Honoring those who help new people

A “Day of Gratitude” was in store for the staff of New Beginnings Birthing Suites at Wayne Memorial Hospital from Pike County supporters of the March of Dimes. The group is dedicated to preventing birth defects, premature births and infant mortality. On behalf of the March of Dimes, Celeste O’Neil and Joe Biondo from Biondo Investment Advisors in Milford presented the New Beginnings nurses with a plaque of thanks for helping babies come into the world. O’Neil and Biondo are also behind an inaugural Pike County Walk for the March of Dimes, the Delaware River March for Babies, to be held next September at Firefly Field at Airport Park in Matamoras. The site that holds a special place in Biondo’s heart as Joe’s family foundation created the handicapped-accessible park. There is a part of the playground that is dedicated to his son, Lorenzo, who was born prematurely and sadly lost his life. For more information about next year’s walk and how to get involved, call Celeste at 570-296-5525. Pictured from the left are: Celeste O’Neil; Joe Biondo; Janice Pettinato, RN, head nurse; Shirley Morgan, RN; Heather Holmes-Komar, Unit Coordinator; Joyce Bannon, RN; Christine Quigley, RN. November is Prematurity Awareness Month.