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Happy birthday Trent Thomas Ranella!

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Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s ‘Penguin Pete’ continues through Aug. 3

<p>Would it be a good idea to &#8230;</p><p>&#8230; expand the leisure-time activities available in Luzerne County by copying from entertainment options seen in other Pennsylvania communities?</p><p>An anonymous writer recently submitted an email to the Times Leader chock full of suggestions. In it, the writer noted that &#8220;this area has a lot to offer, but more activities have to be developed.&#8221;</p><p>Consider these half-dozen proposals, which borrow on proven tourist draws at places ranging from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River to far more distant shores.</p><p>&#8226; Replicate the Hiawatha paddleboat excursions &#8211; which carry participants on a river cruise near Williamsport, the former Lycoming County logging boom town &#8211; on Harveys Lake&#8217;s placid waters. Provide passengers with both a boat ride and a history lesson about Harveys Lake. Then encourage visitors to dine at an area restaurant, the email writer suggested.</p><p>&#8226; Put a twist on York County&#8217;s factory tours. &#8220;Start some farm tours, where visitors can experience a real working farm and purchase local produce,&#8221; the email stated.</p><p>&#8226; Offer store patrons a lift. &#8220;With all the senior citizens in downtown Wilkes Barre,&#8221; the writer recommended, &#8220;the local stores should get together and purchase a rickshaw ride for elderly shoppers.&#8221;</p><p>&#8226; Provide a vista. Construct &#8220;overlooks where tourists can view the whole valley,&#8221; the writer stated. One day, might a cable car ride also be feasible?</p><p>&#8226; &#8220;Build some adult playgrounds. They are doing this in Europe.&#8221;</p><p>&#8226; Finally, perhaps influenced by this year&#8217;s presidential race, the writer wrapped up with this observation: &#8220;Use the local state park, Frances Slocum, for political events. It offers a lot of free parking and can handle large crowds.&#8221;</p><p>Do any of these ideas float your boat? Give us your feedback by sending a letter to the editor or posting comments to this editorial at timesleader.com.</p><p>Likewise, tell us your ideas for improving the community. Maybe we&#8217;ll spotlight your suggestion in a future editorial, and ask readers, &#8220;Would it be a good idea to &#8230;&#8221;</p><style>
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Our Opinion: Put a paddlewheel boat on Harveys Lake, and bring other leisure-time activities to Luzerne County