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King’s College inducts students into Alpha Sigma Lambda

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Advertiser spotlight: Orthopaedic Associates of Wyoming Valley offering innovative knee treatments

<p>A steady stream of grateful business owners and store managers made their way onto a stage Tuesday night.</p><p>A slew of businesses, spanning dozens of industries, were represented at Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel &amp; Conference Center as part of the Best of Times Leader Readers&#8217; Choice Awards.</p><p>The winners, some platinum in recognition of their five-year victory spree, were voted the best and second best in their respective categories by more than 25,000 Times Leader readers.</p><p>That fact reminds me that newspapers are still very relevant in this age of digital overkill.</p><p>While I love the digital realm (the apps, the games, the ease of finding information), Tuesday night it was clear: Our readers are faithful and involved. They took time to vote for the best restaurants, best towing companies, best doctors, and more. In an age where every minute is valuable, they still cared enough to support their favorite spots in the Wyoming Valley.</p><p>As you know, I came back to the newspaper business a little more than six months ago, after a seven-year hiatus, during which I devoted myself to learning everything digital. I worked with some of the largest retailers in the world, advising them and overseeing their marketing strategies, meeting with them in their posh offices throughout the United States, and getting immense fulfillment in helping them reach their goals.</p><p>But, that career path &#8211; focused solely on national digital campaigns &#8211; came to an end when TL Advertising Director Kerry Miscavage brought my name up as a possible candidate for a role she was opening in her advertising division.</p><p>When mentioned to me, I was admittedly shocked. I&#8217;d never even dreamed of returning to the newspaper. I had a great three-year run in my early 20s, but had reckoned that those days were long gone.</p><p>Now, I couldn&#8217;t be happier to be back involved so fervently in my local community, and my decision was solidified on Tuesday night.</p><p>And these days, some sort of satisfaction happens consistently, it seems.</p><p>In addition to the Readers&#8217; Choice Awards on Tuesday night, we were busy at the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association on Public Square last Saturday.</p><p>Kids scrambled through Public Square, gathering as many colorful eggs as they could once the whistle sounded in their respective, age-appropriate areas.</p><p>The Times Leader volunteered to be there because we know how special this event is for area kids every year, and we enjoy helping our friend John Maday and the business association whenever we&#8217;re able.</p><p>I saw many familiar faces too, including one of my favorite couples, Brad and Lindsey O&#8217;Connor and their cool-as-could-be 2-year-old son, Cash.</p><p>They were one of hundreds of families who turned out to see the Easter Bunny there and at surrounding town hunts, such as the South Wilkes-Barre Residents&#8217; Association&#8217;s first-ever event.</p><p>Special-needs and non-special-needs children participated with special guests like Cinderella and Penguins mascot Tux.</p><p>While I couldn&#8217;t make the event, I heard rave reviews from guests and organizers alike.</p><p>I was also busy with our Wilkes-Barre POWER! event at Jasmine Thai Restaurant &amp; Lounge in Courthouse Square Towers on North River Street in Wilkes-Barre last week. By now, you know I serve on that local board, uniting professionals for networking and charitable causes.</p><p>This week, we ran a raffle benefiting the Adopt-A-Single-Mom Project, run by Donna Nelson of Mountain Top, who knows firsthand about the trials and tribulations of raising two sons on her own.</p><p>By her own experience, she was motivated to start the project which gives support, resources and inspiration to moms managing households on their own.</p><p>We were able to raise nearly $500, thanks especially to Bill Ritsick, the 50/50 raffle winner who donated his winnings back to the project.</p><p>While it&#8217;s commonplace to do so, not all winners feel the need to give back, so we were appreciative of Bill&#8217;s generosity.</p><p>It fittingly occurred right before Easter too.</p><p>&#8216;Tis the season to rejoin and do good, right?</p><p>As I close today, I wish you a peaceful Easter Sunday. I hope it&#8217;s filled with reflection, relaxation and the company of your loved ones.</p><p>Happy Easter.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Mike McGinley is the Times Leader Media Group&#8217;s major accounts executive. Reach him at mmcginley@www.timesleader.com or 570-704-3945.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Around Town: Readers’ Choice Awards and local Easter egg hunts