4 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, October 19, 1994 The Dallas Post Councilman's action looks like conflict No one can prove that David Abod, vice president of the Harveys Lake Borough Council, used a hastily-called special meeting September 23 in his private interest, but it sure looks that way. Abod, presiding over that meeting, proposed a resolution tO suspend the section of the borough's zoning code dealing with non-conforming uses in the shoreline area. Abod then abstained from voting on the measure, which passed 4-0 with two council members, the borough solicitor and the council secretary absent. ~ Later, it was discovered that Abod’s own dock appears to protrude into a neighbor's riparian right-of-way, and the state Department of Environmental Resources says that Abod enlarged his dock without getting the necessary clear- ance from the agency. Ironically, Dave Abod has been active in the borough's Environmental Advisory Council, which was instrumental in wetlands mapping, the recycling program and the re- cently-completed lake water study. That background doesn’t make this apparent transgression any less serious; if anything, it makes it more bewildering. For his part, Abod maintains that he didn't enlarge his dock, he simply rebuilt what had been there for 60 years, but was stolen in April by someone with a backhoe and a chain. Abod said his reason for asking the council to suspend the zoning ordinance was that he feared it didn't take into account non-conforming uses that existed before the rules were adopted. With only one other dock violation under investigation, one wonders who else he had in mind. Also, a DER spokesman says Abod never got a permit when he first modified his dock in 1989. Dave Abod may have had the best of intentions when he proposed suspending the portion of the Harveys Lake zoning ordinance that applied to his property. But even if he did, the way he went about it gives the impression of conflict of interest, and that impression is sometimes more dangerous than the real thing. Tagging’ by any name is vandalism To some of the people who do it, spray painting the sides of buildings and walls is a victimless crime. They're just ex- pressing themselves, they say, like any artist. We've even heard there’s a group of youngsters who justify their ac- tions because they have no other bad habits. That makes it ~ okay, right? Wrong. Defacing property with paint costs all of us. In monetary terms, it costs the property owner something to repair the damage, and he passes that along. There's an esthetic violation, too, for anyone who has to look at the stuff, whether they live here or are just passing through what had seemed a pleasant part of the world. But those are small concerns, compared to the damage that is done when anyone of any age deludes themselves into thinking their crime is justified. Vandalism, whether it takes the form of “tagging” with paint or destroying some- thing — anything — is wrong. A fundamental trait of civi- lized individuals is respect for the rights and property of others. When you lose that, you lose respect for yourself, one of the underpinnings of happiness and success. True artists find acceptable outlets for their work; they don’t force it on an unwilling public. And they surely don’t do their thing on other people's walls. Publisher's notebook WVIA radio, FM 89.9, is in the midst of its annual fall fundraising campaign. If you appreciate fine radio, it's well worth your support. I'm partial to the news shows of course, waking each day to Morning Edition and catching All Things Considered as my schedule allows. The weekends are best of all, with Weekend Edition Saturday and Sunday morning providing two full hours of top-flight reporting and features from 8 to 10 a.m. You don't realize how superficial other broadcast news is until you catch these shows, which frequently devote 10 minutes or more to a single topic. Saturday offers more treats, with Weekend Edition fol- lowed by Living on Earth, an hour of Car Talk, surely the most humorous automotive show in the universe, and an hour-long music appreciation show that is remarkably entertaining and informative. That's not to mention the music, mostly classical, but a lot more, especially when George Graham is on the air. Only one of 10 public radio listeners contributes to its operation. If you're one of them, or if you become a convert, call 655-2808 and pledge your support to this worthwhile addition to our region's culture. 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 Grace R. Dove REPORTER Peggy Young ADVERTISING ACCT. EXEC Paul Rismiller Olga Kostrobala PRODUCTION MANAGER CLASSIFIED/TYPESETTING Jill Urbanas OFFICE MANAGER MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION AND PENNSYLVANIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER'S ASSOCIATION VOTED 3rd BEST SMALL WEEKLY IN THE U.S., 1993 Claw » bs ) : appily eter after? 1044 @hostwriter by Paul Rismiller Well sports fans, the mid-term elections are almost upon us, and if congress didn't get the message in 1992, they're sure as hell going to get it this year. The message being, get your fin- gers out of our wallets, and your bureaucratic flunkies out of our face, or out you go. While Democrats are wisely scrambling to distance themselves from Bubba ("Clinton who?") they are stupidly shooting themselves in the foot by savaging or ridicul- ing the Republican's "Contract with America", apparently not realizing that it strikes a chord with an extremely disenchanted voting public. Which speaks volumes about their arrogance and insulation from their constituents. Who, for example, with their bare face hanging out, would call a pledge to debate term limits, line item vetoes, and a balanced bud- get amendment (items high on the wish list of thinking citizens) a "cheap publicity stunt?" The White House for one, and just name a Democrat in the House or Senate. Of course, the Demos could com- bat fire with fire - unveil a "con- tract” of their own, outlining their agenda, but it would be a waste of paper, because we already know what their agenda is - the same as it has been for the past 40 years of absolute control of the House. Pick the pockets of the taxpayers so they can, in turn, provide the pork that will buy the votes to get them- selves reelected, etc., etc., ad nauseum. But this time, it seems, people are beginning to wake up, and the Ghostly Old Party is showing some life and giggling with glee: House Speaker Tom Foley can drop his lawsuit against his con- stituents for having the gall to vote Voter backlash rears its head; McGlynn needs to screw his on for term limits - the voters are about to limit his term the old fashioned way, by voting the bum out. "The most partisan man in Washington" Senate Majority leader George Mitchell is folding his tent and going on to be the baseball commissioner, presum- ably to finish off the job the owners and players started this summer. The last, decaying rampart of Camelot, Teddy Kennedy, looks ready to crumble under the as- sault of someone who actually (gasp!) has scruples! An oddity which must be an omen of a Buf- falo Superbowl win or the end of the universe. Closer to home, Harris Wofford, an ineffectual liberal goof, is hav- ing an uphill slog against the rela- tively unknown Rick Santorum, probably due to his name being virtually synonymous with the di- sastrous health care reform bill(s). Dr. Clintonstein, I presume? The Republicans have at least an even chance at taking over the Governor's mansion here in PA, if history is any guide. (Although I'd | love to see the faces of Mark Singel | and Tom Ridge if Peg Luksik can come out of right field and beat the bejesus out of them.) And miracle of miracles, Mario Cuomois in serious trouble against political lightweight George Pataki in New York. (The news that David Dinkins is finally going to endorse him should be the last nail in Super Mario's coffin.) The Republican's finally have a shot at taking control of congress inits entirety, and if they do, here's a friendly piece of advice - you had better deliver on your "contract", because there'll be plenty of folks ready to hold your feet to the fire, including me. Some clever wag (unfortunately not me) has called politics "Pro wrestling in a silk tie", which ex- plains my enthusiasm for the elec- toral process, I guess. And it also explains the popu- larity of political tough guys like Rush Limbaugh, and clowns like our own Tokyo Fred. On the print side, locally, we have Steve Corbett, of the Times Leader, who's going to cover the O.J. Travesty (You don't suppose they'll actually bring him back do you?) and Citizens' Voice colum- nist Mike McGlynn. (Apologies to Tillie and Francis, who I love) I've laughed out loud at many a McGlynn piece, whether I agreed with his point or not, because he's a very witty writer. But McGlynn's been getting more and more shrill of late (prob- ably because Bubba is well on his way to being a one termer) and while I am willing to let cracks about people who dare to agree with Rush Limbaugh being mind- less, Bible-thumpingzombies slide, and am big enough to avoid the obvious retort to his continually referring to law-abiding weapon owners as "gun nuts", he's finally crossed the line. "Updating the hit list", two weeks ago was the biggest blast of bal- loon juice I've ever heard, even in an election season! McGlynn lambastes the G.O.P. for filibustering the lobbying re- form bill, conveniently ignoring, as usual, the reason for the filibuster - the "Hillary's 'Revenge" or "Hush: Rush II" provisions that could ef-. fectively stifle grass-roots lobbying by ordinary citizens and taxpayer groups. Nowhere in the piece does he mention Republicans were willing to vote in support of the bill's gift bans, but only the gift bans. But McGlynn also ignores the fact that national health care re- form died because it was a truly horrible piece of legislation, not because it was opposed by the nasty Republicans, and that it is Ernest Hollings, a Democrat, who has effectiveley killed GATT for this session. "Republicans know that the economy can only soar into orbit when there is an adequate supply of poor people around for the rich to stand on," writes Mike. Who are you kidding, McGlynn? I'mhardly rich, and I'm never likely to be, but even I recognize such zero-sum drivel as the errant non- sense that it is. And it's exactly because of such liberal eyewash that your Demo- cratic friends are going to be hung out to dry this November, and why such "progressive" legislation dies. Library news Fundraisers help library meet commitments By NANCY KOZEMCHAK The Back Mountain Memorial Library ‘Friends of the Library’ are selling the 1995 Entertainment Book with proceeds to benefit the library. The book is packed with thousands of dollars in savings on fine and casual dining, movies, local sports and attractions, ho- tels, and travel, plus much more! The participating merchants in this book are part of nearly 70,000 merchants worldwide to welcome the Entertainment program as a way to attract new customers. The Entertainment family of products is distributed primarily through local charitable, educa- tional and community organiza- tions—nearly 100,000 nationwide - as part of their fund-raising ef- forts. Included in the book is a membership card, local services, master index, local attractions, national values, travel, arts & lei- sure and informal dining and carryout. These books are available at the information desk in the li- brary, for $30 each. The library has been conduct- ing a used book sale in the main library for the past few years. There are three categories: paper- backs @ 50¢ each; good, clean hard covers @ 3/$1. and recent excellent condition books from $2.50 to $5 each. August of 1994, books sold amounted to $175, July, $157 and April, $145. The total sales for the year as of Sep- tember 30 are $1,113.99. This is one of many ways our valued patrons contribute to the funding ofour library. These books are available for sale every day. New books at the library: “Tal- tos” by Anne Rice shows legend- building storytelling power en- thralling present in her new novel which continues the epic of the Mayfair witches, the hypnotic saga of the occult that began with her recent novels, Mr. Ash, quiet- spoken, tall, unfailingly kind—sole survivor of an ancient species, the Taltos—thriving among human- kind as he always has done, now the head of a great corporate empire. He is stunned to learn that another Taltos has been seen in the same Scottish glen where centuries ago, long before the coming of the Romans, Ash ruled his clan. So begins the dilemma of the Mayfair witches. “Recessional” by James A. Michener brings out the authors unparalleled gift for storytelling, his deep understanding of Ameri- can society, and his own life expe- riences to illuminate the chal- lenges of aging. Set in the Palms, a Florida retirement center, the story follows several residents over the course of a year as their indi- vidual narratives—humorous, moving or somewhat trium- phant—unfold. Chris Mallory reluctantly relin- quishes his driver's license at the age of 90, but refuses to hang up his dancing shoes. We meet the families of some of the residents— among them an independent, un- conventional young woman. Express yourself! The Dallas Post encourages readers to share their opinion with a letter to the editor. Send letters to: The Dallas Post, P.O. Box 366, Dallas, PA 18612. All letters must be signed and include the address of the author and a daytime telephone number for verification. yesteraay . 60 Years Ago - Oct. 26, 1934 FIRE LEVELS DALLAS RAIL STORAGE BARN Flames leveled the old car barn along the Wilkes-Barre Railway Corp. tracks at Dallas early. Wednesday morning causing a. loss which was estimated by-the traction company officials to be $45,000. Six hundred dollars per tithes is available for employing capable instructors from the Back Moun- . tain to direct the new emergency education program here this winter, but unless some plan to, claim the appropriations and... sponsor the program locally. is ;, made within a week, that money will go to another district. . . You could get - Ducklings 19¢ Ib.; pork loin roast, 17¢ 1b.; on--- .- ions 5 lbs., 10¢; sweet potaioes. 10 lbs. 19¢. ’ 50 Years Ago - Oct. 20, 1042. re TRUCKSVILLE CHURCH + ISACENTURYOLD ~~ The Sunday morning services at Trucksville UM Church which opened a week of activities’ in’ celebration of the church's 100th anniversary were largely at- tended. In the evening service a. pageant showing in five scenes os the growth of Methodism ‘in Trucksville over the past 100years was presented. The 4th annual Halloween = gy Parade sponsored by PTA of Dal- * las Borough and Township in - coperation with Dr. Henry M. Laing Fire Co. will be held the evening of Oct. 31 on Main Street, Dallas. An honor roll made of native stone and on which the names of men and women in service will be sandblasted is being erected in Idetown at the corner of the Jon- athan R. Davis property along, the Dallas-Harveys Lake High-_.. way. 40 Years Ago - Oct. 22, 1954 oy HURRICANE HAZEL VISITS BACK MOUNTAIN: Tree mortality was heavy inthe Back Mountain during Hurricane: Hazel Friday night, with so many ory wires down from falling trunks‘ and branches that hardest hit" portions were without power: ori. ..telephone services on the Monday following. Undefeated Dallas Township: Redskins will meet twice defeated Lehman Scotties tomorrow after = Si noon at Lehman in what may well .-! be the most exciting football at-": traction of the Back Mounizint season. Deadline for Community Chest." solicitations in our area is Satur- + = day. The Back Mountain is still . far below its quota in this critical." campaign. All volunteers must cover their territories immedly . 30 Years Ago - Oct. 22, 1964 KINGSTON TWP. TO GET TRAFFIC LIGHTS .. . Traffic lights long overduerat.r. . several intersections in Kingston - :.!: Township are expected to be in-: :.: stalled within the next few weeks: : The Annual Back Mountain i. Halloween Parade is still up in thei. -s air as far as plans go, accordingto.- - informed businessmen. This year: the event, which alternates locale: and sponsorship between Dallas > and Shavertown, may not even’ take place unless more business-." =. men in Shavertown take active - interest in laying the groundwork. [ Further evidence of Dallas: Area's growth was noted this past week when new central office i switching equipment was un->. .’ loaded at Commonwealth Tele-':" phone Co. general offices on Lake ri! Street. The new central office * equipment will provide an added 800 lines, 1,000 terminals and allow further regrading of existing service, new installations and'a general betterment of service. «+ +. 20 Years Ago - Oct. 24, 1974 ~~ 1 STATE WILL STOCK ia Ny TURKEYS THIS FALL |. The entire junior-senior high school community of the Lake-. Lehman schools will be evalu- ated Oct. 29, 30 and 31, by a visiting committee appointed by Bh the Commission of Secondary - Schools of the Middle States. Association. Accreditation by the : Middle States Association : officially certify that Lake-Lehman High School has met the pre- -; @ scribed qualitative standards in . terms of its own stated philoso: 2d phy and objectives. The Pennsylvania Game Corn- ii mission has 6,550 turkeys sched- = uled for release in four of its six. field divisions this fall to hint Ps ment the natural supply of wild . birds which will be available to, 5% the state's hunters. You could get - Boneless chuck : : pot roast, $1.09 Ib.; hen turkeys 48¢ 1b.; veal scallopini $2.981b.; , oc. Crisco oil 48-0z. $1.99. Duncan. Hines cake mixes 55¢.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers