PLAINS TWP. — The Greater Pittston American Veterans Post 189 hosted its annual family picnic Sunday, Aug. 20 at the Plains Lions Pavilion by handing out awards to greater Pittston students who won a state-wide contest in the Americanism program, an award to a teacher in the district who helped the students, while honoring disabled veterans from the Wilkes Barre VA and the Gino Merli Centers.
The weekend kicked off with the vets participating in the Tomato Festival on Saturday, Aug. 19 with Governor Tom Wolf and Grand Marshal Jimmy Cefalo, and culminated with Sunday’s picnic when they handed out certificates and trophies to kindergarten student Carmen Donato and first-grade Cara Welby for earning top honors for their drawing renditions of the American flag as well as eighth-grade student Bridget McDonald and ninth-grade student Simon Girman for their essays on the importance of voting. Those drawings and essays are now entered in the nationals which will be decided later this year.
Pittston Area teacher Mike Fuller was cited for his work with the students.
On hand to present the awards were Luzerne County Judge Fred Pierantoni, State Representative Mike Carroll, and Pittston Magistrate Alexandra Kokura-Kravitz.
In addition, dozens of disabled veterans from the Wilkes Barre VA and the Scranton Gino Merli Centers enjoyed fresh air, food and drink, music, and brotherhood on a sunny picturesque day.
Those interested in joining the AMVETS Post 189 and/or volunteering may contact Commander Bernie McDonald at 570-817-4858 or Chaplain Richard White at 570-407-2044.
