! “By JOHN F. KILDUFF Staff Writer In the past, the Annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction has been described as traditional, exciting and even vitally important as a means of providing quality library services. This year’s general chairman, Monty Evans of Luzerne, feels that in addition to its tradition, excitement and import- ance, the 39th Annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction (ABMMLA) is also “the nicest slice of American life you'll ever see.” “The auction is a real slice of Ameri- “cana,” Evans told The Post. ‘You get an ‘excellent mixture of the Back Mountain community. We receive support for the auction from area businesses and organi- zations throughout the valley,” Evans explained, “but the majority of support comes from the Back Mountain people.” The four day event is scheduled for July 11,12, 13 and 14 on the new library auction grounds on Huntsville Road in ‘Dallas. Chairman Evans stressed the fact that the auction traditionally has been a clean and safe place to take the entire family for a day of fun and games. “One nice thing about the auction is that we don’t sell beer or any other alcohol, which we could make a good profit on,’ Evans said. ‘‘This way we _ keep the atmosphere as a fun, easy and “safe day for anyone who comes to the auction.” Evans, a 17-year resident of Wyoming Valley and owner of Monty’s Lounge in to accomplish as auction chairman would be “to keep the same kind of financial support Back Mountain residents have given for years and to maintain the same feeling of community involvement for the library all year round.” “This year we're looking for more donations,” Evans said. ‘‘Because we really started organizing very, very late and are working with no budget, we'd be very happy to reach $40,000 this year.” According to Evans, last year’s auction pulled in over $47,000. The figure, Evans noted, was largely due to an initial budget of a few thousand dollars and the refinishing of old antiques which were then resold at a higher value. “The main task as chairman,” Evans said, “is that you start with no budget and an empty parking lot and you've got to make it go. It requires making some tough decisions.” “For example,” Evans said, ‘‘we ini- tially had no plans for renting tents this year.” But it came down to deciding whether or not we would put Mrs. Flor- ence Crump and her book stand in the basement for four days.” Mrs. Crump has worked the book booth for the past 38 Back Mountain Memorial Library Auctions, Evans continued. “We now have five tents,”’ the chairman said. “We really hope to make it (auction) a carnival atmosphere this year,” Evans continued. ‘‘A fun event for everyone, including the children.” Evans has been volunteering as an auctioneer for the event the past three years and says he has seen some auction workers donate a great deal of time on a regular basis. “There are people who do a tremen- dous amount of work for the auction year after year,” he said. ‘‘An example is Ernie Ashbridge, this year’s antique chairperson, and his wife who do what's ever good for the auction naturally. Also people like Nancy Kozemchak, assistant librarian, who take it (service to the auction) as part of their regular social activities.” Evans also said that he hopes the auction raises the needed monies in order to give some library staff workers a much-deserved raise. Evans says the majority of funds raised will go toward paying daily oper- ating expenses such as electricity, insur- ance and supplies. In closing, Evans commented about the library’s daily fund-raising philosophy. “Yes, if often seems a bit long and dragged out,” he said. “But in the end it’s well worth it.” The Bay Window 104 E. Overbrook Rd., Shavertown (by Rt. 309 overpass) 675-6400 A COUNTRY COMPLEX OF DISTINCTIVE SHOPS While You're Visiting The Auction Come And Browse! Summer Hours: Daily 10-5 Thurs. Eve. Till 8:30 P.M. Sun. 1-5 P.M. : MERCY ~~ HOSPITAL 25 Church St. Wilkes-Barre 826-3100 MERCY MEDICAL OFFICES Lake St. Dallas 675-8599 Shampoo & Style ....cccceereneens .. $5.50 Men's Cut & Style ...ccccecivceannes $8.00 Cut & Style........cccieecsensrnernnees $9.50 Children's Haircuts ...ccccoueeeaeee $5.00
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