CATCHING UP!

    SATURDAY, JULY 1ST., 2017
               CATCHING UP!

      I just don't get it!
      I can catch a cold. I can catch a
plane or a bus or a taxi. I have, on
several occasions, even caught a
break.
       So why is it I cannot catch a
22-month-old boy on a bicycle
that doesn't even have pedals?
       I refer to my grandson
Anthony who is now riding a so-
called Strider bike. He pushes
himself along with his feet, until
he gets to a hill!
        Then he takes off! This kid
rolls downhill, both feet up
slightly off the ground with
balance that would probably
amaze the Wallendas!
         If you don't stay in front
he's likely to gain more speed
than you (certainly me) can make
up.
        Yesterday as my stamina
quickly drained as I ran along
side of him near our house I
realized he'd pull away within
the next few feet! Fortunately
he listened to my plea to put
both feet down! I was lucky
to have enough energy to walk
back to the front porch. He rode
back, his tiny legs still ahead of
my long stride!
          I'm just so thankful he
doesn't have pedals!
         Hope my old motorcycle
still works so I can try catching up
and that all your NEWS is good!

TIME FOR A SHOWER?

      FRIDAY, JUNE 30TH., 2017
       TIME FOR A SHOWER?

   No! Today's Blog has nothing to do
with personal hygiene or the Bates Motel.
   This is National Meteor Watch Day!
   It's a time we're all encouraged to look
towards the skies in the hope of spotting
    Meteors are space dust and ice that enter
the earth's atmosphere. When they do they're
coming at high speeds. They burn up,
producing light as they streak across the
night sky.
      You might call them shooting stars.
And, chances are, you've made a wish on
them a time or two! That custom dates
back to ancient Greece.
      I actually had a piece of a meteor one
time. My brother took me to the Museum
of Natural History in New York where I
bought a book on meteors that included
a small piece.
       I thought it was prey cool.
       I don't know what ever happen to
it. I know I didn't use it in the shower
       Anyhow if the skies are clear
tonight head on outside for awhile and
see if you can spot one. Or a whole
shower of meteors!
        If would make for a great sight.
And maybe a couple wishes as well!
Hope yours come true and that all
your NEWS is good!




   
  

GOING STEADY!

   THURSDAY, JUNE 29TH., 2017
              GOING STEADY!

   The popular musical "Bye Bye
Birdie" opens with "The Telephone
Song." It's about a teenage girl and
boy who just got "pinned" and are
going steady. By the way the
singers all use telephones with
cords!
   I don't know if young couples
still "go steady" these days. Maybe
there's a new term for it now. It's
hard to keep up with all the new
trends. But whatever it's called it
amounts to the first commitment
a couple makes to one another.
   The guy usually gives the girl
a Class ring or, perhaps, a
fraternity pin.
   In my case it was my Class ring.
I remember giving it to a girl as
we sat on a bench on the old
Steel Pier in Atlantic City. That
used to be the place to go long
before the gambling casinos
came to the shore. It ran one
quarter mile into the ocean and
had two movie theaters, a grand
ballroom, a Diving Bell, and
all sorts of amusements and
attractions. The girl was the big
attraction for me!
   I'm thinking about it today
because it's the anniversary
of the day I gave that girl my
ring.
   Of course as serious as they
seem at the time those
relationships don't always last.
A lot of things don't. The Steel
Pier, for instance, had been around
since 1898. It was destroyed by
fire in 1982. A small pier with
amusement rides now stands
where it once stood.
    On the other side of the
coin, however, some things do
last. It's 49 years today since
that girl accepted my Class ring
and we're still "Going steady."
She's my wife!
    Hope she, and you, have a
great day and that all your
NEWS is good!

     

ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN!

     WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28TH., 2017
     ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN!

   Those who read my blog daily are
certainly aware of my concern about lots
in our mobile home development that
have been producing grass the size of wheat
fields!
    The properties in question are unused,
hence, unkempt. And heavy spring rain
coupled with some hot sunny days led to
a growth spurt that's been unchecked for
far too long.
     I sounded off a couple days ago in
this very blog.
     But, to be fair, I sent a couple photos
to the owner who lives in New Jersey and
hasn't heard from anybody...except me!
      As we all know the squeaky wheel
gets the grease......if somebody complains
about the squeak!
      Yesterday a team of grounds keepers
descended on those vacant lots with big
time cutting equipment! They cut all day
even as a rainstorm was beginning to
hit. They did a really great job and they
have my thanks for their efforts!
       Thanks to Tom (the owner) too for
listening to my concerns about the
"squeak" and providing the "grease!"
        Hope we get an occasional trim
now and then and that all your NEWS is
good!

SHADES!

    TUESDAY, JUNE 27TH., 2017
                   SHADES!

      It's National Sunglasses Day my
friends! Time to show off your shades!
      I have at least three pair of
sunglasses. None are Foster Grants!
I seem to have no ability to keep my
glasses from scratching. That's if I
can keep them at all. I know at least
one pair is still safely contained in
the Fishing tackle box I dropped from
an old railroad bridge into the rising
tide coming into the Bay from the
ocean in West Wildwood, New Jersey!
        I keep one pair of sunglasses in
each of our two cars and another in a
drawer with my car keys just in case
I brought a pair into the house from one
of the cars and forget where I put them.
         This "holiday" is actually something
very serious. Brought to you by The
Vision Council, National Sunglasses Day
is a commemorative date held annually
on June 27 celebrating the importance of
wearing shades to protect the eyes from
the sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays.
        Of course they also make some folks
look "cool!"
        Hope you're protecting your eyes
and that all your NEWS is good!

HE WASN'T BRAGGING!

     MONDAY, JUNE 26TH., 2917
        HE WASN'T BRAGGING!

   I was saddened last evening to learn
of the passing of local radio personality
L.A. Tarone. He had been battling
lung cancer for many months.
   L.A. and I have know each other
for a long time although we seldom
got together except, perhaps, for an
occasional call I'd make to his talk
program on WILK radio.
    Every now and then he'd call on
me to recall some area historical event
I likely covered during my own broadcasting
career. I stayed away from political
opinions. L.A., who had many opinions
of his own, always respected my position
and treated me very fairly.
    I actually got to join him on the air
and in the studio on Christmas Eve of
2014. He had invited me in to talk "old
times" and we shared some great
memories.
      We had more than just a little in
common. We both hailed from Hazleton
and came up through the ranks. We both
began our broadcasting in radio, did some
newspaper writing, and worked in TV as
well.
     L.A. even wrote a book about our old
hometown called "We Were Here Once."
He included a mention of me in his
publication, paying me a very kind
compliment as "a reporter who gets things
right."
     L.A. liked to dig for the facts too and
prided himself with a wonderful memory
of music and area history.
     In his final role as a Talk show host he
didn't always win fans with his opinions.
But, as a responsible journalist, he always
had time for those with opposing points
of view.
      As I wrote in a Facebook post, sometimes
the "success" of media people is measured by
their move to bigger cities or network jobs.
While those successes deserve applause and
attention I believe there's something to be
said for the journalist who devotes his or her
career to serving the communities they call
"home." L.A. did just that with dedication
and devotion.
      He always said "If you can do it, it
ain't bragging." He wasn't bragging!
      See you later L.A. And to all my readers,
may all your NEWS be good.

AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN?

  SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH., 2017
   AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN?

   The high stocks were gently swaying
in the soft breeze as we walked by. It
brought to mind the lyrics we recall
so well. The "amber waves of grain."
    It was poetic. For just a moment.
Then something bit my ankle. That's
when I realized I wasn't looking at
waves of grain.
    I was gazing at extremely high
uncut grass that sprouted in the
wake of all those spring rains around
our area.
    Most folks in our development
take care to cut their grass before it
becomes jungle-like.
     But we've got some vacant lots
that, unfortunately, have been
unattended for far too long this
season.
      It's bad enough walking by.
I wouldn't venture through those
lots with out a machete and, perhaps,
a hunting rifle!
      I've sent a message to the "powers
that be" in the hope they'll send
someone with a thresher or, at least
a lawn tractor, to cut back the growth
while I can still see the sun!
      Hope they get the message, and
that all your NEWS is good!

SAYING FAREWELL!

   FRIDAY, JUNE 23RD., 2017
       SAYING FAREWELL!

    I can't remember just when our
daughter told us she was entertaining
the idea of inviting a foreign exchange
student into her home. I know I had
my doubts about the wisdom of such
a move.
    And those doubts continued,,,,until
I met Kyle! (I should point out at this
point that "Kyle" was the American
name he choose. I'm sure I can't
pronounce, let along spell, his given
name.)
     Kyle came to our area from Taiwan.
I thought they only sent toys!
     He is a young gentleman who took
on the challenge of coming to another
country and attending a school where
he had to learn new customs and
academics offered only in English!
The culture shock must have been
astounding.
     Add to all that the fact  he
was immediacy "adopted" into
our family which has its own
unique personalities and habits
which may or may not reflect
those of a "typical American
family."
      My wife and I became "Grannie
and Grandpa" and my daughter, his
host, became "Mom."
      He traveled nearly everywhere
with the family and it was always
a treat to have him around. He
even ate the foods to which he was
introduced. That, in some cases,
was its own challenge! Tastes
vary a lot from culture to culture.
      Today Kyle's visit comes to
an end. Early in the morning he
begins a very long set of flights
that will take him back to his
biological family. I was
tempted to write "back to his
real family." But that would be
inaccurate. Truth is he became
a real part of our family and we
will miss him! We already do!
       It is his hope to return to
the U.S. when it comes time
for college. And it is our hope
that will bring him back to us.
       Until then, Farewell
"Grandson" and may all your
NEWS be good!

“Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget

than to remember me and cry.”   Dr. Suess 

      











 

REMEMBERING AGNES!

  THURSDAY, JUNE 22ND., 2917
      REMEMBERING AGNES!

     Every year around this time I get requests for
interviews. But unlike the days when I was an
active reporter doing the interviews.....these are
requests from people who want to interview me!
   And I know just what they'll be asking about.
   It's the 1972 Tropical Storm Agnes Flood!
   Back in '72 I was the News Director of WILK
Radio.
    Things looked bad in June 22nd so I called
my wife to tell her I'd be home late. Turns
out I didn't see her for nearly three days!
   When the waters of the Susquehanna River
began to rise rapidly because of the "Agnes"
storm I went to the Luzerne County to call
updates back to my station.
    But Civil Defense, the agency that
preceded the Emergency Management
Agency, didn't have a Public Information
Officer. So, when I walked in, I got drafted!
   I didn't make the decisions for Civil Defense.
   But, most of the time, I was the one who
announced them.
   The one I'm often remembered for was the
one I made on June 23rd as the sirens sounded
and I told area residents it was time to....
"Get out. Get out now!"
   A little while later I was sending a report
on our two way radio in the sub basement of
the Courthouse when water started coming
into the room from a drain in the floor.
   I always thought water was suppose to go
out drains!
   So when the water came in.....I got out!
  Eventually all of us on the Civil Defense
staff had to evacuate the Courthouse and move
to higher ground.
   We ended up in the Wilkes-Barre School
Administration building sending hourly
news updates to 13 area radio stations. I
formed and directed that network.
   Initially we used an Army Field Telephone
which was wired, literally, through the streets
to the old WYZZ FM.  The other 12 stations
re-broadcast our reports at 15 minutes past
each hour and throughout the emergency
we only missed one report.
   That's because a couple of kids found our
wire and decided it would make a good
jump rope!
    It's been 45 years since "Agnes" paid
her visit and I suspect I'll be telling a few
more stories about those days.
   A lot has changed in those 45 years
including, as my photo will illustrate,
me!
   Hope you're high and dry and that all
your NEWS is good!

I'LL HAVE A DOUBLE SHOT PLEASE!

    WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21ST., 2017
I'LL HAVE A DOUBLE SHOT PLEASE!

   Now before all of my faithful readers worry
that 've taken up some serious drinking I should
tell you that very little alcohol was involved in
my order.
   In hindsight, perhaps some Old Grand Dads
would have been a smart choice before my
"double."
   For a long time now, especially since my
now infamous Wiffel Ball wipeout on our
rocky church parking lot, my knees have been
killing me!
    On Tuesday my doctor suggested a shot
which he hopes will relieve some of the pain.
With even the slightest chance of some
improvement at hand I decided to go all the
way and have the medication applied to
both knees.
     I wasn't extremely thrilled to hear him say
the benefits may not show for 24 hours. And,
in the meantime I might actually have a bit
more pain.
     But I gave the go ahead anyway and spent
the evening trying to find out how I somehow
got one of my computers to fail to recognize
the internet while  trying to balance two ice
bags...one on each knee.
     Hope his time estimates are correct and
that all your NEWS is good!    

GETTING BACK...TO THE FRONT!

      TUESDAY, JUNE 20TH., 2017
  GETTING BACK...TO THE FRONT!

     Some of you have probably noticed
the sunshine and 90 degree days we've
had in between rainstorms recently.
      I'm sure some of my neighbors
noticed that in the midst of those truly
summer-like days my little red Miata
sat, covered up, as they usually see it
throughout the winter season.
       Truth is I have been itching to
put the top down and take advantage
of those great days. But it's just not
the same without my partner...my wife!
       Although I have now heard two
very different medical opinions on the
subject the "accepted policy" requires
open heart surgery patients to ride in
the back seat during their rehabilitation
period.
        The theory involves the potential
danger a patient might face should an
air bag deploy during an accident.
         My Miata, of course, has no back
seat so, following prescribed policy, I
have no place to put her.
         The "not officially approved
theory" suggests that a rear seat
passenger faces just as much danger
in an accident from flying forward
and striking the front seat!
          My policy, either way, is to
do everything possible to avoid
accidents. And, I suppose, if I had
one in the Miata your seating
assignment would be very
academic!
          Anyhow, my wife's rehab is
coming along nicely so I'm hoping
it won't be too long before she's

getting back to the front!
          Hope that's sooner than later
and that all your NEWS is good!



 

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING!

   MONDAY, JUNE 19TH., 2017
GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING!

   Looking for adventure and
what ever comes your way? Well,
if so this is your day. June 19th is
"Ride to Work Day!"
   Now most of you probably do
just that. Ride to work. But this is
a date to promote taking that ride
on a motorcycle!
    Cycle enthusiasts promote the
event on the third Monday of June
to call attention to the advantages
of riding motorcycles.
      Things like saving fuel and
reducing pollution. Bike riders
also have a lot less trouble finding
a parking spot!
      I drove my cycle to Scranton
a few times when I was still on the
news beat for WYOU. I enjoyed
it generally. But there were some
concerns
      You see my motorcycle is a
1971 Honda 90 cc Street/Trail
Bike. For those who don't follow
things like the size of a motor, I
was basically being powered along
by an oversized lawnmower engine.
      For me that meant going up
hills (if they weren't too big) at about
25 to 30 miles per hour. The wind
from the cars whizzing by nearly
pushed me over!  And my usual 25
minute trip took closer to an hour!
      At least it was bigger than the
first cycle I bought. That was only
50cc's. After I picked it up my Dad
told my friend it the stupidest thing
I ever did. Actually it wasn't. But
that's a whole different blog.
        If you're got a bike I encourage
you to tale part in this exciting day.
Although I should warn you that
rain is predicted.
        If you don't have a motorcycle
maybe you can just watch Easy Rider
or The Wild Bunch.
         Hope you were "Born yo be
Wild" and that all of your NEWS is
good!

ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL!

        SUNDAY, JUNE 18TH., 2017
ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL!

    We celebrated Father's Day a day early.
But for good reason.
    Still recovering from her open heart
surgery my wife's movements are still
limited a bit. So, instead of getting the
family together for my daughter's
birthday on the 14th., or again for
Father's Day, or again for a Farewell
party for my other daughter's exchange
student, we lumped them all together
on Saturday.
     All available family members
gathered at my daughter's house where
the appropriate greetings, cards, and
gifts were presented and hot dogs and
hamburgers consumed.
      I did especially well, enjoying
Father's Day presents from my kids
and my grandkids!
      My sister-in-law from New Jersey
made it in for the gathering. I am
convinced she is the little redheaded
girl that has capture Charlie Brown's
heart! She and one of our nephews
supplied the wine!
       It was a bittersweet party since,
as I wrote, one element was taking
the time to say good bye to Kyle,
our daughter's exchange student
from Taiwan.
        He's seen a lot of our family
since coming here for the school
year. It would be interesting to
hear the stories he'll relate to his
own family when he gets  back.
I suspect his tales will all sound
a little bit like a Peanuts cartoon!
        But I think he'll be impressed
with the way our family comes
together to celebrate each other,
whatever the reason!
         I hope he remembers that
and that all his NEWS is good!

 

      


       

I'M UP IN THE AIR ON THIS ONE!

   SATURDAY, JUNE 17TH., 2017
 I'M UP IN THE AIR ON THIS ONE!

   So,as it turns out, June 17th., is
"International Jugglers Day!"
   It is a day, according to
holidayinsights.com. to celebrate
the skill of juggling, and those talented
people who can juggle many balls and
objects at a time. Common objects
include: balls, clubs, swords, plates,
rings, and flaming sticks.
    I have juggled schedules, and
paychecks over the years. But I
don't believe that qualifies me as
a juggler.
    My son can juggle.
    I've tried. But I can only handle
two softballs at a time and only if'
I don't toss them too high.
      The best jugglers can juggle up
to ten balls at a time!
       You might want to give it a try
in honor of the day. I would suggest,
however, sticking with rubber balls
as opposed to things like fire sticks,
knives, and chainsaws.
        I will watch Facebook for photos
of your success or notices of your
hospitalization.
        Hope all your NEWS is good!
      




   

OH FUDGE!

  FRIDAY, JUNE 16TH., 2017
            OH FUDGE!

    No. Forget that famous line from
the movie A Christmas Story. I mean
exactly what I say! Oh Fudge!
     You see June 16th., is "Fudge
Day!"
       Nobody seems to know who
came up with this special day. But
fudge has been around for a very
long time!
        The earliest documented mention
of fudge can be found in a letter composed
by Emelyn Hartridge, who was studying at
Vassar College, located in Poughkeepsie,
New York. The letter detailed that fudge
had been made and sold in Baltimore
Maryland, in 1886. Other fudge recipes
in the USA can be traced back to the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
          Our annual exposure to fudge
comes during vacation time in Wildwood,
New Jersey.
           There's a Fudge Stand about every
three blocks along the boardwalk and a
couple of them have people standing out
in front with free samples! With thousands
of people passing every hour a wise walker
can plan his path and timing so as to get a
lot of samples i9n a fairly short time!
            Of course you can make your own
fudge. I can't but you can. I have a niece
who makes some that's better than most I've
bought.
            Hopefully she made some for Fudge
Day and is reading my blog.
             If not I guess I'll just have to wait
till Wildwood this July!
              Have a "sweet day!" Hope all
your NEWS is good!



         







        

STOP AND GO!

      THURSDAY, JUNE 15TH., 2017
               STOP AND GO!

      One of the games we used to play when
I was a kid was "Stop and Go." It was simple
enough. One kid decided when to yell stop
or go and the rest of us, heading towards an
imaginary finish line, had to follow the
instructions instantly. If you kept going when
the leaded hollered "Stop" you'd have to go
back a step or two.
      The game came to mind earlier this week
at I drove my wife back to Philadelphia for a
couple post-op examinations.
      As I headed onto the northeast extension
of the Pennsylvania Turnpike I readied my
trusty EZpass. But as I drove through the
Ticket Booth area the little traffic light just
ahead remained on red.
     I stopped for a moment hoping the
highway system's technology would pick
up the signal from my little unit and flash
the green light.
     It didn't.
     I backed up just slightly thinking I
was just in a bad spot. But the light
stayed red. Plus, a ticket came out of
the automatic dispenser. I left it there!
     Not wanting to hold up other
potential travelers or missing our
appointments I violated the rule of
our old game and every traffic regulation
I'm aware of and headed on my way!
     As you leave the Turnpike just
outside Philly you drive under an archway
of equipment that's suppose to detect
your EZpass unit. I have no idea if it
did or didn't.
    I do know when we returned and
exited through the same ticket booth
lane I got a green light.
    I suspect we'll be hearing from the
Turnpike folks in the mail who will
be inquiring about my going through
their red light.
    Ironically, they're in the process of
disabling those lights in accordance
with Federal regulations.
    Our old game made a lot more
sense than the Turnpike's system.
    Hope I don't have to go back two
steps, and that all your NEWS is good!

    

DADDY'S HOME!

  WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH., 2017
            DADDY'S HOME!

    Most of you know June 14th is Flag
Day. Many of you may not realize it is
also my eldest daughter's Birthday!
     As our first born Cassie has survived
more of my wild imagination than her
siblings.
     She was the first to hear various fairy
tales as I delivered them. I'm not sure
just how old she was before she first
realized that Little Red Riding Hood
had nothing to do with the Old woman
who lived in a shoe or that Snow White's
friends were the seven dwarfs and not the
seven midgets as I suggested.
      Worst or all was her exposure to
various melodies as I presented them.
       She seemed to like my rendition
of "The Carnivorous Beast of the
Cranberry Bog" which I sang during a
camping visit to New  England.
       It wasn't until many years into her
teaching career that she learned I had
"borrowed" the melody from a movie
called "Those Magnificent Men In Their
Flying Machines."
        My tune "Daddy Loves You Baby
Cassie" was always popular with her
when she was a toddler.
        It was a very long time before she
learned that melody was actually
written as the Gillette Look Sharp
March." She inserted the tune into our
Father/Daughter dance at her wedding!
        In was common, when she was little,
to hear me sing "Daddy's Home" when I
returned from work. To this day I can't
remember where I came up with that
tune. But I don't think it was anything
from Broadway. Who knows? Maybe I
actually composed it!
         Anyhow today I'm singing "Happy
Birthday" to Cassie and I just want her
to know I didn't write that one.....before
she tells anyone I did!
         Happy Birthday Cassie. Daddy's
home and hopes all your NEWS is good!









       

A STICH IN TIME!

TUESDAY, JUNE 13TH., 2017
          A STICH IN TIME!  

  It was a "stitch in time" that, years ago, saved
our area!
  That "stitch" was provided by the sewing
machine! The key tool of the Garment industry.
   A heck of a lot of gals from our area helped put
bread on the family table. Both as a housewife and
a member of the ILGWU! 
   And today, June 13th. is Sewing Machine Day!
Day!  Of course it's also celebrated on September
10th (Although I'm not absolutely sure how we're
suppose to "celebrate" the day!)
   There was a time when you'd probably find a
sewing machine in nearly every home. They're
harder to find these days.....nearly as rare as the
people who know who to use them!
    We have two electric ones and a foot
powered machine awaiting restoration.
Those early foot pedal machines were
kind of neat because you could mend clothes
and get some exercise at the same time.
    My wife knows how to work those
machines. I don't. And that's probably a
pretty good thing!  Regular readers know
I'm not great with mechanical devices!
   I do know they cause electrical
interference on the TV when my wife is sewing.
   Seems  sewing machines were actually
invented in France. And that was way back
in the 1830's!
   The U.S. patent was issued on September
10th in 1846 which seems to support the
September date a bit more than today. Still
June 13th also shares the title!
    When you think of sewing machines, if
you ever have such thoughts, you probably
think of the name Singer. The company is
still making the things at its factory near
Nashville, Tennessee.
    Anyhow it's really good to know sewing
machines are still around because "a stitch
in time saves nine!"
    Nine what?  I'm not sure! Hope you know
and that all your NEWS is good!
   

CARE PACKAGES!

   MONDAY, JUNE 12TH., 2017
         CARE PACKAAGES!

   I don't remember ever seeing this
much food in our refrigerator! It started
to show up right after my wife got out
of the hospital after her open heart
surgery,
   Coincidentally it also started coming
right after I reveled my plans to keep
my wife fed with Spam while she was
recovering and I was "cooking."
    Apparently my love of Span is not
widely shared (except in Hawaii.)
    Our church family has been
especially generous! We've enjoyed
home made stew, meatloaf, casserole,
and meatball hoagies to give you just
a taste of our treats!
     And my daughters have come through
with delicious dishes as well. My
daughter-in-law's Dad even came up with
a turkey meatloaf and some salmon which
was fantastic.
     We didn't make church Sunday. But,
later in the day, our Pastor and his wife
came to visit and share lunch with us.
       You all know Ministers and Priests
who serve communion. But how many
of you have a Pastor who stops by and
cooks a meal for you? We do! And
"Chef Boy-R-Dave" even whipped up
his own special sauce for the
vegetables! Not only that! He and his
wife brought ice cream cones for
desert!
        Guess I'll save the Spam for when
my wife is all better!
         Hope all your NEWS is good!

WELL DONE JACK!

     SUNDAY, JUNE 11TH., 2017
         WELL DONE JACK!

      Many of you know I played a small
part in a movie (All In Time) that was
just released last year.
       What you may not know is that my
role was based on a real person...Jack
Fetchko.
        Jack was Chris Fetchko's  Dad.
Chris wrote and co-directed our movie,
a small portion of which was based on
one of his own life experiences.
        Unfortunately Jack passed away
in April. But on Saturday family and
friends (and lots of them) gathered in
Hazleton to celebrate Jack's life on what
would have been his Birthday and Wedding
Anniversary. A number of people who
were part of the movie turned out for the
service.
         I only ever met Jack once, at the
Kirby Theater area premier of our movie.
         Yesterday Chris gave us all a real
insight into his Dad's life.
          It was a life filled with devotion
to his family. He was a man determined
to do whatever it took, even working
several jobs at one time, to provide for
his wife and children.
         When I played him in the movie
I portrayed a father who wanted his son
to give up a life he loved in favor of
a secure, well paying office job.
         In reality, Jack Fetchko supported
all of his son's choices even if they might
not have been those he would have made.
         There were, of course, many tears
as Chris recalled some of the moments in
Jack's life, But they were far outnumbered
by laughs and smiles from those who knew
him, whether it was for years or, in my case,
for but a day.
         I couldn't help but notice that Jack's
wife, the love of his life, was smiling too!
And I suspect Jack was watching, listening,
and smiling as well.
        I only knew him for a day, But
whether I play him or not, this man deserves
his own movie! Well done Jack! See you
later!
        And readers, hope all your NEWS is
good!

A HOSPITAL HALLMARK!

   SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH., 2017
    A HOSPITAL HALLMARK!

   My wife and I have literally heard from
hundreds of people since her open heart
surgery two weeks ago. It has been
overwhelming!
    Many have used social media to pass
along prayers and well wishes for a
speedy recovery. They come from old
friends and many people my wife, and
even I, have never actually met in person.
     And then there are the cards. Each day
our mailbox has contained at least one card
wishing her well and all, thus far, have
included a hand written message for her
as well.
      All of these communications have
been pleasant surprises that have
brightened her, and my, days.
       But one that showed up Friday was,
in its own way, extra special.
       We have been raving about the care
and treatment (for patient and family)
offered by the staff at the University
of Pennsylvania (Pen Med) Hospital in
Philadelphia. the card in our mailbox

yesterday was a "Thank You/Get Well
Card" from the staff in the last unit where
she was treated! They were thanking us
for allowing them to care for my wife!
        I call it our "Hospital Hallmark!"
         You just don't see something like
that very often! We continue to be
impressed with everyone who has
helped make all our "NEWS" good!    




    

DOUBLE D DAY!

  FRIDAY, JUNE 9TH., 2017
         DOUBLE D DAY!

No. It's not my birthday. Although I
did go by the radio name Double Dee
during my few years as a DJ.
  The Double D we're congratulating
today is a lot more famous than I'll
ever be!
   He is Donald Duck!
   I spotted "Donald Duck Day" on
two separate listings of unusual
June holidays.
   I was surprised to find one of those
sites filled with conflicting information
about Donald's actual birthday. I guess
that's because he's a Cartoon character!
   June 9th is listed because that's the
date he first appeared in a Disney
Cartoon. That was in 1934. But the same
site suggests that Donald was actually
born one March 13th., probably in 1914.
   So he may actually be 103 this year!
   Either way he's one lucky duck to be
around for so long and still be so
popular! And most of he time you
can't understand a word he's saying!
   Of course that hasn't hindered some
of our current TV reporters!
    And just about the time you think you
know a character that's been around for
so long you learn something new!
    Did you know, for instance that Donald
has a middle name?
     Well he does! Donald Duck's middle
name is "Fauntleroy".  Boy this on
line information stuff is really cool!
     So Happy Birthday Donald!
    Hope you'll all be celebrating, and that
all your NEWS is good!

BFF DAY!

   THURSDAY, JUNE 8TH., 2017
                 BFF DAY!

     Best Friend Day (BFF Day) is a time
to enjoy and appreciate your best friend.
It's a day to honor and cherish the relationship.
     I have been blessed with a lot of very good
friends!
     My oldest has been my friend since First
grade. I have know Bob Biscombe since we
both entered A.D. Thomas Elementary
School in Hazleton. And we've never lost
touch with one another!
     We were in each other's wedding
parties and our wives became close friends
too.
     In the case of Bob and me I suppose it
is proof that opposites attract.
     Bob was an "A" student all the way
through school. As I've told you before
I had an "A" once too.
     Bob always saved his money. I felt
it more important to keep the economy
going.
     But Bob still amazes me. Every time
I get a letter or card from him I know I'm
in for an evening of reading. He fills in
every bit of blank space on each card and
letter!
     Bob and I both like to take pictures.
But in Bob's case it has become an
obsession. These days he not only takes
pictures, he takes pictures of pictures!
     And it's not unusual to see this former
Driver Ed Teacher stop on the railroad
tracks to get a shot down the line.
     Bob and I always ate well. In fact
he often helped us finish our dinners
while visiting my old home. We used
to say we never needed a garbage disposal
until Bob moved away.
      It's not often you stay close to a friend
for that many years. But close we remain.
      I suppose part of that involves the
fact that he doesn't use a computer or
read my blogs. So you'll have to tell
him about this one!
       Hope you've got a couple of old
dear friends! If so it's likely all your
NEWS is good!

RUN, RUN, RUN, RUN, RUNAWAY!

     WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7TH., 2017
   RUN, RUN, RUN, RUN, RUNAWAY!

   Just in case you didn't already know the
first Wednesday in June is Global Running
Day!
    It's a day for people around the world to
celebrate the joys of running. Participation is
easy—just pledge to take part in some type
of running activity on June 7th,
    It can be a solo lap around the block, a long
run with friends, or even a game of tag with
your kids. The key is to share your passion
for the sport and inspire others to get moving.
    I used to run a lot. Well, jog actually. I
remember getting up early to get two or three
miles in before work.
     Bad knees changed that jog into a walk.
And now even the walk has become a now
and then thing especially since I don't
recognize the term "early" any more!
     I'd like to do more and maybe, if it really
stops raining, I'll give it a go!
     I remember feeling a lot better in those
days when jogging was a regular thing. Of
course I was 20 years younger at the time
which could figure into the story!
     So, if you're up to it, take some time to
join the global movement and get a bit of
running, or jogging, or walking into the
day.
     I'll be watching my 22-month-old
grandson tomorrow and I expect I'll get
some running in then, ready or not!
     Hope you don't fall down (done
that too) and that all your NEWS is
good!

D DAY!

   June 6th will forever be remembered as
D Day, the day the Allied Forces stormed
the beaches to retake France. It should be
remembered!. It was the beginning of the
end of World War II.
    But June 6th also marks another
historic anniversary. Another "D Day!"
     It was the day, back in 1933, that the
first Drive In Movie Theater opened! And
it happened in Camden, New Jersey at the
"Park In Theater."
     Most of us, at one time or another, spent
some time at the Drive In. Many may have
even watched the movie!
     I practically lived in Drive Ins during ,many
of my youthful years!
     My Dad was the first projectionist at the
Hazleton Drive In, the first to open in lower
Luzerne County.
     He later worked at the Laurel, also in
the Hazleton area, and the Motor View in
Nescopeck, near Berwick.
     He also filled in for operators at the
Valley Drive In at Hometown and the
Brandonville Drive in at....yep...Brandonville.
      There were, of course, others in our area.
       I spent time at those too, once I got my
own car to get there!
       It's kind of sad to see so many of them
gone now. Most, of course, fell victim to
the rising value of their real estate.
       A Car Dealership now stands where
the Maple Drive In used to operate at
Honesdale.
       There's a small manufacturing operation
where the Valley Drive In once welcomed
movie goers and swimmers at its community
pool.
       And Township officials now handle their
governmental duties where I used to watch
the stars on the screen at the Motor View.
       In the 1950's and 60's there were some
5,000 Drive In theaters across the country!
       Today there are fewer than 500!
       Fortunately for those of us in northeastern
Pennsylvania a few of those surviving Drive
In's are in our region! And we may even be
getting on back! The Moon Light in Wyoming!
        You can still see two movies for the
price of one (for those who go to watch the
movie) and probably see a pretty good menu
in their concession stands!
        No more speakers to prop up on your
window anymore. These days you use your
car radio to get the sound. And that way you
can choose your own music to play till you
feel it's dark enough to start the show and start
blowing your horn! (Some things never change
including the kids, and others, who feel
obligated to wave their hands as they walk in
front of the projection booth.)
         The biggest change, however, other than
the price is the modern trend of parking
vehicles with their tail end facing the screen.
         If we did that "back in the day, we'd
have to watch the feature in or rear view
mirror!
        Today customer open the hatch in their
van and either sit there or on folding chairs
they haul along with them!
        The operators like them too They don't
have to wonder how many friends you're
trying to sneak in inside your trunk!
         So, since it's June 6th you may want to
remember one D Day and celebrate the other!
         Both should bring back memories!
         Hope you invade your local Drive
In and that all your NEWS is good!