Pictured are, from left: Arden Tewksbury, dairy activist and 60-plus-year member of the Elk Lake School Board; Joe Licata, retired Elk Lake History and Drivers Ed. teacher; and Dick Serfass, retired Elk Lake Superintendent.
“You could hear cheering, clapping and laughter. There was such excitement in the air,” says Erica Rogler, our executive director, as she described the enthusiasm of the 186 fans and players who came to the Dietrich to watch the film of the 1977 State Championship Basketball Game, Elk Lake vs. Shanksville -Stonycreek, played in Hershey.
The onscreen showing of the historic game was sponsored by Arden Tewksbury, who is a longtime member of Elk Lake School Board. He wanted to make his birthday celebration a true gift to the Elk Lake community.
A great supporter of dairy farmers, he also gave everyone a carton of chocolate milk. It was the day before his 90th birthday and what a celebration it was! Cheerleaders were there. Players Jim Hunsinger, Dave Tewksbury and John Benninger were there. There was even a moment of silence for their coach who died on July 7, 1977, and members of the team who have passed on.
“The team’s championship win truly brought the entire community together with pride,” reminisced Dick Serfass, retired superintendent of the Elk Lake School District.
Our friends at WVIA brought us another program that is one of great community concern.
Between the ages of 15 and 19, suicide is the second leading cause of death. The screening of Facing Suicide was followed by a panel discussion with seven people on the frontlines of this issue: John Alumni, Wyoming County Human Services Administrator; Cammie Anderson, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Education for Robinson Counseling Center, based the Tunkhannock Area School District; Alyssa Bufano, Therapist, Children’s Service Center and Robinson Counseling Center; Sean Gerow, CEO Family Service Association of Northeaster Pennsylvania; Derek Jolley, Leader and founding member of the bands cuddledrug and Ticket to Ride, healthcare worker, sound engineer, musician, community organizer, and mental health advocate; Brianna Lennon, Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder Therapist at Children’s Service Center; and Megan Washilewski, Executive Director of NAMI, Luzerne and Wyoming Counties.
The discussion inspired many questions, important ones that every community wants to know.
The Glow Show with naturalist Rick Koval brought all ages, from the very young to seniors, all engaged and asking questions, taking home samples of fluorescent minerals. The wonders of nature that are beautifully displayed by Rick always excites and amazes us all. Thank you, Overlook Estate Foundation, for making this program possible.
Coming up is a 50th anniversary celebration of The Grateful Dead, a mix of recordings from their years of performing, including “China Cat Sunflower/I Know You Rider”, “Big Railroad Blues” and more. Two showings are on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. A unique way to celebrate this legendary band, you may not want to miss. General admission is $14. Senior/member tickets are $12 each, and student tickets are $10 each.
Mark your calendar for the free movie showing on Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. of Hillbilly Elegy, presented by Wyoming County C.A.R.E.S. and sponsored by Northeastern
Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation and AllOne Charities. The film, based on the memoir by J.D.Vance, connects with those who are dealing with issues of substance use disorder, domestic abuse, financial uncertainty and so much more. Free tickets will be available at the door. Free small popcorns and small sodas will be provided to all who attend. You can find out about all of our upcoming events at www.dietrichtheater.com. Free events and movies are scheduled just for you.
I always like to end the column by concluding with something positive and perhaps enlightening. We do have at least one way in which our country can come together and celebrate together – and that is sports. No matter your political leanings, no matter your race or gender or religion, we can all come together and root for the same team! We saw it demonstrated by the Elk Lake community last week, and it is evidenced at most sporting events.
Let’s celebrate just that!
