Sarah Piccini

Sarah Piccini graduated from the University of Scranton with a degree in History and Communications. In 2010, she received a Master’s degree in History focusing on the ethnic and labor history of the Lackawanna Valley. She collaborates with the Lackawanna Historical Society on many projects and programs, and serves the Vice President of the board for the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates.

SARAH'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
(from the book)

This work was possible because of several people who helped and contributed along the way, each of whom has my thanks.

First, Mary Ann Moran Savakinus, director of the Lackawanna Historical Society, who recognized the treasures being lost and started the Framing Faith project, for offering me the chance to tell the story. The staff and volunteers at the Lackawanna Historical Society, including Mary Ann Gavern, Ann Marie O’Hara and Bill Conlogue, who were incredibly helpful providing photos, books, and resources. I especially want to thank “Uncle Bob” Booth, for the vast store of local knowledge he has in his head, and Ivana Pavelka and students Brianna, Paola, and Sam for providing the beautiful images of each church.

Brian Fulton, library manager at the Scranton Times-Tribune, dug through his archives on several occasions to provide me with background materials. Chester Kulesa and John Fielding of the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces provided me with assistance and images, as did Dan Perry of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. The “Called to Holiness and Mission” office of the Diocese of Scranton helped to clarify the consolidation process for me.

Jane Orlando, the champion of Sacred Heart, thank you for your stories.

The Most Reverend Anthony Mikovsky, Prime Bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church and his wife, Carol, provided assistance translating the Polish text found in St. Mary of Czestochowa and Sacred Heart churches. Father Philip Altavilla and Father Lubomir Strecok provided assistance translating the Slovak text found in Holy Family and St. John the Baptist churches.

Doug Forrer, who listened to the whole saga: emu.

Colleen Carter, friend and associate mom, thank you for the copyediting and lunches!

Finally, my mother, Juliana, for the stories and edits, and my father, Ed, for the spelling!