christina Kas- 4. If you work with a CPA, hopefully they offer advice for your specific tax par, Dallas; Ethan Kruger, Shaver- situation during and after preparing your returns. This can be very important town; Sophia Kruger, Shavertown; for not only the current year (can a traditional IRA contribution lower your tax Halee Kush, Shavertown; Sarah bill?) but the following year as well (should you contribute more to your 401(k) Maseychik, Dallas; Francis Nock- at work?). Offering suggestions that can improve the amount you get back (or ley, Shavertown; Heather Paglia, help you pay less than you have in the past) can be very valuable for some. Shavertown; Helena Prushak, 5. Your tax professional should be willing to speak with any other professionals Shavertown; Abigail Santo, Dal- you have hired. There are many reasons why insurance professionals, profes- las; Kelly Santo, Dallas; Caroline sional financial advisors, attorneys, etc. should speak to your tax preparer (with Siegel, Dallas; Claire Stretanski, your permission of course) to coordinate on issues that may be important and Shavertown; Hamza Waseem, Dal- need to be looked at from different perspectives. This way, you get the input of las; Emily Williams, Dallas; Vivian trusted professionals on issues that overlap into several areas of your personal Wright, Dallas. financial/tax situation. Dean’s List: Dakota Banks, Dal- Find an experienced local tax preparer who works for a professional tax las; Aishani Chauhan, Shavertown; preparation firm, earns his/her money from hourly/job fees (NOT charging by the form), believes in helping their clients improve their tax/financial situations, Ainsley Eidam, Dallas; Elena Fen- and has the heart & demeanor of a teacher, NOT a salesman, and chances are ster, Shavertown; Lauren Finlay, you’ve found the right tax preparer to help you with your tax situation. Dallas; Gunnar Grebeck, Shaver- For more information, please visit http://www.mftax.com, email marty@mftax. town; Rose Hancuff, Dallas; Nicole com, or call (570) 760-6524. 1/31/2020 Joanlanne, Dallas; Tracey Kindler, About MF Tax & Accounting, Inc., MF Tax & Accounting, Inc. is a full- Dallas; Kirsten Kizis, Dallas; Max service tax preparation & accounting firm based in PA & FL specializing in tax Kraus, Shavertown; Oliver Lew, preparation, tax planning & advice, and accounting services. With 10+ years of Dallas; Jocelyn Mattingly, Shaver- licensed experience, over 10 years of professional education, and an unwaver- town; Harrison May, Dallas; Tyra ing commitment to helping you, MF Tax & Accounting, Inc. is the tax & ac- McCormick, Dallas; Alexander counting firm to best serve YOU. Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Meuser, Shavertown; Ethan Meuser, Shavertown; Jessie Miller, Dallas; Maddie Olshemski, Shavertown; Jay Pande, Shavertown; Todd Phil- lips, Dallas; Gabriel Rampp, Hun- lock Creek; Danielle Reiser, Shaver- town; Jacob Shoemaker, Wyoming; Victoria Smulowitz, Shavertown; Sophia Snell, Shavertown; William Snowdon, Dallas; Michael Stanc- zyk, Wyoming; Jordan Stefanowitz, Harveys Lake; Katherine Stolte, Dallas; Chase Taylor, Shavertown; Noam Wasik, Harveys Lake; Kelly Williams, Shavertown; William Youngman, Dallas. Community News • January 2020 • Page 19 Meadows Residents Enjoy Scouts Caroling Tradition Daddow-Isaacs Dallas American Legion Post 672 presented a donation to the Back Mountain Food Pantry

Daddow-Isaacs Dallas American Legion Post 672 presented a $500 check to the Back Mountain Food Bank as a Christmas holiday donation. A dedi- cated group of volunteers witnessed the donation. The American Legion supports worthwhile community activities that benefit the residents of the Back Mountain. Any service member who is interested in joining the Le- gion, should contact the Post or any Legion member. Pictured: Tom Oliver, On December 5, adult leaders and scouts from Boy Scout Troop 281, Dallas, continued their yearly tradition Bryant Mesick, Clarence J. Michael, Carol Eyet, Food Bank Coordinator, singing to the residents at the Meadows Nursing Home. Gathered above are the troops and leaders. Joe Kelley, Finance Officer Community News • January 2020 • Page 20 Students at Kuloszewski wins Spelling Bee at Upcoming events at the Back Misericordia Wyoming Seminary Lower School Mountain Memorial Library University The Back Mountain Memorial Library lists the following Upcoming Events. Call or come in to sign up for these events and programs. qualify for the Chair Yoga classes will resume in the New Year with Friday sessions set Dean’s List for January 10, 17, 24, and 31. The time is from noon to 1 PM. Instructor Students at Misericordia Univer- Lisa Gallico leads attendees in a gentle workout aimed at improving flex- sity qualify for the dean’s list with a ibility and balance. The January sessions must be paid for by January 3rd and cost is $40. 3.55 grade point average or higher. Our Monday Yoga will also be starting up in January. Pam Snyder leads The following students were named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2019 this more challenging hour-long workout from 6:30 to 7:30. Classes are semester: Paige Boyle, Dallas, PA; scheduled for December 30, January 6, 13, 20, 27, and February 3. Cost is Peter Decker, Dallas, PA; Olivia Ev- $60 for the whole set. Please stop in to register, and start the New Year off ans, Dallas, PA; Micayla Grey, Dal- with a commitment to improve your fitness and outlook. las, PA; Courtney Henninger, Dallas, Registration for Winter/Spring Story Times will begin Tuesday, January PA; Allison Lamoreaux, Dallas, PA; 28 at 9:30 AM. Several sessions are available for toddlers through 5-year- Samantha Markle, Dallas, PA; Justin olds. Classes include stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft. They will start Marshall, Dallas, PA; Jessica Martin, the week of February 11 and end the week of March 31st. Introduce your Dallas, PA; Stacy Mccarter, Dallas, child to learning and instill a love of the Library at the same time! Call the PA; Madison Mokychic, Monroe Andrew Kuloszewski of Scranton, an eighth-grade student at Wyoming Children’s Room to sign up starting January 28. Township, PA; Brooke Moyle, Dal- Seminary Lower School, survived nine rounds of competition to win the News and Notices: Our Holiday shop is having its After-Christmas Sale las, PA; Joshua Orlandini, Dallas, PA; school’s annual spelling bee. Kuloszewski, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ku- with 50% off the marked prices. Come out for some great bargains and get Marlena Ostrowski, Dallas, PA; Julia loszewski, correctly spelled the word “radium” to claim first place. Run- stocked up for next year! ner-up was seventh-grader Theodore Kraus of Shavertown, son of Dr. Joe Ramirez, Dallas, PA; Sarah Reeder, It’s the time of year for renewal and good intentions! We have a plentiful Dallas, PA; Sara Reichold, Dallas, Kraus and Ms. Paula Chaiken of Shavertown. Cecilia Galante, eighth- grade English teacher, served as moderator. supply of books on diet, healthful eating, and exercise regimens to help you PA; Peyton Ross, Dallas, PA; Heather follow through on those New Year resolutions. If the house is a mess, come Shively, Dallas, PA; Chase Shustack, Seen following the annual Lower School spelling bee are, from left: Ceci- and check out our home organization volumes. Want to learn a new skill or Dallas, PA; Jacob Stritzinger, Dallas, lia Galante, contest moderator; Andrew Kuloszewski, spelling bee winner; craft? We can help there, too. And if you’re looking to get active, check out PA; Jessica Vera, Dallas, PA; Alexis Theodore Kraus, spelling bee runner-up; and Kayanne Barilla, English our books on winter sports. It’s all here at your local Library! Wyandt, Dallas, PA; Emilee Zawats- Department chair and seventh-grade English teacher. Contact us at 570-675-1182 and And find so much more at our website ki, Dallas, PA. at www.backmountainlibrary.org. Head Start Classrooms invited Dairy Court to Read to Students

Thank you so much to the Pittston New Street Center Head Start classrooms for inviting the Luzerne Coun- ty Dairy Court to come visit! We had such a good tome takling to the kids about all of their favorite dairy products. Dairy Princess Kaelyn Traver read them a story about making sure to include at least 3 servings of dairy every day. Dairy Maid Juliet Price made sure everyone got a coloring book about how milk gets from farm to table. We hope to come back and visit again soon. Community News • January 2020 • Page 21 Dallas Rotary sponsors annual Children’s All Aboard with the Back Mountain Railroad Club Christmas Shopping Spree By MB Gilligan On Saturday, December 7th the Dallas Rotary Club invited 45 children Back Mountain Community to their annual shopping spree at Boscov’s in Wilkes-Barre. The children and News Correspondent chaperones met at Wycallis School to get acquainted and discuss their shopping lists provided by their parents or guardians. On the way to their shopping des- The model railroad enthusiasts tination, via a big yellow school bus provided by the Davis Bus Company, the of the Back Mountain Railroad Club children were treated to a free breakfast sponsored by McDonald’s in Shaver- would like to educate the community town. Then they shopped for two hours at Boscov’s followed by a delicious and about the history and fun of railroad- healthy lunch provided by the store. Santa arrived and each child had his or her ing and model railroading. picture taken with him. “It’s a great organization. I was sur- Several Rotarians and other volunteers came out to help the children pur- prised when I first joined at how dedi- chase their gifts with a generous allowance provided by the Dallas Rotary. cated they are. They are really help- Students from Misericordia University, Dallas High School and Lake-Lehman ful,” said member Don Karichner. “It High School also helped the children select their purchases. This was a day for is a privilege to be a member.” them to remember. The children were so happy to take home their large bags The club meets at their clubhouse of clothes, coats, boots and whatever else they needed for school. When the called The Trax at Twinstax. It is in children returned to Wycallis, it was a joy to just stand back and watch them all the back of the Twinstacks complex talking at once as they showed their gifts to their family members who picked and meetings are open to the public. them up. “We have a test track so people The children’s shopping spree and other Rotary projects are made possible can bring in their trains to check them by community members who support and attend their annual wine festival in out,” said Don. “We have a lot of June at the Luzerne County fairgrounds and their annual golf tournament in members who can help if someone is September at the Irem Country Club in Dallas. This is Dallas Rotary’s 93rd having trouble with their trains.” year of service to the Back Mountain and 55 plus years of sponsoring the shop- The Railroad Club has model ping spree for children. train set-ups complete with authentic scenery handcrafted by the mem- bers. They set up smaller versions at various locations throughout the year. “We set up a model at the Luzerne County Fair, Dallas Harvest Fest, and at Steamtown,” said Dave Muddiman, Back Mountain Railroad Club members Dave Muddiman, left, and Don the club’s librarian. “We have buttons Karichner are pictured at Pro Hardware where their model train track on the side so people can run the dif- was on display during the month of December. ferent trains. The kids love it.” The Back Mountain Railroad Club Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays at Don. “I think you’ll get a lot more welcomes new members or anyone 9am. Meetings are held at 7pm on from model trains than from video interested in learning about model the second Monday of the month. games.” trains or sharing their own train expe- Donations of model trains are always For more information you can riences. welcome. “It is really a nice thing to check their web site at www.backmt- The clubhouse is usually open on show your kids and grandkids,” said nrrclub.com.

Read the Back Mountain Community News online free of charge at: www.communitynewsonline.net Community News • January 2020 • Page 22 The Altar and Rosary Society of St. Therese’s Church in Shavertown held their annual Christmas Luncheon By MB Gilligan Back Mountain Community News Correspondent

The Altar and Rosary Society of St. Therese’s Church in Shavertown held their annual Christmas luncheon at Irem Clubhouse on Sunday, Decem- ber 15. The guests enjoyed visiting with friends, some wonderful food, and a raffle of donated gift baskets, original artwork, and a money tree. Photo top: Handling registration and raffle tickets for the Altar and Rosary Society, from left, are Shir- ley Type, Fran Ochman, and Car- ole Paxton.

Photo right: Members and friends of St. Therese’s Altar and Rosary Society on hand for the event in- cluded, from left, Betty (Dottie) Gregory, Eric and Dorothy Han- sen, Doris and Jack McQuade.

Photo right: Decked out for the Christmas party, standing from left, are Berni Mihal, Bernadine Luksik, and Terry Brown. Seated from left are: Jean Brennan, Mari- lyn Bagnick, Kathy Boback, and Marie Kruska.

Photo right: Enjoying a visit be- fore the start of the luncheon, from HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at left, are Melissa Wall, Ralph Wall, CK’s Cantina & Grill Gerri Wall, Betty Hudak, and Betty Levitsky. Community News • January 2020 • Page 23 Shavertown Manager recognized for excellence In early December, Joan Hockenbury, manag- er of the McDonald’s in Shavertown, was work- ing in her office when someone came to her door with some urgency for her to go to the front of the restaurant. As she rounded the corner toward the customer seating area, she noticed a large bunch of red and yellow balloons held by someone she recognized. Then everyone started yelling, “sur- prise.” As it turns out, the group of five people, own- ers and senior corporate managers, were there to deliver something extraordinary. She had been chosen as one of 340 managers globally, from more than 36,000 restaurants, to receive the Ray Kroc Award. This top 1% founder’s award rec- ognizes and rewards hardworking restaurant managers who deliver superior results in team Back Mountain Community News performance and operational excellence. SPECIAL NOTICE: One of the elements of this award pays tribute Due to periodical concerns with Comcast email not always to the environment created by the manager to en- being 100% reliable, if you send an email to: rich the customer experience. The Shavertown McDonald’s has long been known for its support of community charities and events, especially where children are concerned. Many local service clubs and other charitable organizations have [email protected] and you receive a return received generous support for decades for their programs and projects. message “undeliverable” please forward your community news, Mrs. Hockenbury has been with McDonald’s for 30 years and an in-store manager for eleven years. “I was shocked information, photos, etc., to::[email protected] and honored to receive this award,” she said. Award recipients have been invited to join their international peers at the Ray Kroc Awards celebration at the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in April in Orlando, Florida. In photo above, from left are: Christina Mueller-Curran, owner-operator; Matt Martinez, field business partner; Joan Hockenbury, store manager; Jorge Ferraz, operations officer; Albert and Carol Mueller, owners-operators.

Shop the Back Mountain Community News Your dollars spent in locally- owned businesses have three times the impact on our local economy. Locally owned businesses are the businesses we count on for donations to our local organizations and contribute dollars to our local causes. A marketplace made- up of many small businesses ensures lower prices over the long-term and local business owners work hard to fulfill the needs of the people within our community every day. Community News • January 2020 • Page 24