Publication November 14
Transcription
Publication November 14
March 2016 www.westsidebulletin.net PLYMOUTH KIWANIS HOSTS VALLEY WEST KEY CLUB Members of the Wyoming Valley West High School Key Club were recently hosted by the Plymouth Kiwanis Club at Happy Pizza in Plymouth. Key Club members offered presentations on past and current activities of their organization this scholastic year and detailed plans for future activities and events. The Key Club is sponsored by the Plymouth Kiwanis Club. The two organizations work together on community service projects to include the annual Kettle Drive of the Salvation Army and the community Halloween Parade. This year, the Kiwanians are sponsoring three Key Club members to attend Key Leader Camp at Camp Conrad Weiser in Wernersville, Pennsylvania in April. Plymouth Kiwanis has sponsored attendees to the camp for the past several years. The camp mission is to develop confidence and leadership skills in the youngsters attending the camp. Pictured, seated, left to right, are Key Club members Ariel Banks, Sarah Lawson, and Lauren Devers.Standing, left to right, are Raymond Motyka, John Gavenonis, and James Mahon, Kiwanis treasurer, secretary and president respectively; Tyler Wozniak, Key Club vice president; Key Club member Madelyn Casier; Valley West Key Club Advisor Ninaleigh Wozniak and Plymouth Kiwanis President-Elect Richard Schall. PIZZABELLA 980 WYOMING AVE., FORTY FORT, (570) 288-3278 March SPECIALS Pizza - MED. Bruschetta (3 cheese, marinated diced tomato & red onion) - $7.50 BOLI - Large 16” Meatlovers - $10.99 SUB - Large 12” Battered Haddock Filet Garden $7.50 SALAD - Seafood (Med.Shrimp & Sea Legs over Greens - $6.99 WRAP - Western Breakfast - $5.25 Order online Pizzabella.org or PIZZABELLANEPA PHONE APP 5 LOCATIONS; HANOVER, NANTICOKE, FORTY FORT, PLAINS & DALLAS Enter to win a free large pie for a year. Monthly drawing. PizzaBellaNEPA.COM Preschool MESS Program at the Hoyt Library The Science Session of the Preschool Math, Early Literacy, Science and Stories Program, at the Hoyt Library, will take place on Monday, March 7th and Monday, March 14th , from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. During both sessions, children’s interests will be sparked by learning through hands-on interactions and utilization of different manipulatives through play; while also building knowledge. Children, during these sessions, will participate in various science experiments about the topics presented. The MESS Program is also intended to aid children with problem solving, logic, language, sharing and collaborative skills. Children, ages 3-5, but not in Kindergarten, are welcome to attend. To register, or for more information, call the library at 570-287-2013. Westsidebulletin - Page 2 Read the Westside Bulletin Read the Westside Bulletin Online at www.westsidebulletin.net Richard DeHaven - Owner/ Publisher 570.690.0727 Alan Stout - Correspondent Email: [email protected] Website: www.westsidebulletin.net Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1677, Kingston, PA 18704 Phone: 570.690.0727 FAX: 570.675.2399 Next Publication Date: March 30, 2016 Deadline March 23, 2016 Locally owned and independently operated not affiliated with any other Publishing Company. Available at over 90 locations each month free of Charge in the following areas: Plymouth, Edwardsville, Kingston, Luzerne, Forty-Fort, Swoyersville, West Wyoming, Exeter, Courtdale, and Pringle Please note: It is the policy of the Westside Bulletin to publish event notices free of charge, if the event is free to the public and/or the proceeds are being donated to an organization. If there is a charge to attend an event, advertising rates may apply. NOTICE: The Publisher of the Westside Bulletin, LLC reserves the right to edit and reject submissions deemed unsuitable for publication. Advertising, articles and community submissions to the Westside Bulletin may or may not be the opinion of the Publisher and therefore the Publisher will not be liable. The Westside Bulletin, LLC is not responsible for lost photographs or information, however, when indicated with submissions, the Publisher of the Westside Bulletin, LLC will return all photographs to the original sender. To our advertisers, we will strive to exceed your advertising expectations And our goal is to publish an error free publication. If an error should occur, we will credit the portion of advertising space or offer the same space of advertising in the following publication. The Publisher will not be responsible or liable for lost revenue. Don’t miss an issue!!! Westsidebulletin - Page 3 Westsidebulletin - Page 4 Hoyt Library 284 Wyoming Avenue Kingston, PA 18704 570-287-2013 570-283-2081 FAX R & R Pastries 19th, The Wyoming Valley Stamp Club will meet on Saturday, March from 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., in the Community Room of the Hoyt Library, Kingston. The club’s agenda will include a business meeting; the showing of the short film, Timbromania, about stamp collecting; and an open session where members may display, discuss, and trade stamps from their collections. Information will also be presented about the once-in-a-decade International Stamp Show in New York City in the spring. Newcomers are invited to attend, and members will be available to discuss stamp collecting and just what is involved in this wonderful and rewarding hobby. For additional information, or to register, call the library at 570-287-2013. Teen Glee Club Sign-Ups at the Hoyt Library. Are you interested in music? Do you like to sing, or do you play an instrument? Would you like to meet new friends that enjoy doing the same? If you do, come to to the Hoyt Library, on Monday, February, 29th , anytime between the hours of 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to sign-up for a new teen Glee Club, called Key Factor, and get ready to meet new friends! The club meets every other Monday at the library, and is open to teens in the area who play an instrument, are interested in singing, and who enjoy Karaoke and accapella style music. For more information, call the library at 570-287-2013. 349 Union St., Luzerne, PA 18709 - 570-283-3004 Now Accepting Phone Orders for Easter Store Hours: Thursday, Mar. 24th & Friday, Mar. 25th 11:00am to 6:00pm Saturday, Mar., 26th - 9:00am to 1:00pm Nut, Poppy, Prune, & Apricot Rolls Paska Bread with a Braid and a Cross Walnut Kolachy’s, Fruit Kolachy’s Order Tandy Cake Trays & Pineapple Square Trays Homemade New York Style Lemon Cheesecake All Time Favorites: Sweet Pizza & Rye Bread Potato Cheese, Sweet Cabbage, Prune, & Farmer’s Cheese Pierogies Italian Easter Pie (egg, cheese, & ham) GLUTEN FREE BREAD White Rice, Brown Rice, & Rye CASH AND PERSONAL CHECKS ONLY Westsidebulletin - Page 5 White Haven Area Community Library The WHACL is hosting our 2nd annual tasting fundraiser event White Haven Area Community Library HOPS & GRAPES TASTING EVENT Date: Sat. April 30, 2016 Time: 2pm-5pm Place: St. Patrick's Church Hall, 411 Allegheny St., White Haven, PA Cost: $20 per person (must be at least 21yrs old to attend) Contact: 570-443-8776 (please leave a message) www.whitehavenlibrary.com “Use your tax refund for your dream home” Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank Contributes $10,000 to Wyoming Valley Montessori School EITC Scholarship Program The Wyoming Valley Montessori School in Kingston, recently received an EITC contribution in the amount of $10,000 from Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank. The EITC scholarship program is a highly innovative program which affords scholarship monies for Pennsylvania’s lower and middle class families through the direct engagement of businesses in the educational process, by providing the funding for scholarships in exchange for state tax credits. The EITC program has proven a tremendously successful partnership, awarding more than 300,000 scholarships worth $375,000 million over the past twelve years. Pictured at the check presentation are: Sal DeFrancesco, EVP, Chief Financial Officer, Fidelity Bank; Michael Pacyna, EVP, Chief Business Banking Officer, Fidelity Bank; Donna Gizenski, VP, Business Banking Relationship Manager, Fidelity Bank; and Dennis J. Puhalla , Head of School, WVMS. Resident of Forty Fort, PA 18704 Advertise For The Entire Month The Most Inexpensive Way To Advertise Call 570-690-0727 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK WVMS was founded in 1970 by a group of parents interested in the educational philosophies of Dr. Marie Montessori. The school has a staff of 30 and an enrollment of over 115 students. It is an independent, non-profit co-educational day school and is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary Schools. WWW.westsidebulletin,net Westsidebulletin - Page 6 UPCOMING TEA PARTY/DISCUSSION At The Wyoming Free Library The library will host a Downton Abbey season 6 tea party finale on Saturday, March 12 at 1:00 p.m. To reserve a spot for the tea, please RSVP by Wednesday, March 9. Anyone attending the tea can bring a dessert. Simple Wedding Etiquette for Children By Jill Evans Kryston, Etiquette Consultant – Westside Bulletin, March 2016 Q: My children are going to be attendants in my sister’s wedding. Since they’ll be in the limelight, I would like to know what we can do ahead to prepare them for the big day. Can you give me some tips on simple manners? A: All children should be taught basic life skills in social etiquette. Begin with the handshake. Ask them to stand straight, smile, and make eye contact while reaching out with the right hand to engage in a firm “web to web” handshake. Introductions accompanied by handshakes should always be followed with greetings such as, “It’s nice to meet you,” or “How do you do,” in a strong clear voice. Reinforce magic words. We’ve all been taught to say please, thank you, and excuse me, but sometimes we forget to use courteous words. Remind your children to say, “May I please” when asking for something and, “No, thank you” when declining an offer. Also, children should be taught to address adults with whom they are less familiar by their title, Mr., Mrs., Dr., Ms., and so on. As with all manners, this shows respect. TheWyoming Free Library Downtonites Seatedleft to right: Larissa Craven, Helen Soska, Nancy Fusco, Lisa Lindquist Standing left to right: Colleen Garrison, Linda Van Orden, Sally Lukash, JoanneOlejnick. JohnRoberts, moderator, Chris Domashinski, Holly Chandler, Ruth Burns and Christina Kinsman. Missing from the photo is Bobbie Shurnicki. Luzerne, PA 18709 Licensed in NJ & PA Member AICPA 908-963-0791 [email protected] Last but not least, brush up on table manners. The table is where our manners are most on display and where people will judge our behavior. Tell your children to strive to be the guest who gets invited back. You can make it fun by dressing up and organizing a formal meal prior to the big event. Start by asking the children to come up with their own ideas as to what constitutes politeness. Then, break the family into two groups for role-play; hosts and guests. Better still, invite a couple of friends and practice with real guests. The following tips will guide you through polite behavior at the table: 1. Except at a buffet, do not sit, put your napkin on your lap, or begin to eat before the host or guest(s) of honor. Guests do not leave the table to run around during the meal unless to use the restroom. During this time the napkin should be placed on the chair until you come back. 2. Explain the order of the place setting: BMW = bread, meal, water, and knives and spoons are always “right” and forks are “left” alone. Use the utensils on the outside first and work your way toward the plate as the courses are served. Once used, the utensils should not touch the table again. 3. Use a fork and knife to eat food unless it’s meant for fingers. Cut only one piece of meat at a time. 4. When eating a roll, tear off and butter one bite-sized piece. It looks tacky to bite into a whole roll. 5. Sit straight and bend at the waist to bring your head over the plate. No elbows on the table! When not in use, your hands should be in your lap. 6. You look like a Neanderthal when you stuff your mouth or chew with your mouth open - you could also choke. 7. It’s gross to hear loud munching and smacking noises coming from your lips. 8. Never say you don’t like something or make rude comments about the food – it hurts the feelings of the person who either bought or prepared the food. 9. Don’t reach across the table – politely ask that the item be passed to you. 10. Picking food out of your teeth, blowing your nose, and grooming yourself are meant to be done in private. Excuse yourself to go to the restroom to take care of personal hygiene. 11. Napkins are used to gently dab your mouth. At the end of the meal, place the napkin loosely to the left side of the plate where you found it - never on the dirty dishes. 12. Always show consideration and appreciation by using please and thank you. Remember to thank the host and say how much you enjoyed your meal or a particular part of the meal such as dessert. Email your etiquette questions to Jill at: [email protected] or mail to: P.O. Box 1703, Shavertown, PA 18708. Defining Manners School of Protocol offers certified social and business etiquette courses. For more information visit: www.DefiningManners.com or call 570-696-3209. Westsidebulletin - Page 7 What do you like about it? You deal with the public, and I'm kind of a people person. You meet a lot of friends, and you meet people that are always having a good time. It's not like you're working in an oncology department, where you're trying to buy time for life. I'm in the bar where it's a party and everybody is having a good time. You take that for granted, but it's true. You're celebrating. People come to The Woodlands to have fun. The bar business is a great business to be in. Coffee with ...MITCH KORNFELD By Alan Stout Westside Bulletin Correspondent Mitch Kornfeld is the food and beverage manager at The Woodlands Inn in Plains Township and is one of the owners of the family-run business. Kornfeld, 51, is native of South Wilkes-Barre and is a graduate of Meyers High School. He is also a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a degree in economics and communications. He and his wife, Taly, have three children: Zachary, 14, Coby, 13, and Bekah, 11. They live in Kingston a Your father and the uncle opened The Woodlands in 1969, when you were just a young boy. Did you always know, growing up, that you'd be a part of the business? The work ethic was built at The Woodlands. And the truth is we worked very hard, early on. And it was fun for us. You worked and you had fun. But I actually went to the University of Pittsburg thinking I wanted to be a doctor. I don't know why. Coming from the Jewish faith, your mother always wants you to be the doctor. But I wasn't that focused at 17. But I knew how to work. And that was instilled by the family business. Those that are in it usually say it's also a tough business. From 1991-2007, we had a great run. In 1997, we sold the most alcohol in the state of Pennsylvania. But starting in 2007, we hit a bit of a rough patch for a while. We were competing with the casino. There was a resurgent downtown with all of these bars. There was a smoking ban. There was a recession. And around 2012, you could see that when the casino offered the free drinks, some of the clientele was going there. And some of the younger millennials just don't party like some of the boomers did, or do. And then there was a technology shift. My formula which worked for so many years, for 20 years, was to stick with a few radio stations and a few print publications, but Facebook was coming, and Pandora and Sirius, and that shook up some of my advertising model. So between the new competition, and the new changes in how to market, it was a perfect storm for our business. But we weathered it pretty well. We positioned ourselves and sold some assets prior to the recession, and with Mohegan Sun, a lot of their people stayed with us while they were building, so we really didn't feel the recession as much as some others. We were fortunate. The Woodlands is many things. It's a resort and hotel, and a place for weddings, banquets and business meetings. And right now, with the recent retro re-launching of the 25th Hour, the dance club is experiencing a revival on Friday nights. How'd that come about? The people from the '80s and '90s, who remember who we are and are loyal to us, wanted to come back. I would talk to our guests, and they'd say that they missed the 25th Hour. So I said, 'Let's try it.' I put a team together, and we had a brainstorming pow-wow, and I told them what I wanted. I wanted to take the drinks up a notch, and I wanted to go back to the music of the '70s, '80s and '90s, and I wanted to call it the 25th Hour. In Vegas, there's a club now called Studio 54. I think it's at the MGM, and that works for them. So for us, why not go with the 25th Hour? Those two paralleled each other. Studio 54 was the catalyst for my father and my uncle to open the 25th Hour. It's funny, because we had 30-Something on Sundays for a So how long, while in college, did you consider being a doctor? That lasted a few long time, and it was a huge night for us, and I thought, "If it worked on Sundays, who beer parties at Theta Chi, and I knew I didn't have the brains to become a doctor. Pittsburgh was the first time I ever lived my myself, in a different city, and that was a grow- not give them prime-time on Fridays?" We gave them the music they like and we gave ing up time. As a freshman, the first time you go to class, and you're done for the day by them the playground they like. It's their night. We are geared to have fun and geared to noon, you say to yourself, "OK, I can either study, or that's it." There was this newfound dance. freedom without much structure. So I watched "Leave It To Beaver" reruns. I really didn't find studying until my junior year. I wasn't that smart of a student and I'm still not Let's talk a little bit more about you. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like to play the piano. And I'm learning to play guitar. I also paint, though I haven't that bright. painted in a while. I like the arts. Free time is minimal, because I'm also busy with my children. And I'm also the president of the Jewish Community Alliance, which takes Well, lots of people would argue with that. You do bring a pretty special touch to your work at The Woodlands. A lot of times in a family business, the emphasis is not on aca- up a lot of my time. demics. There were times when instead of studying, we'd be at The Woodlands. And it was OK. But you find yourself in your junior year and you realize you have to start studying. What were your thoughts when you shifted gears towards economics and communications? To be honest, I don't know what I was thinking. I knew knowing economics is always good, and you need to have a macro and a micro approach in business. I was good in math. And one of my best subjects was statistics. I use statistics today. Everything is about numbers and percentages. You look at your labor costs, food costs, and last year's numbers compared to this year's numbers. Everything is about numbers. And I'm pretty good with the numbers. As a boy, you bused tables and did banquet set up. When did you start working at The Woodlands in a more professional capacity? I became the bar manager when I graduated. So I've been locking up bars and working until two in the morning since 1986. Music is a big part of The Woodlands. Who are some of your own favorite musical artists? James Taylor. Jackson Browne. I love going on YouTube and seeing some of the classic acoustic coffee house artists from back in the '70s. Follow sports? I don't have a favorite team, but I'm getting more involved, because my son likes football, and he likes the Colts. And I admire Tom Brady. What's he's done is unbelievable. I like that combination of teamwork of Belichick and Brady. First car? A 1978 Orange Scout. The Woodlands used it, and then my father gave it to me. And I tried to make it like a hook-up van. I took it apart. It didn't work out. Favorite city? New York. It's the place where I met my wife. Continued on page 8 Kornfeld Westsidebulletin - Page 8 Kornfeld continued from page 7 Favorite vacation spot? Jamaica. Favorite thing about NEPA? The people. I grew up with them. Not only are they my friends, but they're my guests. Favorite food? Pizza. All-time favorite movie? The Godfather. Favorite TV show? 60 Minutes. Favorite quote or catchphrase? "Keep pushin'." Where do you see The Woodlands 10 years from now? I'd like to turn the property next to The Woodlands into a high-end luxury apartments development, using the amenities of The Woodlands to tie it all together. I think the location is perfect. I'd also like to take The Woodlands brand to a beach property, maybe in Florida. What people, in your life, have had the most influence on you? My father. My uncle. And my brothers, from watching their work ethic. And my staff and the people that I work with. I'm just a product of the people that I work with. We all work together. And of course my mother. The older I get, with my kids, I realize a lot of the lessons I've learned came from my mother. It was my mother that raised me. My father was always working. And of course, my wife. We're all one big team. Biggest pet peeve? People that don't have passion for the work. Any pets? A dog, Gunner. And a guinea pig, Honey. They're really my kids' pets, but I take care of them. And I'm not happy about that. Guilty pleasure? Once in a while, I like a nice massage. Is there anything about you that might surprise even your friends? The best time I have is solitude, by myself. And it's not a disrespect to any family member. If I could spend a day by myself, like in New York - I look for that time. It's no reflection on my relationships, it's just that my life is always surrounded by something, so I love solitude.That's interesting, because you're often the center of the party. Right. But I'm a really boring person in my own skin. Do you have a defining moment from your time working in nightclubs? There was a period from 1988-1991 when I worked with Thom Greco at Market Street Square. And it was the first time that I realized that I have what it takes to be the promoter as well as the manager. And it's important in our business to do both and to have that persona. We were always told not to drink and to stay conservative, but on Monday nights, we were dead. I was with a few girls from Virgin Atlantic Airlines. It was just the three of us, and I was telling them how we were trying to build the night. One of them said, "Have you ever done a body shot?" I said, "No, what's a body shot?" This was 1988. So she got some tequila and we did a body shot. It was pretty cool. The next Monday, we did them at the bar, and Mondays became popular. And my persona changed. And the crazier I got, the busier the night got. And then Thom got the dentist's chair involved. We had the dentist's chair and the body shots, and it got so busy that even the people from The Woodlands started to come down. One night a bar-back and I both got undressed and ran around the bar in our underwear. It was a very poignant time in my life. It wasn't just Mitch from The Woodlands, the manager, it was Mitch the promoter. And that persona carried me right through the '90s, into the 2000s, and even today. It's really not me. I'm a really boring guy, but when I have to be onstage, I'm good at it. And that's only because I have almost 30 years of history doing it. How has your role changed within the business over the years? How have you changed? In my forties, another flash came to me. I was trying to get an evaluation of our assets, and we had a few other hotels that we owned and some other real estate assets, and a broker suggested we try to sell them and get fair market value. That was in 2006. And we got some bites, and we sold them in 2007. Six month later, the market crashed and the values of the properties decreased almost in half. I got lucky, and I learned that life is cyclical, and timing is everything, and that exit strategies are good. And I learned, about myself, that I had to stomach to help broker and negotiate big deals. Always on the lookout for fashion forward consignors, our store is an eclectic mix of modern and classic vintage for every fashion savvy girl and woman. New Spring Inventory Arriving Daily!! Accepting Spring & Summer Consignment Appointments Call Now!! 1841 Wyoming Ave.. Exeter, PA 18643.. *next to Sabatini's Pizza*.. 570-763-9753.. Westsidebulletin - Page 9 Plymouth Active Adult Center 160 East Main Street Plymouth, PA 19651 570-779-9664 Joyce Rutherford – Director MARCH 2016 ACTIVITIES Nutrition Month, National Stroke Month, Colorectal Awareness Month Daily Activities: Coffee Clutch, Cards, Puzzles, Socialization Mondays & Fridays: 11:30 Sit & Be Fit/Weights/Bands/Tai Chi Tuesdays: 10 – 12 Crochet/Knitting Club – donations of yarn from the community are appreciated. Please come to participate or learn. Bring your own project or learn a new one. Come and enjoy! Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays: 12:30 – 3:00 BINGO, 5 cents/card, 10 cents/ coverall 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month: Leigh Bonczewski from Representative Mullery’s Office is here to answer legal questions and do rent rebates. Tuesday, March 1 – 10 – 12:00 PM Crochet Club Wednesday, March 2 – 11:15 AM Christy from Traditional Home Health & Hospice to speak on Nutrition 12:30 – 3:00 PM BINGO Thursday, March 3 - 10:00 – 12:00PM - Leigh Bonczewski for legal questions and rent rebates Friday, March 4 – Blood Pressure at 11:15 AM Christy from Traditional Home Health & Hospice Monday, March 7 - 11:30 AM – Exercise; 12:30 – 3:00 PM BINGO Tuesday, March 8 – 10 – 12:00 PM Crochet Club, Center closes at 11:30AM Wednesday, March 9 – 11:15 AM Natalie from the Guardian to speak on Nutrition & Speech Treatment; 11:30 AM – Exercise; 12:30 – 3:00 PM BINGO Friday, March 11 – 11AM Debbie & Courtney from Bayada - Nutrition BINGO Sunday, March 13 – Daylight Savings Time – Spring Forward, Fall Back - Set Clocks Ahead by One Hour Monday, March 14 – 11:30 AM – Exercise; 12:30 – 3:00 PM BINGO Tuesday, March 15 – 10 – 12:00 PM Crochet Club Wednesday, March 16 – Blood Pressure with Lorraine from Hampton House12:30 – 3:00 PM BINGO Thursday, March 17 – St. Paddy’s – Butch from /Wyoming Valley Pipe & Drum Band to play the bagpipes 10:00 – 12:00PM – Leigh Bonczewski for legal questions and rent rebates Friday, March 18 – 11:30 AM – Exercise; 12:30 – 3:00 PM BINGO Sunday, March 20 – Palm Sunday Monday, March 21 - 11:30 AM – Exercise; 12:30 – 3:00 PM BINGO Tuesday, March 22 – 10 – 12:00 PM Crochet Club Wednesday, March 23 – 11:15 AM Aylssa from Home Instead to speak on Senior Nutrition 12:30 – 3:00 PM BINGO Friday, March 25 – Good Friday, Centers Closed Sunday, March 27 – Easter Sunday Monday, March 28 - 11:30 AM – Exercise; 12:30 – 3:00 PM BINGO Farewell & Good Luck To Mark The Ugly Quilt Project Plymouth Active Adult Center Wish List Yarn for the Crochet Club Puzzles, Pens Monetary Donations Assorted Greeting Cards Party Supplies – plates, napkins, decorations Plymouth Active Adult Center Fund Raiser - $1.00 for Gertrude Hawk Candy Bars Working hard on the Ugly Quilt February Birthdays Westsidebulletin - Page 10 SIZES : Newborn - - - - Size 8 Babyvogue 162 United Penn Plaza . Kingston, PA 18704 (570) 714-2229 Hours Mon. - Sat. 10am - 5 pm Unique Selection of Boys and Girls Clothing and Accessories Spring has arrived at Babyvogue Don’t forget about that Easter Outfit!!! 10% Off with this AD FOOD ITEMS ONLY Like Us On Facebook Babyvogue Boutique Check Out Our Weekly Specials WESTSIDE BULLETIN “Check Out Our Lenten Specials” On Our Facebook Page Westsidebulletin - Page 11 1133 Wyoming Avenue – Forty Fort, PA 18704 - Phone: (570) 714-1246 Forty Fort Lions Club presents donation to Wyoming Valley Children’s Association Members of the Forty Fort Lions Club have recently presented a donation to the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association. The donation will help provide and support programs to help WVCA kids – both typically developing and those with developmental challenges – reach their goals and prepare for kindergarten and a lifetime of learning. First Row R to L Simone Hosey – Aliyah Baez – Lilly Decker – Blake Dunsmuir – Mark Mamola – Izaiah Pagan Jack Januszewski Second Row R to L Lion Joseph O’Hara – Lion Andy Reno – President Lion Josh Weale WVCA Executive Director Kathleen Williams – WVCA Teacher Ms. Jane Denion WYOMING VALLEY CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION RECEIVES BOOK DONATIONS The Wyoming Valley Children's Associations has received a donation of Usborne books for each of the six classrooms. The donated books were provided with the help from Mohegan Sun Pocono and a Book Fair at New York City Vacation Packages (owned by Barry Tenenbaum and located in Kingston). Row 1, from left to right: Jacob Januszewski (WVCA Student), Gavin Hunzer(WVCA Student), Sullivan Bright (WVCA Student), Blake Dunsmuir (WVCA Student), Lilliana DeckerCantanzariti (WVCA Student), and Tesesa Romano (WVCA Educational Coordinator) holding Gary Woodring (WVCA student). Row 2, from left to right: From Mohegan Sun Pocono, Lindsay Shaheen (Employment Specialist), Aimee Laurenzo (Licensing Generalist), Jenelle Osborne (Training and Communications Manager), and Debbie Luchetti (Data Input Clerk). Absent from the photo: Tara Williams (Educational Consultant, Usborne Booksand More www.tarasbookshop.com) Westsidebulletin - Page 12 Wyoming Free Library *Library Sponsorship* The Wyoming Free Library is seeking sponsors for their upcoming 2016 community activities. Sponsorship information can get found on the library web page at http://wyomingfreelibrary.com/sponsorship-opportunities/. For more information about becoming a library sponsor, please contact John Roberts at 570-693-1364. *Bookmark Contest* The library is a sponsoring a children's bookmark contest. The bookmark theme will highlight the library's logo and slogan, "Adventures Beyond Books". Entry forms are available at the circulation desk. *Virtual Minecraft Art Show* The library is hosting a children’s Virtual Minecraft Art Show. Contest participants will design up to three original art pieces using Minecraft ande-mail them to the library. All submitted pieces will be displayed on the library Facebook and web page during National Library Week (April 10-16). Information on the contest can be found at the library, on the library web page– http://wyomingfreelibrary.com/childrens-programs/ and on their Facebook page. *Downton Abbey Series Tea Party* The library will host a Downton Abbey season 6 tea party finale on Saturday, March 12 at 1:00 p.m. To reserve a spot for the tea, please RSVP by Wednesday, March 9. Anyone attending the tea can bring a dessert. *Fill-A-Bag-Book sale* The Wyoming Free Library will have a fill-a-bag book sale onFriday, February 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The cost per bag is $5.00. The library is acceptingdonations of adult fiction, children's books, paperbacks, DVDs and non-fictionbooks for the upcoming sale. The only things we are not accepting are: *Tea Tips and Treasures* The library will begin the 3rd year of its successful “Tea Tips and Treasures” themed tea parties. The ages for the tea parties are 3 and up. The teas start at Noon and registration is required. Please contact the library to register. The dates and themes are as follows: March 19 Bunnies and Bonnets , April 30 Ancient Egypt Activities (this was originally scheduled for April 23), May 14th Tiny Treasures. *LEGO Club* The LEGO Club of the Wyoming Free Library will meet on following Saturdays from 11a.m. – Noon: February 27 and March 12. This program is free and suitable for children of all ages. Registration is required. Please call 570-693-1364 to reserve spots. *Raffle - Doll and Doll Clothes* The library is raffling off a doll and suitcase full of personally designed wardrobe. The raffle tickets are $1.00 each and available at the circulation desk. The raffle drawing will be on Saturday, April 23. *The Wyoming Chain Gang Crocheting Club* The Wyoming Chain gang Crocheting Club meets every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. at the library. Anyone interested in joining the club should bring crocheting projects. All skill levels are welcome. *Memory Quilt Classes* The library is holding classes on how to turn your old t-shirts into memory quilts and wall hangings. The classes will meet on March 4-18 And April 1-15 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The classes are limited to 8 and registration is required. There will be an initial $5.00 registration fee to cover printing costs and any extra materials. The money will be collected at the first class. The library has a limited number of machines, so participants are encouraged to bring their own machine. Participants should have sewing experience. For more information on the classes, please contact Sharon Griffinat 484-903-5394 or [email protected]. WESTSIDE BULLETIN Westsidebulletin - Page 13 Westsidebulletin - Page 14 We BEAT ALL Competitors Pricing! Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Rebennack Appliance 269 Wyoming Avenue ~ Kingston 570-287-1175 We BEAT ALL Competitors Pricing! Westsidebulletin - Page 15 Aaron Fink keeps moving forward Former Breaking Benjamin guitarist releases second solo album By ALAN K. STOUT Westside Bulletin Correspondent For Aaron Fink, making music is an ongoing journey. And for the former Breaking Benjamin guitarist, that means always continuing to write and record new songs. His new solo album, "Heavy Feathers," is a testament to that, as it comes less than a year after its predecessor, "Saint Sylvania." Two full-length records within one year. That is what Fink has done. "I like to work," says Fink during an interview with The Electric City. "And obviously I've been blessed in that I can work on music a lot. I'm very fortunate in that regard and I don't take that for granted. I grew up in a household where my dad has written about 35 books since 1984. That's the creative work ethic that I saw growing up. My dad gets up at the crack of dawn every day and hammers away at his writing. Not that I'm trying to be my father, but that was my main teacher in life, and that's what he did. So I guess that runs in the bloodstream a little bit. Plus, it's fun. It's music." Fink played most of the instruments on the new CD, with the exception of most of the bass, which he deferred to producer Smith. The new album is a mix of songs that Fink had penned up to 10 years ago and songs written just for the new release. He says that being outside the confines of Breaking Benjamin has allowed him to explore more types of music. "Obviously the thing I did before was a hard-rock outfit and was riffy, so I would write that kind of stuff," he says. "And I would also write stuff that was a little bit more just straight up rock and roll, and not riff-oriented. And that kind of stuff would just sit, because I didn't have an outlet for it at the time. So that's the kind of stuff I went back and revisited." Fink adds that, for his second album, he was more clear on who is was as an artist and what type of record he wanted to make. "This thing as a solo artist is still new for me, and I'm still trying to figure out what that means in a lot of different ways," he says. "I think there's some really good songs on the first record, but I think the shape of the sounds, this time, are a little bit more of what I was hearing in my head. And that's only because this time, I knew what I was there to do. I didn't have that knowledge last time. It's more of what I'm trying to do, because I knew what I wanted to do." Most of the songs, he says, come from his own experiences. In addition to a growing and expanding solo career, Fink also serves as guitarist in the group Gentleman East, which features former Badlees Bret Alexander and Paul Smith and current Badlee Ron Simasek. He has also written songs and has sung some lead vocals with that project. "Heavy Feathers" was recorded at Fink's home studio, with Smith serving as producer. Tracks include "Damned If I Do," "Strange Days" and "Lay Me Down." Fink - who last played with Breaking Benjamin six years ago - is asked if he ever considered simply joining another well-established national hard-rock band and serving as lead guitarist, rather than going solo. "The path of the least resistance for me, for sure, is 'Where do I sign up as the lead guitar player, in another band, where I don't have to start out in my garage?' he says. "Obviously, that crossed my mind. But I feel like I did that already, and I'd been doing it for a long time. And I did it fairly well. I feel like I covered that base. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I love playing the guitar. But I also felt like I had all of these othe r things that I did not explore. I got real serious about songwriting around in 2009 and 2010. I always wrote. I wrote lyrics, and I'd write stuff, but I kind of never finished them. I've always been in bands with other great songwriters, and that was a luxury. And I always sang background vocals. But once I kind of had to fend for myself, it was like, 'OK. Let's start finishing those things. Let's see this through.' " Fink says that, through his solo work, his life's work as a musician has come full circle. "I play a little piano," he says. "I play drums. I play keyboards and bass and sing. Obviously the guitar stuff is in my back pocket, and I've done some producing over the years. And lately, all of those things have all been coming together at the same exact moment. Before, I used to just tinker around with stuff, but when I was left to my own devices, I just tried to swirl it all together at the exact same time. Hence, album number two." "I always have personal stuff going on, so there's always something to write about. There's always gas in the tank. My life hasn't been boring in a long time. I don't know if that's good or bad. It just is what it is. There are always things to draw from." To celebrate the release of the "Heavy Feathers," Fink recently performed at a free, allages show at the Gallery of Sound in Wilkes-Barre. He will also perform at Breakers, inside Mohegan Sun Pocono, on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. as part of the "Music On The Menu Live Original Music Series. " That show will also be broadcast live on 105 The River. Fink played in Breaking Benjamin for 10 years. During that time, he played on two gold and two platinum albums and toured the country with acts such as Godsmack, Korn, Three Doors Down and Evanescence. Locally, the band headlined shows at the Montage Mountain Amphitheater and the Mohegan Sun Arena. As a musician, he was featured in some of the country's most prestigious guitar magazines, including Guitar World. And though his departure from Breaking Benjamin was stormy, he still chooses to look back on the decade he spent with the band with fondness. Fink Continued on page 16 Westsidebulletin - Page 16 (Fink Continued from page 15) But - he makes clear - he doesn't look back too often. "I guess I could rest on my laurels and be like, 'Remember when I used to do that?' he says. "I'm really proud of the work I did there, and I can hang my hat on that stuff. It's all good. But that's behind me. I'm moving forward on a new path to see what else is out there. I'm just trying to make music and push forward. Classic Pet Salon 570-309-5551 "Life only moves in one direction." On the web: www.aaronfink.net Pet Groomer 1322 N Washington Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705 CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING WHEN: WEDNESDAY, MAR. 30, 2016 WHERE: EDWARDSVILLE ACTIVE ADULT CENTER RUSSELL ST, Edwardsville, PA 18704 TIME:1:00 - 3:00 PM OPEN FORUM MEETING Please come and join us to discuss your concerns of care giving and to meet other caregivers, knowing you're not alone! If you have any questions, call Cindy Howe at 570-822-1158, ext. 2345 See you there !!! Mary A. Ruth Spring will be here before you know it! We are offering a $7.00 discount on a 60 minute Therapeutic Spa pedicure with our new stylist/nail tech Liz for the month of March, for new and existing clients!!! Discounts will also be printed on your receipt so please save your receipt!! • Brazilian Blowout • Hair & Nail Designs • Manicures & Pedicures Relaxing - Soothing • Colour Dynamics • Spa - Beauty & Personal Care Westsidebulletin - Page 17 RITE AID FOUNDATION's BIG HEARTS GIVE CHALLENGE AWARDS $7500 TO WVCA KIDS Rite Aid associates recently recognized Wyoming Valley Children's Association - a local KidCents charity - with a donation of $7500 for participating in the Rite Aid Foundation's Big Hearts Give Challenge. The special challenge was designed by The Rite Aid Foundation to help KidCents charities raise awareness, grow their donor network and earn additional funds for their organization. The Rite Aid Foundation's KidCents program will donate a total of $1,597,500 to 182 KidCents charities throughout the company's service areas. Featured in the attached photo at the check presentation at the Rite Aid Store in Luzerne, PA, are, from left to right: WVCA Executive Director Kathleen Williams, WVCA Director of Development Donna Sedor, Rite Aid Luzerne Store Manager Bill Warnke, Rite Aid Asset Protection District Manager Rick Pitcavage, Rite Aid Pharmacy District Manager Kasey Krutski and Rite Aid District Administrative Assistant Melissa Souriyavong. "Our Big Hearts Give Challenge was a fun way for KidCents charities to earn a donation for their organization while raising awareness about the valuable work they are doing and expanding their donor network," said Rite Aid CEO of store and President of the Rite Aid Corporation Ken Martindale, who also serves as president of the Rite Aid Foundation. "The Rite Aid Foundation looks forward to developing other unique opportunities through our KidCents program to help our partner charities raise muchneeded funds, so that theycan continue making a difference in the lives of the children they serve." KidCents was developed by The Rite Aid Foundation to provide Rite Aid customers an opportunity to do even more to help the kids in the communities Rite Aid serves. Through KidCents, members of Rite Aid's wellness+ with Plenti program can round up their in-store or online purchases to the nearest dollar and give their change to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations focused on improving the health and wellbeing of children. To participate, Rite Aid customers can sign into their wellness+ account at www.kidcents.com and review the profiles of approved KidCents charities they can choose to support - including Wyoming Valley Children's Association (WVCA). Each charity profile features information about the organization and the services it provides as well as stories of those helped by the organization. Once a charity is selected, the next time the customer shops at Rite Aid, their purchase will be rounded up to the nearest dollar and their change will be designated to their selected charity. Since its inception in 2001, The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than $24 million to non-profit organizations. Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2015 annual revenues of $26.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and news releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com. Fetch’s Kielbassi Shop Meat Market 180 Wyoming Ave. Wyoming, PA 570-693-3069 Call For Hours A Holiday Tradition No Water Added Smoked Hams Order Your’s Today!!! Ham Without Fetch’s Kielbassi? No Way!!! Westsidebulletin - Page 18 From the Graham Academy Classroom Students in Ms. Becky’s class research their Science Fair topics as part of the first step in the scientific method. The Science Fair is an element of The Graham Academy’s experiential learning curriculum and will be held in the middle of March. Last month, Ms. Laura’s class wrote about the class experiments that are helping to teach our Graham Academy students about the scientific method and as a front-loading exercise for developing Science Fair topics. We shift to high school and Ms. Becky’s class in which research questions have been posed. Each student wrote a little segment on their topic and what they want to achieve in their research or experiment. The Science Fair is an annual event allowing students to explore the scientific method in their own way. My name is Alex D. For the science fair, I am researching fear. I hypothesize that fear exists for a reason. I think fear keeps us safe from danger. It will tell us to be scared or not. My name is Roger. I am going to research how a computer works. I hypothesize that computers work through electricity. When you push the power button, the wires connected to it sends electricity to the screen and the rest of the computer, causing it to turn on and work. My name is Brienne. For the science fair, I'll be researching wolves. My partner will be my friend, Rose. We are working on how an alpha, beta, and Omega wolf know their place in the pack. We are also researching their diet, hunting, and how they live in the wild. We are also curious about the differences between the various breeds of wolves. My name is Ryan. For the science fair, I am researching different types of soil. Mr. Richie, our environmental science coordinator, is helping me with my experiment. We are growing pea plants in different types of soil. One pot will be all soil, one pot will be soil with a little sand, and one pot will be soil with a lot of sand. I think they will all grow the same. What do you think? My name is Jake. For the science fair, I am researching dolphins. I am researching why they travel in groups. I hypothesize that if they did not travel in groups, they would get eaten. Since young dolphins grow slowly, by traveling in a group called a pod, the dolphins have protection for them and their young for sharks and other predators. I hope my project interests you. Thank you for reading. My name is Olivia. For the science fair, I am researching egg breaking on a variety of surfaces. Eggs come from chickens and they break easily, especially when they are dropped. People use eggs for baking and sometimes decorations. I believe they are fragile and break easily due to the thin shell. However, I think if you drop an egg onto a soft surface, such as a pillow, you can save the egg. I am Alex. I am researching about why computer's and phone's artificial intelligence (Siri and Cortana, for instance) sometimes don't work. I am trying to research to see why they malfunction, and which device's artificial intelligence system works best. My name is Jacob. For the science fair, I'm testing a balloon popping experiment. To complete this experiment, I will be using pins, tape, and a balloon. My hypothesis is that a pin pushed into the balloon will cause it to tear and pop. What is your hypothesis? Established in 2008, The Graham Academy is a special education school in Kingston which serves students living with autism or emotional challenges. Students are enrolled in grades K - 12 from school districts throughout Luzerne, Lackawanna, Carbon, and Schuylkill counties. For more information about The Graham Academy, please contact Nick Ouellette at 570-283-0641 or [email protected]. You can also visit thegrahamacademy.com to learn more. Westsidebulletin - Page 19 The Edwardsville Active Adult Center 57 Russell Street Edwardsville, Pa. 18704 Manager: Rachael Kiwak (570)287-3381 March 2016 Newsletter Daily Activities- Books, magazines, puzzles, shuffleboard, cards, computer use, T.V. and Wii Weekly Scheduled ActivitiesMonday – 1:00pm to 1:30pm Card Club Tuesday – 11:30am to 12:00pm Healthy Steps 12:15pm to 12:30 Nutrition Discussion Wednesday – 11:00am to 11:30am Singing Club 1:00pm to 1:30pm Shuffleboard Club Thursday – 11:30 to 12:00pm Healthy Steps 1:00pm to 1:30pm BINGO!!!! Friday – 1:00pm to 1:30pm Crochet Club Special Events and Programs for the monthMarch 8th (Tuesday) Bag Lunch March 9th (Wednesday) 11:00am Rep. Aaron Kaufer will be at our center. Topic: Senior programs and open discussion. March 10th (Thursday) 1:00pm Bingo sponsored by Highland Manor March11th (Friday) 11:00am Judy Harry Apprise Representative will be at our center.Topic: Basics of Medicare and lowering drug costs. March 14th (Monday) 10:00am Healthy Steps Workshop for elder adults. FREE LUNCH for participants. March 15th (Tuesday) 11:00am Nutrition discussion with Alyssa Stencavage fromHome Instead Senior Care. Topic: Proper diet/Warning signs of poor diet. March 16th (Wednesday) 10:30 am Blood Pressure checks provided by Highland Manor. March 17th( Thursday) Saint Patrick’s Day PARTY!!! March 18th(Friday) 11:00am Representative from Edwardsville Police Dept. will speak at our center. Topic: Fraud and scam awareness/ prevention. March 21st( Monday) 10:00am Healthy Steps Workshop for elder adults. FREE LUNCH for participants. nd March 22 (Tuesday) 12:30pm We are making Easter Candy!!!! March 25th(Friday) Our center will be CLOSED!! March 29th(Tuesday) 12:30pm SMOOTHIE DAY!! March 31st(Thursday) CRAZY HAT DAY!!!! Fun, Prizes, Snacks and Refreshments Our Mardi Gras Party Valentine Party Our King & Queen for the Day Enjoy the Festivities and check us out next month! Our Birthday Girl Westsidebulletin - Page 20 KINGSTON ACTIVE ADULT CENTER 335 THIRD AVENUE KINGSTON PA 18704 570-287-1102 Sandy Acornley-Director, Jean Spindler-Asst. Director Michele Fagula-Nutrition Manager Senior Aides-MaryAnn Diaz, Sandy Ostrowski, Bruce Yarmey MARCH, 2016 NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH Daily Activities: Coffee, Computer Use, Shuffleboard, Puzzles, Games Monday: 10:00 Healthy Steps in Motion, 10:45 Healthy Steps, 1:00 Line Dancing, 1:00 Drama/Comedy Group Tuesday: 10:00 Let Your Yoga Dance, 10:00 Computer Class, 11:00 Aerobics, 12:30 Bingo, 12:45 Belly Dancing Wednesday: 10:00 Seniorcize, 10:45 Weights, 1:00 Mahjong Thursday: 10:45 Healthy Steps, 12:30 Bingo, 12:45 Belly Dancing Friday: 10:45 Weights Tues, March 1st – 10:30 Blood Pressure Checks with Traditional Hospice Thurs, March 3rd – 11:15 – Nutrition Presentation – “Benefits of Fish” 11:30 Meditation with Jean Mon, March 7th – 10:00 Healthy Steps in Motion Tues, March 8th – BAG LUNCH – Center remains open for all activities Wed, March 9th – 11:15 – “Smart Snacking –Presentation by Griswold Home Care Deadline for Circus Reservations Mon, March 14th – Cancelled Class-Healthy Steps in Motion Tues, March 15th – 10:30 Blood Pressure Checks with Manor Care 11:30 Meditation with Jean Wed, March 16th – 11:00 Fire Drill with Kingston Fire Department Thurs March 17th – SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY LUNCH 1:00 Alzheimer’s Support Group th Fri, March 18 – Birthday of the Month 10:00 – 11:30 – Occupational Therapy Students from Misericordia University Mon, March 21st – 10:00 Healthy Steps in Motion Class Wed, March 23rd – 11:00 – Nutrition Presentation – CEO – “Eating Right for Your Lifestyle” th Thurs, March 24 – 10:30 - Blood Pressure Checks by Highland Manor 11:30 – Meditation with Jean Fri, March 25th – CENTER CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF GOOD FRIDAY Mon, March 28th – 10:00 Healthy Steps in Motion Class 1:30 – Irem Shrine Circus for those registered Tues, March 29th – 11:00 Special Bingo provided by some athletes from Wyoming Valley West st Thurs, March 31 – 11:15 – Nutrition Presentation by Home Instead Senior Care, “Tips for Avoiding a Poor Diet” Bugs and Insects on the Menu at Pestaurant Ehrlich Pest Control invites you to Bite Back at Bugs on Saturday, March 5th at the BIA Home Show To celebrate more than 85 years in business and the important role pest control plays for homeowners and business, Ehrlich, a leading expert in pest management and control in the Northeast region, will host a pop up Pestaurant on Saturday, March 5th at the BIA Home Show. At this unique, fun event, Ehrlich will be serving an array of exotic cuisine that includes a range of edible insects such as roasted mealworms, roasted crickets, salt and vinegar insects, ant lollipops, BBQ mealworms and scorpion lollipops. As part of the Rentokil family of pest control companies, Ehrlich is continuing the successful Pestaurant activities that have created a sensation in Boston, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and other places around the world. •What: Ehrlich's Pestaurant is serving a selection of edible insects •When: Saturday, March 5th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM •Where: BIA Home Show located at the Mohegan Sun Pocono Casino •In addition to sampling the edible insects, visitors can take part in our cricket eating contests, pest selfies, post their “taking the Pestaurant Challenge” to their favorite social media site and learn more about the latest innovations in pest control. A number of professionally trained Ehrlich experts will be on hand discussing the edible pests being served, answering any pest questions from members of the public and passing on their ‘top tips’ for avoiding pest problems. All are welcome to sample a dining experience like never before and be sure not miss our Celebrity Cricket Eating Contest at 2:00 PM! The consumption of insects has been known to contribute positively to the environment and to health and livelihoods. More than 1, 900 species have reportedly been used as food. Insects are high in protein, B vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc, and are low in fat. 100g of grasshopper can carry 20.6g of protein, 35.3mg of calcium and 5mg of iron. Eating insects can help boost nutrition and reduce carbon footprint. It’s worth remembering that pests can be a problem for anyone, and can affect both commercial and residential properties. Pests are just looking for food and shelter. They are not selective when it comes to setting-up home. If they can find a way inside, even the cleanest of properties can become a target. Common Washington DC pests include ants, bedbugs, flies, mice, fleas, rats and wasps. All members of the public are welcome. For more information and media inquiries, please contact Wes Rost, 570-332-7389 or at [email protected]. About Rentokil - North AmericaRentokil - North America is part of Rentokil Initial plc, one of the world’s largest and most diverse business service companies, operating in 69 countries worldwide. J.C. Ehrlich Pest Control (www.jcehrlich.com), Western Exterminator (www.westernexterminator.com), and Presto-X Pest Control (www.prestox.com) are all part of the Rentokil family of pest control companies in North America. They provide commercial and residential pest control, bioremediation, bird control, vegetation management, deer repellent services, wild-animal trapping and termite control from more than 200 local offices in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Westsidebulletin - Page 21 Westsidebulletin - Page 22 Don’t Get Ripped Off When Getting Your Taxes Done By Martin A. Federici, Jr., CEO of both MF Tax & Accounting, Inc. and MF Advisers, Inc. Every year we talk to some people (either current clients or people we know who aren’t clients yet) who tell us that they were charged (aka swindled out of) several hundred dollars (usually for uncomplicated personal income tax returns) by one of the big retail tax “professional” companies (you know who we’re talking about). This is ridiculous and has to stop! Unless you have a lot of investments, run a business, have rental properties, have more itemized deductions than most people, have a bunch of unreimbursed expenses at multiple jobs, and/or have multiple W-2s/1099s, your fairly standard income tax returns shouldn’t be costing you an arm and a leg. The so-called tax preparation “experts” who offer you cash advances and loans – even entries into sweepstakes (wow, just…wow) – and charge you ridiculous rates may have just been trained to prepare taxes in the month before tax season started…how’s that for experience?! Or perhaps they’re stuck in the dinosaur age, prepping tax returns by hand and charging out the wazoo to do it instead of embracing (instead of fearing) technology to help them become more efficient with their time. To us, time equals money. If we can save time – and get more work done for more of our clients by being efficient – then we don’t need to charge exorbitant fees when doing tax prep work for people and companies. It’s just that simple. After all, fair pricing based upon how long it takes to do the work is best for everyone. Here’s the rules to follow for this “tax” time of the year (definitely for those of you who are looking to make tax season less of a pain going forward): 1. If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, hire an experienced, professional tax preparer to handle your returns. Stay away from the generic chain tax prep services – they tend to significantly overcharge for preparing returns…as in charging by the form (which is a rip-off) instead of hourly (much fairer). 2. Make sure you have all needed tax documents. Sounds simple enough, but being organized about collecting your tax documents makes life much easier for your preparer. 3. Your preparer should ask you lots of questions, especially if it is the first time they are preparing your returns. Even after the first year, things can change with your personal/financial situations over time, and any qualified tax preparer will know to ask the important questions (law changes, new possible deductions, etc.) so you don’t leave anything on the table. 4. If you work with a CPA, hopefully they offer advice for your specific tax situation during and after preparing your returns. This can be very important for not only the current year (can a traditional IRA contribution lower your tax bill?) but the following year as well. Offering suggestions that can improve the amount you get back (or help you pay less than you have in the past) can be very valuable for some. 5. Your tax professional should be willing to speak with any other professionals you have hired. There are a lot of reasons why insurance professionals, professional financial advisors, attorneys, etc. should speak to your tax preparer (with your permission of course) to coordinate on issues that may be important and need to be looked at from different perspectives. This way you get the input of trusted professionals on issues that have overlap into several areas of your personal financial/tax situation. Find an experienced local tax preparer who works for a professional tax preparation firm, earns his/her money from hourly/job fees (NOT charging by the form), believes in helping their clients improve their tax/financial situations, and has the heart & demeanor of a teacher, NOT a salesman, and chances are you’ve found the right tax preparer to help you with your tax situation. For more information, please visit http://www.mftax.com, email [email protected], or call (570) 760-6524. About MF Tax & Accounting, Inc. MF Tax & Accounting, Inc. is a full-service tax preparation & accounting firm based in PA & FL specializing in tax preparation, tax planning & advice, and accounting services. With 10+ years of licensed experience, over 10 years of professional education, and an unwavering commitment to helping you, MF Tax & Accounting, Inc. is the tax & accounting firm to best serve YOU. Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn General Federation of Women’s Clubs-West Side Members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-West Side recently joined the residents of Ruth’s Place Women’s Shelter for dinner and a game night. A nutritious meal planned and prepared by club members was shared with residents and staff. Following dinner, club members engaged in bingo with residents and prizes were awarded. The project was undertaken to spend quality time and join in fellowship with the women residing at the shelter. Club members participating are from left: Irene Mackiewicz, Linda McGeehan, Home Life chairman, Joanne Corey, Maureen Rinehimer, Bonnie MacDonald, Lucy Sireno, Valerie Andreoli, intern Walden University, and Deidre Miller Kaminski, President GFWC-West Side. Westsidebulletin - Page 23 Shawnee Fort Chapter DAR Shawnee Fort Chapter DAR recently welcomed new members Ann Marie Nesbitt and Stephanie Tague at their February meeting. Ann Marie joins her sister Sandy Raughley in the chapter. Ann Marie's patriot is James Nesbitt. James was a Wyoming Valley selectman and also a Justice of the Peace in Plymouth, Pa by appointment from Benjamin Franklin. Stephanie Tague's patriot is Her patriot is Capt Stephen Harding who served with Col. Zebulon Butler and was also a Justice of the Peace. Shawnee Fort Chapter organized in Plymouth in 2009 and has grown to over 60 members who reside in communities in and around the west side. For more information on membership or our community activities, please contact Kathleen Smith at: [email protected] or 570-704-9809 Lady Striders Couch to 5K Training Program The Wyoming Valley Lady Striders announce their Spring Couch to 5K training program. This program is designed to get you off the couch and able to complete a 3 mile race in 8 weeks’ time, using intervals of walking and jogging. Beginning March 21st, 2016 we will meet three times per week for 30-45 minutes each time: Mondays, 5:45 pm, at the entrance to the levee in Wyoming (make a right into the levee parking lot, soon after the Burger King on Wyoming Ave, in Wyoming); Wednesdays, 5:30 pm, at the entrance to the levee in Kingston (corner of Rutter Ave and Church St.); and Saturdays, 8:30 AM, at Kirby Park. Our goal race will be the River Street 3 mile race in Wilkes-Barre on 5/15/16. The program is coached by Karen Moskel – Runner, Susquehanna Community Prep Cross Country Coach, Wyoming Valley Strider’s VP, and Co-founder of Lady Striders; and Marjorie Adams – Runner, Dallas Cross Country and Track Coach, Wyoming Valley Strider’s Board of Directors, and Co-founder of Lady Striders. Your $40 registration fee includes all practices, your entry to the race, and membership (or renewal) to the Wyoming Valley Striders! For a registration form, go to Wyoming Valley Striders or Wyoming Valley Lady Striders facebook page, www.neparunner.com, or http://home.ptd.net/ ~rrrawls/wyoval.htm; or contact Karen Moskel at [email protected] or Marjorie Adams at [email protected]. General Federation of Women’s Clubs-West Side GFWC-West Side Participates in Arts Contest. Several members of the General Federation of Women’s ClubsWest Side recently participated in the GFWC arts competition, a community service program. They will advance to the county and district levels and hope to reach the state level. This program promotes the arts for students and adults in the community. Participants from the left are: Rosemary Luksha 1st place drawing/painting, Missy Parry 3rd place photography, Gina Rushkowski 2nd place photography, Marge Gushka 1st place photography, Nancy Dietterick 1st place crafts, Sandy Margavage 1st place poetry, Patty Gallagher 1st place short story and Becky McCuen Arts Chairman. Good Shepherd Academy Follow the directions on the form. You can also join during the first week of practice, if space remains! This program is limited to 50 participants, sign up quickly to guarantee your spot! “Keep Christ in Christmas” Contest District 12 American Legion District 12 American Legion , Luzerne County, will hold its March meeting at the Nanticoke American Legion Post 350 , 23 West Broad St. , Nanticoke, Pa. 18634. District 12 Commander Louis Sewell urges all post commanders in Luzerne County to attend or send a post representative .The meeting will take place on Sunday, March 20, 2016 , starting at 2pm. For more information , you can call District 12 Ajutant John M. Emil Sr. at 570-762-3184 or E-mail [email protected] Three of Good Shepherd Academy Students were recently awarded certificates and gift cards for their submission in the Knights of Columbus Poster Contest held this past December. Shown in the photo along with two representatives from the Knights of Columbus are GSA Students, Irelyn Buttler, Heidi Williams and Olivia Vnuk. Principal at Good Shepherd Academy is Mr. James A. Jones. Vice Principal is Mr. Stan Pavlick. WESTSIDE BULLETIN Westsidebulletin - Page 24