Sculpture Highlights River Common

August 1, 2011

Times-Leader

Sara Porkony

Come mid-September, a ribbon will serve as the centerpiece at the River Common’s Millennium Circle.

But this will not be a piece of material that flutters in the wind, with the potential to be blown away. “The Ribbon” is a sculpture, presented by the Millennium Circle Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, that will serve as a lasting sign of solidarity and hope, representing members of the community who want nothing more than to help improve the place in which they live.

“This is our special gift to the community, the first piece of truly significant art that will be added to the River Common,” said Charles Barber, President and CEO of the Luzerne Foundation.

The stainless steel sculpture will stand 18 feet tall, perched atop a 3-foot concrete base. The design is simple, yet striking.

“Imagine a ribbon you’re holding in your hand, with wind blowing straight up from underneath, and how the ribbon would twist and curl on itself,” Barber said. “It’s going to be quite beautiful.”

It also has a design element that will make it stand out in the night.

“There will be colored lights all around it so that we can make it pink for breast cancer awareness, multi-colored for autism,” Barber said. “Really, any color we want.”

The sculpture began its journey to fabrication in January 2010 when artist Mark Dryfoos, of Sugarloaf, began to sketch concepts.

“The ribbon was actually one of the first of what felt like thousands of sketches I did,” Dryfoos said. “It was my favorite from the start, but of course I drew many more ideas and designs. Fortunately, the people of the Luzerne Foundation felt the same way I did about the ribbon design; they loved it.”

Dryfoos is currently working with Ray Preby of Apple Street Welding and Manufacturing in Edwardsville to build the sculpture. Barber hopes to unveil it on Sept. 15.

“The Ribbon” will serve not only as a showpiece in the River Common area, but also as a tribute to those who have helped the community through their donations to the Millennium Circle Fund.

“While it is a work of art, it’s also intended to be a place where we can recognize those contributors of the Millennium Circle,” Barber said. “Around the base there will be some engraved stainless steel panels with names of Millennium Circle members.”

The Millennium Circle Fund was founded 10 years ago.

“It’s a fund that’s comprised of donations from literally hundreds of people across our community that have a common interest, and that is to improve our community,” Barber said.

“The idea was to get 2,000 people to contribute $2,000 as early as possible within the new millennium, creating an endowment that, each year, would be spinning off grants to any variety of programs across our community.”

There are currently more than 500 members, a number that Barber anticipates will grow.

Barber said the fund works to “identify significant, underserved or unmet community needs” and put an endowment together to address them. These needs are specified by the members of Millennium Circle.

“They identify and nominate them,” Barber said. “Then in late October we have a meeting where all Millennium Circle members are invited to come and hear presentations on four to six finalist organizations or proposals, and at that time they can vote as to which need they feel has the highest priority.”

Whichever cause receives the majority vote receives the Millennium Circle grant for that year.

In the past, the Millennium Circle has given grants to The Diamond City Partnership for Downtown Wilkes-Barre Revitalization, Candy’s Place, and the Care and Concern Ministries in Pittston among others.

HOW TO HELP Those who would like to support the Millennium Circle Fund can contribute a one-time gift of $2,000 or commit to paying that amount in a multi-year pledge. Members can be an individual, family, civic or business group.

For more information, write or call:

The Luzerne Foundation

140 Main St.

Luzerne, PA 18709

570-714-1570

New Date for Riverfest 2023 Announced

Riverfest 2023 is now August 12th and 13th! Join us for a day of food, entertainment, and activities in Nesbitt Park at Riverfest! Live Music, Children’s Scavenger Hunt,...

Volunteers Needed for Riverfest 2023 – August 12 and 13!

Volunteers Needed! Volunteer with us on August 12th and/or 13th at Riverfest! Help is needed with set up, parking, and more. All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt....

RIVERFEST POSTPONED!

Due to forecasted storms this weekend (all three days), including lightning, heavy rain, and wind, in the interest of public safety, the Riverfront Parks Committee is cancelling RiverFest....