TimesLeader.com

READER SUBMITTED: Preparing for Thanksgiving

Reader Carol Potoeski of Mocanaqua recently submitted this photo of her cat, Toby, among her Thanksgiving decorations.

Night of a Lifetime

On Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Inn at Nichols Village in Clarks Summit, The Abington Journal joined with more than 100 members of the community to honor Waverly resident Marge Black with the R. Matthew Burne Lifetime of Service Award for 2008. As the winner, Black received a $1,000 award donated by the family of Matt Burne, in his memory, to present to the charity of her choice. Black, a longtime volunteer with a number of organizations, selected the Waverly Community House. Guest speakers for the event included Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Center Mary Ann LaPorta, Director of the Devine School of Dance Cassie Devine and Executive Director of the Waverly Community House Maria Wilson. Black was selected for the award from among nominees suggested by the community to The Abington Journal. At the conclusion of the evening, a surprise birthday cake was presented to Black in honor of her 84th birthday, which will be on November 15. The R. Matthew Burne award was created in 2007 by The Abington Journal and The Wilkes Barre Publishing Company. The first award was bestowed posthumously to R. Matthew Burne, in honor of his lifetime of service above self and generosity throughout the community.

Palin makes first appearance in Scranton

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin visited northeastern Pennsylvania for the first time during a rally at Riverfront Sports in Scranton on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Palin is running with John McCain on the Republican Party's ticket for the White House.

Quaker Steak and Lube brings 'Best Wings USA' to Dickson City

Atomic. Supercharged. Buckeye BBQ. Dusted Salt and Vinegar. Louisiana Lickers. Golden Garlic. Parmesan Pepper. Thai 'R' Cracker. Family, friends, members of the media, local dignitaries and other invited guests were given a sneak preview on Monday, Oct. 13, of those and 12 other flavors that have helped earn Quaker Steak and Lube the title of Best Wings USA and more than 142 awards and credits between 1988 and 2008. The new restaurant, located at 4005 Commerce Boulevard in Dickson City, will host its grand opening to the general public on Wednesday, October 15. Part owner Russell Berner, Bloomsburg, said, "This (location) was our first choice when we had the opportunity." Berner, who also operates the Dickston City Perkins added, " We're very familiar with the community... We enjoy our guests." Abington Journal Photos/Matt Tomko

Noche de Gala

Fotos de Amalis Marte

Hackett fundraiser at home of Joe Amato

A September 18 brunch raised more than $100,000 for Chris Hackett’s congressional campaign efforts. Thousands more were taken in for the PA Victory Campaign, which supports federal- and state-level Republican candidates. But it wasn’t the breakfast burritos, a former world champion drag racer or Hackett most of the people came to see. Instead, about 100 people paid $1,000 each for a meet-and-greet with first lady Laura Bush.

Hare Scramble Championships in Plymouth

Riders kick up their wheels and mud Sunday in Plymouth at the start of one of the four races in the Back Mountain Enduro Riders' (BMER) Hare Scramble. More than 300 motorcycle and ATV riders from around the state competed in several classes of racing on the Susquehanna River flats and Hanover Nursery Topsoil Farm. The event, No. 12 in the American Motorcyclist Association-sanctioned Pa. State Hare Scramble Championship Series, was organized and run by the BMER, which was founded in 1961 for the purpose of promoting motorcycling. More information on the club is available at www.bmer.org