SCRANTON - Happenings Magazine

Mexican Fiesta!
Month-Long Cinco de Mayo
Celebration at La Tonalteca!
inco de Mayo is our biggest
event, and it lasts longer than
one day! We Celebrate Cinco de
Mayo all month,” says Yonathan
Galindo, marketing director at La
Tonalteca. Located in Dickson City near
the Viewmont Mall, the family-owned
restaurant serves authentic Mexican
food with fresh ingredients.
C
“
Fabulous Fiesta!
Please Call for Mother’s Day Reservations
1008 Scranton-Carbondale Hwy., Dickson City, PA
570-307-3282
Food and drink specials start May 1. On
Sunday, kids eat for only $2.49 with the
purchase of a regular adult meal. Take
$2 off enchilada dinners on Mondays
and $2 off chimichanga and fajita dinners on Tuesdays. Wednesdays feature
$2.99 lime margaritas, and Thursdays
boast $1 off all bottle beers. On May 5,
live music will add to the festive atmosphere.
Lunch Tues.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. Beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Brunch Buffet Sunday 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. • PRIVATE DINING AVAILABLE
Routes 6 & 11, Clarks Summit, PA 570.563.2000 • www.patsels.com GPS: 1385 LACKAWANNA TRAIL, CLARKS SUMMIT, PA
Fresh Finds!
Banquet Facilities
Available
Scranton-Carbondale Hwy. • Dickson City, PA
Phone: 489-8974 • Fax: 489-6414
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Monday - Closed
sixeastdiner.com
ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
La Tonalteca has locations in Delaware
and Pennsylvania. The newest addition
to the family of restaurants opens this
month in Clarks Summit. Since 1993, La
Tonalteca has been recognized as Best
New Restaurant, Best Mexican
Restaurant, Best Margaritas, Best Tacos
and Best Ethnic Restaurant.“We focus
on providing good quality authentic
Mexican food, giving great service and
making it affordable for everyone,”
Galindo continues.“Remember, it's fiesta
time all day!”Visit
www.LaTonalteca.com or call
570-969-0966. –Casey Phillips
CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY AT BAZIL!
Get details about the Clarks Summit
Grand Opening at
www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com!
SERVING BRUNCH AND DINNER...CALL FOR RESERVATIONS
JOIN US FOR TRADITIONAL SUNDAY DINNER SAUCE
WEDNESDAY- JAZZ NIGHT FEATURING MARKO MARCINKO
1101 NORTHERN BLVD. • CLARKS SUMMIT, PA • OWNER: PETE MONTANA • 570-586-5517 • ALLABOUTBAZIL.COM
52
May 2012
HappeningsMagazinePA.com
53
“10 Things
I LOVE! ”
1
2
My wife,
Judy.
We’ve been
together
for 41 years.
Cats, especially
my cat, Little Guy
4
3
The Beatles. Without
them rock and the world
wouldn’t be the same.
5
Playing guitar
and singing
in the band
90 Proof
6
Ken Chergosky, Happenings
Magazine account representative,
shares 10 things he loves!
Going to concerts with
my wife at the
State Theatre in Easton.
7
My new
Subaru Outback!
8
9
Marco Island, Florida,
my favorite spot to vacation.
10
Good movies,
like “John Carter.”
54
Living in Pike County,
because I can connect to
nature living in the woods,
hiking, swimming, boating
and just relaxing.
Pizza. I eat too much!
HappeningsMagazinePA.com
May 2012
144th Annual Dinner
June 11, 2012 • Scranton Cultural Center
scrantonchamber.com
COOPER’S
NOW OPEN AT BOTH
Cooper’s Cabana
now open at
Cooper’s
Pittston
Location
Spectacular
Views of
the River
along
with Great
Cocktails,
Beers &
Live Music!
OUTDOOR DECKS
LOCATIONS Scranton & Pittston
YOUR EXPERIENCES
ARE OUR HISTORY
Family owned & operated
for more than 60 years!
Cooper’s is rated one of
the Top 100 Restaurants in
The U.S. by “Restaurant
Hospitality Magazine”
Voted NEPA’s “Best Restaurant”
in “Where the Locals
Eat Magazine”
At The Ship
701 N. Washington Ave • Scranton, PA
(570) 346-6883
On The Waterfront
304 Kennedy Blvd • Pittston, PA
(570) 654-6883
Food, Music &
Great Beverages
701 N. Washington Avenue
Scranton • (570) 346-6883
A LOT OF CLAMS
CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY
AT COOPERS MAY 13TH
Serving 11 a.m till Midnight
It’s the Place
to be Seen
NEPA’s Destination for
Legendary Dining
Rich in History & Taste
YOUR MOM IS WORTH
Scranton
Outdoor Deck &
Lighthouse Pub
NOW OPEN!
On the Waterfront
304 Kennedy Blvd.
Pittston • (570) 654-6883
For More Information and
Photos, Visit our Website
SCRANTON:
Serving Great Lunch Daily
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Since 1948
www.coopers-seafood.com
Approved
More than 400 brands of beers and ales, with a
rotating selection of drafts from around the world!
12
NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA
V
olunteerism often promotes thriving communities as invested citizens
help execute the goals of
organizations that are crucial to
regional development. Barbara
Durkin Noto has volunteered for a
host of regional organizations for
more than seven decades. Noto
amazingly raised a family, held a
full-time job and devoted thousands of hours to volunteering.
What is philanthropy?
I believe that philanthropy is
caring for my neighbor and
trying to help physically or
monetarily whenever possible. The meaning of philanthropy has become more
important to me over time.
Why did you begin charity
work?
My mother was my mentor.
While my father worked on
the railroad, my mother
stayed at home with the
kids. At a young age, she
taught me the importance of
being helpful whenever
needed. I began volunteer
work when I was 15 years
old because of her encouragement.
Why is philanthropy vital to
the success of a region?
The region as a whole benefits from many organizations.
All organizations depend on
volunteers and monetary
donations. Volunteers are
extremely important in executing the missions and
visions of those organizations. In the region’s future,
volunteerism will play a large
role. There are never enough
volunteers; we need more! It
is important to start volun-
teering at a young age and
to encourage children to be
life-long givers. Over a lifetime, a volunteer can make a
huge impact in a community.
In what community organizations are you involved?
I’m a Life Member of Meals
on Wheels, United Cerebral
Palsy, American Cancer
Society and a Board Member
of Scranton Business and
Professional Women and
North Pocono Public Library. I
have been involved in many
other organizations over the
years. All of them are very
close to my heart!
In what charities are you
most active?
I volunteer for many causerelated charities, but I am
very active in my church. I
was the secretary of the steering committee for the building of St. Catherine of Siena
Church in Moscow. I have
been a Eucharistic minister,
lector, CCD teacher, quadrant
leader of Eucharistic adoration and member of the Laity
Committee of Scranton
Diocesan Synod II. I was also
on the committee for the
changing the name of St.
Ann’s Monastery to St. Ann’s
Basilica in West Scranton.
Are people of NEPA
charitable?
Yes, I am proud that there are
so many organizations in the
region and that so many people are generous here. If volunteers can give even just an
hour a week, the help is
Getting Personal with Barbara Durkin Noto
Residence/Hometown:
Springbrook Township
Family: Parents, the late James
and Verna Walsh Durkin; husband,
the late Joseph; daughter, JoAnn
Noto McGee; son, Casper J. Noto III;
grandchildren, Scott W. McGee and
wife Monica; Ryan J. McGee and
wife Sarah; niece, Barbara Blasi
Partyka.
Occupation: Accounts payable
clerk, Lackawanna River Basin
Sewer Authority
Years of Experience: 32
Accolades/Awards: Scranton
Jaycette of the Year, Northeast
Woman 1982, People of the Week
1990 and Scranton Business and
Professional Woman of the Year
1992
Hobbies: Theater, reading and
sports
Favorite Quote: “Do unto others
as you would have others do unto
you.” - Matthew 7:12
appreciated and recognized. No
act of kindness is too small.
How can people get involved?
Contact an agency, and attend a
session to see firsthand if it’s the
right fit. During these economic
times, it may be hard for some
people to give financially.
However, if they could give just a
small amount, each donation
adds up. It is also important to
pray or hope for great success of
the organization.
Have you seen an increase in the
amount of charitable organizations?
There are many more organizations developing than in past
years. There are some very
unique organizations with worthy causes. None have surprised
me because all charity work is
needed.
What are the most pressing
needs that community leaders
should address?
Leaders should stress the fact
that all organizations need support! With cuts in support from
government agencies, organizations are hurting. People need to
step up and donate time and
funds to keep great organizations running such as Meals on
Wheels and United Cerebal Palsy.
These organizations provide others with daily assistance for a
better quality of life. The programs will not continue without
the support of individuals.
What is one of your most powerful/memorable volunteering
experiences?
While on the board at St.
Michael’s School, I saw the young
boys receive structure, care, participate in sport activities and
volunteer. Eventually they graduated with guidance and support
from the staff. The boys were so
–Melissa Sanko
grateful.
Photo of Barbara Noto by Guy Cali Associates
Volunteering in
May’s
CAN’T MISS EVENTS
Northeastern Pennsylvania
Philharmonic 40th
Anniversary Gala Celebration
May 11, 6 p.m.
POSH @ The Scranton Club, Scranton
40
years
Spring 2012
Bridal Guide
Dancers will greet hundreds of community leaders and music lovers on
the red carpet at POSH @ The Scranton Club. Sip a glass of champagne;
feast on an exquisite array of themed hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy a performance by Ivory and Brass. Savor a delectable meal, and indulge in a
luscious dessert designed by the chefs of POSH especially for the Gala.
Following dinner, participate in a live auction, and dance the night
away to the tunes of Chris DiMattio and Ken McGraw.
www.NepaPhil.org 570-341-1568
Beauty and the Beast
May 1- 3, 7 p.m.
State Theatre, Easton
Disney's smash hit Broadway musical
is based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film.The eyepopping spectacle won the hearts of
over 35 million people worldwide.
This classic musical love story is filled
with unforgettable characters, lavish
sets and costumes and dazzling production numbers including "Be Our
Guest" and the beloved title song.
www.StateTheatre.org
1-800-999-STATE
Shawnee Celtic Festival
Mark Your Calendar!
Lackawanna River Corridor Association
25th Anniversary RiverFest
June 9
Scranton
Paddlers will take to the water, and revelers will fill the banks of the
Lackawanna River. The Canoe-A-Thon is a timed run on the
Lackawanna River from two Mid Valley launch sites to the finish line at
the Olive Street Bridge in Scranton.The Regatta is a free, fun competition in which participants create a vessel that will navigate the
Lackawanna River.The crafts will launch near the Middle Street
Pumping station next to the Farmers Market and finish at the Olive
Street Bridge. For the Duck-A-Thon, contestants cheer on one of the ten
duckies that take a mid-river launch and race to the finish at the Olive
Street Bridge. RiverFest is a full day of river activities, music, food, educational and environmental displays and fun for all ages and abilities.
www.LRCA.org 570-347-6311
May 26-27, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Shawnee Mtn. Ski Area,
Shawnee-on-Delaware
Megan Shin and
William Pregmon on
their August 13, 2011
wedding day in
Union Dale, PA
Enjoy non-stop Celtic music on three
stages, a bagpipers’ parade and fiery
fiddlers, working sheep dogs, Scottish
and Irish step dancers and a variety of
Celtic craft and food vendors.
www.ShawneeMt.com 570-421-7231
60
Photo: Jessica Davis
Photography
HappeningsMagazinePA.com
May 2012
May 2012
HappeningsMagazinePA.com
61
BRIDAL GUIDE
BRIDAL GUIDE
&
William Pregmon
Megan Shin
the bride’s uncles created beautiful
floral arrangements. The cousins of
the newlyweds joined in post-reception karaoke. Many wedding guests
stayed overnight at the Inn to extend
the celebration into the following
day. The reception, held both inside
and outside on the decks and patio
of the Inn, also served as a going
away party before the couple
moved from Northeast PA to
their new home in Boston
two weeks later.
M
egan and William met at Marywood
University while they both were studying to become nurses. Their first official
date was at Cantina Italiana in their
favorite New England city– Boston. When they
returned there together, William proposed.
They honeymooned in
Venice, FL. Megan and
William both work as registered nurses in Boston,
MA, where they reside.
The couple wed on August 13, 2011 at Stone
Bridge Inn and Restaurant in Union Dale. They
were married outdoors with 140 guests seated under white tents. After a morning
filled with rain showers, a ray of sunshine burst through the clouds just
as they were saying “I do.” The special touch made them feel God was
blessing them for marrying in His
name.
–Erika A. Bruckner
Photos: Jessica Davis
Photography
Photos, food and announcements
were all enhanced with personal
touches by family and friends. Two of
NOW SERVING BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER
7 DAYS A WEEK....NEW MENU
WEDNESDAY- JAZZ NIGHT FEATURING MARKO MARCINKO
1101 NORTHERN BLVD. • CLARKS SUMMIT, PA • OWNER: PETE MONTANA • 570-586-5517 • ALLABOUTBAZIL.COM
May 2012
HappeningsMagazinePA.com
63
BRIDAL GUIDE
From Aisle to Isle
Today’s Trends in Honeymoons
oneymoon locations
tend to be as unique
as the couple taking
them. Travelworld owner
John Madden spends time
with couples to determine
what location fits them
best.“Some want to relax.
Others don’t want to be sitting on a beach for a week;
they want activity,” he says.
All-inclusive resort locations
like Cancun and Punta Cana
are the most popular choices for Madden’s customers.
Cruises are also high on the
list, especially seven-day
cruises that depart from
New York, since newlyweds
can set off without boarding a plane. Hawaii, Alaska
and St. Lucia are other
desirable cruise destinations. Many from Northeast
PA choose European
escapes to Italy or a multicountry cruise. Madden
particularly loves coordinating trips to Ireland
where couples can rent a
car, sightsee and stay
H
The Colonnade
event space and boutique hotel
a posh life l.l.c. property
Mother’s Day brunch • sunday, May 13 th
overnight in a castle
before heading home.
“There’s nothing like ending
your honeymoon as king
and queen,” he says.
After the Aisle
In addition to the destination, Madden says couples
must consider their budget
and amount of time they
can afford to take off from
work. Average honeymoons
last seven to 10 days. He
encourages couples to
book their trip eight to 10
months in advance. Today’s
newlyweds have started a
new trend in delayed honeymoons. They get married
and stay somewhere locally
for a night or two, but they
postpone the big trip for a
certain length of time, ranging from a few weeks to
one year later. New Year’s
Eve weddings and New
Year’s Day departures are
also on the rise.
Bridal Travel Registry
Those who have everything
and those who value experiences over things can start
a bridal registry for their
honeymoon. It’s a growing
trend for couples who favor
trips instead of toasters!
Travelworld provides registry announcement cards
that can be enclosed in
shower invitations. Guests
can call or go online to contribute to the honeymoon.
They’ll receive a registry
certificate to place in the
shower card. The bride and
groom can then use the gift
toward their honeymoon
trip!
11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. reserved seating
$29.95 per person
$16.95 children 12 & under under 5 years Free
570-342-6114 • 401 Jefferson Ave Scranton • TheColonnade401.com
A SPECTACULAR
VENUE FOR WEDDING
RECEPTIONS, REHEARSAL
DINNERS AND
BRIDAL SHOWERS.
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
SUNDAY, MAY 13TH
11 A.M., 12 NOON & 1 P.M.
DINNER SERVED 4 P.M.- 8 P.M.
$29.95 PER PERSON.
RESERVED SEATING
Visit AskTravelworld.com or
call 800-828-6029 or 888988-9311.
–Erika A. Bruckner
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH, LUNCH AND DINNER
64
HappeningsMagazinePA.com
May 2012
570-955-5890 • POSHATSC.COM
POSH @ The Scranton Club • 404 North Washington Avenue • Scranton PA
BRIDAL GUIDE
Tell us About Your Wedding to Win!
Newlywed Challenge!
N O W B O O K I N G 2012-2013 R E C E P T I O N S
W E D D I N G S F R O M 50 TO 250 G U E S T S
We’re wondering…about your wedding!
appenings invites all
couples who married
in 2011 or 2012 to enter
the Newlywed Challenge!
Just go to
www.Happenings
MagazinePA.com to tell us
about your big day through
a wedding survey. You can
win one of these fantastic
prizes to help celebrate
your anniversary!
H
Sweet Success!
The first winning couple
will be announced in the
August 2012 issue! Hurry
and enter to be eligible for
a custom-designed anniversary cake by Truly
Scrumptious! Each Truly
Scrumptious creation is
baked from scratch in flavor
combinations like chocolate
peanut butter and almond
canola cream. Entries must
be received by June 30 to
be eligible for this prize.
www.EatCakeFirst.com
570-283-CAKE
It’s a Bling Thing!
The second winning couple
will receive a gift certificate
to Wisnosky Jewelers in
Tunkhannock. The familyowned shop is known for
designing custom, one-of-akind jewelry in their onpremise studio. Wisnosky
Jewelers also features a gift
gallery packed with
American artisan items,
keepsakes and unique
treasures. Winners will be
announced in the
November 2012 issue.
Entries must be received by
September 31 to be eligible
for this prize.
www.Wisnosky.com
570-836-5754
Bridal and Formal Wear
Grand Prize Escape!
A three-night cruise for two
aboard the Norwegian
Cruise Line is presented by
Savvi by Sarno & Son. The
couple will travel from
Miami, Florida to the
Bahamas, including all port
fees and taxes. The grand
prize will be awarded in
March 2013. All entrants will
be eligible for the grand
prize. Entries must be
received by February 1,
2013.
www.SarnoAndSon.com
800-233-1404
Exclusively
You
Save 5% to 15% on a
wedding package with this ad.
Regal Room
216 L A C K AWA N N A AV E , O LY P H A N T
(570) 489-1901
REGALROOM.COM
Weddings
Proms
Mother
of the Bride
Special
Occasion
Tuxedos
Accessories
53 W. Main St., Bloomsburg • (570) 784-6652
Hours: Mon., Wed, Thurs. 11-8; Tues., Sat. 10-5; Fri., 11-5
www.exyoubridal.com
Visit www.Happenings
MagazinePA.com to enter!
Cruise
Grand
Prize!
May 2012
HappeningsMagazinePA.com
67
BRIDAL GUIDE
BRIDAL GUIDE
&
Danielle Kelli Fleming
Mark Thomas Bonfiglio
D
anielle and Mark met in 2001 while attending Marywood University. In December
2009, they took a romantic carriage ride
through Bethlehem, PA as 300,000 luminaries illuminated the town’s streets. The couple sipped champagne and enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere; then
Mark proposed.
They married at sunset on February 26, 2011 on a
125-foot pier over the Atlantic Ocean on a private
island in the Florida Keys. The mid-winter destination
wedding boasted an exotic, tropical ambience with
86-degree weather. Save-the-date cards were custom
made by the bride to resemble luggage tags.
Invitations were delivered by courier in a black gift
box, tied in a silk ribbon
and wrapped in tissue paper.
The couple planned a weekend of festivities
for their 28 guests, from a two-hour Sunset
Welcome Cruise on Friday through a breakfast in Key West on Sunday. For the main
event on Saturday, a private yacht brought
guests from the mainland to the island
where they were greeted by Christian Slater,
a frequent guest of the island.
Over 500 green orchids and calla lilies were
used in the décor for the ceremony and
reception. Tables, walkways and seating
areas were adorned with over 100 white
candles made by the bride. During cocktail
hour on the beach, the bride surprised her
new husband by having the local airport fly
three small planes over the
island to mimic the fly-over
at the start of NFL football
games. Instead of traditional
escort cards, the guests
found their tables via a
“message in a bottle,”
which could later be filled
with sand from the island
as a lasting memento.
The menu boasted PanLatin ingredients paired
with French techniques, including
conch fritters, island
coconut chowder,
jumbo tiger shrimp and
mojo marinated mahi
mahi. The white genoise cake with key lime
essence was layered with key lime butter
cream filling. Instead of a traditional open
bar, guests enjoyed each course with a wine
pairing selected by the chef. The Island’s signature cocktail, Gumby Slumbers, was also
served. Although the wedding was over
1,000 miles from Northeast PA, special
touches were incorporated from home,
including chocolate truffles from Chocolates
by Leopold in Montrose that were paired
with the cake. To bring in the Florida flair, a
Key West cigar shop created custom cigars
with accompanying matchboxes.
continued on page 70
May 2012
HappeningsMagazinePA.com
69
BRIDAL GUIDE
(Continued from Page 69)
Guests received welcome bags in their
hotel rooms with key lime flavored candies, lip balms and soaps made by the
bride’s company, Danielle and
Company. The baskets also featured
custom-labeled water bottles, snacks,
champagne and mini flashlights with
tags that read,“For midnight swims and
late night excursions!” Guests also
received flip-flops to wear after the ceremony and a CD of music from the
reception. The bride created a custom
cologne and perfume entitled
“Embrace for Him” and “Embrace for
Her” as a favor.
The bride, founder of Danielle and
Company, and the groom, marketing
manager at Danielle and Company,
reside in Dunmore. –Erika A. Bruckner
BRIDAL GUIDE
Cruise into Happily Ever After
Tips for First-Time Cruisers
ant to sail
into the sunset after your big
day? AAA Travel
offers expert
answers for firsttime cruisers!
W
What documents
do I need?
If you are sailing from and
returning to an American
port, the most you will need
is proof of citizenship. This
can be a passport or an official copy of your birth certificate. A driver’s license,
voter’s registration card or
Social Security card are not
acceptable. If you are sailing
within a foreign country,
you will need a passport
and, in some cases, a visa.
Your travel agent can advise
you.
72
Do I have to worry
about seasickness?
Nearly all modern
ships have stabilizers, so the side-toside roll is nearly
eliminated.
Dramamine is dispensed by the ship’s doctor
or purser and is usually a
reliable cure for seasickness.
If you are prone to seasickness, see your doctor before
the cruise for other recommendations.
How do I choose a cabin?
Consider budget. An inside
cabin on the lowest deck is
the least expensive and in
some cases the most stable,
particularly if it is in the
center of the ship. However,
some people feel claustrophobic if they don’t have
HappeningsMagazinePA.com
windows or portholes. In
that case, an outside cabin
is worth the extra money.
Which cruise is best for
me?
If you’re young and active,
you may be drawn to
Carnival’s Fun Ships. If
you’re bringing the family,
consider the Disney Cruise
Line. Royal Caribbean
International offers fullscale entertainment for
families with their “Kids,
‘Tweens and Teens” program. If you’re looking for
an upscale cruise, Holland
America or Princess may fit
the bill. Those looking for
luxury should check out
Crystal or Windstar.
Visit AAA.com/Wedding or
call 888-AAA-TRIP.
May 2012