WHERE HAVE ALL THE CHILDREN GONE?

    WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST., 2017
WHERE HAVE ALL THE CHILDREN GONE?

   Where have all the children gone. Long
time passing. Well, they've been passing
our house for a long time on Halloween.
    Of course the neighborhood, like many
neighborhoods, has changed over the years.
There used to be a lot more kids living near
us. And most all the families knew each
other.
      For the past few years we've visited my
daughter on Halloween. But we always left
a small supply of treats on the porch with a
note wishing visitors a Happy Halloween
and inviting them to take a candy bar or a
bag of chips.
      Each year the stash remains untouched!
      True, there are fewer kids and some
empty lots close by. And a nearby housing
development probably offers far better odds
of picking up a lot more goodies.
       Even my daughter's house had fewer
Trick or Treaters this year. Or maybe we
just had a lot more candy because there's
a lot of left overs.
       The treats are still out there to be had.
I saw my grandson and grand daughter's
candy being sorted on their living room
floor. They'll be eating candy through
the Christmas season.
        As for those "extra treats" we ended
up with, I will sacrifice and deal with them
myself!
         Hope you're got some tasty treats
leftover too and that all your NEWS is
good!

FRIGHTING FURNITURE!

   TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31ST., 2023
       FRIGHTENING FURNITURE!

    It's Halloween! A time for Witches,
Ghosts, and Scary stories!
    I've covered a lot of scary stories
during my days as a reporter. Of course
some of the most frightening dealt with
politics. They still scare me!
     I also covered a few stories just
perfect to be retold on Halloween.
One involves "the stone couch."
     There's a back road that runs
between the Weatherly area and
Eckley Miner's Village over what
most people know as Buck Mountain.
      In an appropriately desolate
stretch of that road travelers will
come across a huge rock formation
(or carving) that looks very much
like a couch.
      The story of the couch has
numerous versions depending on
who's telling it.
       The one I first heard suggests
that one sitting on the couch will
become ill. If one sits upon it a
second time he or she, or their
family will be involved in a serious
accident.
       The ultimate curse, according
to the legend, awaits those who sit
on the couch a third time. In that
case they will die!
        As an objective reporter I
usually put no stock in these type
of horror stories.
        I can say without question,
however, that part of this story is
real! If you sit on the stone couch,
whether it be once, twice, or a third
time, you will die.
        In fact even if you don't sit on
the couch you will die. The only
question is when?
        I haven't bothered to sit on it
anyway. Just in case!
        Happy Halloween! Hope all
your NEWS is good.

"WE'RE A LITTLE LATE FOLKS."

     MONDAY, OCTOBER 30TH., 2017
     "WE'RE A LITTLE LATE FOLKS."

        Back in the days when radio, rather
than television, sets were in the center of
our living rooms one popular comedian
used to close his weekly show quickly
with the words "We're a little late folks
so good night for now."
        Timing is so important to everything!
         And timing is the one thing weather
forecasters can't seem to get just right.
          The forecasts of heavy rains
pounding our area proved pretty accurate
by the time I started writing this blog
Sunday evening.
          Problem is, that rain was expected,
at least by the forecasters, by the time we
got up Sunday morning!
          The threat forced the Plains Township
Lions Club to cancel its annual Trick or Trunk
program and hundreds of kids lost out on the
chance to show off their costumes and pick up
some candy and prizes during a very safe
Halloween event. Most of the day saw only a
very light drizzle!
           I suppose a number of other events
were postponed by the forecast. It's pouring
now but the bulk of the day wasn't bad at all.
           Over the years I've noticed that the
weather forecasters are right far more
than they're wrong. When they say it's going
to snow it usually snows. When they say it's
going to rain it usually rains. But the snow
and the rain usually come hours AFTER they're
expected!
           So give the forecasters credit for
knowing what's coming (usually) but don't
set your watch by them!
           Hope you're on time and that all your
NEWS is good!

TIME OUT!

   SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29TH., 2017
                  TIME OUT!

      No! Not "Time out" as in stop the
game. Tie out as in "The sun is out. It's
nearly 70 degrees. There's still color in
the leaves. So let's take some time out!"
       So we did. Again.
       Rumor had it the folks at Ritter's
Cider Mill were working on a new batch
on donuts. So we drove there to find out.
        It was beat to watch the process
as they mixed the lard and the batter
then formed and fried the tasty treats,
        Turns out they were making a variety
of donuts! Apple Cider donuts. Pumpkin
donuts, and Apple Cider donuts sprinkled
in sugar.
         We limited ourselves to a half dozen
Pumpkin and 6 of the sugared. Figured we'd
save a few for the other customers.
         We sampled a couple before we
left just to make sure they were as good
as usual and washed them down with some
fresh made apple cider.
           With rain and colder temperatures
expected we weren't sure how long it would
be till we'd be back so we picked up a
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie to tide us over for
a few days!
            Hope it lasts that long and that all
your NEWS is good!

     

CRUISE CONTROL?

   SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28TH., 2017
             CRUISE CONTROL?

        Although we didn't reach 70 degrees
Friday the sun was out and my wife and I
both own warm jackets. So, the top came
down in our little Miata and we set out for
parts unknown. Well, sort of.
         I'm beginning to think the car knows
where we're going before we do.
         We headed out on Route 115 towards
the Poconos and for just a second or two I
entertained the thought of heading to Cherry
Valley Winery where a wood fired pizza oven
and a couple of our favorite wines are always
an attractive lure.
         I gave up the idea in favor of a back
road I'd never traveled before. I like to see
where some of these lesser know roads lead.
         The one I selected took us past some
beautiful fall foliage and round some
challenging curves.
          Ultimately though we pulled up to
an intersection I recognized! It was about
two miles from the winery! It must have
been karma! And who am I to fight karma?
           We enjoyed a great pizza, had some
wine, and brought a few bottles home to
cover us on those upcoming days when our
little Sports car is resting for the winter.
            Hope we got enough wine, and that
all your NEWS is good!

FRANKENSTEIN FRIDAY!

    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH., 2017
        FRANKENSTEIN FRIDAY!

    Welcome to "Frankenstein Friday!"
One of several separate "holidays"
dedicated to the famous Frankenstein
monster! "
      August 30th is Frankenstein Day,
so named for the birthday of Mary
Shelley who wrote the horror story in
1818. At least there's some logic to
that date.
      There's also National Frankenstein
Day which is observed on October 29th.
       Frankenstein Friday doesn't have
any connection to Mary's novel.
    Apparently somebody connected with
Frankenberry Cereal came up with this
special day.
      And, when you stop to think about it,
it was the scientist who was named
Frankenstein. The monster never did have
a name other than...."The Frankenstein Monster."
    You'd think Mary could have named the
guy!
     Anyway you've got three separate days in
which to "celebrate" Frankie! Hope you'll
take advantage of one of them and that
all your NEWS is good.

THE WINNER, AND STILL CHAMPION...

     THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26TH., 2017
THE WINNER, AND STILL CHAMPION...

     My old friend Joe Palooka is back in the
limelight again! True, he's a comic strip
character whose comic strip hasn't been
published since the 1980's. But Joe, and
his creator, the late Wilkes-Barre artist
Ham Fisher, are forever remembered by
a monument that stands along Route 309
in Hanover Township.
      On Wednesday that monument was
rededicated after some extensive repairs
to its base and landscaping provided as
a public service by the Home Builder's
Association.
      I was on a committee, along
with Fred Ney, Sam Greenberg,
and the late John Cicero,that had the
current monument made and placed on
that site in 1976. It replaced a bronze
plaque that was placed at the base of
"Mount Joe Palooka" in the late 1940's.
That plaque was stolen around the time
of the Agnes flood in 1972.
      The Palooka character was a Heavy
weight fighter who became world
champion. His honesty and good
character were the subject of stories
in a newspaper comic strip, comic
books, a radio show, and several movies
all of which reflected credit on Wilkes-
Barre, the city he called home.
        Before the US became involved
in World War II, Ham Fisher drew a
strip in which Palooka enlisted in the
Army. That move prompted thousands
of Palooka followers to do the same.
        When the US entered the war
the Palooka character "fought" the
enemies of our country in his stories
making actual soldiers except him in
their "Band of Brothers."
         Back home his efforts in the
comics helped to sell War Bonds.
          Presidents Roosevelt and Truman
honored Fisher and Palooka for their
efforts on behalf of our country making
them national heroes!
          Too many people, especially
young folks, don't realize the impact
Fisher and Palooka had and how
their efforts reflect positively on the
nature of people raised around here.
           Stop by and see the monument,
Tell the story to those who don't know
it. Treasure our history and our heroes!
           Hope all your NEWS is good!

TUESDAY'S TRACKS!

    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25TH., 2017
               TUESDAY'S TRACKS!

       I made lots of tracks Tuesday. One in my
arm, two in my knees, and then on the highway!
       I began the day by surviving two doctor's
appointments.
       My dermatologist reported that my lip is
healing well after surgery. I no longer have to
talk like a ventriloquist but still have to take
smaller bites for a while.
      My suggestion for a continued diet of milk
shakes was rejected.
       My family doctor put one needle in my
arm for my annual flu shot, then one in each
knee in the hope they will stop me from
mimicking Neil Sedaka with my song
"Standing Up Is Hard To Do."
        I was a bit disappointed by the "regular"
band aids. I had hoped for Sponge Bob or
the Hulk.
       In any case my contribution to the
medical community's financial stability
concluded (for now) my wife and I put
the top down in the Miata and headed out
to enjoy what may be the last 70 plus
temperature for a while and the colorful
leaves that are fading faster then they
arrived!
        I believe our tracks on the road
were the healthiest prescription for the
day!
        Hope you'll get a dose too and that
all your NEWS is good!

YOU'RE FULL OF BALONEY!

   TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24TH., 2017
       YOU'RE FULL OF BALONEY!

    Actually, of course, the correct spelling
is Bologna, We all know that from the
Oscar Meyer jingle.
     And it's OK to be full of bologna
today because October 24th is National
Bologna Day!
      I'm not sure who came up with this
special day but in the back of my mind
I'd like to believe they knew my late
cameraman and dear friend Bob Dennis.
     Bob used to bring a lunch with him
to work everyday. Those less wise, like
me, used to think I'd just pick up something
along the way and then suddenly I'd find
we were on assignment in a strip mine or
10 miles from the nearest lunch counter.
      But Bob always had his bagged lunch.
And it was always a bologna sandwich!
Every day! Bologna!
       Of course there are different types
of bologna. There is "regular Bologna"
German Bologna, Beef Bologna, Kosher
Bologna, and more. Depending upon the
kind of Bologna, it could include pork,
beef, chicken, and spices. 
        So Bob may have had more of a variety
than I imagined!
        Anyhow today's the day for you to
celebrate so grab a couple slices of bread
and your favorite kind of bologna and
have a ball!
        Hope you remembered the mustard
and that all your NEWS is good!

SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND!

     MONDAY. OCTOBER 23RD., 2017
         SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND!

     Don't ever let anyone tell you "there's
nothing to do around here!" Our biggest
problem this weekend was deciding what
we could fit it and what we'd have to leave
out!
     I've already written about Chris Bohinski's
first annual "Smile Day" in Hanover Township.
Free food, games, and prizes open to anyone
who knew about the event. I almost wished
it had rained since everything was inside.
     Longing to take advantage of the sunshine
and warm temperatures we eventually
headed out to see what there was to see,
      Time and a little gas was the only
investment needed to take in some of the
fantastic fall foliage around the area. And
there was plenty!
        Then a walk along the Lehigh Gorge
Trail near White Haven. Free again!
        Ironically some of the leaves along the
trail had already come down opening a
view to the river we didn't see in the
summer.
         Sunday found us at the Fall Festival
at Heller's Orchards in Wapwallopen. We
couldn't resist some of the home made
foods there but it would certainly have
been possible to show up and simply
enjoy the music and demonstrations
without spending a cent.
          The weather was, of course, a plus.
But as I look back over my own writings
I find plenty of excellent weather in
Octobers gone by so we shouldn't be
too surprised!
            One of my Facebook friends
in Hazleton has picked up on a phrase
you used to hear on the radio from a
fellow named Pete Wambach who
boasted "It's a beautiful day in
Pennsylvania." It's the truth. You
just have to know where to look!
So seek and ye shall find!
           Hope you do and all your
NEWS will be good!

           

     

GOOD REASON TO SMILE!

   SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22ND., 2017
      GOOD REASON TO SMILE!

    Chris Bohinski is a Wyoming Valley
native who kicked off an amazingly
successful  campaign in New York
encouraging people to smile and have
a positive attitude.
     He came back to the valley
recently to be with his Mom who had
been ill.
      Rather than put his efforts on "hold"
he's moved them here. On Saturday they
paid off big time!
      A couple weeks ago Chris decided
to hold his first annual "Smile Day."
He gathered sponsors, enlisted the help
of officials in Wilkes-Barre Township,
and invited people throughout the area
to show up for an afternoon of fun and
prizes!
      More than 500 people accepted
including my wife and I. Even Elvis
was there! And why not?
      There was free food, music, games,
and gifts for just about everybody! The
kids enjoyed the face painting but
everybody who walked in the door got a
smiley face drawn on your hand!
        Hats off to Chris and all of those
who supported his effort to put a lot
of smiles on a lot of faces!
        Hope he does it again and that
all your NEWS is good!

       
       

HERE COMES HALLOWEEN!

  SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST., 2017
       HERE COMES HALLOWEEN!


      Halloween, like Christmas, is one of those
holidays that we begin to think about well
before the actual day!
      I mean, a lot of holidays, like Memorial
Day and President's Day don't get too much
of an advanced buildup.
     But when it comes to Halloween the
decorations, which have become quite
extensive, begin showing up right around
Labor Day.
     All those "Haunted Houses" and
Hayrides have been up and running
since the beginning of the month too.
     Zombies and Ghosts are running
amok on a lot of the TV channels and
will be through October 31st.
      My wife even put up a scare crow
right outside our front porch. That move
has me really puzzled as she hung the
scare crow on our bird feeder!
      You've got to wonder what the
birds we've been trying to lure to
that perch are thinking right about now!
      My mom used to love Halloween.
      We would always have a party at
our house highlighted by a "lights out"
story about a murdered man whose
body was dismembered by the
killer. The guests, my friends. would
have to sit round the table and pass
the victim's eyes (grapes) and
brains (cauliflower) and other items
from person to person. Mom would
do the narration and really got into
it!
     She was very effective! In fact I
can remember skipping a turn or two
even though I knew what she was
actually handing out!
     Guess I'm just a push over.
     In fact today I nearly questioned a
guy standing outside my house...till
I realized it was the scarecrow.
      Hope you're stocking up with
candy for the big night and that..
till then...all your NEWS is good!
     
      

A VOICE IN THE CROWD!

     FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20TH., 2017
         A VOICE IN THE CROWD!

     It's been a rough week for my two-year
old grandson. Turns out he has an allergy
to the medicine they gave him for an ear
infection and that resulted in some
swelling and spots all over his little body.
     He spent a couple days with Grannnie
and Grandpa but ever though he smiled and
laughed you could tell he just didn't have
the energy he usually displays. That is,
until Thursday.
       We were waiting for his new medication
to kick in and, ironically, it happened
when we took him to watch his cousin play
Volleyball.
         He's been to a couple games before
and is generally content to sit there and
watch the ball sail back and forth over the
net. This time was different!
         He is beginning to use small
sentences but his latest was the simple
two word phrase "GO RED!" (His cousin
plays for Holy Redeemer which sports
red uniforms,) He cheered it over and
over! His cousin (and Godfather) Jason
watched as he led the cheering.
          They must have been listening
because they won both of their JV games.
I suspect they'll be listening for his cheer
whenever we can get him to the games!
           Hope he's all better, keeps cheering,
they keep winning, and that all your NEWS
is good!

THE BIG COMEBACK!

 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19TH., 2017
          THE BIG COMEBACK!

     Though I'm not a fight promoter I
attended a meeting earlier this week to
help plan the big comeback of the
Heavyweight Champion of the World!
      The champ hasn't fought for many
years but many of us still believe he's
the best boxer there ever was!
       His name is Joe Palooka!
       He's a comic strip character
created by a Wilkes-Barre native,
the late Ham Fisher.
        Palooka was such a popular
character that when Fisher wrote a
story about him enlisting in the
Army during World War II, thousands
of his fans followed his lead and
signed up to serve their country.
        Some 40 years ago I was on a
committee that raised funds for a new
Joe Palooka monument along Rt. 309
in Hanover Township. The original
Bronze plaque honoring the fighter and
his creator had been stolen. It marks
the site of "Mount Joe Palooka."
         The new monument stood the
test well but it's concrete base began
to deteriorate several years ago.
          A couple months ago the Home
Builder's Association decided it was
time to make repairs and its members
went to work. They've done a
beautiful job!
          Next Wednesday the refurbished
memorial will be rededicated and the
three surviving members of our original
4-man-committee have been invited to
take part in the celebration. Each of us
was written into the comic's storyline
back then.
          A lot of people actually expected
I'd wind up in the "Funnies" some day
so they weren't too surprised
          I'm sure everyone will appreciate
the work done by the Home Builder's
Association!
          Hope Joe enjoys his comeback
and that all your NEWS is good!

FROST AND FLIGHTS!

   WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18TH., 2017
         FROST AND FLIGHTS!  

    There was frost on the pumpkin Tuesday
morning. There must have been because
there was frost on my car windows when
we set out for a morning medical appointment.
      It didn't catch us by surprise. The local
forecasters had warned about it showing up
Tuesday. They told us there would be frost.
But it came anyway!
       Our furnace must have heard the
forecast. It fired up early Tuesday morning.
Just another sign of Fall.
        Fortunately the frost has not yet
turned into a daily occurrence. But it will
be back.
         All the signs are there. The sun setting
earlier each day. The leaves beginning to
change color. And then there's the geese!
          I've heard flocks of geese flying
overhead a couple times over the last
week. I've seen them three times and that
includes a huge flock I saw over
Hazleton last week.
            But that flock was headed west!
Either they're depending on a GPS or we
may have a bit more lime!
           Let's hope for more time...and that
all your NEWS is good!

YOUR DO OVER DAY!

   TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17TH., 2017
           YOUR DO OVER DAY!

 You don't have to play golf to enjoy this "special day."
 But golfers will certainly understand its significance!
 Today is "Mulligan Day!"
  Basically a "mulligan" is an opportunity to start again.
  You could call it a "Do Over Day!" In fact I did!
  You get to play it again Sam!
  According to the U.S. Golf Association, there are three
possible explanations for the term and its meaning, all
relating to a David Mulligan. "One day Mulligan hit a very
long drive off the first tee, just not straight, and acting on
impulse re-teed and hit again. His partners found it all
amusing, and decided that the shot that Mulligan himself
called a 'correction shot' deserved a better named, so they
called it a 'mulligan.'"
  Students may want to mention this unusual "holiday" to
their teacher in the event of a bad test score.
  If you've done anything wrong on your first try today
you should get a second chance.
  Of course you can't count on mulligans to save your
whole day!
  I don't think you'll get one if you're already driving
south on the Interstate's north bound lanes!
    You should also be careful when using your mulligan.
    Your boss, for instance, may not be observing this
day like the rest of us! A "non believer" like that
could force you to restart your entire career!
    I actually wanted to start this whole Blog over.
    But I'm too busy watching the Yankee game!
    Hope you'll use your Mulligan wisely and that
all your NEWS is good!

DEPARTMENT STORE DAY!

   MONDAY, OCTOBER 16TH., 2017
        DEPARTMENT STORE DAY!

    It's going to be a little harder to celebrate
this unusual "holiday" than it used to be!
    October 16th., after all, is "Department
Store Day." But Department Stores seem
to be a vanishing breed!
     When I was growing up in Hazleton
the Department Stores were the centers
of the Business District. And we had
several.
      The Leader Store and Deisroth's
were the two main Department Stores
although there were others including
the Bon Ton.
       The Leader was my favorite! It
had a Toy Department and it's the place
where Santa showed up every December
to listen to kid's Christmas wishes!
        It was also the first store to have
escalators! That was a pretty big deal
for a little kid. I'm sure I wasn't the only one
who rode to the top just to take a couple
steps backward to re-ride the last few
feet!
        The advent of Shopping Malls
did many of the old Department Stores
in. Not just in Hazleton!
         A few, like Boscov's, continue to
survive but few are actually located
"downtown these days. Most of them
compromised and moved into the
very mall that threatened them.
         Ironically it's now the malls that
are threatened!
         If you're fortunate enough to
have a local Department Store in
your community you might want to
celebrate there today.
         If you don't have anything you
need to buy at least stop in and ride
the escalator!
          Hope you find one and that all
your NEWS is good!
       

WATCHING THE MAIL!

  SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH., 2017
         WATCHING THE MAIL!

     A professional video photographer
was on board when we sailed on our
Travelworld Whale Watching voyage
two weeks ago.
      Even though I was shooting my
own video I decided to buy a copy of
his production photographed with a
state of the art camera.
      Each day since I've been checking
the mail in anticipation of the dvd I
purchased.
       It reminds me of Ralphie in "A
Christmas Story", waiting for his
Secret Decoder Ring from the Little
Orphant Annie radio show.
        But it also reminds me of me
back in the days you sent two cereal
box tops into some radio show to
get some sort of prize for your
favorite on-air hero!
          It was before cereal companies
posted a seal on their boxes and smart
kids, like me, would send in one
box top and one box bottom to get
whatever it was I just had to have.
          Sometimes the prizes were
so tempting you made your Mom
buy cereals you didn't even like
just to get the box tops!
            Ironically even though I
can still remember most all of those
radio shows I can't recall a single
one of the prizes I wanted so much
back then! So much for memories!
           Hope that dvd shows up soon
and that all your NEWS is good!
           

FORGET ABOU IT!

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14TH., 2017
             FORGET ABOU IT!

      I'm on a roll folks so please bear with
me!
      My visit back to Hazleton, my old
home town, has prompted a lot of
response both from people in and out
of "The Mountain City."
      I visited a number of places, mostly
homes and apartments now, that were
popular business places when I grew up
there.
      There was one place I didn't show.
I couldn't. First it wasn't there any more.
Secondly, I couldn't remember the name.
       In an "Italian city" (well it was then)
when you might expect to hear the phrase
"Forget about it," I forgot about it!
        But the place was so unique I figured
it deserved to be remembered. Even if I
couldn't remember its name.
         It was located in an alley just one
block from Broad Street, Hazleton's main
street.
         It was tough to park in the narrow
street but once you did you looked for a
brick building with a dark steel door.
         The name of the business was
posted on the door with stick on letters.
You entered and immediately found
yourself in a closet sized area with
another door on your left and a door
bell button on the wall.
          It was important not to let the
first door close behind you because
you would find yourself in total darkness
if you did!
          Next step, press the button and
right the bell. About now you half
expected to hear a voice saying "Forget
about it!"
           But that's when the man who
ran the place would let you in and you'd
see several candy display cases filled
with goodies of all sorts and, likely,
packing boxes in the adjoining room.
           Now I remember! This was
Jacob's Candy Store. I'm not sure if
they actually made the candy there or
distributed from the warehouse-like
facility.
             I do know their candy was
delicious and I made several visits
there when my Dad was still alive and
we visited Hazleton most every weekend.
            I don't know when they closed
but I believe there's an empty lot on the
]site now. Or I missed the door that once
bore the Jacob's name.
             I just had to share. You can't
make up stories like that!
             Hope you don't forget about it and
that all your NEWS is good!

REMEMBERING AND FORGETTING!

       FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH., 2017
   REMEMBERING AND FORGETTING!

     I was very impressed by the overwhelming
response to my Thursday Blog about my visit
to my old hometown!
     A lot of non-Hazletonians liked seeing my
memories while those who grew up in the
"Mountain City" shared their own thoughts
about some of the places I recalled.
      I decided to add a couple more today
but admit my memory isn't as good as I'd
like it to be in all cases.
      If you've ever driven through Hazleton
you may well recognize a couple of the
buildings even if you don't know the history.
       The Hotel Altamont still stands at the
corner of Church and Broad Streets in
Hazleton. It hasn't been a hotel for many
years but unlike the Casey in Scranton or
the Sterling in Wilkes-Barre, at least it's
still there!
        In 1960 I watched from the roof of
the old Capitol Theater as a guy named
John Kennedy gave a campaign speech
from in front of that hotel during his run for
President.
        It's future is unclear but, hopefully, the
former hotel can be preserved and serve some
useful purpose.
        There have already been some extensive
renovations to the old Markle Bank Building
on Broad Street in downtown Hazleton. It
now houses various offices and a restaurant
named after and featuring the popular Bar-B-Q
served at the former Knotty Pine Restaurant.
          Bui I still remember the huge lighted
sign, probably three stories high, that used
to flash the name Markle Band and Trust
Company on top of that already very tall
building.
           I often wonder what you do with a
sign structure like that after you take it
down? It's not like you could reuse it at
an ice cream stand!
           It's some of the smaller places
that have left holes in my memory.
           I found an apartment complex
on third street between Peace and Grant
where a small family owned market
once served the neighborhood. In my
memory it was called "Marcy's" but don't
hold me to it.
           It was typical of the old neighborhood
stores you'd find in our towns and cities
back in the 1950's and before in some cases.
          These days the only hint of their
existence is a larger than usual window
by the entrance door and, often, a door
way set up at a slant.
            A piece of advice if I may. If you
know the history of some of these "Used-
To-Be's" take a photo now, even if the
enterprise itself is long gone. Then jot
down your memories of the place so
they're preserved for our future.
             Hope they bring back pleasant
memories and that all your NEWS is
good!

 

GOING HOME!

   THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12TH., 2017
                  GOING HOME!

    There's an old saying "You can't go home
again." Actually it's a quote from author
Thomas Wolfe from his novel that bears
that same title.
     On Wednesday, however, I went home.
Back to my home town that is.
     My original intention was to pick up a
couple boxes of Snape's Pizza. A Hazleton
favorite hot or cold.
      But I brought my camera along and, as
those of you who saw my album know,
decided to drive through my old neighborhood
checking things out.
       So much as changed. The three near by
Dairy stores are long gone as is the little
movie theater that was just a couple blocks
from my home.
       Speaking of my home, it's up for sale.
It's the second time I've seen For Sale signs
on the house in which I was born. I don't
know if it sold before and is back on the
market or if there have been no takers
since it was first offered.
        Maybe they should put up a sign....
"David DeCosmo Slept Here!
        The two grocery stores within as many
blocks are both apartments now as is my
old Elementary School building.
        I was feeling kind of melancholy
after seeing all that. I needed to find
something that stayed stable over all
those years. Any boy.....did I!
         The bright neon "Open sign" at
Jimmy's Hot Dog Luncheon was a
welcome home invitation I couldn't
pass up.
         Three hot dogs later I realized
you can go home again.....and taste
it too!
         Hope the pizza lasts a day or
two and that all your NEWS is good!

THIS IS A TEST!

 
      WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11TH., 2017
                     THIS IS A TEST!

        My wife and I began our Tuesday with a
visit to a local clinic. We both have doctor's
appointments coming up next week and he
had ordered blood tests before our visit.
         This is not my favorite stop!
         First there's the fasting part. I don't
mind missing breakfast. I don't usually
 eat breakfast anyway and I can always pick
up something right after the lab work.
         But a 12 hour fast means I have to
give up my midnight snack.That I miss.
         Then there's the challenge of getting
my blood!
          My veins are all too visible but for
some reason reaching them with a needle is
a little like drilling for oil. The technicians
come up with a lot of "dry holes!"
          I had an expert do the job Tuesday
and I still came out with what looks like a
snake bite since he had to make two attempts
before he hit pay dirt or, in my case, blood!
           Then there's that little piece of
cotton-like material they place over the
wound with tape strong enough to hold
airplanes together. Just try to get it off!
            Anyhow they got their sample and
I've got a couple new black and blue marks
to try to explain to those who notice.
            Hope I pass the test and that all
your NEWS is good!
 
 

BETWEEN THE DROPS!

   TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10TH., 2017
           BETWEEN THE DROPS!


   The rain had already come before we
awoke Monday morning. It was light
but steady and the wind was blowing
the curtains on the west side of our
house.
     A couple items on our porch were
toppled but nothing was actually
damaged.
      We got up late. It was a good
morning to sleep.
       By noon the skies remained
overcast and threating but the temperature
was in the low 70's.
        So we did what many of you might
expect of us! We uncovered the Miata,
put the top down, and headed out to catch
some of the leaves as they began to change
colors!
         Brilliant colors are still a few days
or a week or two away but it was nice to
see the change beginning. And the clouds
added another dimension to the wooded
scenery.
         At one point a light drizzle began to
fall. No big deal. We learned long ago that
the aerodynamics of our little sports car
direct any light rain over our heads when
we're at 35 miles per hour or above.
          We saw some beautiful scenery and
a few "used to be's" as well. Far better than
hiding from the clouds!
            Hope to get a few more adventures
in this fall  and that all your NEWS is
good!

GOT YA COVERED!!!

  MONDAY, OCTOBER 8TH., 2017
         GOT YA COVERED!!!

    Back in "my day," before Political
correctness, Columbus Day always
fell on October 12th.
    It's a national holiday in many countries
in the Americas and elsewhere which
officially celebrates the anniversary of
Christopher Columbus's arrival in the
Americas on October 12, 1492.
    It's been celebrated unofficially since
the late 18th century and officially in
various countries since the early 20th century.
     Somewhere along the line we, the U.S.,
moved it to the Monday closest to the 12th.,
which is generally OK since it gives many
people a three-day weekend.
     But whenever the date it was always
dedicated to Christopher Columbus.
     I noticed, when researching the day
on line, that old Chris is sharing "his
day" this year.
     October 12th is also listed as Leif
Erikson Day. Many claim he came to
the shores of America long before
Columbus. He just never bothered to
tell anybody about it.
       Had he been more publicity
conscious it might be Erikson, rather
than Columbus, Ohio!
       But given the likelihood that
either guy found people here when
they came ashore the date is also
listed as "Native American Day!"
        There's an "out" for those of
you who'd rather not take sides as
to which observance to celebrate.
         It's also International Beer and
Pizza Day! I love a good compromise!!!
         Hope you're celebrating
something and that all your NEWS is
good!

IT'S HERE!

  SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH., 2017
                  IT'S HERE!

     Fall showed up at my house Saturday!
     I know the official date has already
passed and, yes, the leaves are beginning
to turn colors.
     But at our house Autumn began with
my wife's announcement that she was
going outside to "do a little yard work."
      When I finally got around to
looking outside I immediately noticed
a figure standing off to my left. I might
have waved but realized it was a scare
crow my wife had rigged as part of
her Halloween decorating theme.
       He doesn't look especially scary
to me but I noticed there were no birds
stopping by our feeder!
        I would have said something but,
as those of you who read my blog
everyday know, I'm not suppose to
be speaking for a couple days.
         Well even if Fall is here the
weather has been more summer-like
than it was, well, this summer!
Scarecrow or not that's OK by me!
          Hope it stays that way for a
while and that all your NEWS is
good!