Dallas director Page 4 “There is positively no truth in the rumor that the school board has already selected an individual to fill the vacancy left by the late William Dierolf,” said Dr. Mahmoud Fah- Amy, president of Dallas School “Board, when contacted over the weekend. “The person spreading such a rumor is foolish and certainly doing the school directors a great dis- service. We have no pre-conceived idea as to an appointee, ’ said Dr. Fahmy. “We asked all qualified electors interested in serving on the board to submit their applications to the Zoning board administration building by March 26. Twelve people have applied. We will begin interviewing Tuesday morning.” Dr. Fahmy said that after. all interviews were completed, all of applications and no final decision would be made until the April board meeting. «I believe that the school system should be open to all taxpayers,” said Dr. Fahmy. “It is a public school system and the taxpayers should be aware of its operation. I shall hide nothing unless I am prohibited by legalities.” Judge Bernard C. Brominski has dismissed the appeal of a Dallas Township property owner from a decision of the Dallas Township Zoning Board. Joseph Schroeders had appealed the decision of the board which denied his application for a zoning permit and for a special exception » BY JESSIE MORGAN During the recent meeting in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania State . Education Association publicly endorsed Congressman Allen Ertel for Governor of Pennsylvania. Although both Governor Thorn- burg and Congressman Ertel were invited to attend the meeting which represents more than 125 thousand members of the PSEA throughout the state, only Congressman Ertel chose to appear, says Jacque Angle, PSEA president. Mr. Angle ‘told the Dallas Post that ‘While Governor Thornburg has been content to sit back and accept without question the Reagan jadministration assaults on education, it was Ertel who stepped to erect five townhouse condo- miniums on his land along Route 309. Schroeders contended that the decision was illegal, arbitrary, erroneous, and an abuse of discretion. He also contended that it was in violation of the Uniform Condominium Act. into the breach. It was through the efforts of the Congressman that much of the money that would have fallen under Stockman axe was finally restored to this year’s federal budget,” he said. The members of the PSEA had endorsed Governor Thornburg four years ago but this year the central issue surrounding their decision to endorse Congressman Ertel is one of state subsidy for education, an issue they feel the Governor has not properly addressed. ‘‘Four years ago we took Thornburg at his word-- his often repeated promise to work for the full funding of the legally required 50 percent state subsidy for basic education--but he turned his back on us,” Mr. Angle said. John Johnson, a teacher at the “It’s much different than living in a large house but we love it. It’s more like hotel living with all the conveniences. We enjoy the fact that there is not a lot of main- tenance and it is comfortable in our apartment.” i That’s the opinion of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Williams, who recently moved into the Meadows Apart- ments, Lake Street, Dallas. The Williams formerly lived in a large home on Susquehanna Avenue and due to both of them suffering serious illness they decided to move into The Meadows. “We're looking forward to summer and the out-of-doors and we enjoy the large recreation room Dallas. i OST or CS ST ma Pre rrsmm mre ra EE CN TTI STA Dalls Jr. High School and legislative chairperson for the Northeastern PSEA representing 9000 teachers, said Congressman Ertel also has the backing of local educators. “Governor Thornburg hasn’t fulfilled the promises he made to us.” says Mr. Johnson. “Four years ago he had -no record of public service, and no record of having fulfilled any public commitments. This time around both candidates have a record. Congressman Ertel has a pro-education record during his term in office while Governor Thornburg has turned his back on us.” Congressman Ertel also supports Act 195-the right of teachers to strike and seek collective bargaining, says Mr. Johnson. Local teachers are concerned under the Thornburg ad- ministration, he said. “During the past year state subsidy to schools has dropped to 41 percent. We have seen too many cutbacks in educational programs. Although Congressman Ertel has not promised to restore the amount of subsidy to 50 percent, he has said that he will reverse the current downward trend.” President Angle feels that the PSEA was ‘‘misled’’ four years ago. “The Governor has betrayed every child, every parent and every local taxpayer in the Commonwealth. We don’t intend to give him that chance again.” Twenty Five Cents “We're inviting all former em- ployees of the Back Mountain Lumber and Hardware to join in our big ‘20th Birthday Party’’, April 1, 2 and 3,” said Alan and Marsha Landis. “We also hope to see many of our friends who have shopped in our stere since its early beginnings, not only in this our new store but as far back as 1945 when my father, Granville Sowden and Paul Eckert purchased Still Lumber and owned it jointly,” said Marsha Landis. ‘‘We are planning three days of fun and excitement--popcorn, coffee and doughnuts, prizes, demonstra- tions and ‘How To Do It’ Clincs. We hope to see old friends and reminisce about past days and the old store that burned. On Saturday, April 3, we will cut the big 3x4’ birthday cake. Strawberry Short- cake, Smurfs, Easter Bunny and the Peacock will be on hand to greet visitors.” The big birthday party is to mark the 20th year of the ‘‘new’’ Back Mountain Lumber and Hardware Store--the first total electric building in the Back Mountain area, built on the site where the former store was located until it was totally destroyed by fire on Sept. 9, a. Construction was. started. : on April 5, 1962, the Grand Ope” 3 of the present store was held’ Wh 1973 Sowden retired and his daughter, Marsha and her husband, Alan, assumed ownership of the business. Since that time, the Landis’ have added a bath shop and in the mill, they have enlarged the showroom and included more samples in a more pleasant atmo- sphere for shoppers. : They provide a serve yourself service as well as personnel to assist shoppers who need help. Members of the staff are friendly and most of them know customers by name. The Landis’ also pride themselves on their bridal registry as well as assisting shoppers with’ anniversary suggestions. After purchasing the Still property in 1945, Sowden bought out Eckert in 1948 and the building on that site was named Back Mountain Lumber and Coal Company. In 1949 the first building was constructed on the site of the present day store and in January of that year, the mill was opened where windows, cabinets and cupboards, everything to put in a home, were made. The slogan at that time was “If it’s made of wood, we can make it.” A Grand Opening was held June 30, 1949. The store carried major appliances, bathroom fixtures, General Electric household - ap- pliances, paint, tools and hardware. Some housewares, gifts and toys were added in the early years after: the opening, In later years, Sowden added a complete gift and toy department and the business continued to grow until it was des- troyed by the fire in 1961. To mark the 20th Birthday Party, Back Mountain is offering 20 per- cent off every item in every depart- ment for the three day celebration. There will be something every day with Pittsburgh Paint representatives present for the three days, discussing problems and offering aid to visitors. American Hardware Service Star representatives will be on hand to talk with customers and a Blue Thursday, April 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. At the lumberyard on Friday, there will be an ‘Insulating Your Home” Clinic by Certainteed, and in the store there will be a furniture refinishing demonstration. Per- sonalized signs will be done in the lumberyard. There will also be cameras to take pictures of the children during the 3-Day Birthday Party-pictures alone, or with the Smurfs, Straw- berry Shortcake, Peacock or the Easter Bunny. Among the prizes to be given away are zircon pendants, filled Easter baskets, silk flower arrangements, Black & Decker grass trimmer, an AM-FM clock radio, plus many, many more. Come join in celebrating the Back Mountain Lumber & Hardware 20th birthday! with television and other facilities.” Mrs. Marion Maceiko, former Harveys Lake resident, moved into an apartment at Sherman Hills, Wilkes-Barre, several years ago. When she learned of openings at The Meadows, she decided to move to the Back Mountain. “I love it,” she said. It’s like coming home. My family lives out here and it’s more convenient to visit them. I can get out to play Bingo and I am meeting friends who are living here that I haven’t seen in years. “It’s a terrible thing to be alone and here there are so many people I know, I don’t feel lonely. One of my neighbors in the apartment com- plex is Mrs. Clara Troxell, who I worked for 45 years ago.” Mrs. D. Clara Troxell, who lives in an apartment a floor below Mrs. Maceiko is thrilled with her new home. “It’s the first I have felt at home since I came back from Florida to live here permanently. Many of my friends live in the apartments and I am meeting new friends. I'm also renewing friendships with people I haven’t seen in years.” Mrs. Troxell moved to The Meadows from the White Birch Mobile Home Park where she owned her own mobile home. “It is ideal here,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about someone to cut my lawn or shovel snow. I can come and go as I please without worrying about my apartment. The security here is wonderful and the people are friendly.” Mrs. Marti Mac Avoy, is one of the first persons to move into the Meadows. A former Back Mountain resident, Mrs. Mac Avoy rented an efficiency apartment in B’Nai B’Rith, in Wilkes-Barre, for the past several years. She liked the larger apartments in The Meadows so decided to make the move. Mrs. Mac Avoy said that she is happy that she did. “‘I love the Dallas Area and I love being nearer my family--all of whom live in the Back Mountain Area. All of the residents at The Meadows Apartments appear to be more than satisfied with their ac- commodations. Some said it took a living but that they are now used to and enjoy it. Ray Condo, executive director, said that 85 of the 120 units are filled and applications come in daily. Twelve of the units are for handi- wheelchair or walker persons and six for those who need handicapped showers. Owned and operated by Ecumencical Enterprises, Inc. (EEI) and situated adjacent to College Misericordia, the apart- ments provide suburban residence with serene environment yet near to shopping areas, churches, public transportation, educational and recreational facilities. All applicants must be 62 years of age or older, or if a married couple, at least one must be at least 62. Handicapped persons of any age may be Signe Wo Bb i i A rr ALE