Mountain Laurels

Sunday, July 10, 2005 Page: 3B

Many aided chamber auction

On May 11, the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber held its annual auction at
Genetti’s Best Western Hotel and Convention Center in Wilkes-Barre. The event,
with a new format, a new theme – “The Games People Play” – and a new online
component, drew over 240 people representing more than 65 companies in the
Wilkes-Barre area. Participants experienced firsthand the wide variety of
products and services donated by over 200 area companies.

The chamber would like to thank everyone who helped to make this year’s
auction a success. A special thank you goes to Bob Soper from this year’s
corporate sponsor, Mohegan Sun, to Catherine Shafer and her staff from cds
creative inc. for help with the planning, theme development and event
logistics, Gus Genetti and Kathy Bankes from Genetti’s Best Western Hotel and
Conference Center for hosting the event and all the media outlets who helped
publicize the auction.
A special thanks to the committee chairperson, Walt Walker (owner of WEB
Ad-Specialty), Darlene Scranage (Quad Three Group) and to the dedicated group
of volunteers who worked for many hours to ensure the event was successful.

The chamber looks forward to continuing to host events like the auction
that support and showcase our local businesses.

Judith Ellis Second vice chairperson of the board and programs division
chairperson The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce
Day at Steamtown is appreciated

I wish to express my thanks and gratitude to Mark Jones, community advocate
for the Times Leader, and David Pasquini of the United Way of Wyoming Valley
for giving my dad a very memorable day at the Steamtown Museum on June 29.

My dad was chosen to participate in their trial program modeled after
Second Wind Dreams, a nonprofit organization that fulfills wishes of nursing
home residents and other seniors.

He has been an avid model train collector for years and loves trains. The
day was most enjoyable. The staff at the museum was most gracious. I could go
on describing our day, but I will leave that in the capable hands of Mark.
Again, thanks to all involved, including the social services department of
Valley Crest.

Lois A. Arlunas Wilkes-Barre
Bridge builders earn gratitude

We the Ganc family at Ganc Lane would like to thank three men, Bill
Pritchard, Lenny Zabritski and Tim Sender, for the work and help they have
given our family while they were working on the replacement of the bridge that
was damaged during Hurricane Ivan.

They went out of their way to make sure that we were not in harm’s way as
they replaced the bridge. They made sure we didn’t need to go out while they
replaced the bridge. When we did need to go somewhere, they were very cordial
about letting us through the work area.

You are three men that work hard and are not recognized for all that you do
to make people happy. Now that the bridge is completed we do miss seeing them,
as they were good company to have around. We also have to give our thanks to
Mike Sholtis, the engineer of the project, and to his boss, Jim Brozena. They
also played a role in getting our bridge replaced so soon.

Walter, Beatrice, Cammie and Cindie Ganc Drums
Cemetery group is thankful

The executive board of the Cemetery Association of Wyoming wishes to
express its sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to our recent
fund drive. Because of your generosity, we have been able to improve a couple
of the roads in the cemetery and to repair the bandstand that is used for the
yearly Memorial Day event.

The board is also very grateful for the several excellent articles about
our cemetery written by Times Leader reporter Mark Jones, who has been very
supportive and understanding. Mark has taken the time to visit the cemetery
and have photos taken to accompany the articles. Thanks again, Mark, for all
you have done.

Joseph Massara Fund-raising chairman Cemetery Association of Wyoming