The LuLac Edition 5,015, October 31st, 2023

 

MAYBE I’M AMAZED

Our “Maybe I’m Amazed” logo. 

HALLOWEEN EDITION 

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..that the The first Jack O’Lanterns were actually made from turnips.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……The word “witch” comes from the Old English wicce, meaning “wise woman.” In fact, wiccan were highly respected people at one time. According to popular belief, witches held one of their two main meetings, or sabbats, on Halloween night._[19]

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..but not surprised that. Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…… that fifty percent of kids prefer to  receive chocolate candy for Halloween, compared with 24% who prefer non-chocolate candy and 10% who preferred gum.

_{MAYBE I’M AMAZED….}Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that the  owl is a popular Halloween image. In Medieval Europe, owls were thought to be witches, and to hear an owl's call meant someone was about to die

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..According to Irish legend, Jack O’Lanterns are named after a stingy man named Jack who, because he tricked the devil several times, was forbidden entrance into both heaven and hell. He was condemned to wander the Earth, waving his lantern to lead people away from their paths.

MAYBE I'M AMAZED  that   the Guinness World Record for Heaviest Pumpkin is held by Mathias Willemijns from Belgium and his 2,624.6-pound pumpkin._[9]

MAYBE I’M AMAZED that  Stephen Clarke holds the record for the world’s fastest pumpkin carving time: 24.03 seconds, smashing his previous record of 54.72 seconds. The rules of the competition state that the pumpkin must weigh less than 24 pounds and be carved in a traditional way, which requires at least eyes, nose, ears, and a mouth.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED  that trick-or-treating evolved from the ancient Celtic tradition of putting out treats and food to placate spirits who roamed the streets at Samhain, a sacred festival that marked the end of the Celtic calendar year.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that Souling” is a medieval Christian precursor to modern-day trick-or-treating. On Hallowmas (November 1), the poor would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED that Ireland is typically believed to be the birthplace of Halloween.

MAYBE I.M AMAZED that the first known mention of trick-or-treating in print in North America occurred in 1927 in Blackie, Alberta,  According to a Merriam-Webster blog post, research conducted by etymologist Barry Popik suggests the term “trick or treat” first appeared in the early 1920s, when several Canadian newspapers used variations of it. A November 1923 article published in the Saskatchewan Leader-Post described a quiet Halloween, noting that “‘Treats’ not ‘tricks’ were the order of the evening,” while a November 1924 article published in Alberta’s Red Deer Advocate stated:Hallowe'en night was observed in the usual manner by the young "bloods" in Penhold. "Fun is fun, and tricks are tricks," but when such public buildings as school and Memorial Hall are molested with no option for "Treat or Trick," we can not see where either fun or trick is enjoyed by the participants.

 

 

 

 

The LuLac Edition #5,014, Octlober 30th. 2023

 MONDAY MEMES

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 013, October 26th, 2023

 

CROCAMO SCHOOLS ELECTION BOARD 

 

MEMBER 

 

 A COUNTY MANAGER WHO MANAGES

Hats off to Romilda Crovcomo for taking on Election Board member Alyssa Fusaro. Fusaro who in 2022 cried like a baby when confronted with allegation of using a racial slur against two election workers who were not of her color (yep Trumpanzee in our midst folks) was at it again Wednesday night. She wanted to know the name of the election worker that was responsible for the recent  issue with mail in ballot concerning the Wilkes Barre City Council race.  The same woman who helped throw a welcome wagon party for the county manager Randsy Robertson who stayed a hot 6 months was schooled by the current County Manager in how a team works.

In response to  Fusaro’s inquisition Crocamo said an assessment is being performed to figure out why data did not match up in some Wilkes-Barre precincts, causing 1,557 voters to receive a mail ballot from the wrong ward. “I will not allow anyone — anyone — to cross examine and abuse my staff. I want to be clear about that. That ends today,” Crocamo said.

“My staff gets death threats. Do you understand that? If anything happens to my staff, I will hold you personally responsible. You will not mistreat my staff. I am responsible from beginning to end of what happens in this county,” the manager added.

Fusaro told Crocamo the board gets blamed for election mistakes and yelled at during its public meetings, such as for last year’s election paper shortage, which did not occur while Crocamo was a manager.

Poor baby, maybe the Election Board gets blamed because they have politicized it. Fusaro supported Urban Junior trying to get control of the election bureau. Not once did she EVER repudiate HER REPUBLICAN party of denying the results of the 2020 election. Here’s the exchange and Fusaro got exactly what she deserved. A lesson in management and civics which she obviously skipped or ignored in her life as a “public servant”. You might be on an election board but you have no right to screw with people’s jobs when the situation can be remedied.

 

 

 

MEET YOUR NEW SPEAKER 

He will definitely screw the middle class and threaten democracy.

He spearheaded efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, co-sponsored legislation for a national abortion ban, endorsed trying to “expunge” Donald Trump’s first impeachment, worked as a lawyer for an organization that opposes the separation of church and state, positioned himself as an ardent culture warrior who introduced federal legislation modeled after Florida’s so-called “don’t say gay” bill, and during his tenure as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the group touted budget plans that called for deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

That’s Johnson.MAGA through and through. Small man, small ideas.

 

REP. CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES $155,600 TO SUPPORT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Representative Matt Cartwright, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Commerce Justice and Science Subcommittee, announced that $155,600 will come back to Northeast Pennsylvania to support local law enforcement agencies in Monroe, Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. Rep. Cartwright secured the award through the Department of Justice (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.

“Our law enforcement officers and emergency first responders take tremendous risks in the line of duty day in and day out, and it’s vital we provide the resources they need to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Cartwright, who oversees more than $70 billion in annual federal spending, including the budget for the Department of Justice. “As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to support our local police by providing them what they need when it comes to protecting our community.”

Coolbaugh and Stroud Townships, in partnership with Monroe County, were awarded $20,957 to hire a Crisis Intervention Coordinator for their new Crisis Intervention Team. The Crisis Coordinator will serve as a liaison representing both law enforcement and other community partnerships to improve safety and overall quality of life in Monroe County.

The Wilkes-Barre Police Department was awarded $40,807 to cover the cost of overtime for assigning additional officers in high crime areas; training for dealing with violent crime; and firearms and taser instructor re-certifications. This grant will also give the department the flexibility to use funds where most needed.

The City of Hazelton will use its share of funds to support saturation patrols in high crime areas throughout the city.

The Scranton Police Department was awarded $93,898 and will use these funds to prevent staffing shortages by ensuring community engagement officers are present in city neighborhoods. These officers will specialize in building trust and gaining community cooperation, including helping with crime reports, assisting with investigations, and other behaviors that deter violence. The department will also educate officers on how to respond to those with substance use disorders, mental health needs, those experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty, veterans, people with disabilities, vulnerable youth and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or trafficking.

 

 CASEY, ROMNEY INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO EXPAND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TRAINING

BILL WOULD BETTER PREPARE PRINCIPALS AND EDUCATION LEADERS AS STATES EXPAND PUBLICLY FUNDED PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS

A 2017 STUDY FOUND THAT ONLY NINE STATES REPORTED THEIR PRINCIPAL LICENSING PROGRAMS EXPLICITLY PROVIDED COURSEWORK IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mitt Romney (R-UT) introduced legislation to prepare principals, superintendents, and other school leaders to facilitate high-quality early childhood education programs in school districts. The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would provide school leaders with the tools and training to support early childhood educators.

“As states expand access to early childhood education programs, we must ensure that our school districts are prepared to support children in these fundamental years,” said Senator Casey. “The science is clear: when children learn more earlier in life, they earn more later. The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act helps to support the emotional, social, and academic development of young children in Pennsylvania and across the Nation.”

“The importance of early childhood development cannot be overstated,” Senator Romney said. “These are critical years for a child’s brain development and it is absolutely essential that leaders in our school districts are adequately prepared to support early childhood development teachers and programs. That’s what this common-sense, bipartisan legislation seeks to accomplish: ensure our educational leaders in Utah have the necessary resources and training, in hopes that we will more effectively support the early development of our next generation.”

This legislation would amend Title II of the Higher Education Act by requiring school leadership programs receiving federal Teacher Quality Partnership grants to include training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children from birth through age eight. This change would ensure school leaders are able to effectively support pre-kindergarten teachers in developing appropriate instruction and assist pre-kindergarten students through the transition from early to elementary education.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and researchers have found that critical brain development occurs in children’s first years. As such, early emotional, social, and physical development can significantly affect a child’s long-term academic achievement and overall well-being. Given the importance of these formative years, the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would ensure that all elementary educators understand the unique process of development that occurs during early childhood and are able to support these young learners to reach their full potential.

The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act is supported by The Education Trust, National Association of Elementary School Principals, Bipartisan Policy Center, First Five Years Fund, ZERO TO THREE, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and New America.

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO RECOGNIZES EXEMPLARY COMMONWEALTH EMPLOYEES FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AND DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE

Governor Josh Shapiro   (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Josh Shapiro presented the Governor’s Awards for Excellence to 54 Commonwealth employees from eight state agencies and thanked all state employees for their dedication to public service.

“I’ve said many times before, my Administration has a ‘get stuff done’ attitude. We focus on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania – and that’s only possible because of the 80,000 Commonwealth employees who go to work every day to serve,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Whether it was our Avian Flu Veterinary Response Team’s immediate response to the avian flu crisis, or our Next Generation 911 team’s work to modernize our 911 systems across all 67 counties, or our Pennsylvania State Police Troopers putting their lives on the line to keep our fellow Pennsylvanians safe – these individuals stepped up to lead in the face of challenges and delivered tangible results to make a real positive difference in Pennsylvanians’ lives. I congratulate our honorees and thank them for their contributions, dedication, and commitment to service.”

Twenty-seven state agencies submitted a total of 207 nominations prepared by their employees, with two individuals and eight group nominations selected as winners for this year’s awards. Commonwealth employees were recognized for their outstanding work to support Pennsylvania’s poultry industry during the 2022 Avian Influenza outbreak, to provide all Pennsylvania counties with a modern 911 system, for the immediate response to the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse that rebuilt the bridge in less than a year, and more.

The award recipients are:

Deepanker Tewari – Department of Agriculture

For leading a team of technicians and veterinary diagnostic specialists that provided crucial support to Pennsylvania’s $7.1 billion poultry industry during the 2022 outbreak of Avian Influenza. The highly skilled team processed high volumes of samples to provide quick and accurate test results so that field staff could direct the emergency response. Under Dr. Tewari’s leadership, the laboratory team worked efficiently and produced innovative research during the costliest animal health and poultry industry crisis in Pennsylvania and U.S. history.

Avian Influenza Veterinary Field Response Team – Department of Agriculture

Erin Ackerman, Sally Adams, Nancy Diehl, Dawn Dilling, Amberlee Dressler, Sarah McAlanis, Amy Nesselrodt, Heather Palm, Jessica Wingate, and Sarah Yurisic

For leading the field response during the Avian Influenza outbreak, which involved long hours of planning and coordination across federal, state, and local agencies. The team focused on treating the animals and their owners with dignity and respect, and with understanding for cultural and religious differences. Their work minimized damage to the economy and food supply, as well as the emotional hardships for affected business owners.

Pandemic Recovery Grant Management Team – Office of the Budget

Sandra Bruno, Eric Gregerson, Jamie Jerosky, Colleen Kling, Samantha Lockhart, Christine Rowe, Brad Woznisky, and Debra Yutko

For ensuring that Pennsylvania can take full advantage of federal funding available for COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery. This team developed a strategy and a new system to collect, transform, and prepare data for submission to the U.S. Treasury that completely and accurately reports how funds are obligated and spent. The team has reported the use of over $5.8 billion in funds, including assistance for healthcare providers, affordable housing, college tuition, conservation and clean water programs, law enforcement, tourism, and other programs.

Gifford Pinchot State Park Rangers – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Steven Anderson, Alexander Dale, and Rachel Ann Oplinger

For saving the lives of two people on separate occasions as part of their duties as park rangers at Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County; an elderly visitor who experienced a medical emergency while hiking in the cold and an individual with a drug overdose. Thanks to the rangers’ quick thinking and responsiveness, these visitors in distress were found and rescued, resulting in successful outcomes for very serious emergencies.

Brian Clawson – Department of Corrections

For saving the life of a two-year-old child who had overdosed after accidentally ingesting methadone. Parole Agent Clawson was conducting surveillance on a fugitive case when he heard a 911 dispatch for an unresponsive child nearby. Agency Clawson rushed to the scene and administered Narcan to the child, who had stopped breathing. Medical personnel agree that Agent Clawson’s actions saved the child’s life.

Mpox Team – Department of Health

Beth Butler, Jill Garland, Melinda Johnston, Thomas McCleaf, Lisa McHugh, Atmaram Nambiar, Andrew Pickett, Mia Russo, Mari Jane Salem-Noll, and Jennifer Shirk

For leading a cross-bureau task force and virtual operations center during the 2022 mpox (formerly monkeypox) outbreak. This team was responsible for all aspects of the response effort, including case identification, coordination of testing and treatment, case investigation, contact tracing, community education, and vaccine distribution. Thanks to their work, Pennsylvania kept case counts low, with no deaths occurring in the Commonwealth.

Next Generation 911 Team – Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Timothy Elbertson, Raymond Marino, Christian Przybylek, and Bill (Charles) Shertzer

For negotiating a contract that provides all Pennsylvania counties with modern 911 service and ensures the affordability of the program through 2030. This team worked with stakeholders, vendors, service providers, and telecommunications carriers to successfully migrate county 911 centers to the new, Next Generation 911 (NG911) system, and educated the public on the transition and its impact. Pennsylvania’s NG911 system is unlike any other in existence and will serve citizens and public safety well for years to come.

Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit – Pennsylvania State Police

Jeffrey Baney, Teddi Hesser, Amy Kreiger, and Todd McCurdy

For being the national model for a “cold case” unit and bringing resolution to unsolved homicides in Pennsylvania. This team initiated a cost-saving alternative for their personnel to conduct in-house forensic genetic genealogy research. Soon after being certified, the team quickly identified a deceased Jane Doe from 2016, bringing closure to the victim’s family. Five long term unsolved homicide cases were also successfully cleared by their efforts.

State Troopers Assigned to Troop N, Bloomsburg station – Pennsylvania State Police

Brent Beaver, Joseph Burke, and Thomas Butch

For displaying exceptional courage and heroism while engaging with an active shooter. These troopers did not hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way despite the danger of a gunman actively firing at passing motorists and residences. Due to their professionalism and courageousness, the deadly rampage was ended, and more innocent lives were undoubtedly saved.

Fern Hollow Bridge Team – Department of Transportation

Michele Acitelli, Robert Byrnes, Zachary Kamnikar, Brian Rampulla, Douglas Seeley, Shane Szalankiewicz, Michael Szurley, Douglas Thompson, Mark Young, and Jason Zang

For their exceptional work to rebuild Pittsburgh’s Fern Hollow Bridge in record time. The team immediately jumped into action following its collapse in January 2022, contracting with suppliers to remove the old structure, and to design and build the new Fern Hollow Bridge. Because of their innovative approach to the design process, multiple design phases occurred simultaneously, and the bridge was reopened to traffic in December 2022, less than a year after the collapse.

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN TV

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

1954

Our 1954 logo

The English region of Exmoor becomes a National Park. Exmoor is loosely defined as an area of hilly open moorland in west Somerset and north Devon in South West England. It is named after the River Exe, the source of which is situated in the centre of the area, two miles north-west of Simonsbath. Exmoor is more precisely defined as the area of the former ancient royal hunting forest, also called Exmoor, which was officially surveyed 1815–1818 as 18,810 acres (7,610 ha) in extent. The moor has given its name to a National Park, which includes the Brendon Hills, the East Lyn Valley, the Vale of Porlock and 55 km (34 mi) of the Bristol Channel coast. The total area of the Exmoor National Park is 692.8 km2 (267.5 sq mi), of which 71% is in Somerset and 29% in Devon……. West Germany joins NATO. The Paris Agreement sets up the Western European Union to implement the Treaty of Brussels (1948) providing for mutual self-defence and other collaboration between Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom…. A U.S. Air Force Douglas C-47A-90-DL Skytrain (registration 43–16044) strays off course during a flight from Rome Ciampino Airport in Rome, Italy, to Lyon-Bron Airport in Lyon, France, and crashes into a mountainside in the Maritime Alps west of Limone Piemonte, Italy, at an altitude of 8,500 feet (2,600 meters), killing all 21 people on board. The Spanish Grand Prix is held at Pedralbes and won by Mike Hawthorn. It would be the last held in Spain until 1967……Hungarian footballer Sándor Kocsis scores his sixth international hat trick in a match against Czechoslovakia…. The first commercial transistor radio hit the consumer market in 1954. The Regency TR-1 ran for 20 hours off a 22.5-volt battery. It had a plastic case the size of an index card. It came in black, ivory, red, gray, mahogany, green, and cost $49.95…… President Eisenhower signs into law the new social security bill funded by employers and employees…..US "Operation Wetback" is started on 17th July to send back to Mexico almost 4 million illegal immigrants and this week in 1954 the number one song in LuLac land and America was The Four Aces rendition of “Stranger In Paradise”.