~~ Playground The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, March 27, 1991 Pen Pal (continued from page 1) 500 children, teachers and staff members standing outside the school with banners, signs and flags towelcome home a person the students 'say is their “adopted aunt.” “We really wanted this to be a nice homecoming for Tina,” said Cathy Tasco, a fifth grade teacher who was one of the organizers of the day. “Many of the classes at the school be- came pen-pals with Tina when" shewas overseas and when they found out she was coming to visit us the kids all wanted to make a special impression with Ber” Their efforts paid off as Krav- its shed tears of joy when she was greeted by the banners and cheers from the students. When she first approached the school Tina could only utter a small, “Wow!” found the words to describe the homecoming. “Itwas awesome,” she said. “It’s something I'll re- member for a long time.” : day at the school talking to the Later in the day, though, she Kravits spent all day Mon- students about her role in the Persian Gulf. Although, much of her activity is still classified, she told the students as much as she could and patiently an- swered the very many questions the students asked. During the day, she got to meet many of the children, who before this she had only known from letters. During her seven month stay in the Persian Gulf, Tina received a number of let- ters from students. She also found time to write back to the classes and tell them what it was like overseas. Receiving the letters from the students helped her while serv- ing inthe Air Force, Kravits said. “It was amazing,” she said. “It really made a difference. Some- times we would wait in line for 45 minutes to see what mail we received.” She added that she was thrilled to receive all the mail she did. “Ifyou would walk away with no mail it was a real let down,” she said. “We called it the ‘walk of shame’ but fortu- nately didn’thave to make that walk.” After returning to this area March 10, Kravits contacted the school and said she wanted to spend time with the students who wrote to her. Tasco said that this idea was met with a lot of enthusiasm from school officials and stu- dents alike. “Everyone was all keyed up,” she said. “We wanted to make her homecoming one that she would always remem- ber.” Tasco also said that it was very easy to get the students involved in the program. “When they heard she was coming they all wanted to do something,” she _ said. Classes began preparing signs and banners to great their pen pal with. The art teacher also helped the students prepare a large banner and then every student signed it before present- ing it to Kravits. Tasco said that PTO mem- bers also helped with the pro- gram. “We got a lot of help from the mothers,” she said. “Every- one was just great in helping us give Tina a great welcomeback.” The homecoming for Capt. Kravits wasn't limited to the entrance to the school. She also was met with cheers and pres- ents on her entrance to each classroom. In one first grade class, the students sang “My Country Tis of Thee” to her and gave her a coffee mug that said “You are special.” All this affection made a big impact on the officer. “I have had many homecomings but none as special as today,” she told one class. She said later that the stu- “dents knowledge of the war sur- prised her. “They have been tre- mendous. I didn’t know we had the support at home that we did bug they have really shown me a ot.” As much as it was overwhelm- ing for Kravits, the children also were excited. Her nephew Tim Kravits said that he was proud of his aunt and glad to have her home. He may have spoken for the whole school when he an- nounced proudly that, “She's great.” FAMILY MEMBERS - Captain Tina Charney Kravits stands with her niece and nephew during a visit to the Westmoreland Elementary School. Captain Kravits spoke to students about her role in the Persian Gulf War. Shown from left, are Tim Kravits, who is in the first grade at the school; Captain Kravits; and Lindsay Kravits, who | is in the fifth grade at Westmoreland. (Post Photo/Rich Johnson) - (continued from page 1) i ; will be done until Mr. Brown comes back and he has talked with your i committee.” Mrs. Eyetasked Lutseyifhe had made plans for the playground. " Lutsey said he had drawn a num- _ ber of plans for presentation to Brown but also said these were dependent on Brown's decision after he had talked with the com- mittee and presented his ideas or . recommendations to the council ¥* * . at the April meeting. He also said that Wolensky was sent a letter the _ week of the council meeting telling "him he was welcome to apply for “the chief of staff postion or what- ever title might be given the person “in charge of the park. Council member Jerry Machell '. was reassuring, “Marie, we will . make no decisions until Aprilwhen ~. * Bob Brown has returned and when Council meets,” Machell said. “Milt Lutsey said in order to ~. save money he is making all posi- % tions minimum wage,” Mrs. Eyet said. “Why? Our playground pro- _gram is the best program in the Back Mountain.” Again, president Tim Carroll said no decisions would be made until Brown met with Eyet's committee and made his Ld proposal to council. £75 Ee. FA II SEN 2 WH I NU Wr gr oi ¥ 1 Fr? Barry Brutko, a counselor at the playground for two years, asked, “Is $2,000 too much to keep your children safe and happy? Why get rid of such a fine man who has done so much for the children? He used his own car many times to take the children on trips, he saved the borough money by getting a bus the borough didn't have to pay for. He came back and spent hours at night for special programs. Roads, Christmas decorations and . that stuff can wait. Children are the borough's future, they should have priority. “What do I say to these children when they ask me ‘Why did they take Jack away’? What do I say to them?” Brutko asked. Thel991 International Chil- dren's Theater Festival will once again be held in Wilkes-Barre, on May 15, 16, 17 and 18. This year’s Volunteer Coordinator, Kathy Gower, is in need of several hundred volunteers to fill a vari- ety of vital positions during the Festival programming. Volunteers can be any responsible high school or college student, Senior Citi- zens, Homemakers, etc. who have a few hours to donate towards helping the 20,000 plus children expected to attend this year’s Festival. If you'd like more infor- mation, or to become a Children’s AGENCY, INC. “As far as I know only two are coming back this year. We need some of the veterans. I wasn't coming back this year but if Jack doesn't come back I might. Those children need someone with expe- rience there. I'm old enough. I'm a registered voter and voted in No- vember. Why couldn't things go as they were? I received a letter that I was hired but never one that I was ‘terminated,’ said Brutko. Elaine Flynn said her son went to the playground every year from the age of six to 15 years. “Itwas a wonderful opportunity for him. I feel a professional person is needed to direct the program. Jay Pope and Jack Wolensky were profes- sionals. They know how to talk and how to listen to the children. “Wolensky is a guidance coun- selor and he knows how to deal with them. It would be unfortu- nate to lose aman like that,” Flynn said. The parents seemed willing to help pick up some of the cost to maintain the summer program as it had been in the past.. “Why can’t money be. given to Jack for a gratuity, or be given to sponsor special trips?” asked Mrs. Eyet. “Clubs could be contacted and give money for equipment. I know of some who would be will- ing. If money is contributed for trips or equipment, money in those accounts could be transferred to PROTEST LEADER - Marie Eyet led a group of parents who petitioned the Dallas Borough Council to rehire Jack Wolensky as director of the summer recreation program. (Post Photo/Charlot M. Denmon) Ron Post will execute an agree- ment with R.N. Fitch & Sons to the salary account,” Eyet stated. ; raze the building, Fine said. “Your group has a lot of good. ideas,” said borough solicitor Fine. “Get together with Bob Brown and discuss your ideas. The council can't undermine his position,” said Fine. In other business, the borough solicitor reported that the former Hearthstone Pub will be up for Sheriff Sale April 19 as the result of a suit by K.R.W. Investment Corporation against T.L.C. Enter- prises, the owner as listed in county records. Following the sale, owner Festival Volunteer, please call Kathy Gower at 829-5437 or 696- 3150. Volunteers are needed to usher at six different theater sites, to serve as crossing guards, to help children with arts and crafts at Playworks, to supervise lunch sites, lost and found, information e Council approved the bid of - $2,350 athe flashinglight for Route 309 from Star Signal Inc. The price includes thelight and all labor and materials as a completed working warning signal after which it will be up to PennDOT to take care of rumble strips on the roadway. e The solicitor will research the borough's agreement with Teleme- dia Company and the council will protest the company adding the borough's franchise fee to the customers bills. Children's Theater Fest needs volunteers booths and so on. In past years, various Senior Citizens groups have played a key role in volun- teering time—a fact that easily made past Festivals run so smoothly. This year volunteers are critically needed for the late after- noon/early evening and Saturday time periods. Kingston Twp. offices closed Good Friday The Kingston Township Municipal Office will be closed on Good Friday, March 29, and Easter Monday, April 1. Please note: The Tax Collectors Office will also be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. TAX NOTICE LOCAL EMPLOYERS AND SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS EFFECTIVE WITH THE FILING OF THE 1ST QUARTER 1991 EARNED INCOME TAX REPORTS, THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE MUST BE USED: Dallas Township Residents and Employers must send 1/2 of the 1% Earned Income Tax Withheld to DON WILKINSON AGENCY, INC., and 1/2 of the 1% to the School District Collector for School District RESIDENTS ONLY. For any employees who reside OUTSIDE of the School District the full 1% must be sent only to DON WILKINSON DON WILKINSON AGENCY, INC. 1144 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA 18704 287-4928 Trout — (continued from page 1) that it was only because of budget cuts that this decision was made,” said Sgarlat. The councilman added that he understood that only residents of Harveys Lake were really concerned about the situation. . “I heard on a radio talk show that people in Wilkes-Barre and other areas didn’t care about the decision because they felt they couldn't fish at the lake unless they had a boat,” said Sgarlat. Councilman Richard Boice dis- agreed with that thought. “Do you suppose those people are blind?” asked Boice. “I have never seen such a pack of congregated people as I've seen out around the lake on the first day.” Sgarlat suggested that property owners who enjoy fishing may want to allow others who do not have access to the lake on their property to do some fishing. Also at the meeting, Council- man David Abod said that the borough's Environmental Advisory Council (EVAC) would be helping residents who own property near wetlands to avoid trouble with the federal government by building on the wetlands. EET) Pre-Season Savings up to e Lioyd/Flanders i Cm For early decision Our lower level Wicker, Rattan and Casual Furniture Galleries are already blossoming with exciting new styles in Rain-or-Shine Casual Furniture for Patio, Porch, Poolside, Deck, Sunroom or Interiors. Delivery when you're ready. Even custom orders placed now will be expedited in time for a full summer of relaxation and enjoyment. *For a limited time — on selected items! : © Homecrest “We have some residents who are subdividing and building near the wetlands and we don’t want them to inadvertently harm the wetlands,” he said. Abod added that EVAC has worked with area wetlands spe- cialists to map out the wetlands in the borough and will be contacting those residents who are located near those areas. “The government takes the wet- lands very seriously, and they should,” said Abod. “We want to make sure that these lands are not destroyed and that our residents stay within the laws.” On another issue, Abod an- nounced that the state has granted d EVAC $70,000 for a study of the lake. He said that the money wi be used for a one year study of the water. x In other business, covncilma Sgarlat announced that ey lights will be installed near thg Lake-Noxen Elementary School ir May. He added that the cost for the lights will be reduced as the Lake Lehman School District has agreec to pay for maintenance of them. “We were pleased to hear that, said Sgarlat. “We didn’t think the were going to pay for any of it bu they have said they'll pick up the maintenance for the light.” John Mitchell is due home this week | PFC John Mitchell of Kunkle, was scheduled to arrive home from Saudi Arabia, March 26, flying in John, 21, has a twin brother Jeff, at home and is the son of Rober and Dorothy Mitchell of Kunkle. He left for Saudi Arabia the middle of September. John has been in the Army about 2 1/2 years, spending 18 month in Germany and the past six months in the Gulf War. “I'm excited, I didn’t sleep too well last night,” his mother Dorotiy Mitchell, said Tuesday morning as she anxiously waited for this day end and to see her son. A Solemn Promise from Town & Country: YES! YES! YES! Warmer days will soon be here! 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Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers