November is here and, with Halloween behind us, we can zero in on Thanksgiving and, of course, Black Friday. I know it’s hard to believe, but there are only eight weeks left in 2017.
One last thought on Halloween — I don’t believe I’ve ever seen such participation from so many neighborhoods all over Greater Pittston. Kudos to the throngs of parents out there who dressed in costume to walk side-by-side with their children.
It seems Trunk or Treat is something relatively new over the last few years and it’s such a safe alternative to going door-to-door, especially for those with tiny tot ghosts and goblins.
I had to cover one of the largest Trunk or Treat events in the area at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds. There were no trunks but tents set up at the fairgrounds and it was estimated 2,000 people came through the gates — all free of charge.
I cry: No fair! We had to work very hard to get our candy booty for the night. Not many houses would accept those for Trick or Treat. When we finally got to a home that accepted us, we had to work for our treat in the form of a song or joke. Man, these kids have it made!
Get out and vote
Before Thanksgiving arrives, we have an election day coming next Tuesday and I encourage all to get out and vote. We, as a society, have become a little lax in voting and, unlike “America’s Got Talent” or “American Idol,” we can’t phone in our vote.
Please, walk, jog or ride to your polling booth and vote. And, if you think a neighbor needs a ride, let them tag along, too. As the saying goes, “Every vote counts.”
Happy anniversary, Care and Concern Clinic
I want to thank those involved with the Care and Concern Clinic on Williams Street in Pittston. The all-volunteer army has been helping those in need of medical attention but can’t afford insurance or the deductibles of the Affordable Care Act for 10 years this week.
The idea came from a bunch of people sitting around talking about a need for a free clinic in Pittston. Ann Cocco got the ball rolling, Msgr. John Bendik of St. John the Evangelist ran with it, Gloria Blandina took the baton and the incredible team of volunteers from doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laymen have been doing phenomenal work ever since.
There are way too many hardships out there and I’m grateful for all the volunteers who have surfaced over the years to pitch in. Volunteerism is not as big a deal in today’s society as it once was so to see the clinic thrive for a decade is remarkable.
The best part of all of this has been the great reception from parishioners of St. John the Evangelist, the opened mindedness of Msgr. Bendik, and people of Greater Pittston. Because of that, the clinic has operated in the black every single year.
My wish is, as it is the wish of the many people the clinic has served, that it forges through to the next 10 years. Congratulations and happy anniversary to all involved.
More leaves on trees this year?
Hey, is it my imagination or are the leaves on the trees hanging around longer than usual? I don’t remember trees having large amounts of leaves on their branches at this time of year.
The weather has been exceptional for much of the fall and I’m not complaining. Everyone is saving on the early season heating bill, including me.
I used a quote from writer William Cullen Bryant this week and it’s totally true — autumn foliage is simply spectacular and if it lasted the whole year, I’d never get sick of it.
Enjoy the last week or so of color before the landscape turns an ugly gray.
WA/PA game was a good one
The previous week I attended the Wyoming Area-Pittston Area football game as my Friday night photo assignment. It was an exciting game and it was so refreshing to see such a tight contest.
As per the home field request, Wyoming Area asks all members of the media to position themselves on the visitors’ side of the field. The other request is to photograph the game from the 25-yard line to the end zone. I’ve been told the reason is to comply with the PIAA ruling. But Wyoming Area seems to be one of the only schools complying with the ruling.
I know much of the media was up in arms in the beginning of the season regarding restricting media since, for years, the media has been allowed to go anywhere along the perimeter of the field. I often stood wherever I felt I could get the best action shot.
Adhering to the rules wasn’t as bad as I expected. Initially, Wyoming Area didn’t allow press to stand anywhere but between the 10 and 20-yard line. Later, that was relaxed a bit and photographers could stand behind the end zone.
The NCAA allows media to stand anywhere but between the 20-yard lines for safety reasons for the photographer as well as the players and staff.
Changes are always tough, but as long as all parties work together, everyone can get the job done.
Quote of the week
“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” – Marie Curie, French chemist.
Thought of the week
“Those that cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright.
Bumper sticker
“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” – William Cullen Bryant, American writer.
