Parkinsons event honors John Paul II
The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton; William P. Conaboy, president and CEO of Allied Services Integrated Health System, and Joseph Coviello, president of the Northeast Pennsylvania Parkinson's Foundation, got together recently to dedicate this year's Pledge for Parkinson's reception to Pope John Paul II. John Paul fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's.
During the meeting, Bishop Bambera commended both organizations for providing for the continuation of advanced Parkinson's therapy training and education, supporting wellness, and providing post-discharge Parkinson's Exercise Program for maintenance, as well as the acquisition of new technology to benefit people afflicted with Parkinson's disease in Northeast Pennsylvania, according to a release from the system.
The organizations raise funds for this work by co-sponsoring the annual Pledge for Parkinson's reception.
This year's event is Tuesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Graf community room of Allied's Scranton campus.
Hosts for a Day
"The biggest and most exciting night all year long for St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, Scranton," is coming up Wednesday, according to attorney Julia Munley, the 2013 Host for a Day chairwoman. That's when the kitchen will be celebrating at its 35th annual Host for A Day Reception from 6 to 9 p.m., at Genetti Manor in Dickson City.
"The Host for a Day Campaign is truly the single most important fundraiser that this Kitchen has each year," Monsignor Joseph P. Kelly, the executive director of the Kitchen said, adding, "The Kitchen serves at least 200 meals each day, 365 days a year, and without this Host for A Day Campaign we simply would not be able to provide the meals requested by the people of our community."
Noting that she is honored "to serve on a board with some of the most kindhearted and dedicated people in our community, who along with many friends of the Kitchen keep the Kitchen open each day with generous support, donations and volunteer work for our guests," Julia noted, "we have seen such a rise in the numbers of our guests month after month due to the downturn in the economy and decreases in governmental assistance. It is eye-opening. Today we are seeing families come in with very young children and many seniors from our Lackawanna Valley who have nowhere else to turn for a meal."
The hosts are who make it all happen, and they, and the program's 35th anniversary, will be celebrated at the event where board member E.J. Dougher, otherwise known as "EJ the DJ," will provide music for the talented ballroom dancers who also will entertain.
The event will feature food and refreshment stations. Board members Donna Barbetti and Judy Cosgrove are preparing baskets and gift items to be raffled off.
High notes
Committee members, including Jeff Barone, Peter Cosgrove, Mark DeStefano, Al Dorunda, Patti Duguay, Jillian Ferri, Amy Jenkins, Sue Keating, Peter Sabia and Patrick Walsh planned the Spring Break for Autism event at Susquehanna Brewing Co., Pittston, proceeds of which are benefitting autism programs at the Northeast Regional Autism Center at Friendship House.