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Happy birthday to Kaydence Rose Jakubowski!

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Luzerne County tackling Children and Youth license and credit rating downgrades

<p>KINGSTON &#8212; A plaque and a photograph that greet visitors as they make their way into the Wyoming Valley West High School Auditorium does more than beautify the walls of the institution.</p><p>Instead, it provides both a look back and a look forward, expressing gratitude to an area couple who dedicated their lives to the community with an emphasis on academics and performing arts.</p><p>J. Donald and Marion Munson, both of whom passed away in the 1990s and had been co-owners of Kingston Electric and Climate Equipment Inc., lived their lives with commitment to both community and culture.</p><p>When J. Donald Munson passed away in 1997, his will directed that 50 acres of land near the old West Side Drive-In be donated to the Wyoming Valley West School District.</p><p>He also wanted to honor the artistic and cultural efforts of his wife.</p><p>Originally, the district had planned to build a new high school on the property. When that didn&#8217;t happen, Superintendent Chuck Suppon said the district looked for an appropriate way to honor the couple.</p><p>Suppon said the recent dedication of the performing arts wing to Marion Munson would have made them both very happy.</p><p>As for the property, the district has no immediate plans , but hopes that it will be sold with proceeds directed to benefit students.</p><p>&#8220;Mr. Munson especially wanted to remember his wife for her contribution to the arts,&#8221; said Suppon.</p><p>Marion Munson was a member of the Shawnee Chorus, a soloist at the First United Methodist Church of Wilkes-Barre and the Church of Christ United.</p><p>Also a great supporter of the community, she was a member of the Women of Wilkes-Barre Kiwanis, Irem Temple Auxiliary and a board member of the YMCA.</p><p>Helen Sgarlet, executor of J. Donald Munson&#8217;s estate and family caretaker, remembers both as being kind-spirited and community-minded.</p><p>Sgarlet remembers the couple enjoying community and cultural events, as well as travelling.</p><p>She said the Munsons had lived in Kingston until after the 1972 Agnes flood, when they moved to Vine Street in Edwardsville, adjacent to their business.</p><p>Sgarlet, who participated in the ceremony naming the wing the Marion Munson Wing for the Performing Arts, said she especially liked the painting that was hung, which serves as a tribute to the couple.</p><p>Sgarlet said she remembered both for their kindness and hard work.</p><p>J. Donald Munson started his career as a surveyor in the local mines before going on to own his own business.</p><p>According to Sgarlet, although neither had the opportunity to graduate from college, both made a significant impact on the business and academic community.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Mr. Andrew Kolojejchick band class at Wyoming Valley West High School in the newly dedicated Marion E. Munson Wing for the Performing Arts. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_TTL022816Munsen.gg1_.jpg</photo0><caption0>Mr. Andrew Kolojejchick band class at Wyoming Valley West High School in the newly dedicated Marion E. Munson Wing for the Performing Arts. </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_TTL022816Munsen.gg2_.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Plaque and photograph dedicating the Marion E. Munson Wing for the Performing Arts at Wyoming Valley West High School in Plymouth. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_TTL022816Munsen.gg2_.jpg</photo1><caption1>Plaque and photograph dedicating the Marion E. Munson Wing for the Performing Arts at Wyoming Valley West High School in Plymouth. </caption1><photoCredit1></photoCredit1></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Geri Gibbons</p><p>ggibbons@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Wing in Wyoming Valley West High School dedicated in memory of area woman