Meetings & Briefs

The members of Germania Hose Company in Duryea announce that their Annual Truck Fund Drive is underway. This drive assists with the payment of the loan incurred with the company’s 1996 Smeal Pumper, including recent refurbishments made to the engine last year.

The cost for the pumper was originally $280,000. Through the years, and with the generous assistance for the residents of Duryea and a number of Duryea businesses, the payment of this truck loan is proceeding at a fast pace.

For the remainder of its yearly equipment and building maintenance operating budget, the company uses a number of fund-raisers. However, this fund drive is the only method used to make payments on the cost of the truck.

Donation request materials have been sent to each household in the borough. This includes a donation information letter, and a household assistance survey. In addition, all businesses within the limits of Duryea were sent a similar letter, asking that they contribute to assist with the firefighters’ efforts. Returns are requested to be made by March 1.

Daffodil Orders

Greater Pittston Daffodil orders are now being taken. If you have been missed and wish to order, please call 655-6076 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.

Chairpersons are Susan Lombardo, Janet Delaney, Lois Detato, Marie Griglock, Alan Dente, Lois, Maurello.

Yatesville Auxillary

The regular monthly meeting of the Yatesville Auxiliary will meet Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the Yatesville Borough building. All members are reminded to bring their items for the Italian Food Basket. Raffle tickets will be distributed and sold by all members of the organization and also at Lombardo’s Restaurant, Pittston Avenue, Yatesville.

The Yatesville Auxiliary is a newly formed organization for both men and women. Anyone wanting to join may do so at any regular monthly meeting.

IAA Membership

The Italian American Association of Luzerne County is holding its 2010 membership drive. If you are of, or married to someone Italian descent , you are welcome to join our organization. Come and celebrate your heritage by participating in cultural events, community service, scholarship programs and social functions.

Just send your name, address and phone along with dues in the amount of $15 in a check made payable to the Italian American Association to the Italian American Association of Luzerne County, P.O. Box 842, Pittston, PA 18640.

Anyone residing in other counties is welcome to join. The monthly meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at Genetti’s Best Western, Wilkes-Barre.

If you would like any further information call President Herman Castellani at 654-6454.

Pittston Twp. Drive

The members of the Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Department announce that the Annual Fund Drive is underway. The fire department provides 24 hour per day firefighting and rescue services to residents of the township and its businesses. The annual fund drive is a means by which the department seeks financial assistance with the maintenance of the department’s firefighting and communication equipment, as well as protective clothing and breathing apparatus.

The members of the fire department are asking that each household in the township contribute $25 or more to this year’s drive. In addition, each business in the township is asked to make a contribution based on the size of that business. Everyone is asked to make their returns by March 1. If you have not received a donation request envelope in the mail, please call 654-2503 and one will be sent to you. The firefighters ask for your support and thank all who help with the goal of providing quality fire and rescue services to all in Pittston Township.

Hughestown Lions

The Hughestown Lions Club will meet Monday, March 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hughestown Hose Company. President Steve Golya will preside. On the agenda will be plans for the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt that will be held in conjunction with the Hughestown Police Department.

Cosmopolitan Seniors

The Cosmopolitan Seniors will meet again on Tuesday March 2, at 1 p.m. in St. Cecilia’s Parish Center, in Exeter.

Hosts/hostesses are: Regina Battaglino, Bernie Bednar, Marcella Fountain, Theresa Menhennett, and Terri Mislan.

Cosmopolitan Seniors travel coordinator Johanna is accepting reservations to Mount Airy Casino trip on Monday, March 1, as well as Wednesday April 14. Details can be obtained from Johanna at 655-2720.

Fish Fry

St. John’s Lodge No. 233, Free and Accepted Masons will be holding a Lenten Fish Dinner on Friday March 5. Dinner will be held at St. John’s Masonic Hall, 498 Yatesville Rd. Jenkins Twp., from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Donation is $10.00 at the door and $5.00 for children under 12.

For more information call Gerald Venetz, 654-9833, or call 654-8189 and leave a message.

Story Time

Pittston Memorial Library has a limited number of openings in its Toddler Time and Story Time programs. Both six-week programs feature age-appropriate stories, activities and free play in our children’s play room.

Toddler Time, open to 18-month– through 3-year-olds and their caregivers, will meet on Wednesday, March 3 and 10 at 10 a.m.

Story Time, open to 3– to 5-year-olds and their caregivers, will meet on Wednesday, March 3 and 10 at 1 p.m.

Dupont V.F.W.

The V.F.W. Post #4909 will hold their next meeting Monday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home.

The Home Association meeting will follow. Food, refreshment and camaraderie will occur after both meetings.

Polish Alliance

Council 40, Polish Women’s Alliance of America will hold its council meeting on Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m. at Happy Pizza, Main Street, Plymouth. Council dues will be collected at this meeting. Council is asking for your cooperation in attending this meeting to help with plans for Bal Polonaise, the May Festival and the annual Doylestown trip. There will be a Bal Polonaise meeting following the council meeting.

La Leche League

The Greater Pittston La Leche League, affiliated with La Leche League International and serving families in the Wyoming Valley since 1979, will meet Tuesday, March 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin. Meetings are held in the lower level of the Church building on the second Tuesday of each month, 10:00 a.m. The Church is easily accessed from Route 315 and Laflin Road.

With the proper information and support, most mothers are able to breastfeed exclusively for six months as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. At this informal discussion on the topic Overcoming Difficulties, we will share information regarding solutions used by many breastfeeding mothers to achieve their own definition of breastfeeding success. A lending library is available offering titles on childbirth, parenting and breastfeeding.

All women interested in learning more about breastfeeding are invited to attend. Nursing babies and their siblings are always welcome. For more information or help with a breastfeeding concern, please contact: Debbie Nelson, Wyoming; Vicki Prekel, Tunkhannock; or phone Help Line 1-888-829-1341.

IAA Dinner

The March Dinner Meeting of the Italian American Association of Luzerne County will be held on Thursday, March 18, at Genetti Hotel and Convention Center, Wilkes-Barre with arrival time at 6 p.m. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m.

Music by Mike Shema with dancing to 10:15 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. Reservation must be made by Friday, March 12.

The 2010 Membership Drive is now open for those of Italian decent or married to someone of Italian descent in Luzerne and outlying counties.

For reservations and membership information, please call Judy Deice at 654-7600 or Louise Castellani 654-6454.

St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance

The Dupont V.F.W. Post 4909 Home Association will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 13 at the Post Home 401-403 Main Street Dupont.

A dinner buffet will be served from 7:30 – 8:45 p.m. the Fantastic “Gary Dee and Co” will be playing for your Dancing and Listening pleasure from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The bar will be open from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Great door prizes will be awarded.

For tickets and reservations call Bob Lopata at the V.F.W. at 654-9104 or see Bob any evening at the Post Home. Tickets are only $23 per person. Deadline is Friday, March 12. All PLCB Regulations apply.

Drama Workshops

Applications are now being taken for the Music Box Theatre Academy, a musical theatre workshop for students ages 13 to 18. Tuition: $275. Sessions begin April 27. Students will perform Disney’s High School Musical 2 on June 18, 19, and 20.

Students will learn techniques in acting, singing and dancing. Call (570) 283-2195 or 1-800-698-PLAy for information and enrollment forms. The Music Box Dinner Playhouse is located at 196 Hughes Street, Swoyersville.

The Music Box Repertory company is accepting applications for a Musical Director for “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” Rehearsals will begin March 1st and will run through April 25. All qualified candidates are asked to call the Music Box at 283-2195 for further information.

Craft Show

The Tunkhannock Area Middle School will sponsor a Spring Craft Show on Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a bake sale and refreshments offered.