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WILKES-BARRE — Bob Hughes, speaking at a reception Wednesday honoring Sister Miriam Stadulis and Elizabeth Griesmer for their work at the McGlynn Learning Center, said his experience at the center as a youngster was fundamental for the rest of his life.
Speaking to over 150 people gathered in Genetti Hotel and Conference Center, Hughes, now executive director of a nonprofit environmental organization, said he remembers at 16, his father passing away and the staff at the center making it possible for him to continue to move forward through high school and higher education.
“Without the center many of the children at what was then O’Karma Terrace as it was then called wouldn’t have had the opportunity to swim or to camp, doing the things that normal children do,” said Hughes. “I remember Sister Miriam making that possible.
“She is one of the only people that still calls me ‘little Bobby.’”
The learning center, is an after-school and summer program on the grounds of the Boulevard Townhomes and Mineral Springs Village — low income family housing projects, which are part of the Wilkes-Barre City Housing Authority.
Stadulis made her way through the evening’s festivities at quietly and with an obvious spirit of humility.
A Sister of Mercy, she founded the center in 1988, serving as a caretaker, mentor, and teacher.
“Kids are kids,” said Stadulis. “They all love to learn, love to be loved and deserve to be respected.”
“The only reason Sister Miriam agreed to be honored was because the event is also raising money for the Center she loves,” said organizer Beverly Jean Johnston. “She is always thinking of others, always wanting to help.”
Honoree Elizabeth Griesmer said the 25 years she has spent as a volunteer at the Center have been a joy and a privilege.
“It’s been absolutely marvelous,” said Griesmer. “I’ve had the opportunity to love the children and to be loved back.”
Griesmer said although volunteers diligently helped the children with their homework, instilling good values, they also had the opportunity to laugh with the children.
“Every child is different,” she said, “and every child is lovable.”
Sister Eleace King, director of the project since Stadulis’ retirement two years ago, said she was overwhelmed with the response of the community in support of the center.
Of Stadulis, King’s said, “She’s a woman of great vision, with boundless energy who can never be replaced.”
King said during the 27 years the center has been in existence, not a single participant entered the juvenile justice system.
“Not only have we loved and cared for children,” she said, “but we have saved the government hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
In light of recent violence in the city, John Maday, president of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association, looking out at those gathered in support of the community and its young people, said, “There is more of this than that.”
“We need to recognize those who are doing this good work,” said Maday.
With only two full-time and three part-time staff members the centers welcome volunteers.
A silent auction, theme baskets and wish list palm tree provided opportunity to organizers to raise money for the center, while adding color and beauty to an evening that seemed to embody community and generosity.