Letters
Support
firefighters
Editor: :
We, are writing this letter to voice
our full support and admiration to
our fellow volunteer firefighters.
The area media is filled with news
of the alleged actions by a number
of perhaps misguided volunteers.
This news, although not yet
proven true, brings sadness and
anger to our hearts. Volunteer
firefighters give their all for their
communities--they give their time
to help their neighbors, they are
generally the people who spearhead
good and honest community
projects and, most of all, they put
their personal futures on the line
each and every time the alarm is
sounded.
Our message to our fellow fire-
fighters is “Do not let the alleged
action of a few discourage the
many. Let this be a learning ex-
perience for all of us, who believe
there is a real and genuine satis-
faction in knowing that the job we
do is beneficial to all whom we
protect from fire and to ourselves
because of the camaradarie and
fulfillment we gain by working to-
gether for the common good.
James Rail, President
John Chichilla
Fire School Director
Northeatern Penna.
Volunteer Firemens Federation
Comment
The resolution introduced by
Dallas School Board Director
Joseph O'Donnell charging Dallas
Director with Harry Lefko with
neglect through absenteeism from
meetings and ordering him to ap-
pear before the board to show just
cause was defeated by a 5-3 vote at
the Feb. 14 board meeting.
Lefko, director for 15 years,
missed nine of 12 meetings in 1982
and the regular January board
meeting in 1983. Motion to present
the resolution was made by
O’Donnell and seconded by Albert
Pisaneschi. The resolution charged
Lefko with neglect due to ab-
senteeism from two regularly
scheduled meetings of Dec. 13, 1982
and''Jam: 10, 1983; ‘and requested
that? Tiefko’s ‘seat’ be ‘declared
vaeant.
The school code dictates that a
school director who neglects or
refuses to attend two successive
regular meetings of the board
unless detained by sickness or pre-
vented by necessary absence from
the district, may be removed from
his office by an affirmative vote
from a majority of the remaining
board members.
The motion was defeated by the
votes of Ernest Ashbridge, Pat
Gregory, Shawn Murphy, Dr.
William Camp and Lefko, himself.
voting in favor of removal were
O'Donnell, Pisaneschi and Tex
Wilson. Direct Russell Havey was
absent from the meeting.
According to reports, Lefko is
interested in the board but his
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12. :
Few things can match the beauty
of a winter morning, the sun
glistening across a thick blanket of
freshly fallen snow. As one gazes
through the window, awed and
inspired by the magic only God can
make, a realization begins to creep
into the mind. A lot of this beauty
will have to be removed from the
driveway before passage can be
position as a salesman preyents
him from attending many of the
board meetings. It is difficult for us
miss 75 percent of his workdays,
would he retain his position?
We know that most municipal
positions are unpaid positions. We
also know that when a candidate
campaigns for an office, he or she
must certainly understand that
there is a responsibility to attend all
meetings as well as do the
necessary study involved with the
position.
are expected to do a service to the
taxpayers. It is impossible to carry
on business successfully without
full representation.
“It iS''an abuse of the public
trust,” said O'Donnell. “And those
directors who voted to retain Lefko
have betrayed the public's trust.
They have done a disservice to
those taxpayers, who elected them
to office. They are hypcrites!
“I have nothing personal against
Lefko. My objection is that his
absence impedes the successful
business of the Dallas School
District. I appreciate the fact that
his family’s support is a priority. I
also believe that his inability to
make meetings is cause for his
removal from office, either
voluntarily or by our voting his seat
gained to the main road.
One need not fear if he happens to
reside on Marabee Street in Dallas.
We have a very special neighbor,
Bill Shaffer. As the sun rises, so
does Mr. Shaffer. While everyone
else is enjoying their morning
shower or a first cup of cofee, he is
outside with his snow blower,
clearing out the driveways. He
never needs to be asked, nor ever
asks for thanks. He simply does this
out of kindness. I think I am
speaking for all the residents of
Marabee Street when I say, we are
privileged to have you for a neigh-
bor, Mr. Shaffer. Thank you.
Jerry Cooper
Dallas
vacant. Those who voted against
the resolution are shirking their
duty “to the taxpayers,” stated
O'Donnell.
A quick survey of those directors
voting in favor of Lefko brought
these statements.
‘I was concerned with the
timing,” said Director Pat
Gregory. ‘I felt if we lifted Harry
from his seat, we might not be able
to replace him with someone before
the deadline for filing petitions if
the appointee should want to run for
the office in the primary. Perhaps, I
should have abstained.”
“The way the statute was inter-
preted to me,” said Director Shawn
Murphy I wasn’t sure that the
situation could be resolved “until
after the primary election. Since I
was not elected to the board but
only appointed, i was hesitant to
vote for ousting him from office. I
do believe that if he could attend the
meetings, he could be of tremen-
dous help to the board. I decided to
vote the way I did and let the voters
decide whether they want him or
not if he runs in the primary.”
Dr. William Camp, president of
the board, said that he gave the
matter a lot of thought. “I find since
I have assumed my position on the
board that it takes a lot more time
than I expected. I do a lot of reading
and research at home. Mr. Lefko
says he is interested in the district
and I believe that all contributions
do not necessarily come from the
public meetings. Other variables
entered into my vote such as a
fourth appointee to the board, and
the thought of letting the voters
decide.”
Numerous attempts to contact
statement proved unsuccessful.
As we understand the school
policy, each committee is to meet at
least three times during the year,
During the year 1982, Lefko,
chairman of the activities com-
mittee, called only one meeting.
We stated above that Lefko voted
in favor of retaining himself on the
board. We ask ‘‘Since when does the
accused given the opportunity to
vote for himself?’
We believe that it is time that all
members attend meetings or resign
from their positions. We are certain
that there are many members of the
district who are in accord with this
belief. We also are certain that
there are persons in the community
who would willingly serve on the
board and accept their respon-
sibility with dedication.
We wonder are the Dallas School
directors, concerned about doing
service to the district or are they
more concerned about the primary
election?
I'm usually not mean, far from
lean, but boy, am I driving around
town in a new machine.
No kidding, my limo just starting
failing a little too much to my
liking. It took some brave action on
my part, but I used. it on a trade-in
for a 1980 Chevy Monza. It’s a sharp
looking white sporty car with red
interior. I've got 4 speeds (it's a
standard) and a terrific AM-FM
stereo. You'll know it’s me by my
license plate--DLZ-83. I'm in
heaven!
Big news has hit Dallas. Mrs.
Denmon (The Big D) has made a
giant career move and after 15
years of service to the Dallas Post,
Yes, you are reading this right-the
Big D has made the decison to go
and work with a local doctor and
give up her paper career. However,
she informs me that she will be still
writing bowling news,’ sports,
calling on some ad accounts. What a
change! But best of success to her!
Lynn Kazinchak is a student at
College Misericordia. Lynn, a ’79
graduate of Lake-Lehman sur-
prised me in the hall up at school
the other day. I was walking around
in my own little world when I
quickly passed and she said “Hi”.
Hope to see more of you around the
school, Lynn.
It’s just a time when I happened
to run into a few people. Another
Lehman graduate from the class of
(I think) '77 is Eileen Connolly.
Eileen is a salesperson for Tab
Sales and had the opportunity to
attend a Wilkes-Barre Chamber of
Commerce function. After chatting
with her a few minutes, she was
from Lehman who is out in Lake
Tahoe selling microcomputers.
Susan is doing fantastic. According
to Eileen she is driving a Porsche,
has a jacuzzi in her bathroom, can
walk to the ski lifts from her
apartment and has all the extras
that come with being a good
salesperson. I want to wish them
both luck, and can see that they are
doing just fine.
Happy Birthday to my brother
Mark, Feb. 19, Mrs. Denmon
(March 3) and my Dad (March 4).
It’s just too complicated for me to
keep up with these occasions.
Before I forget, I suppose (Eddie
Chesnovitch can be wished happy
birthday (March 20) and
graduation (March 24). Anyone else
I missed? It’s not because I want to.
Big times are coming to Wilkes-
Barre on Thursday, March 3, when
Susan Shannamon from the PUC in
Harrisburg will be in Wilkes-Barre
to talk. This is being sponsored by
the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber
of Commerce and if you're in-
366, Dallas, PA 18612.
terested, contact the Chamber, 823-
2101.
Lynn Sheehan has been around
town, and I see he is now working
with American Bell. If you're
familiar with the new company,
American Bell is selling all types of
equipment dealing with com-
munications. And this is where
Lynn comes in. He is a salesperson
and from what he tells me, things
are going just great.
Before I also forget, I think, if I'm
not mistaken, Joan Duffy, a ’77
graduate of Lake-Lehman is now a
manager at the Sheraton in Wilkes-
Barre. I believe I've seen her
around the banquet rooms making
sure everything is in order.
I've picked up a chocolate fondue
and raspberry fondue recipe from
Alice Niskey. I've dipped some
bananas in the chocolate and some
angel food cake. Now that’s
you're interested, drop me a note or
call.
Let's ‘say’ “*Hi’: to. :Judy
Lamoreaux. Judy keeps telling us
at bowling every week just what's
this is a person who has nerves of
steel. I'm. proud to say I know
someone who can put up with kids
from K through 12 screaming and
yelling and talking loud on their
way to and from school. Keep up the
terrific job, Judy.
And before I retire for the week, I
want to congratulate my sister.
Judy has received a gold key award
and finalist award at the regional
art competition. The art display is
at the Sordoni Art Gallery and in a
few weeks her piece of pottery will
be traveling to New York for
national competition. Good luck
Judy! You're doing alright!
Locally, a check with the Election
Bureau indicates municipal seats
up for grabs in every Back
Mountain community. Hopefully,
the hometown races will spark the
interest of residents. It is vital that
we know who is seeking our vote,
and what these people stand for. It’s
too late, as many have painfully
found out, after a person is in office.
Perhaps it is time, for some who
have complained in the past to toss
their hats into the ring.
The cHoices are many, including
supervisor, councilman, auditor
and school director (six of the nine
seats on both local boards are
available).
-O-
And more about the upcoming
elections: legislation to alter the
Pennsylvania Election Code by
changing the 1983 primary election
from the third to the fourth Tuesday
in May recently passed the State
Government Committee.
House Bill 94 will now move to the
Senate as amended in the House of
Representatives.
The legislation was drafted to
eliminate a conflict between the
election date and the Jewish
holiday, Shavot, which falls on May
18. The third Tuesday in May is on
the 17th, the date many in the
Jewish community begin cele-
bration of the holiday. The change
will affect only the 1983 election
calendar.
-O-
Local police enjoyed a slide
presentation on civil liabilities last
Friday night, as part of their
continuous training. The presenta-
tion was held at the Kingston
Township police department but
officers from several local munici-
palities were present.
-0-
Nesbitt Hospital has made an
interesting pamphlet available to
the community concerning
volunteerism at the facility. Due to
the recent expansion and renova-
tions of hospital services and
facilities, the Community Volunteer
Service Program has experienced a
dramatic increase during the past
year.- The number of volunteer
hours in 1982 has increased more
than 100 percent over previous
years.
The pamphlet lists available
categories in which volunteers are
utilized and a brief description out-
lining services, programs or
projects the volunteer duties cover.
The hospital relies heavily on its
volunteers to help the staff provide
quality care. The contribution of
time and talents is considered in-
valuable in aiding the comfort and
well-being of hospitalized patients.
If you are interested in giving some
of your time, contact the Volunteer
Services Program at the hospital
and request a copy of the pamphlet.
Chris Williamson,
Lake-Lehman senior:
“Yes, it could hap-
pen here. But, we
don’t have the kind
of problem they have
in Nanticoke, from
what I’ve read about
them.”
from Mak
I understand Homer Banker is
quite busy over at Harveys Lake.
I’ve been told Homer is converting
the former Our Lady of Victory
rectory into a constant-care facility
and doing a lovely job of it. The
building will be called ‘Country
manor’. Sounds like a pleasant
location for those who might be in
need of such a place.
20:
Back to the subject of security at
SCID. It appears suggestions for
improvement in that area, made by
the Citizens Committee have had
some impact, at least on paper. Sen.
Frank O’Connell, working with a
group of concerned citizens from
Jackson Township, contacted the
Governor’s Office citing four
specific requests to increase
security at the facility. His com-
munication was forwarded to
Corrections Commissioner Ronald
dressing all four areas individually!
Marks noted the compliment of
corrections officers has been in-
months along with six additional
staff positions at the Dallas prison.
A perimeter fence surrounding the
institution is reflected in a recently
submitted capital budget request at
a cost of almost a million dollars for
fiscal year 1985-86.
A study will also be undertaken on
the proposal to add a fence to
surround the power plant, sewer
plant and garbage disposal area.
And, finally, the number of vehicles
containing sirens for use in case of
escape, has been expanded from
one to four.
Marks further noted that despite
the two escapes which have re-
cently occurred at the prison, it
continues to maintain an excellent
record of containing such action.
Pat Rusiloski, who heads up the
committee reports she is pleased
with. the response: The latest
communieations, however, are not
will continue its work in overseein
security measures at Dallas, for the
-O-
We hope you like the latest addi-
tion to the Post, our editorial car-
toon. The artwork comes from two
Lake-Lehman juniors, Joe
Kachurak and Scott Ciravolo. The
boys came highly recommended by
their art teacher, Darlene Stickler.
We believe she has provided an
excellent recommendation. The
boys are very talented, as you will
continue to see in future editions. It
only proves what we've always
believed, that the area is loaded
with talent of all kinds.
I must emphasize this point--the
boys work on assignment. All
subject matter emanates from the
Post editorial office and does not
reflect their personal opinions.
Renae Fostock,
Lake-Lehman fresh-
man: ‘‘I’m sure it
could happen here,
but that doesn’t
Laura Tracy, Dallas
sophomore: ‘‘I don’t"
think it can happen
here. The kids here
are not as wild as they
seem to be in Nan-
ticoke.” -.