October is here and apparently autumn has decided to show up, much to my sadness.
For as much as I love seeing the splendor of the fall colors, I did bask in the warm temperatures this past week. A last gasp of summer with temps in the 80s was pretty nice. It’s sad to think that won’t happen until next spring.
PPP has ended for 2019
The 2019 Paint Pittston Pink (PPP) campaign wound down yesterday when a Mass was held in the morning followed by a 5K race, the ever-popular Gentlemen’s Dash and a new event where participants were able to hammer their frustrations out on a pink truck.
I covered the PPP awards night and lantern launch at Pittston’s Riverfront Park last night.
It’s a great event where the PPP committee recognizes very deserving individuals and businesses. The ceremony is always moving. As cancer survivor and a participant in last year’s PPP awards, I found myself getting very moved again this year.
There were plenty of tears of sadness for those taken by cancer. But there were also tears of joy for others, knowing cancer did not rule and survivors were lauded.
Once the awards ended, the lanterns were lit and launched.
Anyone who bought a lantern had a chance to write the name of survivors or those who have passed away from cancer on it. This part of the evening was fun and uplifting.
Those in the four-story housing complex behind Riverfront Park were on their balconies watching, along with over 100 people taking in the ceremony as the lanterns were launched.
I’ve been to a few lantern launches over the past few years, but it seems the launch that PPP puts on is really spectacular. Dozens of lanterns are purchased for the launch and to see them all taking off, entering the dark backdrop of the sky, is really special.
Ever since I covered the first PPP lantern launch, I’ve encouraged plenty of people to attend.
I’ve spoken to PPP co-founders Barbara Sciandra and Qiana Lehman and both women seemed to be excited about the final numbers of the 2019 campaign.
At the halfway point, both women felt the Gentlemen’s Dash was going to be the event to push PPP close to the goal the committee projected for this year — $100,000.
It’s ironic that when I spoke to both women separately, when speaking about the money being donated for the dash, they both replied, “The Gentlemen’s Dash is killing it.”
The final tally won’t be available for a few weeks so, in the meantime, be patient until the final numbers come in.
Pittston Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. (PTVFD) news
As reported this week, the PTVFD is making a big change and, when talking to Deputy Fire Chief Allan Capozucca, the enthusiasm and excitement can be heard in his voice when he talks about the new fire station at the site of the former Borino Tire & Auto Center on the Pittston Bypass.
The move can happen as early as late December or early January and will shut down operations at the Bryden Street station. The Suscon fire station has already been evacuated and sold.
The property at Suscon included 13 acres of land where the Northeast Fair was previous held and will still be owned and maintained by the PTVFD. That property is being leased to trucking companies from the industrial park.
The other piece of big news related to PTVFD is the status of the Northeast Fair.
According to Capozucca, “the fair is dead.” For the PTVFD, it is time to move on.
Even with big crowds, the fair was always subject to climate conditions and other circumstances beyond control. I’m sure some years were profitable but, apparently, most were not.
Capozucca said the PTVFD will rely on other fundraisers to stay afloat like a mailing campaign and a gun sale.
The new fire station will be large enough to accommodate equipment from both fire stations but not until approximately $300,000 in building alterations and upgrades are made.
The new station will be more centrally located in the township and, of course, more economical.
The PTVFD will celebrate its 100th birthday in two years and I’m sure a special event will take place noting that milestone.
Capozucca said the company is in the process of looking for buyers for the Bryden Street station and has a few parties interested in purchasing the building and adjacent property.
I’m sure Jimmy Borino and his family are happy the building is going to be used for a good cause like the fire department. The Borino family has been in business for at least two generations that I’m aware of going, back to the tire shop on Parsonage Street in Pittston.
I know that I, along with members of my family, have been a benefactor of tire products from the Borinos.
Thanks to the Borino family for many years of service to Greater Pittston and best wishes to the PTVFD. Good luck in the new station and a big thank you to all the volunteers for over nearly 10 decades of service to Pittston Twp. residents and surrounding communities. You’ve aided us well.
Quote of the week
“Give out what you want most to come back.” – Robin S. Sharma
Thought of the week
“Help someone, you earn a friend for life. Help someone too much, you make an en enemy.” – Erol Ozan
Bumper sticker
“Don’t wait for things to happen. Make things happen.” – Roy T. Bennett
