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Our Opinion: Recognize quiet heroism of nation’s veterans

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Chick-fil-A Express opens at Misericordia University Nov. 10

<p>The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren event held on Oct. 14 at Genetti Hotel in Wilkes-Barre was a smash success. The 10th annual conference was made possible thanks to outstanding speakers, many volunteers, and the sponsors who contributed funding to make this celebration possible.</p><p>A tip of the hat to grandparents in this region who have the experience of raising one or more children &#8220;the second time around.&#8221; This is an amazing corps of people. They deserve recognition and respect.</p><p>In addition, the NEPA Intergenerational Coalition, which is the group working closely with the Pittston Memorial Library to administer the GRG program, has a history of always being available to assist and aid any grandparent or relative caregiver who finds themselves in a position to raise youngsters. There are at least 4 million youngsters being directly raised by their grandparents nationally, and the statistics for this region are startling.</p><p>While Grandparents Day is celebrated each September, the people involved in this work should be celebrated every day. In addition, those who work closely with grandparents raising grandchildren &#8211; and who are professional social service personnel &#8211; are critical parts of the system that exists to aid parental and grandparental responsibilities. Very often there is one spouse remaining in the household, and therefore, it is not only the child who needs support, but also the parent.</p><p>The General Assembly of Pennsylvania, when it reconvenes, needs to act swiftly on a bill that was introduced by state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski that would create a navigator program for the benefit of a family found in a situation requiring grandparents or other relative caregivers to raise youngsters. The representative is a wonderful legislator who has acted with grace and in a highly professional manner to help as many families as possible facing this condition.</p><p><strong>Howard J. Grossman</strong></p><p>Fundraising director</p><p>Pittston Memorial Library</p><p>and</p><p>Chairman</p><p>NEPA Intergenerational Coalition</p><style>
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Letter to the Editor: Grandparents who are raising grandkids merit society’s respect and support