PITTSTON — A TV documentary highlighting the past, present and future of the City of Pittston is one-step closer to production.
Over 30 residents attended the white board session for WVIA-TV’s planned “Our Town Pittston” program at the John P. Cosgrove Center at the Pittston Memorial Library Thursday. WVIA-TV host and producer Lisa Mazzarella compiled a list of topics to be included in the production.
“Tonight really was the big night where everybody who came to this meeting basically decided on the content of what you’re going to be seeing in February 2017 at the premiere in the WVIA studios,” Mazzarella said.
During the meeting, residents talked a lot about Pittston’s roots, including the earliest settlement in the city.
Other subjects included ethnic churches, Anthracite mining including tragedies like the Knox Mine Disaster and the Twin Shafts Disaster, the fire departments, the arts movement, the Greater Pittston YMCA, downtown living, the annual Tomato Festival, Paint Pittston Pink, downtown businesses, the history of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, Bone Stadium, American Theatre, Pittston Hospital, Pittston Stove Works, Lehigh Valley Railroad, the library, restaurants, and many others.
The one-hour special will not only include the history of the city, but also the present renaissance and what’s in store for the future.
“We can get into what’s going on right now the resurgence of the renaissance of the city, which is amazing,” said Mazzarella. “We also talked a little bit about — actually a lot about — how they are going to keep progressing forward.”
Kristina McHale, a member of the Greater Pittston Historical Society, was pleased with the meeting and how the production is progressing. “I think (the production) is moving in positive direction; we are looking to bridge the past with the future, old businesses with new businesses and community spirit,” she said.
Mazzarella asked for volunteers to come forward to do research, including photos if possible, and to have them do a 10-minute video on their subject Saturday, Dec. 10.
“The individuals who decided to pick a topic tonight are going to be given four weeks to collect the material and after four weeks I’ll be coming back here in the library on Saturday, Dec. 10,” she said. “This will be our interview day that’ll last all day long starting at 8 a.m. probably until 8 p.m.”
Mazzarella suggested if anyone has a topic they would like to present or be considered for a presentation, to reach her at WVIA during office hours at 570-602-1164 or email at lisamazzarella@wvia.org.
“This was an incredible meeting and an incredible turnout,” Mazzarella said.
