Times-Tribune staff unites for cause
Mary Jo Burch was the grand prize winner of a $1,500 gift card to the advertiser of her choice during a reception and drawing for Times-Tribune staff members who contributed their fair share to the United Way.
Noting that in the past five years Times-Tribune employees have been awarded the Chairman's Award, the United Way's highest honor; as well as three bronze and two silver awards, United Way executive director Gary Drapek thanked those gathered for their generosity.
"The employees of The Times-Tribune have consistently been the top givers in our area, and one of the top per-capita employee groups in the state, raising $558,667 over the past five years. While they have previously been recognized with the United Way's most prestigious awards, the recognitions pale in comparison to their ongoing concern and commitment to our community and especially for those who are in need," Gary said.
George Lynett Jr. was chairman of the United Way campaign for The Times-Tribune.
During the reception, Tony Duchnowski, Kevin Fitzgerald, Warren James, Ed Rogers, Bobby Walsh and Lisa Zaccagnino won department $100 dinner certificates.
Gift certificates valued at $500 to an advertiser of their choice were awarded to Warren James, Chris O'Hora and Bobby Walsh. Kathy Weaver won two $100 gift cards. And $50 gift cards will be awarded to Amy Carlson, January; David Walter, February; Betsy Hill, March; Larry Hoban, April; Teresa Arcure, May; Micah Woodard, June; John McGurk, July; Nick Paone, August; Ed Parry, September; Judy Haudenschield, October; Brenda Lucken, November; and Ed Rogers, December.
Woman of Year
Frances Walters is the Scranton Business and Professional Women Club's 2012-2013 Woman of the Year.
A member of the Scranton BPW for 30 years, Frances was honored during a meeting the Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel, by a group, including Jeanie Sluck, president, JoAnn Romano Hallesky, chairwoman of the Woman of the Year committee, and Mary Bowen, Ann Brown, Mary Cummings, JoAnn Durdash and Judy O'Boyle.
Frances has served as treasurer of the organization and was voted young careerist. A current membership committee member, she has previously served on the by-laws, foundation, finance, young careerist, arrangements/telephone and transportation and special projects committees. Frances has a bachelor's degree in operations management from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State and is the practice administrator for the Northeast Dermatopathology Institute.
A community volunteer, she lives in Clark's Summit with her husband, Rich, and son, Griff.
High notes
Penn Security Bank's first "Cookies for a Cause" contest had employees baking two dozen of their favorite cookies. Along with prizes, participants reaped them the pleasure of donating their $5 entry fees, which were matched by the bank, to the Shamrock Club of Minooka, which provides residents in the greater Minooka area with various forms of assistance. On hand to present the check to club President Bill Fox were Andrew A. Kettel Jr., bank executive vice president; and customer service officers Judith M. Martinelli and Matthew M. Swartz.