Promoting Pride in Public Square

The group's goals include the construction of a permanent band shell on Public Square.

Members also plan to organize a cleanup day, enlisting the help of volunteers to erase some of the wear and tear that naturally befalls any public space.

"Our goal is to make Public Square a more welcoming place for businesses and residents of Wilkes-Barre," said group member Patrick Doyle, attorney at Anzalone Law Offices. "Our beautification projects and events aim to bring a sense of pride back to the downtown."

Group members include Matthew Pugh, trust advisor and assistant vice president at PNC Bank; Joseph Rodano, City of Wilkes-Barre code officer and health inspector; Richard Miller, executive director of the Osterhout Free Library; Michael Pisarcik, store manager at Wells Fargo Bank; Melissa McLaughlin, area director at Riverside Rehabilitation Center; Leah Matusek, family and community partnership specialist at Luzerne County Head Start; Alexis Kolpakas, administrative fellow at Geisinger Wyoming Valley; William Jones, president and CEO of United Way of Wyoming Valley; Joan Gima, project management specialist at Prudential Retirement and Cecilia Baress, features editor at The Citizens' Voice.

The group plans to host a fundraiser for these projects March 2, 4-7 p.m., at Rodano's, 53 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Tickets cost $20, available in advance or at the door.

For more information call 570-335-0945, email p3square13@gmail.com, visit

facebook.com/PromotingPrideinPublicSquare or follow @P3Squared on Twitter.