Making a Splash

October 9, 2011 | Times Leader | Geri Gibbons

The River Common Chalk Festival gave attendees the opportunity to once again enjoy the Susquehanna on Saturday, despite recent flooding. Millennium Circle was filled with local residents, many of them children, enjoying both the weather, various environmentally based displays, and the opportunity to utilize the chalk provided free of charge to craft little bits of artwork on the massive areas of concrete available at the circle.

Area resident Rachel Galassi and daughter Tessa Miorelli said they worked together to add “a triangle of color” to the park. Both mother and daughter expressed gratitude to the organizers of the event for providing a chance for residents to participate in an outdoor activity after recent flooding.

“We are really having fun,” said Galassi, hot dog in hand, indicating that they enjoyed both the fun and the food offerings.

Organizers of the event agreed with Galassi’s assessment of success in once again allowing area residents to fully enjoy the river area.

John Maday, past president of the River Common Association, emphasized the three foundational keys to success of the organization: realism, optimism, and pragmatism.

“Sure, we know that Millennium Circle will probably flood periodically,” said Maday, “but we are prepared to deal with that because of long term planning, both in developing and maintaining the area.”

Frank Pasquini, volunteer with the organization and a director of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, reiterated the importance of the riverfront and of fundraising in order to maintain the area.

The Chalk Festival not only provided area residents the opportunity for splashing chalk-based color along the side of the river, but also for learning facts about local environmental concerns.

Penn State Cooperative Extension presented information in regard to recycling, composting and water shed issues.

Roberta Troy, volunteer of the Penn State Extension, said if the environment was preserved in such a way that properties retained water, flooding would be less likely.

“We are all part affected by the river,” said Troy, saying that the effects of flooding are often indirect and encouraging property owners to gain an understanding of watershed issues.

Other presentations at the festival included the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission presenting information on local fishing opportunities, and fire safety information.

Area residents seemed to enjoy all aspects of this year’s Chalk Festival, both artistic and environmental.

“It was a pleasure to spend this beautiful day here and we are grateful for the wonderful weather,” said Rick and Jean Rutter, who were accompanied by their four children and granddaughter.

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