2008 Photo Gallery

Please click on photos to enlarge.

October 28, 2008 - Students enrolled in Dr. Joseph Leonardi’s political science course at Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) were recently visited by Senator Baker, who spoke to the group regarding her experiences as a state Senator and answered questions about state government. Pictured during the visit in the front row from left are: Brigid Mauro; Cortney Bolig; Kaitlin Luczak; and Andrew Mikielski. In the second row from left are: Mike Babbish; Professor W. Brooke Yeager; Dr. Joseph Leonardi; Thomas P. Leary, president of LCCC; Senator Lisa Baker; Dr. Bart Burne, special assistant to the president, LCCC; and Meghan Buckley.

October 24, 2008 - Senator Baker stopped by Davita Honesdale Dialysis Center to meet with staff and patients where they discussed dialysis and the quality of treatment provided at the center. Joining Senator Baker above from left to right are Robin Becker, administrative assistant; Cindy Houser, facility administrator; and Maggie Giannelli, Senator Baker's legislative director.

October 24, 2008 – Louise Hazeltine celebrated her retirement from her position as coordinator and board member for the Back Mountain Food Pantry with a party at the Trucksville United Methodist Church. Senator Baker and state Representative Karen Boback commended Louise for her years of hard work on behalf of the pantry with citations from the state Senate and House of Representatives. Pictured at the celebration above are from left: Joe Hardisky, President of the Board of Directors of the Back Mountain Food Pantry; state Representative Karen Boback; Louise Hazeltine; state Senator Lisa Baker; and Bill Long, Trustee of Trucksville United Methodist Church.

October 23, 2008 – Senator Baker recently had the opportunity to greet baby Serenity, who was living up to her name, and her mother, Cara Asay. Both are residents at His Resting Place, a community-operated maternity home that opened in May 2008 in Luzerne County. Serenity holds the honor of being the first baby to be born to a mother helped by the organization.

October 21, 2008 - Senator Baker visited the Northern Wayne Community Library recently, where she presented formal citations from the Senate to two young library volunteers, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the library. Above, Senator Baker presents the certificates to Maggie Jordon (left), who completed 249 hours of service at the library, and Elizabeth Lepro (right), who contributed 185 hours.

October 21, 2008 – A group of 8th grade students from Preston Elementary School in Lakewood recently participated in a discussion with Senator Baker as part of their civics class. The Senator answered questions posed by the students on local issues such as gas drilling and preserving farmlands. Above, the group gathers with Senator Baker inside the Northern Wayne Public Library.

October 15, 2008 – The Berwick Area Chamber of Commerce invited Senator Baker to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony at its 9th Annual Showcase Reception. The event gives members of the community the opportunity to get a look at featured products and services offered by the businesses that are members of the Chamber. Shown above at the grand opening of this year’s event are from left: Amy Shortlidge, Berwick Chamber of Commerce; Columbia County Commissioner William Soberick; Raymond Bigart, 5Linx Communications; Representative Karen Boback; Lisa Makara, Bloomsburg Health Systems; Patricia Johnson, First Columbia Bank & Trust; Senator Baker; Christina Shaw, Berwick Hospital Center; and Columbia County Commissioner David Kovach.

October 7, 2008 – With the statewide smoking ban less than a month old, student members of the Pike County Tobacco Free Coalition made a timely visit to the capital, where they were greeted by Senator Baker. The group’s mission is to help educate the residents of Pike County about tobacco in order to help prevent and eliminate tobacco use.

October 6, 2008 – Sisters Rachel and Caroline Jones were honored recently when both captured titles in the 2008 Pre-Teen Pennsylvania Academic & Enrichment Program. The program recognizes 7-12 year old female honor students throughout the state who have outstanding academic achievement, have demonstrated service to the community, and possess good communication skills. Rachel, who is 9-years-old won the junior division, while Caroline, who is 12-years-old, won the senior division. Senator Baker presented both Mountaintop girls with Senate citations congratulating them during their recent visit to the capitol. Pictured above from left are: Bill Jones, Caroline Jones, Senator Baker, Rachel Jones, and Janet Jones.

October 4, 2008 – Senator Baker, Representative Mike Peifer, Representative Sandra Major, Representative Ed Staback, and the Wayne County Tour of Honor Committee co-hosted an event honoring living Korean War Veterans in Wayne County. Over 60 veterans gathered in Central Park outside of the Wayne County Courthouse for the ceremony thanking them for their service.

October 2, 2008 - Ruth Wilmarth was named "2008 Woman of the Year" by the Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) of Montrose, PA. Senator Baker attended to the ceremony honoring Wilmarth and presented her with a congratulatory citation from the Senate. Pictured above clockwise from top left are: Senator Baker; Mary Evans, Montrose BPW member; Susan Gesford, 2007 Woman of the Year; Joyce Rudzianski, Montrose BPW President and past Woman of the Year; and Ruth Wilmarth.

October 1, 2008 - After delivering an update on healthcare legislation at the annual meeting of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Hospital Auxiliary, Senator Baker met the President of the organization, Ann Negvesky, and her two daughters, Elizabeth and Janice.