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DURYEA

Correspondent shares story of Alzheimer’s Disease

When I was 21, my father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Having worked as a high school and college student at the Wesley Village Retirement Community in Pittston taught me quite a bit about the disease and also gave me an unfortunate glimpse of my father’s fate.

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At first, I was shocked when my mother, Lorraine, shared his diagnosis with me. I just could not understand how the man I considered to be the greatest guy in the world and who was so kind and so good, could have this devastating disease inflicted on him. I wrestled with that for quite some time.

And then, after coming to terms with his illness, our family decided to make the most of the time we had left. And over a six-year period until he passed away, we did just that. We had many days when we shared happy moments and reminisced about holidays and vacations passed as well as the little things that made the man, Jack Borthwick, the husband and father we loved so dearly.

And then there were other days when the ferocity of this disease and its capability of robbing my dad of his beautiful personality and those happy memories seemed too much to bear. How could he look at us, as he did so many times, but be engrossed with a distant expression which stated he was unsure of who we were? How he could he no longer recognize the people who loved him the most?

Normally I like to use this space each week to share news that might bring some joy to your life. But this week, in recognition of National Alzheimer’s Disease awareness month, I wanted to share this personal antidote with you to provide a brief first-hand account of how Alzheimer’s Disease impacts a family. I stress the word brief in that last sentence as this disease cuts through families not only emotionally but also physically and financially.

I hope my story has helped spread some awareness about this illness. If you or someone you know suffers from Alzheimer’s, please call the Northeast Pennsylvania chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 822-9915. They are having numerous events this month where the public can obtain free and useful information to help them learn the 10 warning signs of this disease, acquire care giving techniques, and obtain direction for the future. There will also be a special program on WVIA TV’s “Call the Doctor” Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. which will feature a panel of doctors and other individuals with professional and personal information about the disease.

VFW Raffle

The members of V.F.W. Post 1227 are selling raffle tickets. For just $1 each, ticket holders will have a chance to win one of 60 prizes. Tickets can be purchased at the post home, 492 Stephenson St., or from any of the officers. The drawing will take place following the Veterans Day memorial services Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the post home.

Blood Drive

The Duryea American Legion Brennan Regan Post 585 Ladies Auxiliary, the Duryea American Legion Brennan Regan Post 585, and the Duryea V.F.W. Post 1227 will sponsor a joint blood drive today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the V.F.W., 492 Stephenson St. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross in honor of veterans and our military troops.

Little League

The Duryea Little League will have its monthly meeting today at 7 p.m. at the Duryea V.F.W. Post 1227, 492 Stephenson St.

St. Michael’s

The Rev. G. Scott Boghossian and the parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church invite the community to celebrate the feast day of their parish’s patron saint with a divine liturgy today at 9 a.m. at the church, 205 N. Main St., Pittston.

On Sunday, Nov. 15, the parishioners will have their annual St. Michael’s dinner from 1-3 p.m. in the church hall. The menu includes roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, cake, and coffee, tea, or a soft drink. The dinners are $8 for adults and $6 for children under 10. Takeouts will be available too. There will also be a raffle at the dinner. The public is invited to attend.

Council Meeting

The Duryea Borough Council will have their monthly work session and meeting Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Duryea Municipal Building, 315 Main St. The public is invited to attend.

Legion Auxiliary

The Duryea American Legion Brennan Regan Post 585 Ladies Auxiliary will meet Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the post home, 329 Main St. All members are urged to attend.

The auxiliary would also like to remind families of auxiliary members to please update any membership statuses by calling the post at 457-4242 or mailing a note to the post home at 329 Main St., Duryea PA 18642.

Lions Pride

Duryea Lions Pride Den 4 will meet Tuesday, Nov. 10. For time and location information on how your son can join in the fun, plecall Ann Edwards at 457-8402.

Street Dept. Closed

The Duryea Borough Street Department will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Recycling collections will be one day late this week. Yard waste will be collected Friday as usual.

Veteran’s Day

The Duryea American Legion Brennan Regan Post 585 and the Duryea V.F.W. Post 1227 will have their annual Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the V.F.W. post home, 492 Stephenson St. Following the ceremony, all attendees are invited to the American Legion post home, 329 Main St, for a free home cooked meal.

Sons of Legion

The Sons of the American Legion Brennan Regan Post 585 will have their monthly meeting Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. at the post home, 329 Main St.

Stuffed Cabbage Sale

The ladies of St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church will have a takeout stuffed cabbage sale Friday, Nov. 13 from 3-6 p.m. in the lower level of the church, 200 Stephenson St. The stuffed cabbages are $1.50 each. To place an order, please call Delores Biscontini at 457-9381 or Mary Jayne Milkanin at 457-6414. Please note a limited amount of cabbages will be made. Byron Wescott is the parish chairman.

Duryea Bingo

Duryea bingo takes place every Monday at the Germania Hose Company, 430 Foote Ave. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the games begin at 6:30 p.m. There is a guaranteed $1,000 jackpot every week.

To make a reservation for complimentary transportation, please call 342-5052 by 1 p.m. on bingo game day. For weekly bingo information, please call the Germania Hose Company Monday evenings at 451-3750.

Until Next Time

That’s about it for this week! Drop me a line or e-mail me your latest news by Thursday at noon. You can call me at 457-3351 or e-mail me at duryeahappenings@verizon.net. Please be sure to include your name and phone number with any correspondence in case I need to reach you.