This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Elizabeth Bachefski Zaydon about the upcoming annual St. Joseph’s Day Takeout Breakfast, which raises money for St. Joseph Melkite Greek-Catholic Church.
Name: Elizabeth Bachefski Zaydon
Residence: Dickson City
Educational and professional background: Earned a bachelor’s degree from Marywood College, and is a self-employed certified public accountant.
Title: Publicity volunteer for all fundraising events, website and social media at St. Joseph Melkite Greek-Catholic Church
Q: What was the inspiration for this event?
A: We have traditionally held our annual breakfast near the Roman Catholic feast of St. Joseph (March 19), as well as after Lent and Pascha. Our parish patronal feast is celebrated after Christmas.
Q: Tell us about the Women’s Society of St. Joseph Melkite Catholic Church.
A: Our current president is Karen Abda Kane. The Women’s Society (of St. Joseph Melkite Catholic Church) was organized over 70 years ago to assist in group functions including parish gatherings, fundraising and religious activities throughout the year.
Q: Explain how the fundraiser works.
A: We are holding a takeout breakfast this year without beverages because of COVID-19. Takeout breakfast includes scrambled eggs, pancakes, home fries, olives, Honey Baked Ham and breads. Other egg styles (are available) upon request. You can walk-in or preorder to pick up (breakfast). Tickets are available at the door and cost $8 for adults, $4 for kids ages 6 to 10 and free for children younger than 5 with an adult. St. Joseph bread will be sold in two-loaf packages for $5 until sold out.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: Proceeds are used to defray the insurance costs of the church facility.
Q: Why is community support important to your cause?
A: Our neighbors and friends have been supporters of our events since inception. In the last 20 years, (they) have found our little church during our annual Lebanese-American Food Fest held each August or our Fall Pasta Dinner. Since we are in a residential neighborhood, our events help folks know our presence in West Scranton for almost 125 years.
What: St. Joseph Day Takeout Breakfast
When: Sunday, March 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: St. Joseph Melkite Greek-Catholic Church, Cabrini Avenue, Scranton
Details: Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for kids ages 6 to 10 and free for children younger than 5 with an adult. St. Joseph bread will be sold in two loaf packages for $5 until sold out. For preorders, call 570-343-6092 or email melkite.scranton@gmail.com. For more information, visit the Facebook page or melkitescranton.org.
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.
