2008 Photo Gallery

January | February | March | April

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May 31, 2008 – Senator Baker participated in the annual Back Mountain Relay for Life at Misericordia University. The Senator helped lead the first lap around the track at the event, which raises money to support the American Cancer Society.

May 30, 2008 – Senator Baker stands with the Wayne Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee, agency representatives, and other elected officials at the Sterling Business Park groundbreaking ceremony. Dennis Yablonsky, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Community and Economic Development, is at the controls in the bucket loader.

May 30, 2008 – From left, Wayne County Commissioner Tony Herzog, Senator Baker, and Attorney Alfred J. Howell, President of the Wayne Economic Development Corporation, look over building plans for the future Sterling Business Park. Senator Baker was a guest speaker at the groundbreaking ceremony for the business park, which will cover 252 acres and create an estimated 1,500 new jobs once completed.

May 28, 2008 – The League of Women Voters of Susquehanna County welcomed Senator Baker as a guest speaker at their annual dinner and 88th birthday celebration in New Milford. Senator Baker provided a legislative update for those in attendance.

May 26, 2008 –While participating as a guest speaker in the Tunkhannock Memorial Day Parade, Senator Baker was greeted by members of the Tunkhannock American Legion. From left are Walt Zola, Senator Baker, Tom Owens, Commander of the Tunkhannock American Legion; Irene “Queenie” Ciprich; and Bertha Singer.

May 26, 2008 – Senator Baker received a certificate of appreciation from the Tunkhannock American Legion after serving as a guest speaker during the Tunkhannock Memorial Day Parade. From left are Senator Baker, Anna Grove, Adjutant Wes Virtue, Chaplain Ike Miner, and Gene Bush.

May 26, 2008 - Senator Baker spent part of Memorial Day honoring veterans by participating in the Sweet Valley Memorial Day Parade. Representative Karen Boback (right) also took part in the event.

May 25, 2008 – Senator Baker rode in the Hawley Memorial Day Parade as part of the celebration to honor American servicemen and the sacrifices they make. Above, Senator Baker awaits the start of the parade with Bruce Mackle, former Wayne County Treasurer.

May 23, 2008 - Fifth grade students from Mountain View Elementary School, Susquehanna County, visit the state capitol.

May 22, 2008 – Fourth grade students from Lakeside Elementary School, Wayne County, visit the state capitol.

May 22, 2008 - Senator Baker announced the introduction of a revision to Act 45, the Emergency Medical Systems Act, on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda during Emergency Medical Services Recognition Week. The revision, which Senator Baker has agreed to sponsor, seeks to help reduce duplication of service and improve coordination of emergency response.

May 16, 2008 - Ricky Swanson, a student at Lake Lehman High School, visited the state capitol as part of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program. The program provides students with opportunities to learn about leadership through seminars, workshops, and contact with leaders in a variety of fields. Above, Swanson stands at the podium in the Senate Chamber as a guest of Senator Baker.

May 16, 2008 – Senator Baker toured His Resting Place, a community-operated maternity home for homeless women, located in Luzerne County. Above, Senator Baker talks with Juanita Sarnak (right), one of the operators of His Resting Place and Cara Asay (center), the first individual to be helped by the organization.

May 14, 2008 – Senator Baker attended the dedication and unveiling of the First Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary Memorial Field at Dallas High School. Lieutenant Cleary, a 1999 graduate of the school, was killed in December 2005 while serving in Iraq. During his time at Dallas High School, Lieutenant Cleary was captain of both the soccer and tennis teams. The newly dedicated field will honor his outstanding service and sacrifice for the United States of America.

May 14, 2008 - As chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committee, Senator Baker participated in a joint public hearing with the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committee as part of an effort to improve Pennsylvania's emergency response system by revising Title 35. During the hearing, participants explored how changes to the current system could improve collaboration between state and local officials when preparing for and responding to emergencies. Additional hearings are planned to receive further insight from parties who would be affected by a Title 35 revision.

May 13, 2008 - Mark Hoover, CEO of Human Resource Center, Inc (HRC), Donald Broderick, executive director of ARC of Northeastern PA, and several clients of HRC were greeted by Senator Baker and retired Senator Charles Lemmond during their visit to the state capitol. HRC offers an array of support systems to disabled individuals, including assistance in entering the workforce.

May 12, 2008 – Donald Olsommer, Sr. and wife Janet are shown above with Senator Baker in the Senate Chamber. Rev. Olsommer was invited by Senator Baker to lead the interfaith prayer at the opening of the legislative session as a guest chaplain.

May 8, 2008 – Senator Baker attended the Building Industry Association (BIA) of NEPA Second Annual Legislative Breakfast along with several others local legislators. On the agenda for the breakfast was the discussion of major issues facing the housing industry, along with “green building” and property tax reform. Pictured at the breakfast in the front row from left are: Representative Phyllis Mundy, Senator Lisa Baker, Representative Karen Boback, Representative Todd Eachus, and Represenative John Yudichak. Second row left to right are: Representative Eddie Pashinski; Representative Mike Carroll; Joe Peterson; Rick Arnold; Vinny Stiaccini, president of BIA of NEPA; Peter Restaino, past president of BIA of NEPA; and Lou Biacchi, Pennsylvania Builders Association Governmental Affairs Representative.

May 6, 2008 – Senator Baker greeted representatives from Wilkes University who attended the Science in Motion "Capitol Day" in Harrisburg. The Science in Motion program links eleven colleges and universities in Pennsylvania with approximately 200 school districts in order to give students hands-on learning experience in the field of science. From left are Peter Stchur, Senator Baker, Jeanette Papiercavich, Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, and Don Mitchell.

May 5, 2008 – Tom Foley, CEO of the Southeastern PA Chapter of the American Red Cross, receives a Senate resolution declaring March 2008 “American Red Cross Month.” Senator Baker sponsored the resolution, which honors the humanitarian efforts that the American Red Cross, its volunteers, and its employees have provided for over a century.