Lowering sewer rates and keeping expenditures in check are among the top priorities of the four candidates seeking a seat on the Jefferson Twp. Board of Supervisors.

Longtime incumbent Lester Ike Butler faces John L. Peters Sr. for the Democratic nomination for the six-year post,while Eric Ritter and Jason B. Hollister will square off for the Republican nomination in the May 16 primary election.

Peters, Ritter and Hollister, all political newcomers, each said they decided to run because they’re displeased with the current supervisors, who they claim are not responsive to residents.

Butler, the only incumbent up for election, disputed the claims, saying he’s always open to suggestions.

Hollister, 31, said he regularly attends supervisors’ meetings and is unhappy with the state of affairs, particularly the $95 monthly sewer fee residents pay.

“The current board majority tends to disregard issues brought up by concerned citizens,” Hollister said. “I will put the hours in that are necessary to make a change and will be accountable to the residents.”

Hollister noted he’s already done that, having donated his time to help the sewer authority uncover homes that are connected to the sewer system but never paid.

Peters, 61, also regularly attends township meetings. He criticized the current board for not listening to residents.

“They seem to have their own agenda and don’t care what people think,” Peters said.

Peters said he would work hard to find ways to identify any wasteful spending in the budget and at the sewer authority. He said he would listen to residents’ concerns.

Ritter, 44, said he’d work to resolve conflicts in the township.

“I think there are a lot of great ideas. By the time everyone is done throwing them back and forth, things don’t get resolved,” he said. “I’m a very good listener on both sides, and I am very bipartisan.”

He said he also would search for ways to reduce sewer costs and keep expenditures in check. That includes working to attract industry to the area, which would add users to the sewer system and might help defray costs for residents.

Butler, 61, acknowledged many people are unhappy with the sewer fee, which is largely tied to debt incurred to construct the sewer system. The township was at a disadvantage, he said, because there were no grants available to help pay the cost. Supervisors continue to search for grants but so far have had no luck.

“The new guys promise to get it lowered. Unless we get money to pay past debt, I don’t know how to get it lowered,” Butler said.

Butler has served on the board for 30 years. He said he’s proud of his accomplishments, including helping to secure nearly $600,000 in grants in his most recent term, most of which went toward a major park renovation project.

“I have experience on the board, and I’m out to help residents of the township,” Butler said.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timeshamrock.com; 570-348-9137;

@tmbeseckerTT on Twitter

LESTER IKE BUTLER

Age: 61

Family: Married; four children, five grandchildren

Education: Graduate North Pocono High School, 1974.

Employment: Jefferson Twp. Sewer Authority

Experience: Township supervisor, 30 years.

JOHN L. PETERS SR.

Age: 61

Family: Single; two children

Education: Attended Jim Thorpe High School until 11th grade before leaving to join the Air Force in 1973

Employment: Retired from Tobyhanna Army Depot in 2011 after 30 years

Experience: Regularly attends supervisor and sewer authority meetings

ERIC

RITTER

Age: 44

Family: Married; two children

Education: Graduate North Pocono High School, 1991. Studied music at Marywood University until leaving to sign record deal.

Employment: Owner, Ritter’s Farm Market; professional musician

Experience: Business owner

JASON

HOLLISTER

Age: 31

Family: Married; one child, expecting second child in June

Education: Graduate North Pocono High School, 2003; BA in geography, Millersville University, 2007.

Employment: Geographic information systems analyst for Concurrent Technologies Corp.

Experience: Secretary/treasurer, Elmdale Cemetery Association

Avoca

Golf tournament: Queen of the Apostles Parish 10th annual St. Mary’s Classic golf tournament, Sunday, registration, 7 a.m., shotgun start, 8, Pine Hills Country Club, 140 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor; captain and crew, singles placed on team; $85, includes prizes, dinner following tournament, parish hall, 742 Spring St., Avoca, sponsorships available; parish office, 570-457-3412, Jim McMahon, jimmcmahon1@verizon.net or John Soy, johnsoy@comcast.net.

Carbondale

Class reunion: Ben Franklin High School class of 1967 reunion, Sept. 23, Grand Hotel, Carbon­dale; Jimmy Chadwick, spidermanx67@yahoo.com or Jimmy Daniels, santajim67@gmail.com.

Dalton

Rummage sale: Dalton United Methodist Church spring rummage sale, Friday, 8 a.m-1 p.m., 4-6 p.m., $2-$3 bag sale, Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon; 125 S. Turnpike Road; drop off, Tues­day-Wednessday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (no shoes, electronics, TVs or large appliances); lunch available Friday; bake sale by Bright Beginnings Preschool; details, Beryl, 570-563-1280; Margaret, 570-587-3755; Pat, 570-945-5586.

Dunmore

Park carnival: Sherwood Park Carnival, Tuesday-Friday, 6-10 p.m., Saturday, 1-10 p.m., 701 Sherwood Ave., $15 wristband special Tuesday and Thursday night and Saturday, 1-5 p.m.

East Scranton

Bus trip: East Scranton Seniors bus trip to Sands Casino, June 7, leaves Monroe Avenue parking lot across from Dunmore Senior Center at 9 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m., $29, includes $20 rebate and $5, ID required; 570-347-7394 or 570-280-5096 by May 31.

Lackawanna County

Bowl fundraiser: Marywood University’s Zeta Omicron’s third annual Empty Bowl Project to benefit Meals on Wheels of NEPA, sale of hand-thrown bowls, Friday, 5-8 p.m., purchasers get free scoop of ice cream, donated by Scoopz Ice Cream Parlor of Olyphant; zetaomicron

kappapi@gmail.com.

Ladies meet: Foxy Red Hat Sisters breakfast meeting, Friday, 10 a.m., Denny’s, Busi­ness Route 6, Dickson City; Nancy, 570-343-4978, or Rose Ann, 570-510-8877.

Beekeepers meet: Lackawanna Backyard Beekeepers meeting, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Abington Community Library, Ryon Room, free beekeeper, prospective beekeepers and honeybees enthusiasts; topic: varroa control — heat method, swarm list sign-ups, procedure/meeting place for June meeting, elections, beekeeping questions.

Adult program: Live Well: A Free Evening of Lively Learning for Adults 60 and Over, May 25, 4 p.m., Lackawanna College, spon­sored by Lackawanna County Health and Wellness Program, reservations required; 570-347-5616.

Senior picnic: Serving Seniors Inc. summer picnic, June 4, 3-7 p.m., Waldorf Park, East Moun­tain, rain or shine, hot and cold buffet, grilled picnic foods, desserts from local bakeries, beverages include beer, wine and soda, volleyball tournament and entertainment by EJ the DJ, basket raffle, $25/adults and $15/12 and under; 570-344-3931 or servsen@epix.net.

Mayfield

Legion meeting: American Legion Post 610 will meet today at 7 p.m. at headquarters to finalize plans for the Memorial Day ceremonies and parade. Tom Arthur will preside.

Olyphant

Bucket brigade: Excelsior Hose Company 1 Bucket Brigade of Bucks early-bird drawing May 27, tickets: station, 570-307-5085, or members; final drawing Aug. 12, application can be photocopied.

Regional

Fundraising event: SEEDS fundraiser party, Swapapalooza and silent auction, Thursday, doors open for food, 5:30 p.m., festivities, 6, second floor, the Cooper­age, 1030 Main St., Honesdale; www.seedsgroup.net or Facebook.

Railroad club: Endless Moun­tains Model Railroad Club meeting, May 13, 6 p.m., club building, 7837 Route 29, Dimock; emmrrc.wix.com/trains, email emmrrc@gmail.com or 570-278-3992.

Scranton

Garden club: Laurel Garden Club of Scranton meeting, Thursday, 7 p.m., St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., May basket competition and exchange, attendees invited to bring a basket comprised of natural plants and materials for judging, participants receive one of the baskets to take home, discuss plans for the summer bus trip to New York Botanical Garden and annual summer picnic, social, 6:30 p.m.

South Scranton

Seniors meet: Friendly Seniors of South Scranton meeting, Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Parish Center, Pros­pect Avenue.

Tripp Park

Neighbors meet: Tripp Park Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Commu­nity Center.

Wayne County

Highlands gala: 10th annual Foods of the Delaware High­lands Gala, Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Silver Birches Waterfront, Haw­ley; four-course farm-to-table dinner, wine tasting, live auction; $140, includes $75 charitable gift to the Delaware High­lands Conservancy; info@dela

warehighlands.org or 570-226-3164.

West Scranton

Seniors meet: Sloan Senior Citizens meet Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., at SS. Peter and Paul Church Hall, 1301 W. Locust St.; refreshments and bingo follow.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be emailed to yesdesk@timessham

rock.com or mailed to Clipboard, c/o the YES!Desk at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, 18503. YES!Desk, 570-348-9121.

Debate is May 9

To clarify a story on Page A3 of Sunday’s editions, The Times-Tribune will host a debate among Scranton School Board candidates Tuesday, May 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the fifth-floor auditorium of the Scranton Times Building, 149 Penn Ave.

MONROE TWP. — A Stevensville, Bradford County, man is locked up in Wyoming County on charges he went on a robbery spree and stole two vehicles.

State police say Joseph Alan Parkhurst, 32, robbed Bowman’s Creek Texaco, Route 29, Monroe Twp., at knifepoint Thursday, and the Dollar General down the road on Friday. Troopers chased him, but he escaped.

On Saturday, he stole a pickup truck and was involved in an attempted robbery in Bradford County, then stole another vehicle in Susquehanna County, state police said.

With help from Wilkes-Barre police, troopers arrested Parkhurst on George Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, Saturday.

He is jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.

— JON O’CONNELL

NEWTON TWP. — Post-traumatic stress met Nick Lubianetsky at the airport near Avoca when he returned home from Vietnam in 1970.

He shouldered the weight from his Navy service for 45 years. He went to work every day but otherwise lived in fear.

That started to change when he met Ann Marie Lewis and Heather Stage, co-founders of Equines for Freedom.

The nonprofit organization, on the grounds of the Marley’s Mission stables in Newton Twp., helps veterans overcome symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. About 70 people attended an open house Sunday where therapists, equestrians and veterans explained how the unique treatment, called equine-assisted eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EA-EMDR, works.

“It’s not hocus-pocus,” said R.J. Lacelle, a 27-year-old veteran and program graduate.

He served in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2011 with the Marines.

Veterans work one-on-one with a therapist while a horse simply wanders the open arena.

The 2,000-pound animal acts as a gauge for the therapist. As prey animals, the subtlest anxiety, like the kind drummed up during therapy sessions, causes them to react. Typically, they distance themselves, clueing the therapist of deep-seated tension.

The horse also anchors the veteran in the moment while he or she wages war with traumatic moments from the past.

“PTSD is a time disorder,” Lewis said. “It wants to keep that person in the past. We want to bring them to the present.”

Equines for Freedom is expanding, with a new group program for spouses and other caregivers to help them understand how EMDR works. The organization also has added two new therapy teams, each with one EMDR-licensed therapist and an equine specialist.

The organization also started working with Wounded Warrior Project, holding one-day programs for groups from New York City for a light version of its typical 28-week program.

“We’re not getting into deep therapy,” Stage said. “We’re kind of adding a little piece of the puzzle.”

Before Lubianetsky, 67, of Harding, arrived home, the Pentagon sent a letter advising him to change out of his uniform into civilian clothes at the airport and, if anyone asked, deny he was military.

“Let’s face it, we were hated when we got home,” he said. “I couldn’t get a ride home from Avoca; it was that bad.”

Amid virulent antiwar sentiment, he had to face his own demons — he had seen both friends and the enemy die where he was stationed with the Inshore Undersea Warfare Group One.

It took about three months of weekly one-hour sessions before he started to notice a difference.

“I was very, very skeptical,” he said. “I said to Ann Marie, ‘Bring in a cow or a pig. What’s the difference? ... How’s this horse going to help me?’ ”

He recently graduated from the program, though he noted Lewis still checks in every month. Now the little things, like going to church, the grocery or a restaurant aren’t so difficult.

As he addressed the crowd, Lacelle, who soon will graduate from Johnson College’s veterinary technology program and start an internship, urged veterans seeking relief to learn more about EMDR.

“I will say anything I can to you to get you to come and do this,” he said. “Twenty-two veteran suicides a day ignites a fire in me like you wouldn’t believe, and I don’t know where to put that anger, so this is how I’m doing it.”

Contact the writer:

joconnell@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131;

@jon_oc on Twitter

For sale: the Lackawanna County Administration Building.

Amid plans to move into consolidated offices at the former Globe Store, county commissioners seek $2 million minimum bids on the current county government headquarters along with an idea of what developers want to do with the downtown Scranton space.

The administration issued a request for proposals through July 14 for the 91,600-square-foot building at 200 Adams Ave. that has housed county government operations at Courthouse Square since 1971.

“I truly believe with the amount of apartments downtown and the need at this point and the young professionals that are moving downtown, that this building will be bought very, very quickly,” Democratic Commissioner Patrick O’Malley said.

The county will remain at its existing location until construction is finished in late 2018 to early 2019 on the 255,964-square-foot Globe building that will become the Lackawanna County Government

Center at 119-131 Wyoming Ave.. Commissioners approved borrowing up to $17 million to retrofit the space for the county’s needs.

The plan is to sell the existing six-floor Administration Building either to a private developer or a nonprofit organization that would agree to pay the equivalent of the property’s real estate taxes to the city, the Scranton School District and the county.

Commissioners want to start planning now what’s next for the building to find a good fit with the plan to revitalize downtown Scranton and give prospective buyers time to look into options such as historic preservation tax credits, Chief of Staff Andy Wallace said.

Mary Ann Moran-Savakinus, executive director of the Lackawanna Historical Society, described the structure as a beautiful building in the city’s historic downtown commercial district.

The Stoehr & Fister furniture company built the 200 Adams Ave. building in 1922-23. Ornamentation still remains just above the first floor depicting elves making wooden furnishings.

“There are a lot of our older couples that talk about how when they got married, they got their furniture there,” Moran-Savakinus said. “That was the place to go.”

Since the 1970s, the county overhauled the space, adding offices, cubicles, courtrooms, conference rooms and a series of infrastructure improvements.

Wallace said even before issuing the request for proposals, the county received interest from developers and private nonprofit organizations.

He said the building is in good shape and a great location.

“From every part of this building, you can get a different view of Scranton and the Lackawanna Valley,” he said.

Contact the writer:

kwind@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100, x5181;

@kwindTT on Twitter

Abington Heights

Seventh-grader Braeden Mathers finished in the top 10 of the MathCounts Competition Series.

The student finished eighth in the individual competition. He was joined by several Abington Heights Middle School students, who competed against 142 students and 18 teams.

In the team competition, Braeden, along with his classmates Nick Deremer and Gavin Ross, and sixth-grader Jacob Newton, also took home a fourth-place finish.

The middle schoolers move on to the MathCounts State Competition.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Blue Ridge School District

First-grader Elliana Dillman is a Blue Ridge Super Reader.

Blue Ridge students in kindergarten through fifth grade receive a reading log and are encouraged to read for at least 15 minutes a night. Logs are turned in each week during library class, and student reading time is recorded throughout the school year.

“Being a Super Reader makes me feel happy and makes me want to read even more,” said Elliana, who has read for 70 hours so far this school year. Elliana enjoys reading because “it’s fun and makes me imagine I’m in the story.” Her favorite book series are Magic Tree House and My Weird School.

“I feel happy when it’s Library Day, because I’ll get to choose my own book and go on a new and different adventure,” she said.

— PETER CAMERON

pcameron@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5365;

@pcameronTT on Twitter

Carbondale Area

Jarred Rosar won best advocate during the Lackawanna County Bar Association’s mock trial competition.

“We spend many hours working with the mock trial team. I definitely enjoy the time, and it’s great to see all of our hard work pay off,” the ninth-grader said.

The Carbondale Area team competed against Abington Heights in the district semifinals in February.

In the first round, the Carbondale Area prosecution team was led by best advocate, Samantha Zenker, and best witness, Hanna Sweet. They scored a victory over Mid Valley. Then in the second round, Carbondale Area, while on the defense, defeated Valley View. The jury heard an outstanding closing argument from Bobby Morgan, senior.

“It was a lot of pressure being the defendant my first year on the team, which made winning best advocate even more exciting,” said Jarred. “Kianna and Kaitlyn also did fantastic jobs as witnesses for the defense.”

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Career Technology Center

Victoria Longcor passed an early bird state exam.

The senior at Abington Heights is now a licensed cosmetologist.

“Victoria is extremely ambitious and dedicated to the field of cosmetology,” said Christine Menichini, cosmetology instructor.

Outside of school, Victoria enjoys shopping and doing her friends’ makeup.

After graduation, she plans to work in a salon.

— STAFF REPORT

Delaware Valley

Shane Acoveno is a senior class member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, basketball and track and field. “Being involved allowed me to learn teamwork skills,” he said.

In addition to his school activities, he volunteers with the Special Olympics and youth basketball camps.

“Volunteering allowed me to help the community and support those in need,” Shane added.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-8130

Dunmore

Sophomore Kaitlin Ahern wrote an original piano composition that she will play at the band’s spring concert.

Kaitlin’s composition, titled “Dallience,” took her a year to write and includes 12 parts — one part for each month of the past year, which represents how she was feeling during that month. As a whole, all parts of the song come together and represent the last year of her life.

At Dunmore, Kaitlin participates in the marching, concert and jazz bands. To relax, Kaitlin spends an hour each evening composing music.

“Writing music is a stress reliever for me and it allows me to express myself,” she said.

Everyone has the ability to compose music but may not realize it yet, she said. Kaitlin is looking forward to performing her original work at the concert.

“I love performing for others because it shows my personality and gives some insight into my life,” she said.

After she finishes high school, Kaitlin would like to major in history, with hopes of becoming a history professor.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Forest City

Regional

Cole Cox worked at the basketball concession stand during the fall sports season for his senior project.

In addition, the student worked at Elegante’s restaurant in Forest City, where he demolished two bathrooms, installed tile floors in both and tile on the walls, and also replaced all vanities with owner Anthony Dellaquila. Cole decided on this as his project because he is a dishwasher there and wanted to give back to his boss.

“I chose to help out Anthony, the owner, because he has personally helped me quite a bit, and I appreciate that,” he said.

Cole is also a member of student council.

He hopes to enlist in either the Army or Navy after he graduates.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-8130

Holy Cross High School

Senior Joshua Mies and other students participated in the 14th annual Kane Competition for high school physics and engineering students.

Teams from schools around the area compete in various physics activities at the University of Scranton.

“It was great to be around so many other students with similar interests working toward a common goal,” he said.

At Holy Cross, Joshua is a member of the football and baseball teams, National Honor Society and pro-life club.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Lakeland

Emily Borosky will represent Lakeland and NEIU at the State Scholastic Competition.

“It’s an honor to represent our region,” said Emily.

Sal Marino, Alec Bryla and Liam Osburn will also join Emily, a senior, at the competition in Harrisburg.

A member of Mu Alpha Theta, Emily is also a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, the bowling team and the track and field team.

After high school, she will attend Kutztown University to study mathematics.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Mid Valley

Outside of school, Priya Patel helps out her community.

Priya, a junior, volunteered at St. Joseph’s Center, the Lackawanna Health and Rehab Center and the Relay for Life. She also tutors children from her church in math and English.

At school, Priya is a member of National Honor Society and takes dual enrollment courses, including sociology, psychology and English 100 at Marywood University.

She is a three-year member of both the varsity track and field team and Leo club. She is a two-year member of the Spanish club and a one-year member of Students Against Destructive Decisions.

Although she has a year left of high school, afterward, Priya plans to attend either the University of Scranton or Wilkes University to major in pre-med.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Montrose Area

Sophomore Brennan Gilhool is a three-season athlete, starting on the school’s varsity soccer, basketball and track teams.

Brennan was selected for the PA Varsity Boys all-star soccer team and was an honorable mention for the Lackawanna League basketball team.

Outside of sports, Brennan is vice president of his class and a part of the I-safe program.

“Sports keep me active throughout the year and they help me stay focused throughout the school year,” he said.

— PETER CAMERON

pcameron@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5365;

@pcameronTT on Twitter

Mountain View

Senior Jamie Supancik will participate in Arts Alive with the Spanish club.

Members of the Spanish club are working with a dancer to learn Spanish dances. The club will dance in the school’s Arts Alive event, which took place this month.

“We’ve only had one class so far, but it’s a lot of fun,” Jamie said.

Jamie is also class treasurer and participates in the drama club, track and field, band and chorus.

After high school, Jamie plans to attend Penn State Berks for agricultural education.

— PETER CAMERON

pcameron@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5365;

@pcameronTT on Twitter

North Pocono

Heather Kramer excels both academically and athletically.

The daughter of James and Mary Kramer, Heather received high honors, is a third-year member of National Honor Society and is ranked in the top 20 of her class. She takes challenging courses, including Advanced Placement government, English language and composition, physics 1, world history, statistics, calculus, psychology and chemistry.

Since freshman year, Heather has played for the girls’ volleyball team, earning the title of co-captain this year. She was named to the Wyoming Valley Conference all-star second team.

For the past six years, Heather has been a manager for the boys volleyball team. Heather is a violinist in the orchestra and plays the piano.

She also volunteers with the local AAU Volleyball Club and has played in and directed multiple charity tournaments. Additionally, Heather is a barista at Cinemark 20 in Moosic.

Heather plans to attend the University of Central Florida to major in entertainment management. She hopes to become a scriptwriter or editor.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Old Forge

Fourth-grader Mary Marianelli was a Devil Pride student of the month for March.

“I was so surprised because it was the first time I ever received this award,” she said. “I was so nervous when my name was called and when they talked about me, I honestly missed everything they had to say because of being so nervous.”

In her spare time, Mary loves to draw, and she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Riverside

Third-grade student Angel Grande is excited about her upcoming PTA-sponsored class trip to PNC Field on May 18.

“It’s going to be awesome because I really like baseball,” she said.

The day of the trip is also Drug & Alcohol Awareness School Day.

“I’m even bringing my glove so I can try to catch a home run,” Angel added.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-8130

Scranton

William Leety, a seventh-grade student at Northeast Intermediate School, was the March Focus student of the month.

A motivated student, William also enjoys sports, including baseball, running, skiing, soccer and basketball.

When asked what is important to him, Will responded: “Always doing my homework and always being prepared. I like to work by myself, but I will ask for and receive help when necessary.”

Will plans to pursue a career in architecture and aspires to go to the University of Pennsylvania. He appreciates old buildings, such as the Scranton Lace factory, and loves to watch new buildings take shape, according to the intermediate school.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Susquehanna Community

Elizabeth Delaney is the community service chair for student council in the school district.

Over the past several months, she helped to organize the district’s Pride and Polish Day, scheduled Friday. Every high school student will sign up for one of more than 20 groups that go into the community for three hours doing jobs such as planting flowers, painting, picking up trash and making art projects at the senior citizens building. Afterward, they will return to the school for an afternoon of fun and games.

Elizabeth is also the District 9 Conference co-chair and has overseen the project of the conference, which is co-hosted at neighboring school Blue Ridge. More than 700 students will participate May 19 in a day full of leadership activities.

— PETER CAMERON

pcameron@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5365;

@pcameronTT on Twitter

Valley View

Paulie Vanvestraut was Valley View’s February student of the month for math.

“I felt highly honored and pleasantly surprised to receive this award,” he said.

Paulie was chosen for displaying excellence in the classroom and math. The award is sponsored by the Blakely/Peckville Lions Club and Valley View Student Council.

In his senior year, Paulie is a member of band, chorus, the school musical, Leo Club, biology, and national and math honor societies.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Wayne Highlands

Jakob Biedermann won a local bridge design contest with more than 200 other fifth- through eighth-grade students from two schools.

A sixth-grader at Preston Area School, Jakob created a virtually designed and tested bridge that held a pre-defined weight over a span. The goal was to make the least expensive yet still functional bridge. The students learned about designing bridges in a software computer class, but on the day of the competition, students had a time limit and a new virtual location to build on. Jacob’s bridge cost only $189,668.06. Only 12 of the student entries broke the $200,000 mark.

— PETER CAMERON

pcameron@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5365;

@pcameronTT on Twitter

Western Wayne

An honor roll student who takes honors and Advanced Placement courses, Calla Shaffer was recognized as an outstanding student.

In addition to academics, Calla enjoys participating in her school’s musical theater program and plans to study theater in college. As a freshman, she played Teen Fiona in “Shrek,” and this year as a sophomore, she played the leading role, Kim MacAfee, in “Bye Bye Birdie.”

Calla is also a seven-year member of the Wayne County 4-H Club and served as a secretary and news reporter. She is also a member of the Wayne County Teen Council.

She believes her experiences in community programs and her excellence in her studies and musical theater help her become a better leader.

“I have learned that being a leader is someone who is there to support others,” she said. “A leader is always there to listen and to take charge.”

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

SCRANTON — Several unused trucks and school buses caught fire in the Lackawanna County Recycling Center, 3400 Boulevard Ave., Sunday evening.

Tires burning in the back of one of them sent a column of black smoke into the air about 6:30 p.m.

No firefighters were injured.

However, they were delayed while waiting for a site manager to unlock the gate, said acting Chief Robert Corbett.

After gaining access, they ran hose out to the hydrant on Boulevard Avenue. Site workers used heavy equipment to clear a path to the burning vehicles, Corbett said.

What sparked the smoky blaze was undetermined at press time.

— JON O’CONNELL

An expansion and improvement project at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in South Abington Twp. should be done in September, about a year after the project began.

“Right now, everything seems to be on schedule,” Griffin Pond Executive Director Ed Florentino said.

The project includes a 5,000-square-foot addition that will feature a general purpose area to be used for staff training, community events and meet-and-greets between animals and prospective owners, and grooming and laundry areas. The new area will also house the facility’s felines and “critters,” which include reptiles, birds and other small animals, Florentino said. That work is expected to be completed by the end of May.

Work will then turn toward improvements to the existing shelter area, which includes expansion of the front lobby. The dogs will still be held in the same area but will have larger cages and exercise areas after the project, Florentino said.

The work is creating some challenges for the shelter and staff as contractors work in the building, Florentino said. For example, the facility had to scale back the number of animals it can keep there from about 200 to 70 during the project. He thanked nearby animal facilities and rescue shelters for taking in animals while work is being done and the public for its patience while the project is underway.

The project, which costs about $2.8 million, is supported by a low-interest mortgage from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and funded through donations, said Anastasia Daniels, development and fundraising manager at the shelter.

Naming opportunities through sponsorship of dog kennels, cat cages and other items are available. For information on the shelter and to donate to the project, visit griffinpondanimalshelter.com.

Contact the writer:

cover@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5363;

@ClaytonOver 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.

SCRANTON — With about a dozen potential jurors seated in the jury box in federal court, Jessie Con-ui stood to formally introduce himself to members of a group that will soon be charged with deciding if he lives or dies.

“Good morning,” the 40-year-old defendant said amiably, peering at the jurors through black, thick-rimmed glasses.

The potential jurors could see his freshly shaved head, a tattoo on his right cheek and the three U.S. Marshals dressed in business suits next to Con-ui. Wearing a navy blue jacket over a blue collared shirt, the defendant seemed at ease, frequently chatting and laughing with his attorneys and security personnel during breaks.

But the iron chains marshals wrapped around Con-ui whenever jurors left the room belied his disarming disposition.

Con-ui, who is already serving 25 years to life for a 2002 gang execution in Phoenix, is accused of viciously slashing and beating correctional officer Eric Williams, a Nanticoke native, at U.S. Penitentiary at Canaan on Feb. 25, 2013. Prosecutors allege Con-ui ambushed Williams because he felt disrespected over a cell search the day before.

Jury selection began last week for the capital murder trial that is expected to last about two months.

Much of that time will likely be occupied by jury selection. Last Monday, the parties began questioning 12 jurors per day to reach a pool of at least 70 candidates, from which they will pick a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates.

As of Friday, court records showed 45 people had been excused and 14 had been accepted for the pool.

Lawyers on both sides are undertaking a painstaking review of the panel, examining questionnaires members previously completed and then questioning them at length in the courtroom.

One such candidate, No. 78, was on the stand for about a half-hour Thursday answering questions by Con-ui’s attorney Mark F. Fleming, of Encinitas, California.

The juror indicated on his questionnaire that he is a “man of faith” who believes in an “eye for an eye.” Asked for elaboration, the juror said he would impose the death penalty if Con-ui is found guilty.

“I do believe that we all have an opportunity to life,” the juror said. “I believe that if you take a life you ought to lose a life.”

The man was excused from service after indicating he would find it difficult to put his beliefs aside and consider mitigating factors that could spare Con-ui’s life.

Among the mitigating factors the defense is seeking to present to the jury are what his attorneys have termed “outrageous, clearly inappropriate conduct” by guards in their treatment of inmates. His attorneys maintain he was a respectful, well-mannered inmate who snapped because of perceived mistreatment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, however, maintains Con-ui should be put to death because the crime was committed in an “especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner” by a convicted drug trafficker and murderer who has a history of violence — including involvement in a conspiracy to kill a cop and others in 2003.

The jury-selection process is scheduled to continue today.

Contact the writer:

;

570-821-2058;

@cvjimhalpin on Twitter

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s Cuban rum run got its start in a chance meeting last fall in the parking lot in front of the state Capitol.

“‘You know, we have rum,’” a visiting Cuban government liaison told state Sen. Chuck McIlhinney, who was walking to his car when he was introduced to her as the senator whose committee oversees how alcohol is sold in Pennsylvania. “And I’m like, ‘Yeah, we should buy some.’”

A few months later, the agency that controls Pennsylvania’s 600-plus state-owned wine and liquor stores is working to lift the United States’ 55-year-old embargo on Cuban rum, one of the island nation’s best-known products.

A purchase of Cuban rum by the sixth-most populous state would be, by all accounts, the biggest shipment of Cuban rum to the U.S. since John F. Kennedy was president, and could pave the way for the nation’s private spirits wholesalers to follow suit.

The embargo is on virtually all imports from and exports to Cuba, including rum. If Pennsylvania is successful, it would be the first import of a product produced entirely by the Communist state. The administration of former President Barack Obama allowed imports of charcoal produced by worker-owned cooperatives.

In recent days, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board submitted the initial paperwork to begin the application process, an agency spokeswoman said, and is now working to provide additional documentation required by the federal government.

There’s reason for hope.

The federal government office that enforces the Cuban embargo has begun granting licenses to allow limited exchanges of goods and services under regulations written by the Obama administration that reflect his 2014 move to restore diplomatic relations between the two nations.

There is also reason for pessimism.

Before he assumed the presidency on Jan. 20, Donald Trump criticized the detente between the U.S. and Cuba, tweeting that he might “terminate” it. New federal regulations on Cuba are expected, and Congress shows no eagerness to scrap the embargo.

“We are, as we all know, in a transitional moment,” said Pedro Freyre, a Miami-based lawyer who leads the international law practice Akerman LLP. “The new administration has sent mixed signals on Cuba. ... Nobody really knows where this will end.”

For Cuba, which ships rum to more than 120 countries, breaking the rum embargo would undoubtedly be an economic boon. The United States is the world’s biggest rum consumer.

For Pennsylvania? A feather in its cap and more money for a state-controlled liquor system that is under perennial attack by privateers as a Prohibition-era relic that is more at home in communist Cuba than the United States.

“It does taste good, it does have mystique, it is a place known for a product, and we know we could sell it,” McIlhinney said.

Cuban rums — like its cigars — are considered some of the best in the world, and the finest Cuban rums are on par with the finest made in other countries, said Robert Burr, host of the Miami Rum Festival and publisher of Rob’s Rum Guide. They would likely enjoy a year or two of wonderment in American stores and bars before the fascination wears off.

“The bartenders will be happy to have a Cuban rum to make a daiquiri, an el presidente or a mojito,” Burr said. “The average person will be like, ‘one more rum on a shelf full of rum.’”

Private wholesalers are already exploring the avenue, according to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials. Neither the Cuban Embassy nor the Treasury Department, which encompasses the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, would answer The Associated Press’ questions about it, although the embassy issued a statement acknowledging Pennsylvania is “interested in building a business relationship” with Cuba’s state-run bottler.

Pennsylvania bolstered its relationships in Cuba in February when McIlhinney invited liquor board officials to join a delegation to the country that grew out of an athletic exchange program.

The argument Pennsylvania submits to the assets control office must dovetail with U.S. policy and must show how bringing Cuban rum will benefit Pennsylvania and the economy, Freyre said.

It’s not clear how long a decision will take.

The Department of State will want to review the application, Freyre said, and the assets control office is both short-handed and overwhelmed with interest in applications involving Cuban commerce.

“This is not a ‘gimme,’” Freyre said. “This is not a, ‘you file and you will get it.’ They have very broad discretion. It could be an exercise of many, many months, if not a year.”

The process will be inevitably political, McIlhinney said, and state officials are working to get Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation on board to advance the cause.

For McIlhinney, the whole thing seems silly: What’s the point of an embargo any longer? The Soviets are gone, he said.

“I don’t think that there’s a national security risk,” McIlhinney said. “It’s not like we’re sending computer technology or missiles or something. We’re talking about buying a rum.”

MOOSIC

Geisinger Health plans job fair

Geisinger Health System plans a job fair today from noon to 6:30 p.m., seeking new employees for a number of different job types.

Recruiters and hiring managers will meet directly with applicants, who must bring their résumés to the Geisinger Glenmaura Office Building, 5 Lakeview Commons, off Glenmaura National Boulevard.

To schedule an appointment, contact Stephanie Schoenly at 570-437-0278.

Walk-ins are welcome.

Recruiters seek applicants to fill medical billing, coding and collections positions. They’re also looking to fill positions in financial counseling, insurance verification, and patient scheduling and services.

— JON O’CONNELL

PITTSTON TWP. — Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport security staff would be barred from forcibly removing passengers from overbooked flights under a new policy the facility’s governing body will consider.

Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley plans to introduce a resolution at the May 18 Bi-County Airport Board meeting that would dictate security personnel respond only to incidents involving safety and security — not overbooking issues.

O’Malley, vice chairman of the airport board, announced the proposal Monday at a press conference at the airport with Luzerne County Councilman Tim McGinley, chairman of the airport board.

“I want people to realize that the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton airport is the safest airport you could ever fly out of or fly into, and that our staff is courteous and kind,” O’Malley said. “Don’t be afraid of flying — at least out of here.”

The proposal comes three weeks after security officers dragged a United Airlines passenger from an overbooked flight from Chicago after he refused to give up his seat in an ugly scene that other passengers captured on their cellphone cameras.

The incident made national news and caused airlines and airports around the country to consider policy changes.

If the airport board approves O’Malley’s proposal, airport administration would develop the specifics of the policy.

The airport should not be involved in disputes between passengers and airlines related to the carriers’ policies of overbooking flights, and staff should get involved only with situations where safety or criminal activity is concerned, O’Malley said.

McGinley supports the proposal, adding concerns about potential legal liability for the airport if its staff were involved in an incident.

The Times-Tribune spoke to several travelers and people picking up loved ones at the airport who were unnerved by the United incident.

“It makes you not want to fly,” Carbondale resident Tracie O’Connor said.

Contact the writer:

kwind@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, x5181;

@kwindTT on Twitter

■Paul J. Nardozzi, a Democratic Dunmore council candidate, will host a rally Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carabello, 203 Chestnut St., Dunmore. Admission is free.

■Tom Lynch, a candidate for North Pocono magisterial district judge, will meet and greet voters Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Tasty Swirl, Routes 435 and 502, in Dale­ville. The event is free to North Pocono area Republican and Democratic voters.

Meet Emily Mazur

School: Scranton Preparatory School.

Parents: Jan and Mary Theresa Mazur.

Plans: Attend Georgetown University with a major in biology of global health, learn a new language (either French or Arabic) and continue studying German.

Emily Mazur has a knack for language.

After taking Latin classes as a freshman, Emily’s love for grammar “soared,” she said. Her aptitude for language is reflected in her test scores. Even though she never formally studied the German language beyond a three-week study abroad trip to Germany, Emily earned two perfect scores on the National German Exam

— quite a feat for someone who describes herself as “almost entirely self-taught” in German.

Emily earned two perfect scores on the National Latin Exam, and after electing to take Spanish classes, she earned two National Spanish Exam gold medals, she said.

“I am most proud of these accomplishments because they serve as manifestations of my inner love and enjoyment of language and the learning process,” she said.

Emily is also proud of her application of her language skills while studying in Germany.

“Living with a host family and attending school in Germany, I was almost always immersed in the German language,” she said. “That experience, though stressful sometimes, was incredibly exciting and rewarding, and I felt more confident and accomplished in my German-speaking skills upon my return home.”

The talented linguist competed at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science for two years and received the First Award three times, and she is the president of the National Honor Society at her school. Her GPA is currently 98.858.

Participating in mock trial was one of Emily’s “most rewarding and formative experiences,” she said.

“Surrounded by a team of wonderful fellow students, I progressed from a freshman on the sidelines, to a two-time witness, to an attorney arguing both the defense and prosecution sides of a single case,” Emily said.

Serving as the assistant head and head of the costumes crew for the Scranton Prep Players, working with job-seeking women at Dress for Success and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in South Carolina have all been rewarding experiences for Emily.

Emily’s free time tends to revolve around music. She has played the violin for 14 years and the piano for eight. She performed at Carnegie Hall in 2013, and she sings as an alto in Prep’s student choir and in the Chamber Singers ensemble. She also enjoys bird watching, reading and cooking.

In 15 years, Emily aspires to live in a city such as Washington, D.C., or Berlin, while “researching and working to stop the next global health crisis before it even begins,” she said.

“I am committed to my work and social justice, and I always look for new ways to improve myself and my community,” she said.

— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY

Electricity prices will jump 14 percent next month for homeowners who don’t shop around for better prices, PPL Electric Utilities announced on Monday.

The price to compare will rise from 7.44 cents per kilowatt-hour to 8.49 cents.

That translates to $8.75 more for a typical homeowner who uses 1,000 kWh each month.

The price for small businesses will rise 0.29 cents per kWh from 7.20 cents to 7.49 cents — a 4 percent change.

Though it’s common for electricity rates to rise in the summer, when demand peaks as people crank up their air conditioners, the price to compare had been dropping steadily since the summer of 2015.

Utilities credited the low price of natural gas, an increasingly popular fuel in power generation, for suppressing the cost.

Setting the price

The utility company sets its price to compare based on a combination of costs, said PPL spokesman Kurt Blumenau.

“The residential price to compare is increasing because of higher wholesale energy prices in the most recent auction, an increase in some transmission-related costs, and a true-up of undercollected costs from the previous six months,” he said.

He explained that every time PPL adjusts rates, officials compare how much they collected in the previous six months with revenue projections. If collection doesn’t match

projection, they adjust future rates to balance any gaps.

“And that’s what you have here,” he said, though he couldn’t explain Monday just what led to the shortfall.

PPL purchases wholesale electricity separately for homeowner and small business consumer groups, and it’s common for the prices to change at different rates.

This latest rate hike follows another utility’s request to the state Public Utility Commission to raise rates.

On Friday, Pennsylvania American Water Co. asked the PUC for permission to raise residential customer rates 17 percent as the water utility looks to cover $1.26 billion in statewide repairs to its system over the last four years. The water company’s rate hike could be suspended until next year as the PUC determines there’s a need.

The new electricity rates start June 1.

The PUC allows PPL to change its prices twice a year to adjust to the markets.

“As always, people have the option to shop. They don’t have to pay the price to compare,” Blumenau said.

Using www.pplelectric.com/shopping or www.papowerswitch.com customers may find better prices from other generation companies that serve their areas to buy their electricity.

Contact the writer:

joconnell@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9131;

@jon_oc on Twitter

SCRANTON — The Weston Field/Bulls Head Residents Group will host a debate for Scranton City Council candidates tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Weston Field House, 982 Providence Road.

Three, four-year council terms are open this year.

The primary election is May 16.

Six Democratic candidates include three incumbents, Bill Gaughan, Pat Rogan and Joe Wechsler, the council president and three challengers, Scranton School Director Paul Duffy, former School Director Kyle Donahue and Cesar Reyes.

In the Republican primary, Richard Johnson is the sole candidate.

— JIM LOCKWOOD

LENOX TWP. — A local marijuana advocacy group’s plans to officially adopt a Susquehanna County highway went up in smoke after a state agency refused to approve the project.

The state Department of Transportation last month denied the Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival LLC — a taxpaying business composed of marijuana activists who in April held a pro-pot rally at Scranton’s Nay Aug Park — permission to adopt a stretch of Route 106, from Lenox Corners to the Clifford Twp. line, because of the organization’s name and endorsement of marijuana use.

The Montrose PennDOT office

provided equipment for the roadside cleanup, which occurred April 15. Organizers learned on April 17 — two days after the cleanup — that the department’s Harrisburg office wouldn’t approve the highway adoption.

“The policy is, because they are advocating for a substance that is currently illegal in Pennsylvania, we didn’t feel that would be appropriate to allow that on (an adopt a highway) sign,” PennDOT spokesman James May said Monday.

Medical marijuana use is legal in Pennsylvania, but the recreational use of the substance is still prohibited by law.

Though May said members of the group are welcome to clean and adopt the road under their own names, Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival President Jeff Zick feels they are being discriminated against because of their association with marijuana. They wanted to clean the road to shed the “stigma” surrounding cannabis use, he said.

“We’re trying to bridge the gap between public perception and cannabis legalization, showing that we are not criminals and we are a good part of society,” Zick said, noting that the group also volunteers to clean up Nay Aug Park twice a year, among other community cleanup projects. “We picked up beer cans and heroin needles (during the highway cleanup). I didn’t pick up one joint or glass bowl.”

Members of the group plan to travel to Harrisburg to make their case in person, and don’t plan on halting any future highway cleanup efforts.

“We already have another event scheduled for May 13,” Zick said. “We’re going to finish up whatever we can of the highway and we’re going to keep on going on.”

PennDOT would like to see the group continue to maintain the stretch of road, just under a different name.

“Assuming that they want to go out and just get the road cleaned, we would love to have them continue to participate, just not under the cannabis name since that is still illegal in Pennsylvania,” May said.

Contact the writer:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

Dunmore

Society meets: SS. Anthony & Rocco’s Altar & Rosary Society meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m., St. Rocco’s parish hall, 122 Kurtz St.

Honesdale

Opening dinner: Ladies Associ­ation of the Honesdale Golf Club opening dinner, May 9, cocktail hour, 5:30 p.m., lounge area of the club house, followed by dinner at 6:30, make reservations in the ladies locker room at the club; nonmembers, call 570-253-5616.

Lackawanna County

Benefit event: Voluntary Action Center’s 11th annual Run for the Roses, Saturday, 4 p.m., Country Club of Scranton, 1001 Morgan Highway, Clarks Sum­mit; reservations or sponsorships: www.vacnepa.org/events or 570-347-5616.

Yoga event: Lackawanna Heri­tage Valley National and State Heritage Area and Jaya Yoga Explorer Yoga on the Trail, Satur­day, 9 a.m., Blakely Borough Recreation Complex, Peckville; www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2921428 by May 3.

NAMI walk: National Alliance on Mental Illness Scranton and Northeast Region, Mental Health Month kickoff annual Walk for Mental Health Aware­ness, Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Schemilfenig Pool Pavilion, Nay Aug Park, Scranton; 570-342-1047 or visit NAMI Scranton & Northeast Region on Facebook or www.namipascranton.org.

Benefit race: Fifth Ryan O’Mal­ley Annual Race (ROAR) 5K walk/run, Saturday, 9 a.m., Founders’ Green, University of Scranton campus; chip-timed, free race T-shirt; overall and age-group awards; $20, $10/students; mini race “expo” featuring live music, raffle baskets, free sports massages; free (ages 12 and under) Kids’ Fun Runs, free Kids’ Fitness Fair; presentation of specially adapted bike to child at St. Joseph’s Center; ROAR proceeds benefits Ryan T. O’Malley Memorial Schol­arship at the University of Scranton, registration: www.ROAR5K.com or at 8 a.m. race day;sponsorship details: Juli­anne Philipp, race director, roar5krunwalk@gmail.com, 408-771-8303; Erin O’Malley Stew­art, director, free health/fitness fun fair, 703-980-1301; raffle baskets details: Diane O’Malley, 570-468-0982; Helene O’Mal­ley, 570-575-2723.

Opioid seminar: Lackawanna County Commission for Women annual health seminar, “The Opioid Effect,” Thursday, Scran­ton Cultural Center, topical panel discussion addresses the crisis level abuse of and addiction to opioids such as heroin, morphine and prescription pain relievers, doors open at 5 p.m., refreshments at 5:30 and the panel discussion at 6, admission: $15; Fran Pantuso, 570-963-6750 or pantusof@lackawa

nnacounty.org.

Auxiliary meeting: Scranton/Dunmore Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, E.B. Jermyn 2 meeting, May 9, 6:30 p.m., lodge, 401 Railroad Ave., Scranton.

Medicare information: Apprise counselor, Monday, 10 a.m.-noon, state Rep. Marty Flynn’s office, 409 N. Main Ave., Jay’s Com­mons; information on Medi­care, Medicare Advantage plans, Medi­gap plans, Medicare drug plans, PACE/Pacenet prescription-drug coverage, various low-income assistance programs, such as the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help; appoint­­­ments suggested, 570-342-4348.

Newfoundland

Spaghetti dinner: Moravian Church of Newfoundland spaghetti dinner, May 13, 4:30-7 p.m., Main Street, $8/adults and $5/under 10; 717-395-8146.

Pike County

Field visits: State Sen. Lisa Baker R-20, field representative Andrew M. Seder will be available for consultation May 9, 10 a.m.-noon, commissioners’ conference room, Pike County Admini­stration Building, 506 Broad St., Milford, and May 18, 9-11 a.m., Greene Twp. Building, 198 Brink Hill Road, Greentown, issues relating to state matters, appointments encouraged; www.senatorbaker.com or 570-226-5960.

Taylor

Scholarship fundraiser: Lularoe fundraiser to benefit the Brian Koytek Memorial Scholarship Fund, Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Taylor Community Center, 700 Main St.

Club meets: R & L Civic Club meeting, Friday, 8 p.m., St. George’s Hall.

Upvalley

Prayer day: Carbondale Area Ministerium’s Upper Valley National Day of Prayer, Thursday, Christian music, 6:30 p.m., service follows, Carbondale train station, Trinity Place; half-hour concert; bring seating, in church sanctuary if inclement weather; www.nationaldayofprayer.org/events.

West Scranton

Seniors meet: Young at Heart Seniors meet Thursday, 11:30 a.m., Jackson Street Baptist Church.

Church breakfast: St. Joseph Melkite Church annual St. Joseph breakfast, Sunday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 130 N. St. Frances Cabrini Ave., $8.50/adults, $4/6-10 and free/under 6, takeouts available, special St. Joseph bread available in two-loaf packages, tickets available at door; 570-343-6092 or mel

kite.scranton@gmail.com; www.melkitescranton.org or Face

book: Saint Joseph Melkite Church, Scranton, Pa.

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

Road maintenance began Monday along several miles of Interstate 81 southbound. As of 2 p.m., Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crews had patched 30 tons worth of potholes, sealed cracks in three miles of the southbound passing lane, filled 91 bags of litter and picked up larger items like tires and mattresses. Crews also patched three bridge decks and cut and chipped enough brush to fill 1½ tandem dump trucks, according to PennDOT. Work will continue on the southbound highway today starting around 7:30 a.m., but the closure will switch to the right lane. Work, which is taking place between Exit 178A, the Wilkes Barre/Scranton International Airport-Avoca exit, and Exit 186, the Dunmore-Drinker Street exit, is slated to continue through May 20. Motorists are urged to avoid the area during the project and should consider using Interstate 476 between Clarks Summit and Pittston.