editorial

“In this business, turnover is a way of life. There are a lot of radio nomads, but that kind of life isn’t for me” — George Graham, in 2022 article marking his 50th anniversary as a WVIA-FM employee.

Diamonds to the Valley with a Heart Benefits event on Sunday, a generous outpouring supported by motorcyclists and others that has, for about 25 years, raised funds for seriously ill children and their families to cover costs and medical bills. This year’s beneficiary: 10-year-old Kevin Green III, grappling with pediatric cancer. Along with a ride for so many bikers, the day included food, vendors, kids games and music from 15 bands playing on two stages. Kevin and his family attended, though that wasn’t guaranteed. “He’s been spending a lot of time sick and in the hospital,” his father said, “so leading up to this, we weren’t exactly sure where we were gonna be. So he’s just really glad that the timing worked out well and he’s able to make it today.” We’re also glad he made it, to see all those eager to help him and his family through the ordeal.

Diamonds to the ATHENA Leadership Award program, now in its 40th year, and to this year’s recipient, announced Wednesday, Attorney Sarah Borland. Since 1985, the award has gone to an exceptional woman who demonstrates mentorship, leadership and aid in helping women in the community achieve full potential. Borland fits the bill, in large part through 20 years as part of a family that helped coach the Meyers High School Speech and Debate team to numerous successes before the school was merged into the new Wilkes-Barre Area High School. She also organized the Diocese of Scranton National Catholic Forensic League qualifying tournament, volunteered regularly for the Valley Santa program giving gifts to economically disadvantaged children, and serves as president of the Osterhout Free Library board of directors, as well as serving other charitable organizations. Giving her the award also shows how the accomplishments it recognizes can become truly generational: Her mother, Ruth Borland, won the ATHENA in 1990, with a similarly long record of community service.

Diamonds to Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families, the Weatherly Faith Church, and all those who arranged a funeral service for 13-year-old Jacob Delgadillo, a move that injected some compassion into a brutal tragedy. The boy’s adoptive father has been charged with criminal homicide, and his adoptive mother was charged with child endangerment and tampering with evidence. County Manager Romilda Crocamo and other county officials attended the service, held without fanfare to protect the privacy of Delgadillo’s five siblings, now in foster care. “Today, Luzerne County grieved together as one community, united in our remembrance and support for one another during this heartbreaking time,” Crocamo said, in tears. “He was just a little boy. He never stood a chance. We must do better.” First responders from area municipalities, State Police and others joined the commemoration, including the Flying Aces motorcycle club and Bikers Against Abuse, who learned of his love for motorcycles. The murder showed the worst of humans, this event reminded us of the better.

Diamonds to Shavertown native Lauren Chapple for landing a big gig: throwing a ceremonial first pitch July 21 for a Philadelphia Phillies-Boston Red Sox game. It’s been nearly a year since Chapple endured pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery at Temple University to remove blood clots from her lungs, as recounted in a story published last month. It’s a condition that had left the once-active soccer player mysteriously breathless. Now recovered and back to a full life while working in Philly, she got the first-pitch opportunity on “I Heart Phillies night,” which is presented by the Temple Heart and Vascular Institutes, with part of the proceeds going to that organization. Kudos to the Phillies and Temple for giving her the recognition, and best wishes to Chapple moving forward.

U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan is accused of profiting from his vote for President Donald Trump’s massive economic bill, and his defense was blunt: “My financial advisor has made these trades with zero input from me.”

The season of illegal fireworks has already begun and will hit full boom this week, prompting our annual plea: If you absolutely feel you must set off explosives, especially the airborne variety, be courteous and responsible.

Diamonds to Wyoming Seminary and the YMCA for teaming to offer Summer at Sem, Explorations with the Y, a 3-week program that drew 113 youngsters to Sem’s Lower School Campus in Forty Fort for a wide array of science and learning expertly disguised as fun — oh, and some stuff that was just plain fun. Children learned the best way to make homemade bubble solutions, program LEGO robotics, and practice photography, among many other activities. Our area is blessed with many such opportunities for students of varying age groups throughout the year, but summer versions give parents a break, while letting kids socialize, learn, burn off energy and, well, get to enjoy childhood. Sem has been doing this since the 1990s, but joining with the Y opened the doors to students from other schools. Camp Director Sara Hargadon Michaels put it nicely when she said “It’s a beautiful partnership.” May we see many more like it.