Life And returns for a new season and series of stories - this time, we tackle the complex and unavoidable topic of death. For the second episode of this season, we turn the spotlight onto Colum McCann.

Proceeds from the book will be donated to the James W. Foley Foundation. 

Produced by - www.parkmultimedia.com

Editing Assistance - Matt Ash

Tonyehn Verkitus is the Executive Director of the Northeast Counties Medical Society and Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania. Her work in the nonprofit world has mostly centered on health and food though she also spent many years training organizations and communities on fundraising and telling their mission-based stories.

In 2007, Tonyehn along with other family members and friends started Africa Community Exchange, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support an effective model of education for youth and educators. Currently their work centers in Liberia with plans to expand to neighboring countries. Tonyehn also sits on the boards of the Lackawanna County Arts, Culture and Education Department; WVIA Community Advisory Board; and NEPA Health Care Foundation where she is the Grants Committee chair.

As a Wholistic Life Coach and writer, Tonyehn is interested in the intersection between personal stories and community activism. As a person with many personal stories that shatter and empower she has developed and facilitated workshops on healing and reducing personal trauma through self-care and shared stories.

Tonyehn shares her story of living a nomadic childhood and how it impacted her home views. She talks about living all over the world and the memories she carries with her. Tonyehn also opens up about finding community with her neighbor Sheila in Liberia and working at a tavern in colonial Williamsburg. Now with children of her own, Tonyehn reflects on creating stability while still embracing change. An inspiring tale of embracing life's journey and discovering home isn't defined by walls.

Alicia Gregais a published poet and award-winning playwright, theatrical artist, performance coach and educator. She is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and the Lackawanna County Council on Arts, Culture, and Education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from Drew University and an MFA in Writing for Screen and Stage from Point Park University and has received grants from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and an NEA Arts Journalism Institute fellowship. 

Alicia shares her vision for the perfect retirement home - a storybook cottage on a lake surrounded by her favorite plants from places she's lived. She discusses creating a welcoming space for community while also valuing solitude. Alicia explores how studying Buddhism has helped her find happiness in the present moment. Tune in to hear insights on downsizing from memories to what matters most.

Maureen Maher-Gray is an activist, community organizer, and nonprofit leader. Maureen is the founder and Executive Director of the NEPA Youth Shelter. The NEPA Youth Shelter serves as a safe place for at-risk teens to go after school. At the center, teens can do homework, socialize, and rest; the center also provides clothing, school supplies, food, and job resources for those who need them. 

Maureen shares her story of being adopted at a young age into a large, loving family. She talks about growing up feeling fully part of her adoptive "Brady Bunch" family. Years later, her curiosity leads her to research her biological roots. After unexpected DNA matches, Maureen discovers long-lost siblings and learns the identity of her biological father. She describes the emotional experience of meeting her newfound biological relatives and reconciling her two families into her concept of "home."

Mary Pat Ward serves as the Development Director for the Catherine McCauley Center. She started her career as a Paralegal for the Women’s Resource Center and was there for close to 10 years. Mary-Pat currently serves on the Board of Directors for NeighborWorks NEPA. She plays roller derby with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Radicals and resides in Scranton with her husband, Doug. Their daughter, Izzy, is a Freshman at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts.

Mary Pat shares her journey of finding home after losing her parents at a young age. From surviving in shelters to creating a loving home for her daughter, she discovered home is about shared memories and adventures, not things or houses. Now an empty nester, she's letting go of possessions to start a new chapter. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of resilience and how she now helps others find home.

After a short hiatus, "Life and" is returning on all podcasting platforms!

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!

Please note, that this story touches upon the very real challenges of coming to terms with sexual or gender identity in your youth, including some abrasive language. A great resource to explore is the national nonprofit organization, The Trevor Project. Any listener that would benefit from this inclusive LGBTQ resource, or knows of someone who would should visit www.thetrevorproject.org for more information.