Drive-Through Dunmore Cemetery Tour Set for Next Month

Posted on September 2, 2020 by The Dunmorean

Karl Barbee and Julie Esty of the Dearly Departed Players are getting ready for the 2020 Dunmore Cemetery Tour. Attendees are asked to bring a donation for the Feed-a-Friend collection, which is especially vital during this pandemic.

Despite many obstacles, and due to the determination of Julie Esty and her cast of Dearly Departed Players, the Dunmore Cemetery Tour 2020 will take place this year on Oct. 4.

Due to Covid-19 and social distancing, the tour this year will be in drive-through format with tour attendees remaining in their vehicles. As of now, the tour is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m., beginning on the Dunmore High School side of the cemetery on Warren Street.

“Doing the tour in this format and adapting for distancing has been a challenge,” Ms. Esty concedes. “Our initial inclination was to cancel, but we know there are people who are going to need the Feed-a-Friend donations that we collect at the cemetery gate. Also,The Players would really miss seeing everyone. So, we adapted as best we could. It is our sincere hope that our audience will adapt with us this year.”

The logistics are unusual. “The Dunmore Police Department and the Dunmore Mayor’s Office assured us we would have the cooperation and help we need to make this event happen and we are so grateful,” Julie says. “Tour attendees are advised to check the Dunmore Cemetery Tour page on Facebook for any updates to the current information.”

Attendees will be given a program/tour route/map and “Fast Facts” on some notable cemetery residents. The Dearly Departed Players will help attendees along the way. In essence – it will be one long procession through the cemetery. When the drive-through tour is finished – audience members will be able to come back at any time and do the tour at their leisure by either walking or driving.

Due to Covid-19 and social distancing, this year’s tour will be in drive-through format with attendees remaining in their vehicles.

Some local businesses and organizations have volunteered to make the cemetery look a bit festive with fall decorations of wreaths and pumpkins. They include Space Time Mead and Cider Works, Carlucci Golden and Desantis, Lackawanna Historical Society, Miller Bean Funeral Home, and Steven’s Wreaths Galore and Much More helping us in the endeavor.

PS Advertising Specialty Company is also working on what attendees are going to need to get them through this tour.

“As always, a huge thank you goes out to the staff and Board of the Dunmore Cemetery,” Ms. Esty notes.

The Feed–a-Friend donation barrels will be set up at the tour entrance on tour day. Audience members will be able to drop their donations in before they start on their ride through the cemetery.

“The Players sincerely cannot wait to see everyone. If we make it — we will be one of the few events that did make it in this very difficult year. Wish us luck!” Julie says.

If any other local businesses would like to help dress the cemetery up with pumpkins, wreaths or mums, or if you need more information, please contact Julie at 570-344-3819.

No reservations are necessary for the tour.

Dunmore H.S. Awarded State Funding Amid Pandemic

Posted on September 2, 2020 by The Dunmorean

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Dunmore Junior Senior High School has been awarded $34,646 in state funding for extra support for educational services amid the COVD-19 pandemic according to an announcement from State Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna.

A total of $256,052 has been awarded to a number of schools throughout the 112th Legislative District including $60,812 to Mid Valley Secondary Center and $160,590 to Scranton High School.

“We are beginning a new academic year with COVID-19 mitigation efforts still in place, and whether students start classes via in-person learning or virtual education, it is vital that programs are in place to ensure every student has a chance to succeed,” Mullins said. “My commitment continues to make sure every resource is available at all schools, so nobody gets left behind in these uncertain times.”

These schools have been designated as schools for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The funding comes from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of these GEER funds.

To date, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has awarded $87.5 million in GEER funding to help keep students and educators safe and meet the unique challenges of the COVID-19 health emergency. More information on the grants is available here.

Artist of the Month: Bill Graziano

Posted on September 2, 2020 by The Dunmorean

Graziano is trying to continue his artwork at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work in progress is called “The Artist.”

By Bill Graziano

After the Dunmore Senior Center had to close due to the pandemic, I found it necessary to seek other diversions to fill my time. It made me realize how much I missed the comaraderie of my fellow painters in Jill Swersie’s art class.

Having been a member of her class for over three years, its members have become like an extended family to me.

To fill the downtime, I began to work on overdue chores, such as downsizing basement storage. Upon completion of that task, I asked myself, “Now what can I do to fill the empty hours of confinement?” So, I decided to venture on a painting working from home.

I began by sketching my subject with chalk, then called upon my memory to aid me with all of Jill’s previous instructions. I have entitled it “The Artist,” and as you can see, it is still a work in progress.

The temporary closing of the Dunmore Senior Center has reminded me and fellow members how important its services are to the local seniors, and how it fulfills a void in our lives.

Hopefully, it will soon be able to open again!