PITTSTON – St. Joseph Marello Parish Hall was decorated in Christmas colors Dec. 8 as the Pittston Twp. Recreation Board held its annual Christmas party where children of all ages gathered for door prizes, food, music and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
“We do this every year and it costs nothing; everything is free,” said Don Taroli, president of the Rec. Board. “It’s paid for by the Pittston Twp. supervisors; they give us an allowance to throw our parties.”
Tim Bartuska, of Pittston Twp., and his family have been frequent attendees of all Pittston Twp. parties for children. Bartuska brought along his three children, Shae, 4, and twins Tim, Jr. and Harper, 2, for the Christmas party.
“They always have great things for kids, like an Easter Egg Hunt and Movie in the Park,” Bartuska said. “We go to everything they put on; all of them are great for the kids.”
According to Taroli, the nine-person board meets several times a year delegating tasks for each member.
“We order food and sometimes we cater events and sometimes we have hot dogs and pizza,” he added.
One feature of the evening were guessing jars where children had to guess the amount of an item in any of the jars. The one closest to the number won a prize.
One of the guests, 7-year old Adalina Dominick, has been attending the Pittston Twp. Rec. Board Christmas party since she was born.
“I’ve been coming eight times, probably eight,” Adalina said. “I like how they do these fun little games and you get to pick whatever you want like a gift card from Walmart; it’s really fun.”
Adalina was excited to see Santa arrive to the party.
“Santa brings you lots of gifts,” she said. “But if you are bad he gives you coal for Christmas and nobody wants coal.”
DJ Charlie Hayes had the children on the dance floor for games and music during the three-hour holiday party.
Residents attending the Christmas part were asked to bring non-perishable items to be donated to a local food bank.
