Get Healthy Naturally

Staying Healthy& Fit, Naturally

Jackie Greenwood Kerekes has always been motivated to stay active and fit. She never believed in fads or trends with regard to her own nutrition or fitness, rather basing her goals on more natural and long term lifestyle fundamentals that have helped her maintain consistency with weight and fitness level for decades.

After working in the industry for larger gyms and fitness centers, she opened her own fitness studio to share her expertise and personal experience with those also looking to adopt a similar lifestyle/lifetime wellness. The Training Loft, a personal training fitness boutique, opened its doors in August 2018. Jackie works one on one with clients for a personalized workout plan and nutritional coaching tailored for individual needs. Her belief is that “one size does not fit all” when it comes to reaching fitness and wellness goals. The Training Loft also offers small group training which is a 30-minute total body workout designed for strength and endurance. Jackie is certified through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) as a Personal Trainer, a Fitness Nutrition Specialist and a Group Fitness Instructor. Recently, she added two group classes, Energy

Raising/Meditation and Zen Barre. “Maintaining a healthy weight and fitness level in the chaotic and stressful environment that many of us find ourselves in is no simple feat. There is a mental component that I’ve always thought was vital to the adopting and sustaining of long-term lifestyle changes. One of the first steps is “clearing your mind, breathing better and when possible, reaping the benefits of basking in nature,” said Jackie.

The Training Loft, located in Clarks Summit, offers a boutique studio environment, where clients have privacy, confidentiality and highly personalized attention. Zoom training sessions and nutritional coaching sessions are also now possible, should schedule or geographic location prohibit in-person sessions. Jackie’s clients range from teens to those in their 70s. “I have clients who are looking for weight loss, muscle tone, improved strength and agility and increased energy to name a few,” she remarked. “Some just want to ‘get healthier’ so they can enjoy life more. We have young athletes working on agility and core strength as well as grandparents who want to be able to keep up with their grandchildren.” How a person feels often affects how they are able to succeed in other areas of their lives. Feeling comfortable and confident is just one motivating factor for taking action. But longevity should be a serious motivator, even more importantly. Individuals with underlying health issues such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol give all the more reason to start developing a healthy, more fit lifestyle and maintain it. ”Keep moving,” is the one piece of advice that elderly persons who have achieved marking their 90th birthday can attribute to their health and wellness. “Once you stop moving other issues set in,” they have noted. Therefore embracing a long-term or forever wellness plan is critical no matter your age. Of course the earlier you start the better, but it is absolutely never too late to begin and reap the many benefits of improving your nutrition and exercise! H

Jackie Kerekes/ The Training Loft (570) 332-8519

The Training Loft offers SUP workout sessions individually or with a partner. Schedule your session @thetrainingloftllc@gmail.com. Jackie Kerekes is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She has taught a variety of classes including kickboxing, fat burn pilates, spin, barre, strength training, Bosu bootcamps, TRX, and POUND. Additionally, she designed a class named F.I.T. Factor (Functional Interval Training), a HIIT training class.

Who is the cutest of them all?

Baby Girl

The Tomlinson Family adopted Baby

Girl a year ago, and she now bonds with the other cats as a “treasured addition to the family.”

Tessa

Tessa, known as the “water baby”, loves playing in water and even knows how to pour the Walsh family a drink from the water cooler.

Miley

Miley participates in almost every activity you could name, the McCormick family says. She enjoys running, dancing and barking at other dogs.

Bubba

Bubba is a loveable member of the family who enjoys taking naps, dressing up for Halloween and playing with his mom Kourtney.

Ellie

The Walsh family says that Ellie is a sweet rescue pup that loves car rides, walks, belly rubs and hikes with her doggo friends.

Millie

Millie loves her family, and especially loves being called “My Millie” by her dad, Jamie, when he takes her on morning walks.

Vote for your favorite August pet at

www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com! The winner receives a Happenings bandana!

The votes are in... July’s Pet of the Month is Pierre Congratulations!

Junior

The Lowry family says that Junior

loves snuggles and playing catch. Junior is 2 years old.

Daisy

The Martin family says that Daisy

loves barking at herself in the mirror, and playing with her frisbee. She is a 1-yearold American bulldog.

Ella

“Ella loves to sleep under our beds at night,” says the Purdy family. She also enjoys playing catch and moving her food from place to place.

Mischa

Mischa is a rescue that her owner saved, she used to live in filth before the previous owner surrendered but now she “is the queen of the house,” says the Patla family.

Edward

Edward enjoys playing, running after us and having fun with the cats, says the Messersmith family.

Bell

Bell is a wanderer at heart. “Independant and crazy are her middle names,” says the Lopuski family. She loves her cat mom and doggo brother.

Jo Ann Verduce

Director of Development, Saint Joseph’s Center

Your career at organizations that include Saint Joseph’s Center, Marywood University and Little Sisters of the Poor involved rallying for support of causes that are

close to your heart. From where does your passion and enthusiasm stem?

I was raised to always give back and to support, wholeheartedly, what I believe in. My Dad loved to donate to Saint Joe’s because, he said, it was important to “help Saint Joe’s in the beautiful work they do.” He loved helping the children and residents. I remember how proud he was when I told him I joined the Auxiliary in 1987. Being a part of a mission that is so special is an honor. Residents and clients fill my heart, and bring a smile to my face.

What is a main fact that you wish more

readers knew about Saint Joe’s? Saint Joe’s residents and clients give us hope and strength. Seeing how they handle daily challenges is both humbling and inspirational.

Relationships with people are at the core of helping you with your career and volunteer missions. What have you learned about navigating relationships over the years?

Friendships I’ve made over the years mean the world to me, and I think everyone realizes that when I say my friends are my family, I truly mean it!

Is there anything about the world today that has changed how relationships work in

your life? Since March 2020, I think we all have a truer sense of how important our faith, family and friends are to us, especially when we couldn’t be close to each other. I remember the first time I was able to visit Jeremy. He was so happy to actually see me in person when I dropped off ice cream and presents for his birthday. This year, some of his direct caregivers organized a fun drive-by birthday for his 30th! I hope we never experience anything like this pandemic again, my heart still aches when I needed to pack up Easter Dinner for my family and could only visit with them outside. Misha and Mikey both wanted to stay and be together for dinner—I will always remember Mikey saying “Noni, I’m hungry, can we go in and eat now?” I still want to cry thinking about it.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your

role at Saint Joseph’s? Very simply, it is sharing the mission of Saint Joe’s. I absolutely love hearing all the stories and connections people share with me when they hear I work at Saint Joe’s!

Who has provided inspiration in your life?

At the Community Roast, held right before he passed, Father Joseph Sica was quoted in the Times-Tribune, “Life is what we do with the

time we’ve been given. The time to live is now. The time to laugh is now. The time to work is now. The time to pray is now. Take life and realize it’s not measured in hours or minutes, but life is measured in memories

and moments.” I remember when Father Sica came home from Chicago when my Dad passed away because I simply called him. I remember how deeply he cared and will never forget that he was there for me. He taught me

that being there for those that we care about is such a selfless act. Sometimes we are blessed to find another inspirational person, and I’m happy to say I find many of these qualities in Father Andy Kurovsky, Pastor, Sacred Heart in Peckville, who always manages to say what I need to hear. Sometimes I even think he can read my mind or my car is bugged! God works in mysterious ways, and I feel blessed to have had both of these priests in my life.

What do you wish your

legacy to be? That I cared about people, worked hard, did my absolute best in all that I believed in and always remembered to be kind because we never know what others may be going through. Sometimes a smile or kind word will make all the difference in the world to someone.

Provide advice for younger woman who are entering

their careers? When I started at Marywood I worked in the Public Relations Office doing so many different jobs including PR, advertising and events. Over the years, I worked my way to Director of Alumni. It is good to know all aspects of a job because you can truly understand everything that goes into the finished product. I’ve found that being involved in organizations that make a difference provide wonderful ways to meet others who share your same passion and help you network and expand your opportunities.

Why did you become

involved with UNICO? Many of my good friends were involved in UNICO National Scranton Chapter so when I was invited to join I absolutely said yes. I became more involved when Jack Brunetti was Chapter President because he noticed that I loved taking pictures. He asked me to speak about heritage, take committee and event pictures, and provide marketing for the chapter. Mary Marrara, Palma Yanni and Chris DiMattio kept me engaged with the many events and publicity needs. I worked on the marketing committee for just over 10 years until last month when I became the Ladies Auxiliary President. It was poignant that I was asked to do the Invocation at the June meeting because a few days earlier, “Uncle” Jack (who was like family to me) passed away. I remembered him with a tribute and moment of silence at the meeting. At the end of the meeting I was surprised to learn I was receiving the Al Dante Volunteerism Award which was established under his leadership. It’s all about relationships, faith, family and friends who are my family. I truly have been blessed! H

Jeremy Kraus, Saint Joseph's Center resident

STONE HEDGE GOLF CLUB

18 hole championship golf course masterfully carved out of the rolling hills and meadows of the Endless Mountains. A relaxing natural habitat to play golf at its best. Golf our mature links. Dining in our in-house restaurant, The Hedge. 570-836-5108 www.stonehedge-golf.com

SHADOWBROOK RESORT

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SPLIT ROCK GOLF CLUB

Open to the public 7 days a week. 18 hole North course, 9 hole South course, 18 holes of Footgolf. Located in Lake Harmony. Golf shop, full practice facilities, restaurant/bar with great view. Yearly memberships available. Tournaments and outings welcome. 570-722-9902 srinfo@ptd.net. Book tee times at golfsplitrock.com

SCOTT GREENS GOLF CLUB

Challenging nine hole golf and teaching facility in Scott Twp. Home of “A Swing for Life” Golf Academy featuring Teaching Professional Scotty McAlarney, a “Top 100” W.G.T.F. Instructor. Fun for the whole family! Minutes from Clarks Summit, Rt. 81, Scranton and the valley area. Great membership!

POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB

Enjoy our 18 hole course and practice facility by becoming a member for a day! Play manicured fairways and top quality greens! Stop by our Lakeside Grill and Pub. Receive “Member For a Day” rate by calling 570-894-4435 ext. 111 or PoconoFarms.com/Golf. 182 Lake Rd., Tobyhanna.

SLEEPY HOLLOW GOLF COURSE

Public 19 hole course, challenging back 10 holes. Renovated clubhouse and bar. Casual dining with beautiful views of our front 9. Golf card accepted. Golf leagues and tournaments welcome. Voted Best Public Golf Course in Times Tribune Readers Choice. FB and Instagram: @shgolfcourse. Sandy Banks Rd., Greenfield Twp. 570-254-4653 (http://www.sleepyhollowgolfcourse.com/)

KEEN LAKE CAMPING AND COTTAGE RESORT

Find your “ahhh moments!” Swim! Fish! Camp! Glamp! Visit our family-owned resort on a 90-acre lake. Breathe fresh air. Restore your soul. It’s always a good time to gather at the lake! 155 Keen Lake Rd., Waymart. 570-488-6161 camping@keenlake.com

PEACEFUL WOODLANDS CAMPGROUND

Become a “relaxationeer” in the wooded surroundings of our family friendly campground. Cabins, RV and tent sites, heated pool, playgrounds and activities. Great base for water adventure, hiking, horseback riding, biking, ATV trails, paintball or shopping. On Rt. 115, 114 Wt. Family Blvd., Blakeslee

SHORE FOREST CAMPGROUND

Campers call it their “happy place.” Perfect for a weekend getaway. Pool is heated, fish are jumping and the kids are having fun. See why everyone says SFC is their favorite local campground. Rt. 11 in Hop Bottom. Shoreforestcampground.com, shoreforest@gmail.com. 570-289-4666