News Beat Baumeister 12

CMYK

THE ABINGTON

JOURNAL

The Official Program Guide for the Clarks Summit Festival of Ice is in this week’s issue of The Abington Journal.

An edition of The Times Leader

Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.

www.theabingtonjournal.com

FEBRUARY 15 TO FEBRUARY 21, 2012

50¢

Ransom residents argue rights

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

At the Ransom Township Board of Supervisors meeting, on , February 6, Eric Moeller, of Ransom Township, made a complaint to the supervisors regarding propane cannons used during the summer to scare birds away from a neighboring farm owned by Keith Eckel.

Moeller told the supervisors the cannons fire every 15 to 20 seconds from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., starting mid-June and continuing until around Labor Day. He said his family hears over 2,100 blasts a day during that time period.

Moeller contacted Eckel about the issue in the summer 2007 and followed up with a letter in February 2008. For the next three summers, he heard no cannons. He said he researched alternatives to the cannons and concluded that their use is unnecessary.

“But, June 2011 brought a return of the cannons,” he said. “We spent the next 12 weeks in constant contact with Mr. Eckel, pleading for some relief from the daily assault on our ears. He finally stopped accepting our calls.”

Moeller said he’s also been in contact with Supervisor Dennis Macheska in the past regarding the issue, but without results.

“Every municipality in this country recognizes that every individual has the right to quiet enjoyment of his property,” he said. “The constant noise which I believe rises to the level of public nuisance has become impossible to ignore. Mr. Macheska has informed me that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture permits the use of these cannons, but that does not mean that my elected town supervisors can or should

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTO/ALEX SEELEY

A crowd gathers as Mark Crouthamel, right, of Sculpted Ice Works, begins carving a sculpture at the 2011 Clarks Summit Festival of Ice.

Festival continues to grow

BY DON MCGLYNN dmcglynn@theabingtonjournal.com

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/ALEX SEELEY

Aaron Holzman, left, takes measurements as Christopher Roselle of Abington Heights High School pours sand to test the strength of his bridge at the NEPA Regional Bridge Building Competition.

A bridge to success

BY ALEX SEELEY Abington Journal Correspondent

Area students’ passion for engineering was abundantly apparent last weekend at the Viewmont Mall. School districts from across the area met Saturday morning for The Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Bridge Building Competition.

The competition invited area students to build a model bridge and their basswood structures were tested by a group of professional engineers.

“I think I did pretty well,” said Branden Connoly of Abington Heights High School. “I distributed the weight over an ark. I used a program called AutoCAD to create an ellipse. I made

outside corners tangent to the ellipse to distribute the weight along the outside.”

This year, the 24th annual competition featured 35 students competing for recognition of their engineering skills.

The winners are eligible for scholarships from Penn State WorthingtonScranton and Johnson College.

“It took me about a week to build,” Abington Heights High School student Gianna Baldoni said of her entry in the competition. “It was difficult but fun.”

This seemed to be a common sentiment among students who put in hours of tedious work to achieve the highest-

Abington Heights High School students who recently participate din the NEPA REgional Bridge Building Competition at the viewmont Mall are, from left, Branden Connely, Christopher Roselle and Gianna Baldoni.

quality product.

During the competition, each student waited their turn wherein they loaded their bridge with weight until the bridge failed.

The students with the

bridges that resisted the most weight were presented with a trophy and a plaque.

The efficiency of the See Bridge, Page 9

See Ransom, Page 9

See Festival, Page 9

INSIDE ArtsEtc...............................10 Calendar.............................2 Classified ...........................17 Crosswords ........................14 Obituaries ..........................16 School................................4 Sports................................12

The Abington Journal

Please enclose this label with any address changes, and mail to The Abington Journal, 211 S. State St,, Clarks Summit, PA, 18411

AN EDITION OF THE TIMES LEADER

Over the past eight years, The Clarks Summit Festival of Ice, organized by the Abington Business and Professional Association and scheduled for February 1620, has become a muchanticipated event.

Those involved with organizing the event say they try to offer something new each year, and even they’re amazed with the way the event has grown.

“We keep on growing, there’s more of everything going on (this year). There’s more of everything than ever before; it’s going to be a fun festival. We’re definitely excited,” said Clarks Summit Festival of Ice cochair Barry Kaplan.

The event, which will run Thursday through Monday, will feature 56 ice sculptures relating to the theme “The Frozen Games 2012” as well as different events throughout downtown Clarks Summit.

The festivities will kick off with a Family Fun Faire sponsored by State Representative Sid Michaels Kavulich on the second floor of the Clarks Summit Borough Building at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16.

MEET THE PRESIDENT

He desires to serve God with humility vision and passion to provide excellence in biblical higher education for effectiveness in This article is one in a series global Christian leadership that profiling the presidents of clubs much has been accomplished,” and organizations in the Abing- said Jeffrey. “I celebrate our ton area. alumni that are making a difference for Christ in 47 nations and all across the country in

BY KELLY MCDONOUGH numerous leadership roles also Abington Journal Correspondent serving the needs of people.”

Jeffery is grateful for the Baptist Bible College & improvements to the campus, Seminary (BBC&S) President the new Kempton Athletic Jim Jeffery is Center, classroom technology proud to live and the new campus entranceby the school’s way. mission stateDuring his time as president, ment: “We are he has seen nine new churches focused on planted in Pennsylvania and excellence in New York City. There has also biblical higher been a growth in online educaJim Jeffery education to tion, which expands the infludevelop effec- ence of BBC & S in undergradtive global Christian leaders.” uate, graduate and seminary Jeffery feels his biggest suc- education. cess as president is not taking What Jeffery foresees for credit for what God has done BBC & S is the school continthrough his “outstanding” team uing to expand its academic of faculty, staff, administrators programs in keeping with the and trustees. mission.

“It is because of their shared He believes in growing the

EDITOR’S NOTE

number of both campus and online students and also feels that partnering with local churches to help embrace and expand its ministry is a plus.

“We’d like to be a center for biblical higher education through faculty scholarship and mentoring,” he said. “Providing for our students through increased scholarships and greater value in their education is key.”

As president of BBC & S, Jeffery is responsible for providing leadership for the administration in furthering the mission of BBC&S. He believes it is the administration’s duty to represent BBC&S to stakeholders.

Some of this takes place by raising funds for student scholarships and campus projects and by speaking and teaching not only at BBC&S, but in churches, conferences and seminars.

Giving back to the community is important to Jeffery.

“By serving our community in churches, helping other non-

Getting to know the president Interests and hobbies: Reading, motorcycling, golfing, skiing, hiking, landscape I’m inspired by: People whose faith is focused on Jesus Christ and rooted in the Bible who have made a difference in the lives of others.

Favorite place in the world: West Michigan because of raising our family in Grand Rapids, our children and grandchildren who live there along with many friends.

Favorite book: The Bible because it is the revelation of God to us. My second favorite is “Pilgrim’s “rogress” by John Bunyan because of what it has taught me about life.

My idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon: Riding on my Harley with my wife "Bert" (who also has a Harley) One item I can’t leave home without: My IPad profits and through community service days, we help maintain our position in the community,” he said.

BBC&S is involved in local service clubs, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, volunteer fire and EMS companies and more.

The school provides summer camps for children, teens, men

and women and offers sporting events, drama and music concerts that are open to the public.

The Love-Life Marriage and Family Center on campus meets the needs of individuals and families. Students also serve as employees in local businesses.

Ordained in to the Baptist See President , Page 9

CMYK WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2012

THE ABINGTON JOURNAL♦CLARKS SUMMIT, PA

BRIDGE

bridge was determined by dividing the load supported by the bridge mass.

Zachary McNulty of Pocono Mountain West finished in first place.

“I wanted to go light,” McNulty said, firmly grasping his trophy. “I tried to build a small and simple bridge. That was a doubleedge sword because I needed to cut out some things and make it higher to meet requirements.”

Luckily for McNulty, the sacrifice proved to be a wise one. The student said that the victory was a big surprise to him, being that he is a firstABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/ALEX SEELEY year participant in the compe- Gianna Baldoni of Abington Heights High School pours sand into a bucket as Aaron Holzman determines the bridge’s efficiency. tition.

He plans to keep up his hard work as he hopes to be a civil engineer one day.

High school juniors have the benefit of learning from their bridge’s shortcomings in order to come back stronger for next year’s competition.

Moreover, this year’s winners will be eligible to rebuild their bridges for an international competition in Philadelphia set to be held on May 1.

Although he might apply a Measurements are taken to calculate each bridge’s resistance to few changes, McNulty says Aaron Holzman calculates the strength and efficiency of a bridge. weight. he won’t “mess” too much with the design. .

Continued from Page 1

Kavulich started discussing sponsorship opportunities for the festival with Kaplan and, when he heard the Family Fun Faire was still available, he jumped at the chance to be the event’s sponsor.

“I thought it was the perfect thing,” said Kavulich.

“It’s a great family event, great fun. (The Clarks Summit Festival of Ice) is a great event, a lot of people come out to it. We’ve been here in the past. It’s phenomenal what these ice sculptures do, and all in all, it’s…just another one of the great events that go on up here in Clarks Summit and the Abingtons. I’m looking forward to it.”

The Family Fun Faire will feature face painting, storytelling with Chris Archangelo, children’s crafts and more.

Kavulich will be on hand at the faire and will also participate as a torchbearer in the Clarks Summit Festival of Ice Parade.

Torchbearers will run down South State Street during the parade and at the end will light an Olympic Ice Cauldron located by the clocktower. In addition to Kavulich, other runners will include Lloyd Lamm, Lisa Akulonis, Kaplan and more.

The parade will depart from the Clarks Summit Elementary School at 7 p.m., proceed down West Grove Street, make a left onto South State Street, continue through town and disperse at the Highland Avenue and Winola Road intersection.

The night will close with the Post Parade Performance on the first floor of the Clarks Summit Borough Building.

The performance will feature emcee and DJ Jack Martin, the coronation of Festival of Ice Olympians, juggling performance by Rob Smith and All About Theatre Performing Arts School’s presentation of the interactive “Olympic Story.”

The Clarks Summit Borough Building will offer events throughout the festival.

For a full listing of all festival events, visit http:// www.theabingtons.org/ CSFestivalOfIce/

PAGE 9A

RANSOM

Continued from Page 1

FESTIVAL

WWW.THEABINGTONJOURNAL.COM

PRESIDENT

for Christ.

He describes the atmosphere in which he works as a comContinued from Page 1 ministry in October 1978 by munity of students and staff Grace Baptist Church in Bing- who love Christ and desire to hamton, New York, Jeffery serve Him. served as a Baptist pastor for Jeffery became the president 26 years, including ministries of BBC&S on August 1, 2001. at Grace Baptist Church, Bing- He served as a member of the hamton, New York; Calvary board of trustees for 11 years Baptist Church, Sandusky, prior to his appointment and as Ohio; Lakewood Park Baptist chairman for three years.

Church, Auburn, Indiana; and He is an alumnus of BBC, Calvary Baptist Church, Grand earning his Bachelor of ReliRapids, Michigan. gious Education degree in He came to BBC&S to help 1979. He is also a graduate of Practical Bible College (now in the preparation of the next Davis College), earning a Masgeneration of servant leaders

ter of Religious Education in Pastoral Ministry degree at Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary and has done doctoral studies at Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary and Grace Seminary.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree

by Shepherds Seminary in Cary, North Carolina, in 2005.

Married to his high school sweetheart, Alberta “Bert” Dart, since 1973, he has three children, Daniel, Amy and Rachel, three children-in-law and 11 grandchildren.

months ago after a car crash at that location in may took the life of 22-month old Cole T. Continued from Page 1 Hazelton. throw their hands in the air Bud Stann, of Dark Region and tell me ‘too bad.’”

Road, inquired as to whether Macheska told Moeller, anything had been done to “Thank you, but I believe move forward with that prothere is nothing we can do posal.

The supervisors assured about that,” to which Moeller him the issue is still being replied, “I’m sorry, but that’s investigated. not a good enough answer.”

Stann doesn’t believe any of Solicitor Edmund J. Scacthe residents of the road opchitti, Esq. told Moeller the pose the idea of closing it off first thing to do would be to and having a key or swipe examine zoning ordinances card for them to get in. and promised to research the “As far as I can see,” he topic for the next meeting. said, “the liability to the townEckel, who was not present ship would be so much diminat the meeting, said in a teleished by closing that road phone interview that his famoff…and it would be very ily has farmed the land on reasonable to have gates there which the cannons are used with keys for emergencies.” since 1981. He pointed out it is Supervisor William Brown located in an Agricultural suggested it may be helpful to Security Area, meaning that have a petition signed by the normal agricultural practices residents of the road, stating on that land are protected by they are in favor of the plan. the Department of AgriculThe supervisors noted the ture. township received correspond“This is nothing new,” he ence from the Lackawanna said. “When sweet corn is County Highway Safety Promaturing, it is very attractive gram regarding an open forum to birds.” And by law, farmers on drugs and alcohol for parcannot sell any corn that has ents and teens, and that inbeen contaminated by birds. formation will be posted on He explained the cannons the front door of the township are a humane way of keeping building. birds away, and they’re used Under administrative acfrom the beginning of July tions, was the appointment of until just after Labor Day, Zoning Officer Robert Lufiring from about 7 a.m. to 7 kiewicz, who will now handle p.m. zoning permits at the fee of He said the cannons are $35 a visit plus mileage. only used for protecting sweet Macheska noted that two corn, and the reason they wemen had been seen around ren’t used from 2008 through town selling meat and fish out 2010 was that the farm rotates of the back of a Toyota with its crops, also planting tomaN.Y. tags.

“Please don’t buy toes and pumpkins. anything from them,” he said.

“There’s no solution unless In the road report, Superwe were to stop growing sweet corn,” he said, adding that the visor David Bird said the bidding for roads to be worked on cannons do their job.

“I will defend my right and this year is in progress. He also said the road crew will other farmers’ rights to normal agricultural practices,” he work on trimming trees alongside the roads to give them said. more sunlight so they will dry Another topic of discussion out faster, leaving less ice. at the meeting was the possiThe next regular meeting is bility of closing off a narrow to be held at 7 p.m. on Mondirt section of Dark Region day, March 5 at the Township Road, a proposal that was first Building on Hickory Lane. made at a meeting eight Wyoming County Cultural Center at the

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CMYK JOYOUS Event Members of the Jewish faith celebrated Purim at a March 8 event in Clarks Summit. Page 3.

THE ABINGTON

In STEP for March 17

JOURNAL An edition of The Times Leader

Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.

www.theabingtonjournal.com

Ransom addresses gas well request RANSOM TWP – More than 40 Ransom Township residents packed the Board of Supervisors meeting March 5.

Supervisor Dennis Macheska read aloud a notice stating that Falling Springs Water Works, Inc. filed an application for approval with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission for surface water withdrawal of up to 800,000 gallons of water per day from the Falling Springs Reservoir for use in the development of natural gas wells in the Marcellus Shale Region. Pa. State Police Motor Carrier Enforcement Supervisor Rion Stann was in attendance at the request of the supervisors to explain the current rules in existence for heavy trucks traveling local roads.

He talked about weight limits on local roads and local traffic exemptions. He covered the benefits of the Township conducting engineering and traffic studies to watch for excessive damage done to its roads.He said once a company’s trucks are determined to be causing excessive damage, the township can then require them to enter into an excessive maintenance agreement.

“That means,” Stann said, “Ransom Township will still take care of all the regular maintenance on those roads…But any excessive damage

BY SUE REBENSKY Abington Journal Correspondent

ABINGTON JOURNAL/ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER

Monika Wojtynski, 23, of Clarks Summit, said she thinks the new Anti-Texting Law will make the roads much safer, and texting while driving is ’incredibly unsafe’.

AIMEE DILGER/THE TIMES LEADER

As of 12:01 a.m. March 8, text messaging while driving is a primary offense according to state law, carrying a $50 fine.

Text law sends ‘serious’ message

Blake Spanel, 23, of Clarks Summit, said he thinks texting while driving should never be an option, as it takes the driver’s hands off the wheel and focus off the road. He said it’s just as easy, but much safer, to make a phone call.

INSIDE Kelly McAndrew, 19, of Factoryville, doesn’t drive, but said riding in a car while the driver is texting makes her nervous.

According to the release, in 2010 distracted driving played a role in almost 14,000 crashes in PennsylvaBY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER nia, with 68 people dying in lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com those crashes.

State Police Commissioner As of 12:01 a.m. March 8, text messaging while driving Frank Noonan said in the is a primary offense accord- release, “This is a serious problem and we are hoping ing to state law, carrying a that we can educate citizens $50 fine. on the dangers of texting A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation press while driving and prevent future accidents.” release stated that the new As a father, Brandon Reed, law prohibits the use of an 24, of Scranton, said he is in “Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) favor of the new law. “Anything that can keep people to send, read or write a textfrom texting while they drive based message.” and crashing into my daughIt defines an IWCD as “a ter because they want to send wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smartphone, an ‘LOL’ to their friend,” he portable or mobile computer said, “is a great idea.” He said or similar devices that can be he thinks talking on the phone may be a little safer, used for texting, instant but it’s still a distraction, and messaging, emailing or browsing the internet,” and a he wouldn’t recommend it.

Monika Wojtynski, 23, of text-based message as “a text Clarks Summit, said she feels message, instant message, the law will make the roads email or other written comsafer. She said she’s ridden in munication composed or vehicles before with the received on an IWCD.”

Local opinion on new anti-texting law varies

drivers steering with their knees while texting with both hands, and it made her feel very unsafe.

“I definitely think it affects the ability of people…how they drive and their awareness while they drive,” she said.

Debbie Damico, 53, of South Abington, said she is completely against texting while driving, as it affects the quality of a person’s driving.

She said she sees it happening all the time, especially with young people.

“They’re young,” she said.

“They think they are above the law.”

Damico said she thinks talking on the phone while driving, however, isn’t as dangerous, especially with the use of a wireless ear piece.

Elizabeth Marturano, 44, of South Abington, said she thinks texting and talking on the phone while driving are

Spelling champ shares advice Please enclose this label with any address changes, and mail to The Abington Journal, 211 S. State St,, Clarks Summit, PA, 18411

50¢

Commission approves Conditional Use permit; Neighbors attend public meeting to voice concerns.

See Ransom, Page 4

ArtsEtc.................................10 Calendar ...............................2 Classified .............................14 Crosswords ...........................9 Obituaries ............................12 School..................................13 Sports ..................................5

MARCH 14 TO MARCH 20, 2011

Pair plan kennel in Scott Twp.

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

The Abington Journal

One area organization found the pot of gold at the end of the parade rainbow.

Find out who on Page 7.

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

Dictionary.

D-I-C-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y. Dictionary.

Noun. A book containing a selection of the words of a language and their proper spellings, pronunciations and meanings.

Example: Sukanya Roy read through the entire dictionary during summer break in preparation for the spelling bee.

Roy, 14, of South Abington Township, said it took her a few months to finish reading the dictionary, but even then her task was not complete. As she moved through the eighth grade at Abington Heights Middle School, Roy said when she came home each day she would complete her homework and then study portions of the dictionary with which she was not yet familiar. She also spent a lot of time studying word origins and

patterns in languages.

Her hard work paid off, and not only is she the 2009, 2010 and 2011 winner of The Times Leader/Scripps NEPA Regional Spelling Bee, but she also won the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2011.

According to its website, the National Spelling Bee was started in 1925 as a collaboration of nine different newspapers, and its sponsorship was acquired in 1941 by Scripps, a diverse media company.

Its purpose, according to the website, “is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives.”

Roy said participating in the bee helped her to grow in many different areas, such as avoiding procrastination. “As far as studying goes,” she said, “it takes

See Texting, Page 12

SCOTT TWP. - Canio and Susan Padula aim to purchase a piece of property in Scott Township, at 345 Stone School Road, to fulfill a dream of breeding English Setters, to continue the blood line. The Padulas can purchase the property and install a kennel without advising the township board of supervisors because the proposal falls under the current township guidelines.

However, they approached the board, which prompted neighbors to attend a planning commission meeting March 6 to voice concerns over the proposed kennel.

The Padulas are requesting a Conditional Use Permit to establish a dog breeding facility “Bayview Setters” to be contained in a barn on the property they want to purchase. They said the kennel would not exceed 25 dogs, all dogs would be housed in kennels inside the barn, and selected dogs would be allowed out at given times rather than the kennel population. The area would be fenced. They want to breed and sell dogs on an intermittent basis. The current town regulations allow for a kennel to be built in the zoned area as long as it does not exceed 25 dogs and has proper noise barriers.

Bob Sakosky, Chairman of the Planning Board said, “We have reviewed the ordinance and the ordinance stated that a kennel can be built as long as it is beyond 200 feet of an existing building. We have the regulations in place to protect both the property owner and the neighbors, and there are some things we can enforce and some things we can not. Tonight is simply a hearing to review what is presented to us, we then apSee Kennel, Page 8

Newton egg hunt in limbo

Sukanya Roy, 14, of South Abington Township is the 2009, 2010 and 2011 winner of The Times Leader/ Scripps NEPA Regional Spelling Bee and 2011 National Bee.

dedication and hard work,” two attributes that go along with doing well in any subject.

She’s found the things she learned from the spelling bee have also come in useful to her as a freshman at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston. She feels better prepared for her French class because of her language studies in preparation for the bee, and frequently recognizes difficult words in other classes, such as history and biology, that she wouldn’t have known the meanings of, were it not for the bee.

Roy said her favorite thing about participating in the bee See Advice, Page 7

that the event is a large undertaking, requiring a great deal of funds and volunteers. AcA staple, seasonal event may not occur this year in the cording to the Vargos, the Abingtons. The annual Easter party costs approximately Party, sponsored by Girl Scout $900 to host each year. Normally, $200 would be donated Troop 260 in Newton Ransom, slated for March 31 at the , while the troop would come up with the rest on its own.

Newton Recreational Center This year, there is a lack of will likely not be held this funding.Another problem year, according to event cooccurred when sales from Girl chair Vickie Vargo.

“It comes down to ambition, Scout cookies hit an all-time time and money,” said Vargo, See Egg, Page 4 who has been involved with the local Girl Joey Pivirotto, 1, of Scouts for more South Abington Townthan a decade. ship gingerly places Vickie and an egg into his Easter basket at the 2010 her husEgg Hunt in Newton. band, Al, have FILE PHOTO/ chaired DANIELLE the event SMOLLEY for the past three years.

They explained

BY JOSEPH CROFT Abington Journal Correspondent

CMYK PAGE 4A

www.theabingtonjournal.com

The Abington Journal♌Clarks Summit, PA

Sisters launch hot sauce inspired by South Side eatery

EGG

Continued from Page 1

low for the troop. The Vargos pointed out that guidelines within Girl Scouts prohibit troops from fundraising outside of the annual cookie sale.

Along with financial woes, the Vargos cited lack of volunteers as another factor in canceling the event. “People don’t realize the physical help that is needed,� said their daughter, Kehleyr. “Our troop only has five members, which is the minimum for a troop. Five people can’t run it (the event) alone.�

The Vargos said that the event usually draws 100 attendees, which include children under ten and their families. Supervision is need for a game room in the gym and the various sectioned off areas for the egg hunt. Help is also needed for counting and distributing eggs, which, according to the Vargos, requires at least four people. After advertising for volunteers, the Vargos said they did not receive any response.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012

en, or grilled shrimp.

Additional recipes and an online order form are available at www.peggyswingsauce.com, where Cosgrove said orders from as close as Archbald and as far as California and Florida have been placed.

BY CHRISTOPHER J. HUGHES chughes@golackawanna.com

ABINGTON JOURNAL/JOE CROFT

Vickie Vargo, right, and her husband, Al, left, have chaired the annual Easter Party, sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 260 in Newton Ransom for the past three years. Their daughter Kehleyr, center, is part of the five-member troop. “People don’t realize the physical help that is needed,� said Kehleyr. “Our troop only has five members, which is the minimum for a troop. Five people can’t run it (the event) alone.�

“I’m truly heartbroken,� said Vickie. “I understand that the community and especially the children are missing out, and I’m very sorry for that. We just can’t do it without the help.�

The Vargos said that they had received lots of positive feedback since taking over the event. Community members seemed especially pleased that this was an event made espe-

cially for younger children who would often “get trampled� at other, larger egg hunts. Money raised from this year’s cookie sales will be kept within the troop, with hopes of being able to host the Easter party next year.

Those wishing to volunteer with Troop 260 are asked to call the Newton Recreational Center at 570.586.7808.

informed the supervisors of a high pressure gas main which crosses his property and goes Continued from Page 1 under the creek which runs along the road. He said a 20to that roadway caused by to-25-foot-long section of that those trucks—that company main is exposed about three will have to pay for..� feet above the water.

He answered several ques“I had the gas people here tions from residents regarding several times,� he said, “and the possible implications of they weren’t concerned about the Falling Springs request, it. And the one comment the should it gain approval. one inspector made was, ‘If it Solicitor Edmund J. Scacchitti, Esq. reminded residents blows, it’s only going to go several times during the meet- 150 feet in the air.’ Well, my neighbor’s front door is 150 ing that there is not much to go on at this time and nothing feet off the creek.�

Stann said the problem is is happening yet. “What I increased by a number of tree don’t want to do is create a hysteria in the township about stumps and other debris in the creek that could float away what’s going to go on up and get caught in the pipeline. there,� he said.

He said it keeps getting worse Also at the meeting, Bud Stann, of Dark Region Road, and he doesn’t know where to

take it from here.

Macheska told Stann, “What we’ll do is write a letter to UGI officially from the township and see what that does‌if that doesn’t do anything then maybe we can try another avenue.â€?

Also mentioned was a letter received from the Clarks Summit Borough regarding the possibility of forming a local police force.

Another letter was read aloud by Supervisor David Bird from the Abington Council Of Governments thanking Macheska for his services representing Ransom Township for eight years. The next Supervisors meeting will be held April 2 at the Township Building, 2435 Hickory Lane Clarks Summit at 7 p.m.

RANSOM

SCRANTON - As part-owners of Kelly’s Pub and Eatery in South Scranton for the last 22 years, Peggy Cosgrove and Kathleen Cosgrove Fritch have seen their share of hot wings.

In a new business venture separate from Kelly’s, the sisters have branched out and created a hot wing sauce inspired by the restaurant that’s ready to use out of the bottle. “We told the bottler that we wanted the flavor of finished wing sauce,� said Fritch, 42, of Waverly. “When you go to the grocery store, you’re stuck with Frank’s Red Hot and you have to figure out how to make it.�

Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot sauce, Peggy’s Wing Sauce takes the guesswork out of creating a spicy supper or weekend treat with a kick.

The first bottles were finished Feb. 20 and delivered to all nine locations of Gerrity’s Supermarkets on Feb. 24. The 7,200 bottles that retail for $4.98 each were filled in Pennsylvania and made using only products grown in the state, Cosgrove, 41, of Scranton’s Green Ridge section, and Fritch said.

A Philadelphia-area food consultant helped guide the sisters through the process, and a launch event organized by John Mackey, Cosgrove’s neighbor, was held March 2 at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton.

GO LACKAWANNA/JASON RIEDMILLER

Community support Cosgrove said she’s drawn some additional inspiration for the hot sauce from students in her family and consumer science classes at Scranton High “Since July, we’ve been eating School. “They’ve taught me how to everything with wing sauce on cook,� she said. “I have a very it,� Fritch said with a laugh. diverse classroom, and they’ve “We’ve been cooking stromboli exposed me to all of their hot and shrimp and scallops and pot sauces and ethnic foods from all stickers. We’ve been trying it on over the world.� every recipe we could think of.�

She said students are exited And even some you might not for “Miss Coz� to enter a new think of. realm, and it’s already a hit with Cosgrove raved about deviled many of them. eggs with an extra bite, turkey “The other day, they were burgers and chicken meatballs, literally taking chips and pourand – believe it or not – a Hot ing it on and eating them,� CosMess martini made with a little grove said. bit of her sauce.

Colleagues in the district have Taste was important, Fritch also congratulated her on the said, and she and Cosgrove new product after spotting Cosmade sure each tier of the hot grove’s face on billboards sauce had the right amount of throughout the region. flavor with the appropriate level of heat. “The mild sauce doesn’t have Perseverance pays Bottling a homemade recipe a lot of heat, but it has that buffor sale to the public isn’t a new falo flavor. I’ve found that when idea.

So many people talk about you go out and have it at a resputting their own sauces, soups, taurant, it’s all buttery,� Fritch and dips on supermarket said. shelves, but few reach this stage.

The pair also made sure the The difference, Cosgrove said, bottles were unique. While each is the perseverance she and label features a reproduction of Fritch shared throughout the Greater Scranton Chamber of Not just for wings process.

Commerce President Austin “We took this on all on our While the new hot sauce Burke’s painting of the Electric own,�

Cosgrove said. “It wasn’t mentions wings directly in the City sign as a means to also product’s name, the sisters said promote Scranton, the different easy. It’s a risk, but we’re willing they hope consumers will be flavors carry Cosgrove’s recipes to take it and we’re excited about it.� adventurous with their appetites. for hot wing dip, grilled chickSisters Kathleen Cosgrove Fritch, left, and Peggy Cosgrove have developed Peggy’s Wing Sauce, which is currently available at all Gerrity’s Supermarkets.

C.A.S.U.A.L. for a cause Peter Danchak, of Clarks Summit, and Mary Densevich, South Abington Township, agreed to co-chair the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute 9th Annual C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day. Danchak is the regional president of Densevich the Northeast Pennsylvania region of PNC Bank. He serves as co-chair of the Pennsylvania Early Learning InDanchak vestment Commission and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council of Pre-K Counts in Pennsylvania.

He is part of The University of Scranton Board of Regents and an advisory board member for the University of Scranton Kania School of Management.

Danchak is also a member of the board of directors for numerous other local organizations, including the Cancer Institute.

Densevich serves as a transfer credit analyst and records specialist at The University of Scranton. She has been volunteering her time in support of the Cancer Institute for the past four years, serving as an active committee member for both the annual Cancer Survivors Celebration and C.A.S.U.A.L. Day. Densevich also volunteers at Holy Family Residence run by the Little Sisters of the Poor and is a member of the Scranton Jaycees. This is her second year serving as C.A.S.U.A.L. Day co-chair.

South Abington Township, have been involved with C.A.S.U.A.L. Day for the last seven years, since past Administrator On March 29, businesses across Pennsylvania will trade in Michael Moran starting working there. Moran’s mother is formalwear for T-shirts and Helen Phillips and his family jeans to help promote colon started the event. cancer awareness.

According to Moran, the C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon Cancer program has raised $570,000 in Awareness Saves Unlimited the first eight years and the Adult Lives) Day is a program Abington Manor has been a to raise awareness about colon major participant from the becancer in northeastern Pennginning. sylvania and the importance of Fetcho has served as team screening and early detection. captain for several years and has The event is in memory of Hebeen pleased with the response len Phillips, a woman who from her co-workers. fought a courageous battle “They have been very recepagainst colon cancer and died in tive to the event,� she said. the summer of 2002. C.A.S.U.A.L. Day takes place each year “They look forward to it every at the end of March – Colorectal year. The color of the T-shirt is changed each year so everybody Cancer Awareness Month. On this day, participants dress C.A- gets excited to see what color it will be.� .S.U.A.L. while wearing a speFetcho and the staff are happy cially designed pin and/or custo help support an event that can tom T-shirt to promote awareness about colon cancer. Partici- be potentially life saving. “The most rewarding part is pants pay $5 for a pin and/or $15 for a T-shirt with proceeds sup- making everyone aware of early detection of colorectal cancer,� porting the colorectal cancer she said. “That’s the main reason community, healthcare profesfor the event. One-third of the sional education and outreach efforts coordinated by the Can- people who die from colon cancer could have been saved if cer Institute.

Georgette Fetcho, along with they had gone earlier to be tested the staff of Abington Manor, in and treated.�

BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com

Jane Oswald, staff coordinator for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, volunteered for the position three years ago and is totally devoted to the cause. “I really believe in the event wholeheartedly,� she said. “It’s a great program.�

According to Oswald, a staff member usually holds the position for two years, but she joked that “they would have to pry it out of her hands.�

Oswald has been thrilled with how the event has grown over the past few years. Along with an increase in the number of team captains, the scope of the participants has really expanded.

This year, people from as far as Berks, Carbon and Montour County have signed up. “The awareness is spreading and it’s phenomenal,� she said.

In addition to promoting cancer awareness, Oswald said she believes there are other reasons for companies to get involved with the event. “It’s fun and it promotes cam-

ABINGTON JOURNAL/ROBERT TOMKAVAGE

Abington Manor team members, from left: Roberta Williams, Wendy Dzanis, Georgette Fetcho (team captain), and Marge Schwenker are raising awareness for colorectal cancer by participating in C.A.S.U.A.L Day March 29.

araderie amongst the team members,� she said. “Some businesses even put out challenges to employees in which they get an award if they can recruit friends or family members.�

Oswald also credited the creativity of businesses for keeping their employees interested.

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“One business changes the appearance of the T-shirt every year,� she said. “People think of a lot of different ways.�

According to Oswald, there are already 190 team captains registered for this year with a few weeks remaining. “We really hope to see a sea of yellow on March 29,� she said.

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Danchak, Densevich named co-chairs

CMYK Once upon a time........

Where can children become part of a fairy tale? See Page 6 for details.

THE ABINGTON

Recognize this scene?

JOURNAL

If not, find out the location at a recently opened borough museum. See Page 5 for details.

An edition of The Times Leader

Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.

U of S deadline looming

www.theabingtonjournal.com

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT

lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

See Deadline, Page 7

INSIDE

The Abington Journal

Please enclose this label with any address changes, and mail to The Abington Journal, 211 S. State St,, Clarks Summit, PA, 18411

ArtsEtc...............................10 Calendar.............................2 Classified ...........................15 Crosswords.........................4 Obituaries...........................9 Sports................................13

50¢

Ransom auditor: ‘I’m not allowed to audit’

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER

SCRANTON - The University of Scranton faculty contract negotiations, which began in February and continued throughout the summer, are stretching toward the Aug. 31 deadline when the contract is due to expire, just five days after classes for the fall semester begin.

The main obstacle on the bargaining table, according to Faculty Affairs Council (FAC) Chairman Michael Friedman, is “New Department Chair Concept,” which was introduced as a “non-negotiable stipulation.” He said the concept takes the current positions of academic department chairpersons as elected full-time faculty members and replaces them with administrative appointees.

A statement released by the council in May stated, “This action constitutes an unfair labor practice because it takes work being done by union members and transfers it to non-union employees.”

Stan Zygmunt, University of Scranton spokesperson, said following that statement’s release, “The new approach to academic chairs to which we aspire responds to the challenging and dynamic landscape of higher education nationally; supports our pursuit of strategic opportunities and will lead to more efficient and effective academic administration.”

“Of course,” he continued,

AUGUST 15 TO AUGUST 21, 2012

Supervisor said certified CPA conducts compilation audits.

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

Phoebe Mattes makes contact with the target…

… and Lackawanna Trail Jr./Sr. High School Principal John Rushefski meets the dunk tank water.

A

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/ALICE STUFFLE

Phoebe Mattes takes aim at the dunk tank target – school principal John Rushefskiduring Christy Mathewson Days.

MEET THE PRESIDENT

Waverly woman says yes

BY KELLY MCDONOUGH Abington Journal Correspondent

WAVERLY - “I’m not very good at saying no,” said Hollie D’Agata, “so when they asked me to be president, I said yes. I thought I could help out in some way, and it’s a good organization.”

‘They’ is the Waverly Woman’s Club where D’Agata has reigned as president since May 2012. Prior to that, D’Agata was an active member for five years.

When she retired, she searched for a way to get involved with something positive. The Waverly Woman’s Club, with its focus on giving back to the community, appealed to her sense of duty.

D’Agata Hollie D’Agata spoke about the group’s mission which is mainly to promote The Attic Shop at the Waverly Community House.

“We take on consignment clothes…nice used clothing that consignors can take back if their items don’t sell. Or, if it sells, receive a portion of the profit made. They can also elect to donate clothing,” D’Agata said. Items for sale include See Waverly, Page 11

dunk tank was just part of the fun when Christy Mathewson Days were hosted August 10 and 11 in Factoryville, hometown of Mathewson, one of the five original Baseball Hall of Fame inductees. For additional event photos, race scores and other information, see Page 13 and www.theabingtonjournal.com.

Marywood medical team serves in Haiti

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

B

enches in a church sanctuary.

Wooden tables under a canopy outdoors.

A large metal shipping container with cut-out doors and windows.

These were the locations of some of the clinics where a team of 10 medical professionals and students from Marywood University treated patients during a recent trip to Haiti.

Despite their limited tools and resources, and the lack of modern conveniences , the team members worked together for a week to provide quality healthcare.

The medical mission trip, which ran July 8 to 15, was led by Karen E. Arscott, of Waverly, Program Director of the Physician Assistant Program at Marywood University. It included an interdisciplinary team of doctors, Physician Assistants, nurses and dieticians—five faculty members and five students.

The team partnered with Heart to Heart International, an organization which, according to its website, “was one of the first humanitarian organizations to respond to the devastating earthquake in Haiti that killed more than 230,000 people and is one of the few organizations still there providing healing and hope.”

Arscott said one thing that impressed the team about the people of Haiti, is that although they live in a poverty-stricken country, they are not lazy. As the team rode through the city (sometimes in Port Au Prince, sometimes Leogane) each morning at 6:15, they saw the population already up and working or looking for work.

“The streets were so busy at that early hour, and everyone was working, everyone was doing something,” she said.

The team traveled to five different clinics while in Haiti, and their main center base

was in Petionville in Port Au Prince. One clinic to which they traveled was located on a mountaintop near the village of Fondwa. Karen Arscott’s husband, James Arscott, who was also on the team, described the journey there as “very steep terrain.”

“Farmers carve terraces into the mountainside in order to plant crops,” he said.

“The terraces are so steep that the farmers tether themselves to the ground so that they don’t fall down the mountainside.”

‘Smile like a sunbeam’ It was in this place he said he met his “favorite patient.”

“She claimed to be in her 60s, but was probably more in her 80s,” he said. “She wore a cloth that had ‘Jesus’ printed on it in different colors and fonts. She had a smile like a sunbeam and she insisted on hugging and kissing each of us, all the while saying ‘merci, merci’ over and over.”

See Haiti, Page 12

Karen and Jim Arscott stand atop the Belair church clinic in downtown Port au Prince. In the background are the ruins of the national cathedral, the ‘pearl of the Caribbean.’ The Archbishop and Chancellory Choir there were killed during the 2010 earthquake.

RANSOM TWP. - At the Ransom Township Board of Supervisors meeting Aug. 6, after discussion regarding the ongoing forensic audit of township finances, Vikki Freeman, elected Ransom Township auditor, asked, “With all this going on, I’m wondering if there is any change with what us elected auditors are going to do.”

She explained she recently received pamphlets in the mail from the governor’s center about upcoming classes for the township auditors in Lackawanna County.

“Are we going to be allowed to audit?” she asked.

This question prompted some confused looks from residents in attendance.

Supervisor Dennis Macheska responded, “You will not audit the full books,” to which Freeman asked, “Why is that?”

“Because we have a certified CPA that does it,” Macheska said. “It’s just too much money and too many things to look through for normal auditors to do.”

Freeman asked, “And why are we not allowed to sit in?”

Supervisors David Bird and Macheska then assured her she will be allowed to sit in and she will have access to those books.

The forensic audit, which was requested by Pa. State Police, and began in May by Marx Accounting and Forensic Services in Scranton, follows the resignation of former township SecretaryTreasurer Kathy Zielinski.

She resigned after irregularities were found during an initial audit of the township finances, according to Solic-

See Auditor, Page 7

S T R E T C H

S U M M E R

Be young at heart

BY JOAN MEAD-MATSUI Abington Journal Correspondent

Who said you can’t be a kid again? Think like a kid and try one or all of this week’s five suggestions to stretch the last days of summer. We won’t guarantee it’ll make you look younger, but maybe you’ll feel lighter and more carefree. .

1. Go fly a kite. Allow your mind to wander for a moment.

Imagine lying on a blanket at the beach as you glance up at the bright blue sky and see a kite flying overhead. Oops, did someone kick sand in your face? Now, come back to reality. If you can’t get to the beach in the coming weeks, Lackawanna State Park and McDade Park offer open areas See Summer, Page 11

CMYK WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2012

THE ABINGTON JOURNAL♦CLARKS SUMMIT, PA

WWW.THEABINGTONJOURNAL.COM PAGE 7A

AUDITOR

pid I look?” she said. “…Hey, when I came the first day, I was surprised Continued from Page 1 after being elected that I itor Edmund Scacchitti.

A State Police report dated wasn’t allowed to audit.”

She added that she’s reJuly 18 stated an arrest is searched other municipalexpected in conjunction with ities that do have both the the continuing investigation public accountant and the which revealed “several elected auditors. thousand dollars were mis“I just wanted people to be appropriated by a former aware,” she said. township employee for perThe supervisors confirmed sonal use.” there are classes coming up The supervisors anfor the auditors, and they nounced at the Aug. 6 meetwill be more involved in the ing that the forensic audit future. reached its initial cost limit Supervisor William “Bud” of $7,500 and Scacchitti will Brown said, “The more eyes meet with the auditor to see looking at our books, the how much more it will cost. better it is.”

Bird explained there are A resident asked the susome “issues” and the audipervisors how many years tor needs to “go deeper,” the CPA was auditing the expanding the investigation township books before findto cover the earned income ing the irregularities. tax records.

Macheska said he isn’t Freeman explained the sure exactly, but he estimatreason for her question is ed two or three years. people have come to her Brown saidthe CPA does asking, “What’s going on? not conduct a complete auWhy wasn’t this caught?” dit, rather, a “spot audit” or She said her response to “compilation audit.” that is, “Uh...I’m not al“We didn’t know it at the lowed to audit.” time,” Macheska said.

“We “Well, you know how stu-

found that out later.”

“Well, I’m sure some of it could have been caught,” Freeman said.

At the beginning of the meeting, Macheska introduced new township secretary-treasurer Sarah Griggs, of Newton Township, who was hired part-time to work 30 hours per week at $16 per hour. Griggs said she will generally work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The police report, given by Officer Thomas Kreidler was longer than usual, due to a list of seven reports and several complaints and questions from residents. Most of the discussion involved an ongoing neighborhood dispute in Sunset Mobile Home Park.

Kreidler said police received a report July 20 about a resident in the park “who apparently travels at night picking up scrap metal and makes a lot of noise overnight. This particular night he was out there at 1:30 in the morning blowing an air horn because there was ei-

pervisors involved a break in at the 2200 Block of Ransom Road, the site of the proposed land development Vikki Freeman, elected Ransom for a riffle range by Ransom Township auditor Recreational Shooting Sports, LLC. Kreidler said this was the second time someone allegedly entered ther a cat or a raccoon in the the property overnight, cut the chain on the gate and trash.”

He said the man had alleg- stole parts off vehicles on the property. edly been “harassing” and Brown asked what kind of “terrorizing” the neighbors. vehicles were on the properThen July 24 another call was received from the same ty, and Kreidler said they are old military vehicles. location saying an adult Brown said, “There’s not male and juvenile male were supposed to be any vehicles using “obscene language” on that property.” The superduring late night hours and visors explained it is an orverbally threatening the dinance violation and the neighbors. “At that time,” company was requested to Kreidler said, “police reremove them. sponded and responsible Kreidler said the items parties have been charged.” allegedly stolen included He added, “I believe that person will be moving out of radiators, radios and batteries. the trailer park if he hasn’t Township residents Roger already.” and Helen Doty of Creek At least two residents siRoad asked the supervisors multaneously responded, if any progress has been “He’s still there.”

Another part of the police made regarding the problems with the township creeks report which caught attenwhich need cleaning out, tion from residents and su-

specifically across from their home, where they said the bank is sliding and taking a part of Ledge Drive with it.

Bird said his goal is to take care of the sliding bank first, and he is working on getting the rocks to secure it.

Next year, he said the township will have to budget for the rest of the needed work.

Supervisors also discussed a new business resolution regarding the benefit plan for the non-police employees of the township. Brown made a motion to accept the resolution.

Several residents then asked questions about the purpose, provider and rates.

The supervisors explained the township pension plan for municipal workers.

Brown then made motion to table it until the supervisors have a chance to review it. Supervisors agreed, and no further discussion was made on the resolution.

The next supervisors meeting will be held Sept. 4, as the first Monday of the month falls on a holiday.

DEADLINE

ty is usually presented. Since Dr. Earl was a former Chair of FAC and a strong supporter of the union, the faculty members on the selection committee have declined to meet to choose a recipient of the award named after him until the faculty have a fair contract.”

At the end of May, Friedman said he was hopeful university President Rev. Kevin Quinn would withdraw the “New Department Chair Concept,” after a then-recently requested meeting with the Faculty Senate’s Executive Committee for further consideration of the concept.

He said, however, “Unfortunately, that action did not take place…Fr. Quinn adamantly announces his belief in shared governance, but in practice he does not seem to be willing to allow the clear voice of the fac-

ulty to affect his actions.”

Friedman said although the FAC and University table teams have continued to meet over the summer, progress is slow, partially due to the absence of the University’s lead negotiator, Attorney Nick DiGiovanni, of Boston, who he said was “unavailable for long stretches over the summer, and the University will not meet without him.”

Friedman added that two negotiation sessions were scheduled for Aug.14 and15, but if neither a contract extension nor tentative agreement are made by Aug. 31, the contract will expire.

The University remains hopeful. Gerald C. Zaboski, Vice President for External Affairs, said in a statement, “Building on considerable progress made during bargaining sessions held thus far, the University hopes

and expects that the union team will work hard with our team during our upcoming sessions to reach a new contract.”

Zaboski added, “Labor negotiation is not a spectator sport with weekly updates, and, as we have said before, we will not respond publicly to incomplete or misleading union claims, which are part of their prearranged publicity campaign.

Having said that, if we do not reach final agreement after our remaining sessions, we will update our faculty in detail as to why and identify any remaining stumbling blocks.”

Meanwhile, the FAC’s cause is receiving some attention on a national level. Friedman said a “resolution in support of the FAC efforts” was approved by the Executive Committee of the Collective Bargaining Congress (CBC), “the umbrella orga-

nization for all of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) collective bargaining chapters across the country.” He said he is encouraged by the resolution and hopes it will have an effect on the University administration, but can’t guarantee it will.

The faculty’s current contract includes a no-strike clause; when it expires, so will that clause. Friedman said he is unable to speculate about what actions may occur at that time.

“I can only say that University of Scranton faculty care a great deal about their students and would never do anything to interfere with their education unless they felt that they had absolutely no other choice,” he said. “FAC would strongly prefer to see the current contract extended until we can achieve an agreement.”

new contract.

According to the May statement, the “New Department Continued from Page 1 “we have always fully recogChair Concept” also provoked nized our legal obligations to numerous letters of protest, a negotiate over the impact of boycott of the university’s Faculmoving in that direction, inty Appreciation Dinner March cluding any issues surrounding 30 and a pledge signed by 216 potential changes in bargaining faculty members, stating they unit work.” will not accept an appointment Friedman said the concept to the department chair position spurred the faculty to a160 to 27 if it is not included in the collecvote, which ended via electronic tive bargaining unit represented ballot April13, to adopt a strict by the Faculty Affairs Council. “work to rule,” or “minimal Now as the fall semester apcompliance” status in meeting proaches, Friedman said, “The contractual obligations. He said faculty are prepared to continue this means the union members their Minimal Compliance agree to temporarily uphold all efforts. Therefore, they will not mandatory duties outlined in the be taking part in the University’s Faculty Handbook, but refrain Fall Welcome Weekend or the from all duties not contractually Fall Convocation, where the mandatory, as a method of coveted John L. Earl III Award “pressuring administration” to for service to the university, the agree with faculty terms for the faculty and the wider communi-

“… I was surprised after being elected that I wasn’t allowed to audit.”

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Isn’t it romantic?

Ready to give up on love? This couple’s not.

Read about them on Page 3. Then submit your slice of amore.

THE ABINGTON

JOURNAL An edition of The Times Leader

Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.

www.theabingtonjournal.com

Ransom residents voice anger over dispute

A DAY FOR ‘CHAMPS’

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER Abington Journal Correspondent

RANSOM TWP.- At least three residents of Sunset Mobile Home Park, off of Newton Ransom Blvd., attended the Ransom Township Board of Supervisors meeting Sept. 4 to comment on a neighborhood dispute which they said has been ongoing since March.

Neighbors Ed Johnston, Nancy Weinhardt and Guy Chilcote each expressed frustration about a situation, which was first brought to the attention of the supervisors by Officer Thomas Kreidler during his report at last month’s meeting Aug. 15.

Kreidler said at the August meeting that police received reports July 20 of a resident “who apparently travels at night picking up scrap metal and makes a lot of noise overnight.” He said the man had allegedly been “harassing” and “terrorizing” the neighbors.

Then after more complaints later in the month of “obscene language” during late night hours and verbal threats against the neighbors, he said police responded and charged the responsible parties.”

He said, “I believe that person will be moving out of the trailer park if he hasn’t already.”

But as of the September Township meeting, according to the three residents, the man is still residing at the park and plays loud “heavy metal” music during late hours almost See Dispute, Page 12

The Abington Journal

Please enclose this label with any address changes, and mail to The Abington Journal, 211 S. State St,, Clarks Summit, PA, 18411

ArtsEtc...............................10 Calendar.............................2 Classified ...........................15 Crosswords.........................4 Obituaries...........................9 School................................8 Sports................................13

Find out who won the knock-down, drag- out competitions in high school sports this past week. See Page 13, 14, 15 and 24.

SEPTEMBER 12 TO SEPTEMBER 18, 2012

50¢

Lunch policy a concern

BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com

CLARKS SUMMIT- Abington Heights School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Mahon is worried about the consequences that new federal regulations may have on school lunches.

“I am very concerned on multiple levels,” he said.

According to Mahon, a letter from the federal government is asking schools to be positive about the prospect of having healthy food in their cafeterias.

“We are excited about the prospect of healthy lunches,” he said. “We recognize that childhood obesity is a very serious issue and we’re going to work hard to address it.”

Although Mahon recognizes the benefits of serving healthy food, he is concerned about the possible reduction in portion sizes in order to stay within the minimum range of calories for active students and those who receive free or reduced meals.

“This aspect of the program really See Lunch, Page 8 ABINGTON JOURNAL/ALICE STUFFLE

E

lbows on the table, please. Annabelle Demora, 7, only needed one hand to give the reigning ‘Champ’ a run at the arm wrestling title this past weekend in Dalton. Mascot Champ, representing the Scranton /Wilkes -Barre Yankees at the 45th Annual Our Lady of the Abingtons Fall Festival, can be contacted for appearances at champ@swbyankees.com, but there is no guarantee he’ll arm wrestle.

The festival was held Sept. 8 and 9 on Seminary Road. A pig roast and chicken barbecue catered to hungry attendees throughout the weekend. “The Poets” and folk group Harmony Constant took to the stage and the event featured an impromptu motorcycle show by the Iron Brethren Motorcycle Club and an Antique Car Display by the Car Cruisers.

Rude welcome by Isaac

BY GERARD E. NOLAN Abington Journal Correspondent

INSIDE

Who has school spirit?

Former Factoryville resident Andy Bower had lived in his new city for less than two months when forced to evacuate because of recent Hurricane Isaac.

A 2008 graduate of Lackawanna Trail Jr./Sr. High School, Bower had been assigned to teach high school math in New Orleans for Teach for America, a national teaching corps.

When the hurricane’s path was projected to hit New Orleans,

“As soon as the path changed, they told me ‘make sure you have an evacuation plan.’”

Factoryville native Andy Bower, shown at left, On advice from his New Orleans co-workers about Hurricane Isaac

Bower’s coworkers at the school urged him to evacuate.

“As soon as the path changed, they told me ‘make sure you have an evacuation plan,’” he said.

He contacted a college friend in Texas, who agreed to let Bower and a few friends stay in

Texas, away from the hurricane.

The group of four, all new to the city, departed New Orleans in the middle of the night, he said.

“We knew evacuation traffic would be crazy,” he said.

BBC mulls name change for rec center

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. - Baptist Bible College and Seminary in South Abington Twp. announced last week its decision to indefinitely suspend the naming of the new student recreational center in honor of the late Wendell Kempton. The decision, affirmed by a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees Sept. 4, follows the discovery of “fresh concerns” about Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) leaders’ responses to “disturbing matters of sexual abuse of missionary children overseas” during Kempton’s presidency at ABWE in the 1980s, according to a statement released by Ken Knelly, Baptist Bible College Executive Director of Communications and Marketing.

“This was added to previously re-

See Isaac, Page 5

See BBC, Page 12

Tracing Reaching out to the world HISTORY MEET THE PRESIDENT

BY KELLY MCDONOUGH Abington Journal Correspondent

For Edward Borek, the thought of being a member of the Abington Lions Club was something he did not want to pursue. However, a Lions Club sponsor persisted despite Borek’s protests.

Finally, the sponsor succeeded and Borek has happily spent more than 40 years reaching out to those in need. And he shows no signs of stopping.

The President of the Abington Lions Club has made touching lives in 209 countries and 50 states a priority. Borek’s personal mission is to serve the needs of the local and global community.

“With the economic

changes and the needs of the less fortunate, the blind and the deaf continuing to grow on a daily basis, I think what we do is more important than ever.”

One major involvement of the Lions Club is the overall operations of Beacon Lodge located in Lewisburg. Borek explained it is a recreational and educational site for children ages 5 though 18 that features an adult village as well. There, members of their community can find educators who teach the blind and the deaf.

See President, Page 12

BY ADRIANE HEINE Abington Journal Correspondent

H

ello, History Channel. Meet Waverly.

Who would have imagined, in a hamlet with a land area of just 1.60 square miles: * There once lived both a survivor of the Titanic and a survivor of the Hindenburg? * The community was once a safe haven for runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. * A one- room schoolhouse in the township is featured as a relevant piece of American history in the Library of Congress?

As part of the Waverly

COURTESY THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

A 1936 photo of Waverly’s one- room school house.

Community House Antiques Show and Sale, a historic walking tour will be offered Sept. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

The public is invited to come hear about: * A great fire in 1915 that destroyed most of the businesses in the bus-

tling village, opening up the property on which the Belin family built the Community House, or, “The Comm” * Abington Road was once named the Philadelphia and Great Bend See History, Page 12

PAGE 12A

www.theabingtonjournal.com

The Abington Journal♦Clarks Summit, PA

DISPUTE

Scouting Scene

Trips, camp-outs in the works town. Many camp-outs and events took place throughout the year. However, no campouts occurred in August. Instead the scouts were busy parking cars for the Our Lady of Snow’s annual Country bazaar. For all three nights of the bazaar, we parked cars from 5 to 8 p.m. The cars were parked in the grassy field next to Red Barn Village. The process was efficient and went smoothly. The scouts worked hard and afterward were able to attend the bazaar. Community service is very important to boy scouts.

We are proud of the work that we do and perform it cheerfully. Remember, a scout is helpful.

Tyler VanGorder has the rank of Eagle in Boy Scout Troop 160 from Clarks Summit. He is an eleventh grade student at Abington Heights High School. For more information, visit troop160bsa.org.

COURTESY JACK HIDDLESTONE

U

nless laundry was a popular pastime at the turn of the century, even then Monday symbolized a rough start to the work week.

Though this little bear, as illustrated by artist “Wall” copyright 1906 by the Ullman Manufacturing Company, seems to generate enthusiasm for his wringer washtub. Pick up next Wednesday’s print edition to see what Tuesday holds in the “Busy Bear” sevenpostcard series.

BBC

COURTESY TYLER VANGORDER

Another year of camping fun is ready to begin for Boy Scout Troop 160.

PRESIDENT

Continued from Page 1

Music, crafts, swimming, singing, canoeing and trail hiking are part of the program. There blind and deaf participants perform and showcase talents. The lodge also teaches blind attendees about what they have never seen – like a sunflower. Or helps the deaf learn to feel the vibration of music.

“It’s amazing. I hope to continue this tradition and make it grow. We have 100 percent district participation and that includes the 19 Lions Club districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. From Great Bend to Old Forge to the Abingtons and beyond, we have what we call a fair -share program that gives to the Lions Club eye bank and Scranton School for the Deaf,” said Borek.

Headquarters is located in Chicago, Ill., and Borek said the Abington Lions Club sends relief such as medication, housing and clothing. In the past they have donated food, water and tools for renovation for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the 2011 Tsunami in Japan.

Another program of which Borek is proud: Leader Dog. The organization trains puppies like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Poodles, to lead a blind person. The dogs complete a rigorous training program and then are matched for compatibility with blind people.

“There’s also sight conservation and research that we support…medical research that we call the NEPA Lions eye bank, ,” said Borek.

The Ransom Township resident worked for the United States government at Tobyhanna and has more than 1,000 hours on tech-

Meet the President Interests and Hobbies: Golfing, traveling, collecting international merchandise including Hummels, buying and trading emeralds and rubies, the great outdoors and gardening.

Inspired by: The knowledge that I have been with the Lions Club more than 40 years to do good deeds for the unfortunate.

Favorite Place In The World: A small, quaint town in England, Stratfordupon-Avon Favorite Book: “Boston Red Sox,” by Ted Williams My Greatest Achievement: I had to travel 54 hours to respond to an emergency for the Department of Defense in order to give support Perfect Saturday Afternoon: I’m an outdoor person, so getting the necessary tools for my lawn, flowers, garden and shrubs is my perfect Saturday afternoon.

One Item I Can’t Leave Home Without: My Lions pin, to represent global Lions and promote international Lions. nical management training and is now retired. He has traveled worldwide with the Lions Club.

Borek has a daughter, Diann and three grandchildren: Amber 21; Emma, 15 and Cole, 8. Anyone wishing to donate eyeglasses, hearing aids or funds to the Lions can contact: Abington Lions Club, P.O. Box 273, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. To become a member of the, contact Borek at 570.587.2925.

every night.

The noise and the personal threats they claim he has made against them are not their only complaints.

Residents said they have seen him dismantling refrigerators and other Freon-containing equipment and dumping the chemical onto his rented property. Because it is an environmental issue, they said they contacted the DEP for help, but without success.

Supervisors said they also were in contact with DEP, but were told the problem is too small for the department to handle. They said they would try contacting them again.

Township Zoning Officer Bob Lukiewicz said at the Sept. 4 meeting to that date he had issued $6,000 in fines to the individual, who still persists with the violations.

“He just has no regard for the law,” Weinhardt said.

According to Township Solicitor Edmund Scacchitti, the next step is an appearance before the magistrate. He said the date of the hearing had not yet been set.

Also at the meeting: · The supervisors expressed their gratitude toward Sally Price, who filled in as temporary township secretary after the abrupt resignation of former Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Zielinski. Although Price was not in attendance at the meeting, Supervisor Wil-

liam “Bud” Brown read a statement in Price’s honor, saying she worked hard to “get the office up and running again.”

He said, “It has been a distinct pleasure and privilege working with Sally.”

Supervisor David Bird added, “She kept us afloat. She did a good job.” · Regarding the ongoing forensic audit of township finances, which was said at last month’s meeting to have reached its initial cost limit of $7,500, Scacchitti said the Supervisors gave the accounting firm the go-ahead to complete the audit for the addition cost. · During the road report, Bird said work has begun to secure the sliding bank on Ledge Drive with stone donated by Alliance Landfill. · Scacchitti explained a non-employee pension resolution tabled last month by the supervisors, and they voted to accept it. · Other items discussed included a problem with residents putting their trash out too early; a township cleanup scheduled for Oct. 5; three MS4 billboards ordered for the township; a letter from PPL Utilities regarding a new policy on sheds, swimming pools and other obstructions in the company’s electrical transmissions right of way; various upcoming countywide events and the police, treasury, recycling and road reports.

dell Kempton was a man with a deep legacy of service for Jesus Christ. Any decision to honor an individual through naming a building in their honor, though, will come after a serious process of examination of questions of paramount importance.”

He said he is unable to estimate how long this process will take and the college leaders and administration with have to examine and deliberate

on related information as it becomes available.

“The prime issue we face at this point,” he said, “is whether to name a building after someone or not.”

He added that although the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony previously planned for Oct. 13 is now cancelled, the open house planned for 10 a.m. that day will still be held and the center will then be open for student use.

Continued from Page 1

THROUGH THE MONDAY WRINGER

With Tyler VanGorder

August is a relaxed month.

The summer is fading to an end and scouts will have to go back to school. There has been a long year of camping fun. Now it is time to begin another great one.

August is the time when trips are planned and preparations are made for future events. It is a very important time and no trip is impossible.

In past years, we have gone on large trips and planning is very important. Some trips take years of planning. In the next few months, we will be going on two trips. One is to Gettysburg, where we will hike around the battlefields and tour the area.

Another trip will be to Boston. This trip will include the entire Northeastern Pennsylvania council. It is a historic traveling camporee.

There are several historic hikes on trails and around

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

– 2000 and was active at the college in the 1960s and early Continued from Page 1 1970s. Knelly said Kempton took on a variety of roles in ported information from many departments at the colABWE and others,” the statelege, including athletics, and ment continues. “We also rewas involved in moving the ceived emails from BBC&S alumni and friends, who asked college from New York to us about the planned naming of Pennsylvania in 1968.

Knelly said in the statement, the student recreational center in honor of Wendell Kempton." “BBC&S intends to sort According to Knelly, Kemp- through facts with integrity as additional information beton, who died in 2008, served as ABWE president from 1971 comes available. The late Wen-

HISTORY

Continued from Page 1

Turnpike. It began as an Indian trail and became the main route all the way through the state from Philadelphia to the New York border.

Towns were dotted about 10 miles apart along the route, or about as far as a horse could travel. This made Waverly an apt resting spot as slaves fled north. The First Baptist Church, which was built in 1802 and still offers services today, was home to a strong abolitionist spirit, and many church members harbored runaway slaves despite the law.

The tour is narrated by Robert Jaeger, a historian and native of Waverly who has shared his excursion with the public and educators for years. He was raised in the John Stone house on Carbondale Road, which was built in the 1800s, and served on the Board of The Comm for 10 years, three as President. In addition, he was involved in the early movement to designate Waverly as a historic district.

It turns out that the Waverly General Store was actually a general store long ago and the Waverly Deli was a market. The Comm once sported a wading pool, paddle tennis courts, bowling alleys and auditorium seating. The tour ends at the one- room schoolhouse on Abington Road, built in 1830.

“The one room Waverly Schoolhouse was also called the Fells School,” said Mary Ellen D’Andrea, a member of the Neighborhood Preservation Alliance. “The Fells family donated the land to build the public school, which was also used as a meeting place. The Fells were active abolitionists and welcomed blacks to utilize the schoolhouse for their religious services.” The Alliance is seeking to preserve and rehabilitate the historic landmark.

Jaeger recommended a visit to the Hickory Grove Cemetery on Miller Road, founded in 1807, for even more exploration of local history.

The graves of many of the area’s founders, freed slaves and their descendents and other important

COURTESY THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

“The one room Waverly Schoolhouse was also called the Fells School,” said Mary Ellen D’Andrea, a member of the Neighborhood Preservation Alliance. “The Fells family donated the land to build the public school, which was also used as a meeting place. The Fells were active abolitionists and welcomed blacks to utilize the schoolhouse for their religious services.” The Alliance is seeking to preserve and rehabilitate the historic landmark, shown.

Waverly residents can be seen there.

In addition to the tour, the Antiques Show will present the beginning of the Archiving Project at the Comm. The project was taken on to organize the wealth of historical photographs and documents found at the Comm and other related locations. For example, documents were brought over from the nowclosed Scranton Lace Mills, which was founded by a member of the Belin family, who built The Comm.

The Archives will continue to grow, presenting historic artifacts in a specially designated room at The Comm, and will be open to the public at designated times or by appointment.

“Waverly is the only historic district in all of Lackawanna County that is on the National Historic Register in Washington, D.C.,” said

Attorney Steven Saunders. Saunders lives in a house on The Comm Square that was built in 1848. He described some of the history of his home.

In 1888, the house belonged to a Dr. Mackey, who built an addition, seen to the left of the original house. This was where the doctor saw patients.

His was the first home in Waverly to get both a bathtub and a telephone, in 1895.

“When the prior owner was doing some expansion, they knocked down a wall and found some very old clothing and wooden bowls and spoons in the foundation under the kitchen, ” said Saunders. It was an odd place to find such items, leading people to believe they may have been used as part of the Underground Railroad.

Sue Houck lives next door to Saunders. Her home was built as the Presbyterian Church in 1859 and was later used as a schoolhouse. Saunders detailed how Mackey purchased the home next to his, fearing that the steeple might fall on his house. He had the steeple removed and eventually moved his practice next door.

Those interested in the tour should gather in the Scout Room of the Waverly Community House at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 15. An Antiques Show ticket is required and available in the main lobby for $6. The tour will be preceded by a short film, “The Gift of Community,” produced by Thomas Curra and WVIA. The tour will proceed, rain or shine, and will last 30 minutes.

A luncheon is available prior and refreshments will be available afterward.

Antique Show hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The public is also invited to the Preview Party and Archives Project debut Sept. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., where there will be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and shopping. Cost for the Preview Party is $20 and RSVP is suggested but not required. For more information, call 570.586.8191, extension 2, or visit www.waverlycomm.org.

Page turners

Two community book sales raised funds for area libraries. See who went shopping, Page 5.

Use your library card to attend a free lecture with Fran Lebowitz.

See Page 12.

Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.

THE ABINGTON

Small town, big impact

JOURNAL

Neighbors and friends came out in droves to support a young woman from Ransom Township. See Page 22.

An edition of The Times Leader

www.theabingtonjournal.com

OCTOBER 24 TO OCTOBER 30, 2012

50¢

PVAS scores hot-button issue at A.H. concern with the validity of the results of the PVAS exam.

“PVAS says that Abington Heights is CLARKS SUMMIT- Poor results of not doing as good a job as it needs to,” Abington Heights High School students on the PVAS (Pennsylvania Val- he said. “It says that we’re doing a very ue-Added Assessment System) exam, bad job. Every other indicator (SAT scores, acceptance to colleges, complewhich measures a student’s performtion to four-year colleges) you look at ance on standardized tests, coupled says Abington Heights is very successwith their progress, or growth, year to ful. Either all those other indicators are year, was a topic of discussion at the Abington Heights School Board Meet- wrong or PVAS is.

“I don’t think PVAS works at all as a ing Oct. 17.

Jim Maria, Abington Heights Educa- good indicator of how (well) our district is doing. I think it’s a tool to use to tion Association President, expressed

BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com

help districts that are struggling and I don’t think it’s an accurate reflection of what we do here. At the high school, they are instituting a new way to evaluate students with the Keystone Exams and I think we’re going to see a big change because the kids will have more of an investment. I think it will more accurately reflect what we do."

The state is changing from PSSA to the Keystone’s for 11th graders only next year.

“The kids will have more investment,” Maria said. “I think if you look

ly is on the overall value and statistical power of value added assessment. It’s the only model that predicts where things should be and looks to see where things actually are. The idea of value -added assessment was to take an individual student and the longitudinal data of the student over three years and develop a prediction and then see if that student scored above or below that prediction.

Mahon finds the consistently low

at the state ranks in SAT scores and state ranks in our elementary and middle school PSSA, where there is more investment, I think those are more accurate indicators. When you get to the high school, you’re only basing it on one test.”

Abington Heights Superintendent of School Dr. Michael Mahon believes the PVAS system is a valuable tool for measuring the progress of students.

“I have enormous disagreements with Mr. Maria’s assessment of PVAS,” Mahon said. “Where we diverge great-

See Scores, Page 8

Ransom developer questions invoices Township brings in attorney for assistance with ‘dispute’

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

ABINGTON JOURNAL/JIM GAVENUS

The Abington Community Library hosted the ‘Eye on India’ event Oct. 20. A full house took in lectures, photos and food of India. Here they are shown being entertained by a group of young people performing a traditional dance of India.

Intro to India INSIDE

The Abington Journal

Please enclose this label with any address changes, and mail to The Abington Journal, 211 S. State St,, Clarks Summit, PA, 18411

ArtsEtc. ..............................9 Classified ...........................15 Obituaries ..........................14 School................................7 Sports................................13

T

he concept of the “Eye on India” program at the Abington Community Library is to recognize, promote and celebrate a globalization happening around the world, according to Dipti Pancholy, M.D., moderator of the program.

For additional photos, see Page 4.

Abington officials decry Scranton commuter tax

legislature amend Act 47, the Municipal Financial Recoveries Act, to exclude the commuter tax The City of Scranton’s recent passing of a one percent tax rate option for financially-distressed municipalities. The act currently hike on nonresident workers’ allows for cash-strapped municiearned incomes has galvanized palities to impose taxes on the municipal governments across the Abingtons and the county at earned incomes of nonresidents who work within that municipallarge. ity’s borders. Scranton currently In response to the proposed levy, which is subject to a judge’s taxes nonresident workers’ incomes at one percent, a rate that approval, at least 30 municipal would be doubled if the proposed governments have allied themselves against what they view as increase is approved.

Ransom Twp. Supervisor and unfair taxes on their residents.

President of the Abington CounThe newly-formed coalition is called S.T.O.P., or Scranton Tax- cil of Governments Dennis Macheska, one of four appointed ing Our People. “alliance coordinators” by the The municipalities—which coalition, believes that the tax include Clarks Green, Clarks will annoy nonresident workers.

Summit and Dalton boroughs, “I don’t believe it’s the right Glenburn, Newton, Ransom, thing to do—to tax people comSouth Abington and West ing into the city to work,” he said.

Abington townships—have planned a two-pronged attack for “I think there’s going to be a lot of hard feelings with all the comtheir opening salvo. Each has been asked to contribute $200 to muters going into Scranton and bankroll a court battle. And each rightly so.”

Of the city’s attempts to raise has been asked to adopt a resolumuch-needed funds he said, tion requesting that the state

BY GERARD E. NOLAN Abington Journal Correspondent

“There’s got to be a better way to do that.”

Clarks Summit Borough Council President Gerrie Carey said Clarks Summit residents oppose the tax.

“It is our responsibility to do what our constituents want, not what we want,” she said. “They have advised us this tax is definitely not something they are in favor of, and strongly express that they want us to fight for them, and we will do just that.”

Other officials in the Abingtons have taken up arms against what many see as Scranton’s foisting of an unfair tax burden on their residents.

Bill Wicks, Glenburn Twp. supervisor, is a member of S.T.O.P.’s legal committee.

“It’s a fight for what’s fair and what’s right for our community,” he said.

He also responded to talk of a boycott of Scranton businesses, saying that such a maneuver See Tax, Page 5

RANSOM TWP. Attorney Donna DeVita was in attendance at the Ransom Township Planning Commission’s regular meeting Oct. 15, representing the commission as its solicitor.

She said she has served as the Zoning Board solicitor since before 2001 and received a phone call the week prior requesting she represent the Planning commission in a current “dispute” regarding unpaid longstanding bills to Ransom Recreational Shooting Sports, LLC. According to the township, the company owes money for the township engineer’s services. For an unspecified reason, the several-month-old bills were not issued until recently, when Andrew Massimilian, of Ransom Recreational Shooting Sports, became aware of them for the first time. At the meeting, Massimilian said he has many questions about the bills and requested to review the minutes from previous meetSee Ransom, Page 5

ABINGTON JOURNAL/DANIELLE ANTONELLO-SMOLLEY

On DUTY

Four -year -old Logan Bower of Nicholson led the Child and Pooch Costume Parade down South State Street, Clarks Summit in his police car Oct. 20 during the ABPA Fall Fun Day.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012

THE ABINGTON JOURNAL♦CLARKS SUMMIT, PA

RANSOM

Piles of books

Continued from Page 1

L

eaves weren’t the only thing piling up in Clarks Summit this month.

The Friends of the Abington Community Library held its annual Fall Book Sale Oct. 13 at the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church, where customers enjoyed digging through piles of books in search of the perfect treasure to take home with them.

Shu Qiu, director of Dalton Community Library calls the volunteers who organize their twice yearly book and bake sale “heroes.” It was all worthwhile Oct. 20 at Dalton Community Library when patrons browsed and ABINGTON JOURNAL/ALEXANDRA BATSON purchased many offerings. Attendees hopefully got their fill where the good- Kelly Martin and her daughters, Lili and Maggie, browse the many books for sale in ies are legendary. If not, there’s always Dalton. the spring sale.

ABOVE: Library Friend Chaun Santoriello, left, adds the total for book sale customer Cathy Siddons of Archbald.

AT RIGHT: Vijay Chappidi, right and Akhi Chappidi, left, both of Clarks Summit, sift through the piles of books for sale at the Friends of the Abington Community Library Book Sale.

FRONT PAGE: Devin Jones, 22 months, of Clarks Summit, entertains himself with a book at the Friends of the Abington Community Library Book Sale Oct. 13.

Dalton to send final warning for garbage fee delinquents

BY BEN FREDA Abington Journal Correspondent

DALTON - At the Dalton Borough Council meeting Oct. 11, board member Bill Montgomery said the board is sending final warning letters to Dalton residents who have not paid their 2012 garbage fees, which were due June 30.

“Our next step is going to have to be legal,” he said. “They may find themselves in front of a magistrate. We have to release their names if there’s a right-to-know request.”

Montgomery said these residents already have a late charge, but will add a legal fee if they do not pay it. He also said that there are about 60 people who have not paid.

Montgomery asked solicitor Frank Bolock if Dalton should take legal action after Dec. 31. Bolock said that as of Sept. 30, fees are considered delinquent according to the ordinance.

“We can go ahead and file the municipal claims at

that point,” said Bolock.

Montgomery suggested making Nov. 15 the deadline of the late garbage fee before Dalton takes legal action. In other business, Secretary Jo Ann Davies read aloud a letter from the Abington Senior Center which asked for donations to add more classes.

“Our center’s membership consists of 500 seniors ranging from 60 to 94 years of age,” Davies read from the letter, “and with the arrival of the much anticipated baby boomers, our company is rapidly growing, bringing more ideas and the need for more classes.” Davies also read that the senior center has added Latin and arts and crafts, while continuing to teach yoga and needlepoint.

In other business, Bill Montgomery asked for a motion to purchase a 1999 International S2500 aluminum dumptruck, DT466, from Penn Hazle Equipment, Inc. for $22,500.

The board approved.

Blake announces $9.7M low-interest loan for sewer State Sen. John Blake (DLackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) on Oct. 23 announced that a $9.73 million low-interest loan to completely overhaul and upgrade the aging Abington wastewater treatment plant has been approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

“This project is both environmentally and economically important for the residents in the Abington area,” Blake said.

“Environmentally, this project will eliminate storm-induced, occasional harmful discharge into Leggett’s Creek – improving water quality; and econom-

ically, this project will immediately create 36 construction jobs -- and once completed, support the creation of 74 new jobs over the next three years by local employers.”

Blake said that the $9,735,970 loan, which has an interest rate of one percent, will allow the Abington Regional Wastewater Authority to upgrade and expand their facility which, in its current state, is unable to meet the new, federal Chesapeake Bay-related water quality standards. The project also includes the replacement of inadequate collection lines and plant equipment.

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ings listed on them.

DeVita said Massimilian has the right to review and question the bills, but reminded him if they are not paid, it would be sufficient cause to reject his application.

“We’re well aware of our obligation to pay the bills,” Massimilian said. “We just want to make sure that they are accurate and fairly represented.”

At the beginning of the meeting, the Ransom Township Planning Commission reviewed a letter from Lackawanna County dated Oct. 11 in regard to revised plans submitted by Massimilian July 15. The letter from the county recommended approval be withheld and listed several reasons. *The first was the absence of submitted review fees. * The second stated the plans were not sealed by the commonwealth -registered surveyor. * The third was due to lack of information regarding a highway occupancy permit. * The fourth stated a number of the comments in the LCRPC review of July 20, 2010 were not addressed in the revision, regarding road access, parking lot layout and noise studies. * The fifth stated the plans lacked a number of items required by the township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and township Zoning Ordinance, including, among others, information about wetlands on the site.

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would only hurt those businesses without bringing about the changes needed.

S.T.O.P. has cast the issue as an instance of “taxation without

* The sixth stated the parking lot layout must be revised to eliminate traffic conflict for vehicles backing out.

Massimilian commented on the letter, saying he met with Steve Pitoniak from the county and discussed the concerns. He said Pitoniak told him the county had not yet completed a thorough review of the plans because they had not received a review fee, which he had not known was necessary.

Massimilian addressed several of the issues, dismissing some as an “incorrect reading of the code,” saying others are points that were taken care of but need to be reflected in the plans. In regard to the wetlands, he said the information was included in the revised plans, but the reviewer did not see that note, as a complete review was not yet made.

“Most of those items,” he said, “will go away with a thorough review of the plans.” He added, however, revised plans will be submitted.

Massimilian also requested a time extension for the plans, which the commission voted 5-1 to table until the bills are paid or a payment plan is agreed upon.

Under public comment, Zoning Officer Bob Lukasiewicz made an announcement to clear up confusion from a discussion at a previous meeting. He said his job relates to land use, not buildings. He pointed out any questions or issues relating to buildings and structures should be directed to Township Supervisor Dennis Macheska. representation,” according to a communication issued by the group at its Oct.11organizational meeting. S.T.O.P. has set up a bank account for the legal funds.

The alliance plans more meetings and will set up a website in the coming days, according to Mayfield Mayor Al Chelik.