Robeson event aids foundation
To commemorate the fifth anniversary of Scranton Fire Capt. James Robeson's death, his family and friends conducted a benefit for the St. Luke's Foundation for Haiti. Linda Robeson, Capt. Robeson's widow; their son, Ryan; and nephew, Trevor, set out to raise enough money for a specially designed off-road ambulance. About $11,000 has been raised, according to Linda, who added they are still accepting donations and orders for T-shirts designed by Ryan.
The fundraising event at St. Mary's Center was attended by about 250 guests.
The Haiti foundation is run by the Rev. Dr. Rick Frechette. A yearly worshipper of St. Ann's Novena, Father Frechette also runs two hospitals and a network of orphanages in Haiti that care for 10,000 children displaced from the earthquake in 2010.
Donations and requests for T-shirts may be made by contacting Linda at 466-3806 or mailing to St. Luke's Foundation for Haiti, P.O. Box 48, Scranton, PA 18504.
DOVIA quarterly
When DOVIA, an organization sponsored by the Voluntary Action Center to support nonprofit organizations who receive contributions of time from volunteers through providing forums for information, education and resource exchange, conducted its quarterly meeting in December, attendees enjoyed the presentation "Managing Holiday Stress" from Theresa L. Schirg of the Advocacy Alliance.
Among those attending were Lisa Conway, Celtic Health Care; Shannon Cooper, Meals on Wheels; Kathleen Coyne, Telespond; Jenna Fehr, Gino J. Merli Veterans Center; Laura Gentile, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern PA; Patricia King, Clarks Summit State Hospital; Joy Kropiewnicki, Pancreatic Cancer Network; Kelly McAndrew, Celtic Health Care; Mike Nicholas, Ronald McDonald House; Maggie O'Brien, Make-a-Wish of Greater Pennsylvania; Jo-Ann Orcutt, Lackawanna College; MaryAnn and John Pluciennik, Pancreatic Cancer Network, LeeAnn Potis, SLHDA/Head Start; Rianna Powers, Junior Achievement of Northeastern PA Inc., Sandra Roberts, Bread Basket NEPA; Ann Seechock, Hospice of the Sacred Heart; Ellen Stevens, Voluntary Action Center; Debbie Tomassoni, SLHDA/Head Start; and Jennifer Wynn, Voluntary Action Center.
High notes
Plans are under way for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Maple Syrup Producer's Association annual meeting and dinner, scheduled Jan. 26 at 9 a.m. at Bethany Methodist Church Hall, Route 670.
Bob Molinaro, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture food sanitarian/inspector, from the Northeast regional office in Tunkhannock, will share and explain the regulations and guidelines affecting maple syrup and maple syrup products. Kristin Curtis, Journey's End Farm, will demonstrate making maple cream. Also, exhibits and maple syrup production equipment and supply purchasing, as well as reports from the 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show are planned. For details, contact the Wayne County Cooperative Extension at 253-5970, ext. 4110, or Peggy Simons, association president/chairwoman at 224-4607.