s
t en
c
25
September 11, 2015
Serving the mid valley & upper lackawanna valley
20 Years of Making a Difference
ON THE INSIDE Around Town
The lastest happenings in our area Page 2
School News
What’s going on with your favorite student Page 10
Community Calendar
Plan some fun for the family this weekend Page 16
Bowling Scores
See who the top players were this week Page 27
Times-shamrock communiTy newspapers 149 Penn Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: (570) 348-9185 Fax: (570) 207-3448 E-mail: advantage@ timesshamrock.com
5
99 /QT.
Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
www.thevalleyadvantage.com
Jessup’s 21st Century Association celebrates two decades
by Christopher Cornell ADVANTAGE EDITOR
It seems perfectly logical to have an organization called the 21st Century Association. It is the 21st century, after all. But, 20 years ago when a group of civic-minded Jessup residents created it, the name looked to a bright future. The Jessup 21st Century Association will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a dinner Sunday, Sept. 13, at 4 p.m. at Fiorelli’s Catering, 1501 Main St. in Peckville. Call 570-383-1217 for more information. In the beginning, it was just a few friends with an idea. “In 1994, my friends John Cardoni and Gene Varzaly called a meeting and asked me to join them,” recalls Genevieve Lupini. “They wanted to start an organization in town to start a flow of activity in the community. We called on a few friends and met a few times, each time gathering more people to join us. Charlie Cardoni, Kevin and Pat Betti, Sharon Wrightson, Alice Vanston, Dr. Frank Cianci, Ann Cappellini and Jay Martilotti met with us and we set goals to sponsor happenings to enhance the community.” By September of 1995, the group was officially known as the Jessup 21st Century Association, with 33 paid members. The first event the group put together came at the end of that year: “Christmas Happening 1995,” the first edition of what has now become a mid-valley tradition. “It was such a huge success,” Lupini recalls. “This was all we needed to show us that we made a difference.” The following year the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority’s “Santa Train” began running, and Jessup’s “Happening” fit in nicely: Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by train instead of by fire truck. Next, the group set their sights on creating a July 5th celebration. SAVE
WORLD’S LEADING SYNTHENTIC MOTOR OIL BRAND!
Aceite para motors 100% sintetico Mobil #1
TS_CNG/ADVANTAGE/PAGES [A01] | 09/10/15
50
Latitude Wiper Blades
“We set the stage, and had more than 1,000 people at our first July 5th Family Day,” Lupini said. This, too, has become a Jessup community tradition. And there’s been so much more. • In 2006, the group decided to buy a street clock. The clock now stands at the corner of Hill Street and Grassy Island Ave. • In 2007, the goal was to purchase “Welcome to Jessup” signs at the entrances to town, and surround them with landscaping. They are in place. • In 2009, a fountain was added to Station Park. • In 2010 the group was part of the effort to erect the Wall of Immigrants at Station Park. • In 2012 the first “Pig in the Park” concert held at Station Park. Just completed is the new pavilion at Station Park, which was christened at last month’s “Pig in
%
Limplaparabrisas marca Rain-X Latitude
10:00 | CORNELLCHR
Gathering to plan this weekend’s dinner are, from left, front row: Sharon Wrightson (co-chair of the dinner), Genevieve Lupini, Alice Vanston and Nancy Wasilchak. Back row: Angela Muchal (co-chair of the dinner), Corinne Sebastianelli with the St. Ubaldo Society, Nello Pauselli of the Knights of Columbus, Monsignor John Sekellick of Holy Ghost Church and Joe Fetcho with Jessup Hose Co. No.2.
BONUS!
10
$
the Park” gathering. “We also had 10 new tables with benches, which were donated by two members of our community,” she added. Lupini notes that the organization could not succeed without a lot of help. “We thank Jessup Borough Council and the Jessup Police for all their help,” she said. “We also thank the borough maintenance crew, who are there for us whenever we need them. We can always count on our local organizations. It might be the Jessup Lions Club, American Legion or the Knights of Columbus, VFW, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Hose Companies 1 and 2. We want everyone in the community to feel a part of our organization.” At the age of 20, the group is not slowing down. “We always wait for the next new member, with a new idea to bring to the group,” she said.
With Get a Gift Card By Mail on a Pair Purchase
To request your Rain-X Visa’ Gift Card, please visit: www.balkamp.com/rainxwipers
1614 Main St., Dickson City
570-383-2481 Open Sundays
Offers Good September 1-30, 2015