L 4 The Post EDITORIAL Sunday, March 14, 2004 OUR OPINION Public, which is paying, should get use of Harveys Lake Two separate stories in last week’s issue of The Post paint contrasting pictures of Harveys Lake. On one hand, property values are rising as buyers snap up waterfront cottages, then either fix them up or tear them down to make room for the construction of more grand accommodations. But as one real- tor who is benefitting from this trend says, it’s getting more difficult to see the lake while taking a leisurely ride around its perimeter, because new and larger boathouses get in the way. On another front, reductions in the volume of contaminants entering the lake appear to be turning the tide on levels of phosphorus that are thought to cause algae blooms and other ills. The improvements have come largely as a result of proj- ects paid for by state grant money, chief among them two steam stabilizations and road repairs that significantly de- crease runoff from the Hemlock Gardens neighborhood. We're all for cleaning up Harveys Lake so that bathers and fishermen can delight in its wonderful attributes. But there’s ‘an incongruity at work here — there is no public beach on the lake at which to enjoy the cleaner, fresher water. Instead, every last inch of lakefront is owned or controlled by individuals and private organizations that are not required to grant access to someone unable to afford the price of admission. The lake is so completely dominated by these interests that many people don’t even realize it is a public body of water, which it would seem is the justification for using government money to clean it. It would be a lot more sensible if along with public dollars came public access. Boaters at least have a place to put in their craft. Ironically, though, leaking oil, gas and exhaust fumes from their engines pollute the lake, possibly creating the need to spend more money to remove them. The whole situation seems absurd — taxpayers picking up the tab to protect a public resource that only a privileged few have the right to utilize. That is not a fitting set of affairs for Pennsylvania’s largest natural lake. (Or second-largest, depend- "ing on how you measure.) Everyone who pays to clean up the lake should have the opportunity to enjoy it, and until they do, anyone who comes to the DEP with hand outstretched should get a slap instead of a fistful of taxpayers’ cash. Language classes worth more than words on paper As much money as we pay to support public schools, and as hard as administrators and teachers try to keep up with the moving target of educational demands and opportunities, plen- ty of interesting and useful subject matter never makes it to the classroom. Escalating federal and state requirements that are not accompanied by adequate funding assure that this will be the case for a long time to come. It is heartening, then, to see parents, teachers and students stepping in to fill the gap that separates a basic foundation from an enlightening experience. One example is the after- school language class in the Dallas School District, in which native-speaking instructors relate both the words and culture of other homelands to students who might otherwise know lit- tle about either. The usual-suspect languages — French, Span- ish and German — are taught in class, as they have been for decades. But others, considered until recently as unlikely to be “useful, aren’t available at Dallas, or most anywhere else for that matter. But even in this region, not known for its diversity beyond a European heritage, newly arrived families represent parts of the world once considered exotic, but which now are intertwined with our society and economy. India is one exam- ple that is lately in the news for the supposed transfer of U.S. jobs there. But we may forget that Indians have been coming to our country for decades, in search of the same opportunities that drew our forebears here. And like preceding generations, they have struggled to adapt to their new homeland while re- taining their cultural singularity. The after-school program gives these members of our com- munity a chance to tutor their neighbors in the language and traditions of their native lands, in the process keeping their own memories vivid. This is a healthy exercise all around, and a welcome change from the days when differences were ridiculed and ground down until they disappeared. We live in a diverse world, and anything that can help our children feel more comfortable in modern surroundings is well worth the ef- fort it takes to do so. RR vs i AN § SAL YER Xo Rar ills 5 ALL 5 {a EL . J Is i CN df = p Field in Noxen looks for signs of spring. Photo by Charlotte Bartizek. GUEST COLUMN Working together will bring out best in all of us Editor, I'm very glad The (Dallas) Post is still part of our commu- nity. In the last edition, three articles caught my notice. On the roundabout in the center of Dallas, I think it is a necessity and will be more so each day. Cars flittering from one street to another to gain traffic light advantage is foolish for all. Southbound highway vehi- cles often drive down the cen- ter lane and turn left onto Lake Street, only to turn right back on the highway again. I am looking for some one-way streets to go along with the roundabout. - Police officer: Fred Rosen- crans wrote an excellent article about the merger of Dallas po- lice departments. I applaud his courage and the intelligence of his fellow workers in favoring the consolidation. Usually entrenched power re- sists consolidation. Logic usu- ally favors consolidation. The article on the Council of Gov- ernments by Howard Gross- man was also on the mark. I hope our communities con- tinue to support the COG, for many years to come. It is im- portant not just for growth, but also taxpayer. efficiencies. I would like to see more support for our Back Mountain Library and support for our young adults. Perhaps a local student center similar to our bowling alley, where Penn State, Miseri- cordia, and local high school students could meet and min- gle, with a jogging track around the complex. Perhaps a united local gov- ernment could put more pres- sure on Adelphia not to raise rates without some viewer op- tions. For instance, we should have $29.95 and $39.95 price points for viewers that do not want sport channels, etc. I am thankful for our local governments, community lead- ers and other people. Our po- lice forces already cooperate and assist each other, even without formal ties. Our local fire departments, emergency crews and road supervisors have cooperated and assiste each other with an eye oll) greater community good. , Art Prutzman Dallas LIBRARY NEWS Library to host many activities to serve community I 5 ¢ Two Internet classes for computer novices will be held at the Back Mountain Memorial Library — one on Thursday, March 25, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and one on Tuesday, March 30, from 11:30 am. to 1 p.m. Register early, space is limited. ii ii LN N J CAROL Last year the Com- KING munity Room at the li- brary was the site of a series of classes for baby-sitters, aged 12 to 18, over the spring and summer. This year a class has been scheduled for Saturday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee has been raised by the Red Cross to $40, which is payable at the time of registration by cash or check made out to the Ameri- can Red Cross, and includes a baby-sitter’s handbook. Participants will learn to per- form first aid and get professional medical help fast, identify common safety hazards and prevent injuries, perform basic care routines like diapering, feeding and dress- ing, handle bedtime issues, and more. On a different vein — the American Red Cross will also conduct a program on Pet First Aid on Saturday, April 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Community Room. The fee of $25, payable in advance, covers a book, a video, and opportunities for practice on a dog or cat mannequin on giving CPR and aid in emergency situations such as chok- ing and broken bones — all of which might be lifesaving until you can get your pet to the vet’s office. o00® The Auction Committee will meet monthly in the Community Room until the beginning of the auction on July 8. The next meeting is set for Thursday, March 25, at 7 p.m. More volunteers are needed and will be welcome at the meeting. [ NN J If you haven't already noted on your cal- endar the date of the Friends’ Annual Spring luncheon, please do so! It’s Thurs- day, April 29, at Apple Tree Terrace, New- berry Estate, Dallas. The starting time will be 11 a.m. this year. The Post will carry full details about the luncheon and the po- etry contest being sponsored in connection with the luncheon. 1380 (NN J The Book Discussion Group met at the library in late February to discuss two books, “The Samurai’s Garden,” by Gai Tsukiyama, and “The Elegant Gatheri White Snows,” by Kris Radish. The pairi¥® (usually we discuss only one book at a time) made for an interesting comparison between the two books. Everyone enjoyed “The Samurai’s Garden” because ofthe beauty of its descriptions and the delin- eation of the characters. “The Elegant Gathering...” was not well liked chiefly be- cause it carried the “women’s lib” idea too far, as such texts often do. None of us could picture ourselves literally walking away from family responsibilities to in- dulge a need to “find ourselves.” We con- sidered this reaction as being generational, but hadn’t yet discussed the book with younger women. [ NN J A new display is on view at the library, this one of Linda Wagner's large collection of Beanie Beanies in many different animal shapes. Your children will enjoy seeing Letters are welcome Letters to the editor are welcome and will be published, subject to the following guidelines: : e Letters should not exceed 500 words. ® Letters must be signed and include the writer's home town and a telephone number for verification. * Names will be withheld only if there exists a clear and verifi- them, so bring them by to take a look. 70 Years Ago March 9, 1934 TUNKHANNOCK ROTARY WORKS TO KEEP ARMORY The Tunkhannock Rotary Club has forwarded to Gover- nor Pinchot a petition asking that an armory be built in able threat to the writer. Tunkhan- ® No writer may have more than one letter addressing the nocK to same topic published during a 30-day period, except as a reply to replace another letter. the build- ® The Post retains the right to accept or reject any letter, and ing on the to edit letters for grammar and spelling, as well as to eliminate fair- any libel, slander or objectionable wording. ground Send letters to: The Post, 15 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre PA ONLY now used 18711, or by e-mail to: thepost@]leader.net. YESTERDAY by the battery. Tre POST TIMESeLEADER Community Newspaper Group 15 N. MAIN ST., WILKES-BARRE PA 18711 * 570-675-5211 thepost@leader.net Ronald Bartizek Patrick McHugh EDITOR PUBLISHER Justin Wisnosk Erin Youngman ADVERTISIN REPORTER Greg Stauffer AD PRODUCTION MANAGER Lehigh Valley's request to discontinue its passenger serv- ice between Wilkes-Barre and Sayre, along the Bowman's Creek passage through Dallas, was approved this week. 60 Years Ago March 10, 1944 JIMMY LABAR WRITTEN UP BY NOTED WRITER Cpl. James LaBar, son of Mr. and Mrs. LaBar of Main Street, is doing a great job over in Italy, according to Ernie Pyle, noted columnist and author of “Here’s Your Army.” Four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Whispell, of Evans Falls died early Sunday morn- ing at the Municipal Hospital, Scranton, after three days’ ill- ness, due to spinal meningitis. 50 Years Ago March 12, 1954 PIANO CRUSHES FRANKLIN PATTON Patton of Noxen is in an ex- tension apparatus at Nesbitt Memorial Hospital to ease his fractured shoulder and collar- bone. Patton staggered out from under the piano and into Gerdon Shook’s store. Paddy Sickler, 5, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sickler of Orange, received second de- gree burns to the right foot when she stepped into a kettle of hot soup which had been placed on the floor of her mother’s kitchen. Three grass fires had Dr. Henry M. Laing Fire Company on the jump on Thursday. 40 Years Ago March 12, 1964 CARRUTHERS KIN LIVES NEAR BEATLES SINGER The Beatles lead singer, Paul McCartney, Alerrton, England is a neighbor to Wallace Car- ruthers, brother of Wallace Car- ruthers, Sterling Ave. Dallas. William Frederick, W. Center Street, was elected fire chief of Shavertown Fire Company at a meeting of the organization, Tuesday. An urgent need is felt in the Back Mountain for men and boys over 16 to join the local civil defense. 30 Years Ago March 14, 1974 HARVEYS LAKE SEEKS STATE AID FOR SEWERS Borough representatives will go to Harrisburg to see if any Ny i en state aid has been overlooked in the effort to fund the lake’s recently begun sewer project. A large section of the fo tion wall of the Edward 4 home, 92 Carverton Road, Trucksville, collapsed inward yesterday. 20 Years Ago March 14, 1984 DEATH-BOAT DRIVER PLEADS GUILTY A guilty plea was accepted last week by Luzerne County Judge Patrick Toole Jr., from Dennis J. Abromavage in con- nection with a Harveys Lake boating incident that killed four people on June 18, 1983. A “bubble” addition has been - added to the Mark II Restau- rant in Fernbrook. The well- known establishment reopened Wednesday after being closed for more than two months. Only Yesterday is com- & piled from the back-issue files of The Post.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers