Archbald
If conditions quickly go awry, borough firefighters will soon be able to quickly escape from burning buildings, thanks to a grant for lifesaving equipment.
The Eynon Sturges Volunteer Hose Company 3 received $11,996 from the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation to purchase personal escape systems known as bailout kits, said department training officer John Rebovich.
“These kits allow us to exit a building rapidly when we’re in danger,” he said, comparing them to a rope system.
Firefighters can insert a hook on a window and lower themselves out of the burning building with harnesses, he said.
The New York-based DiBernardo Memorial Foundation was founded after three New York firefighters died and three others “suffered life-changing injuries” when they had to jump from a fifth-story window, according to the organization’s website.
Rebovich said the department couldn’t afford to buy the kits on its own, so officials are grateful to be able to keep their firefighters safe. The department has 20 members who regularly respond to fires, he said.
“It gives me comfort knowing that my guys will be able to go home to their families,” Rebovich said.
The bailout kits should arrive in the next few weeks, and firefighters will take a survival course to learn how to use the gear, he said.
Without the gear, firefighters could get seriously injured if they had to exit a building quickly, he said.
“Things burn a lot faster now, a lot hotter,” Rebovich said.
— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY
flesnefsky@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5181;
@flesnefskyTT on Twitter
Jenny’s Kloset wants families in need to have holiday meals with all the fixings.
The nonprofit is holding an adopt-a-family event to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for 80 families in the Valley View School District, said Jenny’s Kloset board President Jillian Jezuit.
It costs $50 per family for each holiday, so the nonprofit is trying to raise $8,000, Jezuit said.
“We’re going to do our best to make sure that every family gets what they need for each holiday,” she said.
On Nov. 23, Jenny’s Kloset volunteers will deliver everything the families need to make a Thanksgiving meal, from the turkey and stuffing to pumpkin pie to an aluminum roasting pan.
Then, on Dec. 21, families will receive everything they need for a Christmas ham dinner, including potatoes, carrots, rolls, butter, cinnamon rolls, fruit and cake mix.
Each family will also receive a wrapped board game to play on Christmas, Jezuit said.
This is the fourth year Jenny’s Kloset is hosting its adopt-a-family, she said.
“This is the biggest one,” she said. “When we started in the very beginning, we only had 17 families.”
However, she estimated that Jenny’s Kloset has only raised about $2,500 toward its goal. Jezuit said she hopes to have everything by Dec. 15.
“We’re lower than we normally are at this time,” she said.
To adopt a family, mail donations to P.O. Box 52, Archbald, PA 18403. You can send cash, checks or money orders made payable to Jenny’s Kloset, Jezuit said.
To donate online, send payments to paypal.me/jen nyskloset or @jennyskloset on Venmo.
Eligible families must have a child enrolled in the Valley View School District, and they must qualify for a free or reduced lunch, Jezuit said.
— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY
flesnefsky@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5181;
@flesnefskyTT on Twitter
The borough is trying to spread the spirit of Christmas with its 13th annual Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, the mayor said.
From 1 to 3 p.m., the free event at the Eynon Sturges Volunteer Hose Company 3 on Thomas Street will include carriage rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus, gifts, music and refreshments, said Mayor Shirley Barrett.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a firetruck between 12:30 and 12:45 p.m., and kids will have the chance to sit on Santa’s lap, Barrett said. Everyone will also receive a surprise gift, she said.
Turnout generally ranges from 150 to 200 people, and the event is funded by donations from the Eynon Christmas Lights Committee, she said.
— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY
flesnefsky@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9100 x5181;
@flesnefskyTT on Twitter
Clarks Summit
The Gathering Place, 304 S. State St., will host a Shop Local Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. The event will feature about 10 local artists, artisans and authors.
There will also be interactive demonstrations, including a silk art workshop, weaving, spinning and needle felting. “We’re trying to make it more than a craft fair,” board President Dori Waters said.
The Appalachia Service Project, a Christian ministry that repairs homes, will sell candy.
The Verve Vertu Art Studio, Dallas, an arts apprenticeship for people with special needs, will be selling items.
The premise of the market also encourages people to shop in all the little businesses in town, Waters said.
— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
rtomkavage
@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9100 x5365;
@rtomkavage on Twitter
Scranton
Temple Hesed will host an all-faiths Thanksgiving celebration Friday, co-sponsored by Friends of the Poor and the Scranton Area Ministerium.
People of all faiths and religious backgrounds are invited to attend the festive potluck dinner, which begins at 6 p.m. Those attending are asked not to bring dishes containing pork or shellfish.
A welcoming service with prayers from many faiths and lively music will follow at 7 p.m. The event is free.
To RSVP for the dinner, email templehesed@comcast.net or call 570-344-7201. Temple Hesed is at 1 Knox Road in the city.
— JEFF HORVATH
jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9141;
@jhorvathTT on Twitter
AROUND THE TOWNS appears each Monday, spotlighting the people and events in your neighborhoods. If you have an idea for an Around the Towns note, contact the writer for your town, or the Yes!Desk at 348-9121 or yesdesk@timesshamrock.com.