Nov. 14: Penn State Extension’s Leadership Network Emerging Leaders in Agriculture Leadership Professional Development event, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Dawson Building on the Penn State Scranton Campus in Dunmore, for any young or new farmer, rancher, agricultural worker or agribusiness employee looking for quality leadership professional development; refreshments provided; registration: extension.psu.edu/emerging-leaders-in-agriculture or Dr. Suzanna Windon, sxk75@psu.edu or 814-863-3825, by Monday.

Dec. 7: Commonwealth Health Trends, Innovations and Philanthropy Conference in Healthcare presented by the American Trauma Foundation, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wilkes University Henry Student Center Ballroom, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, training and education to all medical professionals and health care students on topics such as trauma, robotics, emergency medical services, orthopedics, stroke, challenging critical care cases, resilience and work life balance; registration, https://bit.ly/2PU7w0S.

Dec. 11: Northeastern Pa. Industrial Resource Center No-Cost Industry 4.0 Technologies for Manufacturers Lunch & Learn, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 75 Young St., Hanover Industrial Estates, Wilkes-Barre; registration: www.nepirc.com or call 570-819-8966.

SUBMIT BUSINESS BRIEFCASE items to business@timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

The next mayor of Scranton will be a working mom.

Paige Cognetti will be sworn in on Jan. 6, about three months before the 115th annual dinner of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Lackawanna County.

The mayor of Scranton is always an honored guest at the affair, a who’s who of area politics and deal-makers celebrating the relationships that make power fun and profitable.

Women, however, are famously unwelcome at the event.

Awk-ward.

Tuesday’s election was historic because it was so “herstoric.” In races large and small, women asserted their political will like never before. Along with the election of the first female mayor in Scranton’s 153-year history:

 A married, openly gay woman won a seat on Scranton City Council.

 A single mother will serve as a majority Lackawanna County commissioner.

 Four women reformers will join the Scranton School Board.

 A pair of women — one running an emergency write-in campaign — ousted two Dunmore councilmen who stood up for a landfill expansion against the public interest and got cut down at the polls.

Friendly Sons, say hello to the Angry Daughters.

The annual Society of Irish Women dinner was created in 1998 as an alternative to the men-only gathering. Men are welcome at the dinner, which has hosted Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and other major political players.

Some men — particularly politicians — attend both parties, a sign of the power and prestige the women’s gathering has built over 21 years. When she helped create the event, Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty said she was told it would be “the end of my political career.”

“Look at us now,” she said. Although she backed Councilman Kyle Donahue in the mayoral race, McNulty said she’s behind the mayor-elect and excited by the skills and passion Cognetti brings to the job. When I raised the pending test of the Friendly Sons’ restriction on women, McNulty cackled.

“They have a great tradition,” she said. “We copied it, but we do it better. We have better beer, an open bar, great speakers and we’re home taking off our fake eyelashes by 10 (p.m.).”

And the mayor of Scranton — any mayor of Scranton — is always welcome, McNulty said.

“She (Cognetti) will be on our dais,” she said. “Count on that.”

I reached out to W. David Fitzpatrick, M.D., incoming Friendly Sons president. He said he won’t do much planning for the dinner until after the holidays, but he is cognizant of the conundrum Cognetti’s herstoric election presents. In its nearly 115-year history, the local association has never had to consider whether to invite the mayor of Scranton.

The Philadelphia Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, formed in 1771, began admitting female members in 2016. The New York branch followed suit this year. So will Mayor Cognetti be welcome at Genetti’s?

“I’m sure all of the invitees on the dais will be appropriate,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’m confident this will all work out.”

Cognetti wasn’t worried, either. She said Friday she is focused on her transition into office and noted that St. Patrick’s Day is months away. She wouldn’t comment directly on either event, but pointed to other powerful women who wouldn’t be welcome at the Friendly Sons dinner under the ban.

“This is not about me,” she said. “This is about fundamentally changing government and lifting up the city and its people.

“This is about Jessica Rothchild winning a Scranton City Council seat, Debi Domenick being elected a majority commissioner, four women winning seats on the school board...”

Cognetti didn’t say so, but my educated guess is she won’t attend any party where her sisters aren’t welcome.

Like the voters who elected her, she’s got options and the power to exercise them.

CHRIS KELLY, the Times-Tribune columnist, congratulates all of Tuesday’s winners, regardless of gender.

Contact the writer:

kellysworld@timessh­amrock.com,

@cjkink on Twitter. Read his

award-winning blog at times-

tribuneblogs.co­m/kelly

GREENFIELD TWP. — Fire leveled a once-popular watering hole early Sunday morning at the northern edge of Lackawanna County.

Only a charred heap remained where the Paradise Inn once stood on Route 106 in Greenfield Twp.

A state police fire marshal is investigating what sparked flames about 5 a.m., Greenfield Fire Chief P.J. Fortuner said. The place was already engulfed when firefighters arrived.

“There was no stopping it,” he said.

A single tenant lived in an upstairs apartment. No one reported injuries.

The Paradise had been in the Mazza family for three generations, said Phil Mazza, whose grandfather, Nicholas “Spike” Mazza, started it decades ago.

Most recently the bar and restaurant was popular among riders at the Hurricane Hills Sports Center motocross track nearby.

Phil Mazza’s brother, Chris Mazza, ran the place until shutting it down within the last year, he said.

He said he wasn’t sure of his brother’s plans, or whether he would rebuild.

Contact the writer:

joconnell@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9131;

@jon_oc on Twitter

Carbondale

The city’s police dog won a $4,000 grant through a national contest sponsored by Aftermath.

Axel, a giant schnauzer, placed second in the competition.

K-9 Officer Robert Williams, Axel’s handler, said the money will be used to buy a bite suit and bulletproof vest for the dog, and materials for narcotics detection. A portion of the money will also be used for additional training.

Despite a slow start, Williams knew he could count on Lackawanna County residents to support the cause.

“I woke up the first morning and we had zero votes, but Carbondale is a very close-knit community,” Williams said. “It spread like wildfire on social media and took over our whole region. It’s awesome and gratifying to see the community come out when we need them as easy as when we come out for them.”

— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE

rtomkavage

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5365;

@rtomkavage on Twitter

For the sixth year, the Carbondale Chapter of UNICO will hold its annual “All Wrapped Up” shopping event later this month.

More than 25 vendors will have an array of items for sale from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hotel Anthracite, 25 S. Main St.

Holiday shoppers can buy handcrafted items including jewelry, clothing, wine, chocolates and soaps.

All Wrapped Up also features an all-you-can-eat homemade cookie bar, and organizers will have a basket raffle and door prizes. Hotel Anthracite will have drinks for sale.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or from any member of Carbondale UNICO. The event aims to support charities in Carbondale.

— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY

flesnefsky

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5181;

@flesnefskyTT on Twitter

Clarks Summit

The community will dedicate a memorial today to Lance Cpl. David A. Parker, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969.

The David A. Parker Memorial will be dedicated at 2 p.m. at the borough’s Veterans Park on North State Street.

Mayor Herman Johnson spearheaded the project to create the park and aimed to construct a memorial honoring every branch of the military.

Parker, who was killed Feb. 28, 1969, in Quang Tri province of Vietnam, served in the Marines.

— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY

flesnefsky

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5181;

@flesnefskyTT on Twitter

Lackawanna County

Commissioners last week approved several appointments and reappointments to various boards and authorities, including:

n Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention Advisory Board: Diane Baldi, Scranton; Carlene Spitzer, Scranton; John Wiercinski, Dickson City; and Brian Williams, Scranton. Baldi’s term expires at the end of the year, while terms for the other three appointees expire at the end of 2020.

n Lackawanna County Regional Planning Commission: Rosemary Broderick, South Abington Twp., term runs through 2020; Cindy Campbell, Blakely, term runs through 2022; David Johns, Moosic, term runs through 2020; Joseph Lorince, Dunmore, term expires at the end of the year; John Pocius, Scranton, term runs through 2022; and Bruce Zero, Moscow, term runs through 2020.

n Lackawanna County Performing Arts Authority: Jack Figured, Scranton, term runs through 2022; James B. McDonough, Moosic, term runs through 2021; Joseph Price, Moosic, term runs through 2020; and Bob Savakinus, Carbondale, term expires end of 2023.

n Workforce Development Board: Amy Luyster, Eric Schubert and former Commissioner Jim Wansacz. Terms for all three appointees expire Oct. 31, 2021.

— JEFF HORVATH

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

Scranton

City council last week:

n Introduced legislation to reappoint Thomas J. McLane of Stafford Avenue to the city’s shade tree commission for an additional five-year term, expiring Oct. 29, 2024.

n Introduced legislation to reappoint Magisterial District Judge Terrence V. Gallagher of Oram Street to the Scranton Housing Authority for a term expiring Sept. 27, 2023.

n Approved a resolution appointing Carol Ann Migliorino of Marion Street to the city ethics board for a term expiring Aug. 31, 2020. Migliorino participated in her first ethics board meeting Thursday, where she was welcomed by other board members.

— JEFF HORVATH

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

Waverly Twp.

The Police Department is raising money in hopes of getting a police dog.

The department has received about $5,000 toward its goal of $25,000, along with significant pledges from local businesses.

Stately Pet Supply in Clarks Summit will donate food for the life of the dog, the Schultzville Animal Hospital will provide routine veterinary care and the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in South Abington Twp. will provide emergency care, according to Officer Angelo Rudolfi.

Other businesses and organizations that have supported the department are Titan Tree Service Inc., Waverly Deli, Dalton Do It Center, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 063 and Panther Waste.

Many individuals have also donated to the cause.

Rudolfi thinks the dog would serve a big need in the area.

“We haven’t had a K-9 in the Abingtons in several years,” Rudolfi said. “There is a big elderly population in the Abingtons and the dog could be used for tracking missing persons.”

Rudolfi also believes the dog would be an asset in the local schools.

“There is a stigma around kids being afraid of police,” he said. “The dog would be a good icebreaker with the children.”

The dog could also be used during lockdowns and locker checks, Rudolfi said.

The idea to possibly bring on a police dog started about a month ago when officers met with representatives from the Geisinger Marworth drug and alcohol rehab facility.

To make a donation, send a check made payable to Waverly Police K-9 Unit to P.O. Box 8, Waverly, PA 18471. Donations can also be dropped off at the Municipal Building from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE

rtomkavage

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5365;

@rtomkavage on Twitter

AROUND THE TOWNS appears each Monday, spotlighting the people and events in your neighborhoods. If you have an idea for an Around the Towns note, contact the writer for your town, or the Yes!Desk at 348-9121 or yesdesk@timesshamrock.com.

SCRANTON

Most government facilities — including Scranton City Hall and Lackawanna County government offices and courts — will be closed today in observance of Veterans Day.

Banks are generally closed, although most ATMs are available. U.S. post offices are closed, and the Postal Service will not deliver mail today.

The County of Lackawanna Transit System will have regular fixed route and shared ride (van) service today. The customer service desk at the transit center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. COLTS today will offer free rides to veterans who show their VA card or honorable discharge papers, and to active-duty military personnel who show their military ID.

— STAFF REPORT

MOSES TAYLOR

AVILES: A daughter, Nov. 2, to Joshua Aviles and Alejandra Perez, Duryea.

BAKER: A daughter, Nov. 1, to David Baker and Kassandra Hall, Susquehanna.

CIULLO: A daughter, Nov. 1, to Eric Ciullo and Samantha Damski, Scranton.

CONSTANTINE: A daughter, Nov. 7, to Anthony Constantine and Dominique Kelley, Carbondale.

DEGRABA: A daughter, Nov. 7, to Joey and Megan Thorne DeGraba, Tunkhannock.

EDMONDSON: Twin daughters, Nov. 5, to Zack and Ruth Wyman Edmondson, Clarks Summit.

FEDUCHAK: A daughter, Nov. 3, to Zach Feduchak and Paige Seymour, Union Dale.

GAGLIARDI: A daughter, Nov. 3, to Justin and Kristin Gagliardi, Peckville.

HARVEY: A son, Nov. 4, to Adam and Danielle Healey Harvey, Clarks Summit.

JONES: A son, Nov. 1, to Michael Jones and Vanessa Thomas, Scranton.

KETTEN: A daughter, Nov. 7, to Michael and Jill Tomcho Ketten, Jessup.

KLINKEL: A daughter, Nov. 1, to Robert B. and Stephanie M. VanDeusen Klinkel, Carbondale.

KUEHNER: A daughter, Nov. 1, to Joseph III and Gina Kuehner, Olyphant.

MURPHY: A son, Nov. 3, to Matthew Murphy and Elizabeth Stoffey, Jessup.

NICHOLS: A son, Nov. 3, to Dan and Joy Nichols, Scranton.

PENA: A son, Nov. 1, to Geraldo Pena and Tatiana Hernandez, Scranton.

PRATT: A daughter, Nov. 1, to David and Stephanie Hirjak Pratt, Blakely.

SCOTT: A son, Oct. 29, to Shawn Love and Taylor Scott, Scranton.

SKEEN: A daughter, Nov. 7, to Gary and Cleopatra Skeen, Scranton.

SNYDER: A son, Nov. 5, to Joshua and Angelica Gabriel Snyder, Clarks Summit.

STROTHERS: A son, Nov. 6, to Laurance Strothers and Julie Zaleski, Scranton.

TERBUSH: A daughter, Nov. 1, to Ryan W. Terbush and Ali R. Lynch, Factoryville.

VENNERO: A daughter, Nov. 4, to Thomas Vennero and Mary Claire Jasieniecki, Scranton.

YASINSKAS: A daughter, Nov. 7, to Jason and Nacy Swartz Yasinskas, Dickson City.

Clarks Summit

Insulin support: Insulin Pump Support Group meeting, Nov. 21, 6 p.m., Abington Community Library, 1200 W. Grove St.; territorial and clinical district managers from Medtronics will discuss future innovations, current programs and the newest technology with insulin pumps and sensors; 570-222-4665.

Dickson City

Neighborhood watch: Dickson City Neighborhood Watch meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m., Borough Building; Council president Jeffrey Kovaleski; residents may ask questions and learn about borough issues.

Thanksgiving dinner: 21st annual free Thanksgiving dinner buffet, Nov. 28, noon-3:30 p.m., Eagle Hose Company Hall, 1 Eagle Lane, for those whose dinner plans may have been canceled, the less fortunate, elderly or those who have no place to go for dinner; takeouts available, music by the Frost Duo.

Dunmore

Prayer service: Evening of Marian Devotion, Wednesday, 6 p.m., St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Chestnut Street; hosted by the Diocesan Legion of Mary; service will include the rosary, Fatima prayers, hymns and musical Scripture mysteries led by Ernie Pappa.

Honesdale

Coat drive: Coat distribution, Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, Grace Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 827 Church St.; coats for all ages, hats, gloves, socks and blankets when available; 570-253-2760.

Hop Bottom

Food fundraiser: Hop Bottom Hose Company turkey bingo, Saturday, doors open 6 p.m., bingo at 7; 150 S. Center St.; 973-903-7226.

Lackawanna County

Food distribution: Food commodities distribution to income-eligible residents of Lackawanna County, Wednesday, at the following locations: Carbondale Catholic Social Services, 34 River St., Carbondale; Spring Brook Fire Company, 20 Route 690, Spring Brook Twp.; and the Friends of the Poor (call 570-348-4429 or 570-348-4428 for pantry locations); distribution via the Federal Emergency Food Assistance Program administered by Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency Inc.; residents may bring their own bags or boxes; first come, first served.

Mayfield

Wreath sale: William Walker Hose Company’s fresh holiday wreath sale is in progress, 22-24-inch handcrafted fresh wreath and bow can be purchased for $25; outdoor stands, suitable for yards and cemeteries, are also available for an additional $10; all orders must be prepaid by Friday; wreaths will be available for pickup Dec. 1, 2-5 p.m., at the station, 803 Penn Ave.; order from hose company members, at the borough office or call 570-282-6059 (leave message).

Scranton

Food drive: Stuff the Caboose, Nov. 23, 5-7 p.m., Steamtown National Historic Site, 350 Cliff St.; bring nonperishable food items to restock the United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Food Pantry; free musical entertainment, police and fire equipment, costumed mascots and the Baldwin steam locomotive #26 and Lackawanna caboose #889 displayed with holiday lights.

Social group: Tech ‘62 Social Group lunch meeting Thursday, 1:30 p.m., at Sacco’s on Meadow Avenue; Jan, 570-842-6034.

Wayne County

Book sale: Manchester Community Library annual “Blowout Book Sale,” Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon, 3879 Hancock Highway; 570-224-8500.

West Scranton

Senior movie/lunch: Sloan Seniors will attend a movie today at Cinemark, Montage Mountain, followed by dinner at the Longhorn Restaurant.

Advent events: St. Lucy’s Church will host “A Journey Through Advent” by celebrating Holy Mass every weekday of Advent at noon, starting Dec. 2; each Wednesday from 11 a.m.-noon, there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with novena prayers for the souls in purgatory; an “Hour of Grace” will be observed Dec. 8, noon-1 p.m.

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.

Among the honorees Sunday at a Veterans Day Memorial Remembrance at the Clifton Township Building was Sergeant Johnny, a retired military dog who served two combat tours of duty in the Middle East. With Sergeant Johnny are, from Gouldsboro American Legion Post 274, Tony Wilson, grandfather of the dog’s handler, and Loren Morse. Other participants in the wreath-laying service included Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Lori Robinson, pastor of the Gouldsboro/Moscow Methodist Church. The Clifton Twp. Board of Supervisors provided refreshments.

A man accused of cutting the brake lines of his girlfriend’s car, leading to a crash that killed her, is seeking dismissal of homicide charges.

John Jenkins, 41, of Dunmore, is facing trial on charges of first-degree murder and third-degree murder for the Aug. 22, 2018, death of Tammy Fox.

Prosecutors say Jenkins admitted he cut Fox’s brake lines in an attempt to get a piece of pipe to smoke crack. The action caused the brakes to fail the next day, resulting in Fox losing control and striking a tree and several parked cars near North Washington Avenue. She died from multiple traumatic injuries.

In a pretrial motion, Jenkins’ attorney, public defender Joseph Kalinowski, contends there is insufficient evidence to support the first-degree or third-degree murder charges, which require prosecutors show a defendant intended to kill a victim.

Kalinowski raised the same issue at Jenkins’ preliminary hearing in October 2018, arguing he should have been charged with no more than manslaughter. Magisterial District Judge Laura Turlip allowed the more serious counts to move forward. Kalinowski wants Lackawanna County President Judge Michael Barrasse to reverse Turlip’s ruling.

Kalinowski also seeks to suppress incriminating statements Jenkins made to police, arguing the statements were not made knowingly or voluntarily because he was under extreme mental and emotional distress and under the influence of drugs when he was questioned.

The district attorney’s office will have an opportunity to respond to the motion. Barrasse will rule on the matter at a later date.

Contact the writer:

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

@tmbeseckerTT on Twitter

SCRANTON — Mayor Wayne Evans expects all city employees to formally acknowledge they received and reviewed Scranton’s new ethics code, but city council wants to know what the consequences will be if some refuse.

Evans in early October announced all city employees are required to sign and date a document, to be stored in their personnel files, noting they read and understand the new ethics policy. Among many other prohibitions, the ethics code bars employees from using city property for personal purposes, taking bribes or kickbacks and accepting gifts or compensation for city services.

Those acknowledgments have been trickling in to the Human Resources Department over the past few weeks, said Evans, who wasn’t immediately sure what percentage of employees have signed them to this point. Evans isn’t the only city official who expects everyone to sign the acknowledgment.

City council last week voted to send a letter to city solicitor Jessica Eskra, in her capacity as interim human resources director, requesting the established deadline employees must meet to submit the document.

Council also planned to ask in the letter what action, if any, the city will “take to enforce the signing of this document and what actions and disciplines, if any, will the city take against employees who may refuse to sign this document,” Councilwoman Mary Walsh Dempsey said.

Evans said the city hopes to secure the acknowledgments before Mayor-elect Paige Cognetti takes office in January. To the best of his knowledge, every city employee has received a copy of the new ethics rules but there is no enforcement process in place to compel employees to sign the document, he said.

And while no formal complaint or grievance has been filed to this point, Evans said it’s possible the city will receive some pushback from labor unions representing city employees. There may be language in the ethics code the unions feel conflicts with language in collective bargaining agreements, he said.

Dempsey noted last week that Section 1 E. of the ethics code already addresses the issue of conflicts.

“To the extent and only to the extent this code conflicts with the existing rights of labor or its members by statute or contract, then such statute or contract shall supersede this code,” the code reads.

“To me, that is a non-issue,” Dempsey said.

Evans said he sees the formal ethics code acknowledgment as one step in an educational process he hopes will continue next year. For example, Evans said he believes the recently established ethics board will hold ethics classes for employees in 2020 based on the code.

Contact the writer:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT 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.

CARBONDALE — Jim Talerico set out to bring a little Margaritaville to Carbondale.

The vintner who just this year went pro with his new business, Talerico’s Tropical Wines in Taylor, was a first-time vendor at the popular Taste of the Town fundraiser Sunday, which raises money for the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

The fervid Jimmy Buffett fan admits none of his grapes come from the tropics.

No, he sources most of his grapes from the Finger Lakes region, but the lei draped over his floral button-down shirt, and the splashy bottle labels announcing flavors like “Drunken Pirate” and “Jamaica Me Smile” might convince you otherwise.

On the mezzanine inside the Anthracite Center at the NBT Bank Building, Talerico poured a few mouthfuls worth into plastic cups for Maureen Price and her mother, Janet Price, who were taking a minute from their own stand, Barbour’s Bakery, below for food and drink.

Among the crowd below, Carbondale musician J. Falbo Acoustic played a medley of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” and “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison.

Janet Price’s grandmother, Mary Barbour, started the bakery 107 years ago in Childs, she said proudly, and she’s brought their tradition of sweets to Taste of the Town for years.

Around 150 people bought tickets to sample food and wine from 20 area restaurants and wineries, said chamber Executive Director John Gorel.

“These vendors do it for nothing, just to help the chamber fund-raise,” he said, adding that money raised helps fuel the nonprofit’s other endeavors.

“This helps the Tinsel Trail and the light parade; the money goes right back into the community.”

Contact the writer:

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

@jon_oc on Twitter

Nov. 11, 1924

St. Joan of Arc

Court opened

The Catholic Daughters opened St. Joan of Arc Court at 1006 Linden St., Scranton, on Nov. 10.

The court would serve as the headquarters or clubhouse for the organization. The Scranton group was the first in the state to own its building.

To celebrate the opening of the court, the organization planned an afternoon and evening party that featured music by the Hotel Casey Trio and performances by Mildred Cossman, Grace Buhle, John Burnett and Marita Dean. The two parties were organized by Mae Barrett and her entertainment committee.

The building was once the home of H.C. Manchester and for many years was considered one of the finest homes in Scranton. The purchase of the Manchester property was facilitated by a regent of local Catholic Daughters organization, Mrs. Martin P. Walsh.

88 cases of smallpox have been reported

Health officials reported that they diagnosed 15 new cases of smallpox in Johnson City, New York, and one case in Binghamton. Those cases brought the total to 88 people suffering from the disease.

Since the start of the smallpox outbreak in the Binghamton area, health officials reported that they vaccinated over 18,000 people from the disease in Binghamton, Johnson City and Endicott.

At the theaters

The play “Kiki’ and the film “The Thief of Bagdad” were presented at the Academy, the film “America” was shown at the Strand, Paul Zimm’s Million Dollar Chicagoans performed at Town Hall, and vaudeville acts Jay Dillion and Betty Parker, the Jack Hughes Duo, Alice May Howard and Sophia Bennett at the Poli Theater.

BRIAN FULTON, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune’s expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.

One of three defendants charged with murdering a confidential informant contends a charge of conspiracy to commit homicide should be dismissed because evidence shows he tried to back out of committing the crime.

Kevin Weeks, 26, of Scranton, is charged with homicide, attempted homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide and several other offenses in connection with the April 20, 2018, death of Nina Gatto inside her Scranton apartment. Prosecutors say Weeks and his co-defendants, Cornelius Mapson, 34, and Melinda Palermo, 39, both of Jenkins Twp., conspired to kill Gatto because she was a confidential informant who was going to testify against Mapson in a drug case.

In a pretrial motion, Weeks’ attorney, public defender Donna DeVita, argues there is not enough evidence to support the conspiracy charge because Weeks was not the person who opened the door to allow Mapson access to Gatto’s home.

Prosecutors allege Weeks and Palermo arrived at Gatto’s home first. Palermo let Mapson in through a back door. Mapson then grabbed Gatto and, with Weeks’ and Palermos’ help, stuck a sock down her throat and placed a bag over her head, causing her to suffocate.

In her motion, DeVita sites a prior court ruling that says if a defendant abandons his or her role in a conspiracy before a crime is committed, his or her action can be used as a defense to the charge. DeVita says testimony at Weeks’ preliminary hearing shows Palermo said Weeks did not open the door to let Mapson in, so she did.

“The defendant renunciated or abandoned the conspiracy when he did not open the door for Mapson to enter the house. ... If Mapson did not enter the house, he would have no way of killing Nina Gatto,” DeVita says in the motion.

DeVita also challenges the homicide and attempted homicide charges, arguing evidence shows Mapson alone is responsible for Gatto’s death.

DeVita also asks a judge to order Weeks be tried separately from Mapson and Palermo and that the trial be transferred to another county because pretrial publicity tainted the jury pool.

In seeking a separate trial, DeVita said Weeks’ defense would be unfairly hampered because, at prosecutors’ request, Mapson’s trial for an underlying drug deal that police said led him to kill Gatto has been combined with the homicide trial. She says Weeks had no involvement in the drug deal. Allowing that evidence about Mapson could confuse the jury and prejudice the panel against him.

Lackawanna County Judge James Gibbons is scheduled to hear arguments on the motions Wednesday. The trial is set to begin Jan. 6. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Mapson, but not Weeks or Palermo.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9137;

@tmbeseckerTT on Twitter

The Scranton School District seeks dismissal of a lawsuit a teacher filed against the district and its former superintendent, Alexis Kirijan, arguing evidence clearly shows an incident at a church that led to the lawsuit was a personal matter and not related to Kirijan’s position.

Steve Bartnicki filed the federal lawsuit last year, alleging Kirijan asked a priest to bar him from reading at Mass at St. Ann Maronite Church in retaliation because he openly criticized her job performance. He also alleges Kirijan kept him from teaching an honors class and stopped him from being appointed as a soccer coach. Kirijan resigned in August.

The district’s attorney, Jennifer Menichini of Scranton, said evidence shows Kirijan asked only that Bartnicki not read at one Mass that was dedicated to her deceased father because she felt it was not appropriate given Bartnicki’s feelings toward her. She never requested he be banned from reading at other Masses or attempted to interfere with his volunteer activities at the church in any other way, Menichini said.

Bartnicki’s suit seeks damages from the district for defamation and violations of his First Amendment right to free speech.

To prevail on a First Amendment retaliation claim, a plaintiff must present evidence to show a person took action against them to punish them. Menichini said evidence shows Kirijan had a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason for asking that he not read at the Mass and that request was not related to her job. She notes Bartnicki read at the Mass despite Kirijan’s request.

“Plaintiff made comments about Dr. Kirijan personally which hurt her feelings and based upon those comments, she did not believe that he should be saying a Mass for her dead relatives,” Menichini says.

Menichini contends Bartnicki also presented no evidence that Kirijan played any role in the decision not to appoint him to the honors class or coaching position. Other school officials made those decisions without her input, she says.

Bartnicki’s attorney, Cynthia Pollick of Pittston, will have an opportunity to respond to the motion. A judge will issue a ruling at a later date.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9137;

@tmbeseckerTT on Twitter

SCRANTON — Emblazoned on the back of Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs Director David Eisele’s business card is the quote: “A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for the amount of up to and including their life.”

As the quote, whose author is unknown, suggests, the sacrifices of military men and women can be mighty. Some gave their lives for their country, while others returned from service changed by what they saw and did. The America they returned to was different, too, depending on the attitudes and cultures of the eras during which they served.

Three local veterans — Eisele, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in the immediate aftermath of 9/11; Vietnam veteran Irwin Gordon; and 100-year-old World War II veteran Morris Kashuba — served at different times and in different capacities. Yet, they maintain similar perspectives on what it means to be a veteran.

Service and sacrifice

On Sept. 11, 2001, Eisele, now 40, watched the terrorist attacks unfold in real time, left the Dunmore Department of Public Works garage after the twin towers of the World Trade Center fell and drove to a Marine Corps recruiting center to enlist. He wanted to be a grunt.

In May 2002, Eisele suffered serious injuries in a training accident while fast-roping out of a helicopter at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The helicopter was hovering too high above the ground, and Eisele and others who rappelled out of it ran out of rope on their way down. The accident killed one marine, paralyzed another and caused Eisele to break both legs and seriously injure his back.

Eisele’s best friend was killed in Fallujah in 2004. His friend had a wife and young son, and Eisele, then single, struggled with a survivor’s guilt sometimes more intense than the lasting pain of his injuries.

“I get it now because so many years have gone by, (but) back then it was like, what’s so special about me that I get to come home?” Eisele said, noting he found meaning in helping fellow vets. “I lived it. ... It took me years to get here. Maybe if I get them (help) sooner, it’s not going to be as long for them to bounce back.”

Gordon, 77, who served in the Navy from 1964-68, also lost friends. Now a resident of the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center in Scranton, Gordon was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, but took up arms for the United States during the Vietnam War.

“My adopted country asked me to go and I went,” Gordon said. “I forget how many went over, but not all came back. ... Now, they’re someplace, you can’t even pronounce the name, can’t even find it on a map.”

Domestic political and moral objections to Vietnam also shaped the country Gordon fought for. Many returning Vietnam veterans weren’t met with the same support their fathers experienced returning from World War II.

That’s where Kashuba, a former Army Corporal and current Merli Center resident, served his country.

As a quartermaster, Kashuba’s job was different. He often hauled ammunition in military vehicles under the cover of night, and recalled one experience driving a colonel amid a barrage of German flak gun fire. He was shaking and nervous.

“Soldier, don’t worry about them,” Kashuba recalled the colonel telling him. “They’re up above us. Keep on going.’”

After the war, Kashuba said he delivered comic books and other supplies to Paris hospitals.

“I did my duty,” Kashuba said. “I did my best to serve my country.”

Expanded services

Eisele, Gordon and Kashuba represent different generations of veterans, but agree being a veteran means not being afraid to answer the call to service.

Given that service, Eisele said the country and the people they fought to protect should not be afraid to return the favor. That means making sure essential services — including mental health and addiction treatment, group and family counseling and other forms of support — are readily available, along with more routine gestures of gratitude.

Gordon recalled being spit at as he walked to the plane to depart for Vietnam, a far cry from today, when Eisele said people often wait at airports to shake the hands of returning veterans. Absent a strong support system, Gordon said many of his fellow Vietnam veterans turned to drugs, wound up in trouble and ended up in jail.

Support systems for veterans are more robust today than ever before, said Eisele. More niche forms of treatment, such as fitness or equine-based therapy, complement an expanded offering of traditional services available through the VA hospital and other providers.

“A Vietnam vet might have had one or two places to go, where now you can get online and there’s 20 different types of support groups,” said Eisele, whose office helps veterans claim benefits, connect with mental health professionals and more.

Small gestures of kindness directed at veterans can make a big difference, too, he said.

“People always say ‘thank a veteran,’ but maybe on Veterans Day go a little bit further,” Eisele said. “Say, ‘hey ... thanks for your service. How are you today? Is there anything I can do for you?’ Because that will definitely go a long, long way.”

Contact the writer:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

DUNMORE

Borough police are looking for a driver who plowed into a car Saturday morning and then took off.

Surveillance video captured the violent 3:30 a.m. collision on the 100 block of Cherry Street. The video shows a 2016 or 2017 GMC Terrain clipping the rear of a parked vehicle and pushing it forward into the back of another parked SUV.

Officer Eugene Mentz said that one of the GMC’s headlight’s fell off during the crash. Police found a serial number inside and used it to confirm the vehicle’s make and model.

The GMC, which is either black or dark blue, came down Cherry Street from the direction of Elm Street and continued on toward Wheeler Avenue.

The GMC will have a missing headlight, a crunched-in bumper and might have no passenger side mirror.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dunmore police headquarters at 570-343-0851 or by calling the Lackawanna County Communications Center at 570-342-9111.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

Actor William Shatner will participate in a conversation and Q&A following the screening of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" Jan. 17 at the F.M. Kirby Center. 

Shatner will share stories from portraying the original Captain Kirk in the “Star Trek” television series and movies, and from his career spanning more than 50 years.

Tickets start at $34.50 (plus fees) and go on sale 10 a.m. Friday and are available online at kirbycenter.org, at the Sundance Vacations Box Office at the F.M. Kirby Center and charge by phone at 570-826-1100.  A Kirby Member presale begins 10 a.m. Wednesday. 

A limited number of VIP tickets will be available which include premium seating and a photo opportunity with Shatner.

Early morning rain is expected to turn to snow just in time for Tuesday morning's commute.

The National Weather Service is predicting around an inch of snow accumulation is possible.

Tomorrow night, temperatures are expected to drop to a low of 13 wind chill values as low as -1.

Here's the extended forecast:

Tonight: Rain before 5am, then rain and snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain. Low around 28. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday: Snow likely, mainly before 11am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 35. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind 13 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 28. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

SALEM TWP.

At least $3,000 stored in two children’s piggy banks were stolen sometime within the last few months from a Lake Ariel couple, state police at Honesdale said.

Between July and October, someone stole the money Dustin Chapman, 26, and Victoria Lanza, 25, stored in their children’s bedroom on Moore Road.

State police believe that both piggy banks had a total of $3,000 in one-hundred dollar bill denominations.

The money was intended for the future savings accounts for their children, state police said.

Trooper Corey Blowers is following up on multiple leads.

Anyone with information should contact the Honesdale barracks at 570-253-7126.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

SCRANTON — The former chief of staff to President Barack Obama will discuss the outlook, skills and training required for future jobs during an event at the University of Scranton this week.

The talk by Denis McDonough, senior principal at the Markle Foundation, will launch the university’s Humanities in Action lecture series. The discussion, which is free and open to the public, will be held 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

The foundation’s Rework America Task Force, which McDonough heads, is a national initiative to transform the labor market so all Americans can thrive in the digital economy. McDonough served as White House chief of staff from 2013 to 2017.

— STAFF REPORT