PD Opinion

Food Pantry grateful for community support - 02/05/2012
Thank you to all who helped make the Greater Pittston Food Pantry’s fourth annual Christmas Turkey and Trimmings Giveaway a success.

A tribute overdue - 02/05/2012
No surprise that more than 400 people turned out Friday night at The Westmoreland Club as Leadership Wilkes-Barre honored Pat Solano.

Epitome of a gentleman - 01/29/2012
The dictionary I use describes a gentleman as “a well-bred and honorable man … a respectable and well-behaved man … and a man of the highest class.”

ONE MORE MEMORY - 01/29/2012
Today’s paper is laden with tributes to and photos of the life of Richard B. Cosgrove. Dick, as he was known by all, was an integral part of this newspaper for 53 years and an area journalist for 70. I know that Dick would disappr ...

Dick Cosgrove and the early history of a community newspaper - 01/29/2012
In the break room at work last Saturday, seated with some tough artisans, carpenters, machinists and fabricators at Pacific Studio out here in Seattle, my 3G phone hummed with a new message – from Virginia Cosgrove – that Dick Cos ...

‘Give him a break’ - 01/29/2012
In the eulogy at his father’s funeral Wednesday, Joe Cosgrove talked about one of his father’s newspaper columns. In it, Dick Cosgrove had written about three college football coaches: Joe Paterno, Dan Devine and Gerry Faust. This ...

Don’t believe your vote doesn’t count - 01/15/2012
Very soon, the television and radio airwaves and the print media will start their election blitz and residents will be asked to register to vote and then actually vote.

UPS Store sends thanks for Toys for Tots donations - 01/15/2012
.This note is to publicly thank all who contributed to the United States Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots campaign this Christmas season.

West Pittston auditor congratulates councilmen - 01/08/2012
On Tuesday evening, January 3, I had the privilege to be sworn into office as an Auditor for West Pittston Borough. I would like to thank our community for allowing me the opportunity to serve you again.

Pierantoni praises GP as he goes to county court - 01/01/2012
For the past 20 years, I have had the honor and privilege to serve Greater Pittston as Magisterial District Judge. I found this position to be most rewarding in many ways. I was truly honored to have the bi-partisan support of the ...

Christmas trees of celebs - 12/25/2011
Tim Tebow waited until the last minute to put up his tree and ESPN had it live.

Wreaths Across America - 12/25/2011
Avoca native Fred Gedrich, who resides in the Washington, D.C. area, sent these photos of the markers of two Greater Pittstonians buried at Arlington National Cemetery: U.S. Army SPC Dale Kridlo and U.S. Navy Captain Fred Demech.

Rep. Carroll comments on legislative redistricting - 12/25/2011
As reported last week, the recently completed legislative redistricting process resulted in the inclusion of every municipality that comprises the Pittston Area School District into a single legislative district. This outcome was ...

Jordan Marsh embodies good - 12/11/2011
As the rash of burglaries in West Pittston demonstrates, the September flood brought out the worst in some people, but the good the disaster brought out far outweighs the bad.

Oops - 12/11/2011
In a photo display of the Seton Catholic Class of 1986 reunion we said the above picture showed George Severnak surrounded by his fellow committee members. George probably wishes it were he in the photo. Actually, it is Stephen Vi ...

1224: The spirit of Christmas - 12/04/2011
The musical group Twelve Twenty Four performed at the Hazleton Area High School auditorium on November 19. Their performance was unlike anything that those in attendance had ever seen before

‘tis the season - 11/27/2011
Atlas Realty Inc. recently sponsored a day at the St. Vincent DePaul South Kitchen. Pictured are representatives of Atlas who volunteered their time. A monetary donation was also made to the Soup Kitchen.

Chefs grateful for opportunity to serve flood victims - 11/27/2011
On behalf of the membership of the American Culinary Federation, Professional Chefs of Northeast Pennsylvania, I would like to thank you for the outstanding (two-page) coverage this paper displayed on for our recent “Flood Victims ...

Get off the bridge - 11/20/2011
The Water Street Bridge is 80 years old, but it is only in the last two years since Republicans won a majority in the United States Congress that it has become structurally deficient.

Licata thanks voters, congratulates winners - 11/20/2011
Although I was not elected to county council, I would like to thank the almost 17,000 citizens of Luzerne County that voted for me. Your faith in my ability and sincerity to help our new form of government succeed is humbling.

Photo stirs memories of Townend’s Hardware - 11/20/2011
Great article and picture about Townend’s Hardware Store in Wyoming. Having started doing photography in 1949, I am trying to recall if I took the picture that appeared in the paper.

You can still help Justin Burns - 11/20/2011
Benefit organizers and the family of Justin Burns thank everyone for the overwhelming response to and assistance supplied for the benefit held on October 1 to assist the family of Justin during its time of need.

WA’s Marianacci writes to ‘set the record straight’ - 11/20/2011
Once again, I must set the record straight for those who are led by misinformation or who do not research their subject matter before presenting it. Recently, this newspaper ran a letter by Mr. Cason, where he addressed problems f ...

Park committee thankful for craft sale - 11/13/2011
On behalf of Hughestown Park and Recreation, we extend our deepest appreciation to chairpersons Mary Golya and Mary Ann Quick for their annual craft and gift sale to benefit the park.

Medal display at WA good for students to see - 11/13/2011
On display at Wyoming Area High School on Wednesday as the district honored local veterans were these medals of Veteran, Michael Butera, West Pittston.

Alumnus, father says PSU bigger than Paterno - 11/13/2011
“Sad.”

Valenti, DeAngelo respond to Casarella - 11/06/2011
This is in response to Frank Casarella’s negative letter implying that we have neglected to act responsibly on behalf of the Wyoming Area taxpayers.

WA super says board must work as a team - 11/06/2011
As superintendent of the Wyoming Area School District I find it necessary, with much reluctance, to answer a political editorial that was written by one of our board members, Frank Casarella, in his endorsement of certain school b ...

A sweet memory of Avoca High School - 11/06/2011
The image of the old Avoca High School at the recent Class of 1956 reunion looked good enough to eat. And it was. Classmate Bob Young decorated a cake, shown here, for the occasion and it was a big hit. Photos of the reunion appea ...

Little Sisters of the Poor appreciate publicity for dinner - 11/06/2011
On behalf of the residents, staff, and Little Sisters of the Poor at Holy Family Residence, I would like to thank for publicizing our recent roast beef dinner honoring Bill Gerrity and the late Harold Jordan.

Legion ladies send thanks for fundraiser success - 10/30/2011
The American Legion Auxiliary Pittston Post 477 held an October fundraiser which was a success.

Hoffman, Ruane seek Exeter Township seats - 10/30/2011
Fellow Citizens of Exeter Township it is with a deep humility that we – incumbent supervisor Donald Hoffman and past supervisor Jack Ruane -- ask you to support us as we seek the office of township supervisors. We have always cons ...

Casarella says it’s time for a change on WA board - 10/30/2011
I was an employee of Wyoming Area and now I have the honor of representing the people of the district as a school director. I believe WA is one of the best districts in the state. However, we have some problems that need to be add ...

Says WA board majority ignores fiscal situation - 10/30/2011
The clich� ‘ignorance is bliss’ would make a good motto for the Wyoming Area School Board majority whose ignorance has led to the financial crisis facing the school district today.

Writer believes high school sports have great value - 10/30/2011
What would our mundane, ordinary lives be without high-school sports? As parents, we live vicariously as we watch our sons and daughters play football, wrestle, run, and swim; shoot baskets, swing a bat, jump, play in the band, do ...

WP librarian sends thanks for FloodFest - 10/30/2011
The West Pittston Library, along with hundreds of its West Pittston neighbors, all lost a lot in the flood, but it is what we’ve gained that I would like to address. It’s true, tragedy brings out the best and worst in everyone, bu ...

Says editor has Facebook all wrong - 10/09/2011
Note: this letter was addressed to Ed Ackerman, editor, regarding his column about Facebook.

Family thankful for support shown child with brain tumor - 10/02/2011
In June of this year, our son Eric was diagnosed with an ependymoma, a type of brain tumor. He underwent surgery at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia followed by proton radiation therapy, which recently concluded. It has bee ...

When we were drinkers - 08/21/2011
Some 40 years ago in one of those fact books for hipsters – it might have been the People’s Almanac which was published in 1975 -- there was a list of areas with the highest concentration of mom and pop taverns.

Entrepreneurs rock our world - 08/21/2011
No matter the recession. No matter the condition of the streets. No matter the risk. No matter what, there are always entrepreneurs willing to give small business a shot.

Father Paul taken by surprise - 08/14/2011
Rev. Paul McDonnell, OSJ, reacts when he hears that Robert D’Eliseo received his first Holy Communion ’a little prematurely.’ The remark was made at the sixth annual Reggae for Robert last Saturday. More photos on pages 28 and 29.

Questions why storm/sewer drains go unrepaired - 07/31/2011
I was very disappointed at the July 20 Pittston City Council meeting when the mayor and council did not act on any bids to repair the 23 worse storm/sewer drains. We were told the bids were just too high.

Urges voters to learn about and elect pro-life candidates - 07/31/2011
It is never too early to prepare and mobilize to elect pro-life candidates. Priests for Life is once again announcing the “Vote Pro-life Coalition” which will unite organizations, churches, and activist across the country to make ...

Bucky’ story seems like fiction - 07/24/2011
Ed note: Jack Smiles will be at the Hughestown Hose Company party room on Wednesday beginning at 6:30 for a book release party, signing, sale and discussion of his book, Bucky Harris, a Biography of Baseball’s Boy Wo ...

A fair question - 07/10/2011
There’s a running gag that if you live in Greater Pittston long enough you’ll wind up being related to everyone.

At the library, one must ‘mc-whisper’ - 07/10/2011
Dispatch photographer Bill Tarutis captured this scene at the recent book sale at the West Pittston Library. Ronald McDonald, on hand to launch the sale, seems to have a secret to share with five-year-old Mia June Belles. At least ...

This baseball fan’s a real deer - 07/03/2011
Dispatch photographer Tony Callaio snapped this photo of a deer wandering beyond the outfield fence at a Little League game in Avoca. You might say it was game attending a game.

Don’t tell us you’ve got nuthin’ to do - 06/26/2011
Counting flowers on the wall doesn’t bother you at all?

My dad, my hero - 06/19/2011
Being a father must be no easy task. I’ve never been a dad nor do I plan on being one for quite some time. But when I think about all the things my dad has done for me throughout my 20 years of life I realize that I’ve come face-t ...

Moving mountains - 06/12/2011
Does the merging of local Catholic parishes – some of which date back for more than 100 years – require the type of faith it takes to move mountains? Perhaps it should not, but in some cases it actually does.

Just do it - 05/22/2011
Interesting how two words can ruffle so many feathers. The words, which appeared in an editorial here last week: no nepotism.

A cynic’s primary election guide - 05/15/2011
Ready for the most important election in Luzerne County in a generation, lifetime, half-century as Tuesday’s Primary has been described?

Baseball team moms, ‘unsung heroes’ - 05/15/2011
West Pittston’s George Miller believes all mom’s are “unsung heroes” … especially when it comes to sports.

Josette Fedor ‘reigned’ in 1985 - 05/15/2011
Josette Fedor, is pictured with her since-deceased father Joseph Fedor in a photo taken on May 4, 1985, the day she was selected Little Miss Cherry Blossom.

Do your homework - 05/01/2011
Homework may be a thing of the past in public schools but it is more important than ever in regard to the upcoming primary election in Luzerne County.

Random notes on the news - 04/24/2011
Today hundreds of millions of Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And today Christians will be persecuted, attacked, arrested for being Christian and maybe even killed. Tod ...

Sunset at Lake Jean, Rickett’s Glen - 04/24/2011
Stephanie Griffin submitted this photo of the sun setting over Lake Jean at Rickett’s Glen State Park.

Movin’ out - 04/17/2011
Lately, a new routine has begun in the Middleton household and it has nothing to do with New Year’s resolutions, because they’re long forgotten.

Reflects on Pittston and her past - 03/20/2011
Pittston is a dirty old town.

Better make that SALLY Adonizio - 02/27/2011
Sally Adonizio and her husband Bob were kind enough to share the story of their incredible cruise on The Nile River with Dispatch readers.

Picture this Pittston - 02/27/2011
Hundreds of people milling around, chatting with one another while enjoying well-prepared ethnic foods, various entertainment options, and simply the good feeling of being with one another in a safe, friendly atmosphere.

Sign in West Pittston says it all - 02/06/2011
This sign at Trinity Episcopal Church, West Pittston, pretty much sums up all of our feelings after the past couple of weeks.

We will never forget the Knox Disaster - 01/30/2011
Many in Greater Pittston paused last Saturday, Jan. 22, on the 52nd anniversary of the Knox Mine Disaster to recall events of that fateful day in 1959 and to remember the 12 miners who lost their lives when the Susquehanna River b ...

Good-bye Fast Eddie - 01/23/2011
Plains Township police charged a man with hitting his soon-to-be ex-wife’s head on the ground because she refused to give him money.

On 50th anniversary, JFK inauguration recalled - 01/23/2011
Ed. Note: Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of the Inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. Taking part in an anniversary gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington was Michael Clark, a Pittston native and Washing ...

Football fans donate to ‘Toys for Tots’ - 12/26/2010
“NEPA Football Fans,” a local group of pro football enthusiasts, collected toys and funds for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. From left, Joe Senchak, John Disanferdinand, and Lance Corporal Hon Bui.

Remember our troops - 12/05/2010
Kimberley Burnham knows first hand what it’s like to be a soldier away from home and how inspiring and uplifting it is to receive mail, especially during the holiday season.

We all need Sen. Musto to be not-guilty - 11/28/2010
By now, everyone’s heard the charges. Sen. Ray Musto is accused of accepting cash as a bribe for favoritism.

Season for sharing - 11/28/2010
For us, nothing symbolizes the start of the Christmas season more than the scene depicted on the front page of today’s Dispatch.

Random notes on the news - 11/14/2010
A lot of local mom and pop bars are hurting, but they are waiting in line to get in the casino, where the drinks are free.

Home rule, yes, but now what? - 11/07/2010
After the Republicans won major victories all over the country on Tuesday, the pundits asked a question.

What I’ve learned about candidates - 10/31/2010
Here’s what I’ve learned from TV, radio, my mailbox and talking to folks about the candidates running for office on Tuesday.

We loved him first - 10/17/2010
Misericordia University honored Sandy Insalaco Friday in Dallas with the Cornerstone Award from the Monsignor J. McGowan Cornerstone Committee and we could not think of a more worthy recipient.

Local Cowboys fans at game in Dallas - 10/17/2010
Local Dallas Cowboys fans attended the Cowboys-Tennessee Titans game in Dallas on October 10. Top, posing in Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones’ private box at the stadium are, from left, Kathleen Prebish, Mark Prebish (holding a Sunday D ...

Columbus Day is special here - 10/10/2010
Today is a big day for the Italian-American Association of Luzerne County, a good deal of whose members reside in Greater Pittston.

Give the new guy a chance - 09/26/2010
While some will undoubtedly question Pittston City Council’s hiring of a city manager at an early morning meeting on Friday, it’s hard to find fault with the move when you talk with Councilman Mike Lombardo.

Camaraderie personified - 09/19/2010
Among the definitions one might find for the word camaraderie is this: Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.

Crazy ideas - 09/05/2010
Exeter has a vacant council seat. Council advertised for residents to apply for the seat. The press release said interested residents should write to council and list their “qualifications.”

Good times, good causes - 09/05/2010
We found out about the Third Annual Helping Hands Car Cruise held last Sunday in Plains too late to provide advanced publicity but not too late to send a photographer (see pages 32 and 33). The event was held to honor and to benef ...

Beauty of area evident in photo of run - 08/29/2010
In case you ever doubt the beauty of the area in which we live, take note of this photo of last Saturday’s Pittston Tomato Festival 5 K run. Photographer Tony Callaio captures the scene as runners head from North Main Street, Pitt ...