January 2025 | The Dunmorean

AARP of Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter #3731 recently held its 2025 election of officers and directors at the Asbury United Methodist Hall, Scranton. AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) focuses on community service, consumer protection, health and wellness issues as well as legislative advocacy.

Shown, seated from left: Regina Hertzog, Barbara Strait, Mary Ventre, Marie Merkel, president; Eileen Kovatch, and Marie Krauss, treasurer. Standing, same order: Ross Ventre, secretary, Ron Stewart, vice president; Carol Soemer, David Phaneuf Sr., and Bob Kovatch. Absent from the photo was Marlene Price.

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AARP of Northeast Pa Chapter #3731 recently donated a $500 check to St Patrick’s Food Pantry. The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) funds are directed to assist in providing nutritional help to individuals and families seeking food assistance.

Shown seated left: Sandy Father Richard Fox, pastor; Mari Carr, office manager, and Bob Kovatch, AARP Board Member

At the Keystone UNICO Christmas Party held recently at Fiorelli’s, Jean Muracco was inducted as a new member.

Participating in the ceremony are from left Cesira Berardelli and Toni DiVizio, sponsors; Ann Summa, membership director; Jean Muracco, new member; Past National President UNICO National Dr. Peter Pettinato, induction officer; and Keystone Chapter President Michele McDade. New members are always welcome. If interested in joining Keystone UNICO, call Ann Summa at 570-842-9336 or Mark McDade at 570-343-7009.

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The Lackawanna River Corridor Association (LRCA) was singled out as an environmental leader in its ongoing work at restoring the Lackawanna River to its current pristine condition.

At the $1,000 check presentation, are from left: Bernie McGurl, Founding Member, Past Executive Director, and Project Director of the LRCA; Tara Jones, current Executive Director of the LRCA; Michele McDade, Keystone UNICO President, and Nanine Gramigna, Immediate Past Chapter President.

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Representatives of the U.S. Marines were present to receive the plethora of donations the Keystone UNICO Members collected and donated to the Annual “Toys for Tots” Drive.

From left are U.S. Marine Sergeants Nicholas Leatherwood and Allison Fritch; Sallie and Peter Noto, Keystone UNICO “Toys for Tots” Cochairmens, and Keystone UNICO President Michele McDade.

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Dunmore’s Keystone UNICO Christmas Party at Fiorelli’s was highlighted with a Fiorelli dinner buffet; the annual Christmas lottery stockings drawing, and the entire evening’s entertainment by local entertainer Jimmy Cerminaro, at left, singing an impromptu duet6 of Christmas songs with Toni DiVizio.