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US Senate showdown: Casey looking to hold off Barletta in high-stakes race

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Progress? Gridlock?

<p>The Luzerne Foundation is celebrating its 25th year and if Thursday night was any indication of the foundation&#8217;s strength locally, it will see another 25 years &#8211; easily.</p><p>On Thursday, Executive Director Charles Barber and foundation staff opened their doors to community members to check out its new home at 34 S. River St.</p><p>This paper, of course, covered the event with a reporter and photographer, and in addition to myself, Publisher Mike Murray and Vice President of Sales &amp; Marketing Kerry Miscavage were in attendance.</p><p>The new space, renovated by Panzitta Enterprises, is distinguished and impressive with a sizable lobby, community room which was home to a Westmoreland Club reception on this night, a board room, offices and other spaces.</p><p>At the Times Leader, we couldn&#8217;t be happier for the foundation. It assists many area nonprofits in their missions.</p><p>Cheers to 25 more years of helping.</p><p>Following that event, we headed down the road to the Wyoming Valley Art League/Circle Centre for Fine Taste, Fine Art on South Franklin Street.</p><p>There, I spoke with George Brown, event co-chair, who explained the funds raised would be put toward making the building handicap accessible with an elevator. Giving people more access to the arts is paramount to the betterment of our region, so I applaud this goal.</p><p>A capital campaign will begin soon, since purchasing an elevator is so pricey, but Thursday was the beginning of the fundraising efforts.</p><p>I walked around for an hour, seeing art and photos by the likes of Darren Elias, Helen Lavelle, Robert Bergstrasser and others.</p><p>Majestic. Splendid. Striking.</p><p>Those are just a few adjectives to describe what I saw.</p><p>During the perusing, I sampled from various vendors: Cork Bar &amp; Restaurant, El Zocalo, Franco&#8217;s, Istanbul Grill, Jonathans Restaurant, LCCC Culinary Institute, Rodano&#8217;s, Mary Stegmaier Mansion, Michael Mootz Chocolates, Benny&#8217;s Brewery and Kendall Jackson Wines.</p><p>Those businesses and employees spent time there for free &#8211; offering their delightful dishes with smiles as guests mingled, dined and took photographs.</p><p>If that sounds like something you would have enjoyed, you&#8217;re in luck because I have a similar opportunity for you.</p><p>On Thursday, Nov. 15, Junior Achievement of Northeastern PA is slated to have its 2018 Taste of Success night with similar-style vendors and room for mingling in the JA Biztown space on Oak Street in Pittston.</p><p>Never been to Biztown? Now&#8217;s your chance.</p><p>It&#8217;s a magical little city filled with booths made to look like banks, restaurants, retail stores and more. Young students march through the city, learning financial literacy and getting life skills and lessons that prepare them for their futures.</p><p>There&#8217;ll be music, a silent auction, basket raffles and, again (sorry to repeat myself, but I must stress this) gourmet food from many local restaurants.</p><p>The best part? Tickets are just $35.</p><p>Please join us from 5:30-8:30 on Nov. 15. To buy tickets, go to janepa.org or call 570-602-3600.</p><p>I&#8217;ll meet you at one of the restaurants in Biztown.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>Mike McGinley</p><p>Around Town</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Mike McGinley is the Times Leader Media Group&#8217;s major accounts executive. Reach him at mmcginley@www.timesleader.comor 570-704-3945.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Luzerne Foundation celebrates 25 years, a brand new home