CENCETTI, ARMAND JOHN JR., Old Forge, Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge. Mass, 11 a.m., St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Old Forge, by the Rev. Louis T. Kaminski, pastor. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge. Calling hours today, 5 to 8 p.m.

CERRA, BERNARD F., Carbondale, Saturday, Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home, 74 N. Main St., Carbondale. Mass, 9 a.m., St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale. Entombment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Calling hours today, 5 to 8 p.m. Donations: St. Ann's Monastery, Scranton.

CERRA, FRANCIS A., Scranton, private. Arrangements: Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1240 St. Ann's St., Scranton.

CUSICK, MARGARET MARY McDONOUGH, Nativity section of Scranton, Mass, Saturday, 10 a.m., Nativity of Our Lord Church, by the Rev. Michael Bryant, pastor. Calling hours, today, 5 to 8 p.m., Eugene A. Cusick Funeral Home, 217 Jefferson Ave., Scranton. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery Moscow.

DANIELS, GLADYS D., Spring Brook Twp., private, Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Donations: North Pocono Public Library, 113 Van Brunt St., Moscow, PA 18444-9254; or to St. Mary's Villa Campus, Attn: Lisa Zamber, 516 St. Mary's Villa Road, Elmhurst Twp., PA 18444.

DUKERICH, SEAN RONALD, St. Petersburg, Fla., Saturday, 11 a.m., Waymart Calvary Methodist Church. Contributions: Chris Little Fund to benefit the Open Door Cafe, c/o United Methodist Women, P.O. Box J, Waymart, PA 18472.

DUNLEAVY, EDWARD J., Scranton, Saturday, noon, Church of St. Joseph, 312 Davis St., by the Rev. Francis Pauselli, pastor. Interment, St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon, church. Arrangements: Eagen-Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 2908 Birney Ave., Scranton.

ESGRO, MARY L., Greenfield Twp., Saturday, 2 p.m., Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 484 Hickory Ridge Road; Greenfield Twp. Donations: Kingdom Hall. Arrangements: Battenberg Funeral Home, Jermyn.

FERRI, MARGARET THOMAS, R.N., Old Forge, Saturday, 8:45 a.m., Victor M. Ferri Funeral Home, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. Mass, 9:30, St. Mary of the Assumption Church, West Grace and Lawrence streets, Old Forge, by the Rev. Joseph F. Cipriano, pastor emeritus, the Rev. Louis T. Kaminski, pastor, and the Rev. Paul McDonnell, O.S.J. Interment, Spring Brook Cemetery. Calling hours today, 5 to 8 p.m.

GILROY, DOREEN, Hamlin, today, 10 a.m., James Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel. Calling hours today, 9 to 10 a.m. Cremation, Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel. Arrangements, James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel.

HEVERLY, LILLIAN M., Lake Ariel, Saturday, noon, Lake Wallenpaupack Estates Clubhouse, 104 Clubhouse Drive, Greentown, PA 18426. Calling hours Saturday, 11 to noon, clubhouse. Cremation, Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel. Arrangements: James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel. Contributions: Centenary United Methodist Church, 632 Hamlin Hwy., Hamlin, PA 18427.

JOHNSON, RICHARD C. "PAPPY," Saturday, 3 p.m., Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, 123 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, by the Rev. Lori Robinson of the Factoryville United Methodist Church. Calling hours, Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m. Interment, Sunnyside Cemetery, Tunkhannock. Contributions: Triton Hose Company, 116 West Tioga Street, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

JUDGE, ROBERT J. "JUDGIE," Keyser Valley section of Scranton, calling hours, today, 5 to 8 p.m., Carl J. Savino Funeral Home, 157 S. Main Ave., West Scranton. Interment, private. Contributions: donor's favorite charity.

KASA, JOHN I., Dupont, Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Lokuta-Zawacki Funeral Home, 200 Wyoming Ave., Dupont. Mass, 10 a.m., Sacred Heart Church, 215 Lackawanna Ave., Dupont. Interment, parish cemetery, Dupont. Calling hours today, 5 to 8 p.m.

KLIM, MATILDA "TILLIE," Madison Twp., Saturday, 9:15 a.m., Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Mass, 10, St. Catherine's of Siena Church, Church Street, Moscow, by the Rev. Robert Simon, pastor. Interment, St. Michael's Cemetery, Dunmore. Calling hours, today, 4 to 7 p.m., funeral home. Contributions: North Pocono Senior Community Center, Route 435, Covington Twp., PA 18424.

KOLOSINSKY, LOUISE, Jessup, today, Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Michael's Church, First Avenue, Jessup. Interment, St. John's Cemetery, Jessup. Calling hours, 9 a.m. to Mass. Arrangements: Arthur A. Albini Funeral Home, Jessup.

LAZAR, HELEN, formerly of Scranton, Saturday, noon, Washburn Street Cemetery by the Rev. Glenn R. White Jr., pastor, Clarks Green Assembly of God Church. Contributions: Missions Department, c/o Clarks Green Assembly of God Church, 204 South Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA 18411. Arrangements: Davies and Jones Funeral Chapel, 135 S. Main Ave., Scranton.

LEGG, BETTY S., R.N., today, 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Harrison Street, Old Forge, by the Rev. Susan Hardman-Zimmerman, pastor. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours today, 11 to 1, church. Contributions: church. Arrangements: Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge.

LEPRI, GLORIA ROSSI, Eynon, Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Arthur A. Albini Funeral Home, 1003 Church St., Jessup. Mass, 9:30, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Church Street, Archbald. Interment, St. John's Cemetery, Jessup. Calling hours today, 4 to 7 p.m. Donations: St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18509; or St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.

MALETICH, ELIZABETH "BETTY" CERRA, Carbondale, Saturday, Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home, 2 Hospital St., Carbondale. Mass, 11 a.m., Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Carbondale. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Calling hours today, 5 to 8 p.m.

SCHIFANO, HELEN, today, 9:30 a.m., Graziano Funeral Home Inc., Pittston Twp. Mass, 10, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Pittston. Interment, St. Rocco's Cemetery, Pittston Twp. Donations: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

SMITH, MARK D., North Scranton, cremation, Sunlight Crematory, Hanover Twp. Visitation, Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m., Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home, 254-268 Railroad Ave., Scranton. Service, 5, by Pastor Terry Drost, Peckville Assembly of God Church. Interment, Cascade Valley Cemetery, Windsor, N.Y.

VIDMOSKO, DAVID DOUGLAS, Scranton, Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1240 St. Ann's St., Scranton, by the Rev. Arthur Davis, pastor, Asbury United Methodist Church. Interment, St. Michael's Cemetery, Dunmore. Calling hours today, 4 to 8 p.m.

WENDOLOWSKI, ALFONS "AL" JOHN, Dickson City and Wrighter Lake, Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Frank T. Mazur Funeral Home, 610 Dundaff St., Dickson City. Mass, 10 , St. Mary's Visitation Church, Dundaff St., Dickson City. Calling hours today, 5 to 8 p.m.

WENTLAND, JACOB J. JR., Roaring Brook, private. Arrangements: Sznyter Funeral Home and Maple Hill Crematory. Donations: donor's favorite charity.

WILLIAMS, PAULINE "PENNY," Clifford Twp., Wednesday, Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Clifford, by the Rev. James Major, pastor of Watson Hill Bible Church. Pallbearers: Thomas Rindock, Matthew Pendle, Ron Wolfe, Cody Scott, Joseph Zuk and Ivan Davidowitz. Interment, Welsh Hill Cemetery, Clifford Twp.

Woman dead after Eaton Twp. crash

EATON TWP. - One person was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Wyoming County on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old woman, who was not identified by state police, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Clayton Firth, 34, of Tunkhannock. The two were eastbound on state Route 2007 at 11:52 p.m. when the vehicle crossed both lanes and struck a tree. Neither passenger was wearing a seat belt.

The woman was pronounced dead after she was flown to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp., where Mr. Firth also was treated.

HARRISBURG - In the wake of dramatic cuts in state aid to local museums in recent years, a legislative study recommends creating a new state grant program for museums when state finances allow it.

The study by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee suggests that any future state museum aid grants be awarded based on such factors as the number of visitors, diversity of visitors, operating budget, types of exhibits and programs and extent of educational opportunities.

The study also urges the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to continue turning over more state-owned historic sites to local control.

How the issue is resolved could have implications for a proposal to create a new "Iron District" in Scranton centered around the historic furnaces that were operated by the Lackawanna Iron and Steel Co. in the 19th century. The furnaces are administered by the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces.

Overall, the study highlights the economic impact of some 1,200 museums in Pennsylvania as a collective employer of 13,000 and key part of the tourism industry.

Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations spent nearly $27 million and supported nearly 1,000 jobs in Lackawanna County in fiscal 2010-11, according to the study.

The recession-spurred cutbacks in state spending during the past four years have hit both local and state-run museums hard.

State aid to local museums dropped sharply from $29.3 million in fiscal 2005-06 before the recession started to $2.7 million in fiscal 2011-12.

State support for state-run museums dropped from nearly $40 million in fiscal 2005-06 to $26 million in the current budget.

The budget cuts had a local impact with Everhart Museum in Scranton losing an annual $42,000 appropriation during the budget crisis in 2009, for example. That money has not been restored.

As a result of the cuts, a survey by the study found that about half of the responding museums have fewer paid staffers and rely more on volunteers. About 43 percent have hiked admission prices and 19 percent are open less often.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

Scott J. Binsack claims in a federal lawsuit that his constitutional rights were violated and that he ran from the law because he feared for his life if he returned to prison.

In the 25-page complaint filed Tuesday in U.S. Middle District Court, Mr. Binsack seeks in excess of $75,000 each in compensatory and punitive damages from the city of Shamokin and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, along with six individuals representing those entities.

The lawsuit was filed on the same day U.S. marshals captured Mr. Binsack in New York on an alleged parole violation after he failed to show for a parole meeting on Oct. 25.

Individual defendants in the suit include, from Shamokin, Police Chief Ed Griffiths, Clerk Steve Bartos, Councilman R. Craig Rhoades and code enforcement officer Rick Bozza; and PBPP agent Susan Stout and her supervisor, David Frederick.

Mr. Binsack, represented by Frank Kepner Jr., claims the defendants conspired to deprive his constitutional rights to free speech, assembly, due process and liberty. The suit's five counts also say Mr. Binsack's ability to develop real estate opportunities was "seriously damaged," that his "good name, reputation, honor and integrity" were injured, and that he has suffered emotional distress.

Chief Griffiths, contacted Wednesday, said Mr. Binsack is "grasping at straws."

"He's done this in Lacka-wanna County as well, and those suits were thrown out," he said. "You can't sue someone for doing their job."

Mr. Binsack, 43, of 131 S. Market St., Shamokin, quickly became a local curiosity after he and out-of-state businessman Steven Crone appeared at a meeting of city council Aug. 13 with a $13 million plan to seek investors to help revitalize the city and Coal Twp.

The lawsuit describes how Mr. Binsack believes city officials conspired to not only combat the revitalization plan, but to send him back to prison.

The suit also describes health problems that have left Mr. Binsack "completely disabled."

He said he lost all vision in his right eye because of a retinal tear suffered in a prison assault and that he has a serious retinal tear in his left eye, rendering him "legally blind." He also has serious kidney disease and back and knee injuries for which surgeries have been scheduled, the suit says.

It says Mr. Binsack was told by a "confidential source" from the PBPP that he was going to be sent to prison and that he would be beaten by guards. Mr. Binsack's suit says if he suffers any trauma to his head "he will go blind."

"Because he feared for his life and safety, the plaintiff did not report to the parole office as had been ordered," the suit says.

Multiyear fishing licenses offered

HARRISBURG - The state Fish and Boat Commission will offer multiyear fishing licenses for the first time, starting next month, state Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-120, Kingston, said.

The licenses will go on sale beginning Dec. 1.

Fishing licenses will be available in three- and five-year options, as well as the single-year licenses, according to a news release. The licenses can be purchased online at www.pa.wildlifelicense.com.

A list of in-person issuing agents can be found at www.fishandboat.com/ flagent.htm.

Donning a hairnet is one of Judy Haudenschield's favorite Thanksgiving traditions.

For the past 10 years, Mrs. Haudenschield has spent the morning with her hair tucked under a net and a scoop in her hand. This year, she manned the mashed potatoes.

She and her family were among the line of volunteers serving a holiday meal at St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton on Thursday.

"Our family has really grown a lot and appreciated all that we had and the opportunity to help," she said. "It's helped our sons be really sensitive to the needs of others."

Mrs. Haudenschield, along with her husband, Jeff, and two sons, David, 15, and Chris, 13, got their start because of a kinship with the St. Francis facility.

"My father helped start the original kitchen years ago," Mrs. Haudenschield said. "We've been offered to go other places, but we never go because this is our tradition."

The Haudenschield family practice was picked up by another crew, the Horvath family.

Bob and Chrissie Horvath, of Clarks Summit, have been volunteering with their three sons, Danny, 17, David, 15, and Robby, 10, for the past five years after the Haudenschields told them about the event.

The best part is "just giving back and helping out the less fortunate," Mrs. Horvath said.

Standing behind the serving line, Monsignor Constantine Siconolfi surveyed the volunteers and diners.

"I'm just looking out and we have so many reasons to be thankful to Almighty God for many blessings," he said, listing life, food, friends and peace.

There is "no greater honor" than helping others, he added.

It was the first time Scranton resident Henry Rivera had enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal at St. Francis and he said he would be coming again.

"It's Thanksgiving," he said, grinning. "I know they feed (you) pretty good here."

Mr. Rivera explained that he had lived in New Jersey and New York and that Scranton was his "last stop." Standing next to a table of friends, he said he was pleased that the group could enjoy a meal together.

"I think they came because they're down and out like us," he said, a smile spreading over his face. "They're enjoying themselves and so am I."

Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter

Controller Gary DiBileo knows the money a Lackawanna County detective recovered from a vendor who failed to deliver on a prepaid training seminar is barely a ripple in the county's bottom line.

It's how the recovery came about that makes it noteworthy, he said.

Thanks to a tip to the hotline Mr. DiBileo created in the summer to receive information about the suspected fraud, waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars - and some sleuthing by county Detective Nick DeSando - the county got back the $1,050 it paid for the training that never happened.

"While this wasn't a huge dollar amount, it is an example that the hotline works," Mr. DiBileo said.

According to Detective DeSando, it started last summer when juvenile probation officials responded to an ad by Joel Edgreen, who operates J.J. Training Associates in Brookville, for a seminar on bath salts - a synthetic drug. The county paid Mr. Edgreen's $1,050 fee in advance, and the training was set for July 26 at a local hotel.

"Every time it was time to actually show up here for the class, the guy kept having an excuse," the detective said.

After the third cancellation, Mr. Edgreen "just vanished off the face of the Earth," he said.

That is when the hotline was contacted, and Mr. DiBileo referred the matter to the district attorney's office. The case was assigned to Detective DeSando last month.

Detective DeSando said the cellphone number Mr. Edgreen had given county officials was disconnected. With the assistance of other police agencies, Detective DeSando located people who knew Mr. Edgreen, including a former girlfriend, and within a few days traced him to Frostburg, Md.

When he finally got Mr. Edgreen on the phone, Detective DeSando said he put the fear into him.

"I said, 'Lookit, bud, I ain't playing. ... Either I have a check here tomorrow or I'm driving out there with a warrant. It's up to you,' " Detective DeSando said.

He received two money orders totaling $1,050 the next day by overnight mail, he said.

In response to the incident, Mr. DiBileo sent an email to all county employees advising them to use caution and check references before pre-paying for seminars, guest speakers and similar events.

"We need to double-check to make sure we know who we are dealing with," he said. "We need to be careful about paying anyone except a vendor we know is completely legitimate."

Citizens can leave confidential tips by calling 963-6600 or by visiting the hotline link on the controller's page at the county website, www.lackawannacounty.org.

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com

On this date in NEPA

75 years ago, IRS agents raided Peter Rebuck's farm in Newton Twp. The agents arrested four men and seized a 450-gallon still, a car, 4,000 gallons of mash, 100 pounds of yeast and 2,200 pounds of sugar.

50 years ago, authorities investigated two small gas explosions in the basement of the home of Fred Steindel, 2400 Birney Ave. The family was evacuated.

25 years ago, Jim Connors, Scranton's director of community development, condemned 919-921 Quincy Ave. as unfit for human habitation. The 13 residents had to find a new place to live.

10 years ago, residents and staff of Holiday Manor, a Scranton nursing home, met to discuss its shutdown. Federal bankruptcy court ordered the facility closed because it couldn't pay its debts.

BPW/PA District 8 holds conference

The Berwick Golf Club provided the setting as members of District 8 Business and Professional Women conducted their fall conference.

Susan Vladika of Archbald presided at the event, which included a special visit from BPW/PA President Catherine Caccia.

Judy Murphy of Prompton was conference chairwoman.

District 8 is composed of nine local organizations: Berwick, Carbondale, Montrose, Nellie Jane Dewitt (Susquehanna), Peckville, Scranton, Stroudsburg, Tunkhannock and Wayne County.

Among those serving on District 8's board this year are: Amanda Collier, Berwick president; Laura Crouse, Berwick, past district director; Debby Longacre, Carbondale president; Milana Williams, Carbondale, historian; April Taylor Kirkpatrick, Montrose president; Susan E. Gesford, past district director; Connie Hitchcock, Montrose, finance committee; Colleen Wilkes, Nellie Jane Dewitt president; Lori Hubal, bylaws chairwoman and past district director; Mary Mushala, public relations chairwoman; Alice Deutsch, Nellie Jane DeWitt, past district director; Susan Vladika, director; Annmarie Kiehart, parliamentarian, past district director and past state president; Antoinette Mackar, treasurer, membership chairwoman and past district director; Deborah Policichio, corresponding secretary; Maria Kishel, Peckville president; Melinda Ghilardi, finance chairwoman and past district director; Ann Krause, special projects chairwoman; Karen Slachta, special projects committee; Lisa Kozloski, special projects committee; Rebecca Rogers-Kreig, Peckville, young careerist chairwoman; Jeanie Sluck, Scranton president; Kathy Stocki, individual development chairwoman; JoAnn Romano Hallesky, Scranton, scrapbook chairwoman; Linda Wasser, Stroudsburg president; Alma Weber, foundation chairwoman and past district director; Shirley Frable, Stroudsburg, past district director award chairwoman; Linda Sokoloski, recording secretary; Terri Detrick, Tunkhannock president; Mary Bishop, Woman of the Year chairwoman and past district director; Lilly Gioia, legislation chairwoman; Janet Roeber, Tunkhannock, finance committee; Judy Murphy, assistant director; Joanne Hohman, Wayne County president; and Juliann Doyle, Wayne County, Bulletin/Key editor.

A fighting dance

Dances at Valley View Middle School will help in the fight against cancer.

The $1,250 that the school's Zero Hour Fitness Club raised with the help of the faculty and staff, PTA, parents, students and the community was presented to Kenny Marchegiani for the Nadine Cenci Marchegiani Foundation and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

Kenny accepted a check for $1,000 on behalf of his wife, Nadine, a well-loved district teacher who died of cancer; the other $250 went to the Komen organization.

Wayne's Diner in Jermyn and Jessica's Eatery in Jessup contributed their time and efforts to the dances. The Bull Dogs football team and cheerleading squad donated candy for snacks at the dances.

Among those arranging the events were Cory Castellani, Brian Durkin, Donald Kanavy, Sara Levy, Alisha Marchegiani, Kenny Marchegiani, James McKane, Jesse Munley, Brianna Pallo, Debbie Rafter, Ali Sluko, Harold Smith, Craig Sweeney, Tommy Trojanwicz and Jennifer Vitali.

High notes

New members welcomed into the Catholic Women's Club by President Kate Loveday and other members include Lori Bortree, Jenn Doyle, Kara Hopkins, Alice McGuire, Maureen McInerney, Shirley Phillips, Mary Ann Riedmiller, Ann Vaida, Carmel Williams and Kathy Yakric.

Shoppers will spot some new seasonal tenants and kiosks as the Mall at Steamtown prepares for the holiday shopping season.

Several seasonal tenants at the mall are returners, including Magdon Music, an Olyphant retailer of musical instruments and accessories, and Gift Gallery, which sells pictures, plaques and frames.

"A lot of the people that were with us last year are still with us," said Art Levandoski, marketing manager for the mall.

Sports Fever, a memorabilia shop that was housed in a mall kiosk during the last holiday season, moved into a storefront space earlier this year.

Owner Sharon Argo took a leave from her job as a waitress last year to start the kiosk and the business took off.

"I fell in love with doing it," said Ms. Argo, who admits she had to learn a lot about sports after establishing the business.

When she moved from a kiosk into the store, Ms. Argo invested heavily in memorabilia and stocked and decorated the store by herself.

"It's a lot of work," Ms. Argo said. "It's a learning experience."

Other seasonal tenants at the mall include Arts Handmade, which sells hand-crafted sweaters, hats, shawls and jewelery, and Calendar Games, a vendor of calendars and toys.

New temporary tenants who set up shop at the mall this year include Toyriffic/As Seen on TV, a co-branded shop, and Sweeties Candy Shack, a confectionery store.

Holiday seasonal kiosks include vendors selling perfume, personalized ornaments and candles.

The mall seeks temporary tenants to address gaps in its retail mix, Mr. Levandoski said.

"You try to figure out what you are missing and fill it," he said.

Contact the writer: jhaggerty@timesshamrock.com

DUNMORE - An Albany, N.Y. man arrested for prowling today told police he knocked at several homes in the wee hours after Thanksgiving because he was looking for a pan to cook more turkey.

Roberto Christian Figueroa, 21, was charged with disorderly conduct and nighttime prowling after Dunmore police stopped him on Elizabeth Street at around 3 a.m.

Neighbors in the 200 block of East Elm Street had called police to report a man knocking on doors and ringing doorbells at several homes in the area.

When stopped, Mr. Figueroa admitted to making the house calls, police said. Although he was initially reluctant to explain the reason for the visits, he eventually told police "that it was Thanksgiving and he was looking for a pan to cook more turkey," according to the criminal complaint.

The officers described Mr. Figueroa's intentions as "questionable and bizarre."

Contact the writer: llegere@timesshamrock.com

Black Friday started a day early for many shoppers, as Thanksgiving morphed into the unofficial kickoff of the Christmas holiday shopping season.

Premidnight openings at some retailers, including Sears, Kmart, Target, Toys R Us and Walmart drove crowds directly from the holiday feast to the spending fest.

Stacy Spigarelli, of Duryea, started her overnight adventure at 8 p.m. Thursday at Target in Wilkes-Barre Twp., where she bought two televisions. She also went to Walmart and the Wyoming Valley Mall before taking a break.

"I slept for about three hours and came back out," Miss Spigarelli said as she exited Christmas Tree Shops at the Shoppes at Montage at about 6:45 a.m.

The outing was an endurance contest for many in search of steep discounts. Some make the effort because they enjoy the tradition and camaraderie.

"Where else can you get a deal like this?" Kunal Patel, 29, said, pointing to two carts full of household items as he stocked up at Kohl's in Dickson City.

Mr. Patel and his wife, Bela Patel, 28, married last July, so they shopped for items to furnish their new apartment.

"You just have to have patience for the lines," Mr. Patel said.

Standing behind the Patels, Ruth Chapman, 59, of Scranton, was impressed by the joviality among shoppers.

"We're becoming fast friends," she joked about the other shoppers in line. "We might spend the next holiday together."

Some shoppers actually spent days together, camping out at Best Buy in Dickson City since Tuesday, store manager Eric McFarland said.

"I think with the economy, people are looking for the best prices possible," he said.

Keri Erfman, of Duryea, took advantage of competitive prices on boots, rounding up seven pair on sale for $25 each at JC Penney in the Wyoming Valley Mall shortly after the store opened at 6 a.m. Five are for her and two are for her mother, Ms. Erfman said.

"I can never get nice boots like this for a good price that last so long," she said. "I was one of the first in here and I ran right over here."

For others, though, like Joan Holyk of Scranton, the outing is a seasonal ritual.

"It's a tradition. We've done it for the last five or six years, my daughter and I," Ms. Holyk said as she looked at handbags at Boscov's in the Mall at Steamtown. "I really started doing this for the fun of being out at sunrise."

Overnight temperatures of about 30 degrees failed to chill the spirits of some determined shoppers.

Ed Sopinski Jr. had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders as he stood in an aisle of the Best Buy in Dickson City after waiting 2½ hours to get into the store. His wife was looking for a laptop for their daughter, who is a senior in high school.

"If my daughter wasn't going to college next year, I wouldn't be here," he said.

Connecticut resident Susan O'Brien went to Best Buy alone after her sister-in-law, Rachel Swierzewski, drove to the store but balked at the size of the crowd.

"When she saw the line she just dropped me off," Ms. O'Brien said with a laugh.

Kendra Balendy, of Scranton, started her trek at Walmart at 3 p.m. on Thursday and by 12:30 a.m. Friday, she was among the first people waiting in line at the Shoppes at Montage for a promotional gift-card giveaway. The complex distributed cards to the first 250 people in line.

"It's fun. I like doing this," Ms. Balendy said about 20 minutes before the 7 a.m. card distribution.

The chilly conditions nearly deterred sisters Victoria and Ali Nytch, both of Scranton, who went to Best Buy in Dickson City and rode out a lengthy wait in line.

"The strategy is to get into the store," Ali Nytch said, with a laugh.

In Wilkes-Barre, customers began lining up at Boscov's at 2 a.m. for a promotional gift-card distribution. The store opened at 4 a.m. and all the cards were claimed by 4:30, store manager Tony Georgetti said.

That store was the third stop for Katie Christopher, of Wilkes-Barre, who had waited more than 2½ hours at Best Buy to buy a laptop computer.

"I will have over half my shopping list done by the time I get home today," she said.

Some Black Friday shoppers go beyond their initial strategy and make spontaneous purchases.

Ms. O'Brien, the Best Buy shopper who later surfaced at Kohl's, said she spent $1,000, including an impulse buy of a robotic floor vacuum.

Mrs. Holyk said she became caught up in the consumer rush and wondered about the wisdom of some purchases.

"You buy things you don't even need," she said. "I bought them because everybody else is buying them."

DENISE ALLABAUGH and CECILIA BARESS, staff writers, contributed to this report.

Abington Heights

Financial aid: Abington Heights High School financial aid night, Dec. 11, 6:30-8 p.m., 222 Noble Road, Clarks Summit, for seniors, Bill Burke from the University of Scranton and a representative from the financial aid office at Marywood University presenting information regarding the financial aid process.

Blakely

Crime watch: Blakely/Peckville Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Blakely Hose Company 2, Second Street, free refreshments, plans for the upcoming Mardi Gras celebration will be discussed.

Dalton

Craft show: Dalton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary craft show, today, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., fire hall, 109 South Turnpike Road, 563-1268 or 563-3298.

Duryea

Toyland bingo: Holy Rosary School PTO toyland bingo, Dec. 7, school, 125 Stephenson St., doors open, 5 p.m., bingo, 6, $3/includes one card, additional regular cards, specials and refreshments available for purchase.

Hamlin

Cookie sale: St. John's Episcopal Church Cookies Galore, Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-noon, Route 191 South (next to Jack Williams), $6/small container, $11/large container, Welsh cookies, $5/dozen, containers provided, advance orders, Sandy Toy, 689-2441.

Keyser Valley

Seniors meet: Keyser Valley Senior Citizens meeting Monday, 1 p.m., Community House; games and refreshments follow.

Montrose

High tea: Self Discovery Wellness Arts Center high tea and cello concert, Saturday, 2:30-5 p.m., 200 Lake Ave., concert, 4 p.m., free/members, $15/nonmembers, 278-9256, wellness@epix.net or www.wellnessarts.com.

Vesper service: December vesper service, Dec. 9, 5 p.m., St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Church and Chestnut streets, simple supper follows in Parish House.

Regional

Santa breakfast: Commonwealth Hospice of NEPA Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus breakfast, Dec. 8, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., McGowan Conference Center, second floor, Regional Hospital of Scranton, 746 Jefferson Ave., $10, 10 and under, free, parking available.

Advent service: "Wise Men Still Seek Him," an Advent service of word and song, Dec. 2, 7 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua Church, 208 Smith St., Dunmore, combined choir of more than 60 voices from the Dunmore parishes of SS. Anthony & Rocco and Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Holy Family Parish, Luzerne, as well as a 12-piece instrumental ensemble.

Scranton

Holiday party: Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing Alumni holiday party, Dec. 2, 1 p.m., dinner, 2, Green Ridge Club, 1645 Wyoming Ave.; cocktails, hors d' oeuvres; cash bar; $32 by Nov. 25 from alumni members or 489-0016.

Taylor

Food sales: St. George's Orthodox Church potato and cheese pierogi sale, $6/dozen orders by Nov. 25; nut, poppyseed kolachi; braided raspberry and blueberry cream cheese braided kolachi, $10; plain bread/$6, raisin bread/$6.50, orders by Dec. 2, call 562-1170 or 562-2090, or email: fr.mal@comcast.net.

West Scranton

Pierogi sale: St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church pierogi (from scratch) sale, pick-up, Dec. 8, beginning at 2 p.m., parish center, 428 N. Seventh Ave., $7/dozen, advance orders, Dorothy, 346-4164.

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

Man allegedly choked girlfriend

DINGMAN TWP. - A New Jersey man is accused of choking his ex-girlfriend until she passed out and then trying to kidnap her this week, police said.

State police at Blooming Grove said Richard Ramirez, 41, went to his ex-girlfriend's home in the 100 block of Arrowood Road in Pike County and choked her until she lost consciousness after the two argued Tuesday afternoon. The victim, whom police did not identify, said she woke up in the back of her car and escaped when Mr. Ramirez turned his back after opening the car door and slapping her.

He was charged with aggravated assault, kidnapping and related counts.

Mr. Ramirez is slated for a preliminary hearing Wednesday and was in Pike County Correctional Facility in lieu of $200,000 bail.

NANTICOKE - While families were gathered for Thanksgiving dinner, police say a pair of burglars targeted homes in Nanticoke, breaking into one to swipe belongings.

They may have gotten away with the heist at 1002 S. Prospect St., but investigators were led to the suspects after hearing a dispute at an apartment down the street, police said.

Upon arrival at 1210-1212 S. Prospect St., police said James T. Novis, 37, and Adam J. Kuren, 28, were overheard arguing with their girlfriends - apparently about how to get rid of stolen goods. The girlfriends allowed investigators inside to recover the stolen items, police said.

Both men face burglary and other charges. They remain in Luzerne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Not long ago, Pennsylvania had a governor known as "one-term Tom," a governor some Democrats thought was almost sure to lose his job as soon as voters could get another crack at him.

As Democrats start to focus on limiting Gov. Tom Corbett to one term - and they already are, even though the election isn't until 2014 - they should keep in mind the last Republican "one-term Tom," Gov. Tom Ridge.

In 1998, three Democratic challengers stepped up to thwart a second term.

See if you remember these names: Ivan Itkin, William Keisling, Don Bailey.

Mr. Bailey, a former state auditor general, was perhaps best known. Mr. Keisling was known mostly for stirring things up in Harrisburg. Mr. Itkin, well, he was only the House Democratic leader and a long-serving state representative from Allegheny County.

Mr. Itkin won the Democratic primary election, then Mr. Ridge clobbered him by almost 2 to 1 in November.

Mr. Ridge clearly benefited from an economy just cruising along.

The economy is hardly great now, but two years hence, when Mr. Corbett is running for re-election, who knows. What's known is mid-first-term dissatisfaction with governors is par for the course in Pennsylvania politics and often sparks potential challenger talk of ousting them.

"If you go back and you look at past elections, you cannot go on the job performance of the governor this far out," said G. Terry Madonna, Ph.D., director of the Franklin & Marshall College poll.

For now, Mr. Corbett's present job performance ratings matter most. Voters' current views of his performance have Democrats salivating at the possibility of ending more than six decades of the major parties alternating eight-year stretches in the governor's office.

The list of Democratic names floated as potential challengers seems to grow by the day. The speculated list includes U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, state Treasurer Rob McCord and former U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak. Only Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox has said he is running. Former Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger and former state Secretary of Revenue Tom Wolf, who both served under Gov. Ed Rendell, are also seriously considering bids. Mr. Hanger is actually hosting a reception during the Pennsylvania Society festivities next weekend.

The Pennsylvania Society is the annual meeting of the state's movers and shakers in New York City.

All the Democratic enthusiasm for beating Mr. Corbett centers on weak poll numbers.

A late September Franklin & Marshall College poll had only 30 percent of voters having a favorable view of the governor and the same percentage saying he was doing a good or excellent job. He was viewed unfavorably by 42 percent, and 64 percent said he was doing only a fair or poor job.

A mid-October Muhlenberg College poll had 32 percent of voters approving of Mr. Corbett's job performance and 41 percent disapproving.

On top of that, Democrats love the issue one of their own, state attorney general-elect Kathleen Granahan Kane, rode heavily to election: the governor's handling of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse case while he was still attorney general.

Only 17 percent of voters in the September F&M poll said Mr. Corbett did a good (15 percent) or excellent (2 percent) job handling the case, with 66 percent saying he did only a fair (27 percent) or poor (39 percent) job.

Nonetheless, history says beware of too much enthusiasm so early.

Job performance and favorability ratings swing wildly and quickly.

After Superstorm Sandy in late October, Mr. Corbett's job performance rating jumped to 37 percent approval, 38 percent disapproval in an early November Muhlenberg poll. In a post-election poll, Quinnipiac University had Mr. Corbett at 40 percent approval and 38 percent disapproval.

Those numbers are far better than Mr. Rendell's (44 percent approval-55 percent disapproval) in a Franklin & Marshall College poll only nine months before his 2006 re-election. Mr. Rendell handily defeated Republican Lynn Swann after running months of political advertising promoting his accomplishments.

Mr. Corbett is nowhere near making his case for re-election yet.

"I'm not saying he can't be beaten. I'm merely pointing out we're so far away that it's too hard to know," Dr. Madonna said.

None of which is stopping Democrats from enthusiastically making the case that Mr. Corbett isn't doing the job.

Perhaps the most vocal so far, Mr. Hanger points to Mr. Corbett's big cuts in public and higher education, cuts to business taxes amid budget-balancing struggles, the failure to enact a natural gas extraction tax more in line with other states and the reversal in the state's employment picture.

In February 2011, Mr. Corbett's first full month in office, the state unemployment rate was 1 percentage point lower than the national rate (8 percent state, 9 percent national). As of last month, the state's rate was 0.2 percentage points higher than the national rate (8.1 percent state, 7.9 percent national). So the state's rate stayed about the same while the national rate dropped sharply, a nice factoid for Democrats if it holds up.

Of course, two years from now, as the governor election nears, the economy could be on the way up.

"There is no doubt if the economy is good, remember what happened here," Dr. Madonna said. "Rendell '06, economy good, he gets the benefit. ... Let's go back to 1998, the economy roaring, Ridge wins re-election. ... Notice (Gov. Robert) Casey gets re-elected in '90 before the recession of '91 hits. And the only guy who has a tough time winning re-election is (Gov. Dick) Thornburgh in '82 right in the middle of a recession."

Mr. Thornburgh won anyway.

Perhaps the Penn State scandal remains salient, Dr. Madonna said.

"We'll see how that stands. (It's) potentially a serious problem for him (Mr. Corbett)," he said.

Beyond that, Mr. Corbett has plenty of time to accomplish things he hasn't and reverse public perceptions.

"What about the cuts to the programs? What happens if they find the money and they don't cut the programs in the next two budgets?" he asked. "What happens if they do transportation funding? What happens if they do pension reform?"

Either way, the Democratic candidate will be forced "to provide voters with an alternative agenda," Dr. Madonna said.

"That's what a lot of people are missing," he said. "Number one, you've got to have enough money to get reasonably well known. Second, you've got to present them with an alternative vision of where you'll take the state. That's what Lynn Swann didn't do; that's what Ivan Itkin didn't do."

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com The names of a dozen Democrats have surfaced in recent months as potential candidates for governor in 2014. The list includes:

- U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. Fresh off a re-election campaign, Mr. Casey has not ruled out a run, but has repeatedly said he is happy as a senator. If he runs, almost everyone else won't, and he would spell trouble for any opponent.

- State Treasurer Rob McCord. Also newly re-elected, many Democrats think he is likeliest to run and favorite to win a primary election, if Mr. Casey doesn't run and there is a contested Democratic primary. Mr. McCord hasn't said publicly and sloughed off suggestions of a governor bid as he visited newspaper editorial boards during his recent re-election campaign, but he is telling political types he will run.

- Former U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak. Mr. Sestak of suburban Philadelphia always says he's interested in serving the public again, but lets everyone else do the talking about running for governor without saying anything himself. He lost a tight U.S. Senate race to Pat Toomey in 2010, but the time for another statewide race might be right.

- State Attorney General-elect Kathleen Granahan Kane. She always says she has no ambitions for higher office. Considering she was just elected, it's probably way too early to think about anything but the job ahead of her, though she was the top vote-getter statewide on Election Day. Her use of Mr. Corbett's handling of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse case did highlight a potential major issue against the governor.

- Former Gov. Ed Rendell. He says the state constitution forbids him from running again, and he's not interested anyway. Others say the restriction only prevents serving more than two consecutive terms. No matter what, his job-creation record will contrast with Mr. Corbett's if the economic slump persists.

- Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro. A former state representative, he is in his first year as commissioner. He won't comment or rule it out, but he's unlikely to run. A run someday is not out of the question.

- Former state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger. Mr. Hanger has all but said he's running. He is planning a reception during Pennsylvania Society festivities Friday in New York City.

- Businessman Tom Knox. A former Philadelphia deputy mayor when Mr. Rendell was mayor, Mr. Knox spent more than $10 million of his own money on an unsuccessful bid for mayor in 2007, ran briefly for governor in 2010, but dropped out early on. In an interview this week, Mr. Knox, who said back then he dropped out because his family was against his running, added another reason: polls he commissioned showed no Democrat could beat Mr. Corbett. He's thinking differently this time. He's definitely running, he said.

- Businessman Tom Wolf of York County. A former revenue secretary when Mr. Rendell was governor, he backed off a run in 2010, but might be ready this time.

- Former gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato. He lost badly to Mr. Corbett in 2010. Now an executive at Highmark Inc., it is highly doubtful he would run against Mr. Corbett again.

- U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz. Often mentioned as a statewide candidate, the suburban Philadelphia congresswoman has never showed a serious interest.

- Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Says he's flattered to be mentioned as a potential candidate, but says he's concentrating on winning a third term as mayor next year. Of course, he also highlighted credentials and issues he will deal with as mayor - service on a national transportation panel, pension reform and financially distressed cities - that would interest a governor. Keep an eye on him if others don't step up.

MONROE TWP. - Elizabeth Ide said her husband, Mark, rousted her out of bed around 3 a.m. Friday, but not to go after post-Thanksgiving sales.

There was a loud noise that apparently came from a nearby gas dehydration facility, and it went on for more than 30 minutes, she said.

"There were no warnings and no one ever explained anything," Mrs. Ide said.

Kunkle Fire Chief Jack Dodson said he had tankers and an ambulance near the Chapin Dehydration Plant's driveway entrance to Hildebrandt Road within minutes, "but our protocol is not to enter a gas site until the plant operator arrives."

Chief Dodson acknowledged he heard the loud noise, saying it was akin to a freight train going by or large plane landing, and it was emanating from something being spewed in the air 50 to 100 feet.

People near Frances Slocum State Park, 5 miles away, apparently heard it and numerous residents from both Dallas Twp., Luzerne County, and Monroe Twp., Wyoming County, were alarmed, Chief Dodson said.

He noted the alarm went out over Luzerne County 911 at 2:57 a.m. and Kunkle responded at 2:59 a.m. PVR Partners plant operator John Stoner was on scene 20 minutes later and the gas flow was shut down at 3:32 a.m. His emergency responders were back at their station by 4:30.

Ed Senavaitis, safety and regulatory compliance manager for PVR Partners, based in Williamsport, said a safety device at the Chapin facility operated as intended.

He said there was no overcompression of the line, but something malfunctioned "and we'll conduct an investigation until we figure it out."

He said he had no idea about the volume of material that dissipated into the atmosphere.

"The safety device is designed to relieve gas as needed and when our manager arrived, he closed a valve and put everything back into normal operations mode," Mr. Senavaitis said.

Chief Dodson and Mr. Senavaitis both confirmed that at no time was anyone in danger.

"I thought there wasn't supposed to be any noise, and here we've had two incidents," Mrs. Ide said.

"We were lucky this time, and not a few people were very nervous," Chief Dodson said. "We all deserve better than that."

Contact the writer: bbaker@wcexaminer.com

A proposal by local developers to draw water from a decommissioned reservoir in Ransom Twp. to sell to natural gas drilling companies is scheduled for a vote in mid-December.

Falling Springs Water Works Inc. applied for a permit to draw up to 800,000 gallons a day from the mountaintop Falling Springs Reservoir near the border of Ransom and Duryea. The reservoir is privately owned by Falling Springs Holdings, which is creating a housing development on a 340-acre parcel that includes the 50-acre reservoir off Red Oak Drive.

The water withdrawal proposal is being considered by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, which regulates water quantity in the interstate watershed. It is tentatively scheduled for action at a Dec. 14 business meeting. Written public comments on the water withdrawal application will be accepted by the SRBC until Monday.

The developers propose to use the water for bulk sale to Marcellus Shale natural gas drillers operating in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties, according to the application submitted in September.

Carlo Santarelli, president of the company, said the group has no immediate plans to develop the water withdrawal site but wanted to secure the permit for potential future use.

Any withdrawal site would have to be designed to avoid affecting the scenic character of the housing development, he said. "Obviously, we wouldn't want to endanger the success of our development."

Like all third-party companies in the basin that intend to sell water to natural gas operators, Falling Springs will have to submit a letter of commitment from a driller that wants to purchase it before the project can move forward, SRBC spokeswoman Susan Obleski said.

If approved, the water withdrawal site will be the second in Lackawanna County dedicated to natural gas development.

Linde Corp. has had a permit to withdraw 905,000 gallons per day from the Lackawanna River in Fell Twp. since December 2010.

The commission has approved about 150 surface withdrawal sites for natural gas development in the 27,500-square-mile basin. About 45 of the surface withdrawal points are in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties.

Contact the writer: llegere@timesshamrock.com

Observatory site

In a story in Friday's edition about research partnerships with Keystone College's Thomas G. Cupillari '60 Observatory, the location of the Lowell Observatory was incorrect. It is in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Jason and Sienna Saunders clamped their small hands on the switch and flipped it together, illuminating hundreds of bulbs behind them, white lights spelling out "Welcome to Nay Aug Park" glowing against a black sky Friday night.

"The light show is official. It's open now," Mayor Chris Doherty said.

The two children kicked off the Holiday Light Show at Nay Aug Park, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the park to admire more than 100 light displays, ranging from leaping reindeer to scenes from the "12 Days of Christmas," colorful Christmas trees and various Santa characters riding dinosaurs and playing golf.

Santa waved to people in cars who drove through the park slowly to observe the colorful combinations of lights, and a concession stand server stood waiting to dole out hot chocolate and other treats near the end of the display.

More than 200,000 visitors are expected to drive through the park to check out the light displays, bringing in about $40,000 in donations, which will be fed back into the park, Mr. Doherty said.

"It was an honor when the mayor called," said Jason and Sienna's mother, Tammy Saunders. Her husband, Jay Saunders, a former city clerk, died last week after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mrs. Saunders said being invited to begin the holiday season by turning on the Holiday Light Show and the display was "beautiful Christmas spirit."

The display will light up the park every night from now until Jan. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter