Here come the brides and grooms

Victoria Elaine Kochmer Marco Mario Richione IV &

ictoria Elaine Kochmer and Marco Mario Richione IV married on November 1, 2021 in Florida. TheyV

met in kindergarten at Newton Ransom Elementary School and started dating in 2009.

Victoria, daughter of Ronald and Diane Kochmer, graduated from Abington Heights High

School in 2011. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in community health education from the University of Scranton, her bachelor’s in nursing from Wilkes University and later graduated from AdventHealth University with a master’s in nursing – FNP.

She is now a Nurse Practitioner (APRN, FNP-C) at Celebration Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Marco, son of Marco and Teri Richione, is also a graduate from Abington Heights. He attended the University of Scranton to earn his bachelor's degree in finance as well as his master’s of business in finance and information systems. He is now a Project Controller at Walt Disney Imagineering.

The engagement took place at Disney’s

Grand Floridian Resort on November 1, 2019, their 10th dating anniversary. Marco chose the ring himself and designed a cake.

The ring was presented on the cake with a miniature crystal replica of Cinderella’s carriage. The words, “Will You Marry Me?” were written in icing.

Victoria and Marco chose to have a “Happily

Ever After” themed wedding. They had the ceremony in Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Memorial photos and candles at the altar honored the grandparents of the couple. Music was played by a harpist, violinist and flutist at the ceremony. Victoria’s ring was presented in Cinderella’s glass slipper atop a satin pillow. The bride’s entrance was preceded by

the groom’s goddaughter, who played the role of the couple’s Fairy Goddaughter. During the ceremony, the mothers jointly lit two family candles which the bride and groom used to light a central unity candle.

Mickey and Minnie appeared at the reception for the cake cutting and photos with guests. Cinderella’s Glass Coach was also part of the celebration. Personalized Mickey ears were presented to the guests as favors. The cake was a replica of the castle in the Magic Kingdom. A fireworks display concluded the evening.

The bride offers this advice to future couples: “Have a wedding planner. They made our lives so much easier, especially on our wedding day. Our only job was to enjoy ourselves

Disney Fine Art Photography

and our time with family. If you’re planning a ‘once in a lifetime’ event, go the extra mile where you can make sure your guests enjoy them-

selves.”H –Angelina Wheeler

Sydney and Nick Hogan grew up togeth- er and began dating in high school at Wyoming Valley West. They got married Sydney Fry Nick Hogan &

on September 18, 2021. Sydney, daughter of Ron and Amy Fry of Larksville, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and works as a National Account Coordinator at Insight Global. Nick, son of Kevin and Julanne Hogan of Kingston, graduated from Robert Morris University and is a banker at PNC Bank.

The couple’s engagement took place in their apartment one night after Nick cooked dinner. Sydney said she slightly ruined the engagement when she figured out Nick had a ring (he is a horrible liar!) and most likely rushed the process. Despite that, he cooked her favorite meal and they ended up getting engaged at home. This was for the best because, after eight years of dating, she “was a mess when he asked.”

Fun fact: Nick got the perfect ring — an oval stone with a halo and braided/infinity band — but it was stolen one week before the wedding. No worries, it was insured and they were able to replace it after the wedding!

The wedding ceremony took place at the Aspinwall Riverfront Park. Though the event was in Pittsburgh, the couple incorporated much of the region through their vendors. It was the perfect way of celebrating the life they are building together.

A family friend married them. The couple included a unity sand ceremony where

Photos: Jill Farrar

they poured sand in an hourglass that is displayed in their home. They also exchanged letters prior to the wedding verses and said their own vows to personalize the ceremony.

Sydney’s brother sang for the father-daughter dance at the reception, her aunt supplied the wedding gown and her cousin made the cake and cupcakes. The bride is very family-oriented, so it was special getting the family involved. The couple also had a fairly unique hashtag, #hogies&frys, to play on their food-like last names. They placed a neon sign of the hashtag behind a do-it-yourself couch for a photo op, and they served hoagies and french fries as the late-night menu. Nick comes from a Polish family, so the couple included a dollar dance.

Sydney’s advice for new couples is: “Communicate and let the other know where you stand and what you want. Don't be afraid to ask for help — we had a ton of help from our families and couldn’t have planned this without them. Also, a day-of coordinator is worth the money so all

you need to worry about is enjoying yourself!” H

–Angelina Wheeler

T

John Phillips

Owner of MCR Production/ Rental/Design

The largest surge we

have seen in the 10 years since we have been providing services for events and weddings happened in the year

2021. I believe that 2022 will be busy, but not as chaotic as many companies were in 2021 while they were making up for lost time and revenue. I think inflation will impact certain vendors when it comes to design and decor and therefore some elements will be scaled back.

It was not an easy season for wedding couples in 2021 due to labor shortages, changing pandemic restrictions, supply chain disruptions and many, many other factors. Some companies were not prepared for the re-opening. Many brides canceled vendor locations and we saw a large increase in private home weddings. This forced couples back to the fundamentals of weddings, back to the celebration of marriage instead of intense focus on the party. Indoor vendors learned to adapt and grow in a different environment, couples learned that getting engaged really means commitment. These days are still trying for everyone. Couples really want to have a great wedding day, but I think the focus has changed to more substantial fundamental aspects of marriage. Calendars are so very booked for vendors and suppliers. Couples are grabbing any dates that are available now, even non-traditional days of the week. So many dates are booked for 2022 that it is really a seller's market with the venues. “ H

Wedding Songs Over the Years

Certain love songs seem to be

written for great, long-lasting history. The song a couple chooses for their wedding dance remains special to them forever. We take a look back at songs that were popular in 1969, 2000 and today.

1969

“Stand by Me” -Ben King “Can't Help Falling in Love” -Elvis “When A Man Loves a Woman” -Percy Sledge “I Got You Babe” -Sonny & Cher “Unchained Melody” -The Righteous Brothers “What a Wonderful World” -Louis Armstrong 2000

“Amazed” -Lonestar “From This Moment” -Shania Twain & Bryan White “At Last” -Etta James “It’s Your Love” -Tim McGraw & Faith Hill “You’re the First, the Last -My Everything” -Barry White “When You Say Nothing at All” -Ronan Keating Current

“Thinking Out Loud” -Ed Sheeran “All of Me" -John Legend “A Thousand Years” -Christina Perri “Like I'm Gonna Lose You” -John Legend & Meghan Trainor “Just the Way You Are” -Bruno Mars H

Wedding in Your Future?

We have the place for your Attendants or Family No Wedding? Just Stay for the Experience

Beautiful restored and decorated 1912 home for overnight rentals Accommodations for up to 10 Perfect for family get togethers or office parties with overnight rentals

570-609-1481 • hamiltonsj45@gmail.com Located in South Abington Twp.,PA

Strong Women

March is Women’s History Month.

What do you think of when you hear the word strong? How about a strong woman? Perhaps physical, mental and emotional health come to mind.

As a personal trainer, the word strong most likely brings to mind physical strength; working out by lifting weights, using body weight for resistance and machines and equipment to increase strength. I encourage strength training for everyone from adolescents to elderly. Being physically strong makes it easier to do everyday activities, participate in sporting activities, play with kids and grandkids and even go outside for a walk.

If you are looking to lose weight, start an exercise program or train for a bodybuilding competition or marathon, you need physical and mental strength to get started and help you stick to goals. A strong woman can set her mind to reaching goals while overcoming obstacles in her path. Changing a career, beginning a new education program or learning to make important life changes all require a great deal of emotional strength. Strength is often developed as a result of difficult situations. I am not only familiar with physical and mental strength, but emotional strength as well. As a single mom of four and a female entrepreneur, I have certainly needed to increase my strength in all areas of life. While working through difficult situations during the past decade, I repeated a mantra in my head: “I can either sink or swim and I am not sinking!” My goal was to not just get through difficult situations, but to soar high above them. I went through a short time of questioning myself and struggling with relationships. I sure did learn some things the hard way. It always hurts when people you trusted as friends turn out to be the opposite. I do, however,

believe that people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I found the strength needed to go forward. Making big decisions requires you to dig deep for strength. I was always an independent person, but life changes can help you gain even more inner strength necessary to succeed. I even got a small tattoo with the Celtic symbol for “inner strength” . I enjoyed many quiet walks in nature, learned meditation and always made daily workouts a priority. My mom often told me she believes exercise was my saving grace. It made my body and mind stronger, which I needed to continue thriving. My four amazing kids have always been a great source of strength. They drive me to succeed in all aspects of life and to be a good example and source of strength for each of them.

I learned that I can still be “me” and do the things I love. I build

My goal was to not just get through difficult situations, but to soar high above them.

up other girls and women and try to be a positive force to them. I am not afraid to take chances; if you don’t try, you will never know. We gain strength through failure. If you are afraid to fail, you will never succeed at anything. When life throws a curveball, don’t be afraid to swing the bat. I live by this quote:

“I am stronger because I had to be. I am smarter because of my mistakes. I am happier because of the sadness I’ve known. I am wiser because I

have learned.” H

We gain strength through failure.

–Jackie Kerekes Jackie Kerekes is a NASM Certified PersonalIsabela Camayd Trainer and NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She trains one-on-one clients, small group training and is a nutrition coach. She has taught a variety of group classes including strength training, TRX and POUND. She is owner and head trainer at The Training Loft LLC. She has recently added a smoothie bar to this location to provide delicious, healthy options to the area.

PERSONAL TRAINING SEMI PRIVATE TRAINING SMALL GROUP TRAINING NUTRITION COACHING GUIDED MEDITATION SMOOTHIE BAR

Jackie Kerekes, Owner NASM CPT, NASM FNS 513 S. State St., Village Square Clarks Summit, PA trainingattheloft.com 570-332-8519

Joann Marsili’s

expertise lies within her ability to successfully align marketing vision with sales execution. Since 2003, she led Fidelity Bank’s marketing division, and helped communicate the brand message through a recession, global pandemic and, recently, two acquisitions.

“There is never a dull day, that’s for sure," said Marsili, who is a senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "Both banking and marketing are industries that are changing so quickly. I’m learning with my team as we position the bank for the future.” As brand steward, Joann has created and managed programming that helped result in Fidelity being named one of Forbes’ “Best In-State Banks" twice. The bank has also been voted “Best Bank” eight times by the Scranton Times, and after only one year in the Lehigh Valley market, voted “Best Bank” by readers of The Morning Call, too. She led early adoption of social media, with Fidelity being named “Top 50 Community Banks in Social Media" for two years in a row by the Independent Community Bankers Association (ICBA). “One of the most exciting things I’ve been able to focus on in my role is the transformation of banking from somewhere you go to something you do. The digital transformation and the move to providing the client experience through virtual channels allows the marketing team to work on cutting edge initiatives,” she said. “New software, training and continuing education for our Bankers are all pieces of the puzzle and have helped us deliver on our brand promise of providing exceptional client experiences.” Fidelity Bank’s totally digital mortgage experience, for example, allows clients to apply for and even finalize their mortgage through a mobile app. This innovative focus on bringing the bank to the client has helped Fidelity Bank retain its position as the No. 1 mortgage lender in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre and Hazleton area for 12 consecutive years. Currently the Bank team is working on updating its digital software, creating an easy, intuitive experience online, while offering the same great tool in the branches. “Our focus is creating a bank that allows the client to choose how they want to interact with us.” Marsili takes the time to give

Joann Marsili Fidelity Bank back, providing time, talent and treasure to local, regional and national causes. Today, she serves on the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels, NEPA, and has been a part of its fundraising committee since 2015. She’s also been appointed for a second time to the Lackawanna County Commission for Women and sits on the Advisory Board for the Marketing Steering Committee at the University of Scranton. Previously, Joann has served as the Marketing Chairwoman for the Northeastern PA Boy Scout Council and sat on the Board of Directors for the Susan G. Komen Northeast PA Chapter. She also served as the 2015 25th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, helping to raise nearly $100,000. Joann is an advisory board member for the American Bankers Association (ABA) School of Bank Marketing and Management, where she’s been an instructor for the “Return on Investment” course since 2016. She is also a “Marketing 101” instructor for the Pennsylvania Bankers School of Banking. “The way people bank is changing, and at Fidelity Bank, we want to take the journey with our clients,” said Marsili. “I’m proud to work in an organization that truly believes in providing trusted financial advice, not just products and services. We want to be available to our clients and the community where, when and how they want to interact, and it’s my job to help make that happen. It’s an exciting time to be in banking.” H

Exeter native earns historian qualification aboard oldest commissioned warship

afloat: USS Constitution By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alec Kramer, USS Constitution Public Affairs

Exeter, Pennsylva-

nia, native, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Skyler Okerman, earned her basic interpretive historian qualification aboard USS Constitution, Jan 12, 2022.

Duty aboard USS Constitution is one of the Navy’s special programs. All prospective crewmembers must meet a high standard of sustained excellence and interview to be selected for the assignment.

The basic Interpretive Historian qualification means that a Sailor has studied and trained on the history of USS Constitution and has learned about the ship’s major historic battles, its unique design and the life of a Sailor during the 19th century.

The active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people each year as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy's history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.

Crew members who achieve tively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels. The ship earned the nickname of “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. H

the basic Interpretive Historian qualification are authorized to wear a unique command ball cap, with the word ‘crewmember’ embroidered on the back, in place of the Navy’s standard eight-point cover or hat.

“I’m proud of myself that my hard work paid off and I’ll continue pushing myself to be the best,” said Okerman.

Okerman has served in the Navy for five years stationed at USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Constitution.

Okerman is a 2017 Exeter Senior High School graduate.

USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, ac-

Ashley Native, U.S. Navy Lt. Michael McKenna

Presented with Award By Seaman Julia Johnson USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

The FY20 Safety

Leadership Award was recently presented to U.S. Navy Lt. Michael McKenna, from Ashley, Pennsylvania, by Rear Adm. Fredrick Luchtman, Commander, Naval Safety Center, on behalf of the Chief of Naval Operations.

McKenna was awarded for outstanding achievement in leadership excellence in safety and risk management while serving as the industrial hygiene officer aboard the aircraft carrier, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). “The Safety Leadership Award is one of the highest categories of awards you could get for safety leadership”, said Cmdr. Matthew Hobert, the safety officer aboard John C. Stennis. According to Hobert, with such a high-level award, it is important to choose a worthy candidate that has the best chance of receiving it. However, as he and U.S. Navy Capt. Doug Langenberg, the executive officer aboard John C. Stennis, looked through all the potential candidates, it was fairly easy to tell that McKenna was the best choice. “He does an amazing job of making sure we educate the crew and the personnel that are doing the work related to Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH),” said Hobert. “He has also gone above and beyond what he was required to do in order to prepare for RCOH prior to us coming to Newport News.” According to McKenna’s superiors, he has been aggressive in making sure the crew and shipyard workers containment structures and prevent toxic materials from reaching the average person breathing the air outside of their space. These assessments also include on-the-job training for the deck and tile team on ventilation requirements and high-efficiency particulate absorbing filters for silica dust. “The RCOH environment poses a lot of health risks and safety hazards in the work that our teams are doing,” said McKenna. “We

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Fredrick Luchtman, Commander, Naval Safety Center, right, presents the FY20 Safety Lead- have a lot of personnel who are ership Award to Lt. Michael McKenna conducting work that they wouldn’t necessarily be exaboard the Stennis are safe as they pected to perform entering thework throughout the day. McKenna Navy. There is an added risk to thatnot only makes sure that people are and it’s our job as a safety departusing their personal protective ment to assess those who are doingequipment (PPE) properly, he also the work and monitor it to make oversees the sampling of air quality, sure they have all the tools and redeck material and paint material on sources to perform their workthe ship and monitors the work safely.”being done throughout the ship in order to make sure that workers are McKenna has been working with his assigned the proper level of PPE. entire team within the safety department, as well as the command, to inAdditionally, Hobert stated that one corporate safety regulations andof the biggest ways McKenna went keep the ship safe within the indusabove and beyond in keeping the trial environment. McKenna believes ship safe was having a 25-person that the award speaks more to thepaint and deck sampling team that teamwork of the safety department,the safety department stood up to as well as the ship, and the worktake 1,377 paint and deck samples. they’ve accomplished together inThis team resulted in 2,052 bulk the last year-and-a-half.samples in order to identify toxic components, like silica, that could be “I have been fortunate to have a in the materials scheduled for remo- great team around me,” said val from the ship during RCOH. McKenna. “ And that contributed greatly to this award.”McKenna also worked with 39 different divisions and production teams John C. Stennis is partnering with to accomplish over 300 hygiene as- Newport News Shipbuilding to comsessments for paint and deck preser- plete refueling complex overhaul on vation operations that include schedule with a trained, resilient and sampling, as well as training the cohesive crew. H deck and tile team in how to build

Carbondale native serves

aboard USS Essex By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

ACarbondale, Penn-

sylvania, native is serving aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy Wasp- class amphibious assault ship.

Airman Apprentice Sahabettin Cimbat is a 2016 Carbondale Area High School graduate. Today, Cimbat serves as a Navy aviation boatswain's mate (fuels) responsible for purifying fuel and fueling vehicles. Cimbat joined the Navy one year ago for the benefits, to have a better career and to travel the world. are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of si-

multaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets and Landing Craft Air Cushioned, as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.

"I like how smooth everything is here and I have an amazing chain

of command," said Cimbat. "I also enjoy working with the different kind of aircraft on board."

Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Cimbat is most proud of moving to California, traveling to other places and being in the military.

According to Cimbat, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Carbondale.

"Growing up around the people I did helped me learn that not everyone is your friend, and discipline is needed," said Cimbat. "I've learned that everyone has a role in fixing something and working together is key." Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Essex is the second ship in the Wasp-class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and the fifth ship named for Essex County, Massachusetts. Essex was a 1000-ton ironclad river gunboat of the U.S. Army and later U.S. Navy during the American Civil War.

According to Navy officials, amphibious assault ships are designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they As a member of the U.S. Navy, Cimbat, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

"Serving in the Navy means I get to serve the country I'm proud to be living in," added Cimbat. "I also know I get to travel the world and fuel different types of aircraft." With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy. H