It is a good week to give out nothing but diamonds, perhaps because of many events related to Martin Luther King Jr. day, or perhaps simply because there was a lot of genuinely good news.
Diamonds to those who organized, businesses that donated to, and everyone who participated in an event at the Warrior Run fire hall held in honor of longtime Hanover Township Commissioner Joe Howanitz. The 72-year-old has been in recovery from a recent and sudden illness that left him with multiple debilitating conditions including some paralysis. The benefit raised money to help pay for the care he will need moving forward. “There had to be at least 200 people there and all the sponsors that donated businesses,” said son Jeff Howanitz after the benefit. “It was a huge success.” This, of course, has nothing to do with politics other than the fact that the man being helped has served in a political post. It has to do with people helping people, of friends and neighbors rallying around one of their own. It is, in short about being a community.
Diamonds to the Philanthropy Day Luncheon at the Woodlands last Friday, and particularly to a specific insight offered by event co-chair C. David Pedri, president and CEO of the Luzerne Foundation and, before that, Luzerne County Manager. The Luncheon was held by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, and don’t be put off by the dense title of the group. They are an important resource for nonprofit and charitable work done in our region, and we think Pedri summed up why when he said (to paraphrase), that while many of us tend to look inward, forward or even backward (ah, nostalgia!), the award winners announced at the luncheon looked outward. “We are so lucky to have these people in our community,” Pedri said, “and I hope their work and efforts will inspire others.” We heartily join in that hope.
Diamonds to the various MLK day events in the region, including the Monday celebration at the Luzerne County Courthouse titled “Martin Luther King Jr. and his Presidents,” and commemoration at Wilkes University Tuesday titled “It Takes a Village.” At the former, speakers focused on King’s relationships with presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. Johnson may have been the president who helped attain some of King’s lifetime goals, but the fact that his work spanned three administrations shows how real progress can take decades. At the latter, Wilkes Diversity Initiatives Director Erica Acosta summed up the message by urging each of us to be “an active participant in our village. We are stronger together.” Both are important lessons in age when many seem to think dramatic change should be almost instant.
Diamonds to Leadership Northeast Core Class of 2025’s “Little League Legends” project. Partnering with the Hanover Township Little League, they are working to clean, paint and equip the township’s concession stand. A fundraiser is set for Feb. 1, noon to 3 at Benny Brewing Co. on the San Souci Parkway. A $30 entry fee will get you a buffet, live music and more. It will also give the Little League a valuable boost.
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