Serving Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties
2019 Photo Gallery
December 5, 2019 – Sen. Baker visited Shohola Elementary School in Pike County to talk to students about how being a senator is similar to being a fifth grader. She ran a mock Senate session with students serving as senators and held a vote for what cookie should be the school’s unofficial cookie.
December 4, 2019 – Sen. Baker and Rep. Rosemary Brown participated in the annual senior expo at Saw Creek Estates in Lehman Township, Pike County. Seniors were able to meet with the senator to express their views, ask questions and learn more about legislation and issues important to them.
November 19, 2019 – Bloomsburg University ursing students visited the Capitol to meet with legislators and discuss issues of importance during a political advocacy day. From left, Victoria McCrory, from Delaware Township, Pike County, Mandy Batalin, from Greene Township, Pike County, Alison McKay, from Dover, Del. and Sen. Baker on the Senate floor.
November 6, 2019 - The Luzerne County Children & Youth Services held its 26th Annual Adoption Celebration in Plains Township. Sen. Baker offered remarks and her husband Gary Baker was the keynote speaker sharing his adoption story. Reps. Tarah Toohil and Karen Boback were also on hand along with Children and Youth officials.
November 1, 2019 – Vetstock, a Pike County-based non-profit organization that aids veterans, held its dinner celebrating America and honoring veterans at Woodloch Pines Resort. Along with Bold Gold Media Group CEO Vince Benedetto and Rep. Jonathan Fritz, Sen. Baker spent some time with her longtime friend and trusted advisor Pat Solano, who was being recognized at the fundraising dinner along with fellow veteran Christina Martin.
October 30, 2019 - Noelle Race, a senior at West Chester University who is graduating in December 2019, met with Sen. Baker as part of her capstone project. The Warrior Run native interviewed women holding elected office across the state to learn about their experiences, gain insight and share that information with her fellow students.
October 29, 2019 - Sen. Lisa Baker and Grey Rabbit Dion Puett, a 2018 Honesdale High School graduate, stand on the floor of the state Senate. Pruett, a Penn State Harrisburg student, spent the day shadowing Sen. Baker and learning about the role of a legislator.
October 27, 2019 - Honoring Ethan Lehutsky, of Boy Scouts of America Troop 1 of Honesdale, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. His Court of Honor was held at the Lake & Brook Club in Berlin Township, Wayne County.
October 24, 2019 - Misericordia University officials and special guests dedicated the Lake Street sidewalk project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The more than $1 million project resulted in more than 3,000-feet of sidewalk to improve safety for pedestrians. Participating in the ribbon cutting, first row from left, are Thomas Caffrey, Northeast Regional director, Gov. Tom Wolf’s Office; Dallas Mayor Tim Carroll; Rep. Karen Boback; Misericordia University President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D.; Sen. Lisa Baker; and Attorney Thomas Mosca, Dallas Township solicitor. Second row, Attorney Tom Brennan, former Dallas Township solicitor; Dallas Township Supervisor Bill Grant; and Carol Warholak Sweeney, from Rep. Boback’s office.
October 24, 2019 – Sen. Baker attended the Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Environmental Partnership awards dinner at The Woodlands Inn and Resort in Plains Township. From left, Pike County Commissioners Matthew Osterberg and Ronald Schmalzle, Sen. Baker, Michael Bedrin, the northeast regional director of DEP, and Jose de los Rios of Procter & Gamble.
October 24, 2019 - Celebrating northeastern Pennsylvania’s environment at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Environmental Partnership dinner with a strong showing from the 20th Senate District. Among those recognized were the Rail-Trail Council’s Lynn Conrad who received the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award, the Free Book Swap in Wayne County, the Pike County Tick Borne Diseases Task Force, and the Lehman Sanctuary / Misericordia University Language of Water Project.
October 24, 2019 – Sen. Baker and Rep. Karen Boback honored Dallas Township Supervisor Frank Wagner at his surprise retirement party at Apple Tree Terrace to celebrate his 50 years of dedication and commitment to municipal government.
October 22, 2019 - Senators, including those representing northeastern Pennsylvania, present Patrick Solano with a certificate of honor recognizing his lengthy service to the military and the public. From left, Sen. Mario Scavello, Sen. Lisa Baker, Sen. Joe Scarnati, Patrick Solano, Sen. John Yudichak, Sen. John Gordner and Sen. John Blake.
October 10, 2019 – Sen. Baker recognized the good work of Mary Erwine and her commitment to continuing the legacy of our friend Anna Cervenak as she received the Community Impact Award at the Northeast Sight Services Annual Awards Dinner at The Woodlands Inn and Resort in Plains Township.
October 9, 2019 – Sen. Baker thanked Scott Maciak, the PennDOT District 4 municipal services representative, for his 12 years of service to the municipalities in Wayne, Pike and most of Lackawanna counties. Maciak is retiring at the end of the year after 35 years with PennDOT.
October 9, 2019 – At the 107th Annual Convention of the Wayne County Township Officials, Sen. Baker recognized the service and longevity of Al Wildenstein, who has served 30 years with Mount Pleasant Twp. and Lewis Henshaw, who has served 38 years with Canaan Twp. Both are retiring at the end of the year. Pictured, from left, are: Wayne County Commissioner Brian Smith, Sen. Baker, Wildenstein, Henshaw, Rep. Mike Peifer and Wayne County Commissioners Joe Adams and Wendell Kay.
October 5, 2019 – Sen. Baker caught up with Jim Bach at the 17th Annual Greater Shickshinny Business Association mixer and banquet to help celebrate those who work to make the community a better place, including The American Legion and Heller Orchards, both of which turned 100 this year.
October 4, 2019 - Bernie Shinko of Kingston stopped by the annual Luzerne County Senior Expo at the Wyoming Valley Mall to discuss several matters with Sen. Baker and other legislators who were on hand. The event drew hundreds and featured 91 vendors.
October 1, 2019 - Dallas High School held a voter registration event and Sen. Baker and Reps. Aaron Kaufer and Karen Boback were on hand to thank and encourage students and to answer questions.
September 28, 2019 - Sen. Baker and fellow trustee Cornelia Romanowski were on hand to celebrate a proud tradition of excellence in teaching students to honor and strive for “the true, the beautiful and the good” at the Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School’s 175th Anniversary Gala at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre.
September 25, 2019 - Joining members of Mamas Against Cancer to close out Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and promote legislation Sen. Baker is cosponsoring with Senator Larry Farnese to streamline the guardianship process so parents can continue to care for their children after they become adults.
September 24, 2019 – Van Jones and The Reform Alliance visited with Sen. Baker in her Harrisburg office for a discussion on criminal justice reform.
September 15, 2019 – Sen. Baker read a book to children gathered at the Dallas Harvest Festival. While there she also met with members of the American Legion, Rep. Karen Boback and Congressman Dan Meuser.
September 11, 2019 – Dozens, including Sen. Baker and Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, were on hand for the 18th annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Luzerne County Community College’s Public Safety Training Institute in Nanticoke.
September 5, 2019 – Sen. Baker was on hand celebrating the opening ceremonies of the 57th annual Luzerne County Fair in Lehman Township along with fair board members and volunteers, Congressman Dan Meuser and Reps. Karen Boback and Eddie Day Pashinski.
September 4, 2019 – Sen. Baker joined Sen. John Yudichak, Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, Pat Solano and college officials in Nanticoke at the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony of the Luzerne County Community College AllOne Recovery Educational Institute.
September 3, 2019 – In Milford for the swearing-in ceremony for Pike County Court of Common Pleas Judge Kelly Gaughan. On hand, from left, were: Pike County Commissioners Steve Guccini, Ron Schmalzle and Matt Osterberg, Judge Gaughan, Sen. Baker, Rep. Mike Peifer and Rep. Rosemary Brown.
August 27, 2019 – Sen. Baker toured Delaware Valley School District’s $11 million renovation and expansion of its Career Technical Education program. Superintendent John Bell showed her the auto mechanics classroom and the diagnostic equipment the students will be able to use in the new space. In addition the expansion includes a larger area for the culinary, building trades, electrical, early childhood, diversified occupations, healthcare and business/marketing classes.
August 27, 2019 – At the groundbreaking ceremony in Westfall Township, Pike County, of a 70-bed Nursing Home and 50-unit Assisted Living Complex. Taking part in the ceremony were, from left, Pike County Commissioner Matt Osterberg, Frank Mazza from Sen. Pat Toomey’s office, Sue Keefer, a partner in the project, Sen. Baker, Mike Kelly, a partner in the project, Rep. Mike Peifer and Christian Ferro, representing Rep. Rosemary Brown.
August 25, 2019 – Sen. Baker joined Rep. Karen Boback and school officials at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Dallas Intermediate School.
August 24, 2019 – Sen. Baker is joined by Rep. Karen Boback, Congressman Dan Meuser and past presidents of the Harveys Lake Protective Association at the Beaumont Inn to recognize the organization’s 100th anniversary and many valuable contributions to helping preserve the tremendous natural resource.
August 22, 2019 – Celebrating the fun, festivities and fantastic fairgoers and volunteers at the Harford Fair in Susquehanna County.
August 17, 2019 – At the Rockport Hunting Club at their annual Beef and Pork Roast in Newfoundland. Sen. Baker is joined by Pike County Treasurer John Gilpin, Wayne County Commissioner Joe Adams, Pike County Commissioners Matt Osterberg and Ron Schmalzle and Blooming Grove Township Supervisor Randy Schmalzle.
August 13, 2019 – Sen. Baker presented a Senate Resolution she sponsored, designating July 2019 as “Lakes Appreciation Month” in Pennsylvania, to Nick Spinelli along the shore of Lake Wallenpaupack. Spinelli is the president of the Pennsylvania Lake Management Society and the executive director of the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District.
August 12, 2019 – Sen. Baker thanked and recognized the vital public safety role provided by Paul Metro who is retiring as the manager of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Safety Division after 35 years of service.
August 10, 2019 – At Keystone College in Factoryville for the annual Christy Mathewson Days celebration. Sen. Baker ran into longtime friend Ernie Kannengiesser.
August 8, 2019 – At the 157th Wayne County Fair in Dyberry Township with members of the fair’s board of directors.
August 8, 2019 – In Honesdale to mark the 190th anniversary of the first running of The Stourbridge Lion. The Stourbridge Line’s owner, Tom Myles, organized an excursion to celebrate the day and Sen. Baker, Rep. Jon Fritz, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau Executive Director Chris Barrett and Wayne County Commissioners Brian Smith, Joe Adams and Wendell Kay were on hand.
August 7, 2019 – Sen. Baker was in Wyoming County joining members of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Aggregate Advisory Board for a tour of Meshoppen Stone, one of the largest stone fabricators and haulers in the nation. The tour enabled the company to highlight the tremendous economic impact of the Bluestone industry in Pennsylvania.
August 6, 2019 – Having fun educating the kids participating in Pennsylvania State Police Troop P’s Camp Cadet program at Camp Kresge near White Haven. Sen. Baker was on hand to talk about responsible citizenship and civic engagement.
August 6, 2019 – In Wright Township, Luzerne County, taking a look at the new backhoe the township was able to purchase with $140,000 in state grant funding.
August 6, 2019 – Sen Baker was in Wright Township for the annual Mountain Top National Night Out Event to improve communities and build stronger relationships between law enforcement and those they take an oath to protect.
August 5, 2019 – Members of Troop 241 -- Brady Newman, Jacob Herceg and Casey Weaver – received citations from the Senate for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The troop is based in Lehman Township, Luzerne County.
August 3, 2019 – Sen. Baker was on hand at the Forest City Trail Town Festival at the Forest City Area Historical Society Museum to help honor John Opeka and John Franceski, who were recognized with honors as Distinguished Citizens.
August 3, 2019 – Sen. Baker served as a greeter at the blueberry pancake breakfast during the 40th Annual Blueberry Festival in Montrose. The proceeds benefit the Susquehanna County Library.
August 1, 2019 – Along with Sandy Ritz and Rep. Karen Boback at the Triton Hose Co. Carnival Parade in Tunhkannock.
August 1, 2019 – Celebrating three of Sen. Baker’s staff members’ birthdays with a lunch at the Irem Temple Country Club. Tom Yoniski hit the big 80, Susan Slocum turned 60 and Andrew Seder celebrated his 43rd. Happy birthday to them and many thanks and much appreciation for all they do for constituents.
August 1, 2019 – Touring Brown Hill Farms in Lemon Township, Wyoming County, along with Congressman Fred Keller and Rep. Karen Boback and learning about the farm’s new endeavor to grow hemp for various commercial uses.
July 31, 2019 – Sen. Baker was at the Forest City trailhead for the reopening of a new and improved D&H Rail-Trail from Carbondale to Union Dale following an extended closure due to the installation of a gas line. The project was a succesful partnership between the NEPA Rail-Trail Council, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and UGI Utilities.
July 27, 2019 - Congratulating Kelly Gaughan who was confirmed by the Senate to fill a long-time judicial vacancy in Pike County. She has a compelling set of legal credentials that well prepare her to serve as judge. Reps. Rosemary Brown and Mike Peifer, who both serve portions of Pike County, were on hand to congratulate her, too.
July 16, 2019 – State and county officials were on hand to dedicate a 486-acre addition to the Delaware State Forest in Dingman Township, Pike County. Used as Boy Scout camp from the 1950s until the 1990s, the Rock Hill property off Route 739 contains an 18-acre natural lake. DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry acquired the site in September of 2013. From left, are: DCNR Deputy Secretary John Norveck, Pike County Commissioners Steve Guccini, Ron Schmalzle and Matt Osterberg, Sen. Lisa Baker, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, Carol Comando, board chair for Pike County’s Scenic Rural Character Preservation Committee, Rep. Mike Peifer, Jessica Yoder from the Pike County Planning Office and District Forester Tim Dugan.
July 15, 2019 – Sen. Baker attended a bill signing ceremony with other elected officials and victim rights advocates as Gov. Wolf signed six bills into law including Senate Bill 479, sponsored by Baker, which expands the list of crimes for which an out-of-court statement made by a child under 12 can be used.
July 13, 2019 – Spending some time with volunteers and visitors at the 73rd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library’s auction.
July 10, 2019 – Meeting with business leaders during the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce’s legislative lunch held at Stonehedge Golf Course.
July 10, 2019 – Sen. Baker spent her morning sharing the details on some of the good work the legislature accomplished on the state budget and discussing positive economic news with a group of job creators at the Back Mountain Chamber legislative breakfast at the Huntsville Golf Club.
July 9, 2019 – Camp Towanda is one of 60 Pocono area summer camps producing a combined $123 million in annual economic impact to our region. Kids from across the country and the world enjoy activities, outdoor adventure, sports and so much more and Sen. Baker spent some time touring the camp in Lebanon Township, Wayne County, speaking to the camp’s owners and staff and plenty of happy campers.
July 8, 2019 - During a bill signing ceremony in the governor’s reception room, Gov. Wolf thanked Sen. Lisa Baker and Judy Schwank for their legislative efforts to combat sexual assaults on college campuses. The legislation signed into law, part of the 2019-20 budget, included language from Sen. Baker’s It’s On Us bill mandating all Pennsylvania colleges and universities set up an online, anonymous reporting system to report sexual assaults on campus.
July 4, 2019 – In Wyoming observing the Wyoming Commemorative Association’s 141st annual observance of the 241st anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming featuring “Susquehanna” filmmaker H. Edward Murndel.
July 1, 2019 – Sen. Baker and Rep. Jerry Mullery met with Rice Township Supervisor Bob Pipech and township road department employee Ron Miller to take a look at the township’s new backhoe. The legislators received an update of all the ongoing and planned projects in the township. The backhoe was purchased with state grant funding through the Luzerne County LSA fund.
June 26, 2019 – Enjoying a milkshake with Sen. Gene Yaw and toasting the PA Dairymen's Association and efforts to support farm families and maintain agriculture as our state’s top industry during a program touting the Senate’s Farming First package of bills.
June 21, 2019 - Recognizing the tremendous contributions Mary Clare Mullen, center, has made to meeting the needs of victims through crisis intervention, education programs, and advocacy following 39 years with the Victims Resource Center in Wilkes-Barre. Also pictured is Janet MacKay, executive director of the Victims Resource Center.
June 21, 2019 - Joining CEO Tim Evans, his daughter and COO Ali Mahalak, and manager Karl Arbogast to mark the expansion of Colours Inc., Based in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, it’s one of the fastest growing automotive paint distributors in the United States.
June 18, 2019 - Shelby Carr, a Dallas High School graduate who is poised to attend King’s College where she will study political science and law, was in Harrisburg to serve as a guest shadow. She is the daughter of Steve and Tracey Carr. Her parents, and her brother Steven, joined her during her visit to the Capitol.
June 18, 2019 – Delaware Valley High School Principal Brian Blaum, seated, and Lou DeLauro and Nicole Consentino, two of his assistant principals, traveled to Harrisburg to meet with Sen. Baker and discuss education issues.
June 18, 2019 - Some of the participants in the annual Keystone Boys State program met with Sen. Lisa Baker to discuss government. Pictured from left: John Gordon, Broomall; Brandon Wentovich, Mayfield; Ezra Tetreault, Lake Ariel; Gary Geinitz, Waymart; Sen. Baker; Leonidas Kehagias, Damascus; James Bianchi, Moscow; Ryan Salladino, Media; and Legion Mentor Tim French, Palmyra Township, Pike County. The Pennsylvania American Legion-run Keystone Boys State program, is a week-long educational endeavor that hopes to develop leadership and pride in American citizenship in its participants and to arouse a keen interest in the detailed study of government in them.
June 11, 2019 - Sen. Baker’s intern at the Capitol this summer is Ashley Beener, a graduate of Waynesburg University. The Milford Township, Somerset County native is pursuing her law degree at Widener University Commonwealth Law School.
June 5, 2019 - Sen. Lisa Baker and Rep. Mike Peifer presented the national championship duo from Wallenpaupack Area High School with citations for their achievement in automotive technology. From left, Peifer, automotive technology teacher Dr. Mark Watson, Cory Prisco, Nick Hamer and Baker.
June 4, 2019 - Tunkhannock Area High School junior Sabine Moran spent the day in Harrisburg serving as a guest Senate page and shadowed Sen. Baker. Her parents, Mark and Melissa Moran, of Monroe Township, Wyoming County, joined Baker and Sabine for a photo on the Senate floor.
June 4, 2019 – Along with Sen. John Yudichak, Sen. Baker met with members of the Pennsylvania County Corrections Association, including a few from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, to discuss legislation to increase safety for corrections workers.
June 3, 2019 - Anthony Plumley, the 2019 Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education’s (A.B.A.T.E.) Senator Clarence Bell Memorial Scholarship recipient, along with his mother Lisa Plumley and stepfather Rick Maynard. Plumley, of Shohola, was at the capitol for an the (A.B.A.T.E.) Motorcyclists Rights Rally, and was congratulated by Sen. Baker.
May 28, 2019 - The new electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Honesdale has been installed and state and borough officials were on hand to mark the occasion. From left, David Islas, Lisa Glover, Stephen Moulton, Jack Barnett, Sen. Baker, Rep. Jonathan Fritz, James Jennings, Jim Brennan and Mike Augello. The borough was the first in Wayne County to take advantage of a state rebate program that paid for $10,000 of the $13,600 project.
May 16, 2019 - Sens. Lisa Baker and John Yudichak, along with Rep. Mike Carroll, spent the afternoon discussing infrastructure, jobs and the economy with participants in the Borton-Lawson Leadership Development Institute, which cultivates employees for future opportunities at the Plains Township firm.
May 7, 2019 – Wallenpaupack Area High School juniors Seth Brown and Anthony Ioppolo visited Harrisburg and served as guest Senate pages and job shadowed Sen. Baker for the day. Accompanying them were R. Jay Starnes, the district’s director of curriculum, and Colleen Edwards, the school’s career coordinator. While in the capitol, they also met with Reps. Jonathan Fritz and Mike Peifer.
May 7, 2019 – Members of the Pennsylvania Camps Assocation were in Harrisburg to advocate for their members and to be recognized during Senate session as Sen. Baker introduced a resolution marking May as Summer Camps Month in the state. Pictured, from left, are: Rep. Mike Peifer, Mark Major, Mark Zides, Rep. Jonathan Fritz, Sen. Lisa Baker, Lily Stoltz, Sen. Mario Scavello, Matt Stoltz, Bruce Lipton, Esther Katz and Matt Miller. The paddle the legislators received says it’s for keeping camps afloat.
May 7, 2019 – Sen. Baker met with the staff from the Victims’ Intervention Program of Wayne and Pike counties prior to their legislative rally at the Capitol with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
May 2, 2019 – Sen. Baker spent some time with Ned Lang, left, and other members of the Upper Delaware River Basin Citizens at the Lookout Fire Station in Wayne County discussing responsible stewardship of our natural resources and legislative efforts to protect landowner rights. Rep. Jon Fritz and Wayne County Commissioners Brian Smith and Joe Adams were on hand.
April 30, 2019 – Members of the Dallas High School Student Council visited the Capitol. They took a tour and were able to visit the Senate floor where they met with Sen. Baker.
April 30, 2019 – Caroline Williams, a resident of Kunkletown, Monroe County, served as a guest Senate page and job shadowed Sen. Baker. Caroline met the senator at the NEPA Women’s Conference last year and she expressed an interest in public service and community affairs and asked if she would be able to experience a day in the life of a senator. She has a Master's degree in Education and is an adjunct professor at Luzerne County Community College.
April 30, 2019 - Russell Keeler, of Kingston, met with Sen. Baker and offered his input on issues important to cancer patients and their families during American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Pennsylvania Advocacy Day at the Capitol.
April 30, 2019 - Megan Ustynoski, Marcy Stair, Baylee Roeder, Nadia Gentilesco, Rebecca Zink and Molly Peterson, nursing students at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, met with Sen. Baker in her Harrisburg office and the senator told them she is glad they decided to follow their passion for helping others and are working to make a difference in health care. The students are all from Luzerne and Pike counties.
April 29, 2019 - Aaron Keller, 21, of Dorrance Township, brought the gold and silver medals he earned earlier this year at the Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to Harrisburg. Sen. Baker welcomed him to the Capitol and introduced the Luzerne County Community College student during a Senate session.
April 29, 2019 - Joseph Strauch, a Lackawanna Trail School Board member, met with Sen. Baker at the Capitol. Strauch, of Factoryville, was in Harrisburg as part of the Pennsylvania School Board Association’s legislative advocacy day.
April 29, 2019 – Tracey E. Vitchers, executive director of It’s On Us, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania senior Adrianna Branin, who was honored earlier this year for helping a victim of an assault near the IUP campus last year, met with Sen. Baker to discuss the It’s On Us initiative and what is being done to fight sexual assault on college campuses.
April 12, 2019 - Exchanging information and ideas, and sharing what’s occurring at the state level at Wilkes University’s 2019 Pain & Addiction Summit held at Mohegan Sun Pocono. The topic was Patients Over Party: Crossing the Aisle to Combat the Opioid Crisis Panel Discussion with Elected Officials and Sen. Baker and Reps. Mike Carroll and Eddie Day Pashinski participated in the forum.
April 10, 2019 - College students Meghan Schoereck and Sarah Kistner, representing Sen. Baker’s alma mater Shippensburg University, met with the senator during Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education Advocacy Day at the Capitol.
April 9, 2019 – Students and staff from Luzerne County Community College visited with legislators including Sen. Baker as part of Pennsylvania Community College Lobby Day at the Capitol. The students demonstrated educational excellence and showcased their workforce-readiness skills.
April 8, 2019 - A group of prosecutors visited the Senate on April 8 as part of their legislative outreach efforts with the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association. They met with Sen. Lisa Baker, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to discuss pertinent issues. From left, Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin, Sen. Baker, Luzerne County District Attorney Stephanie Salavantis, and Michael Piecuch, the Snyder County District Attorney.
March 27, 2019 - Veronica Miller served as a guest Senate page and shadowed Sen. Baker for the day. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and decided to take a year off between high school and college to complete chemotherapy treatments and concentrate on recovery. She is planning to attend Harrisburg Area Community College in the fall to pursue a nursing degree.
March 27, 2019 – Sen. Baker met with several local members of the PA Farm Bureau who were in Harrisburg for the annual Farm Bureau conference. The farmers included, from left, Bob Rutledge, with the Wayne/Pike Farm Bureau, Joe Decker from Susquehanna County Farm Bureau, Sen. Baker, and Kim and Jim Barbour, also from Susquehanna County.
March 26, 2019 - Nurses and students representing the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists met with Sen. Baker as part of their 2019 Legislative Action Day in Harrisburg.
March 26, 2019 - Joining members of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association for some coffee and conversation at their 2019 legislative breakfast. The senator thanked them for promoting school bus safety.
March 25, 2019 – Misericordia University Professor Luke Williams’ Political Science class spent some time with Sen. Baker on the Senate floor during their trip to Harrisburg. Pictured, front row, from left, are: Jourdaine Newhart, Hop Bottom; Gardyney Deshommes, Blandon; Professor Williams; Sen. Baker; Alexandra Zielinski, Staten Island, N.Y.; Hunter Glidewell, Benton; and Lauren Robbins, Pittston. Back row, from left, are: Kristopher Rosencrans, Shavertown; Christopher Sabol, Shavertown; Brett Stage, Dalton; Alexander Frear, Factoryville; Frank Wojtash, Plains Township; and Alexander Zelna, Falls.
March 25, 2019 – Sen. Baker met with Dr. Dave Evans and Dr. Gail Evans, from Evans Eye Care in Dallas, along with Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University students Mackenzie Biggers and Fernando Aquilar during the PA Optometric Association’s advocacy day at the capitol.
March 24, 2019 – Sen. Baker, Rep. Aaron Kaufer and others helped cut the ribbon marking the grand opening of the Sidney and Pauline Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston.
March 23, 2019 – Sen. Baker spoke at the Endless Mountains Empowerment Summit held at Elk Lake Junior/Senior High School in Springville. She told those gathered that successful women, holding their own and making their mark, is not a recent phenomenon. As we seek to empower women today, we should recognize the women who have been important pioneers during our American experience.
March 18, 2019 – For the first time in her tenure, Sen. Baker was asked to serve as the presiding officer of the Senate.
March 14, 2019 - Rep. Mike Peifer, Christopher Garavaglia, Sen. Lisa Baker, Joshua Kalin, President of the Tafton Fire Co. Gary Shepard, Tafton Dive Team Captain Richard Groo, Jr. and Nick Spinelli, a Tafton Dive Team lieutenant, stand on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack. Kalin and Garavaglia were being honored by the legislators and dive team for their roles in six lake rescues on Feb. 2.
March 12, 2019 – Sen. Baker spent some time speaking to the students in Carly Ellman's Social Welfare Policy & Services Class at Misericordia University.
February 22, 2019 – Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Back Mountain Police Association. Sen. Baker, U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, Reps. Karen Boback and Aaron Kaufer and Frank Mazza from U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey’s office were all on hand to present proclamations and offer their gratitude.
February 18, 2019 – Sen. Baker and Rep. Jon Fritz joined Wayne County Commissioners Brian Smith and Joe Adams at the annual Wayne County Ag Day event at the Honesdale High School gymnasium.
February 5, 2019 – Sen. Baker and Sen. Kim Ward take a quick selfie from the floor of the House after the governor’s budget address.
February 5, 2019 – Sen. Baker met with several members of the Crime Victims Alliance of Pennsylvania in her Harrisburg office to discuss several issues and initiatives. She met with Julie Dugery and Deanna Weaver, co-chairs of the alliance’s Legislative and Policy Committee, Carol Lavery, past chair of alliance, and Karen Hinkle, current chair of the alliance.
February 4, 2019 - Several cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation nurses and specialists, each of whom serves on the board of the Tri-State Society for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a multi-disciplinary professional association that serves Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, were in Harrisburg to meet with legislators to discuss the importance of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Pictured on the Senate floor, from left, are: Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19; Sen. Judy Ward, R-30; Vicki Krebs, from Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg; Ruth Akers, from Bryn Mawr Hospital/Main Line Health in Newtown Square; Denise Sheffield, from J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon; Nadine Greco, from Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale; Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20; and Sen. Gene Yaw, R-23.
January 30, 2019 – Along with Sen. Christine Tartaglione, Sen. Baker wore red at the Capitol to raise awareness of preventing heart disease and strokes for women.
January 30, 2019 - Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat, but nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented. Sen. Baker and her female Senate colleagues are standing together with the American Heart Association for Wear Red Day to help raise awareness and prevent heart disease and stroke.
January 27, 2019 – Sen. Baker helped Bea Pritchard celebrate her 100th birthday along with Bea’s daughter Judy Loeffler and the congregation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Dallas.
January 23, 2019 - Sen. Baker marked Maternal Health Awareness Day by joining The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Pennsylvania Chapter President Dr. Lynne Coslett-Charlton and Maternal and Family Health Services Inc. CEO Bette Saxton at an event in Wilkes-Barre. Sen. Baker presented the resolution she sponsored designating the day across Pennsylvania.
January 19, 2019 - Sen. Baker and Rep. Karen Boback were on hand to wish Lake Silkworth Volunteer Fire Department President Don Kivler a very happy 90th birthday and to recognize his five decades of active service to his community. The fire company is based in Lehman Township, Luzerne County.
January 15, 2019 – Attending the governor’s inauguration ceremony at the Capitol, along with Sens. Mario Scavello, Mike Folmer and Sharif Street.
January 10, 2019 – Sen. Baker joined state Reps. Jonathan Fritz and Mike Peifer and Wayne County Commissioners Joe Adams, Brian Smith and Wendell Kay to honor retiring Wayne County Human Services Administrator Andrea Whyte during a ceremony in Honesdale. Whyte, of Palmyra Township, Wayne County, retires after 45 years of employment with the county.
January 9, 2019 – Members of the Forest City Regional High School FBLA conducted an informative tour for Sen. Baker and Rep. Jonathan Fritz and showed off the renovations made at their school. New technology and expanded classrooms offer better opportunities for learning. And Johnson College is working as a partner to bring technical and workforce training to students and adult learners in this part of Susquehanna, Wayne and Lackawanna counties.
January 8, 2019 – Sen. Baker was invited to the Luzerne County Courthouse by Judge Jennifer Rogers to be a guest speaker for the Law & Government Explorer Group. The students, ranging from freshman in high school to freshman in college, are all interested in careers in law or government.
January 3, 2019 – Awaiting the Senate swearing-in ceremony to begin, Sen. Baker takes a moment to share her desk with Cora and Iva Kukosky of Lehman Township, who came down to Harrisburg to celebrate the senator starting her fourth term in office.