Talented seniors take their places
Stand up comedienne Alberta Houman took first place honors when United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania hosted Lackawanna County's "Seniors Got Talent" show at the West Side Senior Center in Scranton. Nancy Ramirez's tap dancing and Precious Flowers Kitchen's piano playing won them second and third place trophies, respectively.
Sixteen older adult acts - ranging from musicians, singers and dancers to comedians - competed against each other during the May is Older Adult Month competition, themed "Unleash the Power of Age."
Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty emceed the event, which was judged by the Fab Three's Jack Bordo, Step by Step Dance Studio's Jack Martin, the University of Scranton's Lynn Scramuzza and Lackawanna County Judge Margaret Moyle.
Proceeds benefited UNC's four Lackawanna County senior centers.
Super students
University of Scranton students Lisa Gruszecki, Sarah Triano and Corrine Wolff were inducted into Tau Upsilon Alpha, the national honor society for counseling and human services. Lisa of Old Forge is a senior at Scranton. Sarah of Scranton and Corrine of Clarks Summit are juniors ... Misericordia University nursing students Rebecca Cavill, West Pittston; Cory Chikowski, West Pittston; Nicholas Morreale, Pittston Twp.; Krystin Riggi, Dunmore; Lindsey Ross, Wyoming; Grace Ross, Wyoming; LeAnn Terpstra, Susquehanna; and Ashley Vomhof, Olyphant; were among the honorees at a pinning ceremony for undergraduates in the traditional Bachelor of Science degree in nursing program and the RN to BSN Expressway Program who graduated during at the university's 87th commencement ceremony in May.
High notes
Jeff Luongo and Joseph Antosh were among the 30 employees state Department of Transportation Secretary Barry J. Schoch recognized for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award last week at an awards luncheon at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg. Jeff is the acting county manager for Pike County. Joseph is the information technology coordinator for District 4. "Jeff and Joseph work hard and are deserving of this award," District Executive George Roberts said. "We are fortunate to have them as part of the PennDOT team." ... Members of UNICO Scranton Chapter, including Sal Mecca, president; Palma Yanni, chairwoman of the board; Linda Malinoski and Jo Ann Verduce, board members; Blasé Dente, Virginia Gowden, Danny Lovaglio and Pat Yanni, visited with residents at St. Joseph's Center.
- TERRY BONIFANTI