2008 Photo Gallery

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Senator Baker

November 24, 2008 – Above, Bob Timko presents Senator Baker with the 2008 James Baird Legislator Award from the Pennsylvania Firemen’s Legislative Federation at the 18th Annual Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute Conference in Harrisburg. The event is held to recognize Volunteer and Career Fire and EMS first responders across Pennsylvania for their outstanding services. During the event, legislators participated in an informative discussion on a variety of issues including recruitment and retention programs as well as statewide training and education programs.

November 18, 2008 – The Bridge Educational Foundation recently presented a $10,000 scholarship to Notre Dame School District as part of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Senator Baker attended the presentation and afterwards answered questions about state government from students in an American Government class at the school. Pictured above at the check presentation from left are: Megan Blessing of state Representative Mario Scavello’s office; Joe Gerdes, Board Member of the Bridge Educational Foundation; Matt Catrillo; Alexis Angulo; Lanique Roberts; Sean Gubitosi; Senator Baker; and Peter Gleason, Chairman of the Bridge Educational Foundation.

November 18, 2008 – Senator Baker participated in a public hearing held by the Senate Majority Policy Committee to help area residents better understand the opportunities and challenges posed by the development of the Marcellus Shale natural gas deposit in the Commonwealth. During the hearing, the Senate panel heard from several testifiers on a variety of issues related to the Marcellus Shale.

November 16, 2008 – At a recent Nuangola Borough Council meeting, Senator Baker and state Representative Karen Boback presented a $10,000 state grant to the borough in order to help fund the revitalization of a recreational area. Pictured above from left are: Council President Regina Plodwick, Senator Baker, Representative Karen Boback, and Mayor Norman Rule.

November 16, 2008 – Nuangola Borough began what will be a year-long celebration in honor of the community’s centennial anniversary. Senator Baker presented a citation to the borough council in honor of the occasion and also presented certificates and flag pins to five young volunteers from the borough. Above, Council President Regina Plodwick, Senator Baker, and Representative Karen Boback watch as a customized flag in recognition of the centennial is raised outside of the borough building.

November 13, 2008 – The Conyngham Township Supervisors showed off the new dump truck the township was able to purchase thanks to state grant money. From left to right are John Humpries, Senator Baker, Moderno Rossi, Representative Karen Boback and Ed Whitebread.

November 12, 2008 - During a recent Factoryville Borough meeting, Senator Baker presented a citation from the state Senate to members of the Council in honor of 125th anniversary of the Christy Mathewson Days in the Borough of Factoryville. Each year the borough holds a celebration in honor of Christy Mathewson, a pro baseball player from the community who was know for his control and low ERA for pitching. Pictured above from left in the front row are: Shawna Engle, Junior Council Member; Senator Baker; Chuck Wrobel, Council President; and Tony Laidlaw, Council Member. In the back row from left are: Liz Ratchford, Administrator; Chris Bergey, Council Member; Genevieve Evans, Council Member; Tom Davis, Council Member; Rita Kamp, Secretary; Bill Edwards, Council Member; Mary Ellen Buckbee, Treasurer; Solictor Paul Litwin; Steve Swift; Sewer Solicitor Jeff Mitchell.

November 12, 2008 - Senator Baker presented Senate Certificates to seven local Girl Scouts from Troop #3605 in honor of their achievement of the Bronze Award. The Bronze Award is the highest honor that may be achieved by a Junior Girl Scout and is given to those who display dedication to helping their communities. Pictured above with Senator Baker, from left, are: Julia Baur, Megan Spess, Katie Supey, Cassidy Borger, Catherine Rose, Kaley Egan, Lauren Cunius, and Sarah Kimble.

November 12, 2008 - A ribbon cutting ceremony officially opened two new miles of the Back Mountain Trail. Judy Rimple, who thought of the idea for the trail, envisions it as providing not only recreational opportunities for local residents, but also easy walking access to adjacent businesses. Senator Baker helped cut the ribbon and noted about the trail, “I do believe the value and the economic impact can be significant.”

November 12, 2008 – Carson Baker showed off his new class ring while posing with mom after the Lake Lehman High School Ring Day ceremony for juniors.

November 10, 2008 – Senator Baker and members of the Western Wayne High School Political Science Club enjoyed a lively discussion about politics and current events during a recent meeting at the school. Pictured above in the front row are: Amanda Pritzlaff; Amber Curtis, club Secretary; Damon Jaggars, club Public Relations Director; Katie Quinn, club Vice President; and Zach Fleming. Standing in the back row are: Senator Lisa Baker; Patrick Johnstone; Danny DeVito, club President; Sean Lehutsky; Austin Krompasky; club Treasurer; Renee Reeke; Glen Butler; and Vincent DiNoto.

November 10, 2008 - A ceremony attended by Senator Baker officially rededicated the former Hawley VFW Post as the Robert J. Drake Senior Community Center. Drake, who served in the Pacific during World War II, played a key role in forming the VFW Post. In addition, he worked as a service officer with the Disabled American Veterans in Wayne County. In this position, Drake helped many other veterans receive available benefits until his passing in 1965. However, the positive impact he had on the community of Hawley is still observable today.

November 8, 2008 –Michael Calkins, a Back Mountain resident, completed the requirements to become an Eagle Scout, the highest level of Boy Scout. Senator Baker recognized Michael’s accomplishments at his Court of Honor ceremony. Above from left are: state Representative Karen Boback, Michael Calkins, and Senator Baker.