Community Involvement

Here are some photos from Colbert & Grebas at the Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A great time was had by everyone.

For our Colbert & Grebas Volunteer Day this February staff purchased and donated knitting and crochet items for the residents at Oakwood Terrace in Moosic, PA. Pictured below are staff members Louise Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director and Robin Bulzoni, Colbert & Grebas Paralegal along with Oakwood Terrace residents Claire C, Mary Pat T., Pauline Victoria M., and Michael Semian, Administrator. Robin donated specially designed larger crochet needles with soft handles to help the residents have a better grip when creating their items.

Colbert & Grebas staff volunteered their time and skills to handcraft over one hundred Valentines for each resident at The Meadows Skilled Nursing Facility in Dallas this month. We hope this small gesture brings as much joy to each of the recipients as it did our C & G staff in making them.

During the Christmas season, Colbert & Grebas continued our tradition of giving back to the communities we live and work in. We enjoyed visiting with Program Manager Scott Wills (pictured on the right) at the Keystone Mission Transition Center in Luzerne County. We thank Scott for his time and are blessed to have great organizations like the Keystone Mission serving the needs of so many across our region.

Throughout the season of Christmas, we are blessed to continue our commitment to the communities we call home. It is an honor to include the Riverside School District’s Vikings Helping Vikings organization in our annual tradition, the Colbert & Grebas 12 days of Christmas giving. Vikings Helping Vikings provides scholarships to graduating Riverside seniors. The organization’s dedication to the students of the Riverside School District is both remarkable and admirable.

Colbert & Grebas continued their commitment to the NEPA community by volunteering at the Family to Family Food Basket Program. This program provides Thanksgiving meals to local families in need. We were proud to be a part of such a worthy cause and this volunteer event is one of our favorites.

When Colbert & Grebas heard Santa Claus would be coming to town, our firm just had to be a part of the celebration! On Saturday we were delighted to participate in the Scranton Santa Parade. We joined with so many members of the NEPA community to welcome jolly St. Nicholas back to Scranton. It was a cold but beautiful day, as the crisp Arctic air road Santa’s coattails through the festive and jubilant crowd amassed along the parade route. The eyes of children and adults alike were wide in anticipation and excitement for Santa’s arrival. Our mascot Wills the Duck was on hand as well to help usher in the start of another wonderful holiday season. (Special thanks to staff members Ken Motichka, Louise Ligi and Hope Wormuth for making this day a truly memorable one!)

Colbert & Grebas was happy to participate in the Riverside East Thanksgiving Food Drive. Five turkeys which were donated on behalf of the Firm will go to families residing in the Riverside community. It was a great honor for the firm to contribute towards such an important cause.

As part of our ongoing commitment to give back to our NEPA Communities, members of Colbert & Grebas staff volunteered to help at the CEO – Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast PA Regional Foodbank in Pittston. Collectively, on this date we packed over 450 boxes that will be distributed for the Thanksgiving holiday season benefiting Seniors and those in need locally. We always make it a fun experience while spreading a little holiday cheer for this worthwhile cause!

Colbert & Grebas, P.C. was honored to participate in the annual Lake Ladore Senior Expo organized in Wayne County. Over 250 seniors in attendance and 50 community vendors collectively made this event a successful resource venue for everyone attending to gather valuable information. Director of Community Outreach, Louise Ligi and Executive Director, Thomas Collins represented the Elder Law Firm of Colbert & Grebas, P.C. on this date.

As part of our ongoing commitment to make monetary donations to a local worthy cause, the firm of Colbert & Grebas included the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) with an annual donation from our staff’s monthly dress down event. Staff participate by donating money which is then matched by the Firm. Riley Jackson, Case Manager chose CAC as a recent recipient. We know of the important mission of the organization, providing assessment and treatment for children in Lackawanna and surrounding counties of NEPA. We hope our donation will help in support of these services for our local children.
Accepting the donation on behalf of the Children’s Advocacy Center are Jennifer Aglialoro, Program Director and Marsha Pigga, Executive Director. Representing Colbert & Grebas are Riley Jackson, Case Manager and Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach & Education Director.

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA) was founded in 1987 as a professional association of attorneys dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to people as they age and people with special needs. They declared the Month of May as National Elder Law Month.

The Firm of Colbert & Grebas is honored to make a monetary donation each week in May to support the ongoing efforts of facilities providing services to our local Seniors in Lackawanna and Luzerne County. The recipient of our third week donation was St. Mary’s Villa, Elmhurst.

Presenting the donation representing Colbert & Grebas are: Thomas Collins, Ken Motichka and Louise C. Ligi. Accepting the donation on behalf of St. Mary’s Villa are Meghan Loven, Activity Director and Liz McPhillips, Receptionist.

#NationalElderLawMonth

The Firm of Colbert & Grebas is honored to make a monetary donation each week in May to support the ongoing efforts of facilities providing services to our local Seniors in Lackawanna and Luzerne County. The recipient of our second week donation was Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center. The funds will be directed to the Canteen Book Account for Recreation Therapy for Senior Residents. The residents are able to receive credit towards Bingo and other activities in which they participate.

Presenting the donation representing Colbert & Grebas are: Denise Sterenchock and Louise C. Ligi. Accepting the donation for the VA Medical Center is Lisa Urban, Voluntary Service Specialist.

As a Volunteer Opportunity, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas and all Staff Members printed and wrote a personal message in over 400 Spring Greeting Cards. Our display shows some of the cards we created, represented by a large flower, butterfly and rainbow. These cards had designs printed on the front of the cards along with a wish for a “Happy Spring”.

Seated are: Thomas Collins, Kevin R. Grebas and Margaret O’Toole. Standing: Louise Ligi, Ken Motichka, Brianna Redding, Riley Jackson and Robin Bulzoni

The friendly greeting cards will be delivered to residents in Senior High-Rise Apartments for the next few months throughout Lackawanna County by Serving Seniors, Inc.

As part of our Firm’s ongoing commitment to local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, each month Colbert & Grebas give make a monetary donation to a local, worthy charity or non-profit organization.  Staff participate by donating money for a “Dress Down Day” which is then matched by the by the Firm. 

Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director at the Firm suggested the organization to be the recipient of our recent donation.   The services are provided FREE of any charges to cancer patients and their caregivers.  Some of the programs offered include Individual and Family Consultations, Massage, Facial, Reiki, Reflexology, Acupuncture, One on One Personal Training, Yoga, Wigs, Support Groups and Educational Workshops.

Tom Ruskey, Director at Candy’s Place accepted the donation from members representing the Firm: 

L to R, Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director; Tom Ruskey; Attorney Kevin R. Grebas; Thomas C. Collins, Executive Director; Ken Motichka, Supervising Case Manager and Denise Sterenchock, Case Manager.

The Colbert & Grebas team was proud to participate in this year’s Friends of the Poor and Family to Family Food Basket Program’s Easter Basket Giveaway! The annual event, which was held in front of the Scranton Cultural Center, donates food and Easter baskets to families in our community. Colbert & Grebas looks forward to lending a hand each year during this outreach program. Members of our firm assisted with registration, traffic control, food packaging, and distributing Easter baskets. We would like to thank Friends of the Poor and the Family to Family Food Basket program for allowing us to volunteer our time for such a worthy cause!

It was such a great day for Colbert & Grebas to participate in the St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton! As Irish luck would have it, the weather cooperated bringing the usual large crowds to enjoy the parade.

Our float “Now is the Time to Get Your Ducks in a Row” was a huge hit with the crowds, especially with “Wills the Duck” greeting the children along the whole parade route. They were heard chanting “Duckie, Duckie” as they asked to have pictures taken with him. The new addition to our float this year had bubbles filling the air. We provided added excitement for the children as containers of bubbles were given to them by our duckling helpers.  A special thank you to Ken Motichka for providing the trailer for our float and for all his hard work making the framework for our many helpers that decorated.  It was the BEST FLOAT ever! Many thanks to all the staff, family members and especially their children who volunteered to walk and hand out 2,500 bottles of bubbles to the children the entire length of the parade route!

Please enjoy the pictures showing how the finishing touches were added as we lined up to join the parade as well as lots of pictures of the crowd as they thoroughly enjoyed our float.

See you at the next parade…..

As part of our ongoing commitment to local organizations in Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties, each month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dress Down Day”. Staff participate by donating money, then a donation is given to a worthy charity or non-profit organization.  Our recent recipient, from Lackawanna County is Marley’s Mission, located in Clarks Summit. Robin Bulzoni, Paralegal with our Firm suggested Marley’s Mission because of the important services provided by the organization

Marley’s Mission utilizes Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and it has shown evidence-based efficacy in patients who have experienced emotional trauma and now suffer with depression, anxiety and similar symptoms. Research and observational findings have shown EAP yields a variety of psychotherapeutic benefits such as: confidence; self-efficacy; self-concept; communication; anxiety reduction, and most importantly… trust.  To date, Marley’s has treated over 1,200 children from 16 counties in NEPA, all FREE of charge!

Representing our Firm to present the donation are; Thomas C. Collins, Executive Director, Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director and Robin Bulzoni, Paralegal, accepting the donation is Kim Portanova-Feibus, Clinical Director at Marley’s Mission.

As a Volunteer Opportunity, Colbert & Grebas provided Valentine’s Day cards to participants of the Meals on Wheels program located in Scranton.  The Attorneys, staff members and even some of their children, volunteered to write and personalize over 100 Valentines which were delivered by Louise C. Ligi and Thomas Collins from the Firm to Melissa Carestia, Director of Strategic Community Endeavors Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA.

The cards will be hand delivered to Meals on Wheels participants on Valentine’s Day as their meals are delivered.

The Firm of Colbert & Grebas, P.C., as part of our ongoing commitment to community, each month, contributes a donation to a local worthy charity or organization. Our Firm recently donated in support of Blue Chip Animal Rescue, Dallas, PA. For over 15 years the shelter’s mission has been to provide care, comfort and safety to every single animal they care for until they find and place them in a forever home. The refuge has a steadfast belief that every life matters as this is a no-kill organization.

Brianna Redding, Administrative Assistant from our Moosic Office recommended Blue Chip to be the recipient of this donation. Brianna and her family have been supporters of this organization for several years. Brianna adopted her own pup, Maple, almost two years ago from Blue Chip to provide her with a forever, loving home.

Picture #1

Representing Colbert & Grebas are Thomas Collins, Executive Director; Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach & Education Director and Brianna Redding, Administrative Assistant presented the donation to Marge Bart, Director and Owner of Blue Chip Animal Rescue.

Picture # 2: L to R, Marie Kapral, Dedicated Volunteer at the Animal Rescue for over seven years; Marge Bart, Director and Owner of Blue Chip Animal Rescue and Amy Long, Staff Member at the organization. Some of the Pups that were long term residents and lovingly cared for before they passed are honored in pictures on the wall in the background.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce that for the Twelve Days of Christmas we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

Our check donation for this ongoing event, “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving”, is Luzerne County SPCA, Wilkes Barre.  We support their efforts to promote adoption awareness and responsible pet ownership while caring for stray or surrendered animals until they find them new, loving homes. Receiving the donation on behalf of the Shelter is Nancy Derwin, Events Coordinator.

Pictured presenting the donation to Ms. Derwin from Colbert & Grebas are Louise C. Ligi, Molly Symons and Thomas Collins.  Also in the picture is Tucker, a pup available for adoption. 

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is proud to be able to support NEPA charitable organizations for the “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving” in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. 

It was our pleasure to present our check donation to benefit the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen of the Diocese of Scranton. We appreciate and thank you for all your efforts in preparing meals and for the support you provide to your guests.

Presenting the donation to Robert J. Williams, Director at St. Francis Kitchen are Louise C. Ligi, Thomas Collins and Ken Motichka, representing Colbert & Grebas.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is happy to announce for the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

It was our pleasure to present our check donation for the “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving” to benefit the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen, Wilkes Barre. We know how they continually assist those in need by providing food, basic necessities and spiritual guidance. We are looking forward to a date in 2022 when we can once again volunteer to help serve hot meals to the guests at the facility.

Thomas Collins and Louise C. Ligi from Colbert & Grebas presented the donation to Michael Cianciotta, Director at St. Vincent DePaul’s Kitchen.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce that for the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

It was our pleasure to present our check donation for the “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving” for the benefit of the Keystone Mission, Scranton. We know of the strides you are making to continually assist those in need of basic necessities and spiritual guidance.

Receiving the donation are Kathy Regan, Program Director; Scott Wills, Manager of the Wilkes-Barre Transformation Center and Justin Behrens, LSW, Executive Director & CEO. 

Presenting the donation from Colbert & Grebas to the Mission representatives are Thomas Collins and Louise C. Ligi.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce for the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

The next recipient for our check donation for this ongoing event, “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving” is Meals on Wheels, Kingston.  Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization that provides nutritious, home-delivered, low-cost meals to senior citizens. They also serve people who have been recently discharged from a hospital or nursing home, are convalescing from illness or are unable to prepare meals for themselves.

It was our pleasure to present this check to Amy Morris, Coordinator at Meals on Wheels. Also pictured are Board Members of their organization: Phyllis Johnson-Vice President, Patty Kopec- Secretary and Gary Williams- President.

Presenting the check to Amy Morris on behalf of Colbert & Grebas are Louise C. Ligi and Thomas Collins.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce for the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

The Firm was pleased to present a check donation for our “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving” to benefit the Elmhurst-Roaring Brook Volunteer Fire Company. 

Fire Chief Rich Motichka and his brother, Ken Motichka, Supervising Case Manager at Colbert & Grebas along with many of their family members and friends are associated with and have continued to serve the Fire Company for over 25 years. We thank all for their dedication to protecting and serving our local communities. 

Presenting our donation to Fire Chief Motichka are: Louise C. Ligi, Ken Motichka, Thomas Collins and Kevin R. Grebas.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce that for the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

It was our pleasure to present our check donation for the “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving” for the benefit of the Keystone Mission, New 15-bed Transformation Center located in Wilkes Barre.  We know of the strides you are making to continually assist those in need of basic necessities and spiritual guidance.

Receiving the donation are Ryan Buchanan, Development Director; Justin Behrens, LSW, Executive Director & CEO of the Wilkes Barre Mission and Scott Wills, Manager of the Wilkes-Barre Transformation Center. Presenting the donation from Colbert & Grebas to the Mission representatives are Louise C. Ligi and Thomas Collins.

As a Volunteer Opportunity, Colbert & Grebas, P.C. has enjoyed participating for many years with Home Instead Senior Care, Clarks Summit to make sure Seniors who might not receive gifts this holiday season are not forgotten.

Jessica Blomain, General Manager provided a detailed wish list of gifts of items the seniors need. Then members of our work family at Colbert & Grebas purchased the gifts that were listed and delivered the items in gift bags to Home Instead for distribution to seniors in our local NEPA area to be sure the gifts are delivered in time for Christmas.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce that for the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

It is our pleasure to present our check donation for this ongoing event, “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving”, to benefit the Moosic Police Department.  We appreciate all the services and protection provided for the residents and businesses in our local community.  Receiving the donation on behalf of the Police Department is Chief Richard Janesko and Captain Thomas McGovern.

Pictured presenting the donation from Colbert & Grebas to Chief Janesko and Captain McGovern are; Brenda D. Colbert, Kevin R. Grebas, Louise C. Ligi and Thomas Collins.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce that for the Twelve Days of Christmas we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

Our next recipient for our check donation for this ongoing event, “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving”, is Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, South Abington Township.  We support their efforts to promote adoption awareness and responsible pet ownership while caring for stray or surrendered animals until they find them new, loving homes. Receiving the donation on behalf of Griffin Pond Shelter is Ashley Wolo, Executive Director.

Pictured presenting the donation from Colbert & Grebas to Ms. Wolo are; Riley Jackson, Thomas Collins, Louise C. Ligi and Kenneth Motichka. 

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce that for the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

The next recipient for our check donation for the “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving” is the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes Barre for the benefit of the Nursing Center. It was our pleasure to present this check to Lisa Urban, CDCE Specialist.  We wanted to thank everyone for the services provided and support given to the residents served.

 We wish the residents a “Very Merry Christmas”.

Presenting the donation from Colbert & Grebas to Ms. Urban are Louise C. Ligi and Thomas Collins.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce that for the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

Our next recipient for our check donation for this ongoing event, “Twelve Days of Christmas Giving” is Ruth’s Place, Wilkes Barre. Since 2003 this Luzerne County emergency shelter has been to providing shelter and case management services for women experiencing homelessness while honoring the dignity of each guest.

It was our pleasure to present this check to Raquel Maldonado, Program Manager and Vanessa Johnson, Residents Advisor at the shelter.  Presenting the check on behalf of Colbert & Grebas are Thomas Collins, Executive Director and Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach & Education Director of Colbert & Grebas.

During this Holiday Season, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas is delighted to announce that for the Twelve Days of Christmas we have chosen local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to be recipients of our donations. 

The recipient for our check donation as the “First Day of Christmas Giving” is Gino J. Merli Veteran’s Center, Scranton.  It was our pleasure to present this check to Commandant James Miller as a “thank you” for the services provided and support given to the residents they serve.  We want to wish the residents a “Very Merry Christmas”.

Pictured: Riley Jackson, Case Manager and Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach & Education Director of Colbert & Grebas; presenting the donation to Commandant Miller; also pictured, Thomas Collins, Executive Director of Colbert & Grebas and Janice McAllister, Volunteer Resources Coordinator, Gino Merli Veteran’s Center.

During the 2021 Holiday Season, the Firm has created “Colbert & Grebas Twelve Days of Christmas Giving” to highlight our effort to give back to local organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.

The selected recipients give of themselves each day for the betterment of their communities and we are honored to provide a donation to assist in their efforts.

The Firm of Colbert & Grebas and staff were very happy to join this year to support the Feed a Friend Program. Our friends in NE PA needed help more than ever so we donated non-perishable food items which will be added with other contributions from all over the local community in support of the initiative of WNEP TV. 

Pictured are some members of the Firm who contributed to the most worthwhile cause.  Front Row: Thomas Collins, Kevin Grebas, Brandi Ide-MacLunny, Margaret O’Toole and Robin Bulzoni.   

Second Row:  Molly Symons and Riley Jackson.

Colbert & Grebas and staff members are proud to have volunteered for the 2021 Drive Through Give Away for Family-to-Family Food Basket that took place at the Armed Forces Reserve in Scranton.  

We were also pleased to be able to present a monetary donation, as we have done for many years, to assist those in need of basic necessities and food during difficult times.

Front row presenting the check to Linda Robeson, Director of the Family-to-Family Program are Kevin Grebas and Brandi Ide-MacLunny of Colbert & Grebas.

Second row:   Ryan Robeson and from Colbert & Grebas: Thomas Collins, Riley Jackson and Molly Symons     

For the past eight years, the Firm of Colbert & Grebas has contributed monetary donations in support of the efforts of The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg, CEO Weinberg Regional Foodbank.  We hope our recent donation helps the organization to continue to provide nutritious food to those in need. 

Accepting the Firm’s donation on behalf of the Food Bank is Mary Ellen Spellman, Acting Food Bank Director.  Representing the Firm are: Ken Motichka, Brenda Colbert, Kevin Grebas and Thomas Collins.

With Covid restrictions for in-person volunteering, it will be our privilege to once again volunteer to pack food donation boxes in the beginning of 2022 for distribution to seniors in need in our local NEPA communities.

Colbert & Grebas was honored to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Scranton. Our float was a big hit with the families and children as they saw our “Ducks in a Row” pass by while our Colbert & Grebas family and some of their kids walked the entire parade route to pass out little “Duckies”.  It sure added to their enjoyment on this beautiful day!  Check out our pictures from the parade.   

The Firm of Colbert & Grebas, P.C., as part of our ongoing commitment each month, contributes a donation to a local worthy cause. Margaret O’Toole, Receptionist and Administrative Assistant at Colbert & Grebas chose the Scranton School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children as the recipient of our donation since she has a son with hearing impairment. We are supportive of the challenges that are ahead for the children who attend the school and realize the importance of a good education.

Representing the Firm are Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director and Margaret O’Toole presenting the donation to Dean Pettinato, Principal at the Scranton School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children and Kevin McDonough, Director.

For many years, we have been a proud supporter of the Annual Judy Patte Memorial Golf Tournament which benefits the American Diabetes Association’s pursuit to find a cure in the fight against diabetes. This year’s event held at Sand Springs Golf Club, was the 32nd Annual Tournament to honor Judy Patte, who courageously fought diabetes for many years.

Molly Symons, our Administrative Assistant, and her husband, Wally, a member of the Tournament Committee, were instrumental in fostering our Firm’s support of this wonderful event.

This year, as well as in other years, they volunteered during the tournament to oversee golfers as they attempted to hit the Pot of Gold Hole for a 50/50 cash prize. The volunteers also kept a close watch on the Hole in One area on the course for a chance to win a car! All participants were invited to Patte’s restaurant for a full buffet following the event.

Presenting our Silver Sponsorship check donation to Chris Patte, Judy’s son is Molly Symons.

Colbert & Grebas P.C. is a member of the NEPA Aging Network Alliance (NANA), an organization that promotes awareness and services affecting older adults in Northeast Pennsylvania.
The Firm was very happy to volunteer to support NANA’s Spring/Summer Campaign “1,000 Ways to Show We Care” by donating 1,000 individually wrapped packs of crackers to be included in “goody bags” along with a variety of other items donated from other NANA members. Other items included books, pens, pill boxes, magnifiers, hand sanitizers and masks. The “stuffed” bags will be distributed to 1,000 Seniors throughout Lackawanna County senior living establishments and nursing homes, now and through the next few months.
The “Pack the Bags” event was broadcast on the May 25th, 11:00 PM evening news on WNEP TV 16. The Link to watch our segment can be found on:
https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/nepa-aging-networking-alliance-pack-goodie-bags-for-area-seniors/523-10a42314-3956-49b6-b402-453f54f1bb93

The Firm of Colbert & Grebas and staff members are proud to have volunteered and supported both the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Scranton and Veterans Center, Wilkes Barre in previous years. Although we were not able to participate physically in events at the Centers this past year, we were happy to present check donations to each facility in support of Memorial Day activities for 2021. We hope the Veterans enjoy their special day and honor them for their service to our country.

Each month the firm of Colbert & Grebas, P.C. supports a volunteer opportunity associated with a local organization. Recently the staff of Colbert & Grebas assisted Serving Seniors, Inc. in their project, “Operation Reach Out”. The main goal of this project is to stay connected with Nursing Home and Personal Care Residents in Lackawanna County. Personalized Spring greeting cards were prepared by volunteers and will be distributed to the residents. These cards are a heartwarming reminder that the many Nursing Home and Personal Care residents living in Lackawanna County are forever on our minds and always in our hearts. The staff of Colbert & Grebas, P.C. were happy to provide over 200 cards to be combined with cards from Members of NEPA Aging Network Alliance.

The Firm of Colbert & Grebas. P.C. and staff members were proud to have volunteered for many years to help pack food boxes and also provide monetary donations in support the CEO Weinberg Food Bank, Jenkins Township. Although this year we were not able to physically participate at the facility due to pandemic restrictions, our firm recently presented a check to Gene Brady, Executive Director at CEO Weinberg Food Bank, in support of their efforts to provide our NEPA Seniors in our local communities fulfilling their need of basic necessities of food during these difficult times.

Presenting the check to Gene Brady on behalf Colbert & Grebas, P.C. are Attorney Kevin R. Grebas and Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director.

As part of our commitment to support and serve our local, NEPA communities, each month, staff from Colbert & Grebas donate items that are then delivered to a local organization. Our most recent recipient, Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Clarks Summit was suggested by Robin Bulzoni one of our Paralegals with the firm. She has been a supporter of this organization for many years with her love of animals, some she has adopted.

A few core goals with the mission of Griffin Pond Shelter are preventing cruelty to animals, promoting adoption awareness and responsible pet ownership while caring for stray or surrendered animals until they find them new, loving homes. We were very happy to provide so many needed items to the shelter.

Pictured receiving the donated items are: From Griffin Pond Shelter, Jackie Galvin, Development and Communications Director; Nick Moczulski, Kennel Attendant with Sephora, a shelter pup available for adoption; and Ashley Wolo, Executive Director and representing Colbert & Grebas: Ken Motichka-Case Manager Supervisor; Robin Bulzoni-Paralegal Estate Administration; Louise C. Ligi-Community Outreach and Education Director and Thomas Collins-Executive Director.

Colbert & Grebas, P.C was proud to have participated in the Easter Food and Basket Giveaway in support of the Event by the Friends of the Poor and Family to Family Food Basket Program. Members of the Firm volunteered to help organize, pack food and assisted with traffic control at the drive thru distribution held at Scranton High School that served over 2,500 local families.

Colbert & Grebas, P.C. was also pleased to present a check donation to Linda Robeson, Director of Family to Family Food Basket program in support of this 2021 Community Outreach Event.

Each month the Elder Law Firm of Colbert & Grebas, P.C. provides a monetary donation to a local, community-minded organization. A recent recipient of our check donation was for the benefit of the Scranton Small Business Relief Fund. They were chosen for our support since they help ensure that both employees and owners of small businesses get through tough economic times brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The donation was accepted by Maggie Martinelli, Director of Administration & Projects at the Scranton Area Community Foundation from Thomas Collins, Executive Director and Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director at Colbert & Grebas.

Each month Colbert & Grebas provides a donation to support a local charity or organization. Our Firm recently donated gift cards in support of a virtual fundraiser, “Support Our Local Restaurants” initiated by Northeast Pennsylvania Network Alliance (NANA) which was featured on WNEP 16, “Good Things still Happening” and can be viewed on: www.WNEP.com.

The virtual raffle supports our local food banks and local, family-owned restaurants. We chose two of our favorite restaurants,The Stonehouse, because of their excellent menu, great drinks and wonderful live music, located in Carbondale and Cusumano, because they offer delicious and unique Italian American food and drinks in a relaxing atmosphere with awesome ambiance located in Old Forge.

The raffle will continue for the entire month of March. To purchase raffle tickets in support of the many restaurants that are listed, go online at: www.nepaagingna.org

Members of NANA (Northeast Pennsylvania Networking Agency) wanted to provide a Happy Valentine’s Day greeting for participants in Meals on Wheels program, Scranton. Members of NANA and even some of their children, volunteered to write and personalize well over 200 Valentines that were delivered to the office of Meals on Wheels. Several of the Board Members delivered the cards to Lindsey Skripka, Director of Programing at Meals on Wheels office so they can be given to participants in time for Valentine’s Day with their meals as they are delivered.

Pictured L to R: NANA Board members, Dr. Alice McDonnell, Ellen Holden, Lindsey Skripka, Meals on Wheels, NANA Board Members, Louise C. Ligi, Maria Hastie and Hope Wormuth. NANA Board Members not available for the photo include Kristen Scott, Beth Rossi, Carol Desmarteau, Rhondi Nachlis and Brenda Conlon.

Brenda, as a member of The Board of Directors of the Dunmore Senior Center along with all other Directors, wanted to thank everyone involved in the successful “Bags and Bling Bingo” held as a fundraiser. The event, which drew almost 250 attendees, helps to provide older area residents with services and programs designed to encourage healthy aging and to maintain independence, while promoting an increased awareness of the dignity of older individuals throughout the community.

This year’s bingo featured Designer bags by Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Vera Bradley. In addition to the bingo prizes of beautiful designer bags, we appreciated the gift baskets donated as raffle prizes. Also, there was a Gently Used Designer Market held prior to the bingo giving attendees the opportunity to shop for great deals on donated purses, clothes and jewelry.

NEPA Aging Networking Alliance (NANA) is happy to announce the new Board of Directors for 2021. NANA promotes awareness of services and issues affecting older adults in Northeast Pennsylvania. NANA is working to accomplish this goal through education, advocacy, networking and coalition building.

Pictured left to right: Louise Ligi of Colbert & Grebas, Vice President and Kristen Scott, President.

Members not pictured: Brenda Conlon, Public Relations, Carol Desmarteau, Secretary, Ellen Holden, Membership, Dr. Alice McDonnell, Advocacy, Maria Hastie, Education, Rhondi Nachlis, Finance, Beth Rossi, Hope Wormuth, Information

The annual “Fall Harvest Cocktail Party” fundraiser for Serving Seniors was recently held at NOSH, Dickson City. Kevin serves on the Board of Serving Seniors and attended with Colbert & Grebas staff members along with over 100 other guests.

We enjoyed delicious appetizers that were available all evening, and an open bar staffed by Celebrity Bartenders: State Representative Marty Flynn, State Representative Bridget Kosierowski and PA Health & Wellness Plan President & CEO Justin Davis

Toys for Tots helps deliver toys to children in need at Christmas. They are thankful for the many generous corporate sponsors and donors which contribute and help raise monetary contributions, toys and program awareness. Their support helps millions of less fortunate children share in the magic of the holidays.

This year, the firm of Colbert & Grebas, P.C. and all staff participated by purchasing toys to fill the box in our office, which was then picked up by representatives from the Marine Corps. The toys will then be distributed to children in our local NEPA community in time for Christmas.

On one of the most beautiful days of the year, Colbert & Grebas Walk Team, “The Forget Me Knots” participated in the Hospice of the Sacred Heart’s 4th Annual Remembrance Walk in McDade Park. We are proud Gold Sponsors of the event and had the largest walk team that participated.

This year’s walk had over 1,000 people that gathered together to honor family members and other loved ones that have passed from Alzheimer’s.

Colbert & Grebas, P.C. has enjoyed participating for many years with Home Instead Senior Care, Clarks Summit to make sure seniors who might not receive gifts this holiday season are not forgotten.

Jessica Blomain, General Manager and Kristen Scott, Marketing Specialist, both of Home Instead Senior Care, provided special ornaments detailing a wish list of gifts the seniors need. Then all members of our work family at Colbert & Grebas purchased the gifts that were listed and wrapped them for distribution to seniors in our local NEPA area. Kristen stopped by our office to collect the gifts, and along with volunteers will make sure the gifts are delivered in time for Christmas.

Brenda D. Colbert and Kevin R. Grebas are local Certified Elder Law Attorneys who live and practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They provide vital information to help serve the legal needs of Seniors and people with special needs.

Our recent event in Lackawanna County was held in Dunmore. Cathy Gavin, owner of Stirna’s and La Buona Vita and her staff, provided our guests with a delicious, hot, complimentary breakfast while they learned valuable, proven strategies to protect their home and life savings from current or future Nursing Home costs. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to personally speak with the attorneys prior to and following the presentation.

Colbert & Grebas and staff members are proud to have volunteered and contributed monetary donations for many years in support the Family to Family Food Basket Program that continually assists those in need of basic necessities and food during difficult times. We were pleased to be able to present a check donation in support of this 2020 Community Event. This year was planned as a drive thru distribution of a complete Thanksgiving meal, serving over 3,200 dinners.

Presenting the check are: Ken Motichka, Supervising Case Manager, Colbert & Grebas; Megan Loftus, President & CEO of Friends of the Poor; Linda Robeson, Director of Family to Family Food Basket program and Attorney Kevin R. Grebas, Colbert & Grebas

Every month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. A check, representing donations collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a donation from our firm was donated to The Children’s Advocacy Center, Scranton.

Presenting the donation to Mary Ann LaPorta, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center are Louise C. Ligi and Riley Jackson, of Colbert & Grebas. Riley chose the Center as a recipient since she dealt with students from her previous position as a Pre-School teacher recognizing and dealing with situations that are referred to the Center. The Center provides Protection and Child Care and considers it a community responsibility to make a difference in improving children’s lives. Child care and protection is a community responsibility.

As part of our ongoing commitment each month the firm of Colbert & Grebas make a monetary donation to a local worthy cause. For the month of November, we chose Keystone Mission. We know of the strides they are making to continually assist those that are homeless and are in need of basic necessities and spiritual guidance.

Left to right, presenting the check are Ken Motichka, Supervising Case Manager-Colbert & Grebas; Riley Jackson, Case Manager-Colbert & Grebas and receiving the donation on behalf of the Keystone Mission, Ryan Buchanan, Development Director.

We had beautiful weather for our Seminar held at Edgewood by Sand Springs in Dallas when Brenda presented our “Top 10 Tip’s” To Protect Your Assets From Nursing Home and Long Term Care.

Our guests asked lots of questions and two gave testimonials as to the service received from family and loved ones by Brenda and Kevin. They complimented Brenda regarding the way information was presented in such an easy to understand manner and intend to contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation.

For many years, the firm of Colbert & Grebas have contributed monetary donations in support of the efforts of The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg, CEO Weinberg Regional Foodbank. In addition, we have also volunteered, along with staff members, to pack food donation boxes which were then distributed to those in need in our local NEPA communities.

This year we contributed a monetary donation to the Foodbank to help the organization continue providing nutritious food to those in need. Presenting our check to Gretchen Hunt-Greaves, Director of Development at the CEO Weinberg Regional Foodbank is Molly Symons, Administrative Assistant at Colbert & Grebas.

Brenda Colbert was invited by Cathy Osborne, Social Services Director at Allied Skilled Nursing Facility to speak with attendees at the Family Residents Meeting held in August. This monthly meeting provides family of loved ones in the facility with various supportive information. Brenda addressed the topic “Essential Estate and Long-Term Care Planning, Your Questions – Answered!” along with handouts on the subject. Those in attendance had an opportunity to ask questions and really appreciated the information that was provided.

Pictured are Louise, Cathy Osborne and Brenda.

Each month, Colbert & Grebas participates in a volunteer activity for local charities or groups. For the month of October, we contacted United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA for suggestions for the seniors they serve.

Colbert & Grebas decided to donate chocolate bars as an extra sweet Halloween treat for every resident at the following senior living communities: Academy II in Moscow, Old School in West Pittston, Steeple View in Pittston, and Amos Towers in Scranton, with a combined total of almost 200 residents! Candy was distributed at each location by the UNC service coordinator who assists residents with social and recreational opportunities, accessing community resources, and maintaining independence.

Riley Jackson, Case Manager from Colbert & Grebas was happy to deliver our donation to Jill Eidenberg, Development Director for United Neighborhood Centers in Scranton.

Every month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. A check, representing donations collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a donation from our firm was presented by Louise and Gloria to Nancy Derwin, Event Coordinator of the SPCA of Luzerne County

Gloria chose the shelter as this month’s recipient. The shelter has been in existence for over 60 years and is an independent operation that relies on donations from the community. It is the county’s only open-admission facility, meaning no domesticated animals are turned away as long as they originated in Luzerne County.

We took a tour of the facility and were very happy to see several people in the process of adopting dogs and we hope the next to be chosen were the cats and kittens. Gloria is holding her favorite from the group available for adoption.

The firm of Colbert & Grebas and all staff participate monthly to donate items to benefit local charities. For the month of November, to recognize and honor our Veterans residing in the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, Scranton we donated thermal slipper socks to be distributed to all 160 residents in the Nursing Center of the facility. Pictured accepting the donation are: Janice McAllister, Volunteer Resource Coordinator; Ken Motichka, Supervising Case Manager, Colbert & Grebas and James Nursing Miller, Commandant of the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center.

Our July free Community Seminar, presented by Attorney Kevin R. Grebas, provided information on the “Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. The event was held at Fiorelli’s, Peckville.

Almost 60 attendees had an opportunity to learn how to protect their assets along with vital information about getting their Estate Plan in order with guidance from their LOCAL Certified Elder Law Attorneys.
Following the Power Point presentation, our guests had an opportunity to ask questions and speak with Kevin.

We also reviewed their responses on an evaluation sheet that include comments on the presentation. Some of the comments from the event include:
Great informative information, Nice breakfast, Excellent presentation, Good place to have the Seminar and Expectations of the presentation were met.

The firm of Colbert & Grebas and all staff participate monthly to donate items to benefit local charities. For the month of November, to recognize and honor our Veterans residing in the Veterans Affairs Nursing Center, Wilkes Barre, we donated thermal slipper socks to be distributed to all 80 residents in the Senior Living area of the facility. Pictured accepting the donation are Louis Smyth, Volunteer Service Assistant at the VA Center and Ken Motichka, Supervising Case Manager, Colbert & Grebas.

Brenda, Kevin, and our Supervising Case Manager Kenneth D. Motichka, recently attended the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s 22nd Annual Elder Law Institute in Harrisburg. The two-day continuing legal education program is attended by hundreds of attorneys from all over Pennsylvania.

As part of our ongoing monthly support of local charities, Colbert & Grebas, P.C. made a monetary contribution in October to St. Vincent DePaul Kitchen in Wilkes Barre. The donation is our way of helping the Kitchen, even in these difficult times, to continue to provide a hot nutritious meal to their guests seven days per week between 11 a.m. and 12 noon. At this time due to Covid19 restrictions, meals are distributed in grab and go containers inside of the building at the required social distance.

The donation was presented to Mike Cianciotta, Director of the St. Vincent DePaul Kitchen by Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director at Colbert & Grebas.

Mountain View Care and Rehabilitation Center in Scranton hosted a Community Health Fair organized by Stacey Blackledge, Marketing Director from the facility. Fourteen local Senior related businesses were invited to provide information regarding services they offer.

Four of the invited companies were selected to give a 15-minute presentation. Louise Ligi represented Colbert & Grebas; Linda Korgeski, Serving Seniors; Kathy Coyne Senior Day Services, a Telespond Company and Maria Hastie of LIFE Geisinger. A delicious luncheon was provided by Mountain View and raffle prizes were given to attendees.

As part of our ongoing monthly support of local charities, Colbert & Grebas, P.C. made a monetary contribution in October to St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton. The donation is our way of helping in order for them to continue to provide a hot nutritious meal, seven days per week even in these difficult times. Due to Covid19 restrictions, meals are still being served, however they are provided outside of the building in grab and go containers.

The donation was presented by Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director at Colbert & Grebas to Robert J. Williams, Executive Director at the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen. Also pictured are Randy Palko, Advisory Board President, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen and Mary Theresa Malandro, Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Human Services.

As part of our Community Service, NEPA Aging Network Alliance (NANA) members volunteer each month to provide activities for Seniors in Nursing Homes or Senior Apartments. Colbert & Grebas volunteered to assist with bingo at Riverside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Taylor.

Louise Ligi and Lillian Colbert, Brenda’s Mom, helped with passing out the bingo cards, providing cookies from Lillian to players, calling the numbers and paying out winners. The games were “high stakes” the day we were there, we provided cash to the winners, either folding dollars or gold coin dollars. We had such a good time and the attendees invited us to come back any time we would like to return.

As part of our ongoing monthly support of local charities, we made a monetary contribution to Meals on Wheels of NEPA in Scranton. We know of the services provided by Meals on Wheels, available in Lackawanna County five days a week, Monday through Friday. This organization has been a part of our community since 1969 serving the nutritional needs of elder, homebound individuals who may be in need of nourishment, along with a visit from a friendly volunteer.

The donation was presented to Kristen Kosin, Executive Director Meals on Wheels of NEPA by Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director at Colbert & Grebas.

Brenda and Kevin conducted a Free Community Seminar at The Hilton Garden Inn, Wilkes Barre on the “Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. A hot breakfast was enjoyed by attendees while they learned, in an easy to understand format, strategies to protect their home and life savings from current or future nursing home and other long-term care expenses.

Attorney Kevin R. Grebas from Colbert & Grebas, P.C, was the invited guest speaker at the October Abington Business to Business meeting recently held in Clarks Summit. Kevin provided information regarding the many areas of practice and planning provided by the firm which included Asset Protection Planning, Wills, Financial and Health Care Powers of Attorney and Trusts.

During the presentation members had the opportunity to have their questions answered and commented the specialized topics covered by Kevin provided a great deal of excellent information.

Our “Dress Down Day for a Cause” pictures are of staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices for donation to the Roaring Brook Elmhurst Volunteer Fire Company. Presenting the check to Chief Richard Motichka are Ken Motichka and Kevin Grebas.

For many years Colbert & Grebas has been one of the sponsors of the Serving Seniors’ Annual Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail Party, proceeds of the fundraiser benefits programs at Serving Seniors, Inc.

At our office, Kevin and Brenda invited all our staff and spouses to attend this year’s event held at Glenmaura National Country Club, Moosic. We wanted to share some of the pictures taken of our Colbert & Grebas work family and friends taken during the evening.

A big thank you to Lillian Colbert ant Bill Stavisky for manning the vendor table representing Colbert & Grebas at a recent LINK Conference held at Genetti’s, Wilkes Barre. The all-day Conference, was organized by Julie Rovinski-Mann, Lead Link Coordinator / Aging and Disability Resources for Carbon/Luzerne/Wyoming/Lackawanna Counties. The well attended conference covering “Protective Services Training/Over 60 and under 60 Consumers” provided information from various organizations including: Wyoming AAA, Wyoming Mental Health Developmental Services, Adult Protective Services and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Colbert & Grebas in connection with Frankie Warren of Magic 93 have been bringing lunches to hardworking professionals that nominated their own office to be chosen to have a chance to have lunch delivered right to their office. Please go on line to Magic 93 to nominate your office to have a chance to win!

This week we congratulate Mary Ann Gottlieb from the office of St. Peter & Paul Church in Plains for entering the contest for Father Lambert the church office staff . Frankie and Louise stopped by their office to deliver some delicious lunch.

Pictured are: Seated L to R: Mary Ann Gottlieb, Mary Pilarcik, Jason Garcia. Standing: Louise C. Ligi of Colbert & Grebas, Frankie Warren from Magic 93, Father Jack Lambert, Michael Lambert, and Deacon Don Crane.

One day each month, the entire staff at Colbert & Grebas family have a “Dressing Down Day for a Cause” as a fundraiser for a worthy recipient. Donations collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a donation from the firm, are being donated to the Elmhurst – Roaring Brook Volunteer Fire Company.

This organization was suggested by Ken Motichka, our Supervising Case Manager here at Colbert & Grebas. Ken, his Dad, his brothers and other members of his family are part of the Volunteer Fire Company, truly dedicated to the cause for many years. This is the second year Brenda, Kevin and staff members of Colbert & Grebas and our family members have volunteered to help serve food at the picnic. Turned out to be a very busy night in order to raise funds for the Fire Company while enjoying good food and good company!

Additional pictures from the next few nights of the picnic will follow, along with the presentation of the check for funds raised.

Every month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. Brandi MacLunny, from our Kingston Office, brought to our attention the efforts administered by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Chester Elementary School in Kingston for the benefit of a second-grade student, Asher Dicton, in his battle against T-Cell Lymphoma and Leukemia.

Our check, representing donations collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a matching donation from our firm, was donated to this cause for Asher, who is currently undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is facing extended treatment for his health issues. He and his family have a long road ahead of them with expenses that will be incurred during his treatment period. The school and PTO have organized fundraisers and appreciate our donation to this worthwhile effort.

Presenting the check to Dave Tosh, Director of the Wyoming Valley West Elementary and Secondary School and to Anthony Dicton, Teacher at Wyoming Valley West School and Dad to Asher are Brandi Ide-MacLunny, Case Manager at Colbert & Grebas, Kingston Office and Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach & Education Director at Colbert & Grebas, Moosic Office.

Louise and Riley along with her family and friends made up our Volley Ball Team and attended the Annual Summer Picnic at Waldorf Park, Scranton which was a fundraiser, proceeds benefiting programs at Serving Seniors, Inc. The annual event included entertainment by Kevin from EJ the DJ and, as always, everyone that attended enjoyed the delicious food prepared by the Waldorf, desserts and “beverages”. There were so many raffle prizes donated towards the fundraiser!

The friendly Volleyball Tournament this year included a strong participation representing Colbert & Grebas, organized by Riley Jackson from our office. The rest of the team were anxious to join the team to as soon as they heard of the competition. Pictured front row are: Tate Jackson, Patrick Callahan and Riley Jackson. Back row: Alex Diakatos, Bryan Filarsku and Jason Layou. Second picture with the team includes “Team Coach Louise”.

Kevin Grebas and Brenda Colbert recently joined several other volunteer attorneys from the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association by participating in the “Wills for Heroes” program. Colbert & Grebas Staff members Ken Motichka, Louise Ligi, and Denise Sterenchock also volunteered their time to notarize wills and other estate planning documents.

The Wills for Heroes program offers preparation of wills, living wills, medical directives, and powers of attorney free of charge to Police Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, and Military Veterans and their spouses or partners. The annual event was held at Luzerne County Community College and was organized by the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association, and Luzerne County Manager, David Pedri.

Brenda and Louise recently attended a breakfast meeting at The Woodlands Inn, Wilkes Barre hosted by the Luzerne County Inter Agency Council, whose mission is to create awareness of the human services available in Luzerne County in order to meet the needs of, and improve the quality of life for the people in our community as well as provide networking opportunities for our members.

Guest speaker for the event was Teresa Osborne, formerly the Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging who was recently appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf as Commissioner of the State Civil Service Commission.

As part of our ongoing commitment to serve our local communities, we at Colbert & Grebas volunteered and sponsored the day’s meal at the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen. Shown, from left: Brenda Colbert, Kevin Grebas, Rob Williams, executive director, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen; Louise Ligi, Margaret O’Toole, Thomas (Chick) DePietro, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen; Steve Dobbs, St. Francis of Assisi. It was our pleasure to help prepare the lunch time meal and serve guests at the kitchen. As you can tell from the pictures, we did have a good time

Colbert & Grebas was invited by David Leonori, Marketing Director at St. Mary’s Villa, Elmhurst to present a community service event that was open to the public in their area.

The presentation by Brenda Colbert, “Essential Estate and Long-Term Care Planning, Your Questions – Answered” provided valuable information while the attendees enjoyed a delicious meal provided by the facility. Those in attendance expressed their thanks to Brenda for the opportunity to ask questions during the event and chat with her following the presentation.

Every month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. A check, representing donations collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a matching donation from our firm was donated to Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children, 537 Venard Road, Clarks Summit.

Margaret O’Toole, Receptionist and Administrative Assistant at Colbert & Grebas, chose the school as the recipient of our donation because she has a son with hearing impairment. She is supportive of the challenges that are ahead for the children who attend the school and realizes the importance of a good education.

Louise C. Ligi, Community Outreach and Education Director atColbert & Grebas, P.C presented our check to Kevin McDonough, Director of the School and Dean Pettinato, Principal. We know of the good work taking place by the School and hope this contribution to their efforts will help in some small way.

A Free Community Seminar presented by Colbert & Grebas was held at LIFE Geisinger, Scranton. The attendees heard information from Brenda regarding the “TOP 10 TIPS to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. She provided easy to understand strategies to protect their home and life savings from current or future nursing home and other long-term care expenses. Attendees also heard a presentation from Maria Maletta Hastie, Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator, LIFE Geisinger as she discussed alternatives to Nursing Home Care.

Brenda D. Colbert and Kevin R. Grebas are local Certified Elder Law Attorneys who live and practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our most recent Free Community Seminar was held at Café 315, Wilkes Barre. Their well-received presentation, “3 Easy Steps to Achieve Peace of Mind in Your Estate Plan” provided attendees with estate planning and techniques to protect their family, home and life savings from current or future nursing home costs while they enjoyed a complimentary hot breakfast.

Following the presentation, guests had a chance to have a one-on-one conversation with the attorneys, as well as having the opportunity to schedule their “Free Initial Consultation” at either of our offices in Moosic or Kingston.

Louise participated in the annual Timber Ridge Health Care Center’s Health & Wellness Fair in Wilkes Barre. Over 35 vendors provided information about the services available to our NEPA residents and donated beautiful baskets as prizes for a “free raffle” given just for attending!

Each month staff contribute for a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day for a worthy cause, which is then matched by a donation from the Colbert & Grebas firm. Louise presented our check donation to Lisa Orlandini, Director of Candy’s Place, Forty Fort in front of their giving tree, which lists those donating to the non-profit organization. The facility is a cancer wellness and resource center for those living with cancer and their loved ones at no cost.

Louise chose Candy’s Place because we know of the good work taking place by their staff and volunteers who work hard to provide support in a loving, safe and home-like environment.

As part of our ongoing commitment to provide information to our NEPA Communities, Kevin was invited to speak with a support group at Northeast Radiation Oncology Centers, (NROC) in Dunmore. They offer cancer treatments and conduct cancer research, providing advanced radiation therapy options.

The presentation, “Estate Planning – Your Questions – Answered” was well received by the 25 people in attendance. They thanked Kevin for all the information and appreciated the time he spent, especially by having an opportunity to ask questions with regard to own their personal circumstances.

Pictured are Louise, Kevin and, from NROC, Kathryn Cramer, L.M.S.W.

Kevin, Louise, Ken and Margaret recently attended the Annual Winter Mixer held at Timber Ridge Healthcare Center, Wilkes Barre and also celebrating their 10th year in their present location. We always have a good time meeting so many of our friends from the center, as well as from other businesses and agencies. We thank Virginia Hunich, Business Development Specialist at Timber Ridge for always planning the well-attended, fun event and also thank
Marion Smith, Administrator for inviting us each year! You can see from our pictures we had a fun time sampling delicious hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine tasting! Did I mention that Margaret was the lucky winner of the top prize, a Vizio Flat Screen TV that would not even fit in the trunk of our car, had to have Ken & Margaret hold
it in the back seat on the ride home!

One day each month, the entire staff at Colbert & Grebas family have a “Dressing Down Day for a Cause” as a fundraiser for a worthy recipient. Donations for the month of April were collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a donation from the firm. On behalf of the firm and staff, Louise was proud to present the check to Mary Anne Maloney-Evans, Executive Director of Serving Seniors, Inc.

Serving Seniors provides services which include: Guardianship Services, Nursing Home Volunteer Visitation, Community Services Transportation, Ombudsman Advocacy, Volunteer Ombudsman and P.E.E.R. – Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents Programs.

Brenda D. Colbert and Kevin R. Grebas are local Certified Elder Law Attorneys who live and practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our most recent Free Community Seminar was held at Al Mia Amore, Dickson City. Brenda and
Kevin’s presentation, “Confused About Estate and Long-Term Care Planning? – Don’t Put it Off Any Longer!” provided attendees with estate planning and techniques to protect their family, home and life savings from current or future nursing home costs while they enjoyed a complimentary hot breakfast.

Our Free Community Seminar in April presented by Attorney Brenda D. Colbert provided information on the “Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. The event was held at Irem Clubhouse, Dallas. Attendees had an opportunity to learn how to protect their assets along with vital information about getting their Estate Plan in order with guidance from their LOCAL Certified Elder Law Attorneys.

Following the Power Point presentation, Brenda had a question and answer session to the group and also had a chance to speak individually to those that wanted to ask questions pertaining to their own particular family situations. Attendees expressed their thanks to Colbert & Grebas for always offering a Free Initial Consultation in addition to having the Community Seminar.

Colbert & Grebas is proud to support the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Remembrance Walk. Hospice of the Sacred Heart received a check for $2,942 from our firm for sponsorship and donations related to the 2019 Hospice of the Sacred Heart Remembrance Walk.

“We are grateful to the Colbert & Grebas team for their support of the 2019 Remembrance Walk. In addition to their generous gold sponsorship, they assembled the largest team of walkers. The ‘Forget Me Knots’ team had more than 50 members,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

The 2020 Hospice of the Sacred Heart Remembrance Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, at McDade Park in Scranton.

One day each month, the entire staff at Colbert & Grebas family have a “Dressing Down Day for a Cause” as a fundraiser for a worthy recipient. Donations for the month of March were collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a donation from the firm. On behalf of the firm and staff, Louise was very proud to present the check to Richard T. Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton after a tour of the beautiful “Home Away from Home”.

With over 30 years of service to the Northeastern Pennsylvania area, the Ronald McDonald Home offers family members of children admitted to local hospitals for treatment, a restful, comfortable place for families of seriously ill children, to sleep. The home provides family members with private bedrooms, home-cooked meals provided by generous community groups or they may prepare their own food in the kitchen and have a transportation van to take them to and from area medical facilities.

As part of our ongoing commitment to serve our community, we at Colbert & Grebas volunteered to help serve at St. Vincent DePaul Kitchen, located in downtown Wilkes-Barre. We also donated a check as Sponsor of the Day.

We were welcomed to help those that volunteer on a regular basis every day, one of the women told us she has been volunteering for over 9 years and another for over 13 years, such dedication! Kevin, Molly and Louise got into the swing of things by helping wrap dinner ware utensils and then we served meals, beverages and desserts to all that came to the Kitchen. The well-organized routine went by very fast and we received a lot of “thank you” comments from those that run the organization, as well as the guests we served.

Frankie Warren, Magic 93 radio personality was one of the judges for the 7th annual Seniors Got Talent show. Colbert & Grebas has been a proud sponsor of this fundraising event for the last 6 year, funds raised are for the United Neighborhood Centers. Louise has been part of the planning Committee for 6 years.

Every month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. A check, representing donations collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a matching donation from our firm, was donated to Keystone Mission, Scranton.

Sharon Alexander, our part-time receptionist and assistant in our Moosic Office chose this month’s recipient since she has been a long- time supporter of those that are served by the Mission. For quite some time Sharon has been donating non-perishable food, cooked food and clothing to the organization. Louise C. Ligi and Sharon Alexander of Colbert & Grebas presented the check donation to Ryan Buchanan, Director of Development and Brenda Reibson, Distribution support staff, both of Keystone Mission.

One day each month, the entire staff at Colbert & Grebas family have a “Dressing Down Day for a Cause” as a fundraiser for a worthy recipient. Donations for the month of March were collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a donation from the firm. We are very proud to donate the check to the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton.

With over 30 years of service to the Northeastern Pennsylvania area, the Ronald McDonald Home offers family members of children admitted to local hospitals for treatment, a restful, comfortable place for families to sleep, creating a “Home Away from Home” for families of seriously ill children. The home provides family members with private bedrooms, home-cooked meals provided by generous community groups or they may prepare their own food in the kitchen and have a transportation van to take them to and from area medical facilities.

Kevin Grebas presented our Free Community Seminar for December held at The Fox Hill Country Club, Exeter. The seminar, the “Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”, provided our guests with opportunity to learn how to protect their assets along with receiving vital information about getting their Estate Plan in order. They enjoying a delicious, served, hot breakfast in a wonderful location already decorated for the holiday!

Following the power point presentation, Kevin answered questions from the attendees, along with taking time to speak individually to those who had questions regarding their own unique family situations. We received comments that the presentation was extremely informative and was given in a very easy to understand format.

Our March free Community Seminar, presented by Kevin, provided information on the “Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. The event was held at Al Mia Amore with over 80 attendees who learned how to protect their assets along with vital information about getting their Estate Plan in order.

After the Power Point presentation, Kevin answered questions from our guests and also had an opportunity to speak privately, one on one with individuals. The evaluation sheets that our guests complete after the presentation provide us with ratings on the information provided during the seminar. The overwhelming responses were: excellent presentation, expectations of the presentation were met, topics were explained well and we received many compliments on the location and the breakfast that was provided.

Every month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. A check, representing donations collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a matching donation from our firm was donated to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Clarks Summit.

Presenting the donation to Jacob Torba, Fundraising Coordinator at Griffin Pond Shelter, are Louise C. Ligi and Robin Bulzoni of Colbert & Grebas. Robin chose this this month’s recipient because she is a true animal lover and would adopt all those needing a home, if she could. She hopes that the donation can assist the dedicated staff at Griffin Pond to care for those animals who have found themselves at the Shelter, through no fault of their own.

The Mission of Griffin Pond Shelter is to investigate, help prosecute and prevent cruelty to animals while also promoting adoption awareness and humane education plus responsible pet ownership. They promote all this while caring for the animals surrendered to the shelter to the best of their ability every day until they find them new, loving homes.

Kevin was invited to conduct a free community service event at the Lehman Idetown United Methodist Church. The well attended presentation, “Essential Estate and Long-Term Care Planning for Seniors: Your Questions – Answered” was for members of the congregation as well as residents of their local community.

Attendees appreciated the valuable information they received and expressed their thanks to Kevin for the opportunity to ask questions during the event and chat with him following the presentation.

Our Free Community Seminar in November was presented by Attorneys Brenda D. Colbert and Kevin R. Grebas and they provided information on the “Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. The event was held at The High Bridge House, Spring Brook Township. Attendees had an opportunity to learn how to protect their assets along with vital information about getting their Estate Plan in order with guidance from their LOCAL Certified Elder Law Attorneys.

Following the Power Point presentation, Brenda and Kevin had a question and answer session along with also speaking individually to those that wanted to ask questions pertaining to their own particular family situations. They also expressed their thanks for offering a Free Initial Consultation in addition to having received all the information during the Seminar.

We wanted to post pictures of our Colbert & Grebas work family and friends taken during Serving Seniors’ Annual Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail Party fundraiser held at Glenmaura National Golf Club, Moosic.

We always have a good time at the well-attended event that included Live Jazz Music, Hors d’oeuvres, open bar and lots of basket raffle prizes.

Proceeds of the fundraiser benefits programs at Serving Seniors Inc.

For 33 years, the Family to Family Food Basket Program, sponsored by Friends of the Poor has provided families in need with a food basket to prepare a complete Thanksgiving dinner for their loved ones. This year, as well as in the past 6 years, Colbert & Grebas donated a check in support of the event and our staff and some of our family members volunteered to help distribute the food baskets at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton.

Colbert & Grebas volunteers and others were assigned to various areas as the needs arose. Many hands and tremendous hours of preparation helped make this event the success it has become. Enjoy the pictures of those who helped in any way and for their support!

Attorneys Brenda Colbert and Kevin Grebas recently participated in the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Estate and Elder Law Symposium in Mechanicsburg, which was also simultaneously broadcast to various locations throughout Pennsylvania.

This year, Attorney Colbert and Attorney Grebas served on the faculty and presented a session entitled “10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting or Revising Essential Elder Law Documents”.

Kevin Grebas and Brenda Colbert recently joined several other volunteer attorneys from the Lackawanna Bar Association by participating in the “Wills for Heroes” program. Ken Motichka, our firm’s Supervising Case Manager, also volunteered his time as a Notary.

The Wills for Heroes program offers preparation of wills, living wills, medical directives, and powers of attorney free of charge to military veterans and their spouses from Lackawanna County.

The 24th Annual “Pre St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail Party” to benefit programs at Serving Seniors, Inc will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Glenmaura National Golf Club, 100 Glenmaura National Blvd. Moosic.

Time: 5:30pm-8:00pm. Open Bar and delicious appetizers throughout the evening. Live Jazz Music provided by Tony Vergnetti. Basket raffle.

Cost is $40 per person. For tickets please call 570-344-3931 ext.1 or email at servsen@epix.net.

Community is encouraged to attend this fun filled event!

Attorneys Brenda D. Colbert and Kevin R. Grebas once again served as faculty members at the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association Bench Bar Conference and Seminar held at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The Bench Bar/Conference is a day-long continuing legal education program for lawyers and members of the Luzerne County judiciary. This year, Brenda and Kevin taught a two-hour course called “Estate and Long Term Care Planning for the Elder Law Attorney”.

Our February free Community Seminar, presented by Brenda and Kevin, provided information on the “Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. The event was held at The Cafe – An American Bistro, Plains Township. Over 60 attendees had an opportunity to learn how to protect their assets along with vital information about getting their Estate Plan in order with guidance from their LOCAL Certified Elder Law Attorneys.

Following the Power Point presentation, Brenda and Kevin always give our guests an opportunity to ask questions and speak with them one on one. We also review their responses on an evaluation sheet that include comments on the presentation.

Some of the comments from today’s event include:
Great Presentation, very informative; Excellent Presentation, would like to meet for a Free Consultation; the Presenters explained the topics well and Expectations of the presentation were met.

Colbert Grebas and staff members donated personal care items and winter scarves with matching gloves to fill tote bags which were given to Women’s Shelters in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. A special thank you to The Visiting Nurse Association and Visiting Angels for contributing some additional items to be included in our donations. Those who helped organize the items collected and pack the tote bags are Louise, Gloria, Molly, Riley and Brenda.

Our donations for Lackawanna County were presented to the Women’s Resource Center and will be distributed by the Center to various shelters throughout the county. The Centers offer services and advocacy for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. They are always available 24 hours on a hotline to let Women know “We are your safe Place”. Pictured, representing Colbert & Grebas are Louise Ligi, Sharon Alexander and Riley Jackson and receiving the tote bags is Lori Iannetta, Lackawanna County Program Manager of the Women’s Resource Center.

Our donations for Luzerne County were presented to Ruth’s Place, a program of Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania. They provide emergency shelter and case management services to women experiencing homelessness in Luzerne. The shelter offers a supportive environment for women to address basic physical, financial, health and spiritual needs. Every woman currently in the shelter will be provided with the tote bags. Presenting the totes to Crystal Kotlowski, Director of Ruth’s Place are Colbert & Grebas representatives Louise, Molly and Denise.

One day each month, the entire staff at Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day as a fundraiser for a worthy cause. Donations for the month of February will be collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices, in addition to a donation from the firm. A check will be donated to Candy’s Place located in Forty Fort.

Candy’s Place is a non-profit organization cancer wellness and resource center, where staff and volunteers work hard to provide support to cancer patients and their loved ones in a loving, safe and home-like environment. All of the programs and services at Candy’s Place are free of charge to cancer patients

Every month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day for a worthy cause, each staff member has a chance to choose the recipient of their choice.

Donations collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston Offices, in addition to a donation from our firm were presented by Louise to Dan Yaglowski, Warehouse Manager at CEO Weinberg Food Bank, Wilkes Barre. The Regional Food bank distributes food to charitable organizations feeding the needy throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly among children and the elderly.

Attorneys Brenda Colbert and Kevin Grebas were honored to serve as faculty members for the Estate and Elder Law Symposium in Philadelphia. They taught one of several courses being offered at this continuing legal education event sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.

Our Free Community Seminar in October, held at The Woodlands, Wilkes Barre, was presented by Brenda and Kevin. It provided information to almost 50 attendees on the “Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. Our guests enjoyed a served, hot breakfast while they had an opportunity to learn how to protect their assets along with receiving vital information about getting their Estate Plan in order.

Following the Power Point presentation, Brenda and Kevin held a question and answer session, along with allowing extra time to speak individually to those that had questions pertaining to their own particular family situations. Guests expressed their thanks for offering a Free Initial Consultation in addition to providing the information at the Community Seminar.

Louise was invited, along with other participants representing businesses that provide services to our local communities, to participate in a Free Community Fair at Candy’s Place, in Forty Fort. The very well attended educational and awareness event was held on World Cancer Day. There are plans to hold this as an annual event.

Candy’s Place is a cancer wellness and resource center, where staff and volunteers work hard to provide support to cancer patients and their loved ones in a loving, safe and home-like environment. All of the programs and services at Candy’s Place are free of charge to cancer patients.

Each month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day as a fundraiser for worthy causes. Donations for the month of January were collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices in addition to a donation from the firm. A check will be donated to St. Peter and Paul Food Pantry located in Plains, PA. This donation is made in honor of Edward J. Suchoski, Sr.

Brenda participated in the “Chili Cook Off” fundraiser for Lackawanna Health and Rehab Center. She prepared Vegan Chili and also a whole lot of corn muffins to accompany the delicious chili. A portion of the funds raised by the event will be donated to a local food bank and also to the Recreation Committee at Lackawanna Health and Rehab Center.

Kevin, Louise, Ken and Riley attended Timber Ridge Health Care Center’s annual Winter Mixer. A “little snow and frigid weather” did not prevent attendees from enjoying Wine featured by Bartolai Winery and hos D’oeuvres prepared by the chefs at Timber Ridge.

The forecast for an impending snow storm did not keep our most recent Free Community Seminar from happening! The event, held at Arcaro & Genell’s Restaurant, Old Forge was presented by Attorney Kevin R. Grebas and provided information on the “Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. The overflow crowd had an opportunity to learn how to protect their assets along with other vital information about getting their Estate Plan in order with guidance from their LOCAL Certified Elder Law Attorneys.

Some of the comments listed on our evaluation sheets following the presentation included: Very valuable information, presented in a simple & understandable way; met & exceeded all aspects of the topic and the speaker gets an A+!

Colbert & Grebas sponsored Lunch every Wednesday for the month of January to be delivered by Frankie Warren from Magic 93 to various area businesses. Here are Louise and Frankie delivering lunch to Hampton House Manor Care, and Frankie delivering lunch to The Hair Loft.

Every month we have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day, with donations designated for a worthy cause. Donations collected in December from staff in our Moosic and Kingston Offices, in addition to a donation from our firm, were presented by Louise Ligi to Nancy Post, Director of Volunteer Initiatives at the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA (VAC). The check will be given to the Apprise Program, which provides specially trained counselors who provide answers to older Pennsylvanians about Medicare, Medicaid, Long-Term Care Insurance and Preventative Care.

Colbert & Grebas staff, spouses, family and friends celebrated at our 6th annual Christmas party at Cusumano’s Restaurant in Old Forge. We thank Brenda & Kevin for their generosity for this gathering that allows us to reminisce about this year, enjoy each other’s stories with lots of laughs, and look forward to the coming New Year.

Cocktail hour included so many delicious appetizers, including pizza cuts, (white, red, double crust) and calamari rings with spicy sauce, to name a few. Dinner began with a large array of Italian meats & cheeses antipasto and steamed clams with sausage and special seasoning. Our entree choices of filet mignon, grilled shrimp with risotto, wild boar with homemade pasta or chicken parmigiana followed by dessert of tiramisu, absolutely delicious!

One of our key Colbert & Grebas family members, Gloria and her husband Danny, were not able to joins us this year at the party. Kevin and all offered a toast to let them know we were thinking of them and send our love.

From Colbert & Grebas, we wish all our clients, families and friends a very Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Louise had the opportunity to present the “Dress Down Donations” check in person to the October and November recipients. Pictured receiving the check on behalf of CEO Weinberg Food Bank is Rich Kutz, Food Bank Director.

Also pictured receiving the check donation for the Luzerne SPCA is Nancy Derwin, Event Co-Ordinator.

Both recipients expressed their thanks to Colbert & Grebas for the donations to their organizations.

The Colbert & Grebas work family gather each year to enjoy an ethnic lunch. Each member brings their favorite food, snack or dessert to the meal that we all share.

This year our menu included Kielbasa, Spinach Lemon Risotto, Potato Kugel, Sheppard’s Pie, Sweet & Spicy Meatballs, Perogies, Tabbouleh, Guacamole & Chips.

All the food was followed by delicious desserts, Pumpkin
Roll and a Chocolate-Carmel Heath Cake. Needless to say, we all enjoyed the meal, and are already making suggestions for the next one!

Every month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day for a worthy cause. Donations collected in November from staff in our Moosic and Kingston Offices, in addition to a donation from our firm, will be given to the CEO Weinberg Food Bank, Wilkes-Barre. The Regional Food bank distributes food to charitable organizations feeding the needy throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly among children and the elderly.

Brenda D. Colbert provided information on the “TOP 10 TIPS to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs” at our Free Community Seminar at Fox Hill Country Club in Exeter. Guests were served a delicious complimentary Hot Breakfast while they learned strategies to protect home and life savings from current or future nursing home and other long-term care expenses. Following the presentation, many of the attendees commented the information provided was very helpful and stated their questions and concerns were addressed in an easy to understand format.

For 32 years, the Family to Family Food Basket Program, sponsored by Friends of the Poor, has provided families in need with a food basket to prepare a complete Thanksgiving dinner for their loved ones.

This year again, Colbert & Grebas staff and some of our family members volunteered to help distribute the baskets at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.

Brenda Colbert and Kevin Grebas provide vital information in Free Educational Seminars to our local NEPA Seniors on a regular basis. Our most recent event was held at The High Bridge House, Spring Brook Township. Guests enjoyed a delicious complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet while being provided with information on the “TOP 10 TIPS to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. Long Term Care Planning can be complicated and stressful but the presentation provided easy to understand strategies to protect their home and life savings from current or future nursing home and other long-term care expenses.

Brenda Colbert and Kevin Grebas recently joined several other volunteer attorneys from the Lackawanna Bar Association by participating in the “Wills for Heroes” program. This program, open to military veterans and their spouses in Lackawanna County, offered preparation of wills, living wills, medical directives and powers of attorney free of charge.

Colbert & Grebas was one of the sponsors of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Navigation: A Caregiver Conference at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. Louise attended the conference that featured Rundy Purdy as the Keynote Speaker. He shared his three years of his experience in personal care for his Grandfather who had Alzheimer’s.

Attorneys Brenda D. Colbert and Kevin R. Grebas once again served as faculty members at the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association Bench Bar Conference and Seminar held at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The Bench Bar/Conference is a day-long continuing legal education program for lawyers and members of the Luzerne County judiciary. This year, Brenda and Kevin taught a two-hour course titled “12 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Counseling an Elder Law Client”.

Lillian Colbert and Bill Stavisky representing Colbert & Grebas recently attended the annual Senior Fair held at the YMCA, in Dunmore. The free Community Event draws hundreds of attendees while they have an opportunity to learn about services that are available to our neighbors and friends in NEPA

Colbert & Grebas was one of the sponsors of the NEPA Aging Network Alliance (NANA) Fall Conference held at All Seasons Hall. The Conference, “Addiction in our Aging Population” was phenomenal. Thank You to our speakers Atty. Joe Peters, Jake Nichols, Teri Thomas, James Dougherty, Nicole Hartung and Janene Holter. Special thanks to Kristen Sampson for leading our committee and for the hard work and dedication to organize the event.

Kevin was invited by the Keystone Chapter of UNICO to present information at their September Meeting at Mendicino’s Pizza & Family Restaurant.

The presentation “10 Top Tips to Protect Your Assets” was well received, and they appreciated the opportunity for follow up questions and answers.

Many in the room were surprised to learn some of the pitfalls seniors and retirees have made with their hard earned savings, as well as receiving some good advice on their future financial planning.

Lackawanna County Interagency Council recently held their Annual Fall Breakfast Meeting at Arcaro & Genell’s Restaurant.

Our guest speakers included Mary Ann LaPorta – Children’s Advocacy Center; Peg Ruddy – Women’s Resource Center and Kerri Anzulewicz and Michele Grohs – Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging. They provided information to over 60 attendees on the theme of “Stop the Abuse: Can We Bring Back Respect for Humanity”. Colbert & Grebas was one of the sponsors of the event.

The Lackawanna IAC is a non-profit organization comprised of fifty plus Health and Human Services Organizations. The mission of this organization is to identify human service providers and their roles in the community; address specific issues facing our Lackawanna County residents; to network with each other in order to better serve the community and to offer continuing education to IAC members

Pictured giving the check donation are Louise C. Ligi and Riley Jackson of Colbert & Grebas; receiving the donation on behalf of The Children’s Advocacy Center are Mary Ann LaPorta, Executive Director; Jennifer Agliatori, Associate Director and Forensic Interviewer and Cheryl Friedman, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner.

At Colbert & Grebas each month staff contribute donations for a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day for a worthy cause, which is then matched by a donation from the Firm. We know of the good work taking place each day at The Children’s Advocacy Center, so for the month of August, they were chosen to be the recipient of our funds.

Representing Colbert & Grebas, Lillian Colbert and Bill Stavisky participated in the well-attended Annual Lackawanna County Senior Health Fair for 2018 held at PNC Field. Proceeds from the event benefits Meals on Wheels of NEPA.

A Free Community Seminar presented by Colbert & Grebas was held at LIFE Geisinger, Scranton. The overflow crowd of more than 60 attendees heard information from Kevin regarding the “TOP 10 TIPS to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”. He provided easy to understand strategies to protect home and life savings from current or future nursing home and other long-term care expenses. Attendees also heard from Maria Maletta Hastie, Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator, LIFE Geisinger as she discussed alternatives to Nursing Home Care.

Brenda recently was invited to address participants in a special training session at Kings College, Wilkes Barre sponsored by Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services in conjunction with the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Training Council on Quality. Brenda’s presentation, “Understanding Special Needs” was part of a two-part session presentation which covered “Future Planning – How to be Prepared When Parents Can No Longer Care for Their Individual with Special Needs.”

At a recent Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee Meeting, Louise presented a check for donations from our July “Dressing Down for a Cause”. In addition, Louise presented a check representing the proceeds from our successful annual fundraiser “Party on the Patio at Marzoni’s to benefit the Walk. Receiving the check on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association is Ryan Schofield, Constituent Event Manager for the 2018 NEPA walk.

Brian Dougher, Chris Foder, Ian Hastings and the team at Meridian Financial Associates of Wilkes-Barre recently hosted an informational seminar at Isabella’s Restaurant.
Kevin and Brenda were invited as presenters to provide attendees with information on Essential Estate and Long-Term Care Planning.

Louise C. Ligi recently attended a Senior Health Fair sponsored by the Office of State Representative Marty Flynn from the 113th Legislative District.
The event, held at Four Points by Sheraton, Scranton, hosted over 35 businesses that provided information regarding services provided for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania and donated great raffle prizes for attendees.

Brenda and Kevin recently presented a Free Community Seminar, at Edgewood by Sand Springs, Edgewood Lane, Drums, PA.
Guests enjoyed a delicious complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet while they were provided information on the “TOP 10 TIPS to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs”.
Long Term Care Planning can be complicated and stressful but with the presentation it was easy to understand strategies to protect their home and life savings from current or future nursing home and other long term care expenses.

The Dunmore Senior Center provides community seminars to Seniors on a variety of topics.
Alison Boga, Director of the Dunmore Senior Center invited Brenda to speak with a group at the center regarding strategies to protect their homes and life savings from current or future nursing home and other long-term care expenses.
The presentation “TOP 10 TIPS to Protect your Assets from Nursing Home Costs” was very well received by the attendees and they thanked Brenda for providing helpful information and the opportunity to have their questions answered.

Louise representing us this year in the Annual Senior Health Fair at St. Mary’s Center hosted by Representative Sid Michaels.
This is the 8th annual event he has sponsored that provides hundreds of Seniors with important information on a variety of services offered from local NEPA businesses, agencies and organizations.
In addition, attendees were treated to a complimentary lunch and were thrilled by the number of raffle prizes donated to the event that they had a chance to win!

Wilkes University provided a Continuing Education Program for attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors at the Woodlands Inn & Resort on Thursday, August 9, 2018.
Our Brenda D. Colbert, a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Law Foundation, conducted the seminar, “Long Term Healthcare & Estate Planning”.
The four-hour event covered topics: Planning for Incapacity, Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney; Planning for Death; Last Will and Testament and the Probate process; Planning for Long Term Care, and Special Needs Planning.

We wanted to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Brenda and Kevin as our Colbert & Grebas family gathered to celebrate our 6th year anniversary of providing services to our NEPA community! As always, we had a great time and enjoyed each other’s company as we relaxed, toasted another successful year and look forward to next year. Some candid pictures follow. The food and cake were outstanding!

Brenda & Kevin presented “Top 10 Tips To Protect Your Assets From Nursing Home Costs” at a seminar at Fiorelli’s on Saturday.
Attendees enjoyed their hot breakfast while learning valuable information followed by a question and answer session.
Many that requested a follow up free initial consultation, commented that they appreciated the time Brenda and Kevin spent answering their questions and for speaking with them after the presentation.

Friday evening we held our second annual fundraiser at Marzonis Brick Oven and Brewing Co. Scranton to support the ” Walk to End Alzheimer’s”. The impending rain had us move the event inside but did not lessen our spirit nor attendance.
We are so grateful to all the people who supported us, whether through donating so many beautiful raffle baskets or actually coming to enjoy the evening! The outpouring of support was overwhelming, everyone had a great time.
Also, a special thanks to Marzoni’s for their generosity and to Billie Jo, manager, for all her help in setting up the room display and for all the servers, who did a wonderful job on a very busy evening. Some of the many people in attendance are shown in our candid pictures.
Thank you to all who helped in any way to make this such a great success!

Each month Colbert & Grebas has a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. Donations for the month of July were collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices in addition to a donation from the firm.
The recipient for July, “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s”, was especially important to us. We have for many years, supported the organization as a sponsor, organized a Walk Team each year and had a wonderful fundraiser, Party on the Patio at Marzonis Brick Oven and Brewing Co. Scranton, all to benefit this most worthwhile cause.

Brenda, Kevin, and our Supervising Case Manager Kenneth D. Motichka, attended the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s 21st Annual Elder Law Institute in Harrisburg. The two-day continuing legal education program is attended by hundreds of attorneys from all over Pennsylvania.
Brenda and Kevin presented the topic “10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting or Revising Essential Law Documents”. The presentation included information regarding how every estate plan must be carefully crafted to meet each client’s goals and needs.
The Last Will and Testament, Financial and Health Care Powers of Attorney and Trusts are the key fundamental documents, which when not drafted properly, can wreck a client’s goals.
They discussed the top 10 common drafting errors and provided specific directions to avoid these mistakes. They also gave tips on fixing mistakes in documents.

Each month we have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. Donations for the month of June were collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices in addition to a donation from the firm. The recipient for this past month was Elmhurst-Roaring Brook Fire Company. This was especially important to us since Ken Motichka our Supervising Case Manager has been an active volunteer with the firefighters for over 24 years and has held numerous line and administrative officer positions with the organization.

The annual Aging/Intellectual Disability Workshop was recently held at Genetti’s Best Western in Wilkes-Bare. Attorney Brenda D. Colbert was a guest presenter covering various legal topics including Special Needs Trust, Powers of Attorney, and The Able Act.
In addition, Linda Shumaker, RN-BC, MA a gerontological certified registered nurse and private consultant spoke on the topic of Understanding Aging and Cognitive Changes for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
Jeff Dauber of the Alzheimer’s Association also addressed the statistics and resources available to this population. The program concluded with a presentation by David Hag, Geriatric Care Manager/Consultant of Pathway Senior Care Associates.

Lackawanna Health and Rehab Center recently hosted a Senior Health Fair. Pictured are the participants that had a chance to speak with Staff and Residents along with some attendees from the Mid Valley local community.

Louise C. Ligi-Colbert & Grebas, Mary Ellen Piccotti-Compassionate Care Hospice, Theresa Gilhooley-Geisinger Viewmont Medical Lab, Debby Miller-Griswold Home Care, Jennifer Loy-Mid Valley Manor, Tiffany Brown-American Red Cross and Julie Biedler-Compassionate Care

Jeanne Phillips and Tony Howey planned a great Kick-off to Summer Party at Riverside Rehab & Nursing Center.
Pictured are good friends that really enjoyed each other’s company during the evening, along with having good food, dessert and beverages. Thanks for always making it a fun occasion.

Kevin, Louise, Brandi and her family attended the Annual Summer Picnic at Waldorf Park, Scranton which was a fundraiser, proceeds to benefit programs at Serving Seniors Inc.
The annual event included entertainment by EJ the DJ and, as always, everyone that attended enjoyed the food, desserts, and beverages and the friendly Volleyball Tournament and Basket Raffle.

Each month we have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. Donations are collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston Offices in addition to a contribution from the firm.
A check was presented to Ryan Pollock, Director of St. Francis Commons by Louise C. Ligi and Kristen Solomon from Colbert & Grebas. The picture below shows them standing in front of the Giving Tree that lists names of all donors who help provide services such as shelter, food, and supportive services for homeless Veterans, “Our American Heroes” living in the apartments at St. Francis Commons.

Each month Colbert & Grebas have “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. A check will be sent to Paws With a Cause, a non-profit organization that enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained Assistance Dogs.
This represents donations collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices in addition to a donation from our firm.

Brenda was invited to speak to over 25 attendees at a luncheon for the Scranton Federation of Retired Teachers. The presentation “Essential Estate and Long Term Care Planning for Seniors: Your Questions – Answered!” was held at the Fraternal Order of Police Hall.

The group thanked Brenda for all the valuable information provided and appreciated the time she took to answer all their questions during and after the presentation.

Each month Colbert & Grebas have a “Dressing Down for a Cause” day. Donations for the month of April were collected from staff in our Moosic and Kingston offices in addition to a donation from the firm. Our donation will be presented to St. Francis Commons, Scranton.

Louise participated in the Annual Health Fair hosted by Timber Ridge, Wilkes Barre. Health and services related companies along with other vendors provided information, brochures and samples. Attendees were eligible, at no cost, to win beautiful raffle prizes donated from the participants in the event.

Brenda was selected as one of 13 women honored at The Power in Purple Awards Dinner held at the Colonnade, Scranton honoring Women of Excellence who support the mission and vision of the Alzheimer’s Association. Those honored were recognized for their contributions to our region, who dedicated time and talent to making a difference in the Alzheimer’s Association through caregiving, advocacy, philanthropy and awareness. Brenda, for many years, volunteered with the Association and along with staff, support and participate in the Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

We from the Colbert & Grebas family as well as Brenda’s family members were at the event to join in congratulating her for this honor.

Lutherwood Housing Community, Scranton recently had to evacuate about 120 elderly and disabled residents due to damage at their apartment building from a severe storm in our area. Luckily there were no injuries to residents or rescue personnel. Many of the residents are still displaced, but are expecting to return to their home very soon.
Members of NEPA Aging Network Alliance (NANA) joined together to purchase $500.00 worth of gift cards and donated them to 5th and 6th floor residents to help replace perishable food that was ruined due to electricity being turned off from the storm. The gift cards are for Gerrity’s, one of their favorite shopping spots that Lutherwood provides transportation to for their shopping needs.
Pictured: Representing Lutherwood: Wendy Carlin, Service Coordinator; Sandy Rostkowski, Director of Housing and Lynne Markowski, HUD Property Manager. Also pictured representing NANA are Board Members: Melissa Craig, Brenda Conlon, Jeanne Phillips, Jessica Blomain, Louise C. Ligi and Theresa Gilhooley.

Robin visited a classroom of second graders at Abington Heights Newton Ransom Elementary School over the past five weeks as a volunteer for Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania.  She presented the program entitled “Our Community” and talked with the students about the different jobs and businesses in a community.  The program included lessons about how workers earn money and pay taxes, the importance of voting and how money moves from business to business throughout the community.   Students assembled paper donuts to demonstrate the production process.  Not surprisingly, the consensus was even paper donuts are much more popular than paying taxes!  This was Robin’s 14th year volunteering for Junior Achievement at Newton Ransom Elementary, 11 of which have been for the same teacher.”

This is the 5th year Colbert & Grebas was one of the sponsors and attended the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s sixth annual Seniors Got Talent fundraiser at the Theater at North (former North Scranton Jr. High School. The special event, which has grown to include an audience of hundreds, raises funds for the agency’s four Active Adult Centers in Lackawanna County. This is also the 5th year that Louise served on the Planning Committee for the event.

During the show, acts performed by individuals 55 and older were scored by a panel of celebrity guest judges and awarded cash prizes. Evie Rafalko McNulty, Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds, entertained the attendees as Emcee of the event while Guest judges Brenda Conlon from Saber Healthcare Group; Sid Prejean, former Lackawanna County Public Defender; and Justin Sochovka, an electronics expert for QVC reviewed and scored the entertainers. The winners were as follows: Charles Weber of Scranton, third place; Jean Spindler, Carolyn Tavella, and Sarah Derhammer, all of Kingston, formed the Western trio, second place; and Joseph Serafin of Wilkes-Barre, first place and Audience Choice award winner.