A = Chatterbox Opinion r _—aa— H Where Credit Is Due Sorry to say, we're a little late with this tribute, and for that we apologize. We could blame the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, which failed totake into account the strictures of deadline on a small local weekly, and did not mail in formation on Local Government Day until very late last week. But we won't. Rather, we will attempt to make amends in our own way for not being aware of the specifically set- aside day, honoring the more than 40,000 people inthe state who devote their time and talents to the affairs of our local communities. The truth is that Friday, April 15 was Local Government Day across the state: And although we are a bit late in granting recognition, we believe local officials throughout the Back Mountain will understand. As a small-town newspaper, we are often first in our criticism of actions or non-actions taken by those in public office. In our society, the media over the years, have served as a watchdog of govern- ment. Because of this position, it often appears the newspaper is completely and unanimously against the format of government and the people who make com- munity decisions. With the celebration of Local Government Day, the Post thought it was time to give some credit where itis certainly due. The men and women who sit on borough councils and township supervisory boards do not necessarily have an easy job. Occasionally, and in some com- munities, most of the time, there are serious difficulties in making the right choices. Should taxes be raised so that roads can be fixed? Can the budget afford drainage work on one area of the town, while a retaining wall across the com- munity remains in need of work? The questions local officials must deal with are certainly not earth: shaking, but they are important to the residents and taxpayers. It is true that most of the super visor and councilmen we have dealt with ove: the years are trying to do a proper job with the best interests of the electorate at heart. There are, on the other hand, a select few who may have more of an ulterior motive for seeking public office. But concerning those few, we say, the voters get only what they as for- or fail to ask for by their disin- terest. For putting up with all the hard work, meetings, late night ‘and early morning phone calls from irate citizens, visits to far-reaching corners of the community to in- vestigate a problem, and news- paper abuse and scrutiny, we commend our local officials. The Back Mountain is not exactly a hotbed of political maneuvering and momentous decision making, but the job of governing areas like Kingston, Dallas and Jackson Townships and Harveys Lake and Dallas Boroughs, comes complete with a variety of headaches and tensions. For continuing to do the job in spite of the drawbacks, we * say ‘‘thank you” and keep up the good work. THE DALLAS POST (USPS 147-720) Advertising, Editorial, Circulation and Production Office 61 Gerald Ave., Dallas, Pa. 18612 (in the Jean Shop building) To Subscribe or Placea Classified Ad, Call 675-5211 or 825-6868 SUBSCRIPTION RATES 25‘ on newsstand; *12peryearinPa., *14 out of state paid in advance J. Stephen Buckley, Publisher Rick Shannon, Associate Publisher & Editor Mary Ann Kelly, Assoc. Editor Mike Danowski, Advertising Rep. Sheila Hodges, Circulation Mgr. | |. Rod Kaye & Mark Moran, Photographers An independent newspaper | published each Wednesday by Pen- | naprint, Inc., from 61 Gerald Ave. | ; P.O. Box 366, Dallas, Pa. 18612. En- tered as second class matter at the: post office in Dallas, Pa. under the act of March 3, 188%. POSTMASTER: If undeliverable, send: form 3579 to P.O. Box 366, Dallas, Pa. 18612. hh ink BY HOWARD J. GROSSMAN John Naisbitt has written a new publication entitled ‘‘Megatrends,” 10 new directions transforming our lives. The book tries to capture the essence of this era and looks for- ward to the 1980’s based upon the analysis of what America is today. While Naisbitt has a predilection for cities of greatest opportunity in- clude Albuquerque. Austin, Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Jose, Tampa and Tuscon, he also notes that just using the measurements of gross rates alone creates a danger of mistaking increasing growth rates for actual increases. For example, he notes that sparsely populated Nevada, when growing at anastronomical 64 percentis only a net gain of 310,000 people and Illinois added about the same amount of people but registered a: three percent increase in popula- tion. The picture is even more distorted when noting economic growthrates. Nevada, for example, is presumably in the midst of a big boom cycle, while New York is strictly in the doldrum. Nevada state income is projected to grow by $8 billion in the next 20 years, but New York will grow by $55 billion over the same time period. : Infact, henotes that ‘ six of the 10 slowest growing states are listed among the 10 states that will grow the most in actual income: New York, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.” This, he contends distorts the powerful shift from north to south. Many of the markets of the north will remain busy and vital Ad- mittently, much of the recent growth from the south and westis a Nevada time boom: sky-high growth rates that do not translate into enormous increases and actual growth. There are three megasta tes which include Florida, California and Texas. He identifies these three states as being sizable in population and income, and increases with large growth rates as well. Part of his theme of Megatrends is the collapsing of the information flow. For example, when President Only Yesterday 50 Years Ago - May 5, 1933 Dallas Township School District approved an 8 mill decrease for the year. Dallas Township also reduced its per capita tax $2. Fire for the third time in five months broke out on the property of the Monastery of the Congregation of Jesus at Harveys Lake and com- pletely destroyed the stable and storeroom at an estimated loss of $550. Deaths--Winifred H. Griffith, Dallas. You could get--Butter 25¢ 1b.; cider vinegar 10c¢ qt.; prunes 2 Ib. 15¢; Ritter Soups 5¢ can; sardines 2 cans 13c; Wisconsin cheese 15¢ 1b. 40 Years Ago - May 7, 1943 Melvin Adler, Shavertown veteran of the Coral Sea Battle re- turned home to recuperate from wounds suffered in the battle. Still a typical Back Mountain youth, Melvin wanted to settle in our area. Joseph Stearns, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Stearns of Lake Street, Dallas was a guest speaker on the Hobby Lobby radio show. Joseph talked on his favorite: hobby, collecting rare wood samples. Norris Hendrickson. Married--Frances Darnell to Samuel Brace; Ruth Crispell to Pvt Carl Newberry. Deaths-Martha Swelgyn, Jack- Lincoln was shot, the word was communicated by telegraph to most parts of the United States, but since there were no direct link to England, five days transpired before London heard of the event. When President Reagan was shot, a local London journalist working in Washington, got word of the in- formation by telephone from his editor in London, through a series of reruns of the assassination attempt on television shortly after it oc- curred. Naisbitt identifies the home computer explosion as being directly upon us, soon to be followed by the soft ware boom te fuel it. There is no question that the growth of the home computer is just beginning, and that the impact of this event will have a significant and - spectacular change on American home life. For example, Naisbitt projects byat ‘ by one esti- mate 75 percent of all jobs by 1985 will involve computers in some way - and people that do not know how to use them will be at a disad- vantage.” Another growth: trend is the concept of bartering or production sharing at the global scale. For recently received a contract as a world trading company from Romania, by helping to build a nuclear power plant. They beat Japanese and German firms because they agreed to 100 percent counter trade transactions - in other words, barter. GE’s price is taken out in Romanian cement that is being brokered by a German firm for use in Egypt. This is another way in which a megatrend is oc- curring as a ma jor shift in the way economic megatrends appear. Ano ther ma jor national economic and world economic event is gene splicing. It is perhaps the most awe- some and powerful skill acquired by man since the splitting of the atom. I synthesize extensive natural products - interferon, substances such as insulin and human en- dorphins that serve as natural pain killers. Gene splicing has a potential to synthesize new sub- stances we can substitute for oil, coal and other raw materials. Naisbitt also notes that it almost does not make any difference who is President. The shift away from Washington has energized state government. States have grown more independent and more assertive. Whether or not this kind of trend continues, and how far it will be successful, remains to be seen but if itis, in fact, a trend, it can change the nature of how decisions are reached and how the citizen is involved in governmental responsibilities. The logical extension of state’s rights is the notion that the states. within the region should ban to- gether to protect their mutual self interest. This is a tough new brand of economic regionalism, a geographic chauvinism that grows out of the unique problems and resources common to a group of states. Perhpas the best name for regionalism.’’ This could result in western states developing their own ‘“‘opec’’ but a prime example could be the ability of several states getting together to respond to the growing problem of lew level radio- active waste disposal needs. This trend is part of the centralization to decentralization focus taking place throughout the nation. Another trend is representative democracy to participatory democracy. One of the basis for this is the development of skills of acilitating people’s involvement in decision making processes and thus, becoming a very effective leader in community work. In other words, the new leader is a facilitator, not an order giver. What do these types of trends have to do with Northeastern Pennsylvania? In a state such as the Commonwealth of Pennsy} vania, megatrends play an ex- tremely important factor in what type of state the Commonwealth will bein the 1980s and 1990s. North- eastern Pennsylvania can either go along with such trends or have such trends ride over the ability of the region to compete with similar regions. It is vitally important that Northeastern Pennsylvania be aware of megatrends and what directions transform our lives. son Twp.; Esther Purhen, Trenton, N.J.; Eugene Montross, Beaumont; Mae Roberts, Harveys Lake. You could get-Louella butter 55¢ 1b.; ASCO tomato soup 3 cans 22c; carrots 2 Ig. bunches 13¢; tomatoes 29c 1b.; grapefruit 7c ea. 30 Years Ago - May 1, 1953 Groundbreaking ceremonies were held at Sweet Valley for the new $210,000 Ross Twp. Elementary School. Paul Crockett, president of the board, dug the first spadeful while George Bronshon, chairman of the building authority’ handled the pick. Seven one room school houses were closed with the opening of the school. Engaged--Barbara Gregory to William Simms. Marrie d-- Louise Goodwin Hilbert. Anniversaries--Mr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Ehret, Lehman, 40 years. You could get-Canvas gloves 29¢c pr.; cigarettes $2 20 per carton; 12 cakes lanolin soap 48c. 20 Years Ago - May 2, 1963 George W. Jackson, Los Angeles, was named general sales manager of Linear Inc., Dallas. Daniel Yanchick, 15, was badly beaten by unknown assailants when Kunkle to the Dallas Junior High School ~ Engaged-Patricia Burnside to Phillip Post. Married--Geraldine Miller to Henry J. Weider, Jr.; Martha Cragle to Paul Meade. Deaths--Mabel C. Tosh, Tunk- hannock Hwy.; Joseph Statnick, Centermoreland; Bessie Shaw, Town Line; Doris Straley, Noxen. You could get-Hams 25c¢ lb.; Rock Cornish hens 43c 1b.; eggs 3 doz. $1; margarine 25c lb.; mayon- naisehalfgal. 99c; grapefruit 3-29¢; lemons 49¢ doz. 10 Years Ago - May 3, 1973 Six inmates at the State Correctional Institution at Dallas offered to donate a kidney to 13 year old Edward Laibinis of Hanover Twp. Edward was in need of a transplant. George M. Jorda, Shavertown and Raymond H. Stari, Nanticoke, correctional officers at ‘State Correctional Institution at Dallas were recipients of formal com- mendations for having shown tremendous courage and dedication in handling a prison incident. Engaged--Sandra Pritchard and John M. Sylvester. Deaths--Louise Morris, Harveys Lake; Esther S. Johnson, Dallas; Hazel Witaker, Noxen. You could get-Rib roast 99¢ 1b.; chicken leg quarters 49c 1b.; pork chops 89c 1b.; turkeys 59c Ib.; smoked hams 69¢ lb.; pint straw- berries 49c. ‘A note from the Lake Sik worth Volunteer Fire Co is rather en- couraging. The volunteers are conducting their Annual Fund Drive andthings appear to be going along quite nicely. After the first month, the fire company has collected $1,500. While. members are pleased with the amount to date, they remind residents it is actually no where near the $8,000 estimated operating expenses for the year. For this reason, they are continuing the push to reach those who may have forgotten to send in their pledge. Also, residents who may not have received a letter are alerted to what is taking place. The fact is, a volunteer fire company cannot exist without the help of the people it is formed to protect I personally cannot praise the selfless persons who make up our fire companies enough. The time they donate and sacrifice they make is a special one indeed. Those of us who do not become actively involvedhave an obligation to make the volunteers’ job as easy as possible. If we cannot give our time, we must surely be able to dig into our pockets and lend a financial hand. Considering it is for our own benefit, I hardly think there is any question about it. Actually, I'm certain many Lake Silkworth residents have simply forgotten to mail their checks, or have put it off for a very good reason. However, realizing the importance of your local volunteer fire company, I’m also certain you will all put your donation at the top of your list of things to do this week. You won’t be sorry. Donations may be mailed to Leon Evarts, treasurer, Lake Silkworth Volun- teer Fire Company, RD Hunlcok Creek, Pa., 18621. £- And the announcement that Joann Freeman has been named chairperson of this year’s Back Mountain Library Auction is good news. Joann is an extremely capable lady who can certainly handle the job expertly. Of course, publicity for the annual event will soon be non-stop and you can be sure you will be able to ‘read all about it’ in the Dallas Post. For starters, we have been touting the Library Auction Kickoff Dinner for several weeks. That event is coming up on Friday and if youdon'thave your ticket yet, there isn’t much time left. The dinner promises to be a lot of fun with a mini-auction featuring antiques, new goods and a few surprises. It's happening at the Barn of the Magee Publick House on Friday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $15 at the library or through a com- mittee member. The dinner is traditionally the first real en- thusiastic beginning of auction eventsand this year is no exception. Jerry Fritzges is chairing the event, soit shouldbe all that it is promised. £0 Do I harp on the idea of crime watch much? perhaps it's because I am continuously reading of its tangible benefits. For example, the FBI credits its report of a four per- cent drop in serious crime to the fact that citizens are taking an ac- tive part in crime resistance. The four percent drop is compared with an all-time high year of 1981. Actually, violent crimes fell three percent in volume and those against property, four percent. Regionally, the total Crime Index Volume fell seven percent in the Northeastern ‘United States, six percent in the North Central States, two percent in the Western States and one percent in the Southern States. The nation’s rural and suburban areas each registered annual decreases of six percent, while cities with populations over 50,000 recorded a three percent decline. -0- Ah, yes, Sunday is Mother’s Day. And what about that supposedly glorious state of motherhood? A Redbook questionnaire recently re- leased brought some very inter- from Mak 46,000 women responded to the survey which ultimately reveals vast changes in attitudes and choices concerning motherhood. Of the respondents, 22,000 wrote ac- companying letters. Some revealing facts: 83 percent of the respondents believe that mother- hood is one of several important things a woman can do with her life, not the only thing, as most believed a generation ago; 90 percent feel that men are taking more responsi- bility at home than before. -90 percent reported doing most of the housework and child care themselves; and 77 percent report they are satisfied with the division of labor; -79 percent report that losing their temper is what makes them feel bad about themselves as mothers. 21 percent worry about losing control with their children; 23 percent report losing control and hitting their children too hard. --29.38 percent who had their first child in their 30's enjoy sex less since having a child; 36. percent with children under three years old enjoy sex less since having a child. In general, the survey reveals the happiest mothers are those who planned their children, feel proud of their. motherly skills, are mostly satisfied with the housework and child care help from their husbands, donot feel they gave up a great deal to have children and lastly, have a good husband-wife relationship. 30: In the area of education, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association’s, Legislative Digest estimates school districts across the Commonwealth have been ef- fectively guaranteed the same state funding as in prior years. Also each should receive a share of available new money based on its aid ratio. And, what does all this mean? Well, if one talks to a school ad: ministrator, it doesn’t mean much becauseit is only estima tion. And, if the money becomes reality, if is not Sf a gold mine by any means because of constantly soaring costs. There- fore, they caution, do not look at the estimates and think that taxes will not be raised. Fat chance! The Dallas School District is esti- mated to receive an increase of $158,753 in subsidies for 1983-84. Governor Thornburgh’s formula for state funding would provide $2,833,844 for Dallas, if approved. This amount is up from the 1982-83 subsidey of $2,675,091. Lake-Lehman’s estimate is an in- crease of $131,339. The sum would bring the district’s state subsidy to an estimated $2,559,529, for 1983-84, up from $2,428,190 in 1982-83. -0- Thanks, Joe Boyle, for the compliments on the Dallas Post. In arecent telephone conversation Joe told me how he really preferred th Post because of the diversity of its coverage. I appreciated hearing this as diversity is one goal we, at the Post, have given ourselves. It's nice to know our readers are happy with the way we do things. Joe is a candidate for school director at Lake-Lehman and he is one of several over there who is really doing a lot of research before opening his mouth. He called to discuss a story we had run about the purchase of footballs in the district. Actually, the issue has overriding implications in terms of spending and budgeting. Joe, on the other hand, has investigated athletic spending inthe district and came up with some interesting notes. Did youknow, for example, that present football coach Mark Kirk spent one- half the amount former coach Tom Hisiro did in his final year at Leh- man? There were a few other fascinating tidbits, but I'd rather notdivulge themas yet. Dallas Post reporter Maria Pallente is presently discussing the matter more thoroughly with Joe and o'gy ficials at the school, and I'd prefer to wait for her conclusions. They will be reported in an upcoming edition of The Post. How would you like to fill your summer vacation with friends, laughter and good times? If your answer is yes, and you're a young man or woman 16 years of age or older, then the Muscular Dystrophy ssociation (MDA) invites you to become a very special part of the Jerry Lewis Summer Camp Program. This year MDA’s Jerry Lewis Summer Camp will be held in Qak- hurst, N.J., and will consistof a one- week session beginning June 25 and Tuning until July 2. Volunteers willing to spend the week at camp will act as com- panions to a child or adult with muscular dystrophy. It’s a wonder- ful opportunity to perform a valuable community service for those in need and enjoy a week of summer camp - free. For further information and an application form, write: ‘Jerry Lewis Summer Camp,” Muscular Dystrophy Association, 400 Kidder ~ St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, or phone (717) 826-0201.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers