Youth in Politics dinner

A big congratulations to Bob Zaruta and Jen Rinehimer along with the rest of the Young Republicans of Luzerne County for putting together such a successful event. Getting such a big crowd for a YR gathering  in a historically Democratic County is a credit to their hard work.

Many moons ago I was an officer in the Young Democrats of Luzerne County and I'm a big supporter of both the YR's and YD's. They are our future leaders. Everybody involved in political campaigns think they are the grand strategist like David Axlerod or Karl Rove but first you have to understand the nuts and bolts of a campaign like making the phone calls and knocking on doors. Young Dems and Reps are the training ground.

Now for commentary on the event with a minimum of snark.


Bob Zaruta took on the "myth" that young people are all Obama liberals. The old joke is there is no such thing as a young Republican because they are all born middle aged.

Luz County YR Prez Bob Zaruta

The best part of the night was th PJ Stebbins award. PJ was a regular commenter on Gort42 and many other places even announcing his run for State Rep on this site. PJ was the hard working foot soldier for many campaigns that all political types can learn from. Aaron Kaufer  received the plaque from Suzie Stebbins.

Aaron Kaufer and Suzie Stebbins

The Young Republican of the year baton was passed from Tarah Toohil to Stefanie Salavantis. I asked Toohil some questions and it was interesting what she didn't say or deny. Read between the lines. More on that later. A reporter asked me a few days ago for the name of her campaign manager and didn't know. She told me tonight she doesn't have one. Bad move.

Feel free to add this pic to your binder of women.

Tarah Toolhill and Stefanie Salaventis

I can't make the LWV forum with Aaron Kaufer and Phyllis Mundy at Wyoming Sem on Tuesday because Mrs G. would rather to see the Aussie Pink Floyd Show at the Kirby that night. I recruited John Lombardo to be the Special Gort42 correspondent that night. He has been a regular contributor to PittstonPolitics.com and has made his English teachers proud. He is a an articulate young man.

John Lombardo and Sara Czernaikowski

More pics on my Facebook page

Joe Peters said something about being on TV.

Gort42 and Joe Peters

Upcoming events

Tonight is the Wilkes-Barre Township Fall Picnic at the American Legion, 54 Chestnut St, W-B Twp from 6-10PM.

Tomorrow you can catch Joe Valenti of Pittston Politics on Joe Holden's Sunday morning show along with Kristen Cook, Editor of the Wilkes University Newspaper, The Beacon and Sue Henry of WILK. It'll air Sunday morning on WBRE at 11:00AM and WYOU at 11:30.




Blogcon was a big success and the Fearsome Foursome are planning next year's event join them on Wednesday at

Rodano's

53 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania starting at 6PM.

NEPA Blogcon Meetup 2: Electric Boogaloo


It's a meet up! Hang out, have some drinks, network, tweet about stuff, maybe even some hugs!!  pants required. Squirrels with light sabers will be there.

We can discuss NEPA BlogCon 2012, what we liked, disliked, and what we hope to see next year.


Conservative Voter Rally  

Saturday, October 20, 2012  11:30am until 3:30pm

 

 

Genetti Ballrooms Inn & Suites

1341 N Church St, Hazleton, Pennsylvania

 

Special guest speakers include: Lou Barletta (U.S. Congressman), Sam Rohrer (Pres., PA Pastors Network), Tarah Toohil (PA House of Representatives), David Madeira (The David Madeira Show), Bob Zaruta (Pres., Luzerne Co. Young Republicans), and Laureen Cummings (Candidate for U.S. Congress).

Organizations supporting & participating in the event: God in Government, Luzerne County Young Republicans, PA Pastors Network, 94.3FM "The Talker," First District Republicans, Victory Bible Church, The Voice of John (pro-life movie), Citizens Alliance of PA, and Tea Party Patriots.

Tiffany Cloud (Host of Storm Politics on WYLN-TV) will serve as Emcee for the event. Pastor Ron Radtke (Victory Bible Church) will lead the gathering in prayer.

 

Youth in Politics Sunday October 21st 5-8PM

The Luzerne County Young Republicans will be hosting our second annual Youth in Politics event! Youth in Politics is a celebration of the accomplishments of young people in politics. Last year's event was a huge success and we anticipate this year being bigger and better.

This year we will present the Young Republican of the Year Award to District Attorney, Stefanie Salavantis. The award will be presented by last year's winner, State Rep. Tarah Toohil.

We will also be presenting the first annual P.J. Stebbins Award. P.J. Stebbins was one of the founding members of Luzerne County Young Republicans. He passed away earlier this year and the YRs plan to honor him on a yearly basis by presenting an award in his name to a young person who has shown dedication not only in the political arena, but also in his or her community. This year's award will be given to fellow Young Republican, Aaron Kaufer.

 

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RIP Paul Stebbins

I first met PJ in 2006 when he announced he was running for State Representative in the 120th HD. He ran an energetic campaign but lost in a 3 way primary. He attended a few of our Saturday OT Committee and Operatic Society get togethers (the forerunner of Blogfest) and we ran into each other at various Republican events. The last time I saw him was at Aaron Kaufer's kickoff and he told me was looking forward to the next Blogfest.

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PJ was a regular commenter on Gort42 and wrote many guest posts. He even announced that he was running for state rep on this site. You can view his contributions and my coverage of his race here.

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He was a person of generosity and good humor that made you instantly like him. An educator who was a coach of youth sports and did his best to make his community a better place. We should all follow his example. My heartfelt condolences to the love of his life Suzie and his family.

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When I read his obituary I both laughed and cried.

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Paul John Matthew Stebbins Jr.

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Paul John Matthew Stebbins Jr. surprised and annoyed us all one final time by dying suddenly Wednesday, March 7, 2012, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

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On Aug. 25, 1979, according to him, "God gave the ladies of the world a gift." One special woman was lucky enough to unwrap that gift and on June 26, 2004, he married his best friend and soul mate, of almost eight years, Suzie. He even forgave her for being a New York Yankees fan.

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Besides his wife, "PJ" found the greatest joys in the Boston Red Sox, being the best uncle, bargain shopping, Phil Collins, Republicans, funny movies, the Florida Gators and pushing his father's buttons. (And maybe the occasional hate mail that showed up after he wrote an editorial.)

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He was a member of St. Barbara Parish (St. Anthony of Padua Church), Exeter.

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He graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in elementary education. Paul also served as treasurer for the Young Republicans.

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With heavy hearts, he leaves behind, in addition to his wife, the former Suzie Scavone, his father, Paul Stebbins Sr.; siblings, Lea Black, Tonya Stebbins, Mandi Stebbins, Krissy Blank, Katie Cartwright and Jacob Cartwright; in-laws, Mark, Rosemary and Becky Scavone; grandmother, Irene Stebbins; aunts, uncles, cousins, several very much loved nieces and nephews; and his crazy dog, Yogi.

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Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Gubbiotti Funeral home, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter.

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PJ would ask that you honor his memory by donning your favorite Red Sox ball cap and/or voting for a Republican!

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His more practical family members, however, ask that you honor him by smiling through the pain, doting upon your children, tolerating someone difficult, making amends, being a better friend, and most importantly — turning to someone you love, right now, and telling them so. These are the qualities that he possessed and that the world needs more of.

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Many thanks to his doctors, Charles Manganiello, Mark Bernardi, Vijayaramanr Pugazhenai and Susan Brozena, and to all of the nurses at the Geisinger heart hospital.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bridge Foundation, 35 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.