Felittese Festival opens Friday in Old Forge

The Felittese Association of Old Forge will host its annual Festival September 11-13 at the Chapel Grounds at 146 Third Street. For over 20 years, the festival is held annually on the second Sunday of September in commemoration of Our Lady of Constantinople.

Since 1790, Our Lady has been honored in the town of Felitto, Italy, which is a Province of Salerno. The members of the Association are descendants of the families who originally came from Felitto, Italy. In keeping with the tradition of prior generations, a festival and a procession is held annually to celebrate Our Lady of Constantinople. The festival brings everyone together for a weekend of delicious Italian foods, listening to good music, talking with old friends, and making new acquaintances.

A variety of homemade foods will be served featuring gnocchi, tripe, soffritto, porketta, sausage and peppers, cavatelli and broccoli, portabella mushroom and sweet red pepper sandwich, meatball sandwich or platter, pasta fagioli, pizza fritta, pizza, ice cream, and homemade desserts such as cannoli, tiramisu, cheesecake, and other assorted Italian pastries.

The festival begins with a parade on Friday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. The parade will assemble at the Old Forge High School at 5:30 p.m. and then proceed to the chapel grounds on Third Street where opening ceremonies will be held. The festival grounds open at 5 p.m. on Friday. Entertainment will be provided by “The Cadillacs” beginning at 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, the festival grounds open at 5 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by “Gold Dust” beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 13, is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Constantinople. In celebration of this day, a mass will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, which is located at 127 W. Grace St. in Old Forge. The Reverend Louis T. Kaminski will celebrate the mass. Following the mass, the traditional procession of carrying the statue of Our Lady of Constantinople will begin at the church and commence on the grounds of Our Lady’s Chapel. The festival grounds open at noon. The evening entertainment will be provided by “The Poets” beginning at 6:30 p.m.

For any additional information concerning the Festival, please call the Felittese Association at (570) 457-3499.

Farmers’ Market –

The Harvest Baskets generously overflowing donated by the Pittston Farmer’s Market vendors were well received and appreciated.

Winners of the baskets are: Laura A. Wiedl, Golomb’s Farm and Greenhouses; Theresa Valenti, Dymond’s Farm; Rose Marie Amico, Braces’s Orchard; Bob Chepalonis, Paul’s Plums; Celeste Bussaco, D&L Farms; Betty Lizak, Ema’s Amish Bakery; Dolores Purcell, Paradis Potato Pancakes; and Sally Bentler, Bruce’s Sauces.

The market located on South Main Street, Pittston is open every Tuesday until the middle of Novemberor weather permitting from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Information regarding the market is available by calling Maria or Chester at 655-2398.

Get Well Wishes-

Get well wishes are sent out to Joe Olesky. Joe is recovering from a stroke at Riverside Manor in Plains. Friends and family wish Joe a speedy recovery.

Happy Birthday-

Happy birthday to Justin Olejnik of West Wyoming who celebrated on September 5.

Anniversary Wishes-

Happy Anniversary to Guy and Angela Acierno of Hughestown who celebrated their 50th anniversary on August 31.

Fellowship Awarded-

Carmella Calabrese has been admitted to the Ph.D. Program in the Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry at Cornell University including a Teaching Assistant appointment and full tuition. During the five year period of her fellowship Carmella will reside in Ithaca, N.Y.

New Arrival-

A boy was born to Pamela Praschak and Matthew Haney of Pittston on August 31

Basic Training-

Philip S. Patchoski has entered Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation to enter the first academic year at the academy. The six-week, two-phased orientation program must be successfully completed by the cadets prior to entering their freshman year. The training prepares men and women to meet the rigorous mental and physical challenges experienced by new cadets.

He is the son of Philip Patchoski of Exeter. Patchoski is a 2009 graduate of Wyoming Area High School, Exeter.

Awarded Scholarship-

David Seitzinger of Wyoming has been awarded a Sherwood and Janet Roberts Blue Memorial Scholarship from the Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity for the 2008-2009 academic year at West Virginia University.

David was selected for his academic record and involvement in community and campus life, especially his service and leadership in Theta Chi Fraternity.

David is in his 5th year at WVU in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program and had also achieved this same reward last year. David is a 2005 graduate of Wyoming Area.

Craft Fair-

The Falls Lions Club will be hosting their Second Annual Craft Fair along with a Chicken Barbecue Dinner.

There will be chainsaw demonstrations by the Sawptician, craft vendors, Instant Bingo, basket raffles, pumpkin and cider sales.

The fair will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Volunteer Hall, Route 92, Falls, PA.