TROPHIES
Until this week, you would have had to travel to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., to see a permanent tribute to Capt. Richard Whitteker, an Air Force Reserve pilot from Wilson Borough who was shot down over North Vietnam in 1968. Whitteker left his family and a promising career to join the fight. The fact that his body was never recovered made it more difficult for his family to grieve. This week signs bearing his name and acknowledging his sacrifice were installed atop street signs on the 2300 block of Forest Street in Wilson, where he grew up. Thanks to those who made this possible, including Barry Willever, vice president of the Pennsylvania Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America; Rick Simmers of Reliable Sign & Striping, who donated the sign; and borough public works employees who helped make it happen.
Congratulations to three high school wrestling teams who won state championships last weekend. Delaware Valley Regional ended an 18-year title drought by defeating Hanover Park in the final of NJSIAA Group 2, after a school-record season of 23 wins. Phillipsburg continued its domination of NJSIAA Group 4 with a resounding win over West Morris Mendham, its fourth straight group championship. Nazareth had to defeat Bethlehem Catholic after splitting two previous matches with the Golden Hawks. The Blue Eagles took the PIAA Class 3A championship in one of the most dramatic state final showdowns ever, winning 30-29 on criteria after the teams tied, 29-29, after 14 bouts. It was Nazareth's first team title since 2007.
Wendy Brunell, a disabled Army veteran, has been raising her family in Hellertown while dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Last summer she lost her job unexpectedly. Two days later her car died, making it difficult to get to medical appointments, the supermarket, laundromat, and her daughter's softball games. That all changed this week, when Brunell was given a pre-owned car from 25th Street Auto Sales dealership in Wilson Borough. The contribution was arranged through the Veterans in Need fund and Northampton County American Legion. David Daiello, legion commander, has secured help for other veterans, including donations of handicapped-accessible ramps from Lowe's and The Home Depot.
Joseph S. Colalillo was honored with the Food Marketing Institute's Wegman Award recently, recognizing his community service and business sense. Colalillo is president of five family-owned ShopRite stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, starting with the original in Hunterdon County. He is also chairman and CEO of Wakefern Food Corp., the largest U.S. retailer-owned cooperative in the country and the merchandising and distribution arm for ShopRite. Previously he was singled out by the institute "for launching technologies, initiating seafood sustainability programs, cultivating associate engagement and implementing health and wellness solutions in ShopRite stores."
TURKEYS
Valentine's Day isn't just a red-letter day for romantics and the attendant marketing. It's a time which people may become susceptible to scams if they're thinking more with their hearts than their heads. The FBI and Pennsylvania State Police teamed up to warn about "sweetheart scams," in which people are contacted online by an alleged suitor, often with a phony profile or photo. If an online relationship develops, the victim may begin receiving flowers, chocolates and other gifts -- followed by a request for money, possibly to obtain a passport or plane ticket, pay medical bills for a family member, buy a new computer or the like. The FBI estimates $197 million was lost in 2015 to victims of romance-related fraud. Authorities warn people not to wire money to anyone they have not met in person, and be wary of someone saying he or she is "falling in love" with you. Those who believe they have been scammed should contact their local police department.
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