8 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, June 24, 1998 Meadowcrest (continued from page 1) “Meadowcrest has been responsible for a lot of our problems. Now we can work up there on a pro-active basis and work cooperatively with the housing au- thority to have disruptive tenants evicted and make people feel more secure.” Domestic problems, noise, unruly par- ties, abandoned cars, garbage and play- ground vandals have all plagued the sub- sidized housing area. Balavage said the program has been a success. “Overall the area is cleaned up.” But, he fears if the program is not re- newed the area could eventually return to its old ways. “It's possible the (bad) element would come back knowing we weren't there,” he said. Yarmel, of the Housing Authority, said Balavage has “embraced the idea of com- munity policing. His officers know people and observe problems that are develop- ing. They do an excellent job and have been able to make a positive impact on the kids, and the elderly feel safer.” Yarmel ' said she uses the Kingston Township police as an example to other municipali- ties. Residents say they have noticed a sig- nificant difference since the police in- creased their presence. “They talk to the kids,” said Jillian Iorio. “I heard it’s better than it used to be. There used to be a lot of graffiti. The kids are calmer and don’t stay out late.” “Sometimes I come home * Meadowcrest Dolores Leonard has lived in Meadowcrest for eight months. “The police are always around and I think it’s very good. They are always walking or driving through. Sometimes I come home late and they are usually around, which makes me feel safe,” she said. The officers themselves have noticed a change in the response they get. “Kids aren't running away now when we come down the street,” said patrolman Martin C. Maransky. “In the old days everyone would scatter.” Sgt. Mike Moravec said the police are on a first name basis with most of Meadowcrest, especially the kids. “They ¢onfide in us. We've really formed rela- tionships with them. Sometimes they come to us before they come to their parents,” he said. “We believe the program works. We'd like to find some way to expand it to every neighborhood. We've solved alot of crimes in the development,” Moravec said. POST PHOTO/KYLIE SHAFFERKOETTER + Kingston Township patrolman Martin C. Maransky tells Derrick Elston, 11, about the benefits of wearing a helmet. The police promote bike registration throughout the township. Looking Spencers (continued from page 1) education teacher at Gate of Heaven School, remembers her working days starting when she was just six. “I would shag balls or carry soda to people,” she said. “There were no child labor laws then,” joked John Jr., who has mowed that 74 acres hundreds of times. Life together is easygoing and fun. Living and working together is no prob- lem for this family. “It's easy. Everybody pitches in and things get done. All of us have a sense of what needs to get done,” said Beth. “And there's always someone around to cover if you need to do something else,” added John Jr., who is the only full-time employee. They say there is no stress, yet there are no breaks unless it rains. The day starts at 5:30 a.m. and runs until 10 p.-m., seven days a week. All of the third generation plays golf, but could not begin until they were 12 yearsold. Courserules. Yet, Beth started playing when she was a tiny two-year- . old. Her grandmother, Alice, who was the putting champion at Irem, would sneak her out to practice putting. “She would always say, ‘There's never ever a reason to three putt,” said Beth. Beth took over her grandfather’s posi- tion as instructor when heretired. “When I was seven I decided to be a teacher and my grandfather taught me how to teach. I get better every year,” she said. John Jr. was not always in the family business. “I used to work at Nabisco and always felt I would have the club to fall back on. My wife and I thought it would be a good idea to come here and help my dad out,” he said. Now that the third dendvation is be- coming more in charge, some of the older patrons just cannot see them as adults. “People who have been coming year after Sam Spencer in 1946 while he was the PGA pro at Irem Temple Country Club. year don’t realize that we're old enough to make decisions. We're still the kids to them,” said Beth, 35. “These people have seen our family through everything. Births, deaths and weddings. And all these things go on while the golfers are POST PHOTO/KYLIE SHAFFERKOETTER Beth Spencer shows Brad Yokum of Trucksville how to improve his swing. golfing. People who come here are pretty much treated like family,” she said. John interjected, “We know everyone's name who comes here. You can’t get that at a 45 or 72- hole resort.” And the golfers cer- tainly agree. “It's very family-oriented. The Spencers are a loving and caring family. I can't say enough about them. They'll bend over backwards for you,” said Bill Umbra of Larksville, who has been golfing at Lehman for 15 years and made five “It's easy. Everybody . pitches in and things ge holes-in-one on the course. “It’s a wonderful place to play and the family makes it all the more wonderful. They really are helpful people,” said Betsy Blackman of Forty-Fort, a past club cham- pion. Bernie Lindquist of West Wyoming appreciates the course. “It's tough and forces you to be good on your short game,” she said. The hilly nine-hole course features a mix of par 3 and par 4 holes, and narrow fairways with trees guarding each side on many holes. What it doesn’t have is golf carts. : John Sr., said the course is challeng- ing and provides a good walk for people. “My dad always felt that golf was meant to walk, not ride around in little cars.” As the next generation, now 18 grand- children strong with one on the way, starts to pick up their clubs for the first time, the Spencers can rest assured that family will always be there and the busi- ness will always have loyal employees. John Spencer Sr. and his father, Sam, who opened the Lehman Golf Course in 1953. for the best in floor coverings? a walls Ve Lines : ~<a of “Floors and We | of Laminates Plus Hardens Fu ( KW Carpet has moved to a huge new showroom and warehouse, with more stock, more selection and better values than ever! Stop in soon to check out our new displays of carpet, vinyl, ceramic tile, and wood laminates, £ from such fine names as Mannington, Pergo, Shaw and more. $ < P) ) Rt. 309, Dallas (pehind Gino's Shoes) Mon,. 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