al a. au os ery STORE The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Thursday, November 14, 2002 EDITORIAL Responses needed to new, dangerous trends in region There is no way to make sense of the needless tragedy that took the life of 16-year-old Casey Zalenski last week. By all accounts, the well-respected Dallas High junior was simply a victim of circumstance, allegedly shot to death in a botched robbery attempt by a former neighbor and her companion. While there's no way to comprehend this kind of random vio- lence, there are explanations for how these lives intersected so tragically, and the root cause appears to be heroin. When Tina Young and her friend, Larry Tooley, were cap- tured in New Jersey over the weekend, police said she was in possession of heroin and he carried a loaded gun. He also has a criminal history that includes selling drugs to an undercov- er police officer. An anti-drug ad that has been appearing on television re- cently attempts to link buying a bag of pot to the murder of an innocent girl in Colombia. Most viewers don't find the con- nection compelling, but what happened last week along De- munds Road is a far-too-common result of drug dependeiice, as desperate people destroy lives that are otherwise innocent. In this case, a kid appears to have been gunned down for no other reason than that he tried to defend his home and family from intruders who sought money to buy drugs, one of them his former baby sitter and the mother of three children. People who use addictive drugs can be objects of pity as well as scorn, trading useful lives for the horror of dependence. But they can’t be excused responsibility for the consequences of their behavior, whether those are the abandonment of fami- ly, or the crime and deception that seem inevitably to accom- pany substance abuse. In this case, the outcome is one that will forever scar a family whose misfortune was simply to be acquainted with people who lost touch with their humanity. It's fashionable in some quarters to describe substance abuse as a victimless crime. Try telling that to the Zalenskis, or to anyone who has seen a loved one make the frightening transition from father, mother, son or daughter to addict, and usually also to thief, liar and cheat. While this was a particu- larly violent event, several of our neighbors have died more quietly as a result of drug abuse. What is a community like the Back Mountain to do when facing a tragedy like this? We have already responded in the most human manner, as friends and strangers alike have ex- pressed their sympathy and support for the family, and insti- tutions have offered comfort and counsel. We can’t stop at that, though — we need to redouble efforts to confront the growing menace of drug use, and the violent culture that feeds off it. Our sheltered life is rapidly coming to an end, as big-city dealers find their way to our quiet streets and school yards, where the profits are higher and the risks less. We must meet this challenge to our safety and security, and that will take some new thinking by both families and in- stitutions. Can our disparate police departments, struggling simply to maintain minimal staffing, adequately protect us from these threats? Do our schools have all the tools they need to spot, stop and prevent harmful activity? Do we have support networks in place that offer healthy, fulfilling interac- tions to compete with the lure of the dark street corner and the smoky nightclub? Most important, do we nurture relationships with those closest to us that will help them find strength when tempta- tion calls? These are questions we need to ask of ourselves, and if we don’t like the answers, we need to take action. Publisher’s Notebook Ron Bartizek I have spent much of my newspaper career on the advertising side of the business. By and large, the people I've dealt with have been solid small business types or middle managers at larger companies and advertising agencies. Usually, these folks are solidly grounded in their views of what their business is, and how they want to present it to the buying public, and I've enjoyed working with them. Being in the field, it’s also been in- teresting to observe how large corporations market themselves, particularly through network television, where they attempt to establish an image in viewers’ minds. One critical component in that process is the name of the company, which in my naive opinion should instantly telegraph the company’s line of work and competence within it. Lately, though, I've noticed some big firms that seem to have taken a different tack. Here they are, with possible interpretations of their titles. Accenture. This was spun off from an even larger corpora- tion, and the name was in part designed to emphasize the sepa- ration. If I didn’t know what they really do, I might guess it has something to do with foreign travel, or perhaps with clothing or home decorating accessories. Bearing Point. No, this is not a peninsula off the coast of Alaska, nor is it a manufacturing firm that makes stainless steel balls and rollers. It's actually in the same business as the one that precedes and follows it in this list, although you'd have to be a mindreader to know that. Protiviti. My son thought this might have something to do with television production, while I was certain only that it had an Italian history. There's also a vague suggestion of dentistry in the name, hardly the kind of reference on which you'd expect to build a comfortable relationship with customers. So, what do these companies have in common? They are all big business consultants - who are paid millions to tell other huge companies how to succeed. Given that, you might think their advice includes disguising what you do as completely as possible, so as to add mystery and romance to the field of mon- ey grubbing. If it was up to me — and it’s obvious no one has been asking — I'd pick something more straightforward. A Google search turned up “Quality Business Consultants,” boring but to the point, and my personal favorite, “RON - YOUR BUSINESS CON- SULTANT.” Now there’s a name with some gravitas. The Dallas Post TIMESeLEADER C unity Newspaper Group P.O. BOX 366, DALL 18612 « 570-675-5211 Ronald Bartizek Erin Youngman GENERAL MANAGER REPORTER Kari L. Wachtel Claudia Blank ADVERTISING ACCT. EXEC. AD PRODUCTION MANAGER Darlene E. Sorber Terry Quinn OFFICE MANAGER PAGE DESIGN Crowds thronged Hanson s dock as they waited to take a speedboat ride in the 1940s. Carol King Patrons of the library will not be charged fines when they re- turn overdue books or other li- brary materials to the library during Amnesty Week, Novem- ber 18-23. Citrus Fruit and Gourmet Cheesecake Sale: The Dallas Post is again this year generous- ly publishing an order form (see page 13) for this popular sale that benefits the library. Please note that the deadline for orders New books added to the library’s collection The Back Mountain Memorial Library, 96 Huntsville Road, Dal- las, announces the addition of the following books: FICTION “The Crush” by Sandra Brown “Blood Orchid” by Stuart Woods “Chasing the Dime” by Michael Connelly “Full House” by Janet Evanovich “Sphere of Influence” by ‘Kyle Mills “Wings of Fire” by Dale Brown “The Crimson Petal and the White” by Michael Faber “Lullaby” by Chuck Palahniuk (0 ll I YESTERDAY 70 Years Ago - November 11, 1932 BACK MOUNTAIN DISTRICT GIVES HOOVER BIG SUPPORT Despite the Democratic tide which swept other parts of the county, the Back Mountain re- gion rallied loyally to the support of President Hoover. In Dallas Borough Hoover's rationof victo- ry over Roosevelt was two to one. In a political upheaval, the de- mocaratic party swept its na- tional ticket into office, won a friendly working majority in both branches of Congress and elect- ed at least sixteen democratic governors. In the interest of underprivi- laged children in the area, Mt. Greenwood Kiwanis Club has plans for a series of entertain- ments during the winter season. During the past year, the Kiwa- nians made it possible for forty children of the district to have hospitilization for the removal of diseased tonsile. Only Yesterday 1s compiled from the back-issue files of The Dallas Post All will be forgiven November 18-23 ‘is November 22, and the pickup dates are December 13 and 14. We hope having later pickup dates this year will make the items particularly appropriate for business firms to give as hol- iday gifts to their employees. Holiday dates: The library will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28. The annual Holi- day Open House will be held on December 18 and 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. each day. Everyone is invit- ed to have refreshments and to take a tour. The library will be closed on December 24 and 25. Winter-Spring Story Hours: Registration for the story hours will be held beginning Monday, January 6, 2003. The sessions will begin the first week in Feb- ruary. Call the children’s library, at.675-1162, or drop by to regis- ter. “All is Vanity” by Christina Schwarz NON-FICTION “The Demon in the Freezer” by Richard Preston “Elizabeth Taylor: my love affair with jewelry” by Elizabeth Taylor “The Best American Short Sto- ries 2002” “The Secret Life of the Dyslexic Child” by Robert Frank, Ph.D. “The Bitch in the House” edited by Cathi Hanauer “Frommer's Vermont, Hampshire & Maine” “Natasha's Dance” by Orlando Figes New 60 Years Ago - November 6, 1942 DALLAS TEACHER ENLISTS IN WAAC Antonia Kozemchak, for the past five years commercial teacher and basketball coach at DallasTtownship High School, was sworn into the Woman's Army Auxiliary Corps at Philadelphia. Dr. Henry M. Laing Fire com- pany Relief Associaiton received two checks amounting to $287.18 from the State Treasur- er. These checks represented a return of the two percent tax on foreign fire insurance policies is- sued in Dallas Township and Dallas Borough. %- weys Lake Protective Asso- cl.. ca retired Ira C. Stevenson, chief for the past twelve years, and promoted Fred swanson, as- sistant chief, to fill his position. 50 Years Ago - November 21, 1952 THIEVES SMASH GLASS IN DOOR TO ENTER STORE Thieves broke into Evans Drug Store, Shavertown and stole considerable amount of mer- chandise including ten pocket watches, three wrist watches, pocket knives and other miscel- laneous items. The thieves took $3.15 from the cash register. Some of the merchandise you get purchase at the Globe Store in Luzerne were: quilted hosue- coats, $8.98 and up flannel nightgowns and pajamas $1.98 to $2.98; lace slips, $1.98 and up; nylon blouses, $2.98; dressy skirts, $2.98. A dental clinic at the Dallas- Franklin Schools will open for Book review: “The Poisonweed Bible,” by Barbara Kingsolver, was the topic of the Monday morning book group's discus- sion recently. The novel narrates the experiences of an American family, headed by a religious fa- natic, who went to the former Belgian Congo totally unpre- pared for their year there. Group members almost unanimously praised the fine- writing of the very talented author, her char- acter development, her cultural and historical references, and even some humor in a grim situ- ation. The discussion was, as al- ways, wide-ranging and stimu- lating. Holiday gift ideas: The library has many items suitable for gifts. Call the library and learn about the slate chalkboards; en- graved bricks, library tote bags and children’s cookbooks, all MYSTERY “Q is for Quarry” by Sue Grafton “Bad Faith” by Aimee Thurlo LARGE PRINT NON-FICTION “Fire Lover” by Joseph Wambaugh LARGE PRINT FICTION “Midnight Voices” by John Saul “The Survivors Club” by Lisa Gardner “All Shook Up” by Susan Ander- son REFERENCE “Bartlett's Familiar Quotations” by John Bartlett “Reference Library America” of Black businss as soon as approval of appointment of Dr. H.J. Preece, Kingson is approved by Harris- burg. Members of the PTA voted funds to cover purchase of small hand instruments and needed supplies. 40 Years Ago - November 15, 1962 HIGHWAY SERVICE STATION THEFTS MOUNT Dallas Borough and Kingston Township were prey to five Memorial Highway service-sta- tion burglaries: within two nights. More than $100 in small change was stolen from Gorda’s Service Station, Trucksville. ‘Some $4.000 in cash and bonds, and three watches, were cracked out of two safes at Devens Mill, Dallas. Congressman Daniel J. Flood, recently elected for eighth term, announced that Dallas is slated for a new $300,000 Postoffice of Colonial style architecture next year. Although no site has been approved for the postoffice, Flood said, it will be centrally lo- cated in Dallas Borough. Some of the movies that played at the Luzerne Theatre were: “The Miracle Worker”, “The ‘300 Spartans”; The Horrors of The Black Museum” and “Blood of Dracula”. 30 Years Ago - November 9, 1972 LANDSLIDE FOR NIXON IN BACK MOUNTAIN The vast majority of voters in the eight Back Mountain munic- ipalities of Lehman, Lake, Jack- son, Kingston, Ross and Dallas Townships and the Boroughs of available only at the library. En- tertainment 2003 discount books are also available. All profits benefit the library. New display: Darlene Way- chick has loaned to the library some of her collection of i i pottery. She and her husban and daughter spent three years in Germany, and visited many of the pottery factories in the town of Bolesewiec, Poland, which produce hundreds of different patterns, all of which blend with each other. Darlene’s favorite pieces are the Christmas and the star patterns, and her fa- vorite color is the. cobalt blue. She is still collecting, buoyed urgy by the knowledge that she cars rely on American sources (TJ Maxx and e-bay, for example) to replenish her sets if she needs to do so. Take a look at the beauti- ful pieces she has on display. n AUDIO TAPES “Full House” by Janet Evanovich “No One to Trust” by Iris Jo- hansen “Stupid White Men” by Michael Moore “Blood Orchid” by Stuart Wood BOOKS ON CD “Nights in Rodanthe” by Nicholas Sparks “Nothing is Impossible” by Christopher Reeve “Sphere of Influence” by kyl) Mills “Blue Latitudes” by Tony Hor- witz Dallas and Harveys Lake voted to endorse the presidency of Richard M. Nixon.The margin of victory for the President accugpy rately reflected the national landslide figures, with 6,397 vot- ers casting their ballots for Mr. Nixon and 2,087 persons voting for Sen. George McGovern. Agnes Flood victims in Luzerne, Montour, Juniata an Mifflin Counties were eligible to receive free food stamps for an- other 30 days under an exten- sion of the food stamp program. Some of the items you could get at the Acme Stores were! steak, 1lb 98¢; T-Bone steak, 11b., 39¢; sliced bacon, 11b 85¢. Joy Liquid, 1 pt 39¢; Comet Cleanser 2 1lb, 5 oz. cans 39¢; Safeguard Soap, 3 bars 29¢; Tenderleaf Tea, pkg 89¢; 20 Years Ago - November 10, 1982 MICHAEL HONORED BY BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS Dallas resident Frank Michael was recognized for his outstand- ing contribution to the Big Brother-Big Sister Program in Luzerne County, when he was named “Big Brother of the Year” at an Appreciation Dinner. The Back Mountain Blood Council held its last blood drive several weeks before the reck Cross was forced to declare an emergency, which was due to the results of bloodmobiles being SO poor. Voters of the Northmoreland Township showed their approval for the recently organized North- moreland Township Volunteer Fire Company at a General Elec- tion with a vote of 305 in favor’ and 139 opposed. "Bh i _— { 3 { ¢
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers