I reported this week about a fundraiser to help Wyoming Area football coach Randy Spencer. Randy has had some physical setbacks, including diabetes and, as Randy calls it, “a heart episode.”
That heart episode was a heart attack and a 5-bypass heart surgery — nothing to sneeze at but, after being so heavily involved with football and the needs of this team, Randy may have gotten the message that it’s time to take care of himself first, then worry about everything else later.
Even with all of his issues, Randy is still leading his Warriors team. Okay, maybe not from his usual spot on the sideline, but he’s perched high up in the press box. He’s still recovering and getting stronger each and every day, but for now, the press box is the safest place for him.
Heck, he might even be starting a new trend of coaching football.
Good luck with the rest of the season, Randy, and continued success in your recovery.
State Police barracks
In case you missed the news this week, what has become an institution on Wyoming Avenue in Wyoming will no longer be.
It looks like the Wyoming State Police barracks will be vacated as early the end of 2020 for a new home in Hanover Twp.
Troop P has been on the avenue for as long as I can remember and I’m sure it goes back many decades. Not only will the barracks be vacated, so will the training center on Wyoming Avenue next to the Wyoming Valley Airport.
I wonder what will become of both properties. All of this news is great for Hanover Twp. but not so good for Wyoming Borough.
The new two-story State Police building will have indoor and outdoor gun ranges and enough land to support a training center.
The new designated area is more centrally located in the county than the Borough of Wyoming, so logistically it makes sense.
Gold ribbons everywhere
Another article you’ll read about in today’s Sunday Dispatch is the presence of gold ribbons all around Greater Pittston.
Many local residents have been curious as to why so many gold ribbons can be seen and not red, white or blue ribbons for Pittston Area.
The fact is the ribbons are not even high school football-related.
The ribbons were placed by volunteers of Little Eric’s Foundation (LEF) to create awareness of childhood cancer during the month of September.
Little Eric wouldn’t be so little today if he had survived childhood brain cancer; he’d be 20 years old. Eric Speicher, Jr. was a great kid who typically loved sports, especially baseball.
His parents Eric, Sr. and Jessica are very involved in raising money in Little Eric’s name and to spread the word about childhood cancer.
The Speichers have raised money to help research at Sloan-Kettering and local families, like themselves, who have a loved child in the same situation they were in when Little Eric was stricken.
The passion and compassion the Speichers have in the battle of childhood cancer is incredible. It has to be tiring to try to march forward and raise money for a cause, but the family endures to keep their son’s name alive and to help in the fight.
When you see a gold ribbon, think of a child going through tough times and think of Little Eric.
The Duffys efforts
Another story you’ll read today concerns the Duffy family and its 10-year effort to raise money on behalf of husband and dad Jimmy Duffy who passed away from Lou Gehring’s Disease.
After a decade of raising money for research and helping local people with family or friends with ALS, the Duffys have decided to cease operations.
Like the Spiechers, the Duffys’ efforts to raise money has been a 12 month a year job. Like any family involved in raising money for a cause, there is a nucleus of people who surround them. As Jimmy’s son Jay said, “It’s tough going to the well all the time, meaning you just can’t keep tapping your family and friends year after year for money.”
That’s totally understandable and I respect the Duffys’ decision. They’ve raised over $25,000, giving it all back.
Jimmy’s memory will never fade as many families have received help from the Duffys. Those families will never forget.
Congratulations Florence and Jimmy on doing a job well done.
This week is a big week
Fourteen years ago today, I underwent cancer surgery and, thanks to Dr. Michael Campenni, I’m still here. There are times I wish I could block out that period of my life, but it’s impossible. It was traumatic and my whole world stopped.
Those three words, “You have cancer” are powerful, life-changing words that alter the rest of your life.
I don’t take anything for granted. I really do live one day at a time. And, most of all, I feel like I’m in a rush to do as much as I can. I don’t feel like I can “do it later” because, in the back of my mind, “later” may never come.
I also want to get my life in order of sorts, if that’s even possible. Life is way too complicated and I’m always looking for simplicity but I’m convinced that won’t ever happen.
The second event this week is my birthday, another event I don’t take for granted.
Quote of the week
“Love is not an emotion. It is your existence.” – Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Thought of the week
“Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.” – Walt Whitman
Bumper sticker
“A quiet conscience makes on strong.” – Anne Frank
