NEPA — Never will I apologize for being a lifelong resident of Northeast Pennsylvania.
And neither should you.
And there are zillions of reasons why you should feel proud to be from this area.
I am from the Wyoming Valley, Northeast PA, Luzerne County, and I’m damn proud of it.
And I am so tired of hearing people talk this area down. And those emails — “You know you’re from the Valley if…” — well, they can all head to the “permanently deleted” file.
Why do so many of us so eagerly laugh at ourselves? Why do we find humor in our proud heritage? Why do we denigrate the very fabric that weaves through our DNA?
I really don’t get it at all.
I am proud to have been born and raised in this area — Plymouth Borough is my hometown.
I’m proud to say I went to school here, that I work here, and that I stayed here.
I’m proud to say I enjoy living here and I find this area to offer everything needed to raise children, to provide entertainment, to secure education, to have fun, and to recreate.
And I have traveled a bit, and I can say without hesitation that NEPA can stand up against any other town, county, state, or country and hold its collective head up high.
So here goes:
You know you’re from the Valley, I know:
• If you possess a solid work ethic, where you show up on time, work an honest day, and appreciate your co-workers.
• If you have attended one of NEPA’s colleges/universities, where you received a quality education that prepared you for the real world.
• If you’ve ever strolled around a farmers market or an arts festival in downtown Wilkes-Barre and sampled local produce or marveled at the work of local artists.
• If you’ve ever played a round of golf on one of the numerous beautiful and challenging golf courses.
• If you’ve ever been helped by members of local law enforcement, the fire department, or emergency management workers who put their lives on the line every day to keep all of us safe.
• If you have ever volunteered for any of the not-for-profit groups operating in the area that give of their time and energy to help others less fortunate.
• If you know of anybody who has been helped by the response of caring individuals who have donated to various causes for people displaced for any reason, or who have sick children, or who need financial help.
• If you have ever had a meal in one of the many area ethnic restaurants.
• If you have ever kayaked down the Susquehanna River and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and abundance of wildlife that abounds, or visited a state park or pristine lake.
• If you have ever sat on a front porch in your neighborhood and chatted with your neighbors and solved the world’s problems without raising your voice or spewing hatred.
• If you really love pizza and have sampled the many different styles and tastes at shops throughout the region.
• If you’ve ever put on your school’s colors and attended a Friday or Saturday high school football game, sipped some hot chocolate, and cheered for the players and the bands.
• If you have ever attended any event at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts or Mohegan Arena — each has attracted big names and up-and-coming acts.
• If you enjoy rooting for your hometown Penguins or RailRiders at their outstanding facilities.
• If you’ve taken a bike ride through Kirby Park and enjoyed the beauty that sits along the river and provides such a beautiful space for games, concerts, and fireworks.
• If you have taken advantage of Frances Slocum Park and its amenities for hikes, bike rides, boat rides, picnics, and swimming.
• If you have strolled in downtowns in places like Pittston City, Plymouth Borough, or Edwardsville for tomatoes, kielbasa, or pierogi.
• If you have ever benefited from being helped by good Samaritans who put others’ safety ahead of their own.
• If you’ve ever attended events like the Bloomsburg Fair for great food, rides, games, and the chance to pet a cow. Or attended Rockin’ the River, the Fine Arts Fiesta, or the City’s concert on Public Square.
• If you’ve ever taken the time to shake the hand of a military veteran to tell them how much you appreciate what they did to preserve our freedom.
• If you have enjoyed each of the four seasons and what they bring — spring flowers, summer fun in the sun, fall foliage, and winter snows.
• If you appreciate the diversity of our population and value that each person brings to the community table.
• If you value family and friendship and the spirit of fellowship and sharing.
• If you choose to worship your faith in the churches of all denominations in the region.
• If you’ve taken the time to admire and appreciate the architecture that surrounds us and reminds us of our historic past.
I’m sure I missed something, and I hope you remind me of all I forgot.
But the point is, we should be proud of who we are and where we live. We should brag about our past and cherish the history that built our region.
It’s easy to be negative.
It’s simple to be too lazy to really search for the good.
It takes a strong person to stand up to peer pressure from people who are too shallow or too afraid to admit they like who they are and where they live.
If we don’t tell the world what a great place this is and how great the people are, then why would we expect anyone or any business on the outside to locate here?
We can no longer be our own worst enemy.
We have to boast, not roast.
By being proud, we put out the best welcome mat to all others.
So instead of laughing and sharing those derogatory emails, do as I do — delete them, forget them, and forward this.
Smile more. Appreciate more. Show kindness more.