WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012
THE ABINGTON JOURNAL♦CLARKS SUMMIT, PA
WWW.THEABINGTONJOURNAL.COM PAGE 5A
Hi, I’m Jo!
Meet me here the first Wednesday of every month. In My Edition, we will explore topics that interest you: everything from sports, pets, and music to TV, art and video games. Catch us online at theabingtonjournal.com/ myedition.html
BOOKMARK
www.theabingtonjournal.com/myedition.html
Awesome astronomy D at the Thomas G. Cupillari ’60 Observatory
BY MARY ANN MCGRATH Special to The Abington Journal
PICTURE BOOKS: AGE 4 TO 8 “There Was a Bold Lady Who Wanted a Star” – by Charise Mericle Harper “Wan-Hu is in the Stars” – by Jennifer Armstrong “Zoom, Rocket, Zoom” – by Margaret Mayo CHILDREN’S CLASSICS: AGE 8 TO 12 “The Little Prince” – by Antoine de Saint-Exupery “A Wind in the Door” – by Madeleine L’Engle “A Wrinkle in Time” – by Madeleine L’Engle NON-FICTION: AGE 4 TO 8 “The Moon” – by Linda Aspen-Baxter “Our Stars” – by Anne Rockwell “Stars” – by Steve Tomecek “Stars” – Linda Aspen-Baxter “Stars” – by Melanie Mitchell NON-FICTION: AGE 8 – 12 “Amazing Space Q&A: Everything You Never Knew About Space” – by Mike Goldsmith “13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System” – by David A. Aguilar MaryAnn McGrath is the Children’s Librarian at the Abington Community Library.
Win this! See "My LOL" on page 6 for details.
BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com
id you know the sun is almost a million miles in diameter? That means if someone were to cut it in half and draw a line across the center, that line would be almost a million miles long. The sun is so big it could fit about a million planets the size of the earth inside of it. The earth is about 93 million miles away from the sun. Thomas Cupillari has been the director of the astronomy observatory at Keystone College since it first opened 39 years ago, but he said facts like these still amaze him and make him exclaim, “Gee whiz!” He said he first became interested in astronomy, which is the study of the universe, when he was attending graduate school. Ever since he was a boy, he wanted to be a scientist. Jo-Ann Kamichitis is the associate director at the observatory and she said she has loved astronomy since her father took her outside at night to look at the stars when she was a child. Now, she and Mr. Cupillari help visitors at the observatory learn about astronomy and look at the night sky through their big telescope, called The Clark Refractor Telescope. Every Wednesday and Friday from Sept. 5 through Nov. 9, the observatory is open at 7:30 p.m. to visitors of all ages to see a
MY DREAM JOB MEET JOE VAN WIE: Age: 34 Hometown: Scranton Job Title: CEO executive producer of JVW Inc. Favorite subject in school? Philosophy & theology If you could be a science fiction character who would it be? Lord Vader (Star Wars villian) When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A priest. What book would you bring if you were stranded on the moon? The " moon" for dummies. Coolest part of your job: That it has never been a job. Favorite place in the universe: I need to travel more to answer this, but for now it is Antony Piazza Esq. ’s attic in Green Ridge.
slideshow about outer space and look through the telescopes. The Clark Refractor Telescope is kept inside a large white dome. The observatory also has some smaller telescopes and two computer operated telescopes in another building with a roof that rolls off to reveal the sky. For more information about the observatory, visit www.keystone.edu/observatory.
Meet the observatory stars Thomas Cupillari Job title: Director Lives in: Factoryville Age: 73 Best part of his job: Showing people parts of the universe they’ve never seen before Favorite place in the universe: Double star cluster in Perseus What he wanted to be when he grew up: A biologist or physicist Dream superpower: To know the answers of the universe. Jo-Ann Kamichitis Job title: Associate Director Lives in: Scranton Age: 68 Best part of her job: Interacting with people of all ages Favorite place in the universe: M17 Swan Nebula What she wanted to be when she grew up: A teacher Dream superpower: To fly into outer space.
Want to learn more?
The directors at the observatory recommend these online resources for armature astronomers of all ages: • Uncle Al’s Sky Wheels are star maps called “planispheres,” which are used to locate and identify constellations and stars visible during different times of the year. They can be downloaded at: http://www.handsonuniverse.org/activities/uncleal/ • Find an updated evening sky guide at skymaps.com every two months. • Visit http://lackawannaastronomicalsociety.org for information about a local astronomy club. • Want to know if that UFO you saw was just a satellite? Get satellite tracking info at heavens-above.com. • Get the latest space weather conditions at spaceweather.com.
ABINGTON JOURNAL/ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER
The Clark Refractor Telescope at Keystone College’s Thomas G. Cupillari ’60 Observatory weighs 2,500 pounds.
MY OPINION
RACHEL EZRIN Want in on the science fiction craze? Try out some items from this top 10 list by local teen, Rachel Ezrin: • Minecraft Rarely does a video game offer the player a chance to create their own world, and Minecraft breaks from tradition by offering exactly that. A world driven by both the creation and destruction of Test yourself with TRIVIA blocks, the from My Edition player can Columnist form buildKento Matsui. ings, invenEXCLUSIVELY tions, and online at works of art. theabington If merely journal.com/ building is myedition.html not exciting enough for the average sci-fi enthusiast, various mobs (short for mobiles) such as the zombie, skeleton, and spider are combatable. • Transformers A young man purchases an Autobot, mistaking it for a regular vehicle. The ancient struggle of Decepticon versus Autobot erupts on earth, while the young man is the clue to an ultimate power. Transformers is rated PG-13 for violence and profanity. See Opinion, Page 6
INSIDE...
Work and play collide BY JOAN MEAD-MATSUI Abington Journal Correspondent
T
said, “were the ones I was able to film in my own backyard and bring some of the most talented people in the independent film industry.” In the fall, he will be at work on a horror film. He recently wrapped up a comic book thriller, “The Paragon Cortex, written and directed by John Kilker and produced by Christian Huennebeck, expected to be released this winter. “It was a great experience to work with two of the area’s most talented filmmakers and storytellers and work on one of the best projects
he coolest part of Joe Van Wie III’s job is that to him, it doesn’t seem like work. He is 34 years old and works for JVW, Inc., a company in Scranton that makes movies and advertisements. He is the company’s CEO and executive producer. He produced many feature films and was the line producer on "The Paragon Cortex", executive producer on the movie "Forged" and associate producer of "La Soga." But is his work glamorous and exciting? Van Wie said, “No, it’s hard and terrifying, but in the same respect it’s rewarding and the only way I would want to spend my time here that while I am stuck on Earth.” I’ve He has worked with many independent film ever actors, including Adam Sandler (when he had been a a small role in “You Don’t Mess With the Zopart of han,”) Martin Lawrence, Clint Eastwood and with Bruce Willis. two Van Wie said when he was a boy he started local to interpret life through what he saw in movies. guys that I “I think as a young man it was always comadmire and forting to know I was able to relate to my trust. I’m grandfather by watching Westerns and seeing very excited theathe same movie he saw. It was the first time I for it to hit ters.” felt I could relate to adults, through the experience of watching a film together.” ABINGTON JOURNAL/JOAN MATSUI He said the most exciting parts of his career Joe Van Wie peers through a camera. were the projects he created. Examples of his work can be found on “The ones that meant the most to me,” he his website, www.jvwinc.net.
Looking for a good book? See My LIBRARY CARD on page 6 for a list of popular teen picks!
PAGE 6A www.theabingtonjournal.com
MY LIBRARY CARD BY SANDY LONGO Special to The Abington Journal
An Explorer’s Guide to the Universe: Astronomical Observations: Astronomy and the Study of Deep Space. Edited by Erik Gregersen. For student research and general reading that includes the history of astronomical observation from many experts in the this field. An Explorer’s Guide to the Universe: The Inner Solar System: The Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Edited by Erik Gregersen. Discover the mysteries of the inner solar system and the scientific strides made to explain it. An Explorer’s Guide to the Universe: The Milky Way and Beyond: Stars, Nebulae, and Other Galaxies. Edited by Erik Gregersen. We’re familiar with the solar system, now what’s beyond it? A fascinating exploration beyond the solar system. An Explorer’s Guide to the Universe: The Outer Solar System: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and The Dwarf Planets. Edited by Erik Gregersen. Although most space exploration occurs with the inner solar system, there’s much to be learned from the outer solar system. An Explorer’s Guide to the Universe: The Universe: A Historical Survey of Beliefs, Theories, and Laws. Edited by Erik Gregersen. Astronomy, then and now. For additional titles visit theabingtonjournal.com/ myedition.html
The Abington Journal♦Clarks Summit, PA
Starstruck
Dazzling. Inspiring. Brilliant.
W
hether they are lighting up an arena stage or sparkling on the big screen, stars capture the hearts and attentions of their fans. Aspiring singer and poet Mariah Mancuso, 9, of Dunmore, volunteered to share a poem about her favorite celebrity, country and pop singer Taylor Swift. This month, The Abington Journal My Edition is hosting a contest, and you are invited to enter! Find out details in our HOW TO ENTER box at right.
Taylor Swift from head to toe taylor from hair to heel swift she is beautiful like a meadow she is in my heart she also makes music
By Julia Mancuso, 11, Dunmore Sixth grade student at St. Mary of Mount Carmel School To submit a JOKE for future editions, send your joke, your name, age, grade, hometown, school you attend and preferred T-shirt size to: myedition@theabingtonjournal.com If your joke is selected and appears on the page in an upcoming MY EDITION, you’ll receive a SWASHIES GIFT PACK AND T-shirt like the one shown on Page 5.
Send us your 5 to 20 line poem about your favorite star (TV, music, movies, sports or other category) to myedition@theabingtonjournal.com no later than Sept. 19. Or you can drop it off or mail it to The Abington Journal My Edition, 211 South State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. With your poem, please include your name, age, grade, school, phone number and name of the celebrity your poem is about. A winning entry in two age categories will be printed in the next My Edition section of The Abington Journal and each winner will receive a $25 gift certificate from one of our monthly My Edition sponsors, including:
AP PHOTO
Taylor Swift performs at the Burswood Dome during opening night of her ’Speak Now’ Australian tour in Perth, Australia.
Battle in the STARS!
MY LOL
Because he was a fun-gi!
HOW TO ENTER
By Mariah Mancuso, 9, Dunmore, shown at left. She is a third grade student at St. Mary of Mount Carmel School
Sandy Longo is the Abington Community Library Young Adult Librarian. She’s proud to be part of the best profession on Earth.
Why did the mushroom go to the party?
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012
MY VOTE
Which science fiction characters do you think would win in a space battle? Star Trek’s Captain Kirk vs. Star War’s Luke Skywalker…Futurama’s Leela vs. Star War’s Princess Leia…Doctor Who’s Dalek vs. Star War’s Storm Trooper? Share your vote at Carrie Fisher theabingtonjournal.com.
as Princess Leia, in "Star Wars".
vs.
Leelah (far left) from Futurama TM Above, Chis Pine as James T. Kirk, from "Star Trek."
vs.
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and the character Yoda from "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back."
Daleks from the BBC TV series Doctor Who.
vs.
A fan dressed as a Star Wars Storm Trooper.
AP PHOTOS
OPINION
Continued from Page 5 • The Maze Runner Series Set within a sun-scorched world, fifty young boys are unknowingly employed in an experiment for the betterment of a decaying society. Enter the newest arrival to their world, a boy named Thomas, who helps to bring about the end of their somewhat peaceful existence. • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood A pair of brothers set out to discover the legendary philosopher’s stone; Instead, what they find is a military corruption scandal that threatens their entire world. • X-Men
Two mutants travel to a school for super-powered humans, where they must fight a terrorist organization with similar powers. X-Men is rated PG-13 for violence and intense scenes. • The Leviathan Trilogy In a world defined by two separate powers, Clankers and Darwinists, a young girl and an Austrian prince must ban together in order to survive the tragedies and hardships of WWI. • Maximum Ride After escaping from “The School,” a member of the flock is kidnapped, and so begins a crosscountry trip to save her • Jurassic Park An eccentric entrepreneur creates a theme park centered around dino-
saurs in this 1993 classic. Eager to calm frightened investors, he calls upon three highly noted scientists to ensure the park’s overall safety. Jurassic Park is rated PG-13 for violence, profanity, and intense scenes. • Time Riders Three teens, all from different periods of time, are recruited into an agency that fixes broken history. • Artemis Fowl In order to restore his family fortune, a young man kidnaps the head of a prestigious company, a spit-fire female fairy that doubles as a member of a secret police force. What adventures ensue can only be described as hilarity and wise-cracking at its personal best.
STAR CRAFT & GAME Did you know not all stars are white like they appear to be at first glance? If you look very carefully on a dark and cloudless night, you might be able to see stars that are red, yellow, white and blue. The temperature of a star determines its color, just like a camp fire. Have you ever roasted marshmallows over a fire and noticed part of the fire was blue, part orange and another part yellow? The hottest part of the fire, which is the part closest to the burning logs, often burns blue. The center appears orange or yellow. At the edges, where the fire is least hot, it glows red. It works the same way with stars. The blue ones are the hottest and the white ones second hottest. The yellow stars are cooler than the white ones and red stars are the coolest of them all. Want to know more about the color and temperature of stars? Visit kidsastronomy.com. Think that’s pretty cool? (Or is it hot?) Try out this craft and game idea from Children’s Librarian Mary Ann McGrath, from the Abington Community Library: What you will need: • Red, yellow, white and blue construction paper • Scissors • Star-shaped cookie cutter • Pencil, pen or marker • Adhesive backed magnetic tape • Two drinking straws or unsharpened pencils • Two 18 inch pieces of string • Piece of black poster
board To make the game: 1. Using the cookie cutter, trace star shapes on construction paper and cut them out. (Ask an adult for help with the scissors.) You’ll need 10 red, 8 yellow, 6 white and 3 blue stars. 2. Write the point value on the back of each star: Red = 2, yellow = 4, white = 6 and blue = 10. 3. Cut ½ inch pieces of adhesive backed magnetic tape and attach a piece to the front of each star. 4. Make two poles using the drinking straws or pencils by tying a piece of string about 18 inches long to one end of each. Then put the other end of each string between two ½ inch pieces of magnetic tape. 5. Cut a large circle (about 20 inches in diameter) from a piece of black poster board to make the “night sky.” To play the game: First, place the “night sky” on the floor or a table and mix up the stars, then scatter them on top. Next, players should take turns “catching” stars with one of the poles. Players may not move the stars by hand, only with the poles. When all the stars are “caught,” each player should add up his or her points. The highest score wins.
Meet Abi Hi, I’m Abi! You may have met my friend, Jo, at the top of page five. Together, we make “Abi and Jo: The Abington Journal My Edition Mascot Team.” You’ll be seeing us here the first Wednesday of every month. Be sure to visit us online at theabingtonjournal.com/ myedition.html. Got ideas for what you’d like to see in My Edition? Send us an e-mail at myedition@theabingtonjournal.com
ARTWORK BY MINDY MENDICINO
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012
THE ABINGTON JOURNAL♦CLARKS SUMMIT, PA
WWW.THEABINGTONJOURNAL.COM
PAGE 5A
Howdy! I’m Jo, one of The Abington Journal My Edition mascots. Like my cowboy costume? Meet my friend Abi on page 6 and VOTE for your favorite Halloween treat.
www.theabingtonjournal.com/myedition.html
JO AND ABI ILLUSTRATIONS BY MINDY MENDICINO
What is your worst nightmare? Tell us by illustrating it like Terra Landis at left, and Taryn Hughes, inset left, did in the images shown. Send us your “worst nightmare” illustration (drawing, painting, photo, digital image or other art form) as an e-mail attachment to myedition@theabingtonjournal.com or drop it off or mail Terra Landis it to The Abington Journal My Edition, 211 South State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 by Oct. 24, 2012. With your entry, please Taryn Hughes include your name, age, grade, school and the best way to contact you in case you win. A winning entry will be printed in the next My Edition section of The Abington Journal and the winner will receive a $25 gift certificate from My Edition contest sponsor Rosario’s Pizzeria in Clarks Summit.
NightMARES The artist: Terra Landis, of Towanda, pre-pharmacy freshman at Wilkes University The piece: Landis created ‘Headless Horseman,’ inspired by The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, in 2010 as a project for a high school art class. Her favorite Halloween costume as a kid: TinkerBell
Winners of the September ‘Starstruck’ poetry contest include: Lea Michele Voices rising tears falling Cameras flashing Lea Michele Harmonies sounding friends surrounding On televisions everywhere Lea Michele Never gives up Never gives in Dream follower Lea Michele Mary Graff, 13, 8th Grade at Our Lady of Peace, Clarks Green. Winner of the Sickler’s Bike Gift Certificate.
Ellen DeGeneres You make everyone laugh, everyone I’m so sure. When you are on TV, people say, “Look at her!” It’s always kind humor, every comment in good taste. You leave everyone smiling, and never a person defaced. “Always stay positive.” You give advice like a mother. Ending every show with, “Be kind to one another!”
The Blonde Bombshell Norma Jeane was alone as a child She grew up in an orphanage Her dream was to sing and perform She went to Hollywood to be found As her dream came true, thought it slowly faded To change her image she went from brown to blonde A star emerged her name was Marilyn Monroe She begin in “The Shocking Miss Pilgrim” Her most famous “The Seven Year Itch” and “Love Nest” Then Marilyn died, at thirty-six And that is the tale of Norma Jeane
Dagny Rippon, 14, 8th Grade at Our Lady of Peace, Clarks Green. Winner of the Kiki’s Creamery Gift Certificate.
MY BOOKMARK BY MARY ANN MCGRATH Special to The Abington Journal
Gabrielle Horchos, 14, 8th Grade at Our Lady of Peace, Clarks Green. Winner of the Manning’s Ice Cream gift certificate.
Instructions: 1. Turn the bigger piece of construction paper into an “H” by cutting two four -inch squares from the top and bottom of the paper, then fold it in half, top to bottom, to form the body of the horse (see diagram bottom left.) 2. Cut out the horse’s head and neck around the dotted lines at left, trace the shape onto the smaller piece of construction “H” is for “Halloween” and paper and cut out. “Horse” Here’s how you can turn 3. Glue the neck and head inside the fold the letter “H” into a horse: at one end of the body. What you will need: 4. Cut 12 small strands of • Two pieces of construction paper (both the same color, one 9 yarn for the horse’s mane inches by 12 inches and one 4.5 inches by 6 inches) and six longer ones for • Scraps of construction paper (a few different colors) the tail, then glue them in • A long piece of yarn place. • Scissors (and an adult to help you use them) 5. Draw an eye, nose and • Glue • Markers or crayons mouth with markers or By Abington Community Library Children’s Librarian Mary Ann crayons on each side of the McGrath, adapted from "Kathy Ross Crafts: Letter Shapes," by Kathy head. Ross, a book available at the Abington Community Library 6. Cut out a saddle for the horse with the remaining construction paper and glue it on.
MY PROJECT
Optional: Name your horse, then send a photo of you and your horse, include your name and the horse’s, your age, town and school to: myedition@theabingtonjournal.com. Your photograph could be featured on theabingtonjournal.com/myedition.html.
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In the mood for some spooky reading? Grab your library card and make your way to the Abington Community Library to check out these titles recommended for ages 7-11 by Children’s Librarian Mary Ann McGrath: “The Adventures of Young Buffalo Bill: to the Frontier – by E. Cody Kimmel. As Bill and his family journey west, he sees things from his wildest dreams --and his worst nightmares. “Can I Get There By Candlelight?” – by Jean Slaughter Doty. Gail and her pony, Candlelight, star in a haunting story about a friendship with a girl from another time. “Chase” – by Jessie Haas. After Phin Chase witnesses a murder, a man with a horse that tracks like a bloodhound comes after him as he tries to flee. “Dust Devil” – by Anne Isaacs. In the middle of a whirlwind dust storm, largerthan-life Angel finds a giant horse, tames him and names him, “Dust Devil.” A “tall tale.” “Gib and the Gray Ghost” – by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. Gib has a special ability to communicate with horses, especially the mysterious dapple gray that appears in a snowstorm. “Harriet and the Haunted School” – by Martin Waddell. When Harriet hides a circus horse in a closet at school, its nocturnal wanderings start a rumor that the building is haunted. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” – by Washington Irving. Two picture book adaptations. One is retold and illustrated by Will Moses and the other retold by Robert San Souci and illustrated by Daniel San Souci. “Mystery at the Kentucky Derby” – by Carole Marsh. Mysterious things begin to happen at Churchill Downs just days before the great race, and Christina and Grant must unravel clues. “Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Unicorn Uproar” – by Carolyn Keene. A beautiful white horse, masquerading as a unicorn at a medieval fair, goes missing. MaryAnn McGrath is the Children’s Librarian at the Abington Community Library
100 HIGHLAND AVE. CLARKS SUMMIT
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MY LIBRARY CARD
MY OPINION
Horses and heroes
Mariah Mancuso
BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER AND ALEXANDRA BATSON
BY SANDY LONGO Special to The Abington Journal
“Dracula” by Bram Stoker You’re familiar with the Cullen family, but do you know the vampire written about more than 100 years ago? “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley A classic gothic novel perfect for this time of year! “Still Waters” by Emma Carlson Berne Boy, girl, isolated lake house. A quick read that’s fun, freaky and a bit eerie and creepy! “The Book of Blood and Shadows” by Robin Wasserman A puzzling, murderous night that caused one girl to travel centuries and continents to learn the truth … and save her own life, hopefully. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving You know Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane. Read the novel that inspired Tim Burton’s movie, “Sleepy Hollow.” “The Mortal Instruments Series” by Cassandra Clare Clary Fray is a member of a secret society of demon hunters and a Shadowhunter. Start with “City of Bones,” first in the series, this October. Then follow with “City of Ashes,” “City of Glass,” “City of Fallen Angels,” and “City of Lost Souls” and you’ll be all set for the movie release of “City of Bones” in the summer of 2013! “The Scorpio Races” by Maggie Stiefvater A returning champion and a newcomer to the Scorpio races face their greatest obstacles. Who will survive? “This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein” by Kenneth Oppel A prequel to Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” that follows the dark journey of a boy whose life will change forever.
Sandy Longo is the Abington Community Library Young Adult Librarian. The wroughtiron fence around a cemetery near her home scares the daylights out of her because it reminds her of Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary” she was forced to read for a Gothic Novel class. (She got a ‘C’ in the class.)
MY LOL :-) How do monsters predict the future? By reading their horrorscope. Yoshi Matsui Submitted by Yoshi Matsui, 8, Ransom Township, Clarks Summit To submit a joke: send it along with your name, age, grade, home town, school you attend and preferred T-shirt size to: myedition@theabingtonjournal.com. If your joke is selected and appears on the page in an upcoming MY EDITION, you’ll receive a Swashies Gift Pack and My Edition T-shirt.
Did you know horses can be heroes? A hero is someone who does brave or noble things to help others. A horse can be a hero to a person who is sad, lonely or scared when the animal helps him or her overcome those feelings. Horses can also help people who are sick or in pain to get better through physical therapy. Some farms have horses that are used as therapists, and to some people, those horses are heroes. Oak Leaf Therapeutic Horsemanship Center in Factoryville is one such place. Loretta Dragon, owner, founder and executive director of the farm, said she thinks of her 14 horses as her “partners in helping people who have difficulty, autism, CP (Cerebral Palsy) and strokes.” Marley’s Mission in Lake Ariel (soon to move to Newton Township), is another place where horses are heroes. It is a non-profit organization with the motto “Horses Healing Children.” It gives free equine-based (having to do with horses) therapy to children and families who have experienced trauma (had really bad things happen to them). Both of these places have many heroes besides the horses. These are the people who volunteer their time to help take care of the horses and get involved in the programs there. Read about two of those heroes below.
Damion Piotrowski, 22, is a senior at Keystone College, in La Plume, where his major is in business and minor in sports and recreation. He is in the AmeriCorps Scholar program at the college, and volunteers about once a week at Oak Leaf TherDamion apeutic Horsemanship Center Piotrowski in Factoryville, where he helps out in the stalls and completes other odd jobs that need to be done. He said his favorite part about volunteering at the center is working with the horses. “Being next to them and being with them,” he said, “is soothing, and they’re very nice.” He said his work there also benefits his education, especially from a business perspective, in seeing how a non-profit organization operates. “It’s different than what a normal business can do,” he said. “It’s interesting to see the marketing plans and what the business is doing and the growth and how things develop. That has all really helped in school.” Loretta Dragon, owner, founder and executive director of the farm, said, “I like to bring in volunteers. I like college students to come in and volunteer so they can see how a business runs.”
BY KASEY LYNN Abington Journal Correspondent
Name: Jane Honchell Hometown: Glenburn Job Titles: Associate Professor of Communication Arts and Humanities at Keystone College. She serves as Director of Theatre at Keystone Coolest part of your job: “I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE directing student productions. That’s the most fun part of my job, but I’m also crazy about teaching.” What is one production for which you wish you designed costumes?: “I’ve designed costumes for many of Keystone’s plays and for local community theatre groups, but I think it would be
Bria Smargiassi, 13, is an eighth grade student at North Pocono Middle School. This past summer, she began volunteering at Marley’s Mission, where she does barn chores, helps out with summer camps and events and spends time with the horses. Junior Camp She said her favorite horse is Counselor Bria a tall, dark brown male Smargiassi, right, named Indy. with her friend She said she enjoys conKodee, left, at necting with both the horses Marley’s Mission and the kids there and feels Hands and Hooves it’s a place where she can say Summer Camp. whatever is on her mind without being judged by other people. April Loposky, program director and founder of Marley’s Mission, said Bria does a great job with the horses and is well-liked by the kids. “They (the kids) can look up to her and aspire to be like her,” she said. Bria said she’s thankful for the way everyone at Marley’s Mission accepted her into the family. “I’m so happy they let me into Team Marley’s and I will always be apart of it,” she said.
In costume
thrilling to design costumes from some really epic Broadway production, like an opera, or a ballet like ‘Swan Lake’ or ‘The Nutcracker.’ As far as plays go, I love designer/director Julie Taymor’s work, so I guess I would have liked to have the vision she had when she designed ‘The Lion King.’” When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?: “When I was a kid, I wanted to be A: a cowboy; B: a paleontologist and C: a writer and teacher. ( I guess one out of three’s not bad!” If you could be a kid again and go trick-or-treating this Halloween, what would you dress as?: “Ooohhhh. What would I wear for Halloween? I’d love to go as Queen Elizabeth (the first one, NOT the second.). She had such gorgeous, ornate outfits…almost like costumes, when you think about it!” What is your favorite Halloween candy?:“When I used to go trick- or -treating as a kid, my favorites were 3 Musketeers bars. ABINGTON JOURNAL/ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER
Jane Honchell, Director of Theater at Keystone College wants to dress as Queen Elizabeth for Halloween.
Today, I’m more partial to Milky Ways. What is the best Halloween costume that you have ever seen?: “The best Halloween costume I ever saw was one someone’s mother made when I was in grade school. It was a magnificent Chinese dragon, and three of four kids fit under it. But my favorite Halloween costume was one my mother made for me. I was Little Miss Muffet, and she included a bowl and spoon (for my curds and whey) for me to carry. The best part was that she took the base of an old wheeled toy my little sister had outgrown, and attached a great big spider, which she made by hand. I remember that I won a prize!” Any tips or ‘howtos’ on how to make your own Halloween costume at home?: “Use found objects! Plastic garbage bags, old aluminum pie plates, paper doilies, pasta shapes: they all can be fashioned easily, quickly and inexpensively into really fun costumes. You just need a little glue, some sequins, paint and a lot of imagination. To me, these original costumes are the very best kind, and kids never forget them.”
Halloween is right around the corner. There are decorations everywhere, some are fun and some can be scary. Here are my thoughts on the scare factor of the 10 most popular Halloween decorations. 10. Pumpkins. They don’t really scare me. Come on, they could be a pie. But they are very pretty when lit. 9. Scarecrows. Nice, but not scary. I think it’s awesome that they make witch scarecrows. 8. Witches. I don’t like them, especially their noses. They can be creepy, but not always. I have never seen “The Wizard of Oz,” so don’t take my opinion on witches. 7. Zombies. Zombies are cool, but not really for me. Lots of Halloween costumes for zombies lately and it would be easy to make your own. 6. Ghosts. Just aren’t scary. Sometimes I feel bad for the kids who like ghosts when they go trickor -treating because the costume is boring. 5. Masks. These can be the scariest part of Halloween because you don’t know who is behind them! 4. Moveable/floating decorations. My neighbor had a ghost that would float from the porch to the tree. It didn’t really scare me, but was still pretty cool. 3. Spiderwebs. They are a Halloween tradition and that’s why I like them. Pretty cool, but no doubt a little scary. And don’t get stuck in them. 2. Blowup decorations. Yard decorations are nice, but I don’t think they are necessary. They’re just inflatable things that people call scary. I mean, who is afraid of Snoopy? 1. Skeletons. I absolutely love them. Yes, they are scary. But that is why they are awesome. It’s educational at the same time as creepy. Mariah Mancuso is a third grade student at St. Mary’s of Mount Carmel School in Dunmore. This nine-year-old plans to be a bumblebee for Halloween this year, but she really loved being a baby pumpkin years ago.
MY VOTE Some Halloween treats warm you up, like hot apple cider. Others send a spooky chill down your spine, like candy eyeballs or creepy jack-o-lantern cookies. Which of these trick-or-treat triumphs is your favorite? ❏ Candy Corn ❏ Wax Teeth ❏ Caramel Apples ❏ Cider Doughnuts ❏ Gummy Worms ❏ Popcorn Ball ❏ Peanut Butter Cups ❏ Tootsie Rolls Submit your vote at http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/myedition.html Hey there, I’m Abi, one of The Abington Journal My Edition mascots. You may have met me in last month’s My Edition. Can you guess who I’m dressed as? I hope I get lots of candy when I go trick-ortreating. What’s your favorite kind of Halloween candy? Tell me by voting in the poll, shown above under "MY VOTE."
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“Stop moving around, will you? I’m trying to paint your picture. I’m Jo, by the way, one of the ‘My Edition’ mascots. This month’s ‘My Edition’ inspired me to be an artist, and I’m learning how to paint. See what my friend Abi is up to on Page 7.” Illustrations of Abi and Jo by Mindy Mendicino
MY LIBRARY CARD BY SANDY LONGO Special to The Abington Journal
Hey teens, looking for a good read? Check out these recommendations from Abington Community Library Young Adult Librarian Sandy Longo, “manga reader in training” (she may or may not have had some help from members of the Anime Club, which meets Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. at the library). • “Death Note” 12 -Volume Manga Set, story by Tsugumi Ohba and art by Takeshi Obata Manga enthusiasts call it classic, a masterpiece. It’s well written and thought provoking and features amazing art work and sound themes. Ace student Light Yagami, legendary detective L and Shinigami …you can’t miss with “Death Note.” • “Fruits Basket” 23 -Volume Manga Set, by Natsuki Takaya After an unfortunate event, high school student Tohru Honda moves in with a classmate and his cousins. Classmate Yuki Sohma and his family live with a curse. Tohru is determined to break the curse. The lives of everyone change forever. • “Black Butler” 14 -Volume Manga Set, by Yana Toboso Just outside London and set in the Victorian Era, “Black Butler” follows a demonic butler Sebastian Michaelis bound by a supernatural contract to serve the teen head of a noble family and a toy manufacturer. • “Chibi Vampire” 14 -Volume Manga Set, by Yuna Kagesaki Though the month of October has passed and Halloween is over, the story of an out-of-the -ordinary vampire girl who lives life as an ordinary teenage girl is always in season. Instead of drinking blood she “produces” too much and she must inject it into others. • “Maximum Ride” Manga Series by James Patterson A teen that has wings and can fly … a dream or a nightmare? Sandy Longo is the Abington Community Library Young Adult Librarian.
The Abington Journal♦Clarks Summit, PA
www.theabingtonjournal.com/myedition.html
One of the best things for Betsy Pollits, Paper Magic associate art director, is “seeing her creations come to life on a really big scale.” “…Working for a company, they (projects) have to evolve and conform to meet certain requirements but, it’s really great to see something that you were a huge part of come to life on the store shelves of a national retail chain,” Pollits said. “Also, I get to work with a really great group of talented folks that love making products, have a passion for creating and are just great people.” Pollits has great fun with projects at Paper Magic in Moosic, that we, as consumers, enjoy during celebrations throughout the year – the Christmas cards exchanged, gift tags on presents under the tree, and the Valentines we give our friends. “Our products are there when families are together and times with loved ones are being enjoyed. It is during that time that me-
MY OPINION
ANIMEted about art
Are you a ‘Deviant’?
Anime favorites
ABINGTON JOURNAL/ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER
Some of the members of the Anime Club at the Abington Community Library are, front, from left: Kristina Orr, 14; Anissa Kunchick, 14; Hazel Torres, 16. Center, from left: Mason Spangler, 16; Adrienne Pitchford, 16. Back, from left: Gavin Phillips, 21; Alix Charmaine, 16; Tiffany Davis, 20. BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com
The Anime Club at the Abington Community Library is a group built on diversity, with members who thrive on being different and unique. They explained they are united by their common “nerd interests,” such as anime, manga and BBC television shows “Doctor Who,” “Sherlock” and “Supernatural.” They are quick to defend themselves from stereotypes and misconceptions such as “anime fans are all freaks” and “all manga is inappropriate.” “The Anime Club is unique in their shared interest of anime and manga, which is unique in and of itself,” said Young Adult Librarian Sandy Longo. “They
are some of the most welcoming and non-judgmental to newcomers and they are always willing to introduce and/or share their favorite anime and manga with anyone.” The club meets yearround every Friday at the library from 4 to 6 p.m. and welcomes newcomers. Members estimated a regular meeting attendance of about 10 to 15 people and a Facebook group membership of 32. The atmosphere is laid back and members talk about their interests, play games and sometimes watch videos. The club members are currently planning an “Anime Mini-Convention,” scheduled for Nov, 17 at the library from 6 to 9 p.m. The event, which is organized by Tiffany Davis, 20,
Passionate about creating BY JOAN MEAD-MATSUI Abington Journal Correspondent
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012
mories are being created and our products aid in celebrations throughout the year.” She is responsible for the entire creative process for a given product line. “…We do a line of Valentines every year called studio 2/14. That one is really fun as the team works together to come up with the themes and the artwork gets to have the look and feel that our in-house staff feels is fun… The “Stickerfitti” line is a relatively new product line for Paper Magic. I have had the opportunity to work on that since the beginning and watch it grow and evolve as it gains popularity,” she said. If you think you would like to be an artist/ art director, Pollits’ advice is to “…draw every day and practice…as drawing is one of the best and Artwork designed by Betsy quickest ways Pollits is shown above. to get your ideas across in this line of work.” She has an Associate’s Degree in fine art from Keystone College in La Plume and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Design from Kutztown University. “I’ve always been an artist, I took art classes when other kids were playing sports. I was painting or drawing or making up a new game or drawing my own coloring book, it was always what I did.”
ARTWORK CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Members of the Anime Club at the Abington Community Library shared their favorite anime characters: Kristina Orr- Rika Furude; Anissa Kunchick- Ciel Phantonhiv; Hazel Torres- Hikaru Hitachii; Mason Spangler- Black Gold Saw; Adrienne PitchfordDave Strider; Gavin PhillipsMaka Albarn; Alix CharmaineHomura Akemi; Tiffany DavisRiku from “Blood+”
as a project for college, will include video games, card games, movies, an anime art gallery, Japanese and American snacks, manga and anime library display and more. Definitions: • “Anime” is defined by merriam-webster.com as “a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in actionfilled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes.” The word originates from the term “Japanese animation,” or “animçshiyon.” • “Manga” is a literary cousin to anime, and is defined by merriam-webster.com as “a Japanese comic book or graphic novel.”
MY DREAM JOB Meet Betsy Pollits: Age: 33 Hometown: Carbondale Job Title: Associate Art Director, CSS Industries, Inc. Favorite subject in school: Phonics, probably because it was a workbook, you could draw in it nicely and the cover always had a good design from year to year. Favorite artist or genre of art: African Tribal Art, Renaissance Art, Pop Art, Graffiti Art Favorite Artists of all time: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Keith Haring, Picasso and Warhol Who inspires you in your field? Sam Brown, he is an illustrator and graphic artist who runs a web site called www.explodingdog.com. His drawings are quick commentaries based on topics that followers send in, it always makes my day to see what he is up to next. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I’ve wanted to be an art director since I was about 9. There was an ad in The New York Times Magazine one Sunday for a bathtub convertible Porsche. It was parked in central park, the tag line stated, “An art director’s dream” and once I figured out what an art director did, I was sold. Favorite place: The sculpture garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with a diet coke in a glass bottle. They have to have the soda in the glass bottle, it just makes the visit. What book would you bring if you were stranded on the moon? "What do you do with a Kangaroo?" by Mercer Mayer Coolest part of your job: Seeing the product lines that I work on in store shelves and being enjoyed by the people the products were intended for.
Some of you might have just cocked Paige Eisenlohr your heads to the side like an old- fashioned cartoon when you saw the word “Deviant.” A “Deviant” is a nickname for someone who uses the art website DeviantART.com. This website is used around the world for artists of all ages to get some recognition and feedback on their artwork. The website started August 7, 2000, and since July 2011, has grown to be the 13th largest social networking website with 3.8 million visits a week and more than 140,000 artwork submissions everyday. DeviantART, in its essence, is a website for anyone who loves art to display their artwork for the world to see. Whether you draw, paint, collage, spray paint, paper-mâché or even make clothing out of candy wrappers, you can either scan or take a picture of your work and send it through the World Wide Web. When you create an account (which is free by the way), you can comment on pieces of artwork that you like, add them to a “favorites” folder so that you can find the piece again, keep an online journal and even talk to other DeviantART users in the chat rooms. Even if you don’t want to create an account, you can still browse through the artwork. Although it is a great website, you need to be careful if you are putting your artwork on DeviantART. When submitting artwork, there are little option buttons that you can mark to add a watermark to your artwork when previewed so people cannot claim your artwork as their own, and you can also limit your artwork’s audience to DeviantART users, but only if you check the boxes. If you don’t check these boxes, there will be a download button next to your artwork and it will make it easy for other users to save your artwork to their computer without credit. This would allow other users to use your artwork on anything they’d like without giving proper credit, inTo read another cluding school teen-submitted projects and other column visit presentations. www.theabington But besides bejournal.com/ ing careful with the myedition.html where Ellie fine print, DevianSullum, shown tART is a great above, will share website for artists her opinion to gather together, about two share ideas and modern -day photographers. bounce ideas off one another. It’s also great for discovering new artists and kinds of art you might not have known were out there. If you are looking for some constructive criticism, DeviantART is the place for you. To make an account is free, and you do not have to post any artwork unless you want to. Paige Eisenlohr, 17, of Clarks Summit, is a senior at Abington Heights High School.
’The Dragon and The Mouse’ by Paige Eisenlohr
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012
THE ABINGTON JOURNAL♦CLARKS SUMMIT, PA
WWW.THEABINGTONJOURNAL.COM
Happy Faces everywhere! BY KASEY LYNN Abington Journal Correspondent
H
appy Faces Face Painting and Party Services has been creating exactly what its name describes for more than 20 years. Owners Danielle and Colin Joyce tackle face painting, balloon animals, spin art, glitter tattoos and princess parties. Head artist Danielle Joyce Danielle Joyce trains all the other face painters in their crew. Some past and present clients of Happy Faces are Scranton /Wilkes-Barre Yankees, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pioneers, Viewmont Mall, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Nickelodeon, Wet N’ Wild Water Park, Westgate Vacation Resorts and many others. Danielle Joyce shared her thoughts with The Abington Journal: AJ: What was the best place/ company where you have worked and why? Danielle: The Viewmont Mall because of all their holiday events. Also, the Scranton /Wilkes-Barre Yankees and Pocono Raceway, we’ve had a lot of wonderful experiences with them. AJ: What is the most fun party theme you have created or attended? Danielle: Recently, I worked a party that was CandyLand themed. There were cookies as cupcakes, a huge CandyLand display, and the kids wanted candies painted on their faces. It was very unique and colorful.
AJ: What are your favorite balloon animals and face paintings? Danielle: I love a half-dragon mask; it takes two minutes and looks amazing. Anything fast and awesome is always a favorite. For balloon animals, it would be flowers for girls and parrots for boys. They love having the parrots on their shoulders. AJ:What is the silliest face painting you’ve created? Danielle: Well, a very unique one I just did was actually on a little girl’s hand. She wanted a turkey. We came up with her spreading her fingers out and painting the back of her hand, so her whole hand was a turkey. A silly one? I had a boy ask for half his face to be a monster and the other half to be Hello, Kitty. Kids are so unique and creative, it’s great. AJ: What are your tips for planning a dream birthday party? Danielle: Plan in advance. Decided on your entertainment first be-
cause things always book up quickly. Also, know your details, be organized. And have more than one activity for kids; enough entertainment is always important. AJ: What was your inspiration to start your company? Danielle: I’ve been face painting since I was 15, I always did it for extra money and I did it through college as well. Then I moved here and was about to have a child and I needed something that would be flexible and bring in some money. It’s great because I don’t have regimented hours, parties are small amounts of time and I am able to still be around for my kids. This business has been so much more suc-
cessful than I ever anticipated. AJ: What is the coolest part of your job? Danielle: It’s great getting to be a part of people’s special events. I love being with kids and helping families make something special. And at parties or events everyone is always in a good mood, so it’s a fun time. I just love doing it! For more information on Happy Faces Face Painting and Party Services, located at 736 North Bromley Avenue, Scranton, call 570.344.5833 or visit www.happyfaces.com/
MY LOL
What do you call a fat jack-o-lantern? A plumpkin
Submitted by Dylan Moran and Matt Franchetti, students at Abington Heights Middle School To submit a JOKE for future editions, send your joke, your name, age, grade, hometown, school you attend and preferred T-shirt size to: myedition@theabingtonjournal.com. If your joke is selected and appears on the page in an upcoming My Edition, you’ll receive a Swashies gift pack and My Edition T-shirt.
ABINGTON JOURNAL/ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER
Matt Franchetti, left, and Dylan Moran.
BOOKMARK
ABOVE AND AT LEFT: Children modeling Happy Faces artwork.
And the winners are…
Owl mask created by Antonia Milas, 7th grade student at Our Lady of Peace School, Clarks Green.
Get creative!
Carlee MacPherson, 11, a student at Abington Heights Middle School
Ava Presley, 8, a student at South Abington Elementary School
The Abington Journal My Edition hosted a Halloween- themed contest in October in which you were invited to share a vision of your worst nightmare. Shown above are the winners of one $25 gift card each to Rosario’s Pizzeria and Ristorante in Clarks Summit. To see more creative and original artwork by local students, visit theabingtonjournal.com/ myedition.html
CROSSWORD CRAFT Modern art emphasizes shapes, colors and patterns. Create your own work of art using a crossword puzzle grid. Instructions: Turn to the crossword puzzle page of The Abington Journal, Page 5, (check with your family first—someone else might want to complete the puzzle), get out your crayons or markers and create a unique design by coloring in the squares. The sample pattern, shown, is based on the colors opposite each other on the color wheel. The squares were colored red, green, red, green and so on for one row; then yellow, violet, yellow violet and so on for the next row and finally, blue, orange, blue, orange and so on for the
Want to work on some in-your-face art? Make a mask using craft materials Antonia Milas of your choice for a chance to win a prize. How to enter: Send us a photo of you with your mask as an e-mail attachment to myedition@theabingtonjournal.com or drop it off or mail it to The Abington Journal My Edition, 211 South State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 by Nov. 21, 2012. With your entry, please include your name, age, grade, school and the best way to contact you in case you win. A winning entry will be printed in the next My Edition section of The Abington Journal and the winner will receive a $10 gift card courtesy of Pizza Hut, Clarks Summit.
BY MARY ANN MCGRATH Special to The Abington Journal
Two authors who have each added a “twist” to familiarize children with famous paintings and other works of art and their creators are Lucy Micklethwait and Bob Raczka. Recommended books: “I Spy an Alphabet in Art” by Lucy Micklethwait “I Spy Shapes in Art” by Lucy Micklethwait “Art Is. . .” by Bob Raczka “The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America” by Bob Raczka “Before They Were Famous: How Seven Artists Got Their Start” by Bob Raczka “Name That Style: All About Isms In Art” by Bob Raczka “Speaking Of Art: Colorful Quotes by Famous Painters” by Bob Raczka “Unlikely Pairs: Fun With Famous Works Of Art” by Bob Raczka “Where in The World: Around the Globe in 13 Works of Art” by Bob Raczka
When your child gets their driver’s license you can’t be with them 24/7... Or can you?
BY MARY ANN MCGRATH, Abington Community Library children’s librarian
Florey Insurance Agency, Inc. can show you how to monitor your children’s driving habits without being in the car. Call Florey Insurance Agency, Inc. to find out more about the Save the Young Adults Program. next row, repeating the pattern until the grid was filled in. Be creative—think up your own pattern. When
you’re finished, cut out your finished work of art and glue it to a piece of black construction paper for a frame.
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"Hi, I’m Abi, one of "The Abington Journal My Edition" mascots. Like the mask I made? My friend Jo, who you may have seen on Page 6A, helped me paint it."
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