Notable 103rd St. David's banquet
Music played a large part in the St. David's Society of Lackawanna County's 103rd annual banquet.
From the singing of the Welsh National Anthem, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau," and "The Star Spangled Banner," led by Susan Drake, to the society's award for outstanding contribution to Welsh Heritage in Northeast Pennsylvania to St. David's Male Chorus to a resounding round of "Cwm Rhondda," the evening was a singer's delight.
The Dallas Middle School Select Chorus performed at the event. There was a Gymanfa Ganu hymn sing. And the evening featured the added attraction of accompanist John Decker.
The dinner also included the investiture of the society's new president, Dr. James T. Arscott.
Robert M. Davis, 2012-13 president, welcomed guests and thanked participants and Jim, adding in the program, "I would like to thank my wife, Susan, who is also our treasurer, for the help and support she has given me the last two years as president of the society. I would like to thank my mom, Elizabeth Davis, who is with us tonight; my late father, Rev. A. Merle Davis; my late grandmother Elizabeth Jones Marquard, and my late great-grandmother Rachel Jones, who made sure I knew that I am Welsh."
Invocation and benediction were offered by the Rev. Arthur W. Davis of Asbury United Methodist Church, who also served as toastmaster. A dinner of Welsh favorites was enjoyed by attendees, who included representatives of other local ethnic groups.
Officers invested along with Jim included Michael Hill, first vice president; Carl Noakes, second vice president; Linda Griffiths, secretary, and Susan Davis, treasurer.
Serving on the board of directors are Robert M. Davis, Susan Decker, David Jones, Ev Jones, Louise Jones, Brian D. Kaeb, Amber Rugletic, Beverly Rugletic, Warren Watkins and Eleanor Whitman.
Pre-St. Pat's Day
Serving Seniors conducted its Pre-St. Patrick's Day cocktail party at Arcaro & Genell's in Old Forge to benefit programs serving area seniors.
Among the board members and guests joining in on the green-themed festivities with executive director Mary Anne Maloney-Evans were Mia Bartoletti, Mary Bowen, Chris Casciano, Mary Beth D'Andrea, Karen DeSandis, Nick Gianuzzi, Richard Grimm, Sandra Grimm, Mary Anne Maloney-Evans, Raymond Ferrario, Dianne Jeffers, Bill Kammerrer, David Lencicki, Barbara Midura, Donna Molinaro, Bill Nellis, Barbara O'Hara, Bill Tonkin, John Vail and Marilyn Vitali.
High notes
Phyllis Bellino won the Friends of the Scranton Public Library membership drive prize. Michele Polasky, membership coordinator for the Friends, presented the monetary gift to Phyllis.