Junior Leaguers carol at Holy Family
Decked out in festive reds and greens, Junior League of Scranton members did some singing this holiday season at Holy Family Residence on the campus of Marywood University. While residents dined, League members sang holiday favorites like "Frosty the Snowman," "Deck the Halls" and "Jingle Bells," and joined in as a 100-year-young belted out "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
"It was a great way to get into the holiday spirit and bring happiness and cheer to the residents of our community," said Shannon Roche, organizer of the Done in a Day project. Done in a Day projects are designed to get league members out in the community and put their volunteer skills to work.
Among those joining Shannon for the caroling, were Amy Betts, Nora Betts, Kim Daniloski, Noelle Fabbri, Dana Lawrence, Liz Mazzei, Leandra Nasser, Christina Nasser Thomas and Gretchen Wintermantel.
Santa Pawses
Forest City Nursing & Rehab Center brought Santa Paws to the inaugural Forest City Winterfest. Children were invited to try their luck at the Lollipop tree to win a prize and to have a picture taken with Santa Paws. Santa Paws, also known as Colbert, is owned by Mia Crotti, an intern at the facility.
Lori Houman, who was one of several Forest City Nursing & Rehab Center employees working the booth, was among those who had her photo taken with Santa Paws. Lori is a certified nurse's aide at the center.
Gina Bordi of Olyphant and Kelly McLaughlin of Pittston were among the Luzerne County Community College dental assisting program graduates who received pins from the college's alumni association during a dental recognition ceremony. ... Baptist Bible College & Seminary President Jim and Bert Jeffery continued a longstanding tradition with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Jackson Hall Rotunda. Those celebrating with the Jefferys enjoyed refreshments, singing songs of the season and listening to the Christmas story. The many dressed in festive Christmas gear, including sweaters, hats and headbands, received a coupon from the school's Underground Café.
High notes
A Kentucky city now has a Northeast Pennsylvanian on its police force. Nina Del Quaglio, a former Scranton resident and graduate of Keystone College, was sworn in to the Oak Grove Police Department at a city council meeting in December. Nina served with the Lackawanna County Sheriff's Department from February 2011 to October before moving to Kentucky with her husband, Corey, who is stationed nearby at Fort Campbell. Nina will serve as a patrol officer, according to Oak Grove Police Chief Les Langdon.