The LuLac Edition #4,353, July 19th, 2020

THE “TAKE OUT” CONCERT SERIES

Well that’s my name for it but last year’s successful Rockin’ the County concert series is now moving to the neighborhoods and towns. Last night it was Hazleton, the Mountain City.
I had the opportunity to drive in it right behind the flatbed truck containing the members of Indigo Moon Brass Band. These guys not only played like the proverbial musical champs but certainly stayed in place as the truck navigated the various neighborhoods of Hazleton. (No one fell off is what I’m trying to tell you!)
As far as the people we saw, at stops along the way people watched from their porches, lawns and a few businesses dancing, smiling and thanking Discover NEPA and the county Convention and Visitors Bureau for the free show. People followed the music as friends and neighbors enjoyed a street side take out of good music. As I drove along, the entire scene reminded me of my neighborhood in the Junction section of Pittston on a Friday night in the summer. Kids out of school, parents home from work, people on porches, small crowds gathering to see the spectacle and kids lined up for an ice cream treat from the truck that announced its arrival with the chiming bells. (Those ice cream truck proved that Haagen Daas is just for the winter).

Speaking of Pittston, the next concert is set for my old hometown Pittston July 24th!
From left to right before we got moving, Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat, Tony Brooks, me, Mary Kolessar from Discover NEPA, Mary Malone, Executive Director of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and Theodore “Ted” Wampole, Executive Director o the Luzerne County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. (Ted was also a member of the storied Killer Bees Softball team as was I).

CONGRESSMAN CARTWRIGHT STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF JOHN LEWIS 

Congressman John Lewis (Photo: The Atlantic)

Congressman Matt Cartwright offered this remembrance of John Lewis, Civil Rights pioneer. 
My heart breaks today with the passing of Congressman John Lewis.
John Lewis's lifelong quest for freedom and justice for all led to important progress in our nation and inspired so many others to join the fight. I was truly humbled to serve alongside him in Congress.
We will all miss this true American hero -- a man with the highest level of integrity. We can honor him by continuing his efforts to build a more just America.
I can’t help but remember visiting Selma, walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with Mr. Lewis and thinking about the tremendous injuries he suffered there in the fight for justice. We owe it to him to not become complacent, to keep up the fight, and never stop working to bend the moral arc of the universe toward justice.