$200,000 for Griffin Pond Animal Shelter

Posted on March 1, 2023 by The Dunmorean

The Lackawanna County Commissioners presented a $200,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) check to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter/Humane Society of Lackawanna County. The much-needed resources will provide finances for the organization to cover staff costs, supplies, medicine, and general operations. Like all small, non-profits, Griffin Pond was negatively impacted tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shown from left: Commissioner Jerry Notarianni, Commissioner Debi Domenick, Commissioner Chris Chermak, Sherry Crolly, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Lackawanna County/Griffin Pond Animal Shelter and Brenda Sacco, the County’s Economic Development Director.

National Nutrition Month

Posted on March 1, 2023 by The Dunmorean

By Dr. C. Kilduff, DO

March is National Nutrition Month, and many of us know what to do with our nutrition but we rarely do it. One of the most important tips for good nutrition is to be vigilant about hydration and to drink plenty of water.

Drinking water also has the positive effect of filling your stomach so you will be less hungry during your meals. Now is the hard part and it goes against most of our NEPA heritages, Portion Control…

Think of it this way, cut your plate in half on the left side, and make sure that entire side (50%) is composed of non-starch vegetables and/or low-sugar fruits. On the right side, cut that in half again, the top quarter (25%) should be lean protein and the bottom quarter (25%) should be fiber rich carbohydrates (legumes or whole grain based). This really leaves no room for our beloved pasta, white bread and potatoes.

Compare this to your last restaurant visit, where most like the protein was the largest portion and the vegetables were the smallest, correct? An easy fix here is to drop the carbs and ask for double vegetables. As always. change usually happens slowly but if you can start applying these principles your overall health will improve.

NOTE: Dr. Kilduff is Medical Director of Hospice of the Sacred Heart

Holy Cross forward Matt Lyons steadily improves his game

Posted on March 1, 2023 by The Dunmorean

By Steve Svetovich

Holy Cross Crusaders sophomore basketball forward Matt Lyons has steadily improved his game this season.

At press time, he was a big factor in the Crusaders winning 15 of its first 20 games under veteran coach Al Callejas.

Son of Mark and Eileen Lyons, Matt has picked up on his scoring as the season progressed. He is often in double figures.

“I have been playing more inside,” he said. “I’ve been getting more rebounds and scoring more scrap points off the boards.”

The sophomore stalwart contributed 10 points in his team’s 51-50 win over Dunmore Friday, Feb. 10. Teammates Hayden Hosie and Gabe Gonzales scored 11 points each. Gonzales hit the winner for Holy Cross on a 3-pointer with 30 seconds left.

Matt, 16, has an impressive 3.9 academic average at Holy Cross. His favorite academic subject is history.

The sophomore scholar-athlete said he learned a lot from his parents.

“They teach me to stay humble and treat people with respect.”

Humble in nature, Matt was the recipient of the Presidential Service Award last year. The award goes to a student with at least 100 hours of community service.

Matt is also a member of the Holy Cross track and field team. He performs in all three jumping events and qualified for districts in the high jump.

He praised coach Callejas who was honored in a home court ceremony recently for his own personal fight with cancer. “He is beating it and that’s why they held the ceremony for him,” said Matt, “It was a nice tribute to him. He continues to be at every practice and every game. He is doing well.

He teaches us to never give up. If you never give up, you can do anything.”

The talented sophomore made the Holy Cross varsity basketball team as a freshman, but suffered a fractured left wrist early on. He came back in time for the district playoffs. He is as strong as ever this season.

He talked about the success of the team this season. “It’s all about teamwork, trusting each other ,and finding the open man. We’ve been doing that. No one plays selfish on this team.”

He talked about future goals. “In basketball, we want to win district and state titles. Those are the only goals. As far as academics, I want to continue to do my best and eventually decide what I will do after high school.”

Matt, whose favorite musical artist is Drake, is the grandson of late legendary Scranton Prep basketball coach Jack Farrell.

“I wish my grandfather was still living, so he could see me play. I know he would have loved seeing me on the court.”

Matt said he is enjoying his experience at Holy Cross High School. “It’s been a very good experience,” he said. “The school was very welcoming to me as a freshman. It’s carried over into my sophomore year.”