L The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Thursday, Otober 17, 2002 3 By M.B. GILLIGAN Post Correspondent HARVEYS LAKE — Erected 20 yars ago, the playgrounds at LakeNoxen Elementary School, in the Lake-Lehman School Dis- trict, have been getting smaller and smaller over the last few years Made of pressure treated ®i. as pieces deteriorate theyhave been removed to help prevant injuries. Th 390 students at the schol use the playground dur- ing cess and the school nurse sees frequent reports of splin- ters. “I'e been thinking a lot about it th last few years and finally ® decied we should try to do somthing,” said Mary Lou Kockr, corresponding secretary for Lake-Noxen PTO. “I men- tiond it at a PTO meeting and Valeie Williams and some oth- ers volunteered to help. We askd David McLaughlin-Smith, the principal, for his okay and wee sent a letter to the school boad.” : Tle PTO has been studying plas and has come up with a proposal for a “dream play- gromd.” They estimate it will cos approximately $60,000 to reve the existing equipment anc build two new playground ares — one for the kinder- garen students and a larger one for he rest of the school. “ would love to see it start thi spring,” said’ Kocher. “We knw we may not have enough maey to do everything we are loging at right now, but we'd lik to at least get started and tha add to it as we get more fuiding.” : he Lake-Noxen PTO members hoe to get some help from the "saool board for their proposed plyground. We're waiting to hear when it wl be on the school board ~agnda,” said Amy Butchko, PO president. members plan to attend that neeting.” A The PTO has begun a cam- pign to raise the needed fund- ig. They sent letters to many aea businesses, both large and *A lot of our. “I would love to see it start this spring.” Mary Lou Kocher Lake-Noxen PTO small. They have also placed “spare change” containers in area restaurants and business- es. They are looking into and ap- plying for applicable grants. In addition, they are asking for do- nations of time, labor or equip- ment for removing the old play- ground apparatus and to erect the new playground. “The plan we have right now contains all handicapped acces- sible pieces,” said Kocher. “We are not definitely set on this plan and if someone came along and gave us a better deal, we'd certainly consider it.” The students at Lake-Noxen also want to lend a hand with fundraising for their new play- ground. The three third grade classes have planned a “Block Party” for October 25. They have invited their neighbor classes — the second and fourth grades — to attend. They plan to have face painting, games with prizes, and snacks. The PTO has come up with some other fundraising plans. They earned $800 from a recent sale of cloth book covers called Book Sox. In addition, the Pizza Hut in Dallas will donate 20 per- cent of sales every Monday night for anyone presenting coupons, which were recently sent home with to all students. Coupons can also be obtained from any PTO member. “We have gotten some dona- tions from area businesses but not a lot. I thought we'd really do better because it is for the kids in the community and not only the school students,” said Kocher. “Those playgrounds are open to the public and lots of children use them.” Anyone who would like to help by making a donation, putting a “spare change” canister in their business or in any other way is asked to call Mary Lou Kocher at 477-2281. PENN STA Tell our advertisers you saw them in The Dallas Post. They'll appreciate it, and so will we. O seeks community help to replace aging pla grounds POST PHOTO/M.B. GILLIGAN Mary Lou Kocher, left, Lake-Noxen playground committee chair, and right is Amy Butchko, Lake-Noxen Elementary School PTO presi- dent, stand in the present playground. Q: Where do you find the most Back Mountain news each week? A: Only in The Dallas Post When Bob took a fall, we took it from there. At Geisinger Health Plan, we do more than give our members access to excellent health care at an affordable cost, a growing network of health care providers and a variety of wellness and care coordination programs. Our providers also take care of scheduling any tests, referrals, procedures or rehab that may be needed. With no infuriating paperwork, no unforeseen expenses. We do all this because our health plan is run by practicing physicians who 3 believe patients should focus on simply | getting well. And isn’t that the kind of ] health plan you wish you had? 800.631.1656 www.thehealthplan.com oligo he ties Ba Bm Ei FELT EE aa i LL le HPM/S50
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