PITTSTON — Six successful women came “to the table” to share their life journeys during a “Women of the Round Table” event held March 24 by the Friends of the Pittston Memorial Library.
The third annual event commemorated National Women’s History Month.
Consistent with the event’s theme of “Journey to Today,” each woman shared a story not just about family and career success, but also about the personal history that set them on their way.
Maria Capolarella-Montante, representing the Friends club, said she has worked for many years to try to get women in the spotlight.
“Now it’s happening,” she said, as she opened the program.
Denise Adams, who has served as Exeter Borough mayor for just over a year, spoke with frankness about the discrimination she experienced as a woman and an older adult.
Adams said part of what makes a good leader of any gender is the ability to delegate responsibilities in order to get things done.
In addition to building a positive image for Exeter Borough, she also supports the borough’s police department in ensuring the safety of residents.
Jean Marie Bantell said she originally wanted to be a nun, but instead sought another noble profession — nursing.
When she retired from a full-time position, she stepped into the role of substitute school nurse and began wholeheartedly volunteering in several settings, including the Care & Concern Clinic.
Bantell’s mother passed away when Bantell was very young, and she lauded area women who served both as encouragers and role models throughout her life.
In addition to other activities, Bantell spends time with her two grandchildren, with another on the way.
“I hope that my mother is proud,” she said, smiling.
When Anna Hogya addressed those gathered, it was clear from her accent she is a native New Yorker.
Hogya told how she had originally served as a librarian on Long Island and that, even though it is many miles away from Pittston, it had a similar small town feel and provided her the opportunity to reach out to young people.
She then had the opportunity to serve as a Catholic school librarian that provided her three children a chance to attend tuition free.
She attributes the fact that the three have turned into “amazing grownups” partly to that Catholic education.
When she moved back to the area and began working at a local library, Hogya’s superiors thought she was a bit unorthodox.
“I got in trouble,” she said, laughing. “For whistling.”
When she had the opportunity to come to the Pittston Library as its director, she jumped at it and focused on building programs across generations and innovative fundraising.
When she stepped out of her position in 2015, she said, she left the library in the capable hands of Patricia Joyce whom she had hired and mentored.
Hogya serves, not because of her gender, but because of her commitment to community.
“I don’t care if it’s a girl thing or a guy thing,” she said. “If it needs to be done and I can help, I do it.”
In sharing her story, Marilyn Krall said, as a wife and mother of seven, she was able to get her bachelor’s degree and work inspecting nursing homes.
In 1973, the government was growing the Medicare program and wouldn’t provide funding for a nursing home until the home had been inspected.
“I found missing money and sexual abuse,” she said. “It wasn’t always easy, but I liked it.”
When she retired, though, she couldn’t get out of her head the image of older people in nursing homes who didn’t have families or anyone to visit them.
It was that memory that fueled her passion for volunteering at the Wesley Village, making it possible for residents there to attend Mass, praying with them and providing a listening ear.
At 87, Krall said the blessings of her own life motivate her to help those who are struggling.
Lisa Mazzarella, the early morning voice of WVIA-FM, said her career began not because of her ability to speak, but to her ability to listen.
As a young person at Marywood University, she first wanted to major in sociology or psychology because she was interested in people’s stories.
She then realized that majoring in communications would be a better fit for her because it would, she thought, provide her the chance to write for others.
One snowy day at the college radio station, she was told she had to go on the air.
At first she resisted, but then at 2 p.m. she took the plunge into hosting radio. It snowed, and then it snowed more.
Mazzarella was on the air for seven hours that day and, when she finally had time to breathe, she realized she had found her calling.
In spite of her quiet spirit and desire to spotlight others, Mazzarella realized being on the radio suited her.
In addition to being the morning voice on WVIA radio, she also enjoys producing “Our Town,” a popular series that highlights area towns.
“Producing Our Town got me out of the building, and I got to meet so many people I wouldn’t otherwise have met,” she said.
Finally, Sister Kiernan Williams addressed those gathered, laughing because many of those who had come before her on the program had mentioned wanting to become nuns at some point.
“I have the paperwork,” she said, “if you want to sign up.”
Williams detailed being one of 11 children with parents who build a home not with an excess of money, but of love and attention.
Each one of her siblings learned how to play the piano and each had chores to assigned on Sunday evenings.
“We had a wheel on the refrigerator with chores,” she said. “They weren’t gender specific.”
Now a pastoral associate at St. John the Evangelist Church, Williams detailed a serious accident many years ago in which her brother was hit by a car.
Although that accident changed his life, she said, it didn’t shake the faith of their family, but rather developed and matured it.
Williams’ focus is always on God and others, acknowledging the journey is not always easy, but always worth it.
