Mended Hearts celebrates lives
The Scranton-area chapter of Mended Hearts Inc.'s annual dinner-dance is a celebration of life, says Chapter 276 President Jack Walsh, a 17-year survivor of heart disease.
"It's great to be alive, to help others who are going through the same things I lived through," Jack added.
The 17th annual dinner- dance is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 16, at Genetti Manor in Dickson City.
Noted heart surgeon Lear Von Koch, M.D., the chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Regional Hospital of Scranton, will be the special guest speaker at the dinner- dance sponsored by the nonprofit designed to provide support and inspire hope in heart disease patients and their families.
Because Mended Hearts is made up of the kinds of people it serves - heart patients, their families and others impacted by heart disease - its members draw on personal experience as they help others understand that there can be a rich, rewarding life after heart disease, Jack reports, adding that members listen, share their experiences, learn from health care professionals and talk to other heart patients about what they may face, including lifestyle changes, depression, recovery and treatment.
Scranton Chapter volunteers make visits to patients, family members and caregivers in hospitals, including Regional Hospital of Scranton, online and by phone.
The dinner-dance will include a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. Dance music will be provided by Kris Sheridan.
State 4-H winners
Susquehanna County 4-H members brought home the ribbons after competing at the 2012 State 4-H Horse Show in Harrisburg.
Stephanie Koloski placed seventh in Senior Western Grooming and Showmanship with Perfectly Pleasant. Jessica Sudhop placed 10th in Junior Western Horsemanship with I'm Good to the Last Drop. Leah Ofalt placed fourth in the Senior Pole Bending Horses Class and ninth in the Senior Clover Leaf Barrel Race Horses Class. Ashlynn Cobb placed ninth in the Senior Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences Class.
In the production division, Meghan Polcha placed first in the Warmblood Three-Year-Old Gelding class with Coromirro. Brandon Bergman placed first in the Draft Type Horse Three Year Old Filly class with Bayo. Austin Graham placed first in the Stock Type Horse Yearling Gelding/Two Year Old Gelding class with Obviously Kidding. Austin also placed second in the Stock Type Pony Fillies of This Year/Yearling Fillies class with Hot Scotch Hottie.
Megan McCauley, Lydia Ofalt, Kelly Oliver, Emma Parrish, Megan Stenzhorn, Alison Teel, Sam Turner and Shayla VanVleck also qualified for the state show.
High notes
Linda Malinoski, membership chairwoman of the Scranton Chapter of UNICO National, welcomed new members Jim Brogna, Mary Gisolfi, Virginia Gowden, Patti Grande-Reider, Joe Grandinetti, Ed Pricci and Mary Ann Wetzel at a December membership meeting. Among those on hand to congratulate the new members were Chris DiMattio, past national president, and Sal Mecca, Scranton chapter president, and members, Diane Alberigi, Bonnie Blasé, Maryann Healey, Doris Lindsley, Mary Marrara, Rosalie Prizzi and Jeanne Trunzo.