I’ve now been present for two tapings of the Our Town series at WVIA-TV — West Pittston in 2015 and Pittston this past Thursday. The pride felt by both communities during the live shows has been nothing less than overwhelming.
WVIA does an excellent job of showcasing the communities it features and Pittston was no different.
Key players like Mayor Klush, former Mayor Mike Lombardo, Jim Zarra, Ron Faraday from the Greater Pittston Historical Society, Maria Capolarella-Montante, Msgr. John Bendik, Jane Adonizio and many more were in the studio.
Folks started to arrive at WVIA before 6 p.m., the atmosphere was electric and the studio lobby filled fast. Whenever there’s a gathering of hometown people, it’s like a class reunion.
Rosie Fasciana was on hand to do her thing as Stew, the Pittston Tomato Festival mascot.
Marianacci’s Restaurant of West Wyoming provided the food and, during one of the live breaks, Fred Marianacci was honored with a plaque by host Lisa Mazzarella.
The Pittston Knights of Columbus were present, all decked out in tuxedos, adding a formal side to the show. They ended up singing a few tunes during the third segment led by choir leader David Tigue.
During the taped segments, you could hear a pin drop in the lobby as everyone was glued to the TV. I could see how proud everyone was and saw some get emotional while watching.
Everyone talks about how unique the people of Greater Pittston are and how proud we are. No matter what religion or ethnicity, everyone gets along. Our ancestors worked hard side-by-side to make life better for their families and their community.
The work ethic has always been second to none, going back to the coal miners to the garment workers and, as the show mentioned, workers of the Pittston Stove Co.
I’m a lucky guy; I have roots on both sides of the river. The family hails from Pittston and I grew up in West Pittston. I knew about the division of the two sides, but I never experienced it. I was proud to spend days of my youth going to the American Theatre with my cousin John Callaio or my brother, Frank.
After the movie, we would walk back to my grandmother’s house off Parsonage Street and stop at The Corner Shop on Main and Mill Streets to see what kind of trinkets they were selling.
I’ve spent many days at Fourth Ward Park watching baseball or slow pitch softball and I can’t tell you how many times I went to the YMCA to watch my Uncle John play handball. And, yes, I slide down the fireman’s pole in the gym.
Sandy Insalaco made an appearance in the Our Town show, talking about the Landmark Bank downtown, as did John Hayduck speaking about UFCW Credit Union.
It was a great night for all of WVIA’s viewing area to see Pittston flex its muscles and stick out it chest beaming with pride.
Other communities are taking notice and looking up to Pittston.
Everyone walked out of the studio that night feeling pretty good about the production and rightfully so.
Congratulations to WVIA on doing a great job of letting outsiders take a peek into what it’s like to have grown up in Pittston and to live there today.
Cut the cord, week two
I had a lot of feedback from last week’s column about cutting the cord to get rid of, or at the very least, take a break from cable TV or, in my case, satellite TV.
To answer some of your questions, yes, it’s a difficult transition, but I’m coping. I’m learning there are ways to watch cable channels as well as major networks utilizing an antenna and the Internet. One warning about utilizing the Internet is having faster DSL or a cable modem.
I’m finding out there are ways to cut TV-watching bills and plenty of services available.
One thing I’m in withdrawal over, though, is the inability to pause or rewind programming. That really stinks!
Spring?
Stupid groundhog! I’m thrilled we had such great weather last week, but I hope we don’t pay for it before winter is over.
Quote of the week
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by friends we choose.” – Tennessee Williams, American playwright.
Thought of the week
“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.” – Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher.
Bumper sticker
“Travelers, there is no path, paths are made by walking.” – Antonio Machado, Spanish poe
