TimesLeader.com

June 26
Local Flavor

Artist / painter / sculptor

LOCAL FLAVOR

Chad Gasiorek sculpts an Elvis Presley statue at the 2007 ABPA Clarks Summit Festival of Ice.

Times Leader Photo Store

Winner: Bill Chickillo, North Abington Township, owner of Skylake Gallery.

While dedicated to finding landscape designs in his monoprints, pastels and oil painting, he said that family keeps him going. “They’re my first audience. Being a father, if you can get by them, you’re OK,” Chickillo said. Bill’s wife Lauri helps operate Chickillo’s Skylake Gallery in the former Fleetville United Methodist Church.

Runner-up: Valerie Kiser

Art gallery

Winner: AFA Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton, 969-1040, artistsforart.com, afa.jgrabowski.com

Artists for Art was formed 20 years ago, and the gallery for member artists on Lackawanna Avenue was founded in 1991, according to President Charles “Ty” Welles. Welles sees the gallery as an inspiration to the revitalization of downtown Scranton.

Runner-up: Skylake Gallery, P.O. Box 205, Route 407, Fleetville, 945-7000, skylakegallery.com.

Photographer

Winner: Guy Cali Associates, 1176 Winola Rd., Clarks Summit, 586-2500, guycali.com.

Founded in 1973, Guy Cali Associates is one of the area’s premier portrait, commercial and stock photography studios. The success, according to President and Owner Guy Cali, is the wealth of expertise and responsibility of his staff. “The best part about it is the surprise,” Cali said, speaking about a client’s response to the studio’s work.

Runner-up: Kathryn LeSoine, RR 1, Dalton, 587-9155, www.stoneroadstudio.com.

Kathryn LeSoine credits her success to her clients. “I know the most wonderful people,” she said. “They appreciate photography and they inspire me to do great work.” LeSoine finds her motivation from being a part of people’s lives. “There’s something incredible about being a visual scribe. It’s a humbling moment when people trust me.”

Theater group

Winner: The Northeast Theatre, 326 Spruce St., Scranton, 558-1515, thenortheasttheatre.us.

Located in the heart of downtown Scranton, “The Northeast Theatre maintains a high degree of professionalism, exemplified by its contract with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers,” according to their Web site. The theater hosted 13 mainstage performances during their 2007-08 season.

Runner-up: Abington Youth Theatre Company

Company Director Michaela Moore led her first production with the Abington Youth Theatre Company in 2006. The group has preformed seven major shows including a recent performance of “Cinderella Waltz” at the Providence Playhouse. “When you pair professional actors with youth, you can create a high quality performance,” she said.

Band

Winner: Awkward Silence, alternative rock / punk, Clarks Summit, myspace.com/awkwardsilencepa.

After performing for nearly three years, it’s no wonder Awkward Silence has been able to craft fan favorites including “Things to Do” and “Clap for Alaska.” Band members said that they appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community through their music. Members include James Sanderson on vocals, Andrew Cutillo on guitar and piano, Steve Zampano on guitar, Robert Salazar on percussion and Harrison Wolff on bass and backup vocals. Runner-up: At The Terminal, alternative piano rock, Clarks Summit, myspace.com/attheterminalband.

Clarks Summit’s newest musical minds in At The Terminal recently played a debut show at the Abington Youth Center. “It was a no-stress show, and we had a lot of fun,” said singer and pianist Dan Risse. The band will use this May to experiment and improve their sound and perform at the youth center on May 3 and at Underwood Skate Park in Taylor on May 31.

Musical act (one man / woman)

Winner: Billy Rogan, Dalton, myspace.com/billyrogan

One man band Billy Rogan said the variety of styles he studies and incorporates into his music certainly help to keep things interesting. “It’s all about the energy when I think about writing,” he said. Rogan will audition at Grand Central Station on May 1 for New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority’s “Music Under New York” program.

Runner-up: Trisha O’Keefe, Saylorsburg, trishaokeefe.com.

Trisha O’Keefe keeps a simple philosophy for success. “Always stay true to yourself and what you contribute to the world,” she said. “What motivates me is the idea that once I write and perform a song there is a possibility that the audience can identify with the song the way I have.”

Politician

Winner: A.J. Munchak, Lackawanna County Commissioner

In his second term serving the county, Munchak said that he’s looking forward to completing progress made in the previous administration to provide the best possible service to taxpayers. “I feel it’s a vote of confidence in the way I have been commissioner,” he said of the award.

Runner-up: Christopher P. Carney, United States Representative, 10th Congressional District

Congressman Chris Carney (D-Dimock) said that the Best of the Abingtons award is a recognition of the work being done for residents of the 10th Congressional District. “For me, doing the right job for the 10th District is far more important than the partisan concerns,” he said, noting that his staff is divided evenly between Democrats and Republicans.

High school team

Winner: Abington Heights football

After recording Lackawanna Football Conference Division I championships in 2005 and 2006, a District 2 AAA title in 2005 and AAAA title in 2006 and Eastern Conference championships in 2005 and 2006, its no wonder the Comets are local fan favorites. “There has to be a group of seniors to take that role (of team leaders) upon themselves to be sure things run smoothly,” Coach Joe Repshis said of his student athletes.

Runner-up: Abington Heights basketball

The 2007-08 Comets used strong core of starters including Spencer Liddic, E.J. Murphy and Cory Spangenberg to capture a 2007-08 Lackawanna League title and a District 2 Class AAAA title under the direction of head coach Ken Bianchi.

High school coach

Winner: Joe Repshis, Abington Heights football

Repshis recently finished his third season with the Comets. He expects stiff competition from teams like West Scranton, Berwick and Coughlin in 2008. Repshis was also voted best teacher in this year’s poll for his work in the high school’s physical education department. “You get to see the kids in a different perspective. It’s nice to get to know them from an academic level as well,” he said.

Other awards: Winner, Teacher.

Runner-up: Andrew Kettel, Lackawanna Trail boys basketball

In his first year with the Lions basketball team, Andrew Kettel helped lead the team to a 16-10 overall record and a shot at the Lackawanna League title. Players and the new coaching staff posted 10 straight wins in the second half of the season. “I’m flattered and proud of what we accomplished this year, but you don’t get accolades like this without good players,” Kettel said.

High school fall male athlete

Winner: Mike Dargatis, Abington Heights football

Comets quarterback Mike Dargatis said that the balance of academics and athletics can be tough. “They’re pretty much all I have time for. I’ve been doing it for a while, so I manage it well,” he said. The support of the community, Dargatis said, drives the athletes in the school no matter what season it is. He is bound for Clarion University in the fall.

Other awards: Runner-up, High school winter male athlete.

Runner-up: Kurtis Medeiros, Abington Heights football

Abington Heights wide receiver and strong safety Kurtis Medeiros pulled down seven touchdowns for the Comets in 2007 and is looking forward to continuing his career with Shippensburg University. He said he’ll miss the atmosphere of playing at Comets Stadium, commonly known as The Pit.

High school fall female athlete

Winner: Crystal Page, Abington Heights cross country

Freshman Crystal Page said that running between 2.8 and 3.1 mile courses is no problem when you have a passion. “I absolutely love running. I love the challenge,” she said. A member of the winter indoor and spring outdoor track and field teams, Page said that she’s always focused on attaining a better time.

Runner-up: Camille Karam, Scranton Prep cross country

High school winter male athlete

Winner: Spencer Liddic, Abington Heights basketball

Averaging close to 17 points per game through the 2007-08 season, Liddic regularly lead scoring for the Abington Heights team this year. “Winning the district championship for only the second time under Coach (Ken) Bianchi was great,” Liddic said. He will attend Muhlenberg College next fall.

Runner-up: Mike Dargatis, Abington Heights basketball

High school winter female athlete

Winner: Becky Burke, Abington Heights basketball

Named the 2007-08 Associated Press Player of the Year for Class AAAA basketball, Burke scored her 2,000th point during her final season with Abington Heights, earning her a well-deserved place in Lady Comets history. She will continue her career at the University of South Carolina this fall.

Runner-up: Alexandria Sebastian, Abington Heights basketball

Sebastian may have missed a healthy portion of the 2008-09 basketball season due to a torn ACL, but she’s ready to return to the court. “I’m looking forward to playing and getting back into shape,” the freshman said. “I’ve been playing (basketball) for a while, and I like it a lot.”

High school spring male athlete

Winner: Colin Farrell, Lackawanna Trail track and field

Farrell, a middle distance runner in the 800 for the Lions, said he was surprised with the Best of the Abingtons recognition. He said he hopes to compete in the postseason in the high jump.

Runner-up: Ian Lopera, Lakeland track and field

Lopera commonly competes in the 110 hurdles, 200 and triple jump for the Chiefs. He set the school’s long jump record at 21 feet during the 2007 season.

High school spring female athlete

Winner: Hannah McMinn, Lackawanna Trail track and field

McMinn said the satisfaction of setting and achieving personal goals, including breaking 15.8 seconds in the 100 hurdles this season, is one of the highlights of competing at the high school level. She also runs the 300 hurdles and the first leg of the 4x400 relay.

Runner-up: Jessie Fox, Abington Heights soccer

Fox said she has greatly enjoyed playing with her teammates at Abington Heights and in numerous recreation leagues. “I really enjoy playing with the girls. I feel comfortable on the field with them,” she said. Fox said the team is looking forward to a successful postseason and a return to the PIAA state playoffs.

College campus

Winner: Keystone College, 1 College Green, La Plume, 945-8000, keystone.edu

With 270 acres featuring campus buildings and preserved acres, Keystone College President Edward G. Boehm, Jr., said the La Plume campus gives students and visitors the feeling of a rural environment in close proximity to suburban areas. “We aim to restore and respect the heritage of the grounds where our students live, work and study,” Boehm said. Runner-up: University of Scranton, 800 Linden St., Scranton, 1-888-SCRANTON, scranton.edu.

Dr. Harold Baillie, University of Scranton provost and Waverly resident, attributed the campus’ growth and success to the sense of community on-campus. “Key to the university’s success is its sense of community which is well supported by a clean campus, a campus that has nice facilities and that really works as an environment for students,” he said. .

College professor

Winner: Dr. Daniel V. Fraustino, Ph.D., University of Scranton, English and American Literature

When Dr. Dan Fraustino lectures his students on literature, he keeps in mind that some students may not be as passionate about the material as he is. “Knowing how to address an audience on a level that they can understand and in a way that they find interesting is absolutely necessary when your Ph. D. is in poetry, which tends to be abstract, unclear, and remote,” he said.

Runner-up: Dan Haggerty, Ph.D., University of Scranton, Philosophy

Haggerty lives with his wife and three children in Clarks Green. He said that “a genuine love of philosophy and a delight in teaching it to undergraduates” is what motivates him in the classroom. He shares a level of openness and honesty with students in the classroom and said he chose to teach at the university based on the surrounding communities.

Teacher

Winner: Joe Repshis, Abington Heights High School physical education

Runner-up: Gemma Chuff, Abington Heights Middle School

Librarian

Winner: Mary Ann McGrath, Abington Community Library

Starting as a volunteer in 1975, Mary Ann McGrath gradually took over the library’s long-time Story Hour and was chosen by former director Mary Tuthill to begin choosing reading material for younger readers. “Because it’s a small library, you get your hands in everything,” McGrath said. She is proud of the library’s outreach efforts to kindergarten groups from the area.

Runner-up: Leah Ducato Rudolph, Abington Community Library

At the encouragement of former library director Mary Tuthill, Rudolph completed master’s degree requirements in library and information sciences in 2001 from the University of Pittsburgh. She has served as the library’s executive director for the nearly three years. “The real motivator is the appreciation that we receive from the people we serve,” Rudolph said.

Child-centered entertainment / activity

Winner: Abington Community Library, 1400 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit, 587-3440, lclshome.org/abington.

What began with Story Time several years ago has grown into a community-wide, child-friendly program schedule. Programs fit a range of themes including this summer’s “Catch the Reading Bug” events. “If you are taken to the library as a child, it’s something you carry with you for the rest of your life,” said Library Executive Director Leah Ducato Rudolph.

Runner-up: Comm Camp, Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Rd., Waverly, 586-8191, waverlycomm.org.

Maria Wilson, executive director of the Waverly Community House, said the Comm’s central location, quality programming, and loyal counselors are what make the Comm Camp one of the best of the Abingtons. “Having a camp is consistent with the mission of the Waverly Community House to provide recreational opportunities for the community.” The camp’s programming is geared to engage the children in healthy, fun activities.

Fitness instructor

Winner: Jim Brown, Brown’s Gym

For 15 years, Brown has been the owner of Brown’s Gym in Clarks Summit. He said, “I really like training the athletes, especially the elite athletes because I can stay with the higher intensity levels.” Brown operates a true round-the-clock gym that only closes for 36 hours in honor of Christmas. He serves as the International Powerlifting Federation North American Team head coach.

Other awards: Winner, Brown’s Gym, gym; Runner up, Brown’s Gym Pilates, fitness/mind and body class.

Runner-up: Joy DeSoto, Birchwood Fitness Center, 105 Edella Rd, Clarks Summit, 586-4030. Joy DeSoto credits her success with clients to the passion she brings to her job. “I absolutely love what I do,” she said. DeSoto tries to give everyone her full energy and attention during her sessions. “I want to make sure they get the best class they can get.”

Gym

Winner: Brown’s Gym, 1000 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-3481, brownsgym.net.

Runner-up: Birchwood Fitness Center, 105 Edella Rd, Clarks Summit, Monday thru Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 586-4030.

The Birchwood Fitness Center tries to create a small and intimate setting to cater to their customers. “We cater to our customers in order to give them cleanliness and personal customer service,” said Joy DeSoto. The mission to cater to the individual needs of customers motivates Birchwood to consistently maintain a fine product.

Fitness / mind and body class

Winner: Everything Natural hatha yoga, Nora Fox

Runner-up: Brown’s Gym pilates

Dance school

Winner: Devine School of Dance, 1115 N. Abington Rd., Waverly, 587-0807.

For 32 years, the Devine School of Dance has taught jazz, tap, lyrical dance and ballet to students aged three to 18. Word of mouth about the studio still drives business today, according to founder and teacher Cassandra Devine. “The reward is watching them start as children who can barely walk to becoming lovely dancers,” Devine said. Devine’s daughter, Jaclene, is a partner in the school.

Runner-up (tie): Abington Heights Civic League Dance Academy, 115 Colburn Ave, Clarks Summit, 586-3101.

For 50 years, the Abington Heights Civic League Dance Academy has taught ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz and tap to a wide variety of students. According to Chris Perscillio, the success of the academy comes from the volunteers, including Jennifer Sohns Petty who has taught at the school for 20 years. “The reason we started this was to raise money for a needy family,” Perscillio said. “During each recital, our proceeds go back to the community.”

Runner-up (tie): Joan’s Dance Studio, 206 Depot St., Clarks Summit, 586 -4322.

For 58 years, Joan Lillian has taught her students a wide variety of dance styles. This allows her to know how to specifically teach her students. “I understand the students I work with and progress them to their natural ability,” she said. Lillian finds her motivation from her energy and love of dance and teaching.

Martial arts

Winner: UTA Karate

Runner-up: Fire Dragon Martial Arts Studio

Bazaar

Winner: Our Lady of the Snows / St. Benedict’s, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-1741. Sue Burke, co-chair of the Our Lady of Snow / St. Benedict’s bazaar, credits its success to all those who work at the event. “The secret to our success is the multitude of volunteers that come out of the woodwork and participate,” she said. The committee is motivated by bringing a quality product to the customers each year. “It’s such a wonderful community that comes together. We know we’re doing something for good.”

Runner-up: Dalton Carnival, held each July, 563-1248.

Dalton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary member Susan Davidson said the annual carnival is a great time for the Dalton community. “I’m a people person, and I just love seeing everyone who comes out,” she said. Davidson said reunions for Lackawanna Trail High School are planned around the event, which is scheduled for July 8 to 12 this year.

Seasonal event

Winner: ABPA Clarks Summit Festival of Ice, held each February, is presented by Abington Business and Professional Association. With four festivals under its belt, the Abington Business and Professional Association is already preparing for 2008’s Frozen Renaissance Faire. Past chair Barry Kaplan, owner of Everything Natural, said the event is heartwarming, despite chilly temperatures. “It brings people together at every level, and the excitement is contagious.”

Runner-up: Rotary of the Abington’s July 4 Fireworks

Billiards

Winner: Wellington’s

Runner-up: Fagan’s Billiards Center, 603 Route 6, Mayfield, Thursday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., 876-3442, myspace.com/fagansbilliards.

Michael Fagan’s Billiards Center isn’t the place to go for a happy hour drink. “We gear it toward a safe, non-alcoholic and clean environment,” he said. Fagan credits the atmosphere to the success of his club, which moonlights as a teen club on Friday nights and also caters to underground bands.

Golf course

Winner: Glen Oak Country Club, 250 Oakford Rd., Clarks Summit, 587-7600, glenoakcc.com. General Manager George H. Carl said the private club course is recognized for its high level of maintenance. “It’s not a long course, but it’s tight and we’re noted for our quick greens,” Carl said. Among the more challenging holes are No. 11 which includes several water hazards and No. 16, which is a long uphill drive.

Runner-up: Country Club of Scranton, 1001 Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit, 586-2311, ccscranton.com.

Ski resort

Winner: Elk Mountain Ski Resort, RR2 Box 3328, Union Dale, December thru March, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Greg Confer credits the success and popularity of Elk Mountain to “having the best quality snow possible and a friendly staff.” This, Confer says, attracts significant crowds to the mountain all season. The staff is motivated by “the challenge of taking northeast Pennsylvania’s crazy weather and putting quality snow on the hill for the customers.”

Runner-up: Sno Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, 1-800-GOT-SNOW, snomtn.com.

Children’s park

Winner: South Abington Community Park, Routes 6 and 11, South Abington Township

Township Manager David O’Neill said phone calls from residents offer compliments on the park each week. New walking trails were completed in 2007 using grant and township funds, and the municipality is seeking bids for a handicap-accessible restroom. “On a daily basis, (the park) is used not only by township residents but by the full community,” O’Neill said.

Other awards: Park/trail for outdoor activities.

Runner-up: Waverly Community House Playground, 1115 N. Abington Rd., Waverly, 586-8191, waverlycomm.org.

“We’re motivated to maintain the playground because it gets so much use.” Waverly Community House Executive Director Maria Wilson said. The playground was built by volunteers in 1990. Constant maintenance has made it a long-standing attraction for children in the community.

Park / trail for outdoor activities

Winner: South Abington Community Park

Runner-up: Lackawanna State Park, RR1 Box 230, Dalton, 945-3239. Alex Stout, Lackawanna State Park manager, realizes one of the greatest attributes of the park is its free facilities. “We have a lot of free facilities available for daytime use,” he said. “People can boat, hike or fish during the day without paying.”

Hotel

Winner: Inn at Nichols Village, 1101 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, 587-1135, nicholsvillage.com. The Nichols family philosophy has always been that “if we as employees treat each other with dignity and respect then our guests similarly will be treated in a warm and friendly manner,” according to the hotel’s Web site.

Runner-up: Ramada, 820 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, 586-2730, ramadaclarkssummit.com.

Local non-profit project

Winner: Countryside Conservancy, P.O. Box 55, La Plume, 18440, 945-6995, countrysideconservancy.org.

The Countryside Conservancy was established by citizens concerned about the loss of distinctive features in the northeastern Pennsylvania region, according to the organization’s Web site. Members work to preserve lands through cooperate agreements with land owners and through direct acquisition with funding from both public and private resources.

Runner-up: Abington Community Gardens, Abington Area Community Park, Winola Road, Clark Summit

Proposed through a site development plan, the Community Garden is the first of many potential improvements to the Abington Area Community Park. Abington Area Joint Recreation Board Garden Committee Chair Barb Grabfelder said, “What has developed is a sense of community through the gardens. Friendships are definitely going to develop. My vision will culminate with the harvest.”

Product made locally

Winner: Danielle and Company soaps, www.danielleandcompany.com

Runner-up: The “R Bag,” Mary Jo Loboda Mary Jo Loboda began making her “R Bags” out of recycled plastic bags as a fundraiser for the poor of Haiti. “We had made scarves but yarn was so expensive that we needed a cheaper material.” Loboda said, “Twenty dollars for a market bag would serve 100 in Haiti.” Loboda attributes part of her success to the recent trend of eco-consciousness. “We didn’t think it’d be that popular but it’s become really trendy. I think people feel they’re making a statement when they have it.”