Positives

We hear so much about the major negative news stories that sometimes it must feel like nothing good ever happens.

Turn on your TV and generally most is of the news is about Rep. Weiner or the climactic catastrophes or the depressed economy or fighting somewhere in the world.

Not all is negative, especially locally. There is a lot of good occurring on our homefront.

Here's just some examples of positive news:

• In Summit Hill, the Recreation Commission is adding new rides to a playground, planning a family movie night in July, and working on other events for the benefit of the children of the community.

The organization works hard with limited manpower and funds, but still manages to get things accomplished.

• In Lehighton, the Municipal Swimming Pool had been completely renovated last year. Still, the work isn't done. This year volleyball nets were added at the pool. Activities are promoted to encourage residents to use this wonderful facility.

• Speaking of the Lehighton pool, numerous organizations are getting together tomorrow night for an Educational & Safety Awareness Event at the Pool. This will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Just a few of the organizations which will be there are Lehighton Borough Council, Lehighton High School football players and cheerleaders, Lehighton Area School District officials, Lehighton Ambulance, Carbon County Safe Kids, Franklin Township Fire Department, Pocono Guiding Pups. In all there will be over 30 groups and organizations working cohesively at this free event.

• The Lansford Fire Department, always busy answering calls, maintaining equipment, and raising funds themselves, is taking time to do something for one of their own. On Sunday, June 26, there will be a Chinese auction/bake sale at the fire company for the family of Matthew Tyler Aungst. Matthew was a junior firefighter who died unexpectedly.

• This Sunday in Lehighton, from noon to 5 p.m., the Mahoning Lions Club is again sponsoring "Polkas for Pets," an event focusing on finding homes for homeless animals. Polkas for Pets will be held at the Lehighton Community Grove. There is no admission and polka music will be played by the Pennsylvania Villagers polka band from 2-5 p.m. Numerous adoption groups will be present. There is food available.

These are things which generally don't command headlines.

The people putting these events together work long and hard toward the events' successes.

There are a lot of good people who go unnoticed. Hopefully, their efforts bring rewards.

Take time out from the Weiner circus, the dirty politics, the wars, and many other negatives. Visit a local carnival, swimming event, or fund-raiser.

If you have the time, volunteer with an organization and be around other positive people.

It's agreed there is a lot of bad in the world. There's also a lot of good...especially locally.

By Ron Gower

rgower@tnonline.com