Group aims to help those with Asperger’s
The first-ever support group for adults with Asperger’s in Luzerne County provides a unique opportunity for understanding and support for many who have not realized that they are not alone.
The group has now grown to an average of 10 members. Though the numbers have increased, the goal has remained the same: to provide a safe haven for those with Asperger’s to discuss topics as diverse as organization, making friends and entering the workplace.
Many of those who have Asperger’s syndrome have not been professionally diagnosed and many don’t know that they have it. Labelled “weird” or “demanding,” they often live life knowing their is something different about them, but without the tools to deal with it.
Is that ‘Pidge’ Watson or John Watson on the Pittston Inspiration Mural?
PITTSTON — Former Sunday Dispatch editor the late John Watson was not selected to be on Pittston’s Inspiration Mural. However, it looks like he found his way onto it, anyway.
What appears to be Watson’s face is on muralist Michael Pilato’s mural on the Newrose Building on South Main Street. Watson’s father, William A. “Pidge” Watson Jr. was voted to be on the mural, but isn’t. Pidge is the former editor and publisher of the Sunday Dispatch
According to Main Street Manager Rose Randazzo, the artist is aware of the possible mistake. However, Pilato painted what he believes is Pidge. Randazzo made it clear that if there is a mistake, Pilato said he would take care of it. Currently, Randazzo, along with Pilato, are scouring over younger photos of Pidge to see if there was a mistake.
Former students help M. Hope Park celebrate 100th birthday
WILKES-BARRE — Dressed in a crisp navy blue sleeveless dress with white polka dots, M. Hope Park was greeted by dozens of guests who gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday at the Central United Methodist Church Sunday.
Of the many well-wishers at the party, which was held immediately after church services in the all-purpose room, were several of Park’s former students.
Born on Aug. 19, 1915, Parks was a 1932 graduate of Hazleton High School and received her teaching degree from Bucknell University in 1936.
Parks, who still drives, said she has ‘no idea’ what the secret to her longevity is, but surmises it has to do with good genes.
Bradford Street residents overwhelmed by roaches
WILKES-BARRE — Kisha Redguard said she hasn’t slept well for days.
When she does sleep its on the second floor of the house she said she can no longer call “home” because of a raging roach infestation she believes came from neighbors who live in the other half of the house she rents at 61 Bradford Street.
As of a week ago, those neighbors have moved on, the roaches have not.
Chris Spinucci, landlord of both properties, said he has done all he can to make the best of a bad situation.
The nightmare began, they say, in January when new neighbors moved in. Within a week, they saw roaches in the bathroom and other areas of their house.
Michael Redguard immediately did what he thought was appropriate, he called Spinucci requesting extermination.
Spinucci response, he said, was to ask if they could catch some of the roaches.
From homeless to Harvard to Wyoming Valley keynote guest, Liz Murray to attend United Way kickoff
WILKES-BARRE — Years ago there was a television commercial for the brokerage firm E.F. Hutton that went: “When E.F. Hutton speaks, people listen.”
It was an effective ad campaign of the past. Here in 2015, the United Way of Wyoming Valley is hosting an event with a speaker who people should come to see and, most importantly, listen to.
Known from the TV movie, “From Homeless to Harvard,” which chronicled Liz Murray’s life, is a living example of how to overcome adversity.
Murray will be the featured speaker Sept. 2 at the United Way’s “Poverty to Possibility: Building the Movement” Kickoff Celebration for the 2015 United Way Campaign, at the Keystone Ballroom, Mohegan Sun Pocono. The two-hour event starts at 5:30 p.m.
Citations filed after water balloons thrown in Wilkes-Barre
WILKES-BARRE — City police cited George Patrick Evans, 21, and Christopher Hayes Evans, 18, both of Hanover Township, with disorderly conduct after they allegedly threw water balloons at people while operating a vehicle in the area of South Pennsylvania Avenue and Dana Street on Monday.
