Pittston Memorial Library fundraiser held in memory of Tom and Dianne Tigue

PITTSTON — Pittston Memorial Library’s late summer fundraiser is an effort to defeat adult literacy.

The fourth annual Book It Through Pittston 5K race kickoff party was held Sept. 5 at the Red Mill, followed by the race Saturday morning — all in support of the Tom and Dianne Tigue Literacy Program.

“The adult literacy program is going very well,” library director Patricia Joyce said. “The race and kickoff party create awareness, not only for the library, but for the individual programs that we have showing that we’re not just books.”

Joyce said money raised from both the kickoff party and race goes back into the literacy program.

Former PA State Representative Tom Tigue and his wife Dianne, who passed away in 2015 and 2016, respectively, were advocates of the library, according to Joyce.

“The event is growing every year,” said Jenny Long, library board member. “We’ve added the kickoff party with baskets and 50-50 with all the proceeds going back into the literacy program.”

Long said the money is used to help adults with literacy issues to help with resumes, aid in giving them the ability to use a computer and to show how to dress the part for job interviews.

“At the end of the day, we want them to be able to read,” Long added. “We want true, pure literacy and learning how to read. It’s all about giving back to the community in honor of Tom and Dianne who were deeply involved in the library and so deeply involved themselves in giving back to the community.”

“We have a memory program tied into the literacy program,” Joyce said. “The memory program is to help those with dementia and their caregivers to have a more meaningful relationship using kits we will loan out like a book with games, manipulative and sensory items.”

Each year, children and grandchildren of the Tigues participate in the kickoff party, pre-race registration and walk or run in the 5K-race.

“Both of our parents were tremendous supporters of the library,” Kristen Lazevnick said. “The library came to us about the idea of doing this in honor of Mom and Dad and we supported it 100%, knowing all the proceeds go towards a literacy program in honor of our parents. It’s a great tribute to our parents. I think everybody that is here was touched by them in one way or another and it’s really comforting to know that they’ll always be remembered and always loved.”

The overall winner of the 5K race was Michael Branley, 16, of West Pittston, with a time of 18:12 and the top female finisher was Carlene Siracuse, 38, of Wyoming, with a time of 24:06.

An after-race party was held at the library where raffle baskets were given out and light snacks and beverages were served.

Rowan Lazevnick, left, and Kendal Tigue, granddaughters of the late Dianne and Tom Tigue, help with raffle tickets at the Book It 5K race kickoff party held Sept. 5 at the Red Mill.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_Pittston-Lib-Book-It-1.jpgRowan Lazevnick, left, and Kendal Tigue, granddaughters of the late Dianne and Tom Tigue, help with raffle tickets at the Book It 5K race kickoff party held Sept. 5 at the Red Mill. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Memorial Library’s Book It Through Pittston’s 5K race kickoff party was held at the Red Mill in honor of the Tom and Dianne Tigue Literacy Program. From left, are Ann Jamieson, Deb Monteforte, Sue Dantona Jolley, Joanna Fusco, Jane Scatena.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_Pittston-Lib-Book-It-2.jpgPittston Memorial Library’s Book It Through Pittston’s 5K race kickoff party was held at the Red Mill in honor of the Tom and Dianne Tigue Literacy Program. From left, are Ann Jamieson, Deb Monteforte, Sue Dantona Jolley, Joanna Fusco, Jane Scatena. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Brian Quinn, a Pittston native and national recording artist for the rock band Candlebox, was on hand to provide entertainment during the Pittston Memorial Library’s Book It Through Pittston’s 5K race kickoff party at the Red Mill.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_Pittston-Lib-Book-It-3.jpgBrian Quinn, a Pittston native and national recording artist for the rock band Candlebox, was on hand to provide entertainment during the Pittston Memorial Library’s Book It Through Pittston’s 5K race kickoff party at the Red Mill. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

The overall winner of the Pittston Memorial Library’s Book It Through Pittston’s 5K race and 1.5-mile Fun Walk, Michael Branley (center, No. 2727), leads all runners at the start of the race. Branley’s finishing time was 18:12.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_Pittston-Lib-Book-It-4.jpgThe overall winner of the Pittston Memorial Library’s Book It Through Pittston’s 5K race and 1.5-mile Fun Walk, Michael Branley (center, No. 2727), leads all runners at the start of the race. Branley’s finishing time was 18:12. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Carlene Siracuse, 38, of Wyoming, was the overall top female finisher of the 5K-race with a time of 24:06.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_Pittston-Lib-Book-It-5.jpgCarlene Siracuse, 38, of Wyoming, was the overall top female finisher of the 5K-race with a time of 24:06. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch