Happy Birthday!

Casey
 

 

WEST PITTSTON – Sean Silfee was

A big thank-you from Solomon
On behalf of the entire Solomon/Plains Educational complex community, we extend sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone, including community businesses, for their unwavering support during our recent flood evacuation and relief efforts.
Linda Urban Stets, site coordinator for the American Red Cross, and her very proficient staff did a wonderful job meeting the needs of all victims.We forever will be grateful for their help.
A special thank-you to the Wilkes-Barre Area School District and its Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Namey, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bernard Prevuznak and Mr. David Feller for making all provisions for the buildings, custodial staff and food items to become available.
To all the faculty, staff and administration of the school district who donated endless hours and resources to volunteer and help, we say a simple, but from the heart, &ldquo;thank you.&rdquo;
A special thank-you to coach Ciro Cinti and the Coughlin football team for helping to unload trucks, assemble cots and assist in babysitting, cleanup and organization of the building. Also, a sincere thank-you to the students from our schools and youth groups who provided assistance. It is truly refreshing to know that we have such a large group of young people who are there to help those in need.
To the countless community businesses that gave tirelessly and without regard to cost, we could never adequately commend you for your donations. Your donations were truly appreciated by us, and especially by our flood victims.
Be assured that we are comforted to know that in time of crisis and need, our community, the American Red Cross and local businesses always are there to provide us with valuable assistance. Everyone&rsquo;s hard work and commitment were greatly appreciated.

Mr. John Woloski Jr.

Principal
Solomon/Plains Jr. High School 
and

Mr. Sean Flynn

Principal
Solomon/Plains Elementary School
Wilkes-Barre Area School District
Blood drive tops last year&rsquo;s effort
The fifth annual Mike Chocallo Memorial Blood Drive in July was the most productive one thus far, yielding 50 units of much-needed blood as well as a double red cell donation.
I am grateful for the people who came out to help ensure that there will be lifesaving blood available when it is needed. Six people donated in memory of my husband, and my son Michael did the double red cell donation.
I know that my husband was smiling down through the holes in the floor of heaven as his family and friends gathered to remember him. The other 44 donations were made by the &ldquo;regulars,&rdquo; as we affectionately call them &ndash; those people who donate on the 56-day schedule all year. God bless these people for their devotion to this lifesaving mission. I see the &ldquo;regulars&rdquo; at each blood drive, and we have formed a bond as we share conversation and refreshments.
The blood drive was a beautiful thing; people of all ages, from all walks of life and with problems of their own all united in the selfless, quiet generosity of sharing. That is something that money cannot buy. I cannot say enough about the volunteers and paid staff who &ldquo;make the wheel turn&rdquo; at the blood donation sites, and I want to thank each of them for what they do. From the time I walk in the door, each person is friendly, kind and efficient, making the donation process seem like a visit with friends.
The need for blood donation never ends; the recent flooding in our area caused the cancellation of countless blood drives, resulting in a shortage of blood.
 There are blood drives within minutes of almost everyone&rsquo;s home, and many offer nifty prizes and incentives for donors.
 Please donate blood; you never know whose life might depend on it. Heroes come in many forms and sizes, and that hero can be you.

Bonnie Fowler Chocallo

Wyoming
Helping hands in a difficult time
My husband and I left our dwelling due to flooding concerns after feverishly trying to save what we could. We noticed there was sewage backing up into our basement, so we capped off any access and began moving whatever we could to the first floor. 
The next day, my husband and I were devastated to see that the sewer backup on Brookside Street, Wilkes-Barre, had entered our first floor. When we returned home on Saturday, the sewage was off the street.
 Now we are on the road to what we are calling our &ldquo;new beginning.&rdquo; We thank the good Lord for providing us with the following people who helped and supported us through this transition: Franchelli Brothers, Tom Young, John Young, Dave Young, Ronald Evans Jr., Marianne Fox, George Petrick, Emily Benson, Dan Laury, David Hess, Jen Hawk, Mary Kroll, Jason Prutzman, The Magic Bus Cafe, Jack (the bartender at Dukey&rsquo;s), Joe Shumoski, Dukey&rsquo;s, Nancy Polocko, the American Red Cross, the city of Wilkes-Barre, Mayor Tom Leighton, Sen. John Yudichak, Wilkes University students, King&rsquo;s College students, Arrow Auto Glass, Mom, Dad and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
 We are hoping that there will be some sort of state aid, because we know FEMA will not be able to supply us with the full amount of what it will cost to put our house in order. 

Denise Davies

Wilkes-Barre
Mountain Laurels

Mountain Laurels is a regular series of letters from readers conveying thanks to individuals or groups for their support, help or kindness.

A big thank-you from Solomon On behalf of the entire Solomon/Pl