New year, new you.
I’m sure you’ve seen that slogan everywhere lately from the home shopping channels selling exercise equipment to local fitness centers looking for members.
New Year’s resolutions are plentiful for the first week of 2017 and why not, the beginning of a new year is just as good as any time to start fresh.
Resolutions like finding a new job, being happier, being a better person, volunteering more and everyone’s favorite, losing weight. are just a few that come to mind with the last one being the toughest. For me, I’d just like to be healthier and happier; both are attainable and I have 12 months to work on those resolutions.
One person who made a big resolution is former Pittston City mayor, Mike Lombardo. Last week he announced he would run for city mayor one more time. It’s a move that totally makes sense.
The last time Mike held office was 2005 after an eight-year rein. He’s never left government in the city, serving on the Redevelopment and Housing Authorities.
He’s been at the forefront of all those changes you’ve seen in the city from downtown’s streetscaping to revitalizing the business district, bringing city attractions to heights they’ve never seen.
I recently heard someone make an analogy by stating the late bandleader Lawrence Welk’s music wasn’t great simply because of Welk; he was great because he had great musicians.
Mike Lombardo has always surrounded himself with a team of people that could get the job done. When he became mayor in the late 90s, changing the mindset of the council wasn’t an easy task but, once he found an open mindedness for change, things started to happen.
He’s always had the support of people like Jim Zarra, current city mayor Jason Klush and longtime friend, Lori Nocito.
A few weeks ago, I was present when Lombardo hosted city officials from Pottsville, along with their state rep. Instead of locals going to other sources looking for answers and resolutions to problems in the City of Pittston, officials from another city came to Pittston seeking their help and answers to their problems.
During that meeting, Mike was gracious to the Pottsville crew, offering any information he had to get Pittston to its present state.
The group took a walking tour of downtown and, to say they were impressed with what has been done, would be an understatement. What a pat on the back! Mike showed genuine enthusiasm and optimism with what lies ahead for their county seat city anchored by Yuengling Brewery.
Even though I’m not a resident of Pittston, I have deep roots in the city. My father was born and raised there and graduated from Pittston High in 1947, my grandfather worked for the city for 30-years and, if I’m not mistaken, my great-grandfather was a city official.
I can’t tell you how proud I am of the city for getting to where it is today. The success of the City of Pittston’s s is an overnight success that took 20 years.
It looks like 2017 will be an interesting year for the City of Pittston.
Merry Christmas, part 2
For those who celebrated Orthodox Christmas yesterday – Merry Christmas to you!
Growing up, we always honored Russian Christmas for my grandmother’s sake. She grew up with Russian customs so keeping Christmas tree up until the middle of January was the norm for me.
My parents kept the outdoor decorations lit until the 14th of January. It was kind of weird that the entire neighborhood was back to normal, bt we were still lit up.
We never exchanged gifts for Russian Christmas, because we did that two weeks earlier, but it was great honoring my grandmother and her family traditions.
Quote of the week
“Sometimes I’m confused by what I think is really obvious. But what I think is really obvious obviously isn’t obvious.” – Michael Stipe, American singer/songwriter
Thought of the week
“There is no force so powerful as an idea whose time has come.” – Everett Dirksen, former American senator
Bumper sticker
“Humor is the instinct for taking pain playfully.” – Max Eastman, American author
