Q 5 ——— The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, November 29, 1995 5 : | The economic Yigwpoint | Howard Grossman | In a 558 page Sibi phY titled “Long Walk to Freedom”, South African President Nelson Mandela describes his life and the astonishing transference of his nation from apartheid to the democratic election of the nation’s leaders in the 1990s resulting in multi-racial governance. He lik- ens in one passage the great upheavals and never ending struggle for equality to the great words of Winston Churchill in World War II. “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing ground az. we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the halls; we shall never surren- der”. Just as the South African campaign looked hopeless and the dark days in the early years of the World War II battlegrounds in Great Britain seemed dismal and hopeless, there could be a ten- dency. in Northeastern Pennsyl- vania“to believe that all is hope- léss and a sound and sustainable economy will never be achieved. The truth is that no economy can be sustainable unless a long view is taken toward eventual success. The Nelson Mande=la s'ory is one of 30 years in jail plus a series of tragic and unjust events which ultimately led to political success. The current rippling up and down nature of this region's economic conditions cn be a difficult and trying experience but may lead to a conclusion that long-term posi- tive ‘economic experience will occur. “'Itis true that the Northeastern Pennsylvania economy is going through swings which make it difficult to stay ahead of the curve. If the good work of local develop- ment organizations continues, it may be countered by an impact nationally which can cause a trig- geéring ‘of ecomomic decisions to close, downsize or, in some other fashion, limit the number of higher-paying jobs in Northeast- ern Pennsylvania. Recently, for example, almost as many jobs as are currently situated at Tobyhanna Army Depot, the region's largest em- ployer, 3,600 have been lost to the above spiraling actions. The re- gion, along with many other re- gions across the country, seems to be locked into an economic structure which causes stress and discontent. ' Loss of jobs recently at Leslie Fay, ‘Consolidated FreightWays, House decorating contest starts Dec. 8 The Kingston Township Rec- reation Commission is sponsor- ing Holiday Homes, a house deco- rating contest. To enter, contact the municipal office at 696-3809 by December 8. Residents must enter to qualify. The judging will take place December 14 during the evening hours. Three winners will each receive a U.S. Savings Bond and will be featured in the local news- paper. All residents are encouraged to participate. Take a long view to growth Trane Corporation and Grumman are among the examples of the economic challenges facing the region. Together with the battle to save Tobyhanna Army Depot, there is a rising tide of actual or potential economic dislocation which has the potential to ad- versely impact the region for years. On the other hand, this should not take away from the often dif- ficult work of local development organizations who must rise to the challenges of competition unlike any seen in prior decades. Support for these organizations is greatly needed across the region. In part, the new challenges are being met by an exciting and innovative program of regional marketing to which each local development organization in the region has directed financial re- sources along with utility compa- nies and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The first product is an updated evaluation of back offices in North- eastern Pennsylvania to tapintoa burgeoning market which is likely to lead to more decisons close to the type of positive action taken by National Westminster Bank to locate 300,000 square feet of of- fice space in the region and 1,700 new jobs. The Pennsylvania Department of Commerce under its Community Economic Recov- ery Program is committing $80,000 toward the assessment of back ofice opportunities in the region. It is this type of new initiative which can be the forerunner of actions designed to overcome the current inability to stabilize the region's economy and make it fully viable for 21st century life. Just as the South African expe- rience demonstrates the long term view whi:h reeds to be taken, so, too, is the Northeastern Pennsyl- vania economic story. We must not lose sight of the determina- tion which existed in the region to cause the most startling regional economic comeback in the his- tory of the United States. There- fore, the problems and issues which exist today, while difficult and critical, do not nearly reflect the economic hardships of the 1950s and 1960s. Northeastern Pennsylvania has had a long road to economic competitiveness. That road has been strewn with adjustments and crises, unlike those seen in many other parts of the country. Floods, railroad cutbacks, recessions, and other economic dislocations have plagued this region for many decades. On the other hand, the great- ness and richness of the region and the human spirit of survival has enabled what was once a hopeless cause to truly be eco- nomically competitive. There is another long road ahead of the region to tap into opportunities for global econom- ics in the 21st century. The ex- porting of Northeastern Pennsyl- vania products and services over- seas, while of some substance, could be expanded greatly. It is the direction of much of the na- tion's future as well. The overseas markets are exanding and pro- vide plenty of potential for prod- ucts and services which are often in demand. The need is to take the long view-which i$ what other countries have taken-and not the short view to immediate profits. The long road to freedom taken by Nelson Mandela and the Afri- can National Congress leading to full electoral democracy is a solid example of the type of economic survival which should enable Northeastern Pennsylvania to be a complete economic partner in the dynamics of American and global life of the next century. Those who would like to con- tribute innovative suggestions regarding the region's future, may contact the Economic Develop- ment Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania (EDCNP), 1151 Oak Street, Pittston, PA 18640. Howard Grossman is Executive Director of the Economic Develop- ment Ccuncil of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He lives in Dallas. See What's Cooking Eat In » Take Out Offering 6 Daily Specials 3 Lunch + 3 Dinner (All dinners under $5.00) Fresh Baked Goods (Pies - Muffins - Cookies - Cakes) 287-9923 487 Bennett Street, Luzerne (Formerly Davenport's Drug) IOMMY HILFIGER] Country Club MEN'S SHOP ‘NOW THRU DECEMBER 10TH ENTIRE STOCK OUTERWEAR nautica. 20% OFF United Penn Plaza « Kingston + 288-6501 nN] 38 Penn Avenue « Scranton « 343-1888 Hours: Friday: 10'til 9 Saturday: 10 'til 5 a i vas John W. Johnson I saw the movie “Elmer Gantry” again recently. Remembering the first time I saw it, I would never have thought that real life Gan- trys would ever be seen on the scale they are today, much less be memorialized in the tearful faces of electronic ministers such as Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy Bakker. Conversely, how many want to forget that the aforementioned all failed the test of their own moralizing...even while, and ac- cording to every survey on the subject, we continue to hold our- selves out as a moral people, even while church attendance drops, and situational, even cynical eth- ics, are taught daily by example to our children, both at home and at large? The Breakfast Club generally finds stars of the electronic church to be “greatentertainment,” in the words of Roscoe Bismark. “No one can cry with more flair than Jimmy Swaggart,” says Si- las McMarner. Likewise, never before in the relatively brief history of the elec- tronic church have so many who believed had so many doubts. That's because it has now become clear that exploitation of gullible Is the electronic ministr ct iP of he » i Zany @. iA only a massive con game? Christians has become the rule in the electronic church. There's nothing new here. Throughout history, charismatic cultand/or religious leaders have been exploiting guillible follow- ers. What's new is that never in history have so many been able to be exploited by so few. And that's because television touches mil- lions of lives with the flick of a switch. Imagine what would have happened had Adolph Hitler or Joseph Stalin had access to the electronic media available today. Or what would Father Cough- lin in the 1930's have been able to do in this country? This prompts another question: is electronic ministry real minis- try? Or is it salesmanship and showmanship in the name of ministry? This is a legitimate question. Do electronic ministries really fulfill a personal need on a long- time basis? Can they, when there is no local visitation, no church nearby, no minister nearby, no group organization in the com- munity to help in times of illness, or hunger, or family crisis of any kind? If followers don't know the “star” personally, as they know their local minister and his family or priest, can they really know whether or not he is a swinger conning them for cash rather than a moral example to be followed? Those are questions many of the faithful gullible are now ask- ~ ing. It's a question millions have also asked about charities boostec on television. Every hour or soor the. tube, especially at night, film or other ‘personality’ sud- denly appears with a fine-sound- ing charity appeal, perhaps for hungry children. Send money. How much of this money goes to the organization making’ the pitch for cash and how much reaches the hungry children? One seldom knows. Some re- cent revisions have shown. that charity funds have been used mostly to pay salaries, travel, and | expenses of the organization it- self, in some metropolitan office complex, or expensive trips and trysts for fund leaders. wy Which leads to one inevitable conclusion. Money spent at home can usually be accounted for. There are hungry children in this country. One need not go to, i.e., South Korea (which is doing fine economically, by the way, and taking jobs from American work- ers, while its markets are largely closed to U.S. goods) to find buy gry children. - So, with charity and ministy, a good principle to keep in mind is that if one wants to be sure how his orher money is used, itshould be donated to a cause or organiza- tion whose objectives are clearly stated, whose books are open to all, and which is located where the donor can observe what, in fact, is happening. FREY CHL. Pi Heard the news? Let us in on it. Call or write with your happenings or story ideas so we can share | them with the Back Mountain. Send items to: The Dallas Post, P.O. Box 366, Dallas PA 18612. Sunday: 12 'til 8 J 5127 | & DOWNHILL . .| RENTALS | Rave's Ski Loft SPECIAL Rave’ Ss Sh Loft 9% 1 *One Pair/Coupon Expires 1/31/96 E% pA 4 Open Daily - Rt. 309, Shavertown * 696-1126 Rt. 6 & 11S. Clarks Summit « 586-7750 ave S Z Complete Ski Packages ~ $279 and Up * Includes Skis, Boots, Bindings and Poles Junior Package $149 * Excludes Boots SKI LOFT 20% Off Columbia + CB - BoulderGear Jackets and Pants Featuring Equipment by Introducing Expandet S at the Back Mountain Me ic If you live in the Back Mountain, your family’s access to quali ty health ca improved. Because now, in addition to more physicians and quality heal services; you'll find more informative health awareness, preventive health and personal enhancement programs than anywhere else in the Back Mountain area... at one convenient location. HEALTH AWARENESS Healthy Holiday Eating You are cordially invited to join our STAR dietitians as they transform a holiday dinner into a low-fat, healthy traditional meal. Bring your favorite recipe and see it redesigned into a * low-fat version. Thursday, December 7 ¢ 7:00pm Presenters: STAR Dietitians DIABETES EDUCATION Healthful Holiday Meal Plans for Those with Diabetes PERSONAL ENHANCEMENT al: Are You Ready for the Holidays? a You will be, after this fun-filled evening of bin 5 learning how to creatively wrap gifts, make 4 3 fancy bows and set a festive table, all with time to spare. Wednesday, November 29 « 7:00pm Fee $5.00 Presenter: Diane DeNisco Project Coordinator, Interior Design FREE Clutter...Be Gone! The most difficult time of the year to follow a meal plan is the period from Thanksgiving to the New Year! Learn an easy and accurate way to follow a healthful meal plan from one of our STAR registered dietitians. Thursday, November 30 » 7:00pm FREE Presenter: Arlene Feleccia, R.D., C.D.E. STAR FITNESS Take Time to Body Sculpt During this busy holiday season, take time to Reduce Holiday Stress Gift ideas to help lessen stress and tips on holiday planning are just some of the topics that will be discussed. Thursday, December 14 « 7:00pm Presenters: Staff Enhancement Staff pamper yourself and experience a non-impact strength workout called “Body Sculpt.” Then learn how to enhance overall relaxation with a full-body stretch. Tuesday, December 5 ¢ 7:00pm Presenter: Joan Cebrick, M.S., Manager, Fitness & Nutrition Services To register or for more information, please call 283-7222 or 1-800-838-WELL. All classes will be held on the 2nd floor. Fee: $3.00 A service of GENERAL MEDICAL SERVICES. An affiliate of WYOMING VALLEY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM During the holiday season we tend to hide and onl hoard. Spring cleaning does not have to wait! adel Learn the basics to eliminate clutter forever. Tuesday, December 12 « 7:00PM Presenters: Staff Enhancement Staff ojeiril CHILDREN’S CORNER “Who is a Stranger?” Helps children ages 5 to 8 learn important information to help prevent child abduction. Thursday, December 7 ¢ 4:30pm Presenters: Health Awareness Staff BACK MOUNTAIN EDICAL CENTER 100 Upper Demunds Road Dallas, PA @ Fee $5.00 2 So Fee $5.00 Eds I FREE
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers