The LuLac Edition #2526, September 29th, 2013

A FRANTIC FRIDAY!!!!

Ever have one of those days where everything happens and you go from one place to another? And then there are others days when there is absolutely nothing happening? Well this past Friday was not one of those days where everything was going on. 
In addition to work and some iron studies at the Oncology Center on Friday, (they gave me a hat because I was a good boy!!!) we of course had our weekly commitment with WYLN TV’s Topic A. (More news on that in later editions of LuLac. ) Then we attended Blogfest at the Red Mill which incidentally is a very nice place with great food. 
After that, I attended a family get together for my brother in law Kenny Edwards who retired on his birthday from Times Shamrock. Ken has been in the newspaper business since the early 70s working for the old Sunday Independent, then transitioning to the Citizen’s Voice and then finally to the Times Shamrock organization after they bought the Voice and virtually everything else on the east coast. This day was long anticipated by Ken and the level of congratulations he received from coworkers past and present during the last week was just incredible. Plus, he’s a good all around guy to have as a brother in law and friend.
I was happy to attend Blogfest since I missed the last one after recovering from surgery. And as always, it was good to see my good friends Joe Valenti, Harold Jenkins and Gort 42. Those three guys really are the engine behind blogfest along with Michelle Hryvnak Davies who does a great job on social media for the event.
I had a great conversation with County Council candidate Eileen Sorokas and her husband Rick. Then I had the opportunity to meet and greet the other Democratic candidates Rich Heffron, Mike Giamber and Renee Ciaruffoli Taffera. All the Democratic candidates are hitting every event and it was interesting to see how the four who attended worked the room separating and working their personalities as they chatted with the attendees.
I had a great conversation with Independent candidate for Council Rick Williams as well as Carolee Medico Olenginski who is running for County Controller. There are reports that Carolee is running very well in recent polls taken. Medico Olenginski was passing out some great smelling pizza from The Red Mill but I passed because I was going to dinner later. But our conversation focused on the campaign and the candidate said she has been running nonstop since she received the GOP nod in August. She said that with the unanticipated campaign and her 20 grandchildren things can get quite hectic. Her Democratic opponent Michelle Bednar was on hand but I did not get a chance to speak with her.
I swapped stories with County Council candidate Paul DeFabo about fast food, his past runs for public office, his work with the Republican National committee and the obituary pages which we both try to avoid. I also got the opportunity to speak to Alex Milanes who is an up and comer in the County GOP.
I missed the candidates for District Justice, Gerald Mecadon and Alexandra Kokura as well as Bob Morgan from Congressman Cartwright’s office.
Next Blogfest in the Spring God willing I hope to  stay longer. But I left laughing when Joe Valenti said, “So how’s my favorite Socialist?” His comment made me feel like I was in a time machine and was transported back to 5pm earlier that evening when I was on WYLN with L.A. Tarone.
Here’s some photos: 

 4:59 PM: Buttoning up as we get ready to do Topic A with L.A. Tarone on WYLN TV 35. 

7:06 PM: Saying hi to Luzerne County Drmocratic Council candidate Eileen Sorokas.

7:10 PM: Posing with Democratic Luzerne County Council candidate Mike Giamber and my good buddy Gort 42.

7:13 PM: These three guys make Blogfest really happen. Pittston Politics Joe Valenti, Gort 42's Ben Hoon and NEPA Blogs and Just Another Monkey blogger Harold Jenkins.

7:17 PM: If you are a two fisted drinker or just a Diet Coke guy like me, this young lady at The Red Mill can hook you up.

7::21 PM: Democratic candidate Renee Ciaruffoli Taffera and I have a conversation about the campaign.

7:25 PM: Republican candidate for County Controller, Carolee Medico Olenginski. Carolee was doing her best to make sure I had a slice of that delicious Red Mill Pizza as well as telling me about the excitement of this campaign for her.

7:57 PM: Me and my recently retired brother in law Ken Edwards at his family gathering Friday night. I wanted to take the picture with the proper signage that would indicate the true spirit of the day. (Look up) Like any hard working person, the path to retirement was long and winding, may the years after work be straight ahead and smooth sailing. This one's for you Edwards, the Beatles.