Christmas with our twin grandsons.” BE — \ 4 TheDallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, December 21, 1988 [HE ALLASC0ST Merry Christmas “And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for toyou is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” These words from the gospel of Luke, verses 3, 10-3, 11, summarize the beginning of one of the greatest stories in human history. This Sunday Christians around the world will hn that birth once again, many by exchanging gifts with fa and friends in a gathering of trust and hope. . While many people feel that the true spirit of Christmas has been overwhelmed by commercialism, we think the holiday is stronger than that. It would be hard for us to believe that a nearly 2,000 year old tradition could be trampled by some discount store ads. We hope that in the rush and distraction of shopping and decorating, all who celebrate this special time will find room for reflection on the real meaning of the season. Whether or not one believes the Christmas story literally, it can give us alkhope for a better life here on earth and beyond. Merry Christmas. Area's water problems need broad approach If we needed a reminder that reliable, high-quality water sup- plies are not something to be taken for granted in the Back Mountain, it came last week with outages and boil advisories re- ported in two separate areas. | Last summer the excuse of a severe drought was available to explain the many shortages - no such situation exists now. ‘We don’t know whether there is a fundamental problem with the aquifers that supply the region or if the companies responsible for delivering the water are not taking all the measures they should to insure consistent supply. In either case, a good argument can be made for more citizen and governmental input on the issue. We think it's time for both a regional approach and more scrutiny of the suppliers and the supplies. ~ Aregional outlook is needed because each new well and each act of contamination may affect the water supplies of residents both near to and far from the point of action. Aquifers don’t restrict their flow to municipal boundaries, so our concerns shouldn’t end there either. The reasons for more scrutiny of the water companies and supplies are obvious. In only the past several months new wells have not come on line as promised, unreported outages have oc- curred and at least one new company has been formed. This is not only news of recent vintage. Readers of our “Only Yesterday” column know that water problems have been a part of life in the Back Mountain for 50 years or more. It would be nice to think that the state Department of Environ- mental Resources, which is charged with seeing that our water is safe and plentiful, could be trusted to fulfill its mission. But the fact is that DER is insufficiently staffed to do its job; that’s especially true in an area like ours that contains 30 water companies of various sizes. \ It seems to us a better answer is a dose of citizen outrage and involvement. We urge anyone with complaints about their water tovoice them - to their supplier, to the DER, and to the Back Moun- tain Regional Water Commission. That body, established just this year, considers one of its primary functions to be hearing and investigating complaints about inadequate or unsafe water sup- plies. We can help it to be effective by making sure that it is informed of problems. Beyond individual actions, we would like to see our municipal governments begin to put some pressure on suppliers and build- ers in their communities to upgrade and protect water sources. It seems to us that is the kind of important action that local governments could do better than the state or federal levels have. And if these topics were discussed at township and borough meet- ings, citizens would have easier access to a forum to make their concerns known. The Dallas Post Published Weekly by Bartsen Media, Inc. P.O. Box 366, Dallas PA 18612 Telephone: 717-675-5211 Ronald A. Bartizek Charlotte E. Bartizek / Editor and Publisher Associate Publisher Sara J. Lundberg Managing Editor Rob Zapotoski Charlot N. Denmon Reporter Tami Britton Karen Cundiff Composition Advertising Acct. Exec. Office Manager Olga Kostrobala Linda Shurmaitis Classified/typesetting Photo/darkroom MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION AND THE PENNSYLVANIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER'S ASSOCIATION Friendly Greeting You've probably already seen them, if not, these signs placed by the Dallas Borough are in the center of town and on the intersection of Rts. 309 and 415. (Photo by Charolotte Bartizek) Opinion Areawide plan could be great benefit to Back Mountain By HOWARD J. GROSSMAN The preparation and implemen- tation of an area-wide comprehen- sive land use plan for the Back Mountain could protect the beauty and natural resources of the area, and help to direct appropriate de- velopment. The plan should be prepared by a professional planning consult- ant, working in conjunction with the local planning commissions and .governing bodies of the Back Moun- tain municipalities, along with the school boards and administrative officials of the two school districts. Through a cooperative council of governments, the plan could be paid for with contributions from each local government and school dis- trict, along with the possible availa- bility of state planning assistance funds from the Pennsylvania De- partment of Community Affairs. Information can be secured through original survey work along with data in the files of the Luzerne County Planning Commission, and the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as the Luzerne County Conser- vation District, and avariety of other public and private sector organiza- tions. The area-wide plan would contain not only data and research which could be updated periodi- cally, but an analysis of conditions which affect and impact growth and . development. Based upon this analy- ses, a series of recommendations would be made concerning various characteristics of the physical and human resources within the Back Mountain. Projections and forecasts would be made of population within the area which would create de- mand for community facilities such as schools and other infrastructure needs and community services., The foundation is a comprehen- sive land use plan, which would project the types of land uses best suited for conditions both present and future in the Back Mountain. The land use plan would suggest areas suitable for residential, com- mercial, industrial, recreation and types of land classifications. An analysis would be done of the economy, public and private trans- portation, financial, community facilities, and a wide-range of other conditions which impact the future of the area. The preparation of an area-wide plan is no panacea. But it repre- sents an opportunity which needs to be promoted as quickly as pos- sible, with the proper legal docu- ments established, maintained, updated, and most importantly enforced, and with professional assistance. Anyone who would like more in- formation about the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code can write or call the Economic Develop- ment Council of Northeastern Penn- sylvania, 1151 Oak Street, Pittston, PA 18640. Howard Grossman is Executive Director of the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Library news Michael Hoover's pin collection on display By NANCY KOZEMCHAK Our display case in the foyer of the library will be featuring a collec- tion of fancy pins borrowed from Michael Hoover of Trucksville. His grandfather started him on this collection when he gave him his first one. He then began collecting them himself when on trips and friends and relatives began giving him some. He now has a large amount of these pins; having loaned us 90 of them for the display with more still at home. Michael has been collecting pins for over three years. His favor- ite pin is one of Michael Jackson; one of the pins is a handmade cat; and his special Little League pin with his picture on it. There is a Hershey kiss, printed with “How about a kiss?’; The Statue of Liberty, 1886-1986; I'm beat - with a bear rug; I rode the Hiawatha (a river boat); and I Love Little League pin. One unique one is “Conserve energy — do everything as slowly as pos- sible’. One that is appropriate for the season, a Christmas tree with “love is the gift”. Michael is 9 years old and in 4th grade at Westmore- land School in the Dallas District. A special pin to him is, “I love Westmoreland School” with a pic- ture of Garfield on it. These pins are very interesting and enjoyable to read and will be a the library until March 10. The Back Mountain Memorial Library held its Christmas Dinner Dance at The Barn at Newberry last week and the entire evening was a real Christmas: dream. The Barn was decorated in the festive greens, colored lights and red ribbons. The food was delicious; the tuxedos and dress suits along with red, green, white and black dresses worn by the ladies made everything just delight- ful. The antiques and new goods arranged for the auction by John Shaskas and Ernie Ashbridge made alovely Christmas display. The table centerpieces and decorations were done so well by Hill and the music provided by the Starfires was de- lightful. All in all, a lovely way to begin the Christmas season and create interest in Library Auction 1989. A lovely book has been presented to the library in memory of Florence H. Koehl, a long-time member of the library and its book club; by Frances A. Linskill and the Library Book Club. It is The Kate Greenaway Treasury, which is an anthology of theillustrations and writings of Kate Greenaway published in 1967. This book is a biography of Kate Greena- way and an evaluation of her art, which makes this book a definitive study of the most beloved children’s book illustrator of all time. A fitting memorial to a wonderful person, Florence H. Koehl. The staff of the Back Mountain Memorial Library, Bill, Nancy, Mari- lyn, Charlotte, Jane, Patti, Will and Pat wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas filled with love, hope and peace! Only yesterday 50 Yours Ago - Dec. 23, 1938 Relief cheaters take $308,000 Latest clues spur search for slayer in Martin murder. ; Luzerne County relief chiselers charged with accepting $308,000. Mrs. Frank G. Darte, first woman to serve as trustee of Wyoming Seminary. Dallas School Board approves plans to sink well for the Borough school. Patrons can help letter carriers by clearing snow. 40 Years Ago - Dec. 24, 1948 . Fernbrook mill is best in the nation Fernbrook plant of Bloomsburg Mills finest of its kind in United States. Natona Mills has Christmas party, distributes bonuses to every em- ployee. : Dallas Girl Scouts decorate com- munity Christmas tree. : Wed - Lore Ilse Neffand Eugene L. Traver; Mary Lou Race and Douglas Robins. | 30 Years Ago - Dec. 24, 1958 Mrs. Huston elected to head book club Natona Mills has Christmas Party at Irem Temple Country Club. George Dombek is head coach for the first wrestling program at Westmoreland. Mrs. J.B. Huston, Sr., is elected president of the Back Mountain Memorial Book Club. ; Members of the estate of late Atty. Arthur Turner may share in Christ- mas windfall totaling $254,600. Wed - Mrs. Sarah Meeker and Arthur Cook. 20 Years Ago - Dec. 23, 1968 ie Anthony Marchakitus recieves Gulick award King’s College students invade College Misericordia with 16 of them captured by Dallas Township po- ‘ice. None were identified as local youth but from New York, New Jer- sey and Connecticut. : Lake-Lehman High School Prin- cipal Anthony Marchakitus was presented with Andy Gulick Memo- rial Sportsmanship Award at the annual banquet of the Football Offi- cials Association of N.E. Pennsylva- nia. David Dobson helped United State Marine Reserves collect Toys for Tots and the drive went over the top. Bogdon'’s equestrian center con- struction bogged down by mud. 10 Years Ago - Dec. 27,1978 Mayor Davies to veto occupational tax Dallas Borough Mayor James Davies will veto the borough's pro- posed $10 occupational tax. ; Back Mountain municipalities will get $14,000 in fines from those col- lected by State Police. Anti-nuclear group seeks help from the Consumer Advocate Office to intervene in the hearings to be held on the PP&L nuclear plant tobe built at Berwick. Dallas Borough's budget for next year calls for $7000 less than last year and maintains the property tax unchanged at nine mills. Dallas Elementary students aid SPCA by presenting a collection of food for the dogs and cats to Mrs. aura Gross. Knights down Wyalusing 78-65, Meyers edges Mounts 77-76. Kathryn Strosnider Bill Baker Secretary Retired Dallas Dallas “We're going to Delaware to have home with the family.” FR NILA “My wife and I will celebrate at Robert Wilson Pharmacist Dallas “I'm going out to dinner with my family.” : ; / Mary Weir Office worker Dallas “Our entire family will be at our home for the holiday.” The Post asks: “Where will your family celebrate Christmas?” Gerald Stinson Athletic Director Dallas High School . “I will celebrate Christmas at home with my grandchildren.” Nancy Miller Secretary Dallas “We go to my mother-in-law’s for lunch then to my mother’s for dinner and her birthday.” { Ov ¥ hin A Salben 4! EE fl eis
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers