Dishin’ the Dirt: August 2023

This group of four had the only hits for the National League in 6-1 loss to American League in inaugural Wyoming Valley Baseball League all-star game held at PNC Field in Moosic. From left: Anthony Duchnowski, Colin Dietz, Rob Galonis, and Dylan Svetovich. All but Galonis are former members of Dunmore Freedom League.

By Steve Svetovich

Condolences to family of former Dunmore legendary football coach Jack Henzes who died last month at 87…Henzes totaled 444 career wins in 52 seasons, 48 at Dunmore, second most in state history…The Dunmore icon is in PA Sports Hall of Fame and known to his former players as teacher of life lessons…A statue is in his honor on grounds of Dunmore High School…Dunmore’s Vic Fangio, getting ready for football season as Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator, coached under Henzes and gives him credit for mentoring him into lengthy NFL coaching career…Congratulations to Holy Cross second baseman Alison Ross for earning all-state softball honors as junior…Congratulations to four-year baseball-football-basketball standout Nico Ruggiero for being named Dunmore High School athlete of year upon his graduation…

Prayers and get well wishes to Lebron James’ son Bronny who suffered cardiac arrest while practicing as college freshman…Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger, still strutting and going strong, turned 80 last month…Get well wishes to Bob Walsh, Dunmore, president of Northeastern Chapter for PA Sports Hall of Fame, recovering from back and leg issue…Get well wishes to Dunmorean owner/publisher John Hart in rehab recuperating from fall…Hard to believe ESPN let go of Suzy Kolber, Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose in latest round of job cuts…Congratulations to Dunmore’s Max Forgione named as Lackawanna League Baseball Coaches’ All-Star…Congratulations to Brian Walsh and Kyle Skutack of Scranton Prep named as Lackawanna League Baseball Coaches All-Stars…Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown signed 5-year deal worth $304-million to remain with team…Texas Rangers had five MLB all-star game starters – Adolis Garcia, Marcus Semien, Cory Seager, Josh Jung and Jonah Heim…It was first time an MLB team had five position players in all-star game since 1976 Cincinnati Reds…Hard to believe no Cincinnati Reds positions players were named to analyze all-star team…Matt McLain, Spencer Steer and Jake Fraley were all deserving…

American League defeated National League, 6-1, in first annual Wyoming Valley Baseball League all-star game held last month at PNC Field in Moosic…Dunmore’s Dylan Svetovich and Anthony Duchnowski, former members of Dunmore Freedom League, had first two all-star hits ever for National League all-star team…Colin Dietz, former member of Dunmore Freedom League, and Rob Galonis had the other hits for National League team…Dunmore’s Dylan Svetovich had two hits, including double, drove in three runs, pitched an extra inning complete game and turned a double play on mound for Lavelle Insurance  in Wyoming Valley League game last month…Congratulations to Dunmore’s Max Forgione and Scranton Prep’s Brian Walsh named All-Region for baseball…Forgione batted .500 with three homers and 30 runs…Remember Dunmore’s Nick Boccella with three hits, including double, in team’s District 17 Junior League baseball win over North Pocono, 11-4, 20 years ago?…Congratulations to  Mia Galella of Holy Cross named All-State and to All-Region softball team…She hit .471 with eight homers and 36 walks…Congratulations to Mid Valley’s Maranda Runco named All-State and All-Region and Player of Year after batting .632 with 18 homers and 53 RBIs and posting 23-2 pitching record with 14 shutouts and 0.62 ERA…

Do you remember Dunmore Bucks 1955-56 backfield that included Sam Incavido, Art Parola, Sam Stivala, John Rinaldi, Paul Bradican, Vince Summa, Joe Fazio, Cal Pinto, Bill Giannoni and Don O’Hara?…Tom Silvano was the Dunmore football coach then…Do you remember Bobby Joseph?…Newest members to be inducted October 1 into the Northeastern Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame are Mike Zanghi, Al Callejas, Lauren Carra, Joe Baciotti, Mike Cerra, Joe Runco, George Howanitz, Gabrielle Giordano and Mike Ciccotti, MD…Larry Gabriel, former sports editor of The Carbondale News, will receive Media Award…Paul “Red” Brower will receive Service Award…Bob Walsh, Dunmore, is Chapter president…Jerry Valonis is vice president…Do you remember Joe Zezeski?…Whatever became of Neil Allen?…

FNCB donates $5.000 to Allied Services

FNCB Bank announced its support for Allied Services with a $5,000 donation to the Vocational Services Division. FNCB served as a co-presenting sponsor of the Allied Services 2023 Vocational Services Golf Classic held in July, at Glenmaura National Golf Club.  Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the annual tournament benefits individuals with disabilities participating in training and employment programs provided by the non-profit health system.

Shown in front, from left:  Robert Ames, Vice President, Community Services, Allied Services; Thomas Melone, CPA, Board of Directors, FNCB Bank; Jerry Champi, President & Chief Executive Officer, FNCB Bank; James, Bone, CPA, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, FNCB Bank;  John Strellish, Senior Vice President & Commercial Officer, FNCB Bank; Peter “PJ” Adonizio, Advisory Board, FNCB Bank.

Back row from left: James Chiaro, Chief Investment Services Officer & Executive Vice President, 1st Investment Services, Atty. Bill Conaboy, President & Chief Executive Officer, Allied Services; Peter Albano, Senior Vice President, 1st Investment Services.

Calendar of Events: August 2023

DCCHS/O’Hara reunion

The Dunmore Central Catholic High School/Bishop O’Hara Class of 1973  will have a meeting to update and discuss their 50th class reunion scheduled in the fall.  Come Thursday, Aug. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the VFW Post #6082, 123 Electric St., Peckville. All classmates are invited to attend this meeting.  We are still in need an update of 50+ classmates addresses. The original planning committee members  are: Michele Gerrity, Florence Sweeney, Kevin Mchugh, Colleen Mangan, Dottie Egan, and Sharon O’Boyle.   Family and friends of the Class of 1973 please help us in updating our class list information. Contact Lauren Telep, publicity chair, at cell/text 646-241-9443 or home 570-383-0319.

Penn State Scranton golf fundraiser

Penn State Scranton Athletics will be hosting a fundraising golf tournament on Sept. 15, at the Golf Course at Paupack Hills, Greentown. The tournament, named for former Penn State Scranton CEO, James D. Gallagher, will be captain and crew format and begin with a continental breakfast at 8:30 am followed by a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The event is a fundraiser for the 13 Varsity Athletic teams at Penn State Scranton including Men’s and Women’s Golf, Cross Country, Track & Field, Soccer, Basketball, Women’s Volleyball, Baseball & Softball.  Proceeds will supplement individual team needs and enhance the student-athlete experience while they compete. Funds raised will be used for team travel, including spring break trips and national events, and to improve athletic facilities.

Participants will receive a BBQ lunch, registration pack and an opportunity to win prizes in a variety of contests. Those interested in participating or becoming a sponsor for the tournament details can find more information at psuscrantonathletics.com or by calling the Penn State Scranton Athletics Office at 570-963-2617.               


Paws in the Park

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter will host Paws in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 13, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at McDade Park. This event will have entertainment and music, over 40 local vendors, food trucks, homemade ice cream, adoptable pets from the shelter, raffles, 50/50, and Jurassic Raptor 570. The event is pet and family-friendly, with games for the kids, sprinklers, and pools for the dogs. Tickets are $10 per person, and kids under 12 get in for free. Bring sunscreen and hats.

For more information, get in touch with Sherry Crolly, Development Director, at 570-586-3700 ext. 522, or fundraising@griffinpondanimalshelter.com. Complete details are available athttps://www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com/paws-in-the-park-vendor-and-sponsorsAll proceeds will benefit the shelter’s animal medical fund.

Casino bus trip

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will host a bus trip to Wind Creek Casino, Bethlehem, on Saturday, Sept. 30.  The bus will depart from St. Patrick’s Church, Jackson Street, West Scranton at 10 a.m. and depart for home at 5 p.m.  The cost of the trip is $30 with a $25 rebate.  This Complex includes multiple restaurants and outlet shops to explore. All proceeds benefit St. Patrick’s Food Pantry, Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen, and various local charities.  Contact Maureen at 570-558-5263 or Michele at 570-343-7009.  Your check is your reservation.  No refunds.  Payment is due by Sept. 10.  Make checks payable to LAOH-DIV. 5 and mail to Michele McDade, 102 Ridgeview Drive, Scranton, PA 18504. This bus fills fast so please sign up early.

Actors Circle plays

Actors Circle presents “A Celebration of Short Plays – Celebrating Our Local Talent” on August 17, 18, 19, and 20, at Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 general; $12 Senior, and $10 student. On Thursday, all tickets are $10. Pay cash at the door, or visit www.ActorsCircle.com for the link to purchase tickets online. Call for reservations at 570-342-9707.

Good Things Festival

On Saturday, Aug. 12,, eleven local and regional music acts will come together at the Scranton Iron Furnaces for the second annual Good Things are Happening Festival. Headlining the festival is Scranton’s own homegrown indie rocker, Petal, consisting of Kiley Lotz and rotating touring musicians. Other acts include James Barrett, Wild Pink, Alyssa Lazar, The Tribe, Little Hag, Esta Coda, Channel 65, Glass Mask, Brendan Brisk Band, and We’re From Antarctica. Doors will open at noon and music will begin at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 presale and $30 the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at goodthingsfestpa.com.

Golf tournament

St. Mary’s Villa Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, Aug. 28, at Glen Oak Country Club, Clarks Summit. Golfer registration is $150 and includes carts, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner.

Call Lani Dickson at 570-795-2810 to register. Visit our website for a complete golf brochure. Sponsorships are available.

Lebanese Food Fest

The 22nd annual Lebanese-American Food Fest will be held Aug. 11, 12 and 13 at St. Joseph Melkite Greek-Catholic Church, 130 N. St. Frances Cabrini Avenue (off lower Jackson Street), West Scranton, featuring Lebanese food and pastries, local picnic favorites, and variety baskets. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 4 to p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. Holy Day services will be held daily.

Check for the menu in August at melkitescranton.org or on Facebook. For more information, contact melkite.scranton@gmail.com or call the rectory at 570-343-6092. 

Car show & barbecue

Saint Ann Basilica Parish will have its 9th Annual Car Show and Chicken BBQ on the grounds of the Basilica in West Scranton on Sunday, Aug. 6.  Gates open at 8 a.m. and the show runs from 9 a.m. thru 4 p.m., rain or shine.  All vehicles are welcome with pre-registration at $10 and $15 on the day of the show.  Chicken BBQ is pre-order only at $12 each from noon to 4 p.m.  For the early birds, breakfast sandwiches will be available for purchase.  To pre-register your vehicle or to pre-order your dinner or for more information, please call the parish rectory at 570-342-5166.  All proceeds benefit Saint Ann Basilica Parish. 

Golf tournament

The North Pocono Public Library (NPPL) has announced Joe Castrogiovanni as the Guest of Honor for its third Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, Aug. 7 at 1p.m. at Elmhurst Country Club, Moscow. Cochairs, Jim Coles and Ed Steinmetz invited Castrogiovanni to participate to honor his legacy in the North Pocono community while also raising funds for the library.

The presenting sponsor of the tournament is Dr. Lionel Bulford, and Media Partner is WNEP-TV.For more information, to register to play or be a sponsor, contact Christopher Kelly, Development Director at 570.498.0678 (cell), ckelly@albright.org. Please visit www.lclshome.org/north to learn more about the tournament.

Cancer Survivors Day

Cancer Survivors Day is a dual-location event set for Saturday, Sept. 23, at Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre, and Saturday, Sept. 3,0 at McDade Park, Scranton. Event registration begins at 10 a.m. and the program begins at 10:30 a.m.  It’s free of charge although pre-registration is encouraged. The events feature the Circle of Survivors, an activity during which every person in attendance can share inspirational words and support about their cancer experience. Conversation and light refreshments provide an additional opportunity for connection and support. Cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as caregivers and healthcare professionals are invited to attend.

For more information, go to www.cancernepa.org or call the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808.   

Mannheim Steamroller

NAC Entertainment and the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple have announced that the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Show will be performing in NEPA this year for one night only, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s show will feature classic Christmas hits from the Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting. Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will direct and co-produce tour performances with MagicSpace Entertainment.

Tickets for this show go on sale Friday, July 28 at 10 a.m., and will be available in person at the Scranton Cultural Center box office, and online at BroadwayInScranton.com.