What's Happening!?!?

Memories of Mom

happeningsmagazine — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:52:26 +0000

Dear Readers,

My grandmother (seated in the photo) was born in 1891. Over 117 years later, in 2008, my daughter Madeleine was born, obviously into a much different world! After giving the contents of this May issue a quick scan and reading all about other mothers, I pondered the kinds of traits which remain constant – those which are passed on through generations, particularly to women. My grandmother was a teacher prior to marrying and having 11 children. My mother describes her as being “sensible, organized and strict.” (You’d kind of have to be with so many children.) She died at age 92, but not before she presented me, her final grandchild, with a set of down pillows for my wedding. I found this a bit odd and annoying at the time, since I was only 14 years old, but now I realize it was her sense of being fair, orderly and “planning ahead,” that made her give me my wedding present about 20 years early.

I asked my two sisters, who are pictured with their daughters below, what lessons of skills our mother and grandmother taught them that they most remember and use today. My sister Sue responded, “I learned from Mom that your brain can function better, and you can accomplish more, if you begin with a neat environment, follow patterns and aim for consistency with tasks.” My sister Rosemary says that our mother taught her to have a “quiet confidence. People will watch actions, not your words.” I like these lessons, and even though some of them may have gotten lost en route to me, I want my daughter to see that, even 117 years later, being sensible, being organized and planning ahead sure do come in handy.

Enjoy this May issue, and drop me a note about something you read that sparks your interest.

Fondly,

Paula Mackarey

Houses, Honeymoons… and Colonoscopies?!?

happeningsmagazine — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:49:03 +0000

Dear Readers,

Last month Happenings’ Erika Bruckner wrote an incredible “Dear Readers” letter about her awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience observing open heart surgery at Mercy Hospital (you can still read it online at HappeningsMagazinePA.com).

Then, managing editor Barb Toolan asked me to follow that by writing the letter this month, “about honeymoons, homes or… colonoscopies – since March is colorectal cancer awareness month.” Thanks Barb.

Actually, it is easy for me to combine two of those subjects. A few days of my two-week New England honeymoon were spent in Newport, Rhode Island. There, my husband John and I toured several Gilded Age mansions on the Cliffwalk, including The Breakers, Rosecliff and Marble House. It’s definitely worth a trip, particularly if you are lacking inspiration for your own dwelling during this drab-weather month. If you prefer to find more ideas about adding color to your home,without making the trip, just turn to page ##. I’m excited that my neighbor Patricia O’Brien,(whose home is featured on page ##) agreed to help me add new fabrics and color to my own home.

I do think it’s fun to read about where couples went on their honeymoon and why. (You can read about real honeymoons on page ##.) For our honeymoon,my husband John’s creativity was limited by my plea not to involve air travel, since September 11 had caused me to take a break from the not-so-friendly skies. Actually, my earliest conception (at about age 4) of what a honeymoon was came from my 1970’s Man-on-the Moon coloring book. I was terrified that I would have to board a space shuttle after my wedding for a literal trip “to the moon.” Which now brings me to colorectal cancer awareness month.While getting checked out may not top your list of fun things to do this March,we want to encourage you to take the quiz on page ##.

If you have family history of colorectal cancer, or if you have approached the age of 50,please be sure to schedule your screening by March 31. Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S., but if diagnosed early,the five-year survival rate is 90%.

Enjoy this March issue, and as always if you read something that particularly sparks your interest, drop me a line at pmackarey@happeningscommgroup.com

Fondly,

Paula Mackarey

Sprouts of Goodness

happeningsmagazine — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:36:46 +0000

Dear Readers,

Go green. Eco-friendly. Earth Day. These concepts weren’t always in vogue. But, as I sat down to write this letter, I kept going back to an experience I had in grade school– long before these terms became mainstream.

I remember when I was in elementary school, every year on Arbor Day we were given a tiny seedling tree to plant. My brother and I would plant our trees around our house. Some made it. Some didn’t. But I’m proud to say the tree I received when I was in first grade is still growing strong. I watered it and watched over it carefully looking for signs of growth. Needless to say it didn’t sprout up overnight, and eventually my interests turned to other things. Years later my family moved, and of course the tree couldn’t come with us (much to my dismay!), but it’s still in the same spot I planted it as a child. Today, every time I drive by I love to look at my tree. It’s huge now; I’m always struck by just how tall it is, and I’m overcome with a feeling that’s one part pride and one part despair at being so old that I remember this tree as a tiny sprout!

I don’t know if this program still exists, but it’s a terrific idea! It taught you early on to give back and look after your environment. It gave you a vested interest in it. Today there are so many ways to incorporate green practices in your life. In this issue we try to give tips and ideas on how you can be a little greener. Check out page 30 for a log home that’s the ultimate in eco-friendly building. We’ve also outlined 12 ways to commemorate Earth Day in Northeast PA. See the list on page 34. We’ve also included some ways to go organic. Read page 36 to find all kinds of products to help you lead a healthier lifestyle– from the inside out.

Spring has officially sprung in Northeast PA! I hope this issue provides the incentive to get out and make your corner of the planet a little greener.

Enjoy,

Barbara Toolan

Open-Heart Surgery

happeningsmagazine — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:34:28 +0000

Dear Readers,

This is one story I never thought I’d have the chance to write… primarily because I never thought I’d be invited to observe an open-heart surgery… secondly because I thought that if I did get that chance, I’d faint before I got enough information for a story!

However, I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be present during an open-heart surgery performed at Mercy Hospital in Scranton. Despite my normally queasy stomach, I couldn’t pass up the chance to learn so much. I have had the privilege of promoting heart health through the last six Happenings’ February issues; yet this year’s experience has allowed me to understand that vital subject better than I ever have before.

Outside of a writing assignment, the opportunity took on special meaning for me. I had been at a hospital just a few months before, when my grandfather was undergoing heart surgery. My Pop Pop had been feeling short of breath for a while, but he didn’t admit to anyone there was a problem. As time went on, he casually mentioned how he was feeling to one of his long-time friends and neighbors. Being a good friend, Chick immediately drove Pop to the hospital to be checked out. Doctors confirmed it was a heart problem, and Pop was scheduled for surgery. Chick had undergone his own heart surgery earlier that year, so he explained every step as Pop went through his tests, surgery and recovery.

Now I was able to witness a talented surgical team, like the one that fixed my Pop’s heart.

I toured the hospital’s state-of-the-art Catheterization Lab, led by James Yi, a pioneer of perfusionist technology. Next, I traded my typical business suit for a set of blue scrubs. Since I heard some smells in the O.R. take some getting used to, I quickly spritzed my surgical mask with vanilla spray before proceeding to the O.R. There, I was ushered to stand on risers near the operating table to observe the aortic valve replacement.

At this point, I (a person who gets squeamish at the sight of a needle!) started to get more nervous. It wasn’t reassuring to hear that one in three people typically faint their first time in the O.R.! Thankfully, I was accompanied by co-worker Melissa Sanko and future nurse Rachel Alexander (who I hoped would carry me out, if needed!).

I expected a daunting, heavy tone and “Grey’s Anatomy” levels of stress. However, nothing was as I expected. The room was busy, but never hectic. The people were focused, but never strained. Each professional understood the role of every other person in the room. They anticipated each other’s next steps and were ready before the doctor even voiced a command. Led by the accomplished Lear Von Koch, MD, (pictured above) who has over 10,000 surgeries under his belt, everyone seemed comfortable and confident. They truly functioned as a team, each gracefully demonstrating the mastery of their intricate craft. But the comfortable atmosphere I have described should not be mistaken for casual. Each realized every move was of vital importance. The sterile environment remained uncompromised. The room was arranged and re-arranged before I lifted my eyes from taking notes.

Dr. Koch voiced his first instruction. “Can we start with the ‘60s?” Immediately, the satellite radio was changed from smooth Jazz to the 1960s music channel. Now the surgery could begin.

The ‘60s sounds gave way to music of the next decade and John’ Lennon’s “Imagine.” Dr. Koch’s accompaniment of “You may say I’m a dreamer…” was mixed with phrases like “One more suture.” As he pulled back the pericardium to reveal the heart, his actions seemed as natural as if he were tying a pair of shoes. Instead of shying away, I found myself amazed as I peered at a beating heart, in awe of the detailed intricacy and loving care of the creator God.

An hour into the surgery, with sounds of “Love Train” playing in the background, the heart was stopped, and the perfusionists oversaw the heart-lung machine responsible for sustaining the patient’s life. I stayed alert as the team would mention words I couldn’t understand and didn’t even try to write down. “Hand me a partansky clamp.” Or “I need another monopoler probe.” I was proud of myself for recognizing just one official medical term – when the doctor asked for the “long scissors!”

Dr. Koch and his team took the time to explain each part of the detailed procedure– what they were doing and why they were doing it. I wondered why they were so willing to make the effort to make sure I understood. After all, I won’t be performing any heart surgeries any time soon! But after witnessing these people work for hours, I realized it was because of their passion. When a person is truly passionate about something, when they genuinely love what they do, they can’t help but want to share that experience with someone else.

As we neared the fourth hour of surgery, my feet began to ache. I paused to consider that this was the doctor’s third surgery of the day; as I was shifting from one foot to the other, he seemed as fresh as if he were just starting the day. A nurse called the patient’s family, and the doctor began to close the patient’s chest as upbeat “closing music” like “Betty Davis Eyes” and Madonna’s “Dress You Up” flowed from the speakers.

I took a deep breath, still noticing the subtle vanilla scent as I stepped down from the risers in what used to be comfortable shoes. For me it was the end of an amazing medical adventure. For the surgical team it was another day at work… another heart repaired… another life changed – just like it was for my Pop Pop just a few months earlier.

Erika A. Bruckner

Special thanks to Dr. Koch, James Yi, Anesthesiologist Joseph Ruzbarsky, Nurse Anesthetists Mark Antonio and Patricia Yocum, Physician’s Assistant Ron Kuniegel, Perfusionist Katie Smith and Registered Nurses Ann Ritterback and Alyssa Berardelli of Mercy Hospital in Scranton, who do the amazing every day.

Really Home in NEPA!

happeningsmagazine — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:30:22 +0000

Dear Readers,

My husband Johnny and I recently started our newest adventure – becoming homeowners! We traded our second-floor apartment for a cozy home in Lackawanna County. When we first started our home search, I only had two requirements – a yard big enough to accommodate playing catch and space in the kitchen for a dishwasher (two things I always longed for while we were renting)! But as we looked at property after property, I realized there were so many other things to consider.

The Northeast PA region has a great mix of charming older homes, newer constructions and desirable lots from which to choose. As we were going through the search process, I realized how important it was to have experienced professionals to guide us through each step. Jill Vessey, our realtor from Coldwell Banker Town & Country Properties, helped us weed through properties. Jane Carlonas of Oliver, Price and Rhodes helped make sense of all the legal paperwork. Without them, I think we’d still be ringing in the new year in our apartment!

A few months into our search, Johnny and I stepped into one particular house, and we finally felt like we were home! Not only were the yard and dishwasher there, but it also had a garage (which topped Johnny’s list!). We knew it was the one! We closed on the house the day before Thanksgiving – giving us one more thing for which to thank God! Even though we’re still unpacking as I write this (and although I feel like we may be unpacking until 2011!), nearly every time I walk through the front door I still can hardly believe this is our home!

In my idealistic mind, I imagined once we signed the closing documents, we wouldn’t have anything left to do but move in…wrong! I quickly realized buying a home introduced us to a new world of painting, interior decorating, furniture shopping and household repairs! For all those household projects, I admit, I’m one of those people who needs to find out everything about a particular product or service before I buy it. I research, compare, ask questions and then research some more to make sure I’m buying just the thing that fits our needs and budget… which is why I absolutely can’t wait for the Lackawanna Home Builder’s Association’s Home Showcase (get the details on page 12)!

At last year’s LHBA Home Showcase, I made my rounds to collect information on mortgage rates; this year thankfully my focus has changed to the post-purchase stage! All kinds of home improvement experts are in one place just waiting for me to ask questions and get prepared for our 2010 projects – it’s the perfect opportunity for an information addict like me to cross lots of things off my to-do list! I’m so glad God allowed us to call Northeast PA home!

All the best from our home to yours in 2010!

Erika A. Bruckner

Sweet Memories

happeningsmagazine — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:02:18 +0000

I got my appreciation of baking from my Nana!

Dear Readers,

It’s funny how so many of our memories tend to revolve around food. Sometimes it’s the big family celebrations and holidays, but often it’s the quieter day-to-day moments that stay with us.

Whenever I remember my grandmother, it’s often of her busy in the kitchen. She was quite a baker. And as my mother tells it, I was usually attached to my grandmother’s hip while she was baking. I can recall kneeling on a stool at her side watching her work and waiting anxiously to lick the beaters! My grandmother passed away when I was only 8, but I can still vividly recall those moments shared with her, and how I wish some of her talent in the kitchen had rubbed off on me.

Today I have the worn and yellowing recipe cards in her handwriting. I’ve tried to re-create some of her specialties with varying degrees of success. A few years ago I tried her apple pie recipe for Thanksgiving, and it was a hit….although her crust would have been from scratch- mine was store bought. Everyone in our family remembers the jelly sugar cookies Nana made. When I was little, my job was usually to cut the cookie out the dough using a small glass. I thought it would be nice to make the same cookies for my sister-in-law’s bridal shower. They didn’t quite turn out like Nana’s. I was up ‘til the wee hours of the morning, but despite my best efforts, her dainty jelly cookies turned out to be giant blobs of dough. Another of her signature treats was homemade chocolate-covered peanut butter eggs. They were amazing! I have the recipe for this one, but as of yet not the courage to tackle it.

That early exposure left me with an appreciation for baking…if not the knack for it. In this issue, we take a look at the role food has played in our celebrations and our daily lives. You’ll meet a woman who turned her artistic talent into a thriving custom cake business. She can create a sweet confection in just about every shape imaginable (check out page 10). Then we took a stroll down memory lane to see how wedding cakes have evolved through the years (page 12 & 13). In this issue we reveal our reader’s choice for Northeast PA’s best foods. On pages 40-44 find out what you said were the region’s signature dishes– from pizza and pierogies to Smidgens and steak! Who can forget the biggest food holiday of them all– Thanksgiving! If you’re not up to hosting the festivities this year– take the family out for a traditional meal at an area restaurant. The list of places serving Thanksgiving dinner is on page 68.

I hope you enjoy the flavor of this issue and that it inspires you to create memories of your own! Be sure to let me know about some other trademark Northeast PA foods that we may not have included in our Top 40. Email me at: btoolan@happeningscommgroup.com

Bon Apetit!

Barbara Toolan

Managing Editor

Blocking Brain Drain

happeningsmagazine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:13:04 +0000

Mr. Haller and me at graduation from Marywood University

Dear Readers,

Since we’re addressing the challenge of how NEPA can keep its college graduates, I thought I’d share my own story. When I graduated from Marywood University in 1993, I had my sights set on Atlanta… or Dallas, Texas or… really anywhere BUT Northeast PA.

As the youngest of seven children – I had siblings in my choice of major U.S. cities – so I assumed I would follow in their footsteps. But a funny thing happened on my way out of Scranton. Without my soliciting, I received phone calls from various regional companies with the same message: “We know you’re leaving the area, but we would really appreciate it if you would come in and meet with us.” To a young impressionable person in her twenties, it was flattering, so I did meet with a few of them.

These companies got my name and knew about my work because I completed several internships and served as a student board member of a professional organization. Looking back, I realize that I owe a lot of gratitude to my Department Chairperson at Marywood, Mr. Bob Haller. Mr. Haller was a retired Army Colonel who made it his primary concern to push (or really, it was more like “force”!) his students out into the professional community. He’d hand you a phone number of a company he expected you to call for an internship. If you hadn’t made the call by the next day, he’d either make it for you or pass it on to someone else. He recruited professionals from the community to serve as our advisors on national student competitions, a few of which we even won first in the nation. He understood that in order for us to be successful, we needed to begin networking with professionals from day one of our college career. And, he led by example.

In my opinion, solving the region’s brain drain challenge doesn’t just require having intelligent theories. It requires unique, impassioned people to carry them out well.

It is ironic that not only did I never make it out of Northeast PA, but that my career would involve improving and promoting the region. Only recently has it really sunk in to me that the promotional work that is being done today may not have immediate results, but it surely will shape our region for decades to come.

We salute the college grads who have chosen to make Northeast PA their home and those organizations involved in helping more people re-discover our area for college AND CAREER.

Paula Rochon Mackarey

Publisher

40 Years of Happenings!

happeningsmagazine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:47:31 +0000

Dear Readers,

June 2009 is a very exciting time at Happenings Magazine– it’s our 40th year in business. The very first issue of Happenings Magazine, (June 1969) was the collaboration of three men–Murray Dolitsky, Jim Eagen and Tom Reddington, the latter of whom continued to publish Happenings with his wife and family for the next 25 years. I entered the Happenings scene in 1994 when the interim publisher, Sam Mundrake hired me. Just a few months later I asked my recently graduated Marywood University friend, Barbara Toolan, to “help me out at the magazine just a few hours a week.”

One of the first times I realized the power of Happenings was in September 1995 when we published the Ten Best Places to Hike, but we didn’t include directions. Our phone started ringing like crazy and I realized, “Wow! We told our readers to “Take a Hike” and they did! They are actually doing what we told them to do!

We’ve been so honored to be a part of the history of Northeast PA for the past four decades. In this issue, not only do we take a little peek at our history, but we also begin to take a look at 40 events, people and businesses that shaped our region. But there’s so much to share! Be sure check our website, HappeningsMagazinepa.com for some bonus info and goodies! We’ll be continuing our anniversary theme throughout the year– so be sure to collect each one!

We would like to sincerely thank the businesses that have entrusted us with carrying their messages each month. Your continued confidence in us allows us to make each issue better and better. Together, and with God’s help, we will continue to make a positive difference in Northeast PA during the next 40 years

Warmly,
Paula Rochon Mackarey

Trashing the Dress!?!?

happeningsmagazine — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:12:24 +0000

Dear Readers,

Brides are in love with at least two things.

1). Her groom.

2). Her gown. (usually in that order!)

Brides have spent so much time and money to find the absolute perfect dress that it’s near-impossible to let it go! (believe me, I know!) I’ve seen brides who’ve preserved their dress in hopes their daughter will someday resurrect the dated duds to wear down the aisle again. Some had their baby’s christening gown made from the sentimental material. Others store the dress in the attic only to unearth it at least once a year. Some have worn it to costume parties. One friend of mine even wore her gown around the house after the wedding just because she couldn’t get enough of it!

Another way to stretch out the lifespan of a dress is not to do it physically, but artistically. “Trash the Dress” photo sessions place couples– all dolled up in their wedding attire– in out of-the-ordinary atmospheres, such as in a field or under a waterfall (read about it on page 14).

I thought about scheduling a “TTD,” as it’s known in photographer lingo, when my wedding photographer Kim Winey proposed the idea about a year ago. Now, after researching and writing about the concept for this issue, I can’t get the trend out of my head! I want to trash my dress.

I ran my idea by a few people. My sister was intrigued. My mother shuttered at the thought. There was no way I was even going to mention it to Grandma. My husband liked any scenario that would involve him jumping into a lake.

Jumping into a local pond wearing the most expensive piece of clothing I have ever owned was absolutely the furthest thought from my mind! But as crazy as it sounds, now I’m so ready to do it.

This summer marks four years since our wedding, but as far as I know, no one made a rule that photos in a wedding dress have to be taken promptly one week after the ceremony. In my mind, celebrating four years together sounds like the perfect excuse to do an anniversary TTD shoot! After all, my photos are now my most precious reminders of the best day of my life. My dress is merely resting on a hanger in my mom’s basement.

Am I crazy? You tell me. Send me an email at ebruckner@happeningscommgroup.com or friend “PA Happenings” on Facebook.

Until then… keeping it clean,

Erika

Erika A. BrucknerDear Readers,

My snow-white dress might be ready for a photo road trip!

Dear Readers,

Brides are in love with at least two things.

1). Her groom.

2). Her gown. (usually in that order!)

: Local bride “drowns her gown” for artistic memories (photo by Bernie Andreoli Photography)

In all honesty, if I had known about the trend when we were married in 2005, I most likely would have been a little squeamish. I was too close to it all. I went to at least five local shops and tried on a hundred dresses before I knew I had found “the one.” Jumping into a local pond wearing the most expensive piece of clothing I have ever owned was absolutely the furthest thought from my mind! But as crazy as it sounds, now I’m so ready to do it.

Am I crazy? You tell me. Send me an email at ebruckner@happeningscommgroup.com or comment here.

Until then… keeping it clean,

Erika A. Bruckner

Celebrating 40 Years of Happenings!

happeningsmagazine — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:48:03 +0000

Dear Readers,

Fourteen years later Barb serves as Happenings Magazine’s Managing Editor and is as dedicated, loyal, passionate and consistent as the day she started. She is still bewildered as to how I calculated my estimation of “just a few hours a week” because, as she says, transforming Happenings into what it is today didn’t happen overnight, but many times it did take all night! But I think the long hours and hard work seem so rewarding when people tell us they simply can’t wait to get each issue; or that Happenings really helped make their event a success; or when people tell us Happenings helped educate them about something or change their attitude about Northeast PA. Our readers’ passion for our magazine keeps our passion alive! One of the first times I realized the power of Happenings was in September 1995 when we published the Ten Best Places to Hike, but we didn’t include directions. Our phone started ringing like crazy and I realized, “Wow! We told our readers to “Take a Hike” and they did! They are actually doing what we told them to do!

We’ve been so honored to be a part of the history of Northeast PA for the past four decades. In this issue, not only do we take a little peek at our history, but we also begin to take a look at 40 events, people and businesses that shaped our region. But there’s so much to share! Be sure check our website, HappeningsMagazinepa.com for some bonus info and goodies! And check out our blog (&*^(*&^^) for some fun bloopers and very personal best and worst moments at Happenings Magazine! We’ll be continuing our anniversary theme throughout the year– so be sure to collect each one!

Warmly,

Paula

Paula Rochon MackareyDear Readers,

We’ve been so honored to be a part of the history of Northeast PA for the past four decades. In this issue, not only do we take a little peek at our history, but we also begin to take a look at 40 events, people and businesses that shaped our region. But there’s so much to share! Be sure check our website, HappeningsMagazinepa.com for some bonus info and goodies! And check out our blog (&*^(*&^^) for some fun bloopers and very personal best and worst moments at Happenings Magazine! We’ll be continuing our anniversary theme throughout the year– so be sure to collect each one!

Warmly,

Paula

Paula Rochon Mackarey

Dear Readers,

Warmly,
Paula Rochon Mackarey