This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with John Mecca about the inaugural Penn State Scranton THON Bocce Tournament.
Residence: Dunmore
Professional background: IT director at Lackawanna County Housing Authority and member of the Lackawanna County Commissioners Bocce Tournament Committee
Title: Chairman and planner
Q: What was the inspiration for this event?
A: I really enjoy the game of bocce and try to plan one tournament a year for a local charity who could use some help in raising funds for its cause. I help with and play in many of the tournaments in the area each year but plan and run just one. We run a lot of tournaments at Arcaro and Genell’s every year and raise a great deal of money for local charities. Arcaro and Genell’s is an asset to Old Forge and our local community for putting these courts in and giving us a place to do what we do. Bocce is a great game, and it is nice to see new people learning and enjoying playing it while we help out some great causes.
Q: Who is the Bocce tournament open to?
A: Anyone who would like to come out and play or just come and watch and enjoy some food and drinks and support THON.
Q: What will be served?
A: We will have breakfast, lunch and dinner including drinks. $25 per person includes your spot to play in the tournament as well as food and drink all day. For $20, you can come and watch and eat and drink all day if you don’t want to play. It is a great day to just come out and enjoy yourself and have some fun while helping a great cause.
Q: What else will be on hand at the event?
A: We will have raffles with baskets and gift certificates from local businesses and a 50/50.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: All proceeds from the event will be donated to Penn State Scranton’s THON organization and will go to help in the fight against pediatric cancer.
If you go
What: Inaugural Penn State Scranton THON Bocce Tournament
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Arcaro and Genell’s, 443 S. Main St., Old Forge
Details: Admission is $25 per player and includes play, food and drink all day and $20 per spectator for food and drink all day. For more information, contact John Mecca at 570-241-1430 to be a sponsor or sign up. Team spots are limited.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
