The LuLac Edition #3025, September 10th, 2015

PITTSTON MURAL PICKS

 Frank Swingle and Lenny Pribula on the mural in Pittston. (Photo: WBRE Eyewitness News).

When news that Pittston was going to have a mural in the city came to light, the first person I thought of was Joe Borini. Borini was a well known artist and I was pleased to see his inclusion onto the wall. When a project like this is undertaken, I always think about the people running the project. The motives always start out with good intentions but when you have a limited amount of space and just so many honorary Pittstonians you will have discussions and debates as to who belong and who is borderline worthy. Again, tough job for the committee.
Like others I’m not going to go into some of the choices that to me are dubious. As I study the wall and go through the list again I will continue to comment. Like any Hall of Fame there are “no brainers” and to me there were two selections that fell into that category.
The first one was my Uncle Lenny Pribula. Okay it’s great to see a family member up there especially one that I knew and looked up to since I was a small child. Lenny along with his contemporary brothers Joe (Lefty) and Thomas (Timmy) served as excellent role models for my generation. My uncle Lenny had many qualities but the one that stands out is his consistency. He never disappointed. He was a mainstay. If there was a joyful family occasion or a sad one, there was Lenny front and center. 

My uncle Lenny Pribula and your blog editor. (Photo: Mrs. LuLac). 

Multiply that trait a thousand fold and more when you think of his work at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Main Street in Pittston. Catering a wedding, shower or after funeral breakfast, Lenny lent the same interest, joy and compassion to all those extended Pittston Area families. When I would go to the Knights once in a while for a political function or for a social event, I’d see him there in action. I even mentioned once to Mrs. LuLac that in that Hall he wasn’t only my uncle but seemed to be Pittston’s uncle. Politically he knew the pretenders and the honest ones but would never offer any opinion out of school.
Fifty years is a long time. In this age of constant turnover, no one does anything for longer than a decade. To many youngsters doing one thing for that long is inconceivable. For them, for all of us, my uncle’s place on the wall is an example of commitment to an organization and a community. I am so glad that this unassuming man who faded into the background as brides, and candidates took the stage at the Knights for their moment, now takes his place right in the heart of town. As I spoke to my Aunt Joan (his wife for more than 50 years, again there’s that consistency and commitment again) on Tuesday afternoon, we agreed he’d be grateful, honored and a little surprised. After hanging up I wondered if Lenny himself might have asked “What am I doing with these big shots up here?” I thought about that all Tuesday night. Then I realized the answer, it wouldn’t be a Pittston party without my uncle and Pittston’s uncle, Lenny Pribula.
The other person on the wall that I was thrilled to see was Professor Francis W. Swingle. My dad, as a union Railroad man had seen his share of great speakers. But when Swingle spoke during a Commencement at Pittston Area my father was impressed by the man’s rhetorical skills. I had not heard Swingle in action until a few St. Patrick’s Days functions and he was great. Swingle had the ability to make a speech but make it not only relate to you but also those around you.

Professor Frank Swingle circa 1974. (Photo: LuLac archives). 

One of the most unforgettable speeches I heard him give was at King’s College on Orientation Day. Swingle ambled up to the podium and greeted us. He then asked all of us to look to the left and then to the right. He intoned, “By spring the person sitting next to you will not be here”. Shock one.
He backed his statement up that this was college, not high school. That the state didn’t mandate us to be at King’s nor did King’s necessarily want us if we weren’t willing to work hard. As a matter of fact he intimated King’s was more than happy to take our money or our parent’s money and not hear your sob story about why you couldn’t make the grade. The next revelation Swingle made was that he had a mistress. Gasp. (This was 1973 after all!) Swingle said that his mistress was King’s College and if we as students on or off campus did anything to besmirch his mistress, he personally would hunt us down and find us. And we would suffer the dire consequences of his wrath.
I’m not quite sure Swingle’s speech would have worked in this new century with lower standards of morality and education but it sure scared the shit out of us.
To this day there is not one person who sat in that gym at King’s who doesn’t remember at least one part of that speech. Swingle was an excellent speaker who always made a point. Plus he made an impression.
It is a good thing that my uncle Lenny Pribula and Swingle are on the same wall. Swingle constantly promoted the Knights and is honored in full fourth degree uniform.Lenny most likely heard many a Swingle yarn.
However his words and ideas to young people willing to listen and act on his thoughts make his presence on that mural not only necessary but mandatory.

GOD, KIM DAVIS, HUCKABEE THE CLOWN AND THE LAW

Oh God when the heck is this going to end! Kim Davis has become a celebrity for breaking her oath of office. An office that she swore to God on. Apparently her allegiance to God is selective. Her release from jail along with Mike Huckabee standing by her side was just breathtaking in its assault to the Constitution. Plus it was ridiculous.
See, here’s what I don’t understand. Conservative Republicans carry their little booklet of the Constitution in their pocket and preach to all of us about how we have to follow the laws of the land, and the Constitution that the founding fathers wanted us to follow. Then they have Mike Huckabee (who should have stayed on Fox TV by the way) say that the Supreme Court had 5 unelected lawyers making decisions for Christians. Mike, the Constitution refers to branches of government. It’s in the Constitution man!
Here’s what Huckabee said, I am willing to spend the next eight years in the White House leading in this country. But I want you to know I'm willing to spend the next eight years in jail, but I'm not willing to spend the next years in tyranny under people who think they can take our freedom and conscience away." What an insult to people who were actually oppressed religiously. No one has taken anyone’s freedom away to worship and believe in whatever God they want to. No churches are being shut down. No one is stopping anyone at any border either. No religious shrines are damaged. Has Huckabee seen the ISIS videos? By his actions he has disqualified himself to be President of the United States.
And then Davis, she said the following, "I just want to give God the glory. His people have rallied, and you are a strong people. We serve a living God who knows exactly where each and every one of us is at. Just keep on pressing. Don't let down, because he is here”
I liken this to the athlete who wins The Super Bowl and thanks God for letting him have a good game. There is a living God and a loving God. Plus there is a God with a sense of humor who has to be laughing at the antics of one little speck in the universe who has taken it upon herself to become a cause celeb over what is the law of the land as well as those people who execute that law according to The Constitution.
About 55 years ago a future President was asked about religion and whether he might resign if his religion got in the way of his duty. Maybe Kim Davis and Huckabee should watch this and act accordingly.

WHY I'M DONE WITH THE IRAN DEAL

I listened to many reasonable people tell me how great this Iran deal is. But I’m done even thinking about supporting it after this revelation from the thug in Iran. In a quote posted to Twitter by Khamenei’s official account, Khamenei addresses Israel, saying, “You will not see next 25 years,” and adds that the Jewish state will be hounded until it is destroyed.
The quote comes against a backdrop of a photograph apparently showing the Iranian leader walking on an Israeli flag painted on a sidewalk. The fact that this statement was made gives you an idea of how truly evil this country is. The only consolation I have is that Iran might be blown off the map by Israel. We are forcing Israel to go alone and become a more militant state. I think that’s a good thing.If Iran thinks they can win, just ask the Arabs from 1967 and 1973. This “leader” will rue the day he made this statement.

YOUNG DEMS MEET MONDAY

Young Democrat’s President Tom Shubilla sent this message on Face book recently regarding an event this Monday. 2016 is a very important Presidential Election and no matter who you are supporting it is important to come out to get the ball rolling. In addition 2015 can be a great opportunity to get a new crop of Democrats elected on the Municipal level and get geared up for the 2016 Primary and General Election. 

We will also discuss officer elections and possibly be joined by 2015 candidates!
Membership is open to anyone under 36 who is a registered Democrat. Please come participate. We will elect board members and discuss future plans.
Monday September 14 at 7PM at Leggio's Restaurant. On route 315.

THE INN AT POCONO MANOR TO HOST PA SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION AND FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR FOR A DISCUSSION ON PASSENGER RAIL

Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo: LuLac archives).

On October 13th at Pocono Manor Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation, Leslie Richards; Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator, Therese McMillan; and Congressman Cartwright will hear presentations from local business leaders, local and state elected leaders, and local commuter rail advocates on the importance and potential of bringing commuter rail to northeastern Pennsylvania and connecting northern New Jersey and the Northeast Corridor initially with the Poconos and, eventually, greater Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Questions will follow, time permitting.
In the early part of the 20th century, the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad constructed a level-graded route from Roxbury, New Jersey to just over the Delaware River in order to serve as a faster, more direct route between existing rail lines in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Lackawanna Cut-Off, as it became known, was unfortunately abandoned in the 1970s, and 28 miles of track were removed. Over the last couple of decades, however, as commuter traffic from northeastern Pennsylvania to northern New Jersey has increased, local leaders and groups in Monroe and Lackawanna/Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania have expressed support and advocated for a commuter rail service restoration initiative. Each day, tens of thousands of people commute east from Monroe and surrounding counties over congested Pennsylvania and New Jersey highways, and this will only grow worse with the widening of the Panama Canal, population growth in northeastern Pennsylvania, and increases in population and job opportunities in New Jersey and New York. With the simultaneous increases in truck traffic that the Interstate 80 areas will inevitably face as a major trucking corridor, the investment in (re-)completing this commuter rail line represents an option to effectively address two states’ long-term surface transportation needs.
Again that’s Tuesday, October 13, 2015 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm at The Inn at Pocono Manor The Horizon Room 1 Manor Drive Pocono Manor, PA 18349.

MEDIA MATTERS

DA AT IRREGULARS BREAKFAST THIS WEEK

Saturday September 12 The Irregulars will host Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis as their guest speaker. Cost for the family-style breakfast is $13.00 payable at the door and that includes server tip.
The best way to make your reservation is to email theirregulars@frontier.com and we’ll count you in. Since breakfast is open-seating the earlier you book your seat the better it is for us in determining the advance count. If you make a reservation please do your best to honor it. If your plans change please call our illustrious facilitator, Cholly, at 570-760-1213.

WYLN TV EXPANDS

WYLN35 is already the only Class-A broadcast station originating locally from Hazleton. WYLN TV just completed a major technical upgrade, making programming further available by adding a considerably broader viewing audience in northeastern and central Pennsylvania with a clear digital signal. WYLN is also proud to announce the region’s newest station, Channel 9 in Williamsport. This move will further cement WYLN’s position as the local broadcast leader and the Hazleton-based station with, by far, the most expansive cable and over the air broadcast capabilities. With the move to digital, accessibility is projected to nearly double, reaching close to 1 Million Households.*
Viewers who use a rooftop antenna to receive over-the-air broadcasts are reminded to re-scan their digital televisions in order to receive the new WYLN channels.

Current WYLN35 Broadcast Coverage Includes:
Service Electric Cablevision Hazleton Ch 7
Wilkes-Barre Service Electric Ch 7
Metrocast Berwick Ch 7
Metrocast Schuykill Ch 7
Metrocast Pocono Ch 7
Shen Heights Ch 7 or 15
Service Electric Mahanoy City Ch 7
And over the air in Northeastern PA on: WYLN-CD Hazleton, Channel 35; W47AO-D Berwick, Channel 47; W09DB-D Williamsport, Channel 9; W24BB-D East Stroudsburg, Channel 24
(Note: some upgrades are in progress and so above information/map coverage area may be subject to minor modification)
Among the new areas projected to be reached over the air with the WYLN broadcast expansion: Bloomsburg, Sunbury, Danville, Lock Haven, Lewistown, and Jim Thorpe, to name a few.

GEM 104 UPGRADES BRAND

If you are a regular listener to Oldies GEM 104 and its various frequencies you’ll see some subtle rebranding. One of the ID promos now say GEM plays the Greatest Hits of the 70s and 80s. You’ll hear more 80s music as the radio station recognizes that the 80s are now the new 60s to some people. GEM 104 can be heard in Wilkes Barre at 95.3 - Wilkes-Barre Area, 104.5 - Wilkes Barre, Pittston, 101.7 – Abingtons, 104.3 - Tunkhannock, Factoryville, Scranton , 99.9 - Back Mountain and 1460 AM - Wyoming County.

ECTV

Rusty Fender will serve as the host for ECTV Live during the week of September 14 as David DeCosmo takes the week off. Rusty will be speaking with a representative of the University of Scranton reviewing events scheduled there this fall. ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is broadcast three times daily throughout the week.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine

Brian Hughes speaks with Richard Bryzinski & MaryClair Sawicki about Telespond's Annual 5 Mile Walk and 2 Mile Run coming up on Oct 3rd at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail on Olive Street in Scranton.

Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Janine and Shawn Ann from Johnson College in Scranton about their Mini Maker Faire coming up on Oct 3rd.

And an encore of Brian's interview with independent presidential candidate Scott Smith, who explains his plan to replace income taxes with a financial transaction fee.

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.

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!”

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.

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP!!!!!!

The Doo-Wop Sock Hop can be heard every Sunday night from 6P to 9P on “105 The River (104.9 FM) Host is the incomparable Bobby V. www.105theriver.net
www.doowopsockhop.net

1965

Our 1965 logo.

Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches a perfect game in a baseball match against the Chicago Cubs. The opposing pitcher, Bob Hendley, allows only 1 run, which is unearned, and only one hit, making this the lowest-hit game (1) in baseball history. It is Koufax's fourth no-hitter in as many seasons…

U.N. Secretary General U Thant negotiates with Pakistan President Ayub Khan.....U Thant recommends China for United Nations membership…..Hurricane Betsy roars ashore near New Orleans with winds of 145 mph (233 km/h), causing 76 deaths and $1.42 billion in damage. The storm is the first hurricane to cause $1 billion in unadjusted damages, giving it the nickname "Billion Dollar Betsy". It is the last major hurricane to strike New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina 40 years later……. The Congress of Arab Countries begins in Casablanca; Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia boycotts the meeting……The fourth and final period of the Second Vatican Council opens…..in Pennsylvania the two baseball teams the Phillies and the Pirates pretty much remain out of the pennant races as the season ends…..in Luzerne County Commissioner Jim Post continues to defend his reassessment plan and fifty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire.