This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Marilyn Vitali about the upcoming Serving Seniors Inc. Summer Picnic, which raises money for the group’s programs.
Residence: Scranton
Professional background: Retired teacher for Scranton School District
Title: President, Serving Seniors Inc. board of directors
Q: How many years has this fundraiser been a tradition?
A: This has been a tradition for over 20 years. Unfortunately, last year’s event was canceled due to the pandemic. So this year, we are all eager to return to Waldorf Park for a fun-filled outdoor party. The picnic is in memory of Bill Tonkin, a former board president and founder of this wonderful, family-friendly event.
Q: What is included with admission?
A: Grilled picnic foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, a hot and cold buffet, assorted desserts and snacks from local bakeries. Beverages include beer, wine and soda. Come and enjoy the fun at Waldorf Park’s ever famous Tiki Bar.
Q: What other entertainment will there be?
A: There will be a wide variety of baskets to raffle (off), a 50/50, and musical entertainment and dancing to your “favorite hits” with EJ the DJ. There also will be a volleyball tournament.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: Proceeds will benefit our programs, which include ombudsman (advocacy), volunteer ombudsman, guardianship services, volunteer visitation, patient advocate services and PEER (Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents Program). Serving Seniors Inc. is celebrating 46 years of service to our community and serves all consumers of long-term care in Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Luzerne and Wyoming counties.
Q: Why is community support so important to your cause?
A: This event enables us to educate the community on the services we provide. It has been a long time since we have been able to gather together for a fun-filled day. So come out and enjoy the fun and delicious food at Waldorf Park, where families and friends can gather together outdoors. Listen to great music, have a chance to win a great item with the basket raffle, dance to the tunes of EJ the DJ or just relax at the Tiki Bar. This is a rain-or-shine event, as there is a covered pavilion area in case of inclement weather.
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.
