January 12, 2015 - Ten northeastern Pennsylvania residents recently shared their personal experiences with breast cancer as a way to inspire others who are facing the disease. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BCNEPA) has collected their stories and photos for the company’s 16th annual “Gallery of Hope.”

Gallery of Hope Honoree Display

Created by BCNEPA in 2000, the Gallery of Hope is a traveling display designed to educate the public about the importance of early detection and treatment in the fight against breast cancer.  Beginning this month, the 2015 Gallery is available to exhibit throughout northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

Susquehanna County Honoree

Danielle McMicken, of Springville, in October 2011, found out that she was pregnant with her second child, and shortly thereafter, she also learned she had early stage breast cancer. 

Unable to have surgery until she was further in her pregnancy, Danielle spent her first trimester worried about how fast her cancer might be growing.  Caring for her four-year-old son inspired her to keep going.  When the time came for her mastectomy, doctors found that the cancer hadn’t spread.  With no further treatment needed, she delivered a healthy baby girl.

“I look at my daughter now and she’s my little gift.  At the end of the day, that’s all that matters,” she says.

Other Area Honorees included the folowing:

• Mary Marrara, of Jermyn, Lackawanna County, an active community volunteer, business owner, and mother of one.
• Lori Mulhern, of Nicholson, Wyoming County, a preschool teacher and mother of three who detected her cancer through a self-exam.

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania created the Gallery of Hope in 2000. The nomination process is open year-round. To nominate a breast cancer survivor, or to request the Gallery of Hope exhibit for your facility or community event, please contact Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania through the Gallery of Hope website at www.bcnepa.com/hope. To receive year-round updates about BCNEPA’s breast cancer education efforts, search for "Gallery of Hope – Blue Cross of NEPA" on Facebook and like our page.

The Delahanna District Camporee was held on January 16-18 at Tuscarora Scout Reservation outside Windsor, New York with a Basic Scout Skills theme.  Scouts and Leaders braved the cold temperatures Friday Night through Sunday where the mercury did not raise above 22 degrees.  The highlight of the camporee was a special presentation from the Broome County Emergency Services demonstrating an ice rescue.

Scouts watch Broome County Emergency Services demonstrate an ice rescue

One hundred fifty scouts and adult leaders from across Susquehanna County as well as Broome County New York and Wyoming County also competed in fire building, knot tying, log saw, map and compass, and tree identification.  The last highlight of the day was a sled race over frozen Summit Lake.  Jim Trowbridge from Meshoppen served as the Chief Planner for the Camporee.  Troop 518 from Tunkhannock took 1st place overall, Troop 154 from Elk Lake took 2nd place, and Troop 175 from Factoryville took 3rd place. 

The Delahanna District covers most of Susquehanna County and is part of the Baden-Powell Council based out of Binghamton, New York.  Anyone interested in learning more about scouting should contact Adam Kovalchick, Senior District Executive at 607-648-7888.

In complement to the exhibit “Where Will You Travel Next? Destinations in Paintings”, the Everhart Museum partnered with Lackawanna Heritage Valley (LHV) to showcase regional artwork highlighting hidden spots throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

“NEPA Uncovered:  Community Art at the Everhart”, features creations by regional artists of all ages, and the juried pieces are on view at both the Everhart Museum and LHV headquarters at 213 South 7th Avenue in Scranton, PA

Josh Myers stands with his artwork at the Everhart Museum

Several artists from Blue Ridge Elementary, in Sarrah Dibble-Camburn's  second grade art class, have work displayed at this exhibit.  Those include:  Marissa Fiske, Max Ksenich, Max Madura, Joshua Myers, Janna Weed, and Lindsay Shaw.  Blue Ridge Elementary students Max Ksenich and Joshua Myers attend the opening reception on Thursday, February 5 at the Everhart.  The show will be up until June 8, 2015.  

Andrew Dickinson is February Resident of the Month at Forest City Nursing & Rehab Center. He came from a family of five children- three boys and two girls. He graduated from Milford High School in Milford, Connecticut.

Andrew Dickinson

After his college graduation where Drew studied Forestry and Horticulture, he worked for the United States Forest Service at Saint Joe Forest, in Idaho for five years. He then worked for the Pennsylvania American Water Company for fourteen years.

Drew and his wife Sara lived in Waymart with their daughters, Natalie and Nancy. At Forest City Nursing & Rehab Center, Drew dances with style and grace to all musical entertainments. He enjoys his weekly outings with his daughter Natalie- dining out and shopping. He attends Mass Services, watches television and goes outdoors any chance he gets. He has been watching his Green Bay Packers football team make a run for the super bowl

Tempo

Tempo has been here a long time, just waiting for the right person.  She prefers to be the only pet but did get along with one male dog we had here.  She needs a strong and consistent adult family.  A fenced yard would be a plus.  She is friendly but plays rough.  With the right training and home environment she would be a loyal companion.  Are you that special person who loves the challenge of changing lives?  Tempo hopes you are.  We are still hoping to raise money for our heating bills and a new furnace.  You can donate at the shelter or on line at gofundme.com/truefriends.  Thanks to all who have responded so far.  It means so much to us!  Feeding our four legged friends has become a science.  Please follow your vet's advice and read all labels to insure you are giving the right type and amount of food.  All of our local feed stores carry a variety of foods.  Check them out!

The Wildlife Leadership Academy is ready for the students of 2015! This summer, along with the previously held field schools for the white tail deer, ruffed grouse, and brook trout, a new school for black bears has been added to the curriculum. Each school offers youth, from 14 to 17 years old, the unique opportunity to learn alongside other teens who share similar interests. Participants come from all over Pennsylvania, and occasionally from out of state, to gain all the knowledge and experience that is provided by the Wildlife Leadership Academy (WLA). As the name suggests, the Academy also focuses on bringing students out of their shells to develop all important social and leadership skills. Different hands-on experiences are introduced every day from the time of arrival to the end of the five-day camp.  But the education does not stop there. After the field school is over, students are asked to reach out and educate their communities.

In my time as a Wildlife Leadership Academy student, I met many professionals in the conservational field and forged bonds with many of my peers. Because I enjoyed the learning opportunities, I plan to continue returning to the various WLA field schools that have been made available as both student, and student mentor. I encourage anyone interested in the outdoors, whether pursuing a career in the field or just as a sportsman, to take the opportunity and take part in the WLA. For more information and application forms, go to www.piceweb.org. The application deadline is April 1, 2015 and there are limited spaces so be sure to apply soon!