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FRATERNAL

age you to team up with a friend and clean a park togeth- Penguins game will return. (Is there a hockey team in your
er! Even if it’s just an hour of your time it can make a great back yard within our eastern membership states that you
difference. If you do journey out and clean a park in your want to see? Reach out and let me know!)
area, please send over a photo so we can shout you out in Even more exciting is our upcoming trip to the Christ-
the next GCU Magazine! (mjaggars@GCUusa.com) kindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA — one of the most magical
Looking Ahead. Fall promises even more fun with out- holiday markets in the country. This year’s trip will be extra
ings to pumpkin patches and fall farms, such as the pop- special, as we’ll also be taking in a festive performance of
ular Roba Farms (and more to be announced) and the “Miracle on 34th Street” at Wind Creek Casino. It’s the
always-popular Bloomsburg Fair (a new adventure for perfect way to celebrate the holiday season, and I can’t
GCU). I also look forward to honoring the brave men and wait to experience it with all of you. NJ Constellation Co-
women who have served our country at our Veterans Day ordinator Cynthia Visovsky and I are working to put this
Breakfast events in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Philadel- trip together. I welcome those within driving distance to
phia & NJ. contact me if interested in a show only ticket so we can
If you are located in the eastern half of PA or one of our contact you when tickets go on sale! We are also look-
membership states on the east coast, I invite members to ing at putting together a day trip from NERA in November.
share their local ideas for recognizing veterans — please Feel free to contact me to get on our early interest list!
reach out to me by September 5th. Whether it’s a small- Whether our events or volunteer activities are cherished
town celebration or a heartfelt community service project, traditions or brand-new adventures, I look forward to the
GCU is committed to honoring our heroes in meaningful next GCU event or social activity to come. The best part
ways. about our events and community activities is getting to
And yes — I can’t believe I’m already talking about win- see our members smile and enjoy themselves. It certainly
ter, but here we are! Some of our seasonal favorites are puts a smile on my face too! I hope to see your smiling
already in the works. The popular Scranton/Wilkes-Barre faces at an event or volunteer activity very soon!

GCU Byzantine Family Day at Knoebels Park

Elysburg, PA. Sunshine, sizzling temperatures, and a sudden down-
pour couldn’t dampen the spirit of community at this year’s GCU
Byzantine Family Day, held at the beloved Knoebels Amusement Re-
sort in central Pennsylvania. Knoebels bills itself as America’s largest
free admission amusement park.
The day kicked off with excitement as families and friends from
across the region gathered for a full day of fun, faith and fellow-
ship. Despite the brutal summer heat, attendees cooled off under
the shaded pavilion, where a delicious BBQ lunch was served, along
with refreshing drinks and plenty of conversation. The excitement
continued with our raffle drawings, where lucky winners took home
ticket booklets, all-day ride passes and 50/50 cash winnings.
The rides were a major hit with kids and adults alike, offering
thrills, smiles and shared laughter at every turn. As the afternoon
rolled on, the skies opened up with a surprise downpour of rain –
but even that couldn’t wash away the fun. Guests took shelter, made
the best of it and embraced the change in weather with umbrellas
and ponchos.
Through sunshine, rain and every-
thing in between, GCU Byzantine
Family Day once again reminded us
how special it is to gather in faith,
fun and fellowship.
Here’s to more memories, more
rides, and gathering with new and
familiar faces for more fun next year!

22 GCU MAGAZINE AUGUST 2025