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Woman, 4-year-old brother victims of hit-and-run

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SCRANTON — Police are looking for a driver who struck a woman and a young boy crossing the street near John Adams Elementary on Friday.

Lianna Morales, 21, 65 E. Parker St., Scranton, was walking her brother Alexander across Capouse Avenue at Ash Street just before 11 a.m. when she was hit by an older-model black Ford pickup, police Lt. Marty Crofton said.

A witness reported hearing the blond male driver say he needed to visit his father in the hospital before leaving the scene.

The victims went to Geisinger Community Medical Center with minor injuries, Lt. Crofton said.

 

— PETER CAMERON


Lackawanna County chief of staff takes fed post

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Lackawanna County’s chief of staff is leaving to become chief clerk for the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Maria Elkins, who has been chief of staff for five years, confirmed Tuesday she will start her new job June 2. She will continue to work for the county through the end of May.

“All I can say is it’s an opportunity, and I’m absolutely ecstatic I was selected for the position,” she said.

As chief clerk, Ms. Elkins, 47, of Blakely, will be the top administrative officer responsible for all nonjudicial functions across the 34-county Middle District. The clerk’s staff includes 56 employees at offices in Scranton, Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport.

She will be based at the William J. Nealon Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse in Scranton.

Majority Commissioners Jim Wansacz and Corey O’Brien praised Ms. Elkins and her work on behalf of county residents, calling her dedicated, thoughtful and deliberative.

“We are sad to see her leave, but we are also happy the court is getting such a stellar employee,” Mr. Wansacz said.

Mr. O’Brien said Ms. Elkins has been “a leader by example” in county government.

“She doesn’t ask people to do things if she is not willing to do it herself, which I think has set a really positive example with respect to the other people who work with her,” he said.

Ms. Elkins will succeed Mary E. D’Andrea, who resigned in September after 17 years as chief clerk.

The announcement of Ms. Elkins’ departure comes as the electorate prepares to vote in the primary Tuesday on a proposal to replace the county’s three-commissioner form of government with an elected executive and seven-member council. If approved, the new structure would take effect in 2016.

Both she and the commissioners indicated the timing was coincidental, describing the Middle District opening as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Ms. Elkins earns $75,000 annually as chief of staff. The minimum salary for the chief clerk’s position is $134,000 a year.

Ms. Elkins worked for 16 years in human resources and finance at Cinram Manufacturing before Mr. O’Brien and Commissioner Mike Washo hired her as director of human resources in 2008. She was appointed chief of staff a year later.

As chief of staff, she helped manage $160 million in spending annually and oversaw a county workforce that has dropped from 1,800 employees to just under 1,100 in the past six years.

Mr. Wansacz and Mr. O’Brien said they are working on a transition but were noncommital when asked how quickly the chief of staff position will be filled.

 

Contact the writer:

dsingleton@timesshamrock.com

Biz Buzz: CareGivers receives award

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CareGivers

receives award

CareGivers America earned Service Provider of the Month honors from Wayne County Children and Youth Services. Wayne County Children and Youth Services also honored Dana Jess, R.N., and Diane Elingsen, L.P.N. CareGivers America has 16 office locations throughout Pennsylvania and New York, and provides non-medical in-home care, home health services, hospice services, medical staffing and medical supplies.

Chamber welcomes new members: American Silk Mills Inc., Best Wellness Center, Budget Blinds, First Citizens Community Bank and Olive Garden Restaurant joined the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses raise money: One Point and GIANT Food Stores collected nearly $100,000 for charity since the 2013 holiday season because of the sales of local “-Opoly” board games. GIANT also made a donation to supported charities, which included the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.

Bank makes donation: First National Community Bank gave $2,000 to the American Red Cross Heroes campaign, with proceeds from a bank wide dress down initiative.

Hospices becomes subsidiary: VNA/Hospice will serve as the sixth operating subsidiary under the Pocono Health System umbrella. The partnership will result in coordinated and integrated care to all of the patients they serve, including patients in Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton and Pike counties.

Chamber runs business exchange: Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce had a Regional Spring Business Card Exchange on May 1 in partnership with the Back Mountain, Greater Pittston and Greater Wilkes-Barre chambers of commerce. More than 200 business professionals attended the exchange at Aviation Technologies LLC.

Federation creates website: The National Federation of Independent Business Pennsylvania launched a new website called PA Reg Watch at www.nfib.com/paregwatch. The website aims to allow Pennsylvania’s small businesses to see state regulations that might affect their companies, get information on who to call at the regulatory agency and find links to comment on proposals. The website will also post federal regulations of interest to small businesses.

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

Lackawanna College conducts 120th commencement ceremony

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Lackawanna College awarded associate degrees to more than 300 students from eight states and two international students during its 120th commencement held Saturday in the College’s Student Union in Scranton.

Alumnus Donald A. Jones, Class of 2008, served as the keynote speaker. Mr. Jones was a wide receiver with the Buffalo Bills from 2010 to 2012. Since his retirement from the National Football League, he has dedicated his time to advocacy for a variety of health-related issues, particularly kidney diseases.

Accounting major Andrew Joseph Figueroa of Hawley was the class representative. A 2010 graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School, Mr. Figueroa will continue his education at Drexel University in the fall.

Along with traditional educational degrees, the ceremony included graduates who have completed some of Lackawanna’s employment-focused degree programs such as Petroleum and Natural Gas Technology, Culinary Arts, and Physical Therapist Assistant.

Local graduates:

 

ASSOCIATE DEGREE

 

Zabihullah Abubakr, Scranton; Narendra Adhikari, Scranton; Nabilah Ali, Scranton; Jessie Lee Gladys Angerson, Dunmore; David Henry Argust, Old Forge; Jessica M. Arthur, Mayfield; Dominick Joseph Avvisato Jr., Old Forge; Nicole E. Barbone, Moscow; Allison Estelle Barker, Lake Ariel; Denise Yvette Bastian, Scranton; Ashley Bennett, Scranton; Ruby Bennett, Scranton; Caitlyn Rose Bevilacqua, Peckville; Cameron E. Black, Scranton; Nicholas Robert Boczar, Scranton; Marissa Elizabeth Bolsar, Jessup; Norma Katrina Boone, Scranton; Kyle Robert Booth, Scranton; Helen Irene Boyle, Scranton; Timothy Jameson Bradley, Hop Bottom; Lanie Marie Brofsky, Greeley; Amanda Jeanette Brown, Moosic; Alexandra Collins Brownell, Carbondale; Howrasha Bryan, Pittston; Molly Elizabeth Burney, Blakely; Rebecca Elizabeth Cahill, Greeley; Erick Campos, Scranton; Dominick Thomas Carite III, Jessup; Timothy Ryan Carr, Eynon; Taylor Lynn Cawley, Scranton; Edmond R. Chamberlain, Waymart; Nicholas Chestnut, Scranton; Joseph Richard Chiocchi, Hawley; Emilea Clark, Montrose; Dalton Andrew Coldwater, South Abington Twp.; Sabrina Shontelle Coleman, Scranton; Patrick Gerard Collins, Scranton; Richard James Condeelis, Jr., Falls; Jourene Ina Coolidge-Cardoza, New Milford; Maggie Lynn Coquet, Lords Valley; Amanda Jean Corry, Milford; Crystal Crum, Hawley; Toni A. Curtis, Mayfield; Marie Kristine Daday, Lake Ariel; Timothy J. Daniels, Tunkhannock; Nicholas DeSantis Jr., Bushkill; Kyle Anthony Diehl, Honesdale; Deanna DiGiampaolo, Hawley; Kansis Marie Dolinsky, Eynon; Jake Joseph Dunda, Dunmore; Julian S. Ei, Scranton; Shawn Michael Eiffert, Scranton; David Anthony Erb, Scranton; Brandon Robert Essex, Hawley; Tyler Alexander Essex, Hawley; Megan Esty, Scranton; Mary Margaret Fallon, Scranton; Christina Giovanna Farrachi, Lakeville; Virginia R. Farrell, Waymart; Stephanie Judith Feola, Gouldsboro; Andrew Joseph Figueroa, Hawley; Allysia Flint, Moscow; Colby Monique Floyd, Scranton; Taryn Follmer, Hones­dale; Thomas Allen Gaccione, Carbondale; Randy Galinsky, Carbondale; Cruz M. Garcia, Scranton; Daniel Alan Gates, Nicholson; Heather Christina Gitto, Newfoundland; Terrena Shatrice Goines, Scranton; Pearl Gonzalez, Scranton; Kelsey Joy Goodson, Spring Brook; Adam Michael Gordon, Great Bend; Giovanni Avilese Greene, Milford; Dylan Richard Gregory, Waymart; Allison Grevera, Old Forge; Nathan J. Grover, New Milford; Courtney Lynn Margaret Haggerty, Taylor; Jane M. Harris, Old Forge; Ervin Harris-Allen, Scranton; Breanna Christine Hazellief, Greentown; Eric Joshua Hernandez, Pocono Summit; Amber Patricia Hildreth, Lake Ariel; Angela E. Hosking, Hawley; Dwight Richard Houseman, Duryea; April Jerock, Wyoming; Jordan Edward Joyce, Scranton; Danielle Victoria Kane, Scranton; Kevin Edward Karabin, Moscow; Brandon M. Kelley, Gouldsboro; James Theodore Kille, Honesdale; Lisa Marie King, Honesdale; Ronald J. Klocek, Taylor; Matthew David Klus, West Wyoming; Amanda M. Konopelski, Dupont; Anthony Mark Kovaleski, Waymart; Brian R. Kresge, Throop; Kaley Elizabeth Kucharski, Archbald; Cassandra Marie Kudzinowski, Clifford; Susan Kuhn, Taylor; Christopher Samuel Kutz, Hawley; Joseph Gerard Langan, Pittston; Erika Sue Laskowski, Lake Ariel; Mason Andrew Legg, Montrose; Jason Linton, Waymart; Riva Shane Lippiett, Scranton; Jordan Alexander Loftus, Duryea; Natasha Lynn Long, Scranton; Carla Nicole Lutzick, Scranton; Samantha Dawn Lyles, Scranton; Elaine R. Mackey, Nicholson; James J. Malone Jr., Dunmore; Angela Mancini, Dunmore; Michael Joseph Mancuso, Old Forge; Nicholas John Manglaviti, Lake Winola; Richard David Marchegiani, Jessup; Laurelyn Ruth Maria, Kingsley; Danielle Marie Maro, Throop; Shaunte Lucillie Mathis, Scranton; LeeAnn Mattern, Laceyville; Carol Ann Mattessich, Hawley; Tyrek Seth Matthews, Scranton; Melissa Maus, Eynon; Zachary John McCarty, Carbondale; Melody Ruth McClintock, Lake Ariel; Nicholas William McGill, Scranton; Callie McGinnis, Honesdale; Megan McGuire, Scranton; Jason Alan McLain, Scranton; Tanya McLane, Clarks Summit; Britney Lynn Mertens, Hawley; Jordan Francis Meyer, Beach Lake; James Gabriel Miller III, Dunmore; Jamie Marie Miller, Bethany; Carla Marie Mitchell, Old Forge; Zuhal Mohseni, Scranton; John Clarence Moore, Dimock; Michael James Morrison, Scranton; Diana Marie Moss, Honesdale; Sierra Lynn Mott, Gouldsboro; Douglas Nahogyil, Greentown; Kelsea Noel Natalie, Scranton; Daniel Joseph Navoczynski, Scranton; Joseph O’Connor, Scranton; John Nicholas Olcese, Clifford Twp.; Gwendolyn M. Oliver, Milford; Megan Ann Oliver, Springville; Natalie Ortiz, Shohola; Patrick Michael Padula, Dunmore; Jozlyn M. Parsons, Wyalusing; Lauren Ashley Passero, Taylor; Snehal S. Patel, Dickson City; Jennifer Pellegrino, Greeley; Nicholas John Perry, Dunmore; Stephanie Marie Piccoletti, Old Forge; Samantha Lynn Pulici, Hawley; Linda Kate Quinn, Milford; Shilah Qurban Ali, Scranton; Deserree A. Ramos, Greeley; Joan Mae Arpon Ramos, Jessup; Lakeytrious Deronica Rayford, Tobyhanna; James Alan Reichman, Paupack; Ryan Reid, Moscow; Jason Gerard Reiss, Hawley; Daniel Robert Repshis III, Scranton; Bryan C. Rex, Honesdale; David R. Rignanesi, Old Forge; Timothy Rine, Honesdale; Harry Curtis Robb, Lackawaxen; Heidi Marie Roegner, Moscow; Tanner James Schmidt, Scranton; Amanda Rose Scirone, Carbondale; Audrey Scripp, Scranton; Lindsay Ann Seymour, Throop; Brianna A. Showerman, Little Meadows; Elizabeth Marie Skitzki, Scranton; Desi Thomas Smith, Laflin; Jordan Mark Smith, Montrose; Keri-Lynn Smith, Equinunk; Andrew Isaac Snyder, Scranton; Matthew Douglas Sobiech, Montrose; John Joseph Soto, Hawley; Lisa J. Spencer, Nicholson; Elizabeth Sposito, Gouldsboro; Tamra Akilia Sprague, Scranton; Stephanie Marie Srebro, Scranton; Colleen Steelman, Honesdale; John Edward Stefko, Scranton; John J. Stoker, Conyngham; Stanley Alexander Stravinskas, Jr., South Abington Twp.; Tricia A. Strugala, Scott Twp.; Brittany Surace, Scott Twp.; Courtney Marie Swendsen, Waymart; Erica Lynne Swenson, Tunkhannock; Trevor Neil Talbot, Pittston; Kayla Lynn Tellefsen, Rowland; Daniel James Thomas, Peckville; Scott Vincent Tiberi, Scranton; Casey Marie Tighe, Throop; Bethany Ann Toney, Clarks Summit; James Robert Topa, Roaring Brook; Stephen Michael VanDeLinde, Milanville; Justin David Vanderpool, Ulster; Jessica VanDusky, Scranton; Cassandra Elizabeth Vaughan, Hawley; Amanda Rae Verderese, Monroeton; William Joseph Vervan, Eynon; Christopher David Vincent, Old Forge; Kimberly Youncia Vishnesky, Clarks Summit; Brian Robert Voytek, Scranton; Dylan James Walsh, Vandling; Addison L. Walter, Scranton; Sarah Emily Walter, Newfoundland; Karen Anna Wampole, Ulster; John Derik Wasilewski, Hawley; Robyn L. Welch, Clifford Twp.; Heather Widzbell, Lake Ariel; Tyler Woody, Clarks Summit; Samantha Lynn Zantowsky, Union Dale; and Dorothy Zummo, Lords Valley.

Veterans News 5/18/2014

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VFW Post 5937

to meet today

 

Dickson City VFW Post 5937 meeting, today, 3 p.m., American Legion Post 665, 901 Main St., agenda: discussions and preparations pertaining to Memorial Day cemetery services, Buddy Poppy distribution, parade and the Veterans Monument relocation and rededication ceremony .

 

SAL Squadron 665

to meet today

 

Sons of American Legion Squadron 665 meeting and nomination of officers, today, 1 p.m., post home.

 

VFW District 10

to meet today

 

VFW District 10 meeting, today, 2 p.m., Throop Post 7251, agenda: election and installation of officers.

 

VFW Post 5209

to meet today

 

VFW Post 5209 meeting, today, 1 p.m., post home, 1849 Bloom Ave., Scranton.

 

DAV Chapter 1

to meet Monday

 

DAV Malia Chater 1 meeting, Monday, 7 p.m., American Legion 908, 625 Deacon St., Scranton; Joe Sylvester,
570-961-2696.

 

Post 908 to place flags Monday

 

American Legion Post 908 to meet Monday at 6 p.m. at post home to proceed to the cemetery to place flags for Memorial Day.

 

Post 327 to elect officers Monday

 

American Legion Raymond Henry Post 327 meeting, Monday, 7 p.m., post home, 101 Willow Ave., Olyphant, agenda: nomination and election of
officers.

 

Coast Guard vets meet Wednesday

 

NEPA Coast Guard Veterans Association meeting, Wednesday, 6 p.m., Perkins Restaurant, Route 315, Pittston Twp.; Neil Morrison, 570-288-6817.

 

Victory Committee to meet Thursday

 

Victory Committee meeting, Thursday, 9 a.m., Gino J. Merli Veterans Center; Joe Sylvester, 570-961-2696.

 

DAV Ch 11 sets special meeting

 

Mid Valley Chapter 11, Disabled American Veterans special meeting to discuss proposed sale of chapter house and associated assets, Saturday, 2 p.m., 516 Storrs St., Dickson City.

 

Marywood to offer courses to vets

 

Renewal — Veterans Education & Transition Services Program at Marywood University, free introductory courses in math, English and writing, also open to current Marywood student veterans, being offered this semester, also provides supplies, books, Tuesdays and Thursdays for eight weeks beginning June 8, to veterans, military and spouses; requirements: must have an honorable discharge or be serving in the military, a completed R-VETS application, a copy of DD214 or a copy of most recent military orders, a copy of high school transcripts or GED certificate, and all college transcripts; placement exam required; deadline: May 30; www.marywood.edu/RVETS, James Tiger, jtiger@marywood.edu or Office of Military and Veteran Services, 570-961-4746.

 

Post 6082 to hold pork dinner

 

VFW Shopa-Davey Post 6082 pork and sauerkraut dinner, June 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., post home, 123 Electric St., Peckville, $10, from members or at the door, takeouts available.

 

Post 86 Auxiliary breakfast set 

 

American Legion Post 86 Auxiliary breakfast, June 1, 8-11 a.m., 1234 Main St., Susquehanna, eat-in or takeout; $7/adults and $4/under 10; 570-853-3542.

 

Memorial Day activities set

 

Abington Memorial Post 7069 VFW, 402 Winola Road, Clarks Summit, Memorial Day services, May 26, at Abington Hills Cemetery, 8:30 a.m.; South Abington Memorial (at tank) off Shady Lane Road, 9 a.m.; Clarks Green Cemetery, 9:30 a.m.; and Hickory Grove Cemetery, Miller Road, Waverly Twp., 10 a.m. Parade starts promptly at 11 a.m., forming at Clarks Summit Elementary Center on Grove Street. Memorial service follows at post home. To join parade line of march, call Dom Scott at 570-586-5451 or post at 570-586-9821.

Archbald/Eynon Memorial Day Parade, May 26, 10:30 a.m., beginning at American Legion, Main Street, Eynon, ceremony, 10 a.m., staging, 9:30, to march, contact Julie Kulenich, 570-876-8180, by May 19.

Carbondale Memorial Committee Memorial Day parade followed by a ceremony, May 26, assemble in front of Ben Franklin Apartments between 10:15-10:30 a.m., parade kickoff, 10:45, memorial ceremony, 11:15, Memorial Park, speaker: Col. Loris F. Lepri, music by Carbondale Area High School Band; flag placement on veterans graves in Carbondale area, Saturday, to assist placement of flags meet at Memorial Park at 8:45 a.m., rain or shine; flag-burning ceremony, American Legion, 13 Hospital St., approximately 11:30; Frank Veina, 570-282-5588 or Russell Dilley, 570-282-5463.

VFW Post 5207, Covington Twp., Memorial Day weekend schedule: Flags at Fairview, May 22-23, 9 a.m.; Poppies at Bill’s Market, May 24 and 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Memorial Day services, May 26, Post service, post home, 9:15 a.m., ceremony, 9:45 a.m., John Michaels’ gravesite, St. Catherine’s Cemetery; Fairview Cemetery services, 11 a.m., and Covington Twp. services, 1 p.m.

Dickson City Memorial Day parade and memorial service, May 26, 11 a.m., Eagle Hose Fire Company grounds, Eagle Lane, those groups who have participated in the past years are asked to call the American Legion Post 665, 570-489-4303, to register, usual letters of invitation will be sent out ASAP. The Veterans of Dickson City apologize for the delay.

Ezra S. Griffin Camp 8, Sons of Union Veterans of Civil War and Auxiliary 10 services, May 26, 10:30 a.m., Civil War plot, Dunmore Cemetery, North Blakely Street.

AMVETS Post 189/VFW Post 4909 services and parade, May 26; Ernie Bulford, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, parade marshal; participants assemble, 8 a.m., Dupont VFW, Main Street, services start 8:30 a.m., Polish National Cemetery, from cemetery participants proceed to Sacred Heart Cemetery for services following Mass; parade participants assemble at 10, VFW parking lot, Grant Street; services at Dupont Memorial Lawn; 11 a.m., food and refreshments for youngsters, Dupont Hose Company; adults, VFW post home.

Jessup VFW Post 5544/American Legion Post 411 combined Memorial Day service, May 26, 9 a.m., Holy Ghost Byzantine Church, by Monsingnor John Sekellick, both orgnazations will then proceed to Holy Ghost Cemetery, where Honor Guard for rifle salute for fallen comrades, then to Veterans Memorial Park, remarks by Mayor Beverly Merkel and commanders of both organizations, Post 5544 members meet at the post home no later than 8:30 a.m., food and refreshments follow at Post 5544.

Ayres-Stone VFW Post 5642 Montrose Memorial Day Parade, May 26, 10 a.m., service on Green, 11 a.m.

Old Forge American Legion Post 513 and VFW Post 4954 parade and ceremony, May 26, 10 a.m., starting point, Main and Grace streets, participants should arrive by 9:30 a.m., Villa Capri Cruisers providing “Honor Ride” for any veteran that cannot march, ceremony follows at Old Forge Cemetery.

Raymond Henry American Legion Post 327 Memorial Day services, May 26, 11 a.m., post home, 101 Willow Ave., Olyphant, Marine Corps League Commandant Joel Sofranko, guest speaker; refreshments follow.

Shopa-Davey VFW Post 6082 services, May 26, Veterans Memorial Park, participants assemble at post, 123 Electric St., Blakely, 8 a.m.

Scott Twp. Veterans Memorial Day service, May 26, 10:30 a.m., recently constructed veterans memorial, municipal building, Montdale.

Simpson VFW Post 4712 service, May 26, 9 a.m., post home, 500 Main St., guest speaker: George J. Salitsky.

 

Merli Center events listed

 

Today: Coffee, 9 a.m.; Eucharistic ministry, all floors, 9:15; Rolling Thunder bingo, 2 p.m.; unit-based 1:1 activity, 3:30.

Monday: Individual room visits, 8:45 a.m.; coffee, 9; Bible study, 9:30; movie, 10; skii ball, 10; Olive Garden lunch trip, 12:15 p.m.; Paul Oschal musical program with ice cream, 2; unit-based 1:1 activity, 3:30.

Tuesday: Individual room visits, 8:45 a.m.; coffee, 9; movie, 10; bingo social, 10; volunteer ministry visits, 3 South, 1:15 p.m.; choir practice, 1:45; music with snacks, 2:30; Catholic service, 3.

Wednesday: Individual room visits, 8:45 a.m.; coffee, 9; exercise, 10; volunteer ministry visits, 2 North, 1:15 p.m.; DAV Chapter 11 bingo, 2; Don’t Touch that Dial best commercials of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, 2:30; unit-based 1:1 activity, 3:30.

Thursday: National Maritime Day. Individual room visits, 8:45 a.m.; coffee, 9; arts and crafts, 10; chapel service, 10; horse races, 10; bingo in memory of Jack B. Stephens, 2; ice cream social with music, 2:30; baseball game trip, 6.

Friday: Individual room visits, 8:45 a.m.; coffee, 9; hangman, 10; coffee and doughnuts, 10; rosary, 10; McDonald’s dine-in, 12:15 p.m.; Military Order of Purple Heart Ladies Auxiliary bingo, 2; nostalgic themed postcards reminiscing, 2:30.

Saturday : Individual room visits, 8:45 a.m.; coffee and doughnuts by the Friends of the Forgotten, 10; movie and snacks, 2 p.m.; unit-based 1:1 activity, 3:30.

 

VETERANS NEWS should be submitted no later than Monday before publication to veterans@timesshamrock.com; or to YES!desk, The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

Local History: 'Bar maids' banned in Scranton for nearly 30 years

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Anyone who has called Pennsylvania home knows the state has some very conservative laws when it comes to alcohol.

But arguably the strangest alcohol law was on the books for nearly three decades, starting just six years after Prohibition ended.

In the summer of 1939, state legislators approved a bill that forbade women from mixing drinks in bars. Even weirder, the law applied only to bars in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton. The owner of any establishment found employing women to mix drinks faced a $100 fine and three months in jail.

The law did allow a woman to work behind a bar if she owned the establishment’s license or was the wife of the owner. Women were also allowed to serve beer in bars. The law appeared to mirror the state’s Barmaid Act of 1878, according to several articles from the 1940s and 1960s.

There were several likely reasons the law was passed. A Scranton Times editorial published that summer praised the bill, saying “barmaids are not a credit to the liquor business” and were employed “as a lure to get customers into the establishments.” Other articles said the bill was necessary to protect women’s virtue.

Whatever the reason for the bill, it put Scranton officials in a quandary as to enforcement, according to a June 10, 1939, Scranton Times article. For months, the “local unit of the bartender’s union” had been demanding that city officials “do something to prohibit the employment of women as bartenders in Central City drinking establishments.” When the law was signed by Gov. Arthur H. James on June 9, 1939, the bartender’s union insisted police enforce it at the half-dozen or so downtown watering holes.

But officials in Scranton were wary of forcing women from their jobs, in part because the language of the law was open to interpretation. Local officials thought the term “mixing” would only apply to what the article called such “fancy drinks as a Cuba libre, a ‘horse’s neck,’ a ‘stinger’ ... few of which, it is conceded, are called for by the customers on Penn Avenue.”

Recipes for a Cuba Libre, Stinger and a Horse's Neck.

Instead, the article went on to say, “as long as the female behind the bar sticks to a ‘miner and laborer’ or a ‘heater and a cooler’ as a nip of whiskey and a chaser of beer are generally known to the trade, she is safe from any interference at the hands of the law.”

Over the years, the ban on women mixing drinks at bars spread to other communities in Pennsylvania and survived several challenges brought by bar owners and would-be female bartenders.

By 1967, times had changed. Legislation allowing women to mix and serve drinks at licensed establishments was signed into law by Gov. Raymond P. Shafer. The liquor lobby supported the change, in part because there was a shortage of qualified male bartenders.

About a year later, The Times checked in with several women who had begun working behind the bar. The owner of Silhouette Lounge, 523 Linden St., said she “switched to women bartenders” soon after the new law passed. Since then, she said, her business had increased 25 percent.

 

ERIN L. NISSLEY is an assistant metro editor at The Times-Tribune and has lived in the area for seven years.

 

Contact the writer:

localhistory@timesshamrock.com

West Pittston firm adds machine to boost competitiveness

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WEST PITTSTON — A machine shop that has been serving the machinery manufacturing industry since 1855 has embarked on a modernization effort to improve productivity and competitiveness.

Finch Technology on Montgomery Avenue in West Pittston has added a 13-foot by 8-foot horizontal boring mill equipped with a digital readout to its capabilities. The heavy-duty industrial machine can handle precision machining up to 30,000 pounds.

The machine was purchased used for about $220,000 and will allow Finch to enhance production capability and better cater to client’s requirements, said Scott Lowry, chief executive officer of Finch Technology during a recent tour. It adds to other machines inside Finch Technology, including a 600-ton press.

“What we do is big and it fits into our array of large machining capabilities,” Mr. Lowry said.

Finch manufactures replacement parts for kilns, dryers and other rotary processing equipment.

“About 75 percent of our work goes into industrial rotary process equipment, industrial kilns,” Mr. Lowry said. “About 25 percent of what we do is a job shop. We do work for customers across the U.S. and some exports.”

Mr. Lowry said the machine allows Finch to produce a high-quality product and it improves productivity and the ability to compete.

“If you can’t be productive and get to the costs that the customer expects, you don’t get the work,” he said.

Plant manager Dave Burke said the machine is perfect for roughing out large components or precision drilling any pattern. The spindle can extend to a greater length than a common mill, he said.

“It’s going to help our plant out doing larger shafts that we couldn’t build before,” Mr. Burke said.

Finch Technology has a long history in the machinery manufacturing industry, beginning in the Scranton area in 1855 and moving to its current location in West Pittston in 1992.

Ninety to 100 people worked at the business during the 1880s. The company now employs 11 skilled machinists.

“I’m always looking for top end machinists, traditional skilled machinists,” Mr. Lowry said.

Finch historically repaired trains on the Delaware/Lackawanna Railroad and machinery for the coal mines and breakers and manufactured sewer covers, which are still on many streets in Scranton.

Today, Finch still does some work for railroads. Machinists also manufacture and repair any heavy equipment part or product and serve drillers and businesses involved with the Marcellus Shale industry.

Finch representatives recently attended a trade show in Wyoming County and plan to attend an oil and gas trade show in Indiana, Pa. in July seeking new clients.

“We have seen benefits from the Marcellus activity,” Mr. Lowry said. “We’ve done bits and pieces for Marcellus, and I’m looking to expand the amount of work we do. We view Marcellus as a growth opportunity.”

 

 

Contact the writer:

dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com

Final decision on form of county government comes in two days

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Last May, voters decided they wanted a commission to study whether Lackawanna County should do away with its three-commissioner form of government.

In two days, they can decide to actually do away with it in favor of an executive-council form similar to the kind used in five other Pennsylvania counties.

Or they can keep the form of government that has ruled the county since the state approved its creation in August 1878.

It’s final decision time.

More than a year of political intrigue and curiosity winds down Tuesday with voters heading to the polls to decide on their form of government.

Voters will also choose nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, the state House and Senate, and Congress.

Unlike most primary elections, this election in Lackawanna County is at least partly for all registered voters. Normally, primary elections allow Democrats and Republicans to choose their nominees for the November election.

This time, because changing the form of government is on the ballot, independents and voters registered in other parties can vote on whether they want change, though not on the Democratic and Republican candidates in other races.

“It’s a big decision to make and it shouldn’t be left to just Democrats and Republicans because a growing number of registered voters are neither,” said Jean W. Harris, Ph.D., the chairwoman of the political science department at the University of Scranton.

In the primary last May, when voters approved the empaneling of a government study commission, the 12,794 voters registered as independents and in other parties amounted to 8.7 percent of the electorate, but only 728, or 5.7 percent , cast ballots.

For Tuesday’s primary, there are 13,451 independents and third-party voters, or 9.2 percent of the electorate.

Overall turnout last May was 32.8 percent — with Democratic turnout about 10 percentage points higher than the Republican.

Chuck Volpe, the chairman of the government study commission who has spent at least $235,000 of his own money this year alone into promoting the change on television and through direct mail and phone banks, said he’s confident of victory. County residents, he said, are tired of “corruption, corruption, corruption” and ever-higher real-estate taxes coupled with a region constantly struggling to produce the kind of prosperity found elsewhere.

“Absolutely they’re looking for change,” Mr. Volpe said. “We think they’ve had it (with the existing form). ... All of those factors have presented a unique and the best opportunity to change our future.”

A yes vote for the study commission’s recommendation will mean an election next year to choose a full-time executive and a part-time, seven-member council elected by region to govern the county. They would take office Jan. 4, 2016 . Mr. Volpe says that would mean better checks and balances for county government and required court approval of future property tax hikes, a control that doesn’t exist now.

A no vote will mean the present form stays and the election next year will center, as it has for more than a century, on choosing commissioners.

Mayfield Mayor Alexander Chelik, the head of a political action committee opposing the change, said he thinks voters have figured out that the study commission never conducted a serious study. He believes the present form works fine and the tax controls will mean a devastating cut in taxes that cripples county government.

Because the opposition committee, The Committee of Good Government, doesn’t have as much money as Mr. Volpe — it raised only $64,000 through May 5 — it has had to operate differently, relying on phone banks and letters from local borough and township officials opposing change.

“When you don’t have the money, you go back to the basics and then you put your trust in the people that they know what’s going on,” Mr. Chelik said.

Mr. Chelik would not predict victory.

“I think it’s going to be close,” he said.

Though the ballot question is the marquee matter on the ballot Tuesday, the one-page ballot won’t exactly reflect that. The question is listed last on the ballot.

Democrats and Republicans will have more to decide than just the study question.

Democrats will choose a nominee for governor to take on incumbent Republican Gov. Tom Corbett from among businessman Tom Wolf, U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, state Treasurer Rob McCord and former Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Katie McGinty .

Democrats must also choose a nominee for lieutenant from among state Reps. Mike Stack and Brandon P. Neuman , former U.S. Rep. Mark Critz , Bradford County Commissioner Mark Smith and Harrisburg City Councilman Brad Koplinski.

Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley is the lone Republican on the ballot.

Three local state representative races with contested nominations and a contested congressional nomination also highlight the ballot.

For the 112th state House seat, state Reps. Frank Farina of Jessup and Kevin Haggerty of Dunmore, forced to run against each other by reapportionment, will also square off against former Valley View School Director Bob Munley of Jessup for the Democratic nomination. There is no Republican on the ballot.

In the 113th state House district, the tussle is also for the Democratic nomination between incumbent Rep. Marty Flynn and truck driver Lee Morgan, both of Scranton. The winner will likely face Marcel Lisi of Scranton, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination.

Reapportionment also means the addition of Benton, La Plume and West Abington townships and Dalton Borough to the 117th state House district, which incumbent Republican Karen Boback of Harveys Lake has represented since 2006. She faces a stiff test from Meshoppen optometrist Davis Haire. The winner will likely face Wyoming County Auditor Laura Dickson of Tunkhannock Twp., unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

In the 17th Congressional District, Schuylkill County Coroner David Moylan of South Manheim Twp., Bethlehem Twp. sports car racing team owner Matt Connolly and Wind Gap airplane pilot Matthew Dietz are seeking the Republican nomination. The winner will likely face incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright of Moosic.

Other local state House and Senate races and two other congressional races have only one candidate for each nomination, meaning the Republican and Democratic candidates will likely face each other in November.

 

In the 22nd Senate district, state Sen. John Blake of Archbald is the only Democratic candidate, and insurance company owner Joseph Albert, of Scranton, is the lone Republican.

In the 114th state House district, incumbent Democratic Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich of Taylor is unopposed for renomination, but he will have Republican opposition in the fall from Melanie Madeira of Moosic, a project writer for an outsourcing company.

In the 10th Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Tom Marino of Lycoming Twp. is the only Republican candidate and oil and gas industry investor Scott Brion of Jackson Twp. in Lycoming County is the only Democratic candidate.

In the 11th Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Lou Barletta of Hazleton is the only Republican and civil rights lawyer Andrew Ostrowski of Susquehanna Twp. in Dauphin County is the lone Democrat on the ballot.

In the 20th Senate district, incumbent Republican Lisa Baker of Lehman Twp. in Luzerne County is the only candidate. Same goes for the 14th Senate district, where incumbent Democratic Sen. John Yudichak of Plymouth Twp. is the lone candidate.

 

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com

 

 

Primary

election day

 

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Voters who see problems voting or questionable practices can call the following numbers:

Lackawanna County: 570-963-6737

Luzerne: 570-825-1715

Monroe: 570-517-3171

Pike: 570-296-3426

Susquehanna: 570-278-4600, ext. 220

Wayne: 570-253-5978

Wyoming: 570-996-2224


Wal-Mart disappoints in Q1 earnings

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Wal-Mart shares drop

Wal-Mart Stores shares fell almost 3 percent in last week’s trading to a Friday close of $77.01 after a disappointing earnings report.

The largest retailer in Northeast Pennsylvania saw profits drop 5 percent in the first quarter to $3.6 billion. Before the report’s release, Wal-Mart shares flirted with the 52-week high of $81.37. The company saw comparable-store sales drop 1.2 percent (figures include Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club) for the 13-week period.

“Like other retailers in the United States, the unseasonably cold and disruptive weather negatively impacted U.S. sales and drove operating expenses higher than expected,” CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement.

Mr. McMillon said the company would continue to grow its Neighborhood Market stores in the U.S. The smaller stores focus on selling groceries and pharmaceuticals.

“Wal-Mart’s underlying business is solid, and I’m confident in our long-term strategies,” said Mr. McMillon, CEO since February.

Wal-Mart employs thousands in Northeast Pennsylvania, including in supercenters in Dickson City, Pittston Twp., Taylor and Wilkes-Barre Twp. It is a top 10 employer in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Wayne and Wyoming counties, according to state data.

— CHARLES SCHILLINGER

Around the towns May 18, 2014

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Archbald

A child dealing with a rare genetic disorder was the recipient of kindness from the Eynon/Archbald Lions Club’s annual pork dinner on May 4.

Nicholas Sikorski, 10, from Archbald, suffers from thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome. He is missing his radius bones in both arms and has a blood-clotting issue, in addition to problems with his lower extremities.

His grandfather is a member of the club, and Lou Rapoch, chairman of the dinner, said this year the club decided to give the proceeds to the family. “He’s going through a tough time,” Mr. Rapoch said. Nicholas has undergone 26 surgeries and will need more.

About 25 club members help dish out the takeout or sit-in dinners prepared and hosted by Barrett’s Pub.

Held from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event sold about 600 dinners, which Mr. Rapoch called a “phenomenal success.”

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Clarks Summit

A group of students learned how to create flowers using recycled material at an Arbor Day celebration in late April.

Sponsored by several municipal shade tree commissions around the Abingtons, the annual event is held to teach students the importance of trees.

Clarks Summit Mayor Patty Lawler showed the six students how to create flowers out of newspapers and egg cartons, commission member Donna Zagrapan said.

“We were thrilled that all the kids who showed up won a prize,” she said.

— MICHAEL IORFINO

miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter

Members of a local Girl Scout troop have launched a mission to help the area’s homeless.

Girl Scouts Morgan Landers and Ariel Corrigan-Mills spent two hours at the Clarks Summit Fire Hall on April 27 collecting clothing, toiletries and other donations.

The duo, members of Clarks Summit Girl Scout Troop 50273, filled a van and car full of the donated items as part of a mission to earn their Girl Scout Silver Award.

“They chose to help out the area’s homeless, by gathering supplies such as towels, gently used backpacks, socks, T-shirts and food,” said Margaret Maurer, one of the troop leaders.

The group is giving all the items to local homeless shelters.

— MICHAEL IORFINO

miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter

Covington Twp.

Gabriel Ramos is among the best of the best.

The Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education gave the 13-year-old Covington Twp. resident the Distinguished Student Award for 2013-14 for his age group, seventh to ninth grade.

The award recognizes gifted students who are outstanding in one or more of academics, the arts, innovation/entrepreneurial spirit and community service/leadership.

Among his many activities, the North Pocono Middle School eighth-grader has been working with the office of state Rep. Marty Flynn, D-113, Scranton, on writing a bill that would ban medical practices from requiring doctors to sign agreements forbidding them from working for competitors or practicing medicine within certain distances if they leave the position.

After his father, Julio, left his job in Scranton, Gabe said he had to go all the way to Avoca to practice because of such an agreement.

“It jeopardizes patient care,” Gabe said. “If a doctor is displaced out of a county, some patients can’t go to the doctor anymore.”

Barbara Fromert, North Pocono’s gifted support teacher, said she was proud of her pupil. “He’s an outstanding young man,” she said.

— KYLE WIND

kwind@timesshamrock.com, @kwindTT on Twitter

Dunmore

Before Kelcey Hallinan lost her battle with Hodgkin lymphoma in November — about five months after she graduated from Dunmore High School — doctors at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia fought for her recovery.

“They make miracles happen every day,” said her father, Thomas Hallinan. “Unfortunately, Kelcey wasn’t one of them, but they helped us so much.”

Because of what the hospital’s efforts meant to the Hallinan family, Tony Frable thought it would be appropriate to hold a fundraiser at his restaurant for CHOP and donate the proceeds in her memory.

The annual “Party on the Patio” fundraiser for Mr. Frable’s birthday will run from 4-7 p.m. Saturday at Morgan’z Pub & Eatery at 315 Green Ridge St.

Since he began organizing the fundraiser, donations have rolled in. People can buy $5 raffle tickets for items like a two-night stay at Mount Airy Casino Resort, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders tickets, Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour tickets, a Temple University basketball package and a range of gift cards for local businesses.

“It started out small and got big,” Mr. Frable said.

His fundraising goal for the event is $10,000.

—KYLE WIND

kwind@timesshamrock.com, @kwindTT on Twitter

Nicholas Bistran plans to lead a group of Boy Scouts in installing a new flagpole at Dunmore Community Center as his community service project to become an Eagle Scout.

Borough council was thrilled when the 16-year-old Dunmore High School sophomore recently made the request.

Nicolas planned for the flagpole to fold down if the rope needs to be changed.

“I’m proud to see young men like you want to do something like that for the town,” borough Councilman Tom Hallinan told Nicolas. “You might not think a lot of it now ... but you’ll definitely think about it about 10 years from now, and you’ll look at it and appreciate the work you did. Really, that’s a lot for a young man, and thank you for doing that.”

His mother, Michelle Bistran, said he put a lot of time into choosing a project.

“He had a hard a time deciding what to do,” Ms. Bistran said. “He didn’t want to do something just to do something. He wanted to do something that would last.”

— KYLE WIND

kwind@timesshamrock.com, @kwindTT on Twitter

Honesdale

Honesdale Little League Baseball players have new facilities to hone their skills.

Construction of two baseball pavilions, which will house batting cages at the Scott Kinzinger Sports Complex, is complete. The pavilions enable the league’s 350 players to practice improving fundamentals year-round.

The Honesdale Rotary helped fund the $12,000 project by securing a matching grant from the International Rotary Foundation.

— MICHAEL IORFINO

miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter

Mayfield

Dog owners in the borough were reminded at a recent crime watch meeting to keep their dogs leashed and to clean up after them.

Police Chief Joseph Perechinsky said the borough’s ordinance concerning pets states dogs must be on a leash and under supervision when being walked.

It also says that pet owners are responsible for carrying something to clean up their pet’s waste. Residents have 24 hours to clean up after their pets.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Old Forge

This year’s rough winter inspired Logan LaClair, 15, of Old Forge, to host a Geisinger Blood Center blood drive for his Eagle Scout project.

“This winter was pretty demanding, and a lot of drives were canceled this year,” he said.

Logan, a member of Troop 160 in Clarks Summit, surpassed his drive goal of 25 pints of blood at the Taylor Community Library on May 3.

“We wanted 25 and we got 27” pints from 31 people who showed up to donate blood, Logan said.

Logan has three badges to complete before he can complete the requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout: communications, family life and physical fitness. He plans to complete them by the end of August, reaching the top rank after five years in Boy Scouts.

“I think it’s given me the confidence that I need to lead people and be a leader in society,” he said.

— SARAH SCINTO

sscinto@timesshamrock.com, @sscintoTT on Twitter

Pittston

If you stop at the vending machine on the second floor of the Greater Pittston YMCA, you will not find any candy, cookies or sugary sodas.

Instead, the Y’s new Human Healthy vending machine carries chocolate Silk Soy Milk, Muscle Milk, 100 percent juice boxes, PopCorners, Clif Bars and other healthy, organic options for members to munch on after their workouts.

“Healthy eating is available, and it can be in a vending machine,” said Y dietitian Emily Richters.

Ms. Richters said the new machine has generated buzz around the Y since it arrived about two weeks ago.

“I’ve noticed a lot more people are talking about it,” she said. “They’re mentioning it in the hallway and asking mom and dad if they can get a snack from it.”

If the machine is a success, Ms. Richters said the Y may consider installing a second one in the main lobby on the first floor.

— SARAH SCINTO

sscinto@timesshamrock.com, @sscintoTT on Twitter

Scranton

Dressed in the star-spangled uniform of Captain America, Sean Hester saluted passing cars on Wyoming Avenue on a mild evening earlier this month.

For several hours before, Mr. Hester posed for photos during a charity event at the Mall at Steamtown on Wednesday, May 7.

“I do charity events and children’s parties,” he said, hoisting his red, white and blue shield. “If it’s for charity, I’m there.”

— SARAH SCINTO

sscinto@timesshamrock.com, @sscintoTT on Twitter

South Abington Twp.

More than 33 years after he joined the force, South Abington Twp. Police Officer Thompson E. Kreidler in February retired from the department.

South Abington Twp. supervisors adopted a resolution at a May 12 meeting to recognize Officer Kreidler’s devotion to the community. Appointed to the force in July 1980, Officer Kreidler’s retirement began Feb. 1.

“The South Abington Twp. Board of Supervisors wishes to express, on behalf of all residents of the township, deep appreciation and thanks to Officer Thompson E. Kreidler for his years of devoted service to the community of South Abington Twp.,” Township Manager David O’Neill said.

— MICHAEL IORFINO

miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter

Taylor

Kim Harbester, 49, enjoyed the warm weather from a playground bench behind the Taylor Community Center, reading Health magazine while her daughter played.

“She does karate here and we come to the library a lot,” the Moosic resident said.

Ms. Harbester said recent rain kept 9-year-old daughter Alena away from the playground after her karate lessons at the community center. Now that summer has almost arrived, Ms. Harbester said Alena will be able to practice karate outside.

“It’s really pleasant,” she said. “She has motor skill issues, and it’s helped her tremendously.”

sscinto@timesshamrock.com, @sscintoTT on Twitter

Biz Briefcase: Business Card Exchange

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Tuesday: Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support Green Cleaning workshop, 7 p.m., PPL Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center, off Route 6, Hawley. The free workshop will demonstrate how to make home and body cleaning products, how to avoid harsh chemicals and how to know which natural ingredients are not harmful. For more information, contact Jocelyn Cramer at SEEDS, 1030 Main St., Honesdale, PA 18431, jocelyn@seedsgroup.net or 570-245-1256. Tri-Chamber Business Card Exchange/Mixer for Pocono Lake Region, Southern Wayne Regional and Wayne County chambers of commerce, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Cove Haven Entertainment Resort, Route 590, Lakeville. For more information or to register, call the Pocono Lake Region Chamber at 570-226-3191, the Southern Wayne Chamber at 570-689-4199 or the Wayne County Chamber at 570-253-1960.

Thursday: “Leadership and The Family Business,” Wilkes University Family Business Alliance, in conjunction with the Network of Family Businesses, webinar, 11 a.m. to noon. Matthew Sowcik, director of leadership development and assistant professor in the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, will run the webinar and discuss how habits, actions, thoughts and perceptions of personal strengths and areas of improvement affect leadership, family and company culture. The webinar is free. To reserve a seat, visit www3.gotomeeting.com/register/691722118. For more information, contact Lanie Jordan at meliss.jordan@wilkes.edu or 570-408-2120. Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce 122nd Annual Dinner & Executive Business Exposition, 5 p.m., Best Western Genetti Inn & Suites Hall of Presidents, Route 309, Hazleton. The program allows local business officials and their guests to hear about the progress of the chamber during the past year and mix with the leaders of the Hazleton Area business community. For more information, visit the online calendar at hazletonchamber.org or contact Leann Fallabel, vice president of marketing, at 570-455-1509 or lfallabel@hazletonchamber.org.

SUBMIT BUSINESS BRIEFCASE items to business@timesshamrock.com; Business Editor, The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503; or via fax to 348-9135.

IN THIS CORNER: Why does college cost so much?

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It’s an exciting time of year for high school seniors across the country as graduation day draws near and their thoughts begin to focus on the next chapter in their lives. Along with those pleasant thoughts, though, also comes the realization that college is not inexpensive. Why?

For many years, college tuition has risen faster than the annual Consumer Price Index. CPI measures the average price change among a market basket of goods and services that consumers buy. Colleges and universities buy an entirely different set of goods and services. Those prices have risen much faster than the CPI.

For instance, salaries for faculty and staff are by far the largest expenditure for colleges and universities. Labor costs have grown faster than the CPI for decades in other sectors of the economy. Higher education is no exception. The difference between higher education and the rest of the economy is that salaries often represent more than 70 percent of their budgets.

Well-intended regulations for higher education have grown exponentially as well, requiring the attention of staff and faculty. The additional investment in human resources also leads to higher costs and higher tuition.

In addition to regulatory requirements, colleges and universities are incurring increasingly higher costs because of various accreditation procedures. Specialized accreditation for different majors has become increasingly stringent. These accrediting procedures are controlled by regional and national professional organizations made up of faculty and practitioners.

Their stated purpose is always to ensure institutional and academic quality. In most instances, they do a good job. As is the case with any association of professionals, though, there is always a tendency to use the power of accreditation to push universities to increase spending on more equipment, space and personnel, thereby adding to a university’s cost structure.

Athletics is directly or indirectly governed by NCAA regulations and procedures, which also add significantly to a college’s bottom line. Compliance officers, statisticians, coaches, athletic trainers, and new facilities do not come without a price. These expenses are born mostly by students in the form of increased tuition and fees.

Good faculty members are dedicated to their students and to their discipline. Good faculty members also engage in research. These professors oftentimes are “released” from some teaching duties in order to engage in research and scholarly work. This “release time” results in the hiring of additional full- and part-time faculty to fill the void left by those conducting research.

Colleges also are engaging increasingly in an “arms race” in regard to amenities as they compete with one another for better students. They do so to impress good prospective students who, once enrolled, raise the perceived stature of the institution. State-of-the-art technology, beautiful recreational and athletic facilities, and residence halls with apartments and views are wonderful, but they also are expensive. The cost of these facilities is passed along in higher tuition.

In recent years, the rate of tuition hikes at private institutions has slowed. Public colleges’ and universities’ tuition increase have grown at a faster rate, but from a smaller base. All colleges and universities are now paying more attention to these issues and to controlling costs in general.

Inevitably, though, there are certain costs associated with operating colleges and universities. With states increasingly strapped for funds, those costs will mostly be passed on to the student.

There are a number of ways for students to reduce and control the cost of a college education. That will be the subject of my column next Sunday.

MICHAEL A. MacDOWELL is the retired president and professor of economics at Misericordia University in Dallas. He is also the managing director of the Calvin K. Kazanjian Economics Foundation and lives in Estero. Would you like to write for IN THIS CORNER? Contact us at business@timessham

rock.com.

Wayne and Pike County Sentencings 5/18/2014

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The following were sentenced by Pike County President Judge Joseph F. Kameen:

n  Karen M. Friend, 37, Dingmans Ferry, one year’s probation, $500 fine, six months’ license suspension for possession of controlled substance Oct. 1, Delaware Twp.

n Michael P. Strohmeier, 19, Port Jervis, N.Y., 72 hours to six months’ county jail, six months’ probation, $1,300 fine and one year driver’s license suspension for DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia on Aug. 21, Dingman Twp.

n Michael B. Podell, 19, Hawley, one year’s probation, $300 fine and one year’s license suspension for possession of controlled substance on Nov. 28, Blooming Grove Twp.

n Steven T. Corrie, 20, Milford, 18 to 36 months’ state prison and $650 fine for escape and possession of drug paraphernalia on Feb. 11, Milford.

n Eric P. Jago, 45, Hawley, 12 months’ probation and $300 fine for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct on Dec. 3, Milford.

n Brian M. Elders, 23, Greentown, one year’s probation and $500 fine for possession of drug paraphernalia on July 9, Greene Twp.

n Christopher J. Olmeda, 42, Hawley, 120 days to six months’ county prison, $1,750 fine and one year driver’s license suspension for DUI and driving while operating privilege is suspended on Jan. 20, Palmyra Twp.

n Richard M. Chicoski, 25, Hawley, eight to 23 ½ months’ county prison followed by one year’s probation and $500 fine for flight to avoid apprehension on Nov. 29, Greene Twp.

n William M. Glatz, 33, Lords Valley, 15 months to five years’ state prison and $2,000 fine for criminal trespass, simple assault, theft and resisting arrest on Sept. 18, Palmyra Twp.

n Michael J. Palmisano, 30, Lords Valley, one year’s probation and $500 fine for simple assault on Sept. 16, Blooming Grove Twp.

n Tyler D. Masonius, 19, Milford, three months and 10 days to 18 months’ county prison followed by six months’ probation, $2,250 fine and $1,031.96 in restitution for propulsion of missles into occupied vehicles, recklessly endangering another person and resisting arrest on July 7, Milford Twp.

n Robert F. Martin, 29, Tafton, 90 days to five years’ county prison followed by one year’s probation, $2,750 fine, 18 months’ driver’s license suspension and $6,190.72 in restitution for DUI, operating motor vehicle not equipped with ignition interlock and insurance fraud on Nov. 24, 2012, Blooming Grove Twp.

n Belinda Lee Santiago, 29, Port Jervis, N.Y., 11 to 23 months’ county prison and $600 fine for receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy on April 7, 2013, and July 25, Westfall Twp.

n Wendy Lee Wahnon, 35, Lords Valley, three to 18 months’ county prison for retail theft on Oct. 7, Westfall Twp.

n Denis R. Sheeley, 44, Rock Hill, N.Y., one to 12 months’ county prison and $250 fine for possession of drug paraphernalia and two traffic offenses, June 12, 2010, Westfall Twp.

n Elizabeth T. Seaman, 27, Port Jervis, N.Y., one month to one year in county prison followed by six months’ probation, $1,000 fine and six months’ driver’s license suspension for possession of controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia on Dec. 2, Matamoras.

n Alexander C. Schock, 32, Hawley, 24 months and 72 hours to six years’ state prison, $1,800 fine and 18 month driver’s license suspension for criminal conspiracy/sale or transfer of firearms, delivery of controlled substance and DUI.

n Roderick St. John, 62, Milford, $500 fine for defiant trespass, Jan. 1, Westfall Twp.

n Angelo Pinto, 66, Hawley, nine months to five years in the Pike County Jail, $2,500 fine and 18 month driver’s license suspension for DUI on Dec. 17, 2012, in Dingman Twp.

n Gary S. Brown, 27, Hawley, one month to one year in the Pike County Jail and $300 fine for receiving stolen property on March 19, 2012, in Palmyra Twp.

n Meagan Krauss, 25, Greeley, five to 23 months in the Pike County Jail, $500 fine and six month driver’s license suspension for criminal conspiracy on Jan. 11 in Lackawaxen Twp.

n Victor G. Salib, 30, Greeley, nine to 23 months in the Pike County Jail, $2,000 fine and has his six month driver’s license suspension for manufacture of a controlled or counterfeit substance and prohibited offensive weapons on Jan. 11, 2013, in Lackawaxan Twp.

n Salvatore Mazzola, 36, Bushkill, 11 to 24 months minus 1 day in the Pike County Jail followed by 12 months of probation and $1,200 fine for four counts of endangering the welfare of children and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia on Feb. 14 in Lehman Twp.

n Ralissa R. Gibson, 28, Honesdale, nine months plus 45 days to 23 months in the Pike County Jail followed by two years of probation and $600 fine for aggravated assault and simple assault on Dec. 6 and Feb. 14 in Palmyra Twp.

n Emmett E. Pierson, 62, Milford, one day to six months in the Pike County Jail and $500 fine for hindering apprehension or prosecution on Jan. 14 in Dingman Twp.

n John R. Stoll, 20, Dingmans Ferry, 12 months of probation, $50 fine and six months driver’s license suspension for possession of a controlled substance on Oct. 2 in Delaware Twp.
The following were sentenced by Wayne County President Judge Raymond L. Hamill:

n Amy K. Ryczak, 37, Jermyn, five days to six months’ county prison, $1,000 fine, drug and alcohol evaluation, an alcohol highway safety program and 50 hours’ community service for DUI and accident involving damage to attended vehicle on Dec. 9, 2012, Sterling Twp.

n Robert M. Rose, 21, Hampden, Mass., 60 days to 23½ months’ county prison, $1,500 fine and $2,998.25 in restitution for theft by unlawful taking, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief and two counts each of criminal trespass and resisting arrest on March 20, 2013, Dyberry Twp.

n Frankie Ortiz, 32, Honesdale, 22 days to 23½ months’ county prison for simple assault and recklessly endangering another person on Jan. 29, 2013, Hawley, and bad checks between July 12 and 24, Honesdale.

n Sean W. Stinnard, 22, Honesdale, one year’s probation and $50 in restitution for receiving stolen property on Oct. 16, Dyberry Twp.

 

n Patrick Estus, 53, Moscow, one to six months’ county prison, drug and alcohol evaluation and an alcohol highway safety program for DUI on June 29, Lehigh Twp.

n Richard Hager III, 36, Jefferson Twp., 90 days’ county prison followed by 60 months less 90 days’ intermediate punishment, $1,500 fine, drug and alcohol evaluation and 100 hours’ community services for DUI and driving while operating privilege is suspended/revoked on Aug. 14, Salem Twp.

n Tori Ann Morgan, 20, Honesdale, 63 days to 23½ months’ county prison, $1,500 fine, drug and alcohol evaluation, an alcohol highway safety program and 50 hours’ community service for possession of controlled substance, DUI and tampering with evidence on Oct. 25, Salem Twp.

n Neely Garvey, 43, Madison Twp., 60 months’ intermediate punishment, 90 days’ house arrest with electronic monitoring, $1,500 fine, an alcohol highway safety program and 50 hours’ community service for DUI on Oct. 3, Sterling Twp.

n Daniel W. Devrieze, 48, Equinunk, 10 days to 18 months’ county prison, $500 fine, drug and alcohol evaluation and $250 for DNA sample for manufacturing controlled substance on Sept. 10, Lebanon Twp.

n Amy Mortimore, 28, Beach Lake, six months’ Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, 40 hours’ community service, an alcohol highway safety program and 60 day driver’s license suspension for DUI on Dec. 8, Berlin Twp.

n Glenn Smith, 47, Covington, 72 hours to six months’ county prison, $2,525 fine, drug and alcohol evaluation and an alcohol highway safety program for two counts of DUI on May 19 and Oct. 30, Lehigh Twp.

n Tracy L. Williams, 26, Honesdale, one year’s probation, $300 fine and 50 hours’ community service for possession of controlled substance for possession of controlled substance on March 28, 2013, Berlin Twp.

n Robert McQuone Jr., 30, Gouldsboro, 18 days to 12 months’ county prison, $2,000 fine, drug and alcohol evaluation, an alcohol highway safety program and 50 hours’ community service for two counts’ DUI on July 13 and Aug. 10, Lehigh Twp.

n Barbara Farkas, 57, Hamlin, $300 fine for disorderly conduct on July 19, Lake Twp.

n Kyle A. Zuvic, 19, Lakeville, six months’ probation, $525 fine and 100 hours’ community service for fleeing or attempting to elude police officer and two traffic offenses, Oct. 27, Honesdale.

n Steven Estus, 28, Moscow, 12 months’ probation, $500 fine and $490 in restitution for access device fraud between Nov. 5-6, Salem Twp.

n Kyle Edelmann, 24, Lake Ariel, one month’s county prison followed by 36 months’ Intermediate Punishment, six months’ house arrest with electronic monitoring, drug and alcohol evaluation and $250 for DNA sample for possession of controlled substance with intent to deliver on Nov. 14, 2012, Salem Twp.

n Ashley M. Pinero, 30, Tobyhanna, $465 fine for bad checks, Feb. 23, Lehigh Twp.

n Charles Ryan, 31, Newfoundland, nine to 48 months’ county prison, $1,000 fine, $16,862.85 in restitution, drug and alcohol evaluation and $250 for DNA sample for receiving stolen property and DUI between June 9 and Aug. 6, Honesdale.

n James E. Siro, 48, Shirley, N.Y., six months’ probation, $300 fine, drug and alcohol evaluation and 50 hours’ community service for disorderly conduct on Jan. 26, Hawley.

n Kyle D. Barnhill, 21, Searcy White, Ariz., $300 fine and $16,528.88 in restitution for disorderly conduct and harassment on Aug. 4, Mount Pleasant Twp.

n Mark Larnerd, 35, Gouldsboro, six months’ ARD, 40 hours’ community service, an alcohol highway safety program and 60 day driver’s license suspension for DUI on July 27, Lehigh Twp.

n Stephen Ramirez, 51, Lake Ariel, 12 months’ ARD, 40 hours’ community service, an alcohol highway safety program and 60 day driver’s license suspension for DUI on Nov. 15, Lake Twp.

n Michael S. Hanor, 35, Newfoundland, six months’ ARD, 40 hours’ community service, an alcohol highway safety program and 60 day driver’s license suspension for DUI on Dec. 1, Dreher Twp.

n Shari Lee Evans, 46, Lake Ariel, six months’ ARD, 40 hours’ community service, an alcohol highway safety program and 30 day driver’s license suspension for DUI on Oct. 11, Lake Twp.

Keystone College conducts 143rd commencement ceremonies

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Keystone College celebrated its 143rd commencement during ceremonies on its La Plume Twp. campus on

Saturday.

College President Dr. David L. Coppola presided over the ceremony. Entrepreneur, philanthropist and Keystone alumnus David L. Turock, ’77, provided the keynote address.

Outstanding graduates Melissa Cruise, Scranton, and Amanda Mathis, Factoryville, also addressed their classmates. Dr. Thea Harrington, provost and dean of the college, and Thomas “Tim” Speicher, chairman of Keystone’s board of trustees, conferred the degrees to the graduates.

Local students receiving degrees and certificates:

 

CERTIFICATES

 

Stephanie T. Dutko, Moosic; Summer M. Klikus, Simpson; Ann N. Kosack, Scranton; Michael D. Manzano, Scranton; Colleen Joy Shimko, Clarks Summit; and Christina Jane Marie Zubrickas, Dunmore.

 

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

 

Sarah Ann Best, Moosic; Levi Michael Caster, Taylor; Danielle Ashley Gebert, Waymart; Mary Ann Harvey, Scranton; Kyle Robert Holden, Scranton; Brandy Mary Luce, New Milford; Laurence Peter Monson, Covington Twp.; Eric Stephen Potter, Hop Bottom; Kaitlyn M. Smith, Scranton; Zachary Tyler Smith, Tyler Hill; Chadd Edward Tyler, Scranton; and Anthony John Yannuzzi, South Abington Twp.

 

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS

 

Callin Ann Karnopp, Tunkhannock; Cody F. Osif, Waymart; and Allison S. Wenk, Lakewood.

 

ASSOCIATE IN FINE ARTS

 

Koreyalan Thomas Elkins, Clifford.

 

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE

 

Kelli Santee AlAssad, Scranton; Natasha M. Betti, Olyphant; Dushaun Anthony Blackwood, Hamlin; Matthew J. Brewer, New Milford; Lisa Marie Donohoe, Milford; Jessica S. Fasulo, Tunkhannock; David Lewis Garber, Clarks Summit; Ethan Howard Gordon, Scranton; Rachael Marie Harris, Tunkhannock; Joshua Michael Herbert, Tunkhannock; Dean Bryce Hutchins, Tunkhannock; Jordan Elyse Ike, Clarks Summit; Jessica Lynn Lotterman, Lenoxville; Linda J. Meyers, Scranton; Sandra Poplawski, Spring Brook Twp.; Russell Edward Rieman, Starlight; Nicole Ranee Schultz, Throop; and Kiley A. Wood, Nicholson.

 

BACHELOR OF ARTS

 

Sabrina Abbott, Peckville; Michael John Baldi, Scranton; William James Barton, Nicholson; Kaitlin Hanna Bobrovcan, Dalton; Beth Ann Borel, Meshoppen; Justin Joseph Borsdam, Jermyn; Ashley Marie Cady, Kingsley; Jacquelyn G. Capo, Dunmore; Heather Marie Clark, Elmhurst Twp.; Erin Anne Collins, Jermyn; Meredith Claire Colohan, Scranton; Sara Elizabeth Cortazar, Carbondale; Sheri L. Dailey, South Montrose; Ryan P. Dietz, Clarks Summit; Stacy Renee Ferguson-Snedeker, Factoryville; Marissa Pearl Gable, Taylor; Corrine C. Gelatt, Honesdale; Alicia Graham Gething, Clarks Summit; Dustin Scott Goff, Meshoppen; Christina Lynn Harrison, Clarks Summit; Stephanie Ann Hellard, Scranton; Lisbeth A. Herr-Gelatt, Honesdale; Matthew William Jellock, Dalton; Samantha L. Kizer, Greentown; Emily Ann Klees, Hop Bottom; Jeremy Michael Ladner, Factoryville; Hannah Marie Grace Lamhauge, Meshoppen; Kristina Claire Ludwikowski, Scranton; Christine Stephanie Manganaro, Lake Ariel; Ryan Z. Miller, Clarks Summit; Caitlin Marie Moran, Taylor; Caitlin Ann Mullally, Beach Lake; Michelle Thuy-Anh Nguyen, Olyphant; Lauren Ann Padavano, Scranton; Tara Louise Perez, Scranton; Lisa M. Piazza, Clarks Summit; Brianna Marie Pollack, Blakely; Shannon Jean Robinson, Dalton; Janelle Lynn Rought, Tunkhannock; Gurneet Saini, Scranton; Kaitlyn Nicole Schott, Pleasant Mount; Reese Price Scott Jr., Nicholson; Victoria L. Seamans, Kingsley; Matthew Paul Smith, Clifford Twp.; Brian M. Toda, Olyphant; and Jenny Marie Wildrick, Scranton.

 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

 

Anika Anne Althouse, Union Dale; Justine Nichole Armanini, Gouldsboro; Joetta Lee Aten, Meshoppen; Winfield Aukamp, Dunmore; Kevin Lee Badalamente, Clarks Summit; Zachary Aaron Bell, Pittston; Lee Anna Marie Bennett, Honesdale; Corey Albert Besten, Greenfield Twp.; Kyle Anthony Betacchini, Jessup; Nicole Ann Borowski, Taylor; Nicole G. Brooks, Hop Bottom; Mary Theresa Brown, Dunmore; Valissa Ashley Browning, Springville; Amy Amanda Buck, Scranton; Nathan Michael Canfield, Scranton; Michele A. Carey, Carbondale; Lisa Ann Carpenetti, Susquehanna; Tiffany Ann Carpenter, Factoryville; Burton O. Chapman, III, Waymart; Mary Ann Ciardullo, Lords Valley; Matthew A. Cognetti, Scranton; Jessica L. Collins, Montrose; Ryan William Condella, Archbald; Matthew Brian Corby, Factoryville; Melissa Amy Cruise, Scranton; David Paul Cushner, Old Forge; Heather Marie Czachor, Scranton; William Rafael Delgado, Clarks Summit; Joseph Richard DeMattia, Lake Ariel; Karen Lynn DePietro, Dalton; Ryan L. Diehl, Damascus; Brian Joseph Dietrich, Clarks Green; Marie Ehlers, Dingmans Ferry; William Michael Engleman, Scranton; Brianna Esslinger, Clarks Summit; Linit C. Evans, Hawley; Mark Francis Fortese Jr., Dunmore; Melissa Marie Frick, Dunmore; Sean Mark Fricke, Factoryville; Melanie Marie Galli, Throop; Jessica Lynn Gasper, Jessup; Rene Anne Gentile, Lake Ariel; Shawon Michael Gibbons, Honesdale; Vanessa Marie Glosenger, Factoryville; Tammy Sue Gottschalk-Hempstead, Carbondale; Nicholas William Guffey, Dunmore; Mike Haduck, Avoca; Daniel Joseph Hanrahan, Hawley; Michael Matthew Harris, Factoryville; Reneard Harris Jr., Childs; Michael Dennis Harvey Jr., Factoryville; Kenneth L. Heater Jr., Archbald; Cheyenne Rose Hill, Dickson City; Jeffrey Alan Hinders Jr., Olyphant; Benjamin Raymond Hitchcock, Laceyville; Lucrezia Marie Holgate, Tunkhannock; Brianna Jane Hopkins, Clarks Summit; Stephanie Hosie, Archbald; John Charles Hubbard, Waverly; Courtney Jamie Hubbard, Tunkhannock; Linda Huttman, Milford; Melissa Christine Immediato, Clarks Summit; Andrew Intartaglio, Greentown; Daniel Leo Intartaglio, Greentown; Michael Jenkin, Scranton; Douglas C. Jones, Thompson; Codie Maria Jones, Nicholson; Nicolas Edward Kasperowski, Dickson City; Jill Ann Kearney, Taylor; Brianna Jean Kern, Moosic; David P. Krajewski, Throop; Hope Marie Krolewski, Jermyn; Justin R. Landsiedel, Dalton; Brian M. Langan, Scranton; Thomas Joseph Leach Jr., Archbald; Frederick J. Lishman, Scranton; Michael Lisiak, III, Scott Twp.; Gary Douglas Loke, Clarks Summit; Mackenzie Malone, Scranton; Sean Mangan, Carbondale; Amanda Darrien Mathis, Factoryville; Patrick Francis Mawn, Old Forge; Collin Brandon McAndrew, Factoryville; Sean McCauley, Scranton; Kevan McHugh, Scranton; Alyssa Lynn Mecca, Peckville; Jennifer Elizabeth Merring, Jermyn; Matthew Eric Millan, Tunkhannock; Donna Marie Moraski, Milford; Carol J. Morgan, Milford; Holli Elizabeth Musgrove, Nicholson; Susan J. Musheno, Jessup; Leighan H. Noakes, Scranton; Robert Stanley Norton, Hop Bottom; Lacey Jo Olbryk, Scranton; Tierney Kay Ollendyke, Scranton; Bridget Colleen O’Malley, Dun­more; Daniel Joseph O’Rourke, Clarks Summit; Joshua James Padden, Scranton; Melanie A. Palma, Dingmans Ferry; Ashley Marie Parsons, Greenfield Twp.; Grant Andrew Pawlik, Covington Twp.; Alissa Ann Petty, Montrose; Damion Michael Piotrowski, Throop; Michael Aloysius Pivovarnick, Scranton; Sandra Poplawski, Spring Brook Twp.; Raymond A. Posluszny, Scranton; Jessi Edward Prechtl, Jermyn; William F. Pucci, Honesdale; Heather M. Ramey, Tunkhannock; Michael Christopher Ricciardi, Throop; Angelia Marie Rodney, Scranton; Kristal Leeann Rojas, Clarks Summit; Bethany Ellen Ross, Dickson City; Paneet Saini, Scranton; June Lynn Saul, Pleasant Mount; Dominick Paul Scarnato, Throop; Catherine R. Scheuch, Dunmore; Taylor Alexa Schilpp, Clarks Summit; Mark W. Seibert, Dunmore; Alisa Maureen Shaffer, Tunkhannock; Alison Louise Shaffer, Jefferson Twp.; Cassidy Ann Shea, Hallstead; Ryan Grant Shotwell, Tunkhan­nock; Christie Lee Smicherko, Avoca; Nicole Marie Smith, Susquehanna; Ethan Patrick Snyder, Scranton; Cheryl Ann Stevens, Lake Ariel; Jeremy Robert Stonier, Factoryville; Anthony Norman Tinklepaugh, Susquehanna; James Maurice Titus, Factoryville; Brandon Charles Tufano, Newfoundland; Justin David Turano, Carbondale; Angela Jane Turner, New Milford; Courtney Marie Vancosky, Scott Twp.; Victoria VanFleet, Fleetville; Leanna Louise Veety, Dalton; April Marie Wall, Clifford Twp.; Adam Timothy Ware, Tunkhan­nock; Theodore D. Warholic, Springville; Susan Marie Wasil­eski, Milford; Katherine Lee Webster, Hop Bottom; Jennifer R. Wegielewski, Scranton; Barbara J. Wendland, Dingmans Ferry; Shawn Whitiak, Jermyn; Shleby Williams, Clarks Summit; Thomas A. Winnicki, Scranton; Emily Yarosheski, Peckville; Kelly Marie Zaltauskas, Scranton; Roger John Zeller, Olyphant; and Emily A. Zurn, Hallstead.

BMX track opens for practice, races

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RANSOM TWP. — A BMX track near Clarks Summit is open for the season.

Cedar BMX, located on Red Barn Village Road, features a dirt track with a variety of obstacles. Cedar BMX will hold open practice 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday and races on Saturdays. Registration and practice run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, with races beginning shortly after registration ends.

In June, Cedar BMX will start Thursday races, with registration from 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit Cedarbmx.com.

 

— BRENDAN GIBBONS


Namedropper, May 18, 2014

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Wonderful Women

honored at Wright

Wonderful Women were honorees and the attendees during a gathering at the Wright Center.

The Wonderful Women support and awareness program was started by Dr. Linda Thomas Hemak and Kellen Kraky , with help from the Susan G Komen Foundation two years ago.

Mary Marrara has co-led the evening of support, fun, good food, cooking demonstrations, massage, mini-manicures and chiropractic events for the past two years with Kellen .

“This time we offered blank canvases so that each guest could make a separate painting that would later be placed together and displayed in the Wright Center,” Mary reports.

The event was sponsored by Blue Cross of NEPA, and Denise Cesare its President & CEO was guest speaker at the event. She spoke of women taking charge of their own medical journey, being supportive of other women, and always having confidence and hope, according to Mary , who added that Denise received a standing ovation.

Each Wonderful Women Event is similar in its format, with different activities offered each time. The is scheduled in the fall.

Among those joining in were: Joyce Lomma, Kathy Moran, Ann Moskovitz and Cara Sherman .

Foster-A-Pet Day

Families and their pets and their future pets will gather at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Sunday, May 25.

Leadership Lackawanna members including Keely Brazil, Nathan Chappell, Laura Duda, Jose Jimenez, Meghan Lennox, Michele Graham, Sharon Uhl and Jessica Wallo in association with Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, will hold a Foster-A-Pet Family Fun Day at South Abington Park.

Local vendors will be on hand. There will be pony rides, face painting, a bounce house, food and fun for the family. Pet massages, nail clippings, organic pet treats and pet pictures.

Dr. Cheryl Lagana from the Abington Veterinary Center will offer rabies vaccinations for $10.

Gertrude Hawk Chocolates and Toyota Scion of Scranton are event sponsors.

Griffin Pond’s foster program helps reduce the number of animals facing euthanasia at the shelter, through care from fosters and by making space available for other animals while keeping more animals off the streets.

High notes

Nancy McDonald , a retired Scranton West Scranton High School teacher, was awarded the International book Award for 2013 in the category History/Media Entertainment for her book “If You Can Play Scranton, a Theatrical History.” The book traces entertainers from the legitimate stage, classical and popular, and rock and country and western performers, vaudevillians, and big band artists who appeared in Scranton between 1871 and 2010.

Kilts fly at Celtic fest

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Admirers of all things Hibernian had one more post-St. Paddy’s opportunity to break out the green at the Scranton Celtic Festival Saturday at Montage Mountain.

Adults could have a pint at the bar while listening to Celtic folk and Irish punk musicians, or while checking out vendors selling goods like Waterford-style crystal and glass, kilts and soda bread. Kids could take a pony ride, bounce around in the tumble bus or have their faces painted.

Several attendees appreciated the event’s emphasis on music and culture, as well as its family friendliness.

John Burke watched as his three daughters, Kira, 8, Allison, 6, Ashlynn, 6, had their faces painted. The girls performed with the Gallagher School of Irish Dance, one of the three dance schools that performed over the weekend.

“It’s about heritage and celebrating the ethnicity of the Irish,” he said.

Jack McIntyre, co-chairman of the festival’s planning committee, said it’s grown in reputation around the Irish festival circuit since the first event three years ago. Many of the vendors and performers this year came from out of state.

“The word of the festival is getting out,” he said.

Debbie O’Carroll, who plays an Irish fairy godmother for children’s shows, traveled from Newburyport, Massachusetts, to perform.

She also has a Scranton connection. Her Irish roots lead to two families who came from County Mayo in Ireland to work in the coal mines. Though she no longer has any family in the area, she remembers her reaction to taking the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.

“I just really felt a strong connection to my people,” she said.

For the event’s organizers, celebrating those connections to Irish heritage is what the festival is all about.

“I love the (St. Patrick’s Day) parade, but to come up here and do music, culture and vendors is just a different take on it,” the committee’s entertainment director Erin Hailstone said.

The festival continues 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. Visit Scrantoncelticfest.com for a full schedule of events.

 

Contact the writer:

bgibbons@timesshamrock.com, @bgibbonsTT on Twitter

Police identify driver of hit and run in Wayne County

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BUCKINGHAM TWP. — Police have identified a person of interest in a fatal hit-and-run crash that happened Friday night.

Troopers were looking for the driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed 19-year-old Zachary Possemato of Hancock, N.Y., on Route 191 and Winterdale Road in northeast Wayne County at 8:34 p.m.

Mr. Possemato’s autopsy has been scheduled for today at 11 a.m., officials said.

Police identified the truck as a two-tone extended-cab pickup. On Saturday afternoon, state police announced the vehicle in the collision and a person of interest had been identified, but no one was in custody.

 

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

110th pilgramage at St. Tikhon's monastery begins Friday

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Veneration of the Miracle Weeping Icon of the Theotokos will be among the features for those at the 110th annual pilgrimage to St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Orthodox Monastery.

The Memorial Day pilgrimage begins Friday in South Canaan Twp. at 3:30 p.m. with an opening ceremony in the monastery’s archway by Igumen Sergius. Veneration of the Miracle Working Icon, which is from Taylor, will be during the 10 a.m. Main Liturgy on the pilgrimage’s main, and closing, day, Memorial Day.

St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary will conduct its annual commencement exercises Saturday at 1 p.m.

The icon of the Theotokos has streamed fragrant myrrh for two years, according to monastery spokesman, the Very Rev. John Kowalczyk. “For the two years thousands of Pilgrims have been anointed from the myrrh streaming oil coming from the Holy Icons. Hundreds have been healed of their infirmities,” he said.

Father Mark Leasure, the pastor of St. George’s Orthodox Church in Taylor, will accompany the icon for the service. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., the main celebrant, will be joined by Bishop Michael of New York, Bishop Mark of Philadelphia, Bishop Nikon of Boston, Bishop David of Sitka, and clergy from nearby parishes for the service. Responses will be sung by St. Tikhon’s Seminary Choir. Pilgrims will be anointed following the service.

About 2,000 were on hand for the first pilgrimage.

“The numbers of pilgrims who had arrived on Memorial Day 1905 exceeded all expectation,” Father Kowalczyk said. Quoting from a newspaper account of the day, he added, “Twenty (train) coaches were filled to capacity. Each coach held 60 passengers; thus the pilgrims who arrived on … two trains must have reached 1,200. Other pilgrims walked over the mountain from Mayfield, the present site of St. John’s Orthodox Cathedral.”

Tours of the Metropolitan Museum of the Orthodox Church in America and Guzey Icon Repository under the direction of Archpriest John Perich, curator, will be available for those at the 110th pilgrimage. A newly expanded bookstore and gift shop will be open.

Community Health Systems' city hospitals appear on verge of large-scale expansion

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During the last two years Community Health Systems has reshaped the landscape between its two Scranton hospitals, purchasing more than a dozen properties and paying contractors to demolish at least seven structures.

Company officials refuse to disclose their plans for the two-block neighborhood between Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital, which Community Health Systems took over in May 2011 and January 2012, respectively. However, the frequent demolition activity has fueled speculation the for-profit company is on the verge of a large-scale expansion project.

Since October 2012, the Franklin, Tenn.-based company has invested at least $2.67 million to buy area properties, including 15 of the 21 properties it did not already own between the hospitals, according to a Sunday Times analysis of records.

Based on the proximity, common ownership, finances and overlap in services, industry experts predict the company plans to convert it into one campus and consolidate services.

“It makes an enormous amount of economic sense,” said Joshua Nemzoff, a health care expert in mergers and acquisitions. “Given the high level of fixed costs at these hospitals, if you can consolidate onto one campus … it’s usually a very positive (economic decision). There are very few reasons why you wouldn’t do that.”

 

Records show trend

 

The newspaper analyzed documents from the Lackawanna County Assessor’s Office, records from the county’s Recorder of Deeds and city-issued building permits obtained through a Right to Know Law request. The newspaper found:

Since Oct. 18, 2012, Community Health Systems — mostly operating under the name “McKenna Court Homes LLC” — purchased at least 15 properties on the city blocks between the hospitals, including six the hospitals later got a permit to demolish. Nine of the properties contained multi-dwelling units, two had a single-dwelling unit and four were vacant lots.

Community Health Systems paid a premium for the properties, spending in some cases more than four times the fair market value. For example, the company paid $339,000 to Two Cat Realty LLC for 737-739 Monroe Ave., which has a fair market value of $83,139, according to a realty transfer tax statement of value.

The city has issued at least seven building permits to the hospitals for the demolition of vacant homes or other structures between the hospitals. Six were issued between Sept. 25 and Nov. 8, 2013 .

Six of the structures demolished were on the 700 block of Madison or Monroe avenues. Total demolition work is valued at $184,900, with $80,000 coming from the demolition of 742 Madison Avenue and 741-743 Quincy Avenue.

The construction activity corroborates what former Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty told the newspaper in the fall 2013, when he said the city expects to receive $1 million in permit and licensing fees in 2014 from a large-scale expansion project at Regional Hospital of Scranton.

Asked about the permits, purchase of properties and future plans in the area, Commonwealth Health officials responded in a statement: “Evaluation of our strategic plans for the future and the services we offer is an ongoing process. We look forward to sharing information with our community should any new plans become firm.”

City planner Donald King said he has not received any land development plans from Community Health Systems or either hospital regarding an expansion project. Neither has Steve Pitoniak, a senior planner on the Lackawanna County Regional Planning Commission.

 

Buying the neighborhood

 

Among the 15 properties Community Health Systems bought is 734-736 Madison Ave., previously owned by Michael and Michele Wilk.

Mr. Wilk said he was renting the multi-dwelling unit to students attending the Commonwealth Medical College about a year and a half ago when officials representing Community Health Systems inquired about the property.

He had seen neighbors sell their properties to the company, and though his was not listed for sale, Mr. Wilk entertained the offers. On Oct. 1, 2013, Community Health Systems, operating under the name McKenna Court Homes, bought the property for $300,000 — $230,000 more than the fair market value, according to a realty transfer tax statement of value.

“I think it’s fair to say they have been successful in acquiring (properties), and I’m sure they haven’t been able to do that by paying less than fair value,” Mr. Wilk said. “They seem to have bought almost the entire block.”

The office building at 720 Madison Ave. owned by Lear Von Koch, M.D., is among the few non-hospital owned properties remaining in the neighborhood. A private practicing cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Koch spends nearly all his work time at Regional Hospital of Scranton.

Though hospital officials have expressed their interest in his property, which he’s had since 1985, they have not tendered an offer, he said.

“I let them know that it’s my lifeline, and so no offer was ever forthcoming,” he said. “They keep hinting, insinuating that they want the property.”

About a year and a half ago, he said, hospital executives informed him of their plan to buy the properties between Moses Taylor and Regional Hospital, level the buildings and then connect each hospital to a “superstructure” in between — possibly a “mega emergency department.”

Officials never finalized the plans, and, in fact, recently made changes to them, he said. Dr. Koch said he has not seen the revised drawings, but said officials likely scaled back the original plans because of limitations as to how to connect the two hospitals.

“To physically connect Regional Hospital to whatever structure goes in that two-block area, and then to connect that structure to Moses Taylor Hospital means going uphill, and at certain angles and grades,” he said. “And then it involves the monolithic Moses Taylor Hospital (parking) garage ... and it might really involve tearing down the garage. And from what I understand that’s a problem, because tearing down the garage is not only a big deal, but what do you with all the parking. Everyone parks there.”

 

Investing in the future

 

Community Health Systems, which through its affiliates owns, operates or leases 208 hospitals in 29 states, pledged to invest more than $250 million across Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, with more than half of that spent in the Scranton market. In February 2012, the company announced the creation of Commonwealth Health, the largest network of hospitals in Northeast Pennsylvania, with eight regional hospitals, including Moses Taylor and Regional Hospital of Scranton.

So far, Community Health Systems has spent millions in facility upgrades and technology improvements, including implementing an electronic health record system, at its Scranton hospitals.

But the two acute-care hospitals appear to be headed in different directions financially.

While Moses Taylor posted a 6.6 percent operating margin, its highest margin in at least five years, Regional ended fiscal 2012 with a negative 15.92 percent operating margin, according to the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council’s most recent financial analysis. The operating margin, which reflects the percent of revenue remaining after all expenses are paid, is one indicator of a hospital’s financial health.

Over the last year, the two hospitals have started coordinating services. In May 2013, Regional stopped admitting children to its pediatric unit, instead transferring them to a newly-developed Pediatric Center of Excellence at Moses Taylor.

A month later, Moses Taylor furloughed at least 25 of its employees, including two registered nurses. In July, Regional laid off some of its employees, according to SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania.

Despite an effort to coordinate services, there remains a significant overlap in those offered at each hospital, including emergency medicine, family practice and general surgery, are also available at Moses Taylor, according to the hospital websites.

“Typically, when a for-profit system comes in and acquires community hospitals, they think they can either improve operations, cut out the fat or downsize the hospital to an appropriate capacity that the community can support,” said Alwyn Cassil, founder of Policy Translation, a Maryland-based health policy and communications consulting company.

“In this case, it makes absolutely no sense to have the overlap in services.”

With a third hospital in the city, Geisinger Community Medical Center, Community Health Systems must focus on increasing productivity and efficiency in order to remain competitive, she said.

“But when you have two of everything, such as emergency departments, it’s very hard to do that.”

Contact the writer:

miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter

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