OGPK2

CMYK The MAT down pat Waverly cousins celebrate victory at wrestling tournament.

See Page 10.

THE ABINGTON

JOURNAL

CREATIVE kindness

’Sit and Sew’ event marks National Quilting Day at Abington Community Library.

See Page 5.

An edition of The Times Leader

Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.

www.theabingtonjournal.com

Ransom treasurer resigns amid audit

MARCH 21 TO MARCH 27, 2011

50¢

AT LEFT: Alex Duffy, 7, of Waverly creates a skeleton castle.

BELOW: Katy Richards, 6, of Clarks Summit, adds details to her castle on a boat.

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

RANSOM TWP. - Kathy Zielinski, Ransom Township secretary-treasurer gave her resignation at an emergency meeting held Monday evening, March 19, after irregularities were found during an audit of the township finances, according to Solicitor Edmund Scacchitti.

Details of what the auditors found have not yet been disclosed, and Scacchitti estimated the audit could take another 60 days to complete.

He said the auditors presented their findings to the supervisors, who brought them to Zielinski, who immediately resigned. He said the matter was brought to the district attorney’s office Tuesday morning.

Supervisor Dennis Macheska, who is acting as secretarytreasurer until a replacement can be found, said Zielinski has been with the Township since 1994.

“It’s unfortunate because Kathy was a valued employee,” Scacchitti said, adding that there’s a lot of sadness in the township regarding the situation. He said he is unable to comment further at this time, as all of the details have not yet been revealed.

ABINGTON JOURNAL/ROBERT TOMKAVAGE

Mom Cindy Holmes, holding daughter Rosey, said “I had no idea it would be a sea of orange when we walked in.” They are shown at South Abington Elementary School with Rosey’s brother and father, Brady and Brian.

A ‘Rosey’ celebration

S. Abington Elementary supports classmate, cancer survivor

BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com

ABINGTON JOURNAL/NICOLE R. SOLSMAN

Taking SHAPE B

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. ..............................5 Calendar.............................2 Classified ...........................15 Crosswords ........................14 Obituaries...........................9 School................................3 Sports ...............................10

uilding on past success, the Abington Community Library’s LEGO Club regrouped for its second meeting March 18.

The Teen Leadership Committee founded the club February 26 after requests and support in the form of monetary and in-kind donations from the community made it possible. Members the Teen Leadership Committee facilitate. “Their creativity was nearly tangible,” said Young Adult Librarian Sandy Longo. Longo noted that the li-

brary is grateful to the community, the TLC committee and excited by the talents of the on display young artists. throughout The origthe month inal at the crelibrary in ations Clarks will Summit. be

AT RIGHT: Nicholas Booth, 7, of Dalton, said he enjoys coming to the LEGO Club every month.

S. ABINGTON TWP. Cindy Holmes had a simple request: Have cupcakes with her daughter Rosey’s classmates to celebrate the milestone of her daughter being cancer free for five years.

When she walked through the doors at South Abington Elementary School March 15 she could hardly believe her eyes.

The hallways were decked out with signs showing sup-

port for her daughter and as part of the school-wide celebration students and faculty members wore clothing in shades of orange, the color ribbon which designates leukemia awareness.

“I had no idea it would be a sea of orange when we walked in,” Cindy Holmes said.

“We’re overwhelmed with everybody’s outpouring of support and we’re just so hapSee Rosey, Page 3

Meet the President

Dedicated to Northeast Pa.

large accounting firm. In December of his senior year, Danchak was offered a posiDuring his college days, tion at the Philadelphia branch Peter J. Danchak worked 35 of tax consultant firm Peat hours per week at PNC Marwick .

But fate intervened and Bank in the circumstances led to his concollection tinued commitment to Northdepartment, which allowed east Pa. Through his parttime job at the bank, he had a him the opchance encounter with a seportunity to Peter J. nior vice president who upon pay his way Danchak hearing Danchak’s plans to through The University of accept the job in Philadelphia, guided Danchak to the bank’s Scranton. As an accounting major there, his personal goal was to work as a CPA at a See Dedicated, Page 12

BY KELLY MCDONOUGH Abington Journal Correspondent

Gourmet Gala going strong for McDonald House McGregor and John Leguizamo.

Mackey is known for taking Guests who attend the upcoming 2012 Annual Gourmet his decors to extremes. “We’re a Gala should be prepared to enter very detailed -oriented company…we like to push it as far as a ballroom decorated with colwe can push it, as far as themes ors of red, purple, gold and go…We’re going to try to create fuchsia and bedecked with an aura in the room using more feathers, candelabra, votive than 1,000 balloons to decocandles, twinkling lights and fresh flowers, according to John rate… There will be an array of Mackey, gala decorations com- different things to bring people to the Moulin Rouge movie.” mittee co-chair.

The Gourmet Gala will be The theme for the 25th anniheld March 25, 5 - 8 p.m. at versary gala is Moulin Rouge, and the color scheme will reflect Genetti Manor, Main Ave., the vibrant colors and set of the Dickson City. Proceeds will benefit the Scranton Ronald 2001 Oscar winning movie starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan McDonald House, also known

BY JOAN MEAD-MATSUI Abington Journal Correspondent

as the “House That Love Built,” a home-away-from-home for families of hospitalized children with serious illness, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of NEPA. Carol Chisdak, gala co-chair, said of the event, “It has been my pleasure to co-chair and chair such a worthy cause benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton. ” Ellen Beechko, of Clarks Summit and Regina Peters, of Roaring Brook Twp. are cofounders of the Gourmet Gala, which premiered in 1987, and See Gala, Page 12

Co-founders of the Gourmet Gala, which premiered in 1987, are Regina Peters, left, and Ellen Beechko. The event raises funds for the Scranton Ronald McDonald House, also known as the “House That Love Built,” a home-away-fromhome for families of hospitalized children with serious illness.

Send us a drawing of your worst nightmare and we’ll share it with our readers. MY EDITION mascot Abi, shown at right, also tells you how to vote for your favorite Halloween treat. See Pages 5, 6.

Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.

THE ABINGTON

JOURNAL www.theabingtonjournal.com

BY KASEY LYNN Abington Journal Correspondent

See Challenge , 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 ...........................16 Crosswords.........................9 Obituaries .........................22 School................................?

Sports ................................?

Volunteers collect 28 barrels of pet food and supplies. Find out how you can get involved.

See Page 22.

An edition of The Times Leader

Trail up to the ‘Challenge’ FACTORYVILLE- Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center and High School hosted an anti-bullying program called Rachel’s Challenge Sept 26.

The Rachel’s Challenge program is named after the first student killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, and it is has reached 18,193,274 people. The program speaks out against bullying and helps those who are depressed or contemplating suicide by talking about and promoting compassion and acts of kindness.

Rachel Joy Scott was the first person killed in Columbine. And her story is what created Rachel’s Challenge and has saved many lives.

Speaker Bob Sanders said, “I know in my heart lives were saved today.”

Six weeks before Rachel was killed she had written a paper entitled “My Ethics, My Code of Life.” In that paper she challenged the reader to do random acts of kindness and help create a chain reaction of compassion and kindness. That paper and Rachel’s life are what created the program.

The event at Lackawanna Trail was aimed to reach out to children, teens and adults about suicide and bullying and being part of a chain reaction. This event comes at a tragic time for the community as four teens from Lackawanna County recently took their own lives. Speaker Bob Sanders relayed to all who were in attendance a message,

Puppy LOVE

OCTOBER 3 TO OCTOBER 9, 2012

50¢

Former Ransom employee waives Oct. 1 hearing Residents question township supervisors who signed checks after audits show Kathleen Zielinski allegedly spent more than $98,000 for personal expenses.

BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE AND ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER Abington Journal Staff

with disabilities and helping them become contributing members of society with a sense of independence and helping them achieve their potential,” Ginsberg said.

The mission of the UCP is to provide opportunities

Former Ransom Township Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Zielinski, 60, of South Abington Township, who was charged Sept. 25 with one second degree felony count of theft by unlawful taking, waived a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m. in Central Court at the Lackawanna County Courthouse, Scranton.

The alleged theft occurred while she was employed as the Ransom Township secretary-treasurer.

Investigative audits discovered that Zielinski had spent more than $98,000 of Ransom Township funds for personal expenses, according to a police affidavit.

Zielinski was released Sept.

25 on her own recognizance

by Magisterial District Judge James Gibbons under the conditions that she stay away from township officials and the township building.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, during a regular yearly audit, it was discovered that 46 of Zielinski’s residential electric bills, in the amount of $8,909.58, had been intermingled with the township bills and paid with township funds. A Bank of America township credit card had also been issued to Zielinski to facilitate township business.

A Ransom Township Forensic Accounting Investigation Report prepared by Marx Accounting and Forensic Services for the period Jan. 1, 2007 through March 17, 2012, lists a “summary of question-

See President, Page 4

See Ransom, Page 4

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/DANIELLE ANTONELLO-SMOLLEY

Jacob Hughes, 6, Throop, gives it his all before he lets his pumpkin fly.

IDEA soars

Orange orbs launched the Hillside Harvest Moon Festival Sept. 29, literally, at the Abington Area Community Park. The inaugural festival featured “Punkin Chunkin, ” organized by Mike Hargrove and the Abington Youth Soccer League. Diane Vietz, organizer of the event said, “It gets people together just for a couple of hours during a spectacular time of year.” For additional photos, see Page 3.

Dave Rusak, of the Abington Youth Soccer League, helps Ethan Frutchey of Clarks Summit prepare to launch his pumpkin.

Meet the President

Helping others reach potential board of directors.

Now, he’s Dr. Daniel Ginsberg talkback for ed about the very strong another go feelings for his agency’s round. mission. That agency: Unit“I enjoy ed Cerebral Palsy of Northhelping the eastern Pennsylvania. Seven Ginsberg agency deteryears ago, Dr. Ginsburg, mine policies for people served as president of the

BY KELLY MCDONOUGH Abington Journal Correspondent

Special bond

BY ADRIANE HEINE Abington Journal Correspondent

When raising a child with Autism, so much time is spent focusing on the challenges.

Douglas Duguay Doug and Patty Duguay of Waverly can attest to this firsthand. Their son, Douglas, 15, was diagnosed as a toddler. Throughout the diagnostic procedure, months were spent documenting his deficits, they said. Year after year, whenever Douglas has required services, his parents

have had to record all the ways in which he is different from other children. Recently the beauty of those differences became crystal clear.

Douglas loves garbage trucks. Since he was as young as age 3, he would run to the front window in the predawn hours every Monday. With glee, he would “ooh” and “aah” at the big, noisy DeNaples truck. He soon came to realize that they also came every other Wednesday, for recyclables.

Around the time he was 6, Patty took him out to see the truck when it arrived at the end of their driveway. Before See Bond, Page 8

ABINGTON JOURNAL/JASON RIEDMILLER

Former Ransom Township employee Kathleen Zielinski enters Central Court at the Lackawanna County Courthouse, Scranton, where she waived her right to a preliminary hearing Oct. 1.

Where did the money go?

The Ransom Township Forensic Accounting Investigation Report prepared by Marx Accounting and Forensic Services lists all credit card charges to the Township in the name of Kathy Zielinski for the period Jan. 1, 2007 through March 17, 2012.A small sampling of these transactions includes: • $799.99 to Boscov’s July 1, 2007 • $114.11 to Gerrity’s Aug. 10, 2007 • $600 to Cash Advance Fidelity and $18 cash finance charge Sept. 10, 2011 • $20 to PA Nails Jan. 26, 2008 • $55.10 to Pet Smart March 24, 2008 • $315.72 to Sam’s Club July 19, 2008 • $279.48 to Casual Male July 24, 2008 • $118.77 to Fashion Bug April 14, 2009 • $59.98 to Amazon.com July 30, 2009 • $648.45 to Bass Pro Online Dec. 30, 2009 • $22.99 to Payless Shoes Jan. 9, 2010 • $20 to APL I tunes Feb. 9, 2010 • $38.34 to Sheetz Jan. 6, 2011 • $72.57 to Wine & Spirits Jan. 29, 2011

All- you -can- read buffet

BY JANICE HORTON Abington Journal Correspondent

I

f the kid-in-a-candy-store feeling comes over you in a room where tables and shelves are close packed with books in jackets of many colors, prepare to indulge.

Area libraries are getting ready to host fall book sales. Whether your taste runs to romance novels or experimental gardening, treasures are bound to surface. But unlike other pursuits, tracking down book sales is one passion you don’t need to feel guilty about. Book sales benefit yours, mine and ours.

Yours (library and community) Funds generated by book sales are “greatly needed” said Leah Ducato Rudolph, Abington Community Library director. Used in the past to buy furniture or the sign in front of the library, profits are now more likely used for new materials. Books purchased benefit the wider community since they are available to

ABINGTON JOURNAL FILE PHOTO/JIM GAVENUS

Ruth Fitzpatrick enjoys her visit to a previous book See Read, Page 4 sale at the Dalton Community Library.

779999

Kids, win free stuff!

PAGE 4A

www.theabingtonjournal.com

The Abington Journal♦Clarks Summit, PA

PRESIDENT

ABINGTON JOURNAL/JASON RIEDMILLER

Former Ransom Township employee Kathleen Zielinski, right, enters the South Abington Township Municipal Building with her attorney, Frank J. Bolock Jr. Zielinski was charged with one count of theft by unlawful taking.

Nails; $604.48 to Petsmart and $4,974.51 to Sheetz.

“This is just a sample of the Continued from Page 1 questionable transactions,” the report states. “There were able credit card charges and many others.” checks,” amounting to The report also recom$99,228.24, stating in the mended the township put conclusion that Zielinski “should be held accountable” “better accounting internal controls” in place and stated, for the entire amount.

“The Board [of Supervisors] At the Ransom township’s regular Board of Supervisors should take whatever action is required to recover the meeting held at Mount Dewey Community Center Oct. amount of the misappropri1, the supervisors announced ated funds and reimbursecopies of the 72-page Foren- ment for the cost of this fosic Audit Report are available rensic accounting investigato the public at $19 per copy. tion.”

According to the police Secretary-Treasurer Sarah affidavit, Zielinski served as Griggs said copies can be township secretary for apobtained by visiting the Township Building on Hicko- proximately 18 years prior to her resignation in March ry Lane and filling out a “Right to Know” form along 2012.

Contemporaneous with her with a $19 check payable to resignation, Zielinski issued a Ransom Township.

Many residents had several personal check in the amount questions during the meeting of $1,065 to the township for the supervisors and Town- toward reimbursement of ship Solicitor Edmund Scac- misappropriated funds, the chitti regarding the audit and affidavit said.

According to the affidavit, charges against Zielinski. Bill Zielinski confessed to PennAuriemma questioned how the personal checks to Zielin- sylvania State Police Corposki passed through the Super- ral Benjamin Clark July 18 that she used her township visors, who signed them.

Auriemma asked, “For five issued credit card for personal expenses and claimed she years, you signed bills for was unaware of the amounts credit cards and never saw a involved. Zielinski also contransaction going to Sam’s fessed that she had paid her Club, going to Rite Aid, gopersonal electric bills along ing to...tires? You never saw with the township bills. She transactions going out to was surprised to learn that them? That’s unbelievable, she had done so 46 times and that’s hard to believe. Why would you sign a check with- was unaware of the amounts, the affidavit said. out reading what you were Ransom Township Supersigning?”

Supervisor David Bird said, visor Bud Brown expressed his feeling of betrayal follow“Do I feel like I have a fault ing the arraignment. in this? Absolutely. I’m not “It’s been a hardship for the going to sit here and lie and say I didn’t. But we did watch township,” Brown said.

“When you put your trust in what we signed...Everybody somebody and they do this to in this room, if you want to pounce on us, you have every you…it really hurts. It hurts us as supervisors and it hurts right. We have fault at this, the township.” but we weren’t 100 percent Brown added that the Suwrong. We had a professional pervisors will be much more auditor that missed this for observant of township affairs five years.” in the future.

The Ransom Township “We will continue to do Forensic Accounting Investibusiness, but it won’t be busigation Report states, “In orness as usual,” he said. der to find the actual dollar “We’re going to be very vigiamount of the misapproprilant. We just don’t want to see ations, Ms. Zielinski will have to prove what credit card what happened now, happen again. We can’t afford it. It charges were for the benefit would ruin our township.” of the Township and to proSupervisor Bird, who also vide evidence that the nonpayroll checks made payable serves as Road Master, explained the investigation put a to her were to reimburse her halt on the township’s for money spent on the planned road work.

Township’s behalf.”

“We had a lot of road proThe report continues, jects scheduled for this year,” “Some of the credit card he said. “We did not do any changes were clearly not for the Township transactions.” It of it, only because we didn’t then lists a sample of some of know where we stood with the audits.” those charges, including: Both Zielinski and her $796.17 to Bass Pro Online; $304.18 to Big & Tall Facto- attorney, Frank J. Bolock Jr., declined to comment leaving ry; $1,636.75 to Boscov’s; the courtroom Sept. 25. $1,465.14 to Catherine’s For more on the Oct. 1 (dress shop); $100 to Diocesan Annual Appeal Scranton, Ransom Township Supervisor’s meeting, see the Oct. PA; $85.46 to Dress Barn, 10 print edition of The Hershey, PA; $3,206.06 to Abington Journal.

Gerrity’s; $839.78 to Joe’s Kwik Mart; $508 to PA

RANSOM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

group meets once each month and can be a great resource for parents, he said.

Continued from Page 1 Interests and Hobbies: I am bicycle rider, owning more than ten Ginsberg has been workand resources to individuals bicycles. I also collect bicycle greetings and bicycle artifacts. I have seven ing with the disabled in difwith disabilities as they albums of bicycle cards and more than 300 artifacts. I also enjoy ferent settings such as build and lead their lives in gardening.

I cook and bake. I serve on eight Boards of Directors of camps, community centers the community. It’s done by non-profit entities. I am a word origins enthusiast. I am adept and and agencies since college. providing advocacy, home knowledgeable about Parliamentary Procedure and serve as On his wish list is adding at and community supports and Parliamentarian for the Board of the Friends of the Scranton Public least six new board members education.

Library. and initiating a “mammoth A large part of the focus Inspired by: My teachers and mentors at Columbia and Yeshiva capital campaign” for the now is on the Children’s Universities. new Children’s Center in Center in Clarks Summit Favorite Place in the World: Scranton and the Bronx, N.Y. Favorite Book: Various books on etymology and entomology.

Clarks Summit. The plan is which has been in existence Greatest Achievement: Earning a Doctorate in Social Work at age 67. to reach out to businesses since the 1980s. Due to rain Idea of a Perfect Saturday Afternoon: Spending time with my three and the community as a damage and flooding, the grandchildren, riding my bicycle and enjoying my garden. whole. Anyone wishing to building needs repair, said One Item I Can’t Leave Home Without: My wife! get involved or make a doGinsberg.. nation can contact: Sarah He spoke about his role of ities. We’re not exclusive to homes or a typical day envi- Drob, United Cerebral Palsy, supporting the board of di425 Wyoming Avenue, Cerebral Palsy. It’s where we ronment so that each child rectors and overcoming obScranton 18503. Interested has a specific plan with his stacles such as funding prob- started, but now we’ve parties can also go to their or her family to achieve lems. The biggest challenge adapted to all disabilities website at www.ucpnepaincluding Down syndrome.” goals. Other programs inis replacing money cut by clude a play program called .com.

Some of the Children’s the state and federal governGinsberg and his wife ment and the United Way, he Center programs involve an Lekotek, specifically out of early intervention from birth the Clarks Summit office. It Sandra resides in Scranton. said.

They have three children: inspires children to learn “One of the biggest things to age three. On staff are occupational therapists, spe- and grow, work with a teach- Jodi, 49; Jeffrey, 47 and people don’t understand is er and have parents and sib- Neil, 44 and three grandthat we provide much need- cial needs staff, physical lings involved. Adaptive toys children, Dehlia, 14; Clay, 18 ed services across the board therapists and speech therapists. This staff will go into are available for loan. A play and Tabatha, 3. of developmental disabil-

Meet the President

READ

motorcycle manuals. Shu Qiu, director of Dalton Community Library calls them “heroes.”

Continued from Page 1 It’s no exaggeration. Sorting and setting up 10,000 books all Lackawanna County library patrons. Abington is the isn’t a job for the fainthearted.

Mine (personal benefit) 2nd largest library in the sysA two-pound volume on tem. Book sales do a commuponds, lavishly illustrated, a nity good. Not only a time for softcover how-to manual on willing hands to come togeththe same topic and a pristine er in support of the library, field guide on North Amersales are often held in conican birds ring up to over $100 junction with the annual bluein the bookstore. At a book berry, garlic or lumberjack sale, they cost less than the festival. Tunkhannock Public price of a latte. Cooking and Library’s sale coincides with art books, biographies and the Airing of the Quilts. novels to supply two read“We have to have the book ersall winter, Caldecott winsale,” says Tunkhannock diners for the kids can be had rector Kristin Smith-Gary for pennies on the dollar. citing a 40 percent drop in Ours (the planet) state aid since 2009. Kudos to Literally, tons of books volunteers who sort the Grish- trade hands instead of being ams and Greenes from the trashed. Books in good condi-

maintains an ongoing book sale, a boon to a community not served by a book store as Oct. 5, 6 and 8 – Tunkhannock well as the many homeschoolPublic Library ers in the area.

Oct. 6 – Harford Historical Society The one time self-control at Soldiers’ Orphan School may be required is at Dalton Oct.13 – Abington Community library’s twice yearly book Library and bake sale where the home Oct. 20 – Dalton Community Library baked goodies are legendary.

Book sales are a win-win way to support your local tion can be donated and relibrary. Savvy shoppers check donated. Intangible rewards are harder to quantify: knowl- dates and times (some sales offer previews) bring a sturdy edge shared, love of reading nurtured, community fostered. bag or two, and honor rules Much as the funds are needed, about using cell phones and scanners. Museums and hislibrary heads agree that getting literature in the hands of torical societies also depend those who need it is the main on book sales to stay in business. www.booksalefinderobjective. Bibles donated to .com has information on sales the Abington book sale are across the country and can given in turn to the county even send you an email alert. prison. Tunkhannock library

Upcoming sales:

UROLOGY 2013

2013

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Delta Medix Urologists comprise the Urology Team of Physicians at Regional Hospital of Scranton, providing state of the art urological care in a personalized and compassionate environment.

The Delta Medix Urologists

Left to Right: Jerald B. Gilbert, MD, FACS; James L. Stefanelli, MD, FACS; J. Robert Ramey, MD, FACS; Beverly Tomasetti, CRNP; Ronald T. Barrett, MD, FACS; Ira J. Kohn, MD, FACS; Donald L. Preate, Jr., MD, FACS

are board-certified with specialty training in a number of different aspects of urology.

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Sampling the season’s flavor Find out who wore lederhosen to the inaugural Abington Community Library event.

See Page 6.

THE ABINGTON

ART or apparel?

JOURNAL

See who got creative with quilt displays during an annual Tunkhannock event.

See Page 22.

An edition of The Times Leader

Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.

www.theabingtonjournal.com

Chasing spirits Hickory Grove Cemetery On Miller Road, this cemetery has stroll through two of Wabeen a final resting place for the verly’s historic cemeteries dead since 1807. Its 12 acres are reveals headstones of Revolu- lovingly tended by brothers Paul tionary War veterans, former slaves and Bob Webb. The pair has been and early settlers, among others. working the grounds for more than Whether preserved by vigilant care- 40 years and they have witnessed takers or salvaged by a congregamuch during that time. tion, the markers share stories with “Henry used to call us the encythose who seek them.

BY ADRIANE HEINE Abington Journal Correspondent

A

OCTOBER 10 TO OCTOBER 16, 2012

A walk through Waverly’s Historic graveyards

clopedia,” Bob Webb said about his former boss, Henry Belin, the president of the cemetery. The brothers pointed out Belin’s gravestone.

“He was a really good man, a good friend,” he added.

The Belin family built the Waverly Community House as a gift to the community. Many Belins are laid to rest in the cemetery.

Hickory Grove Cemetery has

three entrances from Miller Road. The main entrance is the closest to Carbondale Road. At that entrance are the historic marker signs. Turning in there, one is on the northernmost driveway. Driving all the way back to the woods, one comes to the most northwestern point, an apt start for a walking tour.

50¢

Headstone of John Phillips, Revolutionary War veteran and Waverly settler at the Hickory Grove Cemetery.

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/ ADRIANE HEINE

See Spirits, Page 12

Residents angry over theft case

District concerned with scores Abington Heights administration plans to monitor classes, talk with students

Former Ransom Twp. Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Zielinski was recently charged with a second degree felony count of theft by unlawful taking

BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com

CLARKS SUMMIT- The Abington Heights School Board picked up discussions Oct. 3 that began months ago regarding the merits of grade weighting.

Abington Heights Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Quinn presented the board with his thoughts on how he thinks the district should move forward.

“Last spring, we had an underlying feeling that a change in grade weighting is something that we want to do to encourage an increase in rigor in our high school curriculum,” Quinn said.

“With that in mind, I had a twopart proposition. The first part of the proposition was to look at the extra weight given to AP and honors courses and how to differentiate between the two. I think part of the motivation was if we have someone who is able to go either honors or AP and we differentiate between the two, and make the AP more valuable, maybe we could encourage

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

PHOTOS COURTESY ALICE STUFFLE

Richard Pollock delivers a spirited performance on saxophone.

See Scores, Page 5

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................................11 Calendar.............................2 Classified ...........................16 Crosswords.........................8 Obituaries..........................10 School................................7 Sports ...............................14

Lindsey Bergey and other Lackawanna Trail cheerleaders ignite a spark of enthusiasm.

FIERY tune L

ackawanna Trail Jr./Sr. High School hosted its annual homecoming bonfire Oct. 3. The event featured musical performances and stunts from the cheerleaders. For results of the football game, see Page15 and photos of other activities, Page 7.

RANSOM TWP. - Questions regarding the alleged theft of Ransom Township funds by former Ransom Township Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Zielinski were in abundance from residents in attendance at the regular Board of Supervisors meeting held Oct. 1 at Mount Dewey Community Center.

According to the Ransom Township Forensic Audit Report, Zielinski had allegedly spent more than $98,000 of Ransom Township funds for personal expenses. Zielinski, 60, of South Abington Township, who was charged Sept. 25 with one second -degree felony count of theft by unlawful taking, waived a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m. in Central Court at the Lackawanna County Courthouse, Scranton.

At the Oct. 1 meeting, resident Bill Auriemma asked regarding the legal proceedings, “Who’s representing the rest of the people here?”

Solicitor Edmund Scacchitti said the District Attorney’s office is representing the people of the township, and Auriemma asked whether the township will have any input in the case or in the possible sentencing.

“We will have an opportunity to submit a victim’s impact statement prior to sentencing,” said Scacchitti, “and in it we are going to ask for restitution. So, See theft, Page 6

Meals on Wheels seeks help Chair: ‘We have a deficit on every meal produced of 50 cents to $1.’

BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com

ABINGTON JOURNAL/ JOAN MEAD-MATSUI

Kenny and Hannah James decorate their scarecrow’s shirt at Heritage Baptist Church in 2011.

Ten days to fun

Church, 415 Venard Road, Clarks Summit.

Rob Hammaker, Pastor of The Heritage Baptist Church and the Abington Business and Adult Ministries, Heritage Professional Association have Baptist Church said, “Heritage teamed to provide the commu- has enjoyed sponsoring this event for the past nine years nity with a day of free family and we look forward to another fun. Spend a day celebrating the season at the upcoming Fall great weekend of fun and food Fun Day Oct. 20, beginning at 11a.m. at Heritage Baptist See Fall, Page 6

BY JOAN MEAD- MATSUI Abington Journal Correspondent

biggest fundraiser, the Soup Sale, will take place for the 13th year in November. Fifty to 60 restaurants donate one of their signature soups for sale.

Cooper’s Seafood lobster bisque and Patsel’s noodles with clam chowder have been two of the most popular soups over the years, according to

Loss.

“They have both been extremely generous,” she said.

According to Loss, next year the organization will face another hurdle when funding from the Area on Aging is cut, along with rising gas and food costs.

For more than 40 years,

Meals on Wheels of Northeastern PA is in need of volunteers for several of the tasks in the organization. They are also See Help, Page 13 dealing with cutbacks in funding.

“We have seen an increase in the number of people using the service over the years, but the biggest issue right now is the cuts in state funding every year,” Meals on Wheels of Northeastern PA Board Chair Lindsey Loss said. “We have a deficit on every meal produced of 50 cents to $1.”

According to Loss, they average approximately 1,000 meals per day. Close to 800 meals are delivered to home bound resiABINGTON JOURNAL/JASON RIEDMILLER dents and 400 to senior centers. Adele Bianchi and Lenora Takach of Dalton prepare meals at the AbingAccording to Loss, their ton Senior Center.

PAGE 6A www.theabingtonjournal.com

The Abington Journal♦Clarks Summit, PA

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2012

ABINGTON JOURNAL/JOAN MEAD-MATSUI

Preparing for Fall Fun are in front, sponsor Summit Frameworks, Charles Sandercock. Second row: committee member Tara Kennedy Crum; sponsor Everything Natural and ABPA President Barry Kaplan; committee member Dorothy O’Connor, sponsor Rob Hammaker, Pastor of Adult Ministries, Heritage Baptist Church and sponsor Abington Journal, Kristie Grier Ceruti.

FALL

Continued from Page 1

Giant Live Pumpkin Carvings

Summit Frameworks- * Not at business location (will be along S. State St.)4p.m.

Heritage Baptist Church- 415 Venard Rd- noon MyGym- * Not at business location (will be along S. State St.)- 5 p.m.

The Abington Journal- 211 S. State St.- 2 p.m.

Sole to Soul- 535 S. State St.- 2:30 p.m.

Sprint Physical Therapy- 539 S. State St.- 3 p.m.

Everything Natural- 426 S. State St.3:30 p.m.

Lawrence Young- 418 S. State St.- 4:30 p.m.

Sprint Print- * Not at business location (will be along S. State St.)- 5:30 p.m.

in the community. This year the event has grown. The first half of the day will be held at Heritage with different things happening at different times…additional activities will be held in downtown (Clarks Summit).

From11a.m. to 4 p.m., the community will find free food, rides, games, scarecrow building, pony rides, a magician and juggler at Heritage Baptist Pre-Carved Pumpkin Locations Church. In downtown Clarks Sanderson- 509 S. State St. Summit, 2 to 8 p.m., the fun will Kidazzle- 320 S. State St. continue with giant pumpkin Pro-Active Chiropractic- 1146 Northern carving, children and pet paBlvd.

Steve Pronko Jewelry, 120 State St. rades, trick- or- treating, a mysNickies Fabulous Hoagies- 611 S. State tery maze and fall market.

St. Eventgoers will have the opporLawlers Affordable Elegance- 210 Depot tunity to enjoy a full day of free St. family fun.

Angels Galeria- 208 Depot St. Duffys Coffee House- 312 S. State St. “I think the one thing that AAJRB Community Classroom- 304 S. always surprised people is that State St. it’s free…we don’t charge anyMamma Mia- 507 S. State St. thing…it began as a gift from Business Scarecrow Locations the church to the community. As Citizens Savings Bank- 500 S. State St. we’ve partnered with the ABPA, Everything Natural- 426 S. State St. Soul to Sole- 535 S. State St. they’ve added more value to it Caregivers America- 718 S. State St. and it’s still free. It’s great for us Steve Pronko Jewelry on State St. to offer this event to the commuKidazzle- 320 S. State St. Cloe & Company- 410 S. State St. nity as a way to say we’re glad to Lawlers Affordable Elegance- 210 Depot be a part of the community and St. here’s a gift from us,” said HamDuffys Coffee House- 312 S. State St. maker.

AAJRB Community Classroom- 304 S. A detailed schedule of events State St. Jaya Yoga- 320 S. State St. will be available in the Oct.17 My Gym- location TBD edition of The Abington Journal. Sponsors for Fall Fun Day are The Abington Journal, My information is available at HeriGym, Everything Natural and tage Baptist Church at 587.2543 Summit Frameworks. More or the ABPA at 587.9045.

Duffy’s Coffee House scarecrow.

Sole to Soul scarecrow.

Kidazzle scarecrow.

AAJRB Community Classroom scarecrow.

The scarecrows are back

V

ote for your favorite business scarecrow and be entered to win.

The ABPA business scarecrow photos and addresses will appear Oct. 17 and 24 in The Abington Journal and online. View them in the paper, online at www.theabingtonjournal.com and at all participating business locations.

Vote for your favorites by Wed., Oct. 31 in one of three ways (email, in person, regular mail) and you’ll be entered to win great prizes.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN: $100 gift certificate good at all of the participating scarecrow businesses.

HOW TO VOTE: 1. Email to news@theabingtonjournal.com With a subject line “Scarecrow Contest” email the following: your favorite scarecrow and its location, your name, town and phone number. We won’t publish, it’s just to verify your vote.

2. Drop off/send via regular mail same info as above to The Abington Journal 211 S. State Street, Clarks Summit PA 18411 Attn: Scarecrow Contest.

If the office is closed, leave your vote in our bright blue drop off box in front of The Abington Journal.

Business Scarecrow Locations

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/KASEY LYNN AND GERARD NOLAN

THEFT

residents who wish may send a letter to the judge, who will read each one. Bird said he did not yet know where or to whom the letters should be sent.

Continued from Page 1 Bott could not be reached for comif your question is, who’s protecting the ment.

Bird said the next hearing in the case interests of the taxpayers in terms of is scheduled for Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. getting our money back, the answer is, Auriemma asked if the forensic audit we’ll file a victim’s impact statement conducted covered every township credand request restitution in the total it card, not just Zielinski’s, over the past amount that we’ve determined is misfive years. sing.”

Scacchitti replied, “Every single deHe later added the cost of the forensic posit and withdraw going back five audit will be included in that sum. years.”

Supervisor David Bird added that he Auriemma also questioned how the and Supervisor Bud Brown attended the hearing that morning, during which time credit card bills and personal checks to Zielinski passed through the Superthey spoke with Deborah Bott, Victim/ visors, who signed them. “For five Witness Coordinator at the District Attorney’s Office, who informed them any years,” he said, “you signed bills for credit cards and never saw a transaction going to Sam’s Club, going to Rite Aid…That’s unbelievable, that’s hard to believe. Why would you sign a check without reading what you were signing?”

Supervisor David Bird said, “Do I feel like I have a fault in this? AbsoluteGuests at ly...I’m not going to sit here and lie and the Abington say I didn’t.

But we did watch what we Community signed...Everybody in this room…if you Library’s Okwant to pounce on us, you have every toberfest right.

We have fault at this, but we weevent Oct. 7 ren’t 100 percent wrong.

We had a proexperienced a fessional auditor that missed this for sample of five years.”

German Supervisor William “Bud” Brown tastes, tradisaid, “When this is all over…you come tions, music to the office and I’ll show you how slick and memorit was.

I missed it the first abilia. Protime…You’ve gotta see this to believe ceeds from it.” the 21 and Other residents questioned why the over event secretary had a credit card in the first benefit the place.

Scacchitti said it was needed for library. More expenses such as office supplies, and a than 60 tickets resident asked why petty cash could not were sold. be used instead.

ABINGTON JOURNAL/ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER “Petty cash creates a whole other At The Abington Community Library Oktoberfest Oct. 7, from left: Catherine Hartman, Uta Drehproblem,” Scacchitti said. “At least a er, Pa. State Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich, Library Director Leah Rudolph and Iona Pohl. credit card has an audit trail.”

Resident Lisa Levan asked why the forensic audit only covered the last five years. Scacchitti said that was the time period requested by the State Police, but he could not give a reason.

Trooper Connie Devins, spokesperson for the State Police, said via a telephone interview that the statute of limitations on theft is five years and if the audit were to go back farther than that, it would have to be of the township’s initiation.

Resident Hank Rowinski asked, “In Norbert Mayor samples flavors of Germany during the midst of all this, what have we done Oktoberfest at the Abington Community Library so that this won’t happen again?”

Brown said now when the township AT RIGHT: Even receives a credit card bill and the superthe rain didn’t visors sign the payments, the statement stop him. Liis attached.

“The bills are checked now brary board very carefully,” he said. member Frank It was noted, unrelated to the current Santoriello grills prosecution, that the auditors are curfood for Okrently in the process of looking into the toberfest under wage tax records, as Zielinski was rean umbrella out sponsible for those as well.

Mark Izak serves a special Mun- back at the Abington ComOther items discussed at the meetich Brew. munity Library. ing included: • Sunset Mobile Home Park neigh-

Taste of German culture

Citizens Savings Bank- 500 S. State St. Everything Natural- 426 S. State St. Soul to Sole- 535 S. State St. Caregivers America- 718 S. State St. Steve Pronko Jewelry, 120 S.State St. Kidazzle- 320 S. State St. Cloe & Company- 410 S. State St. Lawlers Affordable Elegance210 Depot St. Duffys Coffee House- 312 S. State St. AAJRB Community Classroom304 S. State St. Jaya Yoga- 320 S. State St. My Gym- location TBD

borhood dispute— It was noted a hearing was set for Oct. 30, at 3 p.m. for Julian Deuerlein, a tenant of Sunset Mobile Home Park. According to Zoning Officer Bob Lukasiewicz, a total of 15 non-traffic citations were issued to Deuerlein, who failed to pay the fines.

The matter involves a neighborhood dispute residents said has been ongoing since March. The situation was first brought to the attention of the supervisors by Officer Thomas Kreidler during his report at the Aug. 15 meeting, when he said police received reports about the man who had allegedly been “harassing” and “terrorizing” the neighbors.

Residents also said at the August meeting they saw 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 at the August meeting they also were in contact with Mary Beth Nester at the DEP, but were told the problem is too small for the department to handle. At the October meeting, resident Nancy Weinhardt asked if the Supervisors had followed up, and Bird said he had tried contacting Nester again, but with no response.

Nester could not be reached for comment.

• Correspondence from UGI Utilities— Supervisor Dennis Macheska read from a notice received regarding a gas installation stream crossing on Dark Region Road. Bird explained this is the property owned by Bud Stann, where a large section of pipeline is protruding from the creek.

• Road Report— During the road report, Bird said the work to secure the sliding bank on Ledge Drive is now complete, thanks to a generous donation of rocks from Alliance Landfill.

“We’re hoping that it holds up for us,” he said.

• Weight Limit and Roadway Maintenance Ordinance— The supervisors passed a weight limit ordinance, “regulating and restricting the operation of motor vehicles on public roadways” in the township “fixing and regulating the permissible weight and loads” to provide for the maintenance of the roads should the roadways be damaged due to heavy loads traveling over them. Brown explained local traffic will be exempt.

•Bills to Ransom Recreational Shooting Sports, LLC—Residents questioned whether Ransom Recreational Shooting Sports had yet paid its bills owed to the Township for the engineer’s services.

Secretary-Treasurer Sara Griggs said payment had not yet been received to her knowledge, but the bills had just recently been sent.

Andrew Massimilian, of Ransom Recreational Shooting Sports, LLC, who was not present at the meeting, said via telephone interview he did recently receive the bills for the first time and has questions on them. He said he is analyzing the bills and will be in contact with the township soon.

Not a fan of Santa?

Well, there are up to 81 other cookie varieties to choose from at this Clarks Summit holiday event. See Page 2A.

THE ABINGTON

He has a pet what?

JOURNAL

If you hear a sonic boom in your neighborhood, you might live next door to this creature. See My Edition, Page 3 and 4.

An edition of The Times Leader

Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.

www.theabingtonjournal.com

DECEMBER 5 TO DECEMBER 11, 2102

50¢

Park supporters lobby for full funding from C.S. Abington Area Joint Recreation Board, residents in attendance suggested council find different areas from which to cut budget.

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/JASON RIEDMILLER

Creekside Gardens in Tunkhannock features a huge holiday lighting display on its property, 4 Village Lane. Extravagant Christmas lights are a Kukuchka family tradition.

Holiday tradition back to LIGHT

By Robert Tomkavage rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com

F

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

or nearly 30 years, a large holiday lighting display free to the community at the residence of June and Tom Kukuchka in Tunkhannock was a tradition.

“Anything that could hold a Christmas light would have one on it,” their son Kevin Kukuchka, 38, of Tunkhannock, said.

“After the first couple years, and a few blown fuses, we figured out just so many

lights we could use.

“We always had a lot of fun doing it.”

According to Kukuchka, as the children began to grow and move away, the tradition started to fade.

“Over the years, unfortunately it started to die down to smaller displays and eventually the house was blocked by the family’s See Holiday, Page 11

Sherri, Tom and Kevin Kukuchka owners of Creekside Gardens, Tunkhannock.

See Park, Page 9

Ex-Ransom secretary pleads guilty said there is no minimum sentence and the maximum sentence is10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Scanlon also said Former Ransom Township Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Zie- sentencing should take place linski pleaded guilty Dec. 3 to a within the next 90 days.

Investigative audits discovsecond-degree felony count of theft by unlawful taking, accord- ered that Zielinski had spent more than $98,000 of Ransom ing to Lackawanna County Township funds for personal Victims/Witness Coordinator expenses, according to a police Deborah Bott.

Lackawanna County Deputy District Attorney Shane Scanlon See Ransom, Page 9

CLARKS SUMMIT- Several Clarks Summit residents and supporters of the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board (AAJRB) attended the Nov. 27 Borough of Clarks Summit Council work session in hopes of discouraging Council from cutting its annual funding of the board almost in half.

The Recreation Board was formed in 1972 when, according to its website, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania deeded surplus land to the Borough of Clarks Green, Borough of Clarks Summit, Abington Twp. (now Waverly), Glenburn Twp. and South Abington Twp. Those municipalities then formed the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board to develop and manage recreation for the Abington region.

Today, the board continues to manage Hillside Park, formerly known as Abington Area Community Park. It relies on volunteer help, grant money, donations and fundraising, as well as contributions from the aforementioned municipalities to keep the park running.

At last month’s Council meeting, Borough Manager Virginia Kehoe announced that the new budget, ready for preliminary review and set for vote Dec. 5, does not call for any tax increases, but is extremely tight and includes funding cuts in various areas such as recreation.

BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER AND ROBERT TOMKAVAGE Abington Journal Staff

INSIDE

ArtsEtc...............................10 Obituaries...............................8 Classified ...........................15 School ....................................8 Crosswords.........................5 Sports....................................13

ABINGTON JOURNAL/ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER

Santa makes his way through the crowd at the Factoryville Tree Lighting Dec. 1 at Borough Hall to greet Aubrey Carpenter, left, 6, of Factoryville.

A big smile for Santa A

s part of Factoryville’s annual tree lighting ceremony held Dec 3 at the Borough Hall, the Factoryville United Methodist Church hosted a living Nativity and provided guests with free soup and bread. For additional images, see Page 9.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2012

THE ABINGTON JOURNAL♦CLARKS SUMMIT, PA

WWW.THEABINGTONJOURNAL.COM PAGE 9A

Dancing delight in Scranton

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/JOAN MEAD-MATSUI

ABOVE: Board Members and trustees. Front row, from left: Pat Staples, Kathleen Nelson, Patti Thomas, Vice-President Diane Hepford Lenahan, Michele Hughes, Adriane Heine and Louis Houck. Back row: Chris Kelly, President Jeff Haudenschield and John Walker.

Supporters of the Waverly Community House had an opportunity to enjoy an evening of holiday cheer at the Annual Sustainers’ Holiday Dance held Dec. 1 at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.

Cyndy Schoenberg and Amy Kazmierski chaired the event, which drew more than 175, included dinner catered by Epicurean Delight and music by The Poets. Val Calpin, Waverly, designed the centerpieces that overflowed with holiday spirit. Committee members were Nancy Brown, Calpin, Margi Cowley, Alexis Lounsbery, Alicia Stanton, Katie Sunday, Peggy Voyce, Carla Williams, Joyce Tressler and friends.

AT LEFT: Karen Reid and Paul Horger

ABOVE: Jim and Maria Wilson Doug Heine, Adriane Heine, Kelly Martin, Deb Marchetta, Mary Ellen Newell, Harold Newell and Drew Marchetta.

Shown are Cyndy Schoenberg and Amy Kazmierski, dinner dance co-chairs; Maria Wilson, Waverly Community House director and Carla Williams, committee member who worked with The Epicurean Delight on the catering.

PARK

0.3 percent of the borough’s budget, “hardly enough to save Clarks Summit, a town, but enough to make a statement Continued from Page 1 against the park and against the According to Recreation quality of life for people in the Board President Bill Risse, however, the borough’s funding community.”

Risse presented to Council of the board is not simply a voluntary donation, but a man- handouts illustrating a breakdown of the Recreation Board’s datory contribution agreed upon in 1972 through a signed 2012 sources of income and document which states, “Each where that money was spent, as of the Participating Municipal- well as some recent survey results and other facts about the ities shall share all expenses, make all contributions, partici- Recreation Board and the park.

Referring to a colored diagram pate in income and hold an undivided share of all property outlining the operating and and assets in a proportion that administrative budget, he questioned how the park will conis the average, rounded to two tinue to operate, should the decimal places, of (a) its percentage of the total population Borough cut its funding in half.

“Let’s see,” he said, “if I were of all Participating Municipalgoing to cut this budget in half, ities...” would I not pay the insurance?

At the work session, resiWould I forego an audit? I dents in attendance suggested don’t know. That’s kind of council instead find different tough. How about, would I not areas from which to cut fundput toilet paper in the bathing or look for other ways to raise the funds. Many even said rooms? Should we not cut the grass? Should we not collect they would not mind an increase in taxes in order to fund the garbage? Should we not fix things that break? That’s what the park. this budget does. This is bare Diane Vietz, of Clarks Green, thanked the Council for bones—the maintenance, the its ongoing support of the park operation. Do we provide drinking water? Do we let kids over the past 40 years, and wash their hands before they spoke of its benefits, stating, “Parks are a need, not a want.” eat a hot dog? You tell me...you cut that in half, and what do She pointed out the amount you have left? You don’t have a Council is looking to cut is about 50 percent of the Recre- park.”

Council members assured ation Board’s budget, but only

ABOVE: David Renjilian, Kelly Sweeney and Vince Maletta AT LEFT: Michele Boland, Michael Sunday and Susan Gershey

Risse and the other park supporters in attendance that they agree about the importance of the park and intend to work through the budget issues.

Council President Gerrie Carey said she would like council to set up a time to meet with the board members to “brainstorm” and “go over the nuts and bolts.” They then set up a time for the beginning of the week, in hopes of resolving the issue before the budget comes to a vote at the upcoming Dec. 5 meeting.

In other business, Clarks Summit Resident Sarah Dawgert spoke to Council regarding an idea for a small children’s park to be built downtown. She said she believes a park would encourage parents of small children to visit and shop, increasing business revenue.

Carey suggested Dawgert form a committee to brainstorm with Council about where such a park could be built and how to fund it.

Other items discussed at the work session included: the opening of the TAN bids; ordinances 2012-13 through 17 and resolution 2012-4, to be voted on at the Dec. meeting; the Abington Area Assisted Living sewer pass-through request; and the need to send out another letter to surrounding municipalities about the possibility of a police force consolidation.

Dunkin’ donates Through a regional “Miracle for Munchkins®” in-store fundraiser, Dunkin’ Donuts of Northeastern Pennsylvania announced it has raised and donated $10,500 to support Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger.

On October 31, over 50 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the region offered a free medium hot chocolate to customers who made a donation of $1 or more to support Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger. The funds raised by this event will help provide pediatric equipment, programs and services at the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and the Geisinger Health System.

This donation aligns with The Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation’s mission to serve the basic needs of our communities through food for the hungry, safety and children’s health.

RANSOM

Continued from Page 1

affidavit.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, during a regular yearly audit, it was discovered that 46 of Zielinski’s residential electric bills, in the amount of $8,909.58, had been intermingled with the township bills and paid with township funds. A Bank of America township credit card had also been issued to Zielinski to facilitate township business.

A Ransom Township Forensic Accounting Investigation Report prepared by Marx Accounting and Forensic Services for the period Jan. 1, 2007 through March 17, 2012, lists a “summary of questionable credit card charges and checks,” amounting to $99,228.24, stating in the conclusion that Zielinski “should be held accountable” for the entire amount.

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER

Factoryville residents and visitors gather outside Borough Hall Dec. 1 after the lighting of the tree.

Holiday spirit lights Factoryville

ABOVE: From left: Pearl Rivera, Emily Hinkley and Madisyn Wilson work on a Christmas tree craft at the Factoryville Tree Lighting event at Borough Hall Dec. 1.

Factoryville residents and visitors attended the Tree Lighting at the Factoryville Borough Hall Building Dec. 1, where children of all ages made Christmas crafts, were treated to snacks, visited with Santa and participated in other holiday activities.

GRAPHIC COURTESY BILL RISSE

A colored diagram outlines the operating and administrative budget of the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board.

James Zieger, 2, assisted by his mother Abigail Zieger, makes a Christmas tree craft at the Factoryville Tree Lighting event at Borough Hall Dec. 1.