The LuLac Edition #2858, March 19th, 2015
BIDEN COMES TO SCRANTON
Two Mayors of Scranton, and in fact a number 1 and number 2, Eugene Peters and his Deputy Mayor Jim McNulty. (Photo: Jim McNulty Facebook but I bet Joe Peters took the photo!)
AND IN PITTSTON AND WILKES BARRE
I knew the late Frank Duzen from my church, St. John the Baptist in Pittston. He was always a very friendly parishioner that we’d see at the 9:30AM Mass. Later on Duzen was the guy who helped cross people going to the Courthouse. He always had the combination of a smart remark and kind word for everyone in that building. He was 93, lived a great, long life and is remembered fondly and will be missed.
Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo: LuLac archives).
Pat Marranca Third District Chair advises that the party group will be having their meetings every third Monday at the Dupont VFW, Main Street. Meetings begin at 7pm. The April meeting is set for the 20th.
This week's guest in Margo Azzarelli, author of "Lackawanna Chronicles", her fourth local history book. Jim Riley hosts Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Game Sports Radio Network 1340/1400/1440 am and 100.7 and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.
Vice President Biden chats with former Scranton Mayor Gene Peters. (Photo: Facebook).
Vice President Joe Biden came to the Scranton Tuesday and like the political athlete he is, the veteran politico touched every base. First he attended the Irish Women’s event at the Radisson. Reprising the appearance of his boss Barack Obama, Biden made his way through the crowd in the lobby greeting a throng who came out to see him.
Later on he went to the other D.C., Dickson City up the line and gave a touching speech about his Scranton roots and his Irish heritage. By the time the Veep started to speak, the bow tie was slightly askew but that was just because of the massive groups of people trying to see him. There was speculation that Biden might make a significant announcement about his future at the dinner. That would have certainly put Scranton on the top of the newscasts Wednesday morning. But it was not to be. YET.
Don’t be surprised if Joe Biden might be rethinking another Presidential run at this time. A few weeks back in a conversation with a very wise politico, he said Biden was running. I didn’t think so deep in my heart but now with an opening, you just never know. If the Clinton narrative continues to head south over trust, Biden might have an opportunity to snag the nomination. There are a few things working against him like the gaffes and age. But unlike Jim Webb, Martin O’Malley and Elizabeth Warren the country will know in spades what they are getting. Biden can keep the Obama coalition together and has been more aggressive in being inclusive than his boss. I don’t think it bothers Biden that people have been underestimating him this time around. It’s been that way since he began his political career in the late 60s. It might be a long shot but DO NOT bet against Biden.
Vice President Joe Biden came to the Scranton Tuesday and like the political athlete he is, the veteran politico touched every base. First he attended the Irish Women’s event at the Radisson. Reprising the appearance of his boss Barack Obama, Biden made his way through the crowd in the lobby greeting a throng who came out to see him.
Later on he went to the other D.C., Dickson City up the line and gave a touching speech about his Scranton roots and his Irish heritage. By the time the Veep started to speak, the bow tie was slightly askew but that was just because of the massive groups of people trying to see him. There was speculation that Biden might make a significant announcement about his future at the dinner. That would have certainly put Scranton on the top of the newscasts Wednesday morning. But it was not to be. YET.
Don’t be surprised if Joe Biden might be rethinking another Presidential run at this time. A few weeks back in a conversation with a very wise politico, he said Biden was running. I didn’t think so deep in my heart but now with an opening, you just never know. If the Clinton narrative continues to head south over trust, Biden might have an opportunity to snag the nomination. There are a few things working against him like the gaffes and age. But unlike Jim Webb, Martin O’Malley and Elizabeth Warren the country will know in spades what they are getting. Biden can keep the Obama coalition together and has been more aggressive in being inclusive than his boss. I don’t think it bothers Biden that people have been underestimating him this time around. It’s been that way since he began his political career in the late 60s. It might be a long shot but DO NOT bet against Biden.
Two sons of Scranton, Senator Bob Casey and Vice President Biden. (Photo: Citizen’s Voice).
More than 400 attended the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons Dinner at the Woodlands. Labor Leader John J. Dougherty was the main speaker,
Monsignor John Bendik of St. John the Evangelist Church received the organization’s Achievement Award. Dr. John Callahan of Pittston received the Swingle Award and Thomas J. Reilly Sr. was named Man of the Year.
Last Friday former Yankee Sparky Lyle spoke to the Wilkes Barre Friendly Sons wowing that group with baseball lore. There were more than 600 people at that dinner. So for three events more than 2500 people celebrated. Talk about economic growth in action. The Chambers of Commerce around here could learn a thing from The Friendly Sons.
Monsignor John Bendik of St. John the Evangelist Church received the organization’s Achievement Award. Dr. John Callahan of Pittston received the Swingle Award and Thomas J. Reilly Sr. was named Man of the Year.
Last Friday former Yankee Sparky Lyle spoke to the Wilkes Barre Friendly Sons wowing that group with baseball lore. There were more than 600 people at that dinner. So for three events more than 2500 people celebrated. Talk about economic growth in action. The Chambers of Commerce around here could learn a thing from The Friendly Sons.
LUZERNE COUNTY COUNCIL RACE
For a while there were reports that not many people were going to run for the race in Luzerne County for the Council seats. But right now there are 9 Democrats running for the 6 seats. Three Democrats Edward A. Brominski of Swoyersville, Tim McGinley of Kingston, and Stephen A. Urban of Wilkes-Barre are running. The first Chairman of the Council, Attorney Jim Bobeck has declined to seek another term. That is unfortunate because Bobeck has lent a great deal of logic and sanity to a very challenging start to a new government. In fact he should be applauded for taking the reigns of this new form of governance when it was in its infancy. There are others who would have crashed this thing into the ground, Bobeck did not. He also has elevated the debate on the new Council that was elected in 2013 and keeping it from loitering in the bottom of the garbage pail.
Rick Morelli has been an inspiration in terms of all the flack he has taken. The Democrats don’t like him, members of his own party have savaged him. He has taken considerable time away from his real job to get the Council moving and is to be commended for having an Iron Man’s constitution in dealing with all of this. Like Bobeck, he will be missed and both will go down as the perfect individuals to transition from Home Rule maybe to Home Ruler in action.
The incumbents Edd Brominski, Stephen A. Urban and Tim McGinley bring a special skill set to their re-election bids. As former Commissioners Brominski and Urban can take a look back and continue to do a comparison and contrast if re-elected. McGinley who served as the second Chairman brings a plethora of experience that can give the Council an overview of what will work and won’t. McGinley also knows the social service system inside and out and can be a watchful eye on issues that can be controversial. With incumbency there are many strengths but one pitfall is that there might be a temptation to throw everyone out. I hope that will not be the case. For sure this has been a contentious council but to leave it rudderless would not be a good idea with new faces replacing seasoned veterans.
Other Democrats running are John J. Pekarovsky, Larksville, Anthony J. Rostock, Yatesville, Robert W. Schnee,, ugarloaf Township, Jane Walsh Waitkus, Dorrance Township, Robert J. Altavilla, Larksville, and John Gadomski, Wyoming.
Walsh Waitkus ran in 2011 and ran a very aggressive campaign focusing in on transparency. During that campaign she told the Times Leader she wanted people to grill her on the issues. Presumably she has seen the meetings and it is a favorable thing that she still wants to run again. Anthony Rostock has been active in Pittston Area politics, especially on the School Board and has been tinkering with the idea of a County run for some time. He might be able to garner the support afforded to Sal Licata in the ’11 election from the Third District.
Pekarovsky, and Altavilla, are both from Larksville and may split the vote in their town. Schnee and Gadomski might do well in their areas too but they will need to broaden their base to be successful. It is early but unless something incredible happens, the three incumbents Brominski, McGinley and Urban will win their nomination with Walsh Waitkus and Rostock, by virtue of their name recognition having more than a fighting chance. So that leaves one Democratic seat up for grabs among the remaining four candidates. Look for one or all of them to latch on to the coat tails of a more visible candidate.
On the GOP Side, Marc Dixon of Mountain Top, Ray Gustave, of West Wyoming, Mark Rabo, of Hazleton and Stephen J. Urban, of Wilkes-Barre have filed. This is a no brainer because this party couldn’t even get a full slate. Urban Junior is well known and Gustave has run before.
Come November, here’s something you can take to the bank. The Urbans will win their seats so control of the council will be between the other 5 remaining Democrats and the other Republicans. Those odds aren’t bad for the Dems. But hey, it’s early.
Rick Morelli has been an inspiration in terms of all the flack he has taken. The Democrats don’t like him, members of his own party have savaged him. He has taken considerable time away from his real job to get the Council moving and is to be commended for having an Iron Man’s constitution in dealing with all of this. Like Bobeck, he will be missed and both will go down as the perfect individuals to transition from Home Rule maybe to Home Ruler in action.
The incumbents Edd Brominski, Stephen A. Urban and Tim McGinley bring a special skill set to their re-election bids. As former Commissioners Brominski and Urban can take a look back and continue to do a comparison and contrast if re-elected. McGinley who served as the second Chairman brings a plethora of experience that can give the Council an overview of what will work and won’t. McGinley also knows the social service system inside and out and can be a watchful eye on issues that can be controversial. With incumbency there are many strengths but one pitfall is that there might be a temptation to throw everyone out. I hope that will not be the case. For sure this has been a contentious council but to leave it rudderless would not be a good idea with new faces replacing seasoned veterans.
Other Democrats running are John J. Pekarovsky, Larksville, Anthony J. Rostock, Yatesville, Robert W. Schnee,, ugarloaf Township, Jane Walsh Waitkus, Dorrance Township, Robert J. Altavilla, Larksville, and John Gadomski, Wyoming.
Walsh Waitkus ran in 2011 and ran a very aggressive campaign focusing in on transparency. During that campaign she told the Times Leader she wanted people to grill her on the issues. Presumably she has seen the meetings and it is a favorable thing that she still wants to run again. Anthony Rostock has been active in Pittston Area politics, especially on the School Board and has been tinkering with the idea of a County run for some time. He might be able to garner the support afforded to Sal Licata in the ’11 election from the Third District.
Pekarovsky, and Altavilla, are both from Larksville and may split the vote in their town. Schnee and Gadomski might do well in their areas too but they will need to broaden their base to be successful. It is early but unless something incredible happens, the three incumbents Brominski, McGinley and Urban will win their nomination with Walsh Waitkus and Rostock, by virtue of their name recognition having more than a fighting chance. So that leaves one Democratic seat up for grabs among the remaining four candidates. Look for one or all of them to latch on to the coat tails of a more visible candidate.
On the GOP Side, Marc Dixon of Mountain Top, Ray Gustave, of West Wyoming, Mark Rabo, of Hazleton and Stephen J. Urban, of Wilkes-Barre have filed. This is a no brainer because this party couldn’t even get a full slate. Urban Junior is well known and Gustave has run before.
Come November, here’s something you can take to the bank. The Urbans will win their seats so control of the council will be between the other 5 remaining Democrats and the other Republicans. Those odds aren’t bad for the Dems. But hey, it’s early.
FRANK DUZEN
I knew the late Frank Duzen from my church, St. John the Baptist in Pittston. He was always a very friendly parishioner that we’d see at the 9:30AM Mass. Later on Duzen was the guy who helped cross people going to the Courthouse. He always had the combination of a smart remark and kind word for everyone in that building. He was 93, lived a great, long life and is remembered fondly and will be missed.
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CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES $3.5 MILLION IN HHS FUNDS FOR SLDHA HEAD START PROGRAMS
Congressman Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a supplementary grant worth $3,592,980.00 to the Scranton/Lackawanna Human Development Agency (SLDHA).
The agency is an umbrella organization dedicated to serving the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals within Lackawanna and surrounding counties through a variety of programs.
The funds will be used for the agency’s various Head Start programs that provide Pre-K, Early Head Start, and Head Start programs for children throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.
“SLDHA’s Head Start programs provide children in northeastern Pennsylvania access to a wide range of high-quality educational services. These federal funds are an investment in both our community and our children,” said Cartwright. “I am a proud proponent of Head Start; a great education starts with early childhood education and is vital to strengthening our economy and our country.”
Head Start is a national program created in 1965 to address the educational and developmental needs of low-income, pre-school children. Head Start’s comprehensive service system provides social, nutritional, and educational services for thousands of children and their families across the United States.
The agency is an umbrella organization dedicated to serving the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals within Lackawanna and surrounding counties through a variety of programs.
The funds will be used for the agency’s various Head Start programs that provide Pre-K, Early Head Start, and Head Start programs for children throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.
“SLDHA’s Head Start programs provide children in northeastern Pennsylvania access to a wide range of high-quality educational services. These federal funds are an investment in both our community and our children,” said Cartwright. “I am a proud proponent of Head Start; a great education starts with early childhood education and is vital to strengthening our economy and our country.”
Head Start is a national program created in 1965 to address the educational and developmental needs of low-income, pre-school children. Head Start’s comprehensive service system provides social, nutritional, and educational services for thousands of children and their families across the United States.
THIRD DISTRICT GOP TO MEET
Pat Marranca Third District Chair advises that the party group will be having their meetings every third Monday at the Dupont VFW, Main Street. Meetings begin at 7pm. The April meeting is set for the 20th.
GILBERT MEET AND GREET
Council Candidate Beth Gilbert. (Photo: Gilbert campaign).
Wilkes Barre City Council candidate in District C will hold a meet and greet March 25th from 7 to 9pm at Jim McCarthy’s Tavern On the Hill. The event will be on Wednesday night and feature the candidate interacting with people in the District. Admission is free but contributions I’m sure will be appreciated.
MEDIA MATTERS
SUNDAY MAGAZINE
This Week on Sunday Magazine
Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Mike Zimmerman and Teddie Janisov from Family Service Association of Northeast Pa, about their benefit Gala, coming up in April.
An encore of Brian Hughes'interview with Dr. Matthew Budoff about heart health. Frankie speaks with Tom & Noreen Clark from WNEP-TV about next weekend's "Bowl For Kids Sake" fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Northeast Pa.
And an encore of Brian's interview with Alyssa Maria from Home Instead Senior Care about senior safety.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on
97BHT, 6am on 97.9X & Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.
ECTV
Thom Welby. (Photo: ECTV)
Long time WNEP employee Tom Welby will join David DeCosmo and co-host Rusty Fender on ECTV Live during the week of March 23rd. Tom will be talking about plans for and the history of the popular "First Friday" events in Scranton.
ECTV Live is carried on the Comcast Cable system on Channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is presented several times each day throughout the week. The prime show times are during the Noon and Midnight hour each day with 6 pm screenings on selected dates. You can check the program schedule for all ECTV programs by searching ectv schedule on your computer.
ECTV Live is carried on the Comcast Cable system on Channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is presented several times each day throughout the week. The prime show times are during the Noon and Midnight hour each day with 6 pm screenings on selected dates. You can check the program schedule for all ECTV programs by searching ectv schedule on your computer.
BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM
This week's guest in Margo Azzarelli, author of "Lackawanna Chronicles", her fourth local history book. Jim Riley hosts Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Game Sports Radio Network 1340/1400/1440 am and 100.7 and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.
SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION
Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. Special Edition is heard Saturdays and Sunday on these Entercom stations, WILK FM Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 6 am on Froggy 101 Sunday at 7 am on The Sports Hub 102.3 Sunday at 7 am on K R Z 98.5 Sunday at noon on WILK FM 103.1.
BUDDY RUMCHEK
Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”
BUDDY RUMCHEK
Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”
KAREL ON THE STREET
Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.
CORBETT’S SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME
Every Wednesday at 5PM, Steve Corbett shines the light on a Public official with his “Somebody’s Watching Me” segment. Corbett picks an alleged public servant to eye ball and observe. Batten down the lawn furniture in the driveway and that e mail machine. There is nowhere to hide when “somebody’s Watching”. Wednesdays at 5 on WILK’s Corbett program.
Our 1965 logo.
1965
Jeff Beck replaces Eric Clapton of the Yardbirds…….Israeli cabinet approves diplomatic relations with West Germany……………T.G.I. Friday's 1st restaurant opens in NYC…..Beatles announce their film is named "8 Arms to Hold on to You" (Help)…………. Cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov, leaving his spacecraft Voskhod 2 for 12 minutes, becomes the first person to walk in space. The USSR beats the U.S. by a few months in the race to walk in space….
Nicolae Ceausescu is elected General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party…..27th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: UCLA beats Michigan 91-80…in the Commonwealth, Walter Allesandroni the State Attorney General indicates he might want to run for Lt. Governor in 1966….and in Plains, preparations continue for the opening of the region's first racetrack, Pocono Downs..and fifty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Can't You Hear My Heartbeat” by Herman's Hermits, a group that is part of the continuing British Invasion of rock and roll.
Nicolae Ceausescu is elected General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party…..27th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: UCLA beats Michigan 91-80…in the Commonwealth, Walter Allesandroni the State Attorney General indicates he might want to run for Lt. Governor in 1966….and in Plains, preparations continue for the opening of the region's first racetrack, Pocono Downs..and fifty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Can't You Hear My Heartbeat” by Herman's Hermits, a group that is part of the continuing British Invasion of rock and roll.
posted by David Yonki @ 7:46 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
Love the Thursday editions of LuLac. The 50th anniversary of the space walk is great.
On Luzerne County Council you are correct. The Urbans are in.
If Joe Biden were a rapper he would be
Gaff Master Funk!
the council race will boil down to this, a dem sweep except for urban junior. Bromo, McGinley and urban and Jane. as you say, there is one left. look for that to be quite the donnybrook.
Oh gawd praise for Bobeck and Morelli. I couldnt disagree with you more. We honestly have gotten nowhere. Lawton is jumping ship and all they are doing are taking their balls and going home because they..didnt get their way??
They got their way on everything they asked for!! Why quit???
My grandad always said a quitter never wins and winner never quits.
Bobeck was out of his depth on most of the issues and when it came down to it was just a yes man rubber stamp for the county manager.
Morelli is simply morally bankrupt and is clueless.
Good riddance to these two rogues.
We need new faces. Bromo is part of the old guard. He is as political as political gets in the county.
NO MORE URBANS!!!!
Morelli and Bobeck have more intellect then these guys. Especially when you add in Dobash and Sorokas.
They will be missed and will always be known as two individuals who did what was right for our county and did not do any political favors
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