CARBONDALE - Abigail Walt graduated from reindeer school Saturday night at the Greater Carbondale YMCA's annual Christmas festival.

After completing a few craft projects, the 6-year-old received a set of inflatable antlers and a certificate that qualified her to lead Santa's sleigh in a parade through downtown Carbondale.

Hundreds of families attended the Christmas festival, which offered games, prizes and pictures with Santa. Reindeer school was a new event this year.

"We come every year," Abigail's mother, Nicole Walt, said. She also brought her other two children, ages 10 and 12.

Abigail said she would be sprinkling her yard with reindeer food on Christmas Eve. The recipe, according to YMCA program and special events director James Wiggins, is Kix cereal, glitter and hot chocolate mix.

"You can put it outside for the reindeer but you can't eat it," Mr. Wiggins said.

Mr. Wiggins spent three months planning this event, including gathering the 122 baskets of gifts available for raffle. He sought donations from businesses around Northeast Pennsylvania and a few from upstate New York and Philadelphia.

Proceeds from the event will go to the YMCA's youth sports and family membership scholarships, two services that "keep everybody coming in the doors," Mr. Wiggins said.

Face painting, carnival games and bounce houses were also popular with festivalgoers. Carbondale YMCA board member Don Rumford said the variety of free and inexpensive activities keep families coming back to the event.

"There's no other like it in the area," Mr. Rumford said.

Contact the writer at bgibbons@timesshamrock.com, @bgibbonsTT on Twitter

Mike Rickert will lace up his running shoes Dec. 9 for a 10-hour run to raise money and awareness for the Greater Scranton YMCA's new LiveStrong program.

Mr. Rickert, YMCA sports and wellness director, will run from 9:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on a treadmill at the YMCA's Wellness Center.

"I love to run, and everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, especially me and my family," Mr. Rickert said. "I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to raise awareness for a terrific program and hopefully raise a couple of dollars to help with funding."

LiveStrong is a free program for cancer survivors and their families that focuses on strength training and the transition between cancer treatment and returning to everyday life. Mr. Rickert said he jumped at the opportunity to become certified for the 12-week program.

"The program helps people regain their strength and get back on their feet," Mr. Rickert said. "I've been at the Y for more than nine years now, and this program revitalized and inspired me and my vision of why I do what I do."

Community members can sponsor Mr. Rickert by donating money to the YMCA, or by paying $5 to walk on the treadmills and encourage him throughout his 10-hour run.

Christine Smith, YMCA marketing and membership coordinator, said the LiveStrong program aids in the transition from treatment to normal life by providing a supportive community.

"The program really helps recent cancer survivors," Ms. Smith said. "Survivors come here after treatment and they have the opportunity to get familiar with exercises to get them physically healthy, and they meet with people who have gone through similar things."

Ms. Smith said although the program is still in its first session, there has been a lot of positive response from cancer survivors and their families.

"We've gotten thank you letters from the community just thanking us for adding this program," Ms. Smith said. "You see firsthand the effect cancer has in these people's lives. They've gone through so much. The fact that we're able to do this is huge. Supporting the community is why we're here."

The money raised from the run will be used to fund the program and its facility and equipment. Donations can be made prior to the event or on Dec. 9 at the YMCA.

Contact the writer: cday@timesshamrock.com

With holiday spending expected to top $600 billion this year, local shop owners hoped to get a little bit of that on Small Business Saturday - a day when shoppers are encouraged to get away from big-box stores and support their local merchants and local economy.

With the Black Friday frenzy behind them, shoppers visited local boutiques and mom-and-pops for unique gifts and other products that often aren't available in broad-line stores.

Small Business Saturday was started several years ago by American Express to drive its cardholders to smaller businesses and receive a credit for shopping that day. The idea caught on and became a touchstone for those who support the local economy and small businesses.

At Duffy's Accessories in Scranton, customers enjoyed a buy-one-get-one-at-half- price special, free gift wrapping and complimentary White Russian cocktails on Small Business Saturday. Proprietor Maureen Duffy said her morning was very busy.

"We saw a huge increase from last year," she said. "In just a few years, awareness went from zero to Small Business Saturday becoming a real thing."

Downtown Scranton resident Jean Coyne patronizes downtown businesses whenever she can. She said it reminds her of the downtown holiday season when she was younger and families would go from store to store in the snow.

"Shopping locally brings back some of the magic and fun, like what you see in 'It's a Wonderful Life,' " she said. "I'm not a fan of malls and shopping centers."

The Vintage Theater organized a local art and craft showcase for Small Business Saturday, with artists and crafters selling their wares, and nothing priced above $50. Vintage art director Theresa O'Connor said the event, which drew 14 vendors, fit into Vintage's mission of showcasing local artists.

"Here, you can get one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, and that's much more meaningful," Ms. O'Connor said. Most of the vendors sell exclusively online or at fairs.

One of the vendors was Donna Kupetz of Old Forge, a former teacher who makes sewn items such as pillowcases, tea wallets and wine cozies, often from recycled materials, for her business, called Draw That Pig.

"The Vintage is a great space for artists, and this event embodies what the 'shop local' movement and the local economy is all about," she said.

People will have more centralized opportunities to buy local before the holidays are over. Today, the Scranton Cultural Center hosts the Buy Local Holiday Marketplace from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holiday on the Square will draw dozens of local crafters and artists to Lackawanna County Courthouse Square on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

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Posie is an older, solid grey medium haired female cat. She is quiet, friendly and easy going. Her coat would require regular grooming. Contact the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter at 586-3700 if your pet is lost or goes astray. Staff Photo by Ted Baird

Willow is a young, Great Dane/Labrador Retriever puppy. She is very sweet, friendly and is very calm for her young age. Contact the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter at 586-3700 if your pet is lost or goes astray. Staff Photo by Ted Baird

Watch the latest Pets of the Week video here:

If you're looking for unique gifts with a local flare this holiday season, check out these ideas for NEPA crafted goods. From sweet to savory or hanging on your tree, you'll be covered.

1. Drinking Local

2. Santa-Shaped Smidgens

3. Scent for you

4. Unique lamps

5. Signature T-shirts

6. Scranton ornaments

7. Historic mugs

8. A gourmet delight

9. Gaming NEPA

10. Canned goodness

11. Sudsy gifts

12.Candy for Christmas

Old Forge and its passionate fan base won't have to travel too far this week.

After a pair of long road trips to open the PIAA playoffs, the District 2 champion Blue Devils will play District 3 champion Steelton-Highspire on Friday night at 7 at Hazleton Area High School in the semifinals.

Legions of fans have followed Old Forge on its school-record season, which includes a pair of wins in the state playoffs. The Blue Devils opened with an emotional come-from-behind win over Southern Columbia, 19-14, in Shamokin, and then rolled to a 35-0 win over Schuylkill Haven on Friday night in Orwigsburg.

Steelton-Highspire (13-1) defeated Homer-Center on Saturday, 40-7.

The Rollers have a championship tradition, having won state titles in 2007 and 2008. They are led by quarterback James Warren, who pilots a fast-paced, spread offense that piled up 336 yards in their quarterfinal win.

Old Forge (13-1) is in its first state semifinal in football. This is the third time in the last four seasons that a District 2 team has advanced to the Class A semifinals. Old Forge joins Riverside (2010) and Dunmore (2012).

Brandon Yescavage continued his record-breaking season with 193 yards and three touchdowns in the Blue Devils' win over Schuylkill Haven. He has set Lackawanna Football Conference records for rushing yards in a season with 2,451, breaking the mark of 2,372 set in 1999 by Dunmore's Brett Trichilo. Now, he is chasing Honesdale's Terrin Ash for the area record of 2,669 yards set in 1992 in the Suburban Conference.

Yescavage owns the area record for touchdowns in a season with 44. He had shared the mark of 41 with Trichilo.

In four postseason wins, Yescavage has run for 769 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com @JobyFawcett26 on Twitter

DUNMORE - When state police were investigating whether an Olyphant man was driving under the influence on Sunday morning, troopers said they found he was already wanted on a prior DUI arrest.

Troopers at the Dunmore barracks said 25-year-old Jean Romero lost control of his 1992 Toyota Camry at 2:54 a.m. and crashed into a concrete barrier off of Interstate 81's Exit 188 ramp.

After the impact on I-81's northbound tunnel ramp, police said the car traveled across the ramp and struck a concrete wall.

Police said Mr. Romero was taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center with injuries troopers called moderate, and his blood-alcohol content was being tested.

Energy prices will stay fairly stable and may even decline a bit this winter, as U.S. natural gas production surges and refinery output stays high.

In a recent media conference, John Felmy, Ph.D., chief economist with the American Petroleum Institute offered a snapshot of the current prices and some prognostication of what is to come.

The national average for a gallon of premium unleaded gasoline fell through much of the summer and autumn and was $3.27 on Sunday, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Guage Report. That's ticked up slightly as crude oil prices appeared to bottom out and shift up. With demand for gas down in the winter, Dr. Felmy expects gasoline prices to hold fairly steady through the middle of the next year, barring any extraordinary events.

Those who heat their homes with natural gas will continue to enjoy low prices thanks to production of shale gas, like the Marcellus Shale that underlies much of Pennsylvania. Natural gas prices will be down 11 percent from last winter and is down 19 percent from winter 2008-2009, Dr. Felmy said, citing information from the federal Energy Information Administration. The typical household heating with natural gas will pay an average of $669 this season.

Those who rely on heating oil, typically those in rural areas unserved by natural gas utilities, won't get as much relief. While their costs will drop 4 percent compared to last year, they will pay about $2,000 this heating season.

Although the price of heating oil is tied to the price of crude, it hasn't fallen at the same rate as gasoline.

Heating oil more closely tracks diesel fuel rather than gasoline, and those are two different markets. Diesel fuel prices have tightened with the gradually recovering economy increasing demand for diesel for shipping and other purposes.

Demand for gasoline, on the other hand, remains softer, due in part to national unemployment trending over 7 percent, which results in less commuting and leisure travel.

Extracting oil from unconventional sources has placed the U.S. in position to be a top crude producer.

"In a few years, the U.S. will create more oil than Saudi Arabia," Dr. Felmy said.

To use less energy and save money, Dr. Felmy recommended upgrading old appliances, turning lights off, consolidating trips and driving more slowly.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

CLIPBOARD

Blakely

Christmas party: Blakely High Papa Bear Club Christmas party, Tuesday, 7 p.m., Shopa-Davey VFW Post.

Blakely/Peckville

Lions events: Blakely-Peckville Lions Club and Valley View Leo Club visit with Santa, Saturday, noon-2 p.m., Shopa-Davey VFW Post, 123 Electric St., Peckville, 12 and under, Christmas-themed activities and light refreshments; Lions meeting, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., William Hopkins American Legion Post 570, final arrangements for party.

Dunmore

Seniors meet: Dunmore 50 Plus Club meets for its Christmas party, Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m., La Cucina Restaurant.

Board meeting: Dunmore School Board reorganization meeting, Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., high school cafeteria.

Hamlin

Cookies galore: St. John's Episcopal Church cookies galore, Dec. 14, 9-11:30 a.m., Route 191 south (next to Jack Williams Tire, $6/small container, $11/large; Welsh cookies, $5/dozen, must be pre-ordered by Saturday; Sandy Toy, 570-689-2441.

Jefferson Twp.

Cookies/crafts: Jefferson Twp. Volunteer Fire Company Station 29 holiday cookie walk/craft fair, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 405 Cortez Road, Mount Cobb; cookies, $7.99/pound, holiday bags for purchase, craft fair vendors wanted; station, 570-689-2829, Kim, 570-351-1157, or Pam, 570-840-3465.

Mayfield

Toy drive: Toys for Tots drive collection boxes beginning today, Borough Building, 739 Lackawanna Ave., and Penn­star Bank, Lackawanna Ave­nue; Phyllis, 570-876-4391.

Moosic

Wrestling fundraiser: Grand Slam Wrestling and 97.9X sponsoring Toys for Tots event, Saturday, 7 p.m., Moosic Youth Center, 606 Main St., $10 or 50% off with an unopened, unwrapped toy, and free/12 and under; 570-266-8112.

Seniors meet: After 50 Club meeting, Thursday, 1 p.m., Greenwood Hose Company, Birney Avenue.

Moscow

Christmas luncheon: Moscow Women's Club Christmas luncheon Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Mendicino's, Daleville; donations for North Pocono Food Pantry and Dry Goods and hats, gloves and scarves for Head Start; reservations, 570-842-7892.

Regional

Open house: Highlights for Children holiday open house, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., editorial offices, 803 Church St., Honesdale; treats, entertainment and craft room; 570-253-1080

Blood drive: Scranton Fairfield Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott blood drive, Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Scranton Fairfield Inn, 949 Viewmont Drive, Scranton, free tote bag and lunch; appointments encouraged, Kevin Taylor, 570-343-5121 or geisingerbloodcenter.org and click "Make an Appointment."

Scranton

Weekly bingo: St. Mary's Center bingo Tuesdays, doors open, 5 p.m., Mifflin Avenue; early bird, 6:30; food, drinks for purchase.

Simpson

Cookie sale: St. Basil's Church homemade cookie sale, Dec. 13, 5-7 p.m., and Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-noon, 9 Lords Ave., $9/pound; JoAnn, 570-282-7664, or Ron, 570-488-5118.

South Scranton

Class reunion: South Catholic High School class of 1959 55th reunion dinner, May 31, Rossi's Ristorante, Archbald; if you haven't received an email, call 570-342-5562.

Spring Brook Twp.

Craft show: Maple Lake United Methodist Church Christmas craft show/cookie sale, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 632 Route 690, one block west of Route 307; cookies, craft items, vendors, light lunch; crafters needed, $10/table, Julie, 570-842-8509.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be emailed to yesdesk@times shamrock.com or mailed to Clip­board, c/o YES!Desk, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. For details, call the YES!Desk, 570-348-9121.

A throng of customers packed the Scranton Cultural Center at Masonic Temple on Sunday to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season.

Scott Twp. residents Taylor Rojek and Lynda Rojek said they normally try to patronize Northeast Pennsylvania establishments.

The pair hoped to wrap up their Christmas shopping early at the second annual Buy Local Holiday Marketplace, which featured an array of products from area businesses, vendors and crafters.

Donna Czarkowski, owner of Clarks Summit-based CLOE & Co., said the event fit her store's mission to keep money in the U.S. economy.

"See this piece of clothing?" she said, holding up a garment. "It's made in America with American-grown cotton. We need to buy things made in America."

She said while large-scale manufacturing has become more rare in the U.S. economy, many small businesses selling domestically made products are growing.

Many of the Northeast Pennsylvania business owners who attended the event were excited to show off their wares to a large group of people.

"It's nice to come out and just have the exposure to the other people that are making things and people who appreciate handmade (items)," said Aubrey McClintock, who runs A Daily Obsession out of her dining room in Old Forge.

Ms. McClintock makes all of the accessories that she sells and said she relies on word of mouth, social media, Etsy and Facebook to promote her brightly colored products. She had everything from handbags to Christmas stockings on display.

Contact the writer: kwind@timesshamrock.com, @kwindTT on Twitter

All Lackawanna County voters would choose three members of a new seven-member county council while electing the other four based on where they live, according to a draft plan for the council's makeup.

The council's size and composition as well as three options for an elected council-executive form of government are on the agenda for the Lackawanna County Government Study Commission's meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. at Carbondale City Hall.

Under the draft plan, almost three-quarters of Scranton residents would make up one district while the rest of the city would be part of an adjoining district.

The adjoining district and two others would cover the rest of the county. No other borough, township or city is split between districts, according to the plan.

Study commission Chairman Chuck Volpe said the commission has probably heard more testimony about what the council's size and makeup should be than any other issue.

During an appearance before the commission in October, Northampton County Councilman Lamont McClure Jr. advocated a council with more members elected by geographic district than at large because the turnover in the nine-member council among at-large members is greater. The turnover means constantly having members who need to learn how county government works, which tends to slow things down, Mr. McClure told the commission.

At large means all voters choose a council member.

Attorney John McGee has most vocally espoused the view that all voters should elect all members.

Mr. McGee believes electing members by district could mean some members voting strictly in a way that reflects the interests of their district rather than what's good for the county as a whole.

"With all members elected at large, there should be a greater number of qualified candidates to choose from since all seven will come from the county as a whole," Mr. McGee told the commission earlier this month.

An entirely at-large council would increase the likelihood that lawyers, accountants, real estate or insurance agents, architects or experts in social services are members. A regional district might have people in those professions, but maybe not someone who can win a council seat, he said.

"If you go to the district plan, you may not get those qualifications because people are going to select the people that they know in a particular geographic district," he said. "If it's done at the countywide level, each one of those seven individuals is accountable to (all voters) because (all voters) have a right to vote them in or out of office."

Mr. Volpe said the commission is leaning toward a combination of at-large and regional elections, although he cautioned commission members still haven't made up their minds or fully discussed the matter. He had the draft plan written by commission lawyer Frank Ruggiero and two people who work or worked for his insurance companies, Leo Murray and Thomas Galella, but it's only a starting point, he said.

The districts are roughly equal in population to meet the "one-man, one-vote" standard required by court rulings, he said. One man, one vote refers to what happens when population isn't considered. Without the standard, districts with fewer people could have the same voting power on the council as districts with more people.

The populations of the districts range from 52,549 to 55,462 and largely mirror traditional geographic regions.

Mr. Volpe said the commission, from discussions with other members, seems to have reached a consensus that a council with seven members is best, though the commission has not voted.

Allegheny County, with a 15-member council, and Luzerne County, with 11 members, are both larger in population so a seven-member council seems more appropriate for Lackawanna, he said.

"It appears, from the commission's point of view, that less is more," he said.

The commission will not decide on the plan or the council's size until later in the month, but he will ask members to discuss their opinions, Mr. Volpe said. The public can weigh in, too.

The commission will decide which optional plan of council-executive form of government to recommend.

Under one, the executive would run everything. Under another, a director of administration would run the day-to-day operations.

Still another option, the executive would appoint a manager, who the council would have to approve, to act as a liaison with county departments similar to a chief of staff.

The study commission plans to recommend a final document for the council-executive form of government in time for the May 20 primary election. If voters adopt the recommendation, the council-executive form would replace the three-commissioner form in January 2016.

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@ timesshamrock.com

Everything Natural does such heavy traffic in gift cards during the holidays that the store orders special ones for the Christmas season.

"We actually designed two types of (gift) cards branded to us," said Barry Kaplan, co-owner of the Clarks Summit shop that sells all-natural food and gifts. "We sell more and get them redeemed more at this time of year than any other time."

Everything Natural's annual flood of seasonal gift cards reflects a national trend.

More than 80 percent of shoppers will buy gift cards during the holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation, a Washington, D.C., trade group.

Total holiday season gift-card spending will hit $29.8 billion, the association estimates, up about $1 billion from 2012. Average gift card spending will increase by 4 percent to $163, the group projects.

Convenience is a major factor for the buyer and receiver, said Burt Flickinger III, a New York City retail consultant.

"Gift cards are one of the easiest ways for shoppers to shop," he said. "By giving gift cards, a person can buy what he or she wants."

Many cards are usable online, Mr. Flickinger said, adding to the convenience for an expanding array of consumers who shop electronically.

Second-quarter electronic commerce sales jumped 18 percent over the same 2012 period to $65 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Lavish Body & Home, a personal care products boutique and salon on Linden Street, sells stacks of handwritten gift certificates during the holidays, co-owner Jon Chernes said.

"It is a big percentage of our holiday sales," Mr. Chernes said. "Not only is it one size fits all, but you can pamper yourself at the same time."

Some consumers have an aversion to gift cards, believing they are impersonal and exhibit a lack of effort or imagination.

Mr, Kaplan said he has no problem with gift cards but would rather receive an actual present.

"I still personally prefer tangibles to gifts cards," Mr. Kaplan said. "I like the creativity and boldness of something that is more specific."

Contact the writer: jhaggerty@timesshamrock.com

Abington Heights

Leaning toward pursuing a career in international business, Tom Racek is excited about the opportunity to work with a senator.

The senior was selected to serve as a student ambassador for Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, and will assist the senator in various projects in the coming months.

"At the end of April, I'll present my findings," Tom said. "It's a great opportunity for me to gain experience in this field."

miorfino@timesshamrock.com

Blue Ridge

On Nov. 4, Julia Stanley attended her first Blue Ridge School Board meeting.

Julia is a junior and attended a Pennsylvania School Board Association School Leadership conference in Harrisburg before starting her new role as student representative.

kbolus@timesshamrock.com

Carbondale Area

For his academic excellence, Cory Boyko has been selected as the district's Scholar of the Year.

He is ranked first of the approximately 110-student senior class. Cory was chosen by a committee of teachers, guidance counselors and administrators based on grades and his contributions to the district.

He is involved in the National Honor Society, Tomorrow's Leaders Today, the Spanish club, physics club, mock trial, scholastic bowl, the soccer team and serves as the president of both the science and technology club and Future Business Leaders of America.

"It's always a great feeling to be recognized for your efforts and respected by people you think highly of," Cory said. "It is a great privilege."

After graduation, Cory plans to study chemical engineering in college.

rbrown@timesshamrock.com

Delaware Valley

Cathy Li, a high honor roll member of the junior class, took part in the NSLC Medicine and Health Care Program.

She also has the distinction of being the northeast regional winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs poetry contest and a student of the month numerous times. Cathy holds membership in the National Honor Society, student council, Mu Alpha Theta and is also vice president of Future Business Leaders of America.

"All of my activities keep me busy and involved in school," she said. "They also help me develop my leadership skills."

Talented in both the flute and piano, Cathy is a math tutor and volunteers at Bon Secours Community Hospital, as well as serving as an assistant teacher at Northampton Community College Lehigh Valley Chinese School.

lzaccagnino@ timesshamrock.com

Dunmore

Joshua Shelly is organizing a donation drive for the Red Cross to help victims of the recent typhoon in the Philippines.

The freshman recently held a coin-drop fundraiser at the football game and has been organizing a dress-down day in the high school and middle school for donations.

"I heard about the disaster in the Philippines on the news and I wanted to get involved," Joshua said. "I hope our small donation provides for families in need of food and shelter."

He said the Dunmore community is generous and he appreciates the support.

kwind@timesshamrock.com

Elk Lake

Eddie Voorhees did a police ride-along with Meshoppen officers for his graduation project.

"We went to court in Factoryville, the Wyoming County Jail and the 911 center," he said. "I didn't like how I had to sit in the car the whole time. I wish I had been able to get out. My favorite part was going to Wyoming County Jail."

He is part of Building Trades 2 for heating, electrical and plumbing at school. Eddie is also studying to become an emergency medical technician.

lzaccagnino@ timesshamrock.com

Lakeland

A passionate artist, Jennifer Nawrocki was recognized as a WVIA Artist of the Week for five drawings and paintings she submitted.

"I use a lot of different mediums," Jennifer said. "I like to let myself out through my art."

The senior is the vice president of the Lakeland art club and is a SADD Treasurer.

miorfino@timesshamrock.com

Mid Valley

Marty Monahan is on his way to regionals.

The sophomore recently earned a spot at the choral competition after placing in the top 20 at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association district chorus.

"The best part is just being able to sing with talented people," he said. "It always sounds very good."

Marty said he's looking forward TO the level of talent and the "totally different atmosphere."

He is also involved in track and field, jazz band, concert band, marching band, wind ensemble and steel pans.

rbrown@timesshamrock.com

Mountain View

Senior Jake Heller helped build the Duck Dynasty logo out of cans.

The tin artwork was part of a Battle of the Schools Can Art challenge, sponsored by Trehab in conjunction with the Feed-A-Friend program. When the judging was finished, Mountain View emerged victorious.

"It just seemed like a good idea to do to help other people out," said Jake.

Jake is a member of student government. He plays golf and volleyball.

Next year, he will attend Lackawanna College in Gibson to study natural gas technology.

kbolus@timesshamrock.com

Old Forge

Paul Papi knows it's better to resolve fights with words than fists.

The senior serves on the school's peer mediation board, which helps students settle fights through mediation sessions.

"If kids get into fights, we talk and settle it out," Paul said. "We also help all the kids that get bullied."

Paul said the members of the peer mediation board are known throughout the school.

"A lot of the younger kids look up to us," he said.

Paul also participates in the science and math clubs and plays for the Blue Devils football and baseball teams.

He hopes to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in pharmacy.

sscinto@timesshamrock.com

Scranton

Two Scranton High School students were recently named Artist of the Week by WVIA.

Alex Tomlinson received the honor for his talents in photography. Nadia Lipperini, who is the concertmaster of Scranton High's orchestra, also received the honor.

shofius@timesshamrock.com

Valley View

The senior student of the month in music was honored by his selection.

David Mirachi was chosen for the award, which is sponsored by the Blakely-Peckville Lions Club and Valley View student council.

"Music is a large part of my life and I am honored to receive this award," he said.

David is also involved in history club, table tennis club and Italian club.

rbrown@timesshamrock.com

Western Wayne

Twins Rachel and Rebecca Carmody created 170 harvest centerpieces for the annual Friends of the Poor Thanksgiving dinner at the Scranton Cultural Center.

The work was part of their senior project.

"We made them out of about 8-inch half logs, varnished the logs, drilled a hole for the candle, added autumn-colored leaves and fake snow," Rachel said.

The twins also volunteered at the dinner. Their efforts included peeling potatoes, contributing about 20 donated coats to the drive and dropping off favors Western Wayne elementary students made.

kwind@timesshamrock.com

Kyle Grecco, 15, of Carbondale, has lived with Tourette's syndrome since he was 6 years old, but after a seminar at Scranton High School on Sunday night, he learned he was not alone.

"I'm not the only one who has Tourette's," Kyle said. "I'm not going to hide it at all; it's nothing to be ashamed of."

Kyle, a student at Scranton Prep, was one of several students and their parents who attended Tourette Syndrome: In School and Family Life, a seminar hosted by representatives of the National Tourette Syndrome Association at the high school.

Shelley Parsons, education specialist for the association, gave a presentation detailing ways parents can work more closely with their child's teachers and find support in the community.

"It's an opportunity to meet people in the community going through the same thing," Ms. Parsons said. "That's a big piece of why we do this."

Ms. Parsons encouraged those at Sunday's seminar to form a support group of their own. Today she will speak to more than 200 educators from the Scranton School District about how best to educate and support students with Tourette's.

Kyle's mother, Lisa Grecco, hopes to apply the strategies she learned to work with her son's teachers.

"It's not him," she said, noting that Kyle recently changed schools. "It's the coping."

Kyle left Sunday's seminar inspired to help other students like him move forward.

"I think people with Tourette's should stop feeling sorry for themselves and get out in the world," he said. "I don't use it as a crutch. I use it as encouragement to do better."

Contact the writer: sscinto@timesshamrock.com, @sscintoTT on Twitter

When forests don't regrow, deer are the prime suspects.

If tree saplings get nibbled to the nub or new plants become scarce, deer might have overgrazed the forest floor.

The state Game Commission can react by issuing more doe licenses and permits to reduce the whitetail's numbers.

Before thinning the herd through hunting seasons like the rifle deer season that begins today across Pennsylvania, however, researchers want to make sure that deer are, indeed, the cause of the damage.

Too little light through the canopy, too few seeds, dry or acidic soils or insect infestations all can trim the forest.

"Our objective is to manage the habitat, and if we're making recommendations (to ensure) that we have the best available data and we're not blaming deer for other factors," Christopher Rosenberry, who supervises deer management for the commission, said.

Teams from the commission, Penn State University, state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Fish and Wildlife Unit of the U.S. Geological Survey will be gathering data.

In three state forests they will count saplings by species type, look at other vegetation and examine soil on approximately 200 plots. Fences will enclose some plots, allowing comparisons with unfenced areas where deer browse.

The researchers will note effects of prescribed fire, timbering and herbicide applications on forests. They will make recommendations for landowners, including the DCNR, which manages herds by allowing extra doe harvests through an approved program.

Also, researchers placed collars on deer that emit signals to satellites and report the animal's position via text messages every 20 minutes.

Hunters will get involved by registering when they hunt in the study areas - parts of the Bald Eagle, Rothrock and Susquehannock state forests.

If they shoot a deer with satellite collars, they can return the equipment to researchers. They also can collect $100 bounties for taking deer on which the study teams placed ear tags.

After the season ends, hunters who registered will receive surveys by mail that they can complete by mail or email.

By answering surveys, hunters can help ensure that the deer population won't be reduced unnecessarily, providing more game for them to stalk in the future.

"We rely on hunter cooperation so we get a better understanding of deer habitat and the hunter's experience," Mr. Rosenberry said.

The habitat selected for the multiyear study covers the oak and hickory forests of the ridge and valley terrain of midstate at Bald Eagle and Rothrock state forests. But the study also penetrates the northern hardwoods of Susquehannock State Forest in Potter County.

"That's part of the intent - two study areas so these results are more applicable across the state," Mr. Rosenberry said.

Satellite tracking will indicate how deer respond when hunters enter the woods and how much time deer spend in the study areas.

Carl G. Roe, the executive director of the commission, said the newest study will refine how the commission regulates deer hunting.

"We're getting a better feel for the browse impact from deer," Mr. Roe said to reporters during a telephone conference on Nov. 15. "If we had a stabilized deer herd, but the forest is regenerating slowly or not regenerating, there is an impact other than the browse. We're trying to find where to keep that balanced in relation to the deer."

Contact the writer: kjackson@standardspeaker.com

SCRANTON - Two families displaced by a fire at a Carbondale apartment building sought assistance from the American Red Cross Lackawanna Chapter on Sunday.

A family of one adult and two children and a second family of one adult and three children receieved food and clothing, a news release from the Red Cross said.

The Red Cross has already assisted 22 individuals displaced by the fire that broke out in the bedroom of a first-floor apartment at Summit Gardens in Carbondale on Friday morning.

The fire affected 20 apartments and displaced more than 50 individuals.

DICKSON CITY - A 6-foot tall menorah stood in the center of the Viewmont Mall on Sunday, awaiting the lighting of five of its eight candles to mark the fifth night of Hanukkah.

Families and shoppers surrounded the menorah, participating in the Jewish Discovery Center of Clarks Summit's annual community Hanukkah celebration.

Rabbi Benny Rapoport, director of the Jewish Discovery Center, said lighting the menorah represents the "universal message" of Hanukkah.

"It's about bringing light into the world," Rabbi Rapoport said. "When there's darkness in the world, when we light a candle it's about bringing goodness."

The annual celebration featured potato latkes and applesauce for guests, dreidel crafts and an "8 Crazy Riddles of Hanukkah" game show.

Rachel Laury, 17, stood by the craft table, helping children paint their own dreidels to take home. She said she frequently attends programs hosted by the Jewish Discovery Center.

"These people are good about what they do," she said.

Rachel said working with the center is one of many things that keeps her in tune with her culture, and plans to study in Israel starting in August.

Rabbi Rapoport said more than 200 guests stopped by throughout the day, giving the celebration the community feeling the center strives to create.

"People really feel the community," Rabbi Rapoport said. "We're here to serve a greater cause."

Contact the writer: sscinto@times shamrock.com, @sscintoTT on Twitter

Six people escaped serious injury when their vehicle rolled over on Interstate 81 on Sunday night.

Scott Twp. Fire Chief Ted Tellip Jr. said six college students were riding in the van when the driver lost control of the vehicle around 7:24 p.m. near mile marker 200 of I-81 North. The van left the road and rolled over, he said.

The driver and all passengers were not harmed in the crash, the chief said.

The transportation hub planned for downtown Scranton is making solid progress after years of delays and false starts.

The County of Lackawanna Transit System has received the go-ahead from the Federal Transit Administration to open negotiations for the acquisition of two properties needed as part of the $12.6 million intermodal transit center project, COLTS Executive Director Robert Fiume said.

In addition, the project design by Sowinski Sullivan Architects, Sparta, N.J., is 60 percent complete.

"Should things stay on track - and I don't even know if I want to say this - but if they stay on track, it looks like we can break ground in April or May," Mr. Fiume said.

His hesitation is understandable, given the project's history.

The intermodal center has been in development for more than 15 years. The project hit a major bump in 2008 when the FTA found COLTS violated federal law by awarding a noncompetitive contract for the center's design. Last year, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey had to step in after the U.S. Department of Transportation redistributed $2.9 million originally committed to the project in the late 1990s.

"We've set dates before, and things happen," Mr. Fiume said. "But it looks a lot more positive now, and we are definitely moving forward and in the right direction."

The center will be constructed in the 100 block of Lackawanna Avenue on the site now occupied by the State Office Building parking lot. It will be a hub for COLTS buses, as well commercial buses and taxis. If passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City is restored, the center will also serve train riders.

To replace the parking for state employees that will be lost to the project, COLTS will buy the existing Martz bus terminal and an automobile dealership on the opposite side of Lackawanna Avenue.

With the appraisals for those properties complete, the FTA gave COLTS approval to negotiate for their purchase, Mr. Fiume said.

"We had to get appraisals on the properties and then the real estate people had to review those and make sure they were in line," he said. "They (FTA) obviously are not going to let you spend whatever you want. They want you to stay within what the property is appraised at."

With the design 60 percent complete, architects are developing the design and creating the final contract drawings and specifications that will be used to procure construction of the intermodal center, Richard Sullivan of Sowinski Sullivan said in an email.

"Generally in public infrastructure projects such as the Scranton ITC, we divide our work into segments that allow owners such as COLTS to review and provide input in escalating levels of completion," he explained.

Mr. Sullivan said the completion points are often tied to public review milestones. For example, at 30 percent design, his firm needed to make sure the environmental review process required by the FTA was finished, he said.

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com