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Reader’s poem pays tribute to veterans - 11/30/2008
Today is the day we honor our countries best

Longing for Thanksgiving high school football - 11/30/2008
This year, for the first time since I graduated way, way back in 1982, I began attending high school football games. My first impression was that of surprise at how few people were in the stands. Today the bulk of the support comes via the students, district employees, cheerleaders, spirit band, pep squad and families of those involved.

Slow down out there - 11/30/2008
Know how many streets in Greater Pittston have 25 mile per hour speed limits?

She asked for turkey, didn’t she? - 11/30/2008
George Morgan, who always has his camera handy and frequently contributes photos to the Sunday Dispatch, sent this one in with the following comment: “just an example of how wives just don’t understand us men. I asked her what I should get for Thanksgiving dinner,, she said turkey...so I did. And she complains that I never listen ... go figure.”

Put Boscov’s on your list - 11/30/2008
We feel uncomfortable suggesting a place for our readers to spend their money, not to mention seeming to favor one merchant over another.

New address for Mail for Heroes - 11/30/2008
We made a suggestion here last week to brighten a wounded military person’s holiday by dropping a card in the mail. Unfortunately, we were provided with and published the incorrect address.

Believes Pittston Area Board should respect seniority - 11/30/2008
November 26,2008: Pittston Area School Board is in agreement on improper hiring.

A little start toward a thankful heart - 11/26/2008
My hair’s most gone, my stomach’s soft,

Catherine Baker Knoll a frequent visitor here - 11/23/2008
Jim Haddock, former mayor of Avoca, fondly remembers the first time he met Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll. “I was a little kid,” he said, “and my great uncle Jim Haskins, who was involved in politics, took me to a Democrat rally at Germania Hose Company in Duryea. Catherine Baker Knoll was there and when my uncle introduced me, she asked if I was a future politician.”

Something to think about: forgotten veterans - 11/23/2008
On Veterans Day, I journeyed to Pittston to have lunch with my high school classmates at Fox Hill. We were planning our Christmas get together.

WA seniors create butterfly garden at Slocum Park - 11/23/2008
Have you visited Frances Slocum lately? Well, it’sa too late for this year, but if you’re there next summer, look for the butterfly garden. Sheryl Klus and Jillian Layaou (pictured here), seniors at Wyoming Area, were awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award for creating the garden.

Rudolph traveling in style these days - 11/23/2008
George Morgan provided this unique photo that he snapped in front of the drug store on Main Street in Duryea. George said, “It looks like Santa has definitely moved up and so has Rudolph.”

Great way to say ‘thanks’ - 11/23/2008
We must thank our Dupont correspondent Annmarie Paddock for bringing the following information to our attention. It appears today in Dupont News but we are mentioning it here as well. The reason is obvious.

Has suggestions for county budget woes - 11/23/2008
The County Prison 2009 budget request is $26 million dollars.

Wednesday morn - 11/23/2008
If you noticed the banner on the top of page one today (it was hard to miss) the Dispatch is publishing a special Thanksgiving issue on Wednesday, Nov. 26. If you are a Times Leader subscriber, you should find one on your doorstep Wednesday morning. If not, please pick up one at a newsstand.

Wednesday nite - 11/23/2008
With your football appetite whet by Jack Smiles’ story of past Thanksgiving Day football games, we suggest you satisfy your appetite by attending the 58th UNICO All Star Classic Wednesday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium.

Hughestown councilman sets record straight - 11/23/2008
After reading the weekly Hughestown News, I feel I must try to set the record straight. First, our secretary was not eliminated. The Secretary/Treasurer’s job was combined to make one job. This will not only save a salary, but will expedite communications and eliminate duplicating duties. One person will be responsible for all duties. The council discussed this for months before a motion was put on the floor in October. The motion was seconded and passed by a four to three vote.

You can apply for Social Security online - 11/23/2008

Disgusted with handout to banks - 11/23/2008
Please explain to me why the banks, that have received handout money from the taxpayers, are allowed to pay dividends to their bondholders? If these firms are able to pay dividends, then they probably did not need a taxpayer handout in the first place.

Food meters? - 11/16/2008
When downtown Pittston was a shoppers’ hot spot, city council annually voted to allow free parking at meters for shoppers from Thanksgiving through Christmas. These days doing so would be a pointless gesture, as there is precious little Christmas shopping going on downtown. So council may come up with a twist on the old free parking idea.

Innocence found ... in a most pleasing way - 11/16/2008
I am 44 years old. I have never had any children and until recently have not been around any for a prolonged period of time.

Rocky Glen commemorated - 11/16/2008
A Pennsylvania State Historical Marker Dedication was held at the Rocky Glen Amusement Park Site, Rocky Glen Road, Moosic on August 9.

A soldier’s request to remember - 11/09/2008
We have seen things both great and horrific. Some we well understand, others are beyond our comprehension.

City wins on Tuesday - 11/09/2008
In a story appearing on page 5 today, Pittston Mayor Joe Keating says Congressman Paul Kanjorski’s successful bid for reelection on Tuesday was good for Pittston.

A wedding day surprise - 11/09/2008
Surprise!

Thank a Vet - 11/09/2008
On Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, we suggest you take a moment, or several, to say thank you to the Veterans who have served in defense of the United States and all that it stands for.

Says county’s problems start with management - 11/09/2008
The only thing lacking in Luzerne County is Management.

Points to ponder during Diabetes Month - 11/09/2008
About 23.6 million Americans have diabetes.

Coal miner mentality - 11/02/2008
“Coal Miner Mentality” is a phrase that is boorishly bandied about to describe many here in Greater Pittston and to a larger extent all of us who reside in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Blue Ribbon Dairy supports Joe’s ride - 11/02/2008
Note: This space is made available for readers to submit photos and write-ups of their choosing. Occasionally, the editor or another staff member stumbles upon something appropriate as is the case today. Drop off or send items to us at the Sunday Dispatch, 109 New St., Pittston, PA, 18640 or email items to sd@psdispatch.com.

Sportsmanship prevailed on Friday night - 11/02/2008
All week long we heard rumors that the Pittston Area-Wyoming Area football game Friday night would be marred by fighting. Not necessarily on the field, although that was not being ruled out, but rather before or after the game. The fact that it was being played on Halloween night made the potential for such antics even greater everyone said.

Come Wednesday - 11/02/2008
Won’t it be strange to wake up Wednesday morning and not see political ads on television? And won’t it be wonderful?

Letter writer remembers Father Paul J. Pavese - 11/02/2008
I am writing this letter in reference to the recent passing of Fr. Paul J. Pavese.

The Prize of Pennsylvania - 10/26/2008
With the 2008 presidential election just days away, Pennsylvania remains a most sought after prize, especially for Republican candidate John McCain. At a Pennsylvania campaign rally held in October, McCain declared, “The state of Pennsylvania will decide again who will be the next president of the United States.” He may very well be right.

Send us your stuff - 10/26/2008
The Sunday Dispatch encourages submissions from readers.

Local poet pens ‘Helga’s Halloween Alphabet’ - 10/26/2008
A is for the apple, we use for cider

Says now is not time to lose Kanjorski’s seniority - 10/26/2008
This letter is addressed to Democrats in Exeter Borough and the 11th Congressional District.

No turkey but game’s still special - 10/26/2008
Thanksgiving of this year will mark another anniversary. It will be 31 years since a football game was played on that holiday between rivals Pittston Area and Wyoming Area.

The day we met Sen. Barack Obama - 10/26/2008
I will never forget when my mother and I met Barack Obama at the Avenue Diner in Exeter. It was my first day out since I had surgery and we went to our usual dining place which by the way is the best diner in the Valley. Here we are: that’s me, Eileen Dewey, with my mom, Rosalie Murtha, of Exeter. We also got pictures of Mom with Sen. Robert Casey. Mom and I were both impressed with how attentive Sen. Obama was to what you had to say. He is really a wonderful man.

Wyoming Area Kiwanis Club thankful for assistance - 10/26/2008
The Wyoming Area Kiwanis Club would like to publicly thank all those who made our recent “Race for Mckenna’s Place” a resounding success.

Remarks by Prime Minister of Italy on Columbus Day - 10/19/2008
Note: Following are the remarks by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy at the Columbus Day Ceremony on the White House Lawn.

Physical activity - 10/19/2008
Just this past week, a new set of recommendations for people of all ages and physical conditions was released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We know that increasing our activity during the day keeps us healthy and improves our mental thoughts. Now we have new guidelines to benchmark our own physical habits against.

Familiar face with Serena Williams - 10/19/2008
Okay, maybe Serena Williams is paying about as much attention to Tony Callaio as she is to that stack of tennis balls on the table to her left, but he is in the photo with her. Not many people can say they’ve been that close to the tennis superstar. Callaio, a Dispatch correspondent, just received this photo from the PR people at The Family Circle Cup where Tony spends a couple of weeks working – 17 hour days as he is quick to point out – each spring in Charleston, South Carolina. Tony says he remembers quite well the very moment when this photo was taken. Wonder if Serena does?

The odds are good - 10/19/2008
In preparing the story which appears on page 3 today, we found it, well, odd how few times we have publicized an organization so remarkable, so community-minded, and so generous as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Moving words from Italy’s Prime Minister - 10/19/2008
As they do every year, the Italian-American community of Greater Pittston, and all of Luzerne County, celebrated Columbus Day in high fashion (note the photos on pages 32 and 33 today.)

McGarry defends use of Central Court in County - 10/19/2008
The current system of using Central Court in Luzerne County is a cost saver not a budget buster.

The gentleman first baseman - 10/12/2008
When they erect a statue for a guy in his hometown while he is still alive, you figure he’s got to be something special. Mickey Vernon, who died two weeks ago at 90, was something special.

Letter writer says politics breeds contempt - 10/12/2008
Principles over politics should be the rule of conduct in politics.

Choose popcorn for all your Trick or Treaters - 10/12/2008
Halloween, one the largest celebrated days next to Christmas can have some lasting effects on our bodies, if we are not careful.

Genetic dynamite - 10/12/2008
Over the course of the past three months, without fail, I’ve had something going on all weekend, every weekend. Granted, it wasn’t always a major event or a grand inconvenience to my oh-so exotic, thrilling life, but sometimes I think we all need to turn our engines off, recharge our battery, and slide back into neutral.

Man About Town - 10/12/2008
There was a man we knew quite well,

Does this seem fair? - 10/12/2008
Almost every morning we notice Pittston Area students hurriedly walking to a bus stop where dozens and dozens of students board the bus for school. We haven’t measured the distance, but many of these students walk a half-mile to get to their designated pick-up place. It’s certainly no further than most older folks walked to get to school before the days of big merged districts and school bus travel but it seems that what these students are asked to do is somewhat unfair compared to their classmates.

Just call us ‘The Pittston Six’ - 10/12/2008
Note: This space is offered to Dispatch readers to submit photos and information of interest to them. Today’s item comes from Theresa (Fasciana) Colella.

Phall in love with the Phils - 10/12/2008
With apologies to Dodger phans, and we know there are several in these parts, it’s hard not to get caught up in Phillies Phever.

Letter writer says he’s being used to hurt Lanunziata - 10/12/2008
Fellow readers, I’m been publicly “accused” of hob-knobbing and sharing a friendly embrace with WA school board director John Lanunziata.

Slow down, be cautious - 10/05/2008
While driving at 55 mph on the state’s highways has proven to save lives, we always have been more concerned with drivers who speed on the streets of local communities.

Says honoring late mayor’s request right thing to do - 10/05/2008
I’ll agree with Exeter Borough Council, there’s no legal obligation to recognize the last request of the late Mayor Joe Coyne, but Tuesday night’s decision to appoint a successor for the remaining months of Mayor Coyne’s term isn’t about a legal obligation. It’s about decency, ethics and values. It’s about paying respect to a man who gave so very much to his community and asked for so very little in return. It’s about doing the right thing for the right reasons. It’s about honoring the memory of a revered deceased elected municipal official for the many contributions he made for the betterment of Exeter Borough as both a councilman and mayor, for the heartfelt commitment and dedication he had for the borough, its people and businesses and the sacrifices he endured while serving this great community. It’s about following a longstanding time-tested and accepted past practice of offering the deceased official’s family an opportunity to name a successor to fill the unexpired term of their loved one, provided their selection met at least the minimum qualifications required for the office. In this case, it was Mayor Coyne himself who suggested a successor to fill the remaining months of his term of office – his 21-year-old granddaughter Cassandra Coleman. It’s clear this energetic and enthusiastic young lady possesses the leadership traits appropriate for the office and shows an eagerness and capacity to learn and follow in her grandfather’s footsteps. It is even clearer she is unanimously endorsed for this position by the Coyne family.

Praises Duryea website developers for preserving town’s history - 10/05/2008
What Will You Leave for Posterity?

Wants to know why veterans charged more for prescriptions at VA - 10/05/2008
I am starting with a question for all our elected State legislators followed by some money saving advice for all our military veterans who use any VA medical center. Why are hundreds of prescription medications (drugs) at local pharmacies such as Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Target and Price Chopper (just to name a few) cheaper than our military veterans have to pay at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre?

Pittston Twp. supervisors respond to Sen. Musto on fire dept. situation - 10/05/2008
In response to Senator Musto’s letter published in the Sunday Dispatch on Sunday, September 28, we, the Supervisors of Pittston Township, were once again portrayed as the villains in the recent “standoff” which occurred between the Pittston Township Sanitary Authority and the Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Post Phil - 10/05/2008
Well, it’s over and my 15 minutes of fame are officially up. Technically, my 22 minutes of fame. Not that I didn’t attempt to draw it out as long as was humanly possible, or as long as those trusty black-clad stage hands didn’t yank me off the stage. Which they ultimately did.

Check the unit price - 10/05/2008
These days, we try to save money wherever we can. The grocery store is one stop where we can save at least a few dollars if we just do the math. Unit Pricing is just that, math. Folks who shy away from math may fall short here, however, thanks to USDA, there is something called unit pricing.

Kids - 10/05/2008
All the reports of homeowners trying to get their assessments reduced got me to thinking about a time when I was hoping for the exact opposite, hoping that my home in Forty Fort would be appraised as high as possible.

Preserve our history - 09/28/2008
The guys featured on page 3 today in a story about their new antique shop on Main Street, Yore Antiques, mentioned something to writer Jack Smiles that caught our attention. They said there should be a museum here dedicated to the Battle of Wyoming. We think they’re right.

He means business - 09/28/2008
In all his years of serving in the state legislature, either as a representative or a senator, Sen. Ray Musto has kept his nose out of the government and the politics of the municipality in which he has lived his entire life, Pittston Township.

Once It Stood - 09/28/2008
Once it stood proud and tall,

Display flag as a sign of patriotism, unity and support - 09/28/2008
According to recent polls most Americans right now do not support the war in Iraq. My question is this: How are we safe at home showing our support for the military that is over there protecting us with their lives so that the terrorists aren’t over here?

Garden Village resident welcomes back police officer - 09/28/2008
As a resident of the Garden Village for 47 + years, I’d like to welcome back Robert Turner to the West Pittston police force. Rob started his journey in law enforcement quite a few years ago. It landed him working at the Luzerne County Correctional facility where he dealt with society’s most dangerous individuals daily.

Concerned with accidents on blind intersection in city - 09/28/2008
My question is simple: what does it take or whose family member needs to be seriously injured or worse before the obstructed view coming out of Fulton Street onto William Street is finally addressed? I have lived on Fulton Street for nearly 25 years and in that time, there have been too many accidents to count. Check the police records. I’d be curious to know the number.

Don’t come crying to me - 09/07/2008
When I need to add special credibility to a threat, I find myself uttering phrases I last heard when I was nine years-old. These informational nuggets, routinely dropped like little hand grenades by my own parents, sputter from my lips and present themselves to my own children.

On Labor Day - 08/31/2008
Labor Day is a good time not only to be thankful for your job but also to take stock of the kind of employee you are.

Wishin’ and hopin’ - 09/07/2008
To hear Aunt Dorothy go on you’d swear she was talking about the pyramids, or the Great Wall of China. She’s talking about the handicap ramp at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hughestown.

Youngster saves puppy from drowning in pool - 09/07/2008
Over the Labor Day holiday, Tanner Johnson, 11, gave a glimpse of the type of person he will grow up to be. Young Tanner was visiting his grandparents George and Diane McAdarra, Exeter, along with the McAdarras’ good friends Nancy and Rick Richards, also of Exeter.

Will private clubs chose profit over health? - 09/07/2008
Pennsylvania’s smoking ban becomes effective Sept. 11.Maybe you’ll breathe a sigh of relief. Or maybe you’ll breathe a sigh of despair. Either way, maybe you’ll breathe easier, which is what the state legislature intended when it passed the ban, officially the Clean Indoor Air Act, that was signed into law in June.

Praise for movie nights held in Wyoming - 09/07/2008
I would like to personally thank all those who took part in the movie nights in the park: Mayor Bob Boyer, the Wyoming Crime Watch and especially the Wyoming Rec.Board, who for Community day cooked hot dogs and gave chips and soda for everyone.

Imagination or daydreaming? - 09/07/2008
Imagination is a wonderful thing. It can take you to places beyond belief, conjure up a feat that is so incredible or it could be the makings of a great discovery. In today’s society children are encouraged to use their imagination. In my day it was called day dreaming and it was not looked upon very favorably. Teachers and parents thought it was a waste of time.

PA Board gets 59% approval rating - 09/07/2008
Much to the surprise of those politicians on the opposite side of the fence of the Pittston Area majority, the Pittston Area School Board enjoys a 59% approval rating, according to the poll I took at the Tomato Festival.

Old and busted - 09/07/2008
Today is my birthday. As you read this, I may very well be putting a call in to AARP to give them a heads up and say, “I’m half way there! You better get ready!”

Grandchild a picky eater? - 09/07/2008
Now is the time to cherish your grandchild if you are a grandparent. In the spirit of celebrating Grandparent’s Day, I thought I would revisit the issue of grandchildren being picky eaters.

Wyoming Ambulance appreciates support - 08/31/2008
Wyoming Ambulance has recently ended the second month of our community fund drive.

Upset that both bridges were closed for parade - 08/31/2008
I would like to address a serious concern that arose this past Saturday around noon when two bridges connecting West Pittston to Pittston, were closed for an extended period of time. Since residents of both communities use these bridges daily and expect access daily, it was a huge inconvenience to have them both closed at the same time because of a parade!

Looking for a helping hand - 08/31/2008
The Wyoming Area Key Club and Kiwanis Club have undertaken a project to build a new concession stand in the Wyoming Area Football stadium.

Liked story about Whytes and Bret Farve - 08/10/2008
My brother-in-law, Bill Bell, sent me the link to Jack Smiles’ story on Sandi and Drew Whyte. I’ve known Drew a long time, and only found out a few short years ago when I first met her in Green Bay that Sandi taught my niece, Nichole, several years back.

Appreciates WA cheerleaders and swim team - 08/10/2008
Gratitude, appreciation, thankfulness are all emotions felt by us parents of the children involved in Wyoming Area’s youth cheerleading camp.

Please sign those letters - 08/10/2008
Lately we have been getting letters signed “concerned citizen” or “concerned parent” or other descriptions of the letter writers without names. Some of these letters were well-written and raised topics which should be brought to light, but we won’t publish them.

Thanks swimming coach for life lessons learned - 08/17/2008
I will never become an Olympic Gold medal swimmer but the skills I was taught by Coach (George) Cosgrove will stay with me for life time. When we first met I was swimming in the six and under category at the YMCA on Broad Street. As I swim in my pool some thirty plus years later I can still hear his famous “whistle chirp”. It takes a very special person to appeal to a child and make them want to continue to learn anything in a world of gratification on demand. I am proud to say I was able to continue to compete with the heart of an Olympian with what I learned as I did starts and turns endlessly wondering what for?

Questions U.S. policies with America at the crossroads - 08/17/2008
Besides the Olympics being hosted by China, who are doing the best they can to put a positive spin on things as not to look like they act, other world news being made by the Russians has big implications for us Americans. Considering that our military is bogged down at the moment in Iraq and Afghanistan, it probably wasn’t the greatest move by our country to encourage Georgia to try to regain lost territory, nor to put Poland in the middle by stating that they will position missiles to counter the "middle-east threats".

It’s enough to make you see red - 08/17/2008
High, albeit falling, gas prices. Reassessment. Volatile stock market. Job losses. Inflation.

WA Key Club and Kiwanis Club need help of architect - 08/24/2008
The Wyoming Area Key Club and Kiwanis Club have undertaken a project to build a new concession stand in the Wyoming Area football stadium. The stand currently used by the Key Club to raise money to fund their yearly activities is woefully undersized and has been in a state of deterioration for a few years.

Cause for celebration - 08/24/2008
While thousands will gathered in downtown Pittston this afternoon and evening for the final day of the Pittston Tomato Festival, hundreds of others will gather in Dupont for a celebration of their own. Called “Party in the Park,” residents of Dupont are celebrating the completion of extensive renovations to the borough Little League stadium and playground.

Your virtual post office is a few clicks away - 08/24/2008
Almost anything that can be done at the local Post Office can now be accomplished from home or the office – at any time of day – at usps.com. This virtual Post Office offers more than 24 products and services such as zip code lookup, postage calculator, mail hold, online change of address and, of course, U.S. postage stamps.

Needed: an angel - 08/24/2008
One of the ventures Pittston can be most proud of is The Care and Concern Free Health Clinic on William Street, Pittston, operating since November 2007.

The long way around - 09/07/2008
I think you just have to accept things are different in the south.

WA Football alumni ready for ‘Ring of Pride’ ceremony - 09/14/2008
The Wyoming Area Football Alumni Association’s Ring of Pride induction will take place on Friday, September 26 before the Dallas football game. Being honored this year are: Robert Tambur, Sr., Joe Pizano (’92), Jimmy Oschal (’79), and Gene Chiavacci (’72).

Pittston Twp. volunteer firefighters respond to report - 09/21/2008
This is in response to an article that appeared in the Times Leader on September 18, 2008.

Changing just for you - 09/21/2008
Change may be a couple of months away from coming to America, but changes to your Sunday Dispatch are happening right now.

Thankful for help in finding lost dog - 09/21/2008
My son, my daughter and I wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to some wonderful people in West Wyoming who, on this last Sunday, were so very kind to assist us in our frantic search for our dog. Nikki is 16 years old with poor vision and hearing as well as limited mobility – it was imperative for us to find him! The people we encountered joined us in our search and he was eventually found in good shape after his ordeal!

Mericle creates a miracle - 09/21/2008
If you are a believer then you believe in miracles. One unfolded here in our area for the children in Northeastern PA by Robert Mericle who for many years was involved in the Junior Achievement Program. Kathleen Matthews, President of JA, related the need of a building to Mr. Mericle. Her vision was a place where children could culminate the sixth week of the program which encompasses work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy with a hands-on experience.

Myths of Motherhood - 09/21/2008
I recently came across an intriguing article in one of my favorite periodicals (no, not the National Enquirer) entitled “Top 5 Mom Myths.”

Microwaving foods - 09/21/2008