The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Lackawanna County and Society of Irish Women postponed their annual dinners scheduled for Tuesday because of coronavirus concerns.
Friendly Sons president Dr. W. David Fitzpatrick, who resisted postponing the dinner during an interview Wednesday, emailed a letter to group members today explaining the postponement.
“This postponement, with a final decision on formally canceling to be made at a later date, is for concern for the spread and infection involving the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19),” Fitzpatrick wrote. “My decision follows an extensive consultation with an infectious disease colleague who is a current national advisor to the NSA (National Security Agency) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control), as well as personal review of CDC guidelines and data.”
Lori Wagner, president of the women’s society, concurred with Fitzpatrick’s reasoning.
“It’s the sound thing to do. We don’t want anybody to get sick,” Wagner said.
Additionally, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced its annual dinner, set for March 31, and Empower Leadership Conference, set for April 17, have been postponed.
The dinner has been rescheduled to June 17; the leadership conference has been rescheduled to June 10.
Other postponements include:
– Tonight’s Women in Philanthropy/Women’s Whistle Stop quarterly meeting and reception has been postponed. The new date will be June 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
