The Luzerne County Historical Society will hold its annual gala dinner and silent auction on Friday, June 21, 2019, at Huntsville Golf Club, 1334 Market Street, Dallas. Founded in 1858, the Historical Society preserves and promotes the collective history and heritage of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The gala theme is “Rockin’ & Rollin’ in the Valley,” celebrating the 1960s, and guests should feel free to wear their 1960s finest, if they would like. The evening will include a cocktail hour, dinner, silent auction and a program including “A Conversation with Joe Nardone” and honoring the late Janet “Jefie” Flack as an LCHS Director Emerita.

In 1957, Joe Nardone led his band, “The All Stars,” as one of the first rock and roll performers in the Wyoming Valley. A year later he opened a small record store that grew into a chain with locations in several counties. He promoted concerts by Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Chicago and the Grateful Dead in venues across the region. More than fifty years later, Joe Nardone is still promoting concerts and running two record stores with his son. A native of Wilkes-Barre and pioneer in the music business, Joe Nardone has made popular music history in Northeastern Pennsylvania. At the gala, fans can put aside their dancing shoes and sit while Joe tells stories about his band, his businesses and the famous stars he’s presented.

Janet Flack, who passed away in September 2018, was a long-time member of the Society, serving as President from 2012 to 2014. A talented interior designer, Flack brought her stylish flair to numerous Historical Society events, helping the Society to grow and to pursue its goal of engaging our community with its history. Flack was active in the community, serving on the boards of the Catherine McAuley Center, the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association and the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art, as well as on boards further afield, including the Harrington College of Design in Chicago, and the Boulevard Club of Naples, Florida. Flack’s niece, Jamie Flack Eckman and her husband, Richard Eckman, are Honorary Co-Chairs of the gala.

A silent auction will offer a variety of lots including decorative historic objects, gift baskets and more. Among the items for bid will be: tickets to the Live! With Kelly and Ryan show, courtesy of WNEP; overnight accommodation at the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion; an original mixed media piece, “We Belong Together 3” by Leigh Pawling; dinner for four at Old Tioga Farm (including transportation); two round-trip bus tickets to New York City, courtesy of Martz Group; and an autograph by and photo of Ray Charles, courtesy of Heritage Galleries. All proceeds from the silent auction benefit LCHS operations, programs and collections.

The evening’s open bar is sponsored by Rustique. Other sponsors include Community Bank NA, Berkshire Asset Management LLC, Wells Fargo, McCarthy Tire Service, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Riggs Asset Management.

The cocktail hour (open bar) will start at 6:00 p.m. with dinner at 7:00 p.m., followed by the evening’s program. Tickets are $85 per person for LCHS members and $95 per person for non-members. Tickets must be purchased in advance by June 13, 2019; call 570-823-6244 ext. 3 or email reservations@luzernehistory.org.