The LuLac Edition #5, 220, December 23rd, 2024

 MONDAY MEMES

The LuLac Edition #5, 219, Decdmber 19th, 2024

WHERE ARE THE PROTESTORS NOW FOR GAZA?

I was just wondering where are those dedicated, peaceful protestors who were obstructing the freedom of speech of elected officials earlier this year? Where is the self-righteous breast beating of the people who used bull horns and loud music to intimidate rally goers, people in campaign headquarters and average citizens? Why did it seem that these very, very worried protesters with concern in their hearts for the Gaza hungry only targeted democratic office holders? What did these peaceful loud, ignorant and unruly loudmouths do for the starving people of Gaza? Did they send money? Did they feed the hungry? Or where they just make noise and just flap their gums to get noticed?

Why did they close college campuses? Why did they target Jewish people trying to get an education? Last I heard the killing and hunger I Gaza stopped. NOT!

Where are THEY now or did the MONEY and novelty wear off? Your 10 minutes of fame will be dumped in the trash bin of history and unlike Civil Rights and anti Vietnam War demonstrations, you will be barely remembered.

 

A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR CASEY

My term in office ends on January 2, 2025, and the orderly shutdown of my office's operations has begun. If you need immediate or ongoing assistance with the federal government, you can contact Senator John Fetterman or your Congressperson in the House of Representatives The people of Pennsylvania have granted me the privilege of serving them in statewide office for 28 consecutive years: as Auditor General, State Treasurer, and United States Senator. During that time, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.” Thank you for the trust you have placed in me for all these years. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve our Commonwealth and our country.

Thank you, Senator Bob Casey

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO VISITS SMALL BUSINESSES IN SCRANTON DURING HOLIDAY SEASON, HIGHLIGHTING SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION’S ACTION TO LOWER TAXES, PUT MONEY BACK IN PENNSYLVANIANS’ POCKETS, AND INVEST IN OUR MAIN STREETS

GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO HAS TAKEN ACTION OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS TO REDUCE COSTS AND LOWER TAXES MORE THAN FOUR TIMES – EASING THE BURDEN ON FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND BUSINESSES ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH.

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Josh Shapiro visited small businesses in downtown Scranton during the holiday season to highlight his Administration’s efforts to cut taxes, deliver real economic relief for Pennsylvania families, and invest in the Main Streets and small businesses that are driving economic growth in communities all across our Commonwealth.

The Governor was joined by Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and President & CEO of Scranton Tomorrow Leslie Collins, along with legislators and small business owners, who shared how these initiatives are making a difference in their community. Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has focused on creating economic opportunity, cutting red tape for businesses, and supporting families and seniors all across Pennsylvania. The Governor has also brought Republicans and Democrats together to cut taxes, saving Pennsylvanians money and helping them get ahead.

“With the holiday season here, we’re delivering real relief to Pennsylvanians by cutting taxes and putting more money back into their pockets,” said Governor Shapiro. “My Administration is committed to lowering costs, supporting small businesses, and revitalizing the Main Streets like the ones here in northeastern Pennsylvania that are the backbone of our communities. With these investments, we are strengthening the heart of our communities and building a future where families and businesses can thrive all across Pennsylvania."

“We're thrilled to celebrate everything that makes downtown Scranton so special during the holidays — our vibrant shopping scene, incredible restaurants and bars, and the lively activities that bring people together,” said Mayor Cognetti. “This season highlights the incredible investments happening in our city, from beloved family-run businesses that have been here for generations to new entrepreneurs choosing Scranton as the place to grow and thrive. It’s an exciting time to be part of this community.”

Driving Economic Growth and Cutting Costs for Families

This holiday season, Pennsylvanians are feeling the impact of Governor Shapiro’s tax cuts — aimed at lowering costs and putting more money back in their pockets. Under his leadership, Pennsylvania has:

Secured over $3 billion in private-sector investments by reducing red tape and making the Commonwealth a top destination for business growth. For example, the Administration reduced business filing processing times from eight weeks to just two days.

Expanded the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit(opens in a new tab), delivering $136 million in savings to over 218,000 families, and introduced an Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, enabling businesses to support employees’ childcare costs.

Increased the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program(opens in a new tab), benefiting over 550,000 seniors and people with disabilities with more than $311 million in assistance this year.

Introduced the Student Loan Interest Deduction, helping graduates by allowing up to $2,500 of student loan interest to be deducted from their taxable income.

Building Stronger Main Streets

Governor Shapiro prioritized revitalizing Main Streets and small businesses across the Commonwealth in his 2024-25 budget(opens in a new tab), including through significant new investments:

$20 million in the Main Street Matters Program to support small businesses and commercial corridors. This program builds on and modernizes the Keystone Communities Program, which has already supported neighborhoods and downtown districts across Pennsylvania.

$500 million to support economic development, including $400 million to create the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program to develop competitive, shovel-ready sites for business expansion or relocation in the Commonwealth. The program received bipartisan support to attract more businesses and create good-paying jobs in the state.

"Governor Shapiro’s $20 million investment in the Main Street Matters initiative exemplifies his commitment to the economic growth and revitalization of our Pennsylvania business districts and entrepreneurs who are realizing their vision to build a vibrant future in our great state of Pennsylvania,” said Collins. “The big box industry has made it very convenient to shop at any point, but the backbone of communities across the nation is most certainly the small businesses. Small businesses do matter. The Governor's initiatives will continue to drive this message home."

Supporting Small Businesses and Workforce Development

Governor Shapiro’s tax reforms have also created opportunity for Pennsylvania businesses to grow, create jobs, and invest in their employees:

The 529 Savings Account Employer Matching Contribution Tax Credit incentivizes businesses to match employee contributions to tuition savings, making higher education more affordable for families.

The increase in the Net Operating Loss Deduction Limit ensures that businesses can reduce taxable income by up to 80 percent by 2029, keeping Pennsylvania competitive with other states.

The launch of innovative programs like PAyback.pa.gov(opens in a new tab), the nation’s first online money-back guarantee system(opens in a new tab), brings accountability and transparency to the licensing process.

The creation of the PA Fast Track Program(opens in a new tab) through Executive Order 2024-04 makes Pennsylvania the first state in the nation to implement a streamlined, project-based permitting system for major economic development and infrastructure projects.

In Scranton, Stephanie Grudis-Whisner, owner of The Bare Accessories, Senator Marty Flynn, and Representative Kyle Donahue talked about the positive impact of these tax cuts and economic investments in the community.

“I’ve spent most of my life in retail, and my father and I take great pride in serving our community,” said Grudis-Whisner. “In recent years, we’ve seen big corporations thrive while small businesses have faced significant challenges, especially since the pandemic. Both large and small businesses play a vital role in making America what it is, but we must not overlook the small business owners who work tirelessly every day — not just to make a living, but to create meaningful connections and enrich the lives of people in their communities.”

“Our main streets reflect our shared values — hard work, determination, and community spirit,” said Senator Flynn. “The Main Street Matters program is a lifeline that will help small businesses flourish and local economies thrive. I’m committed to working alongside Governor Shapiro to keep my district and Pennsylvania a place where everyone can succeed.”

“It has been an honor to work alongside Governor Shapiro to expand the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program that put money back in the pockets of families and seniors,” said Representative Donahue. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Shapiro Administration to ensure all Pennsylvanian’s have the support they need to thrive."

Governor Shapiro’s investments in small businesses and Main Streets ensure that Pennsylvania’s downtowns and commercial corridors remain thriving hubs of activity, particularly during the holidays. This holiday season, the Governor encourages Pennsylvanians to visit Main Streets and support the small businesses that are the backbone of our communities.

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River.

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

STEVE CORBETT’S SCRANTON CITY NEWS

Here's the link: News – The Outlaw Steve Corbett (theoutlawcorbett.com)

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107.

 

1984

Our 1984 logo

 

Ballon d'Or: Juventus' French midfielder Michel Platini is named Europe's best football player for the 2nd consecutive time; beats Bordeaux midfielder Jean Tigana and Verona striker Preben Elkjær……Knicks basketball forward Bernard King scores 60 points, but New York loses, 120-114 to the New Jersey Nets on Xmas Day at Madison Square Garden……Padres' free agent pitcher Ed Whitson signs with NY Yankees……..Creosote bush determined to be 11,700 years old…..Rajiv Gandhi's Congress party wins the general election in India….. TV soap "Edge of Night" ends 28 year run…….. USSR performs nuclear test at Eastern Kazakh, Semipalitinsk USSR…..5th United Negro College Fund…..Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi claims victory in parliamentary elections…..NHL St. Louis Blues launch 27 shots in 1 period during 5-1 loss to visiting New York Islanders; NY goaltender Kelly Hrudey finishes game with 47 saves…..Wayne Gretzky scores his NHL career 32nd hat trick & adds 3 assists in Edmonton's 6-3 win over Detroit Red Wings for his 100th point in just 35 games; 2nd fastest in history - recorded 100 points in 34 games in 1983……..Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen loses his arm in a car crash…..NYC subway gunman Bernhard Goetz surrenders to police in NH…..Test Cricket debut of Mohammad Azharuddin, v England at Calcutta…US leaves UNESCO…and the number one song in 1984 as that fateful closes was “Out of Touch” by Hall and Oates.

The LuLac Edition #5, 218, Decxember 17th, 2024

 

BLANKETS AND BROTH 2.0 BACK ON 

 

KING DAY

        The O’Donnell Law Firm, the Luzerne County/WB NAACP branch 2306, the Wilkes-Barre Health Department and the Jewish Community Center will once again partner to conduct “Blankets & Broth” on January 20^th, 2025. The event will be held from 9:30 am to 12:30pm at the Friedman Jewish Community Center, 613 S.J. Strauss Lane, in Kingston.

        “Blankets & Broth” is held in conjunction with the observance of the Martin Luther King Day of service held throughout the Commonwealth and the state. On site at the JCC, fringe blankets are weaved by volunteers and will be donated to Ruth’s Place, The Salvation Army Kirby Family House as well as the Keystone Mission. Additionally cans of soup or broth will be collected for the Jewish Community Center food pantry. Sarah’s Table.

        Volunteers are needed for the half day of service. Registration for participants on that day can be made at the following places.

info@naacp2306.org , the Jewish Community Center at 570 824-4646, and the Wilkes-Barre Health Department 570 208-4287.

        “Blankets & Broth” recognizes the King holiday for what it was intended to be. A day of service to help those in need combining two of the corporal work of mercy. Warming the homeless and feeding the hungry” said Attorney Cathy O’Donnell is Chair of the event.

        Pictured from left to right, front row, Johanna Perez, NAACP Executive Committee, Bill Browne, President NAACP, and Barbara Sugarman, Friedman Jewish Community Center.

Standing, Attorney Catherine O’Donnell, The O’Donnell Law Firm and Chair of the event, Jane Messinger, President of the Friedman Jewish Community Center and David Yonki, NNACP Vice President and Wilkes-Barre City Health Department.  (Photo: Tony Callaio). 

 

       

       

The LuLac Edition #5, 217, DEcember 16th, 2024

MONDAY MEMES

The LuLac Edition #5, 216, December 13th, 20924

 

13

QUESTIONS

                                  

Our 13 Questions logo.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Edition posted late because of a holiday commitment that occurred right after work.  Blog was archived earlier but we were unable to post on stated day,  

1.   Are you ready for Christmas?

Started out slow but finishing fast. To me this is the best time of the year to just take stock and thank the Lord and Providence for still getting to enjoy another great holiday.

 

2.   Are you worried about the state of the country and this Christmas season?

 

From an individual standpoint, I don’t think one-on-one I don't. But from a collective state I get very concerned about the groupthink that's going around regarding the fact that this new norm is in fact normal. It is far from that, and I think when it kicks in this new reality, you're going to see people that will dig in and not admit that they were on the wrong side of history.  Or else you'll see that people will be just hunkering down and ignoring what is going to be a vastly changed country in terms of its humanity and its grace.

 

3.   What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

 

Christmas Eve supper with relatives and loved ones. It's the time when the streets are so quiet and so peaceful.  It makes you want to marvel at this great country and this great planet.  It is opportunity that we have to just drink in this tranquility that is short lived but appreciated especially this year.

 

4.   What what's with the red coats on Christmas time?

Well let me tell you I bought that coat after the weight loss in 2020. I got it on sale from Paul Frederick and I wanted to celebrate the Christmas season.  So it has become a Yonki tradition that I begin every Friday after Thanksgiving and wear it until January 7th of the next year.  That’s the end of the Christmas season when the Epiphany is celebrated. I believe that Christmas season should last from the end of Thanksgiving to the Three Kings day.  The one thing that I truly believe is that the Christmas season should last for a long time and I try to eke out every single minute of it that I can. I have a tough time with people who take down their Christmas trees on December 26 and move on. Christmas is the season of love and trust and a new beginning thus the red coat.

 

5.   Are you going to be going to any Christmas parties this year?

Yes. I lead off with the League of Women Voters gathering which was at one of my favorite restaurants, Theos Metro restaurant in Kingston. Then there was the party for the Luzerne County Democratic women which was at Betelli’s Villa.  That was a fantastic time. Then tonight I am going to my nephew Ian Edwards’s Christmas concert and that's going to be held at Mohegan Sun. Every year the clients who work at Cory’s Place put on a Christmas pageant and play and that's fantastic. Then there's also going to be a special needs event that the mayor is going to be holding.  So it’ll be very busy holiday season for me.

6.   How much impact do you think  J.D. Vance will have in the new administration?

Well given the personality of Mr. trump I really can't see Vance no pun intended advancing to do any type of work other than be a water carrier for The president. My best guess is that he'll just hang around waiting for trump to die.

 

7.   What are your thoughts on this outbreak of winter?

Well, it's typical northeastern Pennsylvania weather and we should be used to it. But in effect we have been spoiled the last couple of winters and I think we are due for one of them that will be a dilly. I hope not but we shall see. In the meantime, my philosophy has always been that the weather changes on a dime and if you just persevere during the bad outcomes there's always a brighter tomorrow.

 

8.   What did you make of MSNBC's Morning Joe and Mika going down to kiss the ring of Mr. trump right after the election?

 

A couple of things. I think there was  a matter of self-survival for them. I'm amazed that there has been no blowback by some of their counterparts on the network, I didn't think that that was going to happen so soon after the outcome of November. But again, you know after going down there and humiliating themselves it just basically was counterproductive because Trump did a tweet slamming Joe. It's almost like why give in to a bully who has no respect for what you do anyway. Scarborough has always been to me a pompous guy that talks about his time in office as if it was consequential to this country which to me was not. He is entertaining though I'll give him that.  I think that it was just something that personally I would not do but again I'm not walking in their shoes.

 

9.   Your favorite Christmas movie?

The two movies that I like some will argue are not holiday movies or Christmas movies per se.  The two that I do like are “Love Actually” and “Going My Way.” Both are from different eras.  “Love Actually” was from this century and “Going My Way” was from the 20^th. So you can see my tastes are a little bit, what shall I say, varied. I just can't walk away from the TV  when they come on.   I just settle down and watch and enjoy them. I can never get enough of either of them during this holiday season or even the rest of the year.

 

10.               What do you say to the people who ae offended by the tune “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer?”

Get a life. If they think that’s bad……. they should hear the polka version.

 

11.               If you could recommend a political book for Christmas gift giving, what would it?

I’m really enjoying George Stephanopoulos’ book “The Situation Room”. There is a lot of inside information on how Presidents used the room that has been in existence since 1961. My favorite chapter is concerning President Ford and the Mayaguez incident.

12.               Do you think Joe Biden should leave office and do blanket pardons for government workers in the Justice Department and all of his employees?

Absolutely. He owes his party NOTHING! He owes his staff who busted their asses to clean up baby Trump’s mess something. And what that is will be peace of mind once they leave the office. His administration had ZERO indictments while Trump had 4 HIMSELF and his administration was filled with crooks. To say this clown car of criminals were prosecuted was just NOT TRUE.

 

13.               Who do you miss most this Christmas?

 

My parents and those aunts and uncles of that greatest generation that shaped me as a person. Everyday I try to live up to their standards. Some days I do and some days I don’t but I sure as hell try.