Adding variety to local scene
Mary Marrara has a new idea for NEPA.
The chairwoman of the "Name Your Charity Event," Mary introduced the idea of a fundraiser that includes two events and allows attendees to decide who benefits. The charities include Meals on Wheels of NEPA, Allied Services, the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple and St. Joseph's Center, and the charity of an attendee's choice.
The "Name Your Charity Event" will premiere Saturday, Sept. 21, at the cultural center. The evening is being planned by a committee that includes Lisa Davis, St. Joseph's Center; Dr. Patrick Fricchione, president of the cultural center's board of directors; Rachael Fronduti, public relations and marketing coordinator for the cultural center; Donna Kunda, business manager for the cultural center; Linda Robeson, St. Joseph's Center; Joe Peters, executive director of the cultural center; Elaine Shepard, Meals on Wheels; Erin Speicher, event director, cultural center; Linda Steier, executive director of Meals on Wheels of NEPA.
The night begins with the "Name Your Charity Variety Show" at 6 p.m. A second event "Dance the Night Away" from 8 to 11 p.m., includes a reception with dancing, live entertainment featuring "Dui Cugino," gift basket raffle, light fare and a cash bar.
Tickets will be available at $50 for both events, $25 for one.
Super students
Fordham University students Jillian Abballe of Dalton and Jonathan Bonin of Scranton have been initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. ... Scott Cleveland of Carbondale will lead a new team of student leaders at Baptist Bible College, aiming its focus on event planning and leadership development on campus. Scott, the incoming president of the Student Leadership Council, is a senior communications drama major with a youth ministry minor at BBC. The council's foundational goal, Scott said, "is to aid the student body in spiritual growth," adding, "I absolutely love BBC and I love helping people become more like Christ. I want the SLC to use its ability to positively impact the lives of students as we grow together. "
High notes
Lesley Bommer, Kathy Chorba, Ruth Collins, Helen Dieffenbach, Lisa Flynn, Margaret Messana, Jennifer Ochman, Mary Ann Rodeghiero, Susan Seitzinger, Sharah Sespico and Peg Shultz participated in a Downton Abbey Fashion Show and Tea to benefit the Lackawanna Historical Society.