2008 Photo Gallery

Please click on photos to enlarge.

August 28, 2008 – Natural gas exploration was the main topic of discussion at the Annual Economic Development Breakfast Meeting hosted by the Susquehanna County Economic Development Board and the Progress Authority, which Senator Baker attended. Pictured above from left are: Paul Maknosky, Congressman Carney's Office; Susquehanna County Commissioner Mary Ann Warren; Louis D'Amico, Executive Director of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of Pennsylvania; Senator Rodger Madigan; Senator Baker; and Representative Sandy Major.

August 27, 2008 – Senator Baker met with representatives from Step by Step, Inc., recently to discuss mental health and mental retardation issues. Step by Step, Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation that provides support services to individuals with mental retardation, autism, and mental illness throughout Pennsylvania. Pictured above from left are Michael Bernatovich,Vice President of Operations in the Northeast; Senator Baker; James Bobeck, President/CEO; and Bob Blazaskie, Quality Resource and Compliance Manager.

August 27, 2008 – Senator Baker attended the Healthy Heart Fair which aimed to educate emergency responders, police, volunteer firefighters and E.M.T.s about heart healthy habits. The free event, which was sponsored by State Representative Karen Boback, was held at the Kunkle Firehouse in conjunction with Geisinger Health. Pictured above from left are John Zelonis, Associate Vice President, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center; Audiologist Dr. James Zeigler of Asby & Zeigler Associates; Bill Schultz, Operations Manager, The Richard and Marion Pearsall Heart Hospital at Geisinger Wyoming Valley; State Representative Karen Boback; Jack Dodson, Kunkle Fire Department & President of Back Mountain Fire Association; State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann; State Senator Lisa Baker, and Thomas Gibbon, Public Relations and Marketing, Geisinger Health System.

August 27, 2008 – Senator Baker paid a visit to the new facility for the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association (WVCA) in Kingston, PA. The WVCA is a private, nonprofit organization that offers a wide range of services for local children, including physical therapy, preschool programs, and hearing screenings. Pictured above from left at the new facility are Senator Baker; Jane Denion, teacher; Kathy Florkiewicz, teacher aide; Claire Karabon, teacher aide; and Sharon Harry, executive director.

August 27, 2008 – Senator Baker and Representative Sandra Major were on hand to congratulate the Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair royalty from 2007 and 2008. From left are 2007 Junior Fair Queen Katie Kugler, 2008 Alternate Fair Queen Amanda Nudo, Senator Baker, 2008 Fair Queen Hannah Sayre, Representative Sandra Major, 2008 Alternate Fair Queen Alisha Nudo, and 2007 Fair Queen Denise Nerozzi.

August 27, 2008 – Nearly 50,000 people visit the Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair annually, and Senator Baker was among them this year. Also at the fair and shown above are Champ, the mascot for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, Anna Marcy, and State Representative Sandy Major.

August 25, 2008 – Senator Baker met with Forest City officials to discuss a sewer project in the borough. Seated in the front row from left are: Bobbi Jo Turner, Susquehanna County Housing Redevelopment Authority Grant Administrator; Barbara Mihelc, Forest City Borough Council; and Senator Baker. Standing from left are: Jim Lowry, Forest City Borough Council; Karen Allen, Susquehanna County Housing Redevelopment Authority; Robert Trusky, Forest City Borough Council; and Forest City Mayor Mick Cost.

August 16, 2008 – The Pond Hill/Lily Lake Fire Department celebrated its 50^th Anniversary and the dedication of a new fire truck with a festival on fire company grounds. Senator Baker presented a citation during the festival in recognition of the milestone anniversary and to honor the service of the many volunteer firefighters who have donated their time to the department. Pictured above from left are Joe Kubricki; Dale Rockel, Sr.; Senator Lisa Baker; Fire Chief Dale Rockel, Jr.; Fire Department President Scott Bednar; John Kubricki, and State Representative Karen Boback.

August 13, 2008 - Senator Baker met with elected officials and representatives of Saw Creek Estates Community Association (SCECA) regarding the proposed Roseland-Susquehanna Transmission Line. From left to right are, row 1: Zondra Spence, SCECA Board Member; Paul Menditto, Lehman Township Supervisor; Senator Lisa Baker; Denise Jenious, SCECA Board Treasurer; and row 2: Dave Stagg, SCECA homeowner; Harry Forbes, Pike County Commissioner; Peter Derrenbacher, SCECA Board President; John Sivick, Lehman Township Supervisor; Rocco Pannozzo, SCECA Board Vice President; Ron Trimble, SCECA homeowner.

August 7, 2008 – Sister Gemma Brennan was honored with a celebration at Mercy Center in Dallas for her 100th birthday. At the party, Senator Baker presented Sister Brennan with a citation from the state Senate wishing her a happy birthday. Above, Senator Baker reads the citation during the celebration.

August 7, 2008 – The Triton Hose Fire Company Carnival opened with a parade through Tunkhannock, in which Senator Baker participated. Above, from left are Senator Baker, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett, State Representative Karen Boback, and Wyoming County Auditor Sandra Ritz.

August 6, 2008 – During her visit to the 146th Annual Wayne County Fair, Senator Baker took in the sites, presented a trophy to the winner of a harness race named in her honor, and was greeted by fair officials. Pictured above from left are Senator Baker, Wayne County Fair President Roger Dirlam, John Wetmore, Joe Schweighofer, Wayne County Fair Treasurer Diane Matt, and Wayne County Fair Secretary Nina Martin.

August 6, 2008 – At the Wayne County Fair, Senator Baker presented a trophy to the winner of a harness race named in her honor. Timmy Offutt took first place in the race, which was open to three-year-old colt trotters. Above, from left are Timmy Offutt, Senator Baker, and Dave Gelatt, a longtime supporter of the fair.

August 5, 2008 – Senator Baker presented Pennsylvania and United States flags at the Men’s Prayer Breakfast at Pickett’s Charge Restaurant in Dallas, Luzerne County. From left are George Pyle; Senator Charles Lemmond; Bob Deeble, cofounder of the group; Senator Baker; Gene Kelleher, cofounder of the group; Tom Pickett, owner of Pickett’s Charge; and Rev. Chuck Gommer.

August 3, 2008 – Senator Baker served as the official starter at the 27th Annual Wilkes-Barre Triathlon. The race, in which Lance Armstrong competed in 1988, includes a 1.5 kilometer swimming portion, 40 kilometer biking course, and an 11 kilometer run. Above, the Senator prepares to announce the start of the race on the shoreline of Harvey’s Lake, Luzerne County.

August 1, 2008 - State Representative Sandra Major and Senator Baker helped serve breakfast and greet guests at the 29th Annual Montrose Blueberry Festival. The event takes place during the first Friday and Saturday of August each year and proceeds benefit the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association.