Dunmorean wins National Reflections Award of Merit

Posted on November 6, 2024 by The Dunmorean

By Kathleen Feeney

Mackenzie (ZZ) Dolphin, a young and talented filmmaker from Dunmore, has brought pride to her community by winning the prestigious Award of Merit, Bronze Medal, in the National PTA Reflections contest. Her poignant film on the pressing issue of bullying has earned her national recognition in the highly competitive film category.

Mackenzie, the daughter of Jennifer and Billy Dolphin, has always had a passion for storytelling and visual arts. Her award-winning film, which delves into the emotional and social impacts of bullying, stood out among numerous entries from across the country.

The National PTA Reflections contest, known for encouraging students to explore their creativity and express themselves through various artistic mediums, received over 300,000 submissions this year, making Mackenzie’s achievement particularly noteworthy.

The Dunmore Elementary Center PTA, which ran the contest at the local level, played a crucial role in Mackenzie’s journey. The top five winners in each category from Dunmore advanced to the regional level. From there, the best entries moved on to the State and National levels.

This year, Dunmore had an impressive seven regional winners with a total of 10 winning entries, showcasing the town’s rich talent pool. Among these, two advanced to win state awards, including Hope McKenna, who won an award of merit for her drawing titled “The Whale.” Mackenzie came in first in the State and advanced to Nationals where she took home the bronze! Beth Dale, Pennsylvania State PTA President stated that, to the best of her knowledge, Dunmore has never had a national winner.

In her film, Mackenzie not only captures the harsh realities faced by victims of bullying but also offers a message of hope and resilience. The judges praised her for her compelling narrative, exceptional cinematography, and the powerful way she conveyed the importance of empathy and kindness.

Jennifer and Billy Dolphin expressed immense pride in their daughter’s accomplishment. “Mackenzie has always been a thoughtful and creative individual. Her dedication to raising awareness about bullying through her film is truly inspiring,”said Jennifer.

Billy added, “We are thrilled to see her hard work and passion recognized on a national level.”

Mackenzie’s achievement has not only brought joy to her family but has also inspired her peers and the local community. The PTA plans to showcase her film to further promote discussions around the topic of bullying and encourage other students to engage in creative expression.

The National PTA Reflections program has been celebrating student achievements in the arts for over 50 years. It aims to help students explore their artistic talents and find their voice in a safe and supportive environment. Mackenzie’s success in this esteemed competition underscores the importance of arts education in fostering young talents and addressing critical social issues.

As Mackenzie looks ahead, she hopes to continue using her filmmaking skills to tell stories that matter and make a difference in the world. Her journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the impact that young voices can have on society.

The community eagerly awaits what this promising young filmmaker will create next, confident that her future endeavors will continue to inspire and bring about positive change.

For more information on the National PTA Reflections contest, and to view Mackenzie Dolphin’s award-winning film, visit the Dunmore PTA Facebook Page or go to this video link:

Wright Center now offering services at new Friendship House care center

Posted on November 6, 2024 by The Dunmorean

Legislators joined officials with The Wright Center for Community Health and Friendship House for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 24 to celebrate the Friendship House’s new Whole Person Care Center at 200 Wyoming Ave. in Scranton. (Courtesy: thewrightcenter.org)

The Wright Center for Community Health is partnering with Friendship House to improve access to responsive and inclusive whole-person primary health services, especially for individuals with complex mental health and/or substance use disorder needs.

Beginning November 5, the Wright Center is offering primary health services at Friendship House’s new Whole Person Care Center, 200 Wyoming Ave., Suite 250, Scranton. The new location will begin by opening from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing a range of services such as checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries.

These services will be available to individuals of all ages, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients do not need to be clients of Friendship House to receive care at The Wright Center’s new location.

The new center’s goal is to integrate mental health, substance use disorder, and physical health services, improving health outcomes while optimizing the use of resources. Along with The Wright Center’s primary health services, Friendship House will offer mental health and substance use disorder services, and The Prescription Center will provide pharmacy services.

Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, says, “This exciting and important partnership allows The Wright Center to enrich and extend the delivery of our noble mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. By improving access to essential primary health care services for individuals who come to Friendship House, we will continue to enhance the overall health and well-being of our shared community.”

Friendship House provides support to children, adolescents, and adults facing developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral challenges, or the effects of trauma from loss, abuse, or neglect. In March 2022, the nonprofit acquired the two-story, 22,000-square-foot facility, which spans the Davidow Building at 200-216 Wyoming Ave., and the former Murray Building at 413-415 Biden St.

Anthracite Holiday Klatsch set for December 14th

Posted on November 6, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The Anthracite Heritage Museum is pleased to announce the Anthracite Holiday Klatsch will take place on Saturday, December 14, from noon to 4 p.m. The museum opens at 10 a.m.

A kaffeeklatsch is a social gathering with good conversation and good coffee. Join in an old-fashioned kaffeeklatsch with a holiday twist. During the program, visitors will enjoy holiday crafts, live musical performances, a presentation on German christkindlmarkte, and more. Special performances will be presented by Valley View High School Choir and Wally Gordon Community Singers.

Admission includes the holiday programming, museum exhibition hall, and 10% discounts in the museum store and on museum membership and gift memberships. The museum opens at 10am.

“This year’s holiday programming will be a blast, says Site Administrator Bode Morin. “We will have activities for the whole family throughout the afternoon. Come by for music, arts, crafts, to go through the museum, and enjoy great deals on special gifts from our store. If you join the museum that day, kaffeeklatsch admission will be free. Or pick up a gift membership for someone who will enjoy free admission to the museum and Eckley Miners’ Village throughout the year and discounts in the museum store.”

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 3-11), and $6 for Seniors.  Free for members of the Anthracite Heritage Museum.

For more information, visit http://www.anthracitemuseum.org/event/anthracite-holiday-klatsch/, call (570) 963-4804, or visit our Facebook page.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.