Ribbons, straw and imagination gave a South Scranton native the confidence to become one of the nation’s top hat designers in the mid 20th century.

Sally Josephs lived on River Street with her parents, Adolph and Kate, until 1924 when the family moved to New York City. During her years in Scranton, her schoolmates at Eli Whitney (No. 6) School said she loved to make hats for their dolls from straw and ribbon.

After the family moved to New York City, that love of hats continued. According to a submitted biography in The Times-Tribune library, Ms. Josephs started working at Macy’s as a millinery department stock girl. A few months later, she was promoted to assistant buyer for the department. In 1927, she married Serge Victor and started designing hats for her husband’s company, Serge Millinery. With encouragement from her husband, she opened her own made-to-order millinery shop in 1934.

Mrs. Victor started getting noticed for her hats. She told people she wanted to make hats “that make women look prettier.” In 1944, the American Fashion Critics named her “tops in her field.” That honor also came along with a $1,000 bond and a plaque.

Art as inspiration

Art started to inspire her designs. An exhibition at Metropolitan Museum of Art inspired hats with coifs and beret shapes. The construction of the Guggenheim Museum inspired her to work with straw. Her designs are credited with making straw hats popular. Her hats are part of the Brooklyn Museum costume collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Her hats caught the eye of Mamie Eisenhower. According to a Scrantonian article from April 5, 1959, Mrs. Eisenhower wasa longtime customer of Mrs. Victor. The first lady purchased four of her hats that became part of a collection of eight hats she would wear depending on the weather. The four hats featured such materials as straw and felt with pleated treatments. Mrs. Eisenhower wore one of Mrs. Victor’s designs for her husband’s inauguration in 1952. In addition to Mrs. Eisenhower, Queen Elizabeth II, Eleanor Roosevelt and Judy Garland wore Mrs. Victor’s hats.

In October 1956, Mrs. Victor won the Coty American Fashion Critics Award. At the ceremony she was cited for her “consistent excellence and for her major contribution in 1956 toward ending the hatless era.” The same year, she was also awarded the Millinery Research Award from the wholesale millinery industry.

In addition to designing hats for fashion, she also designed hats for function. According to her obituary in The New York Times on May 16, 1977, during World War II she designed a hat for female workers at General Electric and a beret for the Cadet Nurse Corps of the United States Public Health Service.

Mrs. Victor retired in 1968. In her entry in the Encyclopedia of Fashion, her retirement “coincided with the demise of the hat as an essential fashion accessory and the increasing casualness of the American lifestyle.” She died at the age of 72 on May 14, 1977, in New York.

Her legacy as a designer was celebrated in 1998 when the Brooklyn Museum of Art placed 25 of her hats on display in an exhibit entitled “Sally Victor: Mad Hatter.”

Contact the writer:

library@timesshamrock.com,

@ttpagespast on Twitter

Find a pet who needs a new home at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.

Lucian is a young male, black and white cat. He is very sweet, friendly and loves attention.
Contact the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter at 586-3700 if your pet is lost or goes astray. Staff Photo by Ted Baird
 

Titan is a one-year-old, male, Labrador/Shepherd mix. He is very friendly, energetic and playful.
Contact the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter at 586-3700 if your pet is lost or goes astray. Staff Photo by Ted Baird



Watch the latest Pets of the Week video here:

WILKES-BARRE — A city man in a wheelchair who was struck by a vehicle on Wilkes-Barre Boulevard on Friday has died, authorities confirmed Saturday.

George Miller, 46, of Wilkes-Barre was pronounced dead at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center shortly after 9 p.m. Friday, according to Luzerne County Deputy Coroner Dan Hughes. Mr. Miller died of multiple traumatic injuries, Mr. Hughes said.

The fatal accident happened at about 6:30 p.m. Friday.

A sport utility vehicle driving south on Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, toward center city, struck Mr. Miller’s motorized wheelchair at or near the intersection of Scott Street, city police said at the scene.

— ERIC MARK

Avoca

Crime watch: Avoca Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Borough Building; Jim, 570-457-8446, Ed, 570-457-6109 or Gene, 570-313-3079.

Beach Lake

Trail of treats: Beach Lake United Methodist Church Trail of Treats - A Light in the Night Safe Zone event, Oct. 29, 5-6:30 p.m., 7 Milanville Road, treats, music, face painting and fun, free; 570-729-7011 or www.beachlakeumc.com.

Clifford

Church dinner: Clifford United Methodist Church Chicken-n-Biscuit or Ham Dinner, Wednesday, 4-6 p.m., takeout available; dinner, dessert, drink, $8.95.

Downvalley

Class reunion: Seton Catholic

class of 1986 30th anniversary reunion, Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m., cocktails, Tomato Bar & Bistro, 7 Tomato Festival Drive, Pittston; buffet dinner, 7:30 p.m., cash bar, $40/Oct. 2-17; Stephen, 570-655-5307.

Dunmore

Board meetings: Dunmore board of education meeting, Wednesday, 6 p.m., high school cafeteria, public work session, Monday, 6 p.m., board room.

Dickson City

Crime watch: Dickson City Neighborhood Watch presenting civilian response to active shooter events program, Wednesday, 7 p.m., Borough Building, guest speaker: Police Commissioner Michael Flanagan from Wyoming.

Jessup

Reunion meeting: Jessup High School class of 1966 finalizing plans for 50th anniversary reunion Tuesday, 6 p.m., Colarusso’s Café; reunion, Nov. 11, Fiorelli’s.

Lackawanna County

Bird presentation: Friends of the Scranton Public Library Close Encounters with Birds of Prey, Nov. 13, 2:30 p.m., Lackawanna County Children’s Library, by the Delaware Raptor Center, five live raptors, hawk, falcon, eagle and two owls; 570-348-3000, ext. 3050.

Pizza fundraiser: NEPA Affiliate of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network seventh annual Pizza by Pappas fundraiser, Nov. 15- 16, 50 percent of pizza sales donated to network; 570-346-2290 or charity@pizzabypappas.com.

Violence discussion: The Commonwealth Medical College CME & Coffee’ event, Oct. 26, 7:30-8:30 a.m., TCMC’s Medical Sciences Building, 525 Pine St., Scranton, Peg Ruddy, executive director of the Women’s Resource Center, discussing “Domestic Violence in the Healthcare Setting,” CME credits available to health care professionals, free; jschroth@tcmc.edu, www.tcmc.edu/cmeandcoffee or 570-504-7306.

Madisonville

Welsh cookies: Madisonville Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary Welsh cookie sale, Oct. 22, $4/dozen, pre-orders requested; Diane, 570-842-2906, Lois, 570-877-8952, or Carole, 570-241-3518.

Old Forge

Class meets: Old Forge class of 1964 meeting, Nov. 16, 12:30 p.m., Arcaro and Genell’s.

Retirees meet: Old Forge Retired Citizens meeting, Nov. 2, 2:30 p.m., Arcaro and Genell’s.

Peckville

Beef dinner: Peckville United Methodist Church roast beef dinner, Nov. 12, 3:30-5:30 p.m., drive thru from 732 Main St., $12/advance, $14/door, if available; 570-489-6093 or 570-489-8042, or day of dinner, 570-383-1035.

Scranton

Retirees meet: AARP Scranton Chapter 3731 meeting, Nov. 7, 1:30 p.m., Keyser Valley Community Center, 101 N. Keyser Ave., jewelry sale, entertainment, taking reservations for Christmas party on Dec 10, Genetti Manor, $25.

South Scranton

Seniors meet: Friendly Seniors of South Scranton meeting Oct. 18, 12:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross parish center, Prospect Avenue.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be emailed to yesdesk@timesshamrock.com or mailed to Clipboard, c/o the YES!Desk at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, 18503. YES!Desk, 570-348-9121.

HARRISBURG — Fixing a legal problem with a state gambling tax is on the agenda when lawmakers reconvene today to wrap up the legislative session.

Revamping the local casino impact assessment is a late addition in a session dominated by debate over state budgets, public pension reform, expanded liquor sales and medical marijuana.

The recent state Supreme Court ruling declaring the way casinos are taxed for local impact assessments is unconstitutional put it suddenly on the agenda. The court ruled in favor of Mount Airy Casino Resort’s complaint that casinos generating less revenue than others pay a heavier tax burden under the current assessment.

At stake is the annual distribution of nearly $140 million to municipalities that are near casinos for police and rescue services, economic development projects and road and sewer work.

The House Gaming Oversight Committee scheduled a public hearing Tuesday on the impact of the local distribution of slots revenue. It will feature testimony from entities that distribute the aid.

Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich, D-114, Taylor, a panel member, said he thinks the solution lies in some form of a flat tax on casinos. He said the specifics have yet to be addressed. The court explicitly rejected a formula that casinos pay a 4 percent assessment on gross terminal slot machine revenues or $10 million, whichever is greater, he said.

“I think we have to get it done as quickly as possible,” said Mr. Kavulich.

Panel Chairman John Payne, R-106-Hershey, said it’s hard to tell whether lawmakers will agree on a fix or get enough votes to pass one during the next two session weeks.

Some lawmakers representing counties without casinos indicated they won’t vote for a fix if their municipalities aren’t included in the revenue stream, said Mr. Payne.

A complicating factor is that local casino impact revenue is distributed in different ways across the state.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority, a seven-member agency that requires all four legislative members to vote together for a motion to pass, distributes the aid from Mount Airy Casino Resort in Paradise Twp. and Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Twp.

The Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority distributes aid from Sands Casino Bethlehem and the Dauphin County Gaming Advisory Board distributes aid from Hollywood Casino in Grantville, for example.

Mr. Payne wants to couple a tax fix with the legalization of internet gambling and fantasy sports betting.

“We desperately need revenue,” he said.

Coupling the fix with a gambling expansion could make it easier to line up votes, observers said. One option could involve creating a new local share assessment from the internet gambling revenue with a wider distribution of revenue.

Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18, Bethlehem Twp., warned of higher property taxes for municipalities if a fix doesn’t come soon. The funds are needed in many municipalities to offset local property tax increases, she said.

“House Democrats are doing everything we can to get the local share assessment resolved quickly,” said Bill Patton, spokesman for House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, D-33, Allegheny County. “It’s crucial to local governments that have to make budget choices for 2017 in the next two months.”

The court gave lawmakers 120 days or until late January to pass a new tax that meets constitutional muster or else face the prospect of court intervention.

It makes for a tight schedule.

Lawmakers are scheduled in session for six days between today and the month’s end. Then it is off for a final round of campaigning before the Nov. 8 general election.

However, days can be added to the schedule at any time. In recent years, lawmakers have not voted on major bills in the post-election session to defuse complaints that it gave lame-ducks too much say in policy-making.

The new session does not get underway in earnest until late January, when committees form.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

The Pennsylvania Turnpike could communicate directly to cars and trucks someday with a new communications system already in the works.

The turnpike commission hopes to choose legal and financial consultants later this year to guide plans to develop a fiber-optic cable broadband internet network along the 550 miles of turnpike.

The network would replace the turnpike’s microwave-radio system, whose capacity to carry data from toll plazas, camera systems and road sensors to centralized computers will eventually reach its limit, turnpike officials said.

Turnpike chief information officer Scott Fairholm envisions a system that transmits traffic, road and weather conditions directly into car and truck dashboards outfitted to accept the information, a feature future vehicles will certainly have. Already, the turnpike has sensors woven into asphalt to detect road conditions, usually in more mountainous areas, signs to notify drivers of weather and traffic conditions and cameras to monitor traffic.

“The way I like to think about it is we have a physical (road),” Mr. Fairholm said. “In technology these days, there winds up being a digital twin to that physical (road). So we’re preparing the digital (road). We can communicate and run the physical (road) better.”

The microwave system transmits data about collections at toll plazas, E-ZPass usage, pictures from 65 traffic-monitoring cameras, pictures of vehicles that pass through toll booth lanes without paying and myriad other information. Microwaves also connect the turnpike’s phone system.

“We’re in the middle of an upgrade (of the microwave system) and at that point I’m kind of out of options,” Mr. Fairholm said. “And the only way to get more capacity — and there’s sort of a never-ending requirement for capacity — is to put fiber in. ... As technology evolves, there’s more and more opportunity to get more data about the road and about our operations to improve safety and improve the customer’s experience.

For example, the commission could equip road workers with sensors that let drivers know they are approaching a work zone.

“We run an app called Trip Talk and we could send those messages to Trip Talk that say, ‘Hey, there’s a worker on the road, be careful,’ ” Mr. Fairholm said.

He said he’s unsure how much more data the fiber-optic system will carry because the commission hasn’t decided how many fiber-optic cables to install.

“We’ll be putting down multiple strands of fiber and significantly increasing our capacity,” Mr. Fairholm said.

The consultants will help choose private contractors to build the system at their own expense, operate it and sell excess network capacity to other state agencies or private businesses. The public-private partnership means construction and operations won’t cost the turnpike anything and could produce some revenue from selling excess capacity, commission spokesman Carl DeFebo said.

The turnpike has the advantage of already owning all the land where the cable will be, and that should make the idea attractive to potential operators, Mr. DeFebo said.

The commission hopes to issue a request for proposals seeking companies to build and operate the network by the end of this year with construction starting at the end of 2017. Depending on the network’s design, construction could take years.

“I can’t say how many. Three (years) seems reasonable, but it could go longer and I suppose if a vendor wanted to be aggressive, they could go shorter,” Mr. Fairholm said.

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com

The Lackawanna County work release center’s enrollment, success rates and income bounced back in the months since the prison board moved it out of the county jail and back to downtown Scranton, said the county’s director of community corrections.

Brian Jeffers described the program — designed to act as a halfway house to help ease low-level offenders back to regular lives — as struggling mightily at Lackawanna County Prison. The commissioners at the time pushed moving it inside the jail in late 2012 to help close a budget deficit.

“They were basically inmates with outside clearance,” Mr. Jeffers said. “They would go out for maybe 12, 16 hours a day, come back in, put on uniforms and then pay us (average daily participation fees of $15) to live in prison. It just didn’t work. The numbers were so bad we were practically looking at maybe shutting down the program itself.”

The department head compared program data from June through September 2015, when the program still was housed at the jail, with data from the same period this year. The work release center reopened at 614 Spruce St. on June 1.

The data show:

n The average daily population increased from 27 to 36. Only 22 participants enrolled in the program when it moved in June 2016. For the last three weeks, enrollment maxed out at 43, and the work release center has a waiting list.

n The percentage of participants who washed out of the program fell from 45 percent to 20 percent.

n House arrest enrollment grew from an average of 113 to 135. House arrest is the next step for many inmates to regain their independence after stints at the work release center.

n Average monthly expenses stayed the same at roughly $94,000. The move did not change the community corrections staff but allowed the reassignment of three correctional officers who were dedicated to the unit. That helped control overtime costs, said Warden Tim Betti.

n Monthly revenues from fees inmates pay to participate in the programs increased about $10,000. Program revenues are important for a community corrections department whose $1.2 million budget relies on fees to cover nearly two-thirds of its expenses, Mr. Jeffers estimated.

n The amount of contraband entering the prison has also declined since moving the program out, Mr. Betti said.

Mr. Jeffers said he believes it reduces recidivism to have inmates get back to work and come up with home plans to transition back to normal life before they are released.

“It benefits society and the community itself to have them out of prison, where it’s costing us $55 a day to feed, house and take care of them, and have them in these programs where they have to go out, get a job and participate in the community,” Mr. Jeffers said. “It really does help get them moving into their own family life.”

Democratic Commissioner Patrick O’Malley agreed it makes sense to help prisoners rebuild their lives after some of them lost everything during their sentences.

Aside from allowing residents to get back to work, they also did community service at recent high-profile events, including the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, La Festa Italiana and the Steamtown Marathon.

Republican Commissioner Laureen Cummings said the program is working well and would like to see it expanded.

Contact the writer:

kwind@timesshamrock.com,

@kwindTT on Twitter

Blue Ridge

Eighth-grader Cooper Rolison will star in the musical “Peter Pan.”

Cooper will play Peter in the musical scheduled in November. Originally, Cooper auditioned for the character Captain Hook but was chosen for the main role.

“I am really proud of myself because I didn’t think I would get Peter Pan,” Cooper said.

A member of theater club for three years, this will be Cooper’s third middle school musical. Cooper acts and sings and usually plays minor rolls.

He is also a member of band and chorus.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Carbondale Area

Bayley Grizzanti and Connor Eibach were elected co-presidents of the Carbondale Area eighth-grade class.

“I noticed that there are students who wake up every morning and come to school just because they have to,” said Connor. “I’d like to change that. I’d like to work hard to make school more fun for these students.”

Connor wants to encourage and generate school spirit. He hopes to create student-motivating projects, including visiting the elementary school before the holidays to sell temporary tattoos to upcoming students.

A Boy Scout, Connor also ran for office because Scouting stresses leadership skills. Being co-president gives him the opportunity to work and sharpen those skills, he said.

“This is my first year as a class officer and I’m most interested in the student council part,” said Bayley, who was also elected treasurer of student council.

He plans to be an active part of student council fundraisers, service projects

and student gatherings and encourages his class to

participate.

Bayley is interested in studying tax law after high school.

“These leadership skills that I learn as part of student government will help me in both of those future endeavors,” he said.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Career Technology Center

Saleem Pearson has been nominated for the CTC student ambassador program by his electrical instructor.

Excellence in the classroom, leadership at school and in the community, the ability to serve those in need and a strong commitment to providing positive mentoring are qualities

that are required of CTC ambassadors.

Saleem, a senior at Scranton High School and a member of the football and track and field teams, would like to attend Arizona State

University.

“Being a student ambassador gives me the opportunity to learn more about the diversity of the programs at the CTC and share that with future students,” he said.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Delaware Valley

Senior Lindsey Toomer is keeping busy this year. She serves as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, Del.Aware, as well as managing editor of the yearbook and secretary of both student council and the National Honor Society.

“I have definitely learned how to manage my time better,” Lindsey said. “I have also been learning what it takes to successfully hold a leadership position. I love working with other people.”

She also is a member of Teens Against Tobacco Use and Future Business Leaders of America.

Lindsey’s activities don’t end at school, either. She is a volunteer with Taking Our Shot at Inspiring Hope 5K, United Way’s Day of Caring, the Rotary benefit dinner

and other school-sponsored activities.

“I have realized how much I actually love helping others,” she said. “Knowing what I did had a positive influence on someone else makes me very happy.”

Lindsey would like to study journalism at Emerson College in Boston next year.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com

Dunmore

Students in sixth grade are volunteering to tutor students in kindergarten through second grade. The tutoring at Dunmore Elementary Center takes place before school for about 20 to 30 minutes, and the older students work with younger students in groups to review vocabulary, reading and math skills. The sixth-graders also act as role models.

“I like working with the younger students because I could see that our tutoring is helping them in school,” said Cadie Lewis, one of the tutors. “The more we review, the more they know.”

Cadie would like to

be a teacher, and Maria Aronica, another tutor, wants to be a pediatrician. Both said the tutoring is “good practice.”

“It is a great feeling to watch them learn and know that I played a small part in it,” Maria said.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Forest City

Regional

Mikaylah Rutledge took part in the Eastern States Student Exchange Short Term Exchange Program through the Forest City Area Rotary Club.

“After I got matched up with my family, Laura Mameli was my host sister, so she did the exchange with me. We discussed our dates of travel and we agreed she could come here from June 15-July 15 and then I traveled back to Italy with her, specifically Sardegna (Sardinia), from July 15-Aug. 16.

“They have such a traditional way of doing things. Dinner was at a traditional time. After dinner you went out with the family. It reminds me of how we used to be in the United States in the ’60s and ’70s, and they have this tradition and stick to it,” she said.

Noting she keeps “in touch with my host sister every day,” Mikaylah said, “I tell her she always has a place to stay in the United States and she tells me I always have a place to stay there. I’m keeping my fingers crossed I can go back there this summer.”

A parliamentarian of the National Honor Society, she plans on playing softball this year, is treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America and a member of Envirothon and CHOPS.

She works at Red Schoolhouse Restaurant and Koberlein in Honesdale. She also volunteers at school with NHS doing the Forest City Food Pantry.

She hopes to major in biology or pre-med and eventually become an obstetrician.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com

Lackawanna Trail

Keith Dixon, Mackenzie Newhart, Victoria Fiorini, Jordan Edwards, Carolyn Mack and Jake Sanders are Lackawanna Trail’s September students of the month.

They were selected for academic achievements, a positive attitude at school, going above and beyond for their peers and demonstrating a high level of school spirit.

Eighth-grader Mackenzie was nominated last year and hopes to continue building her collection of student-of-the-month T-shirts.

It was senior Jake’s first time as student of the month. He was pleased to know that his positive attitude had been recognized by his teachers.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Lakeland

For Emily Pollits’ involvement with school activities, positive attitude and friendliness, she was picked as Lakeland High School student of the month.

“My locker was decorated and I got a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card. It was pretty sweet,” said Emily, a senior.

Secretary of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club, Emily also is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions and the Watershed and Tribe student teams.

After high school, Emily plans to major in early childhood education and minor in special education.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Mid Valley

Vice president of the book club, Elizabeth Piorkowski is preparing for the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit Reading Competition.

The competition will be held in April at Western Wayne.

A very involved student, Elizabeth is the secretary of Students Against Destructive Decisions and will decorate the school for Red Ribbon Week.

Elizabeth is a member of the National Honor Society, soccer team captain and plays softball. She plays in the school’s jazz, concert and steel pans band and sings in the chorus.

Outside school, Elizabeth dances and takes piano lessons, as well as volunteering on Saturday mornings for the Mid Valley Youth Soccer League.

It’s bittersweet to be a senior, said Elizabeth, who is looking forward to her final year, although she knows it will be hard to let go.

After high school, she hopes to study audiology at the University of Pittsburgh or Bloomsburg University.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Montrose Area

Zebulun Swartley and Kyra Ricci were recognized nationally for their scholarly achievements.

The two seniors were nominated by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. as they attained scores between a 201 and a 222 on the PSAT, placing them in the top 5 percent of students in consideration to be National Merit Scholars. While they were not selected, they were recognized as Commended Students in 2017.

“It’s exciting to know that hard work and dedication have paid off for me in my academic endeavors,” Zebulun said.

Kyra plans to major in biology, and possibly continue for a doctorate, hoping to be accepted to Duke or Penn State universities.

Zebulun intends to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering, leading to a master’s program, and possible doctorate. Zebulun hopes

to attend the University of Massachusetts or Princeton University.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

North Pocono

Senior and Eagle Scout Matt Smith works for the Democratic Party of Pennsylvania in Scranton.

An active student, he will work at the office until Election Day on Nov. 8.

Matt, the son of Patricia and Douglas Smith, has taken multiple Advanced Placement and accelerated classes, achieving high honors every quarter. World history is his favorite subject.

This year, Matt is excited to serve as executive recording secretary of student council. He will also serve as treasurer for Science Olympiad and Students Against Destructive Decisions, as vice president of National Honor Society and captain of the mock trial team. He plays percussion, specifically the quints, for the marching band, and is a member of the track and field team.

“Being an Eagle Scout is the greatest achievement of my life so far,” Matt said, adding he spent six years working hard to earn the prestigious title.

After graduation, Matt plans to major in history-secondary education and study at either Misericordia University or Elizabethtown College.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Old Forge

Junior Scarlett Spager loves to be active in her school and community. She participated in Ready to Run, a seminar at the University of Scranton encouraging women to run for office, and met former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders at a rally in Scranton earlier this month.

The varsity cheerleader and golfer is the president of the school’s Leo Club, which is sponsored by the Old Forge Lions Club, and is a member of the trout club, student council, science and math club and peer mediation team. Scarlett was also selected as a delegate for Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Riverside

Second-grader Grace Sochovka is excited about a variety of fun and interesting projects her class will be working on this year.

“I really liked the Fascinating Facts about Me project,” she said.

Grace would like to be an artist when she gets older and likes her dog the best out of all animals. “My puppy Maya is my best friend,” Grace said.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com

Scranton

To recognize National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, the West Scranton High School PRIDE team organized a collection drive to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Students and community members donated items to make waiting-room activity bags, which will be given to the children and teens visiting the hospital for treatment. The students filled about 100 bags containing items such as coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, markers, stickers, games and activities.

Students who organized the drive include Hameenah Abduallah, Katie Allert, Nagely Anderson, Anthony Baglivo, Cassidy Bradley, Tamon Brown, Enzo Cicco, Jacob Clutter, Stephanie Cooney, Hannah Decker, Patrick Dougherty, Emma Rose Egan, Rebekah Gerrity, Destiny Jefferson, Kaitlin Kennedy, Michael Laabs, Lainey Lavelle, Alexa Lewis, Austin Lipowitch, Adam Mangan, Isaiah McCloe, Julia Montevechi, Ayanna Myers, Johathan Penman, Nicholas Pfohl, Peyton Reese, Alex Sophabmixay, Talila Turner Boyd, Isaiah Watson and Nori Zaccheo.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Scranton Prep

Several Prep students received recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corp. for their performance on the 2016 Preliminary SAT. Jonathan Goldenziel was named a semifinalist, and Kyle Brier, Vienna Donnelly, Gregory Bormes and Mark McDonald are commended students.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Valley View

Senior Quinn Kelley was elected president of the Spanish club.

“Our Spanish club is a great way for our school to be involved in the community and expose our classmates to the Spanish language,” said Quinn.

The club will participate in many activities throughout the year, including outreach community projects and projects to support and improve the understanding of the Spanish language.

“One project I really enjoy is helping the Women’s Resource Center,” added Quinn.

The vice president of National Honor Society, she is also a member of student council, Leo club, SADD and the biology club and is on the basketball team.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Wallenpaupack

Sophomore Hunter Mead is an active volunteer who is enthusiastic about serving his community.

“Voluntarism is one of

the more important parts of my life,” Hunter said. “It makes me feel good to help someone.”

Hunter participates in Hawley United Methodist Church events and is a junior firefighter for the Hawley Fire Department. He also is involved in the school’s emergency responder club.

“Knowing that people really rely upon my help has made me more mature,” Hunter said. “One minute I could be with my family and friends, the next minute I am rushing to answer an emergency call.”

Hunter plans to earn an EMT certification and intends to be firefighter 1 and 2 certified.

After high school, Hunter plans to attend Johnson College of Technology and earn a degree in plumbing and heating.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Wayne Highlands

Ethan Corso was the first Stourbridge Star of the school year.

The gold star program recognizes students for their acts of kindness to others in their school. Faculty and staff members can award a gold star to a student who is caught going above and beyond to make their school community a better place. The program is part of the Rachel’s Challenge initiative.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Western Wayne

Eighth-grader Justin Thorpe has a passion for politics and academics.

Justin was chosen as the eighth-grade September student of the month by Elizabeth Watson, assistant

principal.

Justin enjoys learning about all facets of history, especially the history of America. He often wears patriotic clothing and loves to read as much as he can about politics. Justin also enjoys his language arts class because he is able to write about books of his own choosing, using the opportunity to do even more historical reading.

In addition, Justin is excited to vote in a future presidential election.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

DEAR BRUCE: I haven’t paid my federal taxes in quite some time. I kind of got mad at the way our government has wasted time and money. After checking the 16th Amendment, which Pennsylvania opted out of ratifying, it doesn’t say anywhere that we are bound to pay taxes on income.

My question is, can any of this hold up in court, or do I threaten them with letting all taxpayers know about

the loophole and let our government go broke, so they won’t be able to prosecute anybody?

— L.W.

DEAR L.W.: You may have all kinds of arguments with our government and try to rebel, but all that does is get you into a bigger hole, and sooner or later it’s going to catch up. If I were you, I would hire a representative who routinely works with the government on circumstances such as yours. He or she can help you get paid up, or at least get your returns in so that the amount you owe is established. You may or may not be able to negotiate a portion of this, depending on your income. Don’t let it go on any longer. DEAR BRUCE: I went to a medical doctor and after his staff verified my Medicare and Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance, he treated me. After the appointment, which cost several hundred dollars, his office staff informed me he did not accept either Medicare or Blue Cross, and I would have to pay the bill or his staff would send it to

collection.

I could have easily gone to another doctor if his staff had informed me they didn’t take my insurance. I can’t pay the bill, as I have limited income. What would you do?

— Reader

DEAR READER: I think you did everything correctly by having the office verify your insurance before going to your appointment. Even after all that, you still have an obligation, but paying cash is nonsense.

I would insist that you deal directly with the doctor, not his staff, and negotiate the bill. You might be able to work out a deal, paying a few dollars a month, which would be the way to go. You’re also owed an apology.

SEND QUESTIONS to bruce@brucewilliams.com. Questions of general interest will be answered in future columns. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be

provided.

As dusk settled, a gooey, dizzying smell of warm chocolate drifted through heavy wooden doors onto North Washington Avenue.

Growing stronger and more captivating, the aroma trail led straight into the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, where nearly 200 people reveled Sunday evening in cocoa-induced bliss, the 12th annual Chocoholic Frolic.

At $30 for a general admission ticket, the indulgent fundraiser supports the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s language program, Scranton Council of Literacy Advance, or SCOLA.

UNC treated its guests to treats from 16 different vendors, including chocolatiers, bakeries and restaurants from around the region.

Among the more unusual dishes was a chocolate soup called chili ancho sopa de chocolate, served up by sous-chef Stan Murphy and roundsman Josh Coolbaugh from Carmen’s 2.0.

They devised the dish, which is more common south of the border, with vegetable stock, roasted poblano peppers and jalapenos. Then they added cocoa and semisweet chocolate, and traditional spices cinnamon and cloves.

“Well, that’s different,” one woman said slipping past, and smiling as she sipped soup from her small plastic cup.

Colleen Hubert, pastry chef from Lynn Sandy’s Bakery in South Scranton, made 400 macaroons for the frolic, which the bakery’s owner, Lynn Sandy, said they’ve attended every year.

“It’s like a day out for the girls. We come set up, go try all the samples,” Ms. Sandy said. “We make a party of it.”

The event, in the cultural center’s vast first-floor ballroom, is SCOLA’s biggest fundraiser of the year to feed its roughly $200,000 budget.

About 300 people turn to SCOLA each year for help learning English, either as first-time language learners or those overcoming illiteracy, said program director Gus Fahey.

With a staff of seven and broad volunteer base, SCOLA offers an increasing number of people help in learning English. They have group classes, one-on-one tutoring and a kind of language exchange, in which foreign language speakers trade lessons in their mother tongue for help learning English.

UNC Executive Director Michael Hanley said students arrive from Spanish-speaking countries, and more frequently refugees from Congo on the African continent, from Arab nations and Nepal.

All of them see learning the language as a crucial step in assimilating, and “they’re tremendously motivated to be part of the American culture,” Mr. Hanley said.

Contact the writer:

joconnell@timesshamrock.com, @jon_oc on Twitter

A former credit union executive will face a federal judge next month.

Sean Jelen, 33, of South Abington Twp., faces a maximum of 60 years in prison, though he likely will receive much less than that, when he is sentenced Nov. 29 by Judge Richard P. Conaboy on charges of bank fraud and attempted bank fraud.

Mr. Jelen was the CEO of Valor Credit Union from January 2012 through Aug. 19, when he was fired. Federal prosecutors charged that he stole $718,000 from the credit union to fund his lifestyle.

Together, the charges carry a maximum possible sentence of 60 years in prison and a $2 million fine, though defendants rarely face the maximum if they do not have an extensive criminal history.

Mr. Jelen pleaded guilty to the two crimes in July, and his plea agreement allows prosecutors to argue that he abused a position of trust and his thefts were part of a sophisticated scheme, which may result in a more severe sentence.

Attempts to reach his attorney, Michael T. Van Der Veen of Philadelphia, were unsuccessful.

It is not clear what sentence the prosecution will seek.

Mr. Jelen initially was scheduled for sentencing Thursday; Mr. Van Der Veen sought to reschedule to have more time to prepare.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com,

@jkohutTT on Twitter

MONDAY UPDATE

brings

Times-Tribune readers up to date on past or pending stories of interest. To offer a suggestion for a Monday Update, please email metrodesk@timesshamrock.com with

“Monday Update” in the

subject line.

Wayne Memorial Hospital unveiled its new helipad at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday where about 200 people attended.

The helipad, located less than a mile from the hospital along Fair Avenue, cost about $124,000 and was paid for largely through fundraising work by the Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

The hospital seeks level IV trauma center status, and it needed a designated landing pad nearby.

As a trauma center, Wayne Memorial will be better equipped to treat serious injury patients in the hospital’s service area, which includes Wayne, Pike and Lackawanna counties and eastern New York.

— JON O’CONNELL

The former head of Wyoming County’s 911 center, who in a federal lawsuit claims she was fired in violation of the Family Medical Leave Act, wants to bar the county from mentioning in its defense that she was charged with illegally recording conversations.

George Barron, attorney for Debra Raimondi, contends the county should not be allowed to mention the charges because it failed to disclose it might raise the issue until just before her trial on the leave issue is set to begin.

Ms. Raimondi was fired in July 2014. She filed suit against the county three months later, alleging commissioners took the action to retaliate against her for seeking FMLA leave to care for her elderly parents.

Attorneys for the county argued Ms. Raimondi was fired for dereliction of duty. U.S. District Judge James Munley rejected that argument in May, finding the county violated the FMLA. The case is set to go to trial on the issue of monetary damages only.

In a pretrial motion filed last week, Mr. Barron said he expects the county will try to mitigate the money owed Ms. Raimondi by arguing the charges filed against her in June 2016 — two years after she was fired — show she engaged in misconduct while she headed the 911 center.

Ms. Raimondi was charged with illegally recording conversations she had with county officials without their knowledge from 2007 to 2014. The alleged offenses came to light after her replacement at the center found a cassette recorder in a cabinet drawer. The criminal trial is pending in Wyoming County Court.

Mr. Barron contends the information should not be allowed because the county only recently indicated it might raise the issue. He alleges the delay is an “ambush” tactic that leaves Ms. Raimondi no time to conduct any investigation to counter the allegations.

The county will have an opportunity to reply to the motion.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timesshamrock.com, @tmbeseckerTT on Twitter

DICKSON CITY — The state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement cited a Dickson City business for selling alcohol to a minor, the agency said in a news release.

Texas Roadhouse on Commerce Boulevard sold the beverage Aug. 19 and received a citation Sept. 23, state police said. The

Wilkes-Barre district office announced it Friday.

An administrative law judge will review the citation. The judge has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

WILKES-BARRE — A 32-year-old New York man died in a shooting at Sherman Hills Sunday night, authorities confirmed.

The Luzerne County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Victor Grandy of Far Rockaway, New York. He died of a gunshot wound to the chest and the coroner ruled his death a homicide after an autopsy Monday morning.

Police responded to a report of gunfire at the apartment complex around 8 p.m. Sunday night. Police found Grandy near the high rise at 300 Parkview Circle.

The man was declared dead at the scene.

An initial investigation revealed the victim was having an argument when another man pulled out a firearm. As of Sunday night, no one was in custody for the shooting.

Police say several people were in the area during the shooting and have asked anyone with information to call 570 208-4225.

sscinto@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2048, @sscintoCV

SCRANTON — Students will return to George Bancroft Elementary School on Tuesday after air quality testing done today came back normal.

On Friday, routine tests found “elevated levels of microparticles,” and crews thoroughly cleaned the school over the weekend.

Classes will resume at 9:40 a.m., with the hour and a half delay given so teachers can “resettle into their classrooms,” Superintendent Alexis Kirijan, Ed.D., said.

The district implemented routine, district-wide air quality testing in response to flooding throughout the city. Robert Morris Elementary also closed for a day in September and reopened after a thorough cleaning.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

A Bushkill man will spend time in state prison after admitting to shooting his 14-year-old daughter more than a dozen times with a BB gun.

Sean Brown, 41, pleaded guilty to child endangerment, simple assault and obstruction in a child abuse case before Pike County Judge Gregory H. Chelak late last week, said Senior Deputy District Attorney Sarah Wilson, who prosecuted the case. The judge then sentenced Mr. Brown to three to six years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

State police at Blooming Grove arrested Mr. Brown earlier this year, saying he shot the girl 17 times with the BB gun on March 31, according to the Pike County District Attorney’s Office.

Check back for updates.

Contact the writer: cover@timesshamrock.com, @ClaytonOver on Twitter

Attorney Mark J. Powell plans to seek the Democratic nomination for Lackawanna County district attorney next year, a move almost certain to ensure a spirited contest for a county post that Republicans ruled for more than four decades.

Mr. Powell, 52, of Moosic, announced his long-rumored candidacy Monday at a kickoff party at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station Hotel before about 125 people. He promised he would act independently, try cases regularly and run the office with sound financial practices in mind. Mr. Powell said he would target the opioid addiction crisis and child predators and protect the elderly.

“In 2017, we will have the opportunity to break away from one-party rule in the office of district attorney,” Mr. Powell told a gathering of family, friends and supporters. “With your support, we can make 2017 a truly historic year.”

Mr. Powell also addressed what could become a campaign issue if he is the Democratic nominee, especially because the likely Republican nominee will be a longtime assistant district attorney with plenty of experience prosecuting crime. Mr. Powell never prosecuted a crime but specialized in criminal defense work. He said he will likely be the only candidate certified as a criminal law and civil law specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and with a master’s degree in trial advocacy.

Only 3 percent of lawyers nationwide earn the civil and criminal certifications, he said.

“I have spent a lifetime preparing for this job,” he said. “In the last 26 years of my career, I have built a rock-solid foundation in the courtroom, the classroom and the community.”

No other Democrat announced a candidacy. Incumbent Republican District Attorney Shane Scanlon is expected to run for his party’s nomination and former First Assistant District Attorney Eugene Talerico announced plans to run for the Republican nomination, too.

No Democrat has served as district attorney since early January 1970, the last few days of Joseph Cimino’s eight years in office. Republicans held the seat since, though several, including Andy Jarbola, Michael Barrasse and Mr. Scanlon, started out as Democrats.

County Democratic chairman Chris Patrick already declared winning the office as his top priority next year.

Democrats occupy all the other county row offices. County Commissioner Laureen Cummings is the only other elected Republican county official.

County Democratic chairman Chris Patrick said Mr. Powell gives Democrats their best chance to win the office in a long time.

“I see a lot of people rallying around his candidacy,” Mr. Patrick said.

County Republican chairman Lance Stange Jr. said he expects the Republican grip on the office to continue.

“We’re going to work very hard to make sure that it does,” Mr. Stange said.

Mr. Talerico said he was not surprised by Mr. Powell’s entry into the race, but said he’s focused on winning the primary election next May first before taking on a Democrat.

“I feel my background demonstrates I’m the most qualified for the position,” he said.

Attempts to reach Mr. Scanlon were unsuccessful.

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com

Beginning with the class of 2019, Lakeland High School is eliminating class rank and valedictorian and salutatorian designations.

“We expect students to take rigorous courses knowing class rank is not going to be affected,” said Superintendent R. Scott Jeffery.

The class rank designation, which begins with the current sophomore class, was part of a board policy amended this spring. The board, on the advice of advisers and administrators, eliminated the ranks. More difficult coursework will continue to be weighted, and grade-point averages will still be tracked and reported. Seniors applying to colleges that require class rank will be able to provide information regarding their rank.

The board decided to explore the measure after noticing students abandoning more strenuous courses, like Advanced Placement and honors classes, to preserve class rank, board President Mary Retzbach said.

“I think one of the biggest factors we saw was students dropping out of AP and honors classes because they were more worried about their class rank than having a rigorous workload,” she said.

The move will benefit students because colleges are increasingly looking for rigor and not class rank, Ms. Retzbach said.

The district received both positive and negative feedback about eliminating class rank, Mr. Jeffery said.

In place of valedictorian and salutatorian designations, the district is researching adding “cum laude” awards based on the awards system at Community High School District 117 in Lake Villa, Illinois, Mr. Jeffery said. Students will be honored for various reasons, including academics, Career Technology Center classes, special education, fine arts, music and physical fitness.

Mr. Jeffery is also planning an Academic Wall of Fame, which will be located next to the district’s sports trophies and accolades.

“We want our students to be more than just a grade,” he said.

Contact the writer:

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

■ Lackawanna County Commissioner Jerry Notarianni will host a fundraiser Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at La Buona Vita, formerly the Parish Center, 200 Reilly St., Dunmore. Tickets are $50.

■ Ernest Lemoncelli, the Republican candidate for 112th state House District representative, will host a meet-the-candidate night Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Case Quattro, 1542 Main St., Peckville section of Blakely.