~ Toby's 4 The Post Sunday, October 17, 2004 OUR OPINION Let's reach out and grasp a bright future for Toby's Creek r every person who cares about Toby’s Creek, there | pt a dozen who hardly know it exists. That is the principal motivation behind The Post’s series of reports about this historic and irreplaceable natural asset — to raise awareness of the creek’s character and support efforts to protect and utilize its attributes for the benefit of our com- munity. Over the past several months, Post reporters have exam- ined the creek’s past and present, and have talked to people nearby and far away who recognize the role a truly public waterway can play in a community. We say “truly pub- lic” because, although along much of its length Toby’s Creek is within a few dozen feet of road- ways and neighborhoods, it is virtually invisible because of tan- gled brush that obscures it or lack of access to beautiful pools, falls and rock formations. As a result, hardly anyone has seen the remnants of early mills’ stone founda- tions, shale stream beds smoothed by centuries of water flowing over them or the impressive arched tun- nel that leads Snake Creek into the larger stream near Carverton Road. In this issue, we report on notable efforts to protect streams and rivers. The closest example is the Bowman's Creek Watershed Association, serving a stream that runs barely five miles from the source of Toby’s Creek. Others we discovered are elsewhere in Luzerne County, and in Connecticut, New York and North Carolina. The streams and rivers vary in size and character, as do the communities that surround them. But there is one universal factor in each successful venture; an active and involved group of people who cherish the gift of such a valuable resource and are determined to no longer disregard or damage it. We learned that there is strength in numbers, although a large core organization isn’t required. Instead, existing interest groups can join forces in support of a watershed association, strengthening its hand when seeking grants for cleanup, restoration and preservation. And we were told at many points that funding and services are readily available to associations able to demonstrate a high level of community support for stream improvement, So, what are we waiting for? We have already heard from some individuals eager to save Toby’s Creek before it’s too late to do so. If there are others with that interest, we invite them to contact The Post, and we’ll put you all in touch with one another, and provide whatever contacts and information we've found that can lend a hand. Then we can work toward a day when this hidden resource becomes the sparkling asset it can and should be. Creek Our hidden resource MOMENTS IN TIME The History Channel e On Oct. 23, 42 B.C., Brutus, a leading conspirator in the assas- sination of Julius Caesar two years earlier, commits suicide after his defeat at the second battle of Philippi. ® On Oct. 21, 1797, the USS Constitution, a 44-gun U.S. Navy frigate built to fight Barbary pirates off the coast of Tripoli, is launched in Boston Harbor. During the War of 1812, the Constitution won its enduring nickname “Old Ironsides” after wit- nesses claimed that British shots merely bounced off the Constitution’s sides. Since 1934, it has been based at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. e On Oct. 24, 1901, daredevil Annie Edson Taylor initiates a famous stunt tradition when she goes over Niagara Falls in a wood- en barrel. A leather harness and cushions lined the 3-by-5-foot bar- rel to protect Taylor during her fall, and she emerged shaken but unhurt in the river below. ® On Oct. 22, 1966, the Supremes become the first all-female group to score a No. 1 album, with “Supremes a Go-Go.” ® On Oct. 20, 1973, after 15 years of construction, the Sydney Opera House in Australia is dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II Famous for its geometric roof shells, the $80 million structure con- tains several large auditoriums and presents an average of 3,000 events a year attended by an estimated 2 million people. ¢ On Oct. 19, 1982, maverick automobile executive John DeLorean is arrested in a Los Angeles airport motel with a brief- case containing $24 million worth of cocaine. ® On Oct. 18, 1996, the Dow manages to shrug off a spate of bad news, including the announcement of more woes for the tobacco industry, to storm to a record close of 6,094 points. It was the 31st record closing high during the mighty bull run of ‘96. (c) 2004 King Features Synd., Inc. Noxen shed. Photo by Charlotte Bartizek. LETTERS Retiring Superintendent grateful for support Editor's Note: Gil Griffiths, Superintendent of Schools in the Dallas School District, asked that this letter be printed in this issue of The Post. To the Dallas School District community: I am announcing my retire- ment as Superintendent of the Dallas School District on December 1, 2004. It has been my pleasure to be part of the Dallas School District for the past 18 years. I began as the Middle School Principal, fol- lowed by Assistant Superintendent and for the past seven years served as the Superintendent. During this time the district has seen many changes that have allowed the district to grow in reputation and stature both in the Wyoming Valley and throughout the state. The cur- riculum and programs that were developed during my tenure were to give our stu- dents the advantages of a bet- ter education and the facilities changes that occurred at the district were to enhance the educational environment for the students. The faculties, as they matured and retired, were replaced with equally talented young teachers who continue to carry on the tradition of excellence in education at Dallas. I would be remiss in not thanking those who have given so much to me and the school district during my term of office. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful parents and students of our school family. Also, it has been an honor to have colleagues in the schools who have embraced new methodologies in teach- ing that have made our stu- dents so successful, and I wish them well in the future. I would like to recognize all the members of the support staff who have been a valuable asset to the district and me as they have handled all facets of the Dallas school community. Our custodial staff, maintenance staff and housekeepers do a great job of maintaining the buildings and offices efficiently Griffiths retirement is a sign of trouble + Editor, It was with a heavy heart that I attended the meeting of the Dallas School Board on October 11 and listened as Dr. Gilbert Griffiths read his letter of retirement. Having been fore- warned, I went to show my respect to a man who has done so many good things for the children in this district. Under Dr. Griffiths’ stewardship, this district has made great strides towards excellence in educa- tion. The reputation of the Dallas School District was the driving force for a good many people to move to this area. I do not need to wish Dr. Griffiths success in his future endeavors. It is a foregone con- clusion and wherever he goes, they will be blessed to have him. It is our district that I am concerned about. During the short tenure of the current majority members of this board, namely David Usavage, Frank Natitus, Russ Bigus, Bruce Goeringer and Gary Mathers, our district has lost two of the very best school administrators in the state, Dr. Griffiths and Dr. Michael Speziale. We had the dream in this district, two highly educat- ed, intelligent administrators who could understand the intri- cacies of No Child Left Behind and Act 72. The majority mem- bers of this board have continu- ally opposed the intentions of Superintendent Griffiths and Assistant Superintendent Speziale. The new policy of this . board to not allow the adminis- trators a true vote in the hiring of teachers has returned us to the questionable hiring prac- tices of the past. The demeanor of these majority board mem- bers towards a questioning pub- lic has left many parents insult- ed. The very notion that mem- bers of the majority would like to limit public input at meet- ings is troubling to say the least. By ignoring the recom- mendations of the administra- tion and, instead, hiring friends, by ignoring the recom- mended plan of action to han- dle the assistant superinten- for Dallas and I appreciate their dedica- tion. Finally, I want to thank my administrative staff for all of their support, as they have had to implement the new trends in teaching and be on the front line for all of the many changes in the district. The decision to retire was not an easy one, since being an administrator in the district has been a central part of my professional life. I will miss the many personal and onl) al relationships I have fo p over the years, and I will espe- cially miss the interaction with the students and teachers. Gilbert R. Griffiths, D.Ed. Superintendent of Schools Dallas School District 901 8 dent’s duties, among several other things, they have suc- ceeded in driving these talent- district. It will come at gr ) ed, educated men out of 4 expense to the taxpayers and” parents of this district, mone- tarily and educationally. Yes, it is supposed to be about the education of our chil- dren. Instead, it seems to me that it is all about the personal and secret agendas of a few. I hope that the voters of the Dallas School District keep this in mind when it comes time for the next election. Mary Barbara Gilligan Dallas Tie 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 Wishosk ADVERTISIN Pat O'Donnell PREPRESS MANAGER 70 Years Ago Oct. 19, 1934 COUNCIL PREPARES PUBLIC SALE LIST A description of all proper- ties in Dallas borough listed for sale for non-payment of taxes is being made by the borough engineer, John Jeter, preparato- ry to the selling of those proper- ties. The action WwW, a S author- ized by council- men at their meeting on Tuesday night. Also, on behalf of Franklin Street residents, J.M. Reese requested that council install another light on that street. ONLY YESTERDAY The thrilling story of the lure for gold which attracted 40,000 men to the Klondike, was relat- ed by Frank P. Douglas, widely known explorer and adventur- er, for the classes of Dallas Borough High School yesterday afternoon. The lecture was the second of a series being con- ducted by the school in con- junction with the Antrim High School Assembly Forum. A record-breaking attendance estimated at 150 persons heard attorney Albert Brobst, Wilkes- Barre School Director, address the Dallas Borough Parent- Teacher Association on Tuesday night. Mr. Brobst’s subject was “The Child’s Triangle: School, Church and Home.” 60 Years Ago Oct. 20, 1944 IDETOWN ERECTS STONE HONOR ROLL An honor roll made of native stone and on which the names of men and women in service will be sandblasted is being erected in Idetown, at the cor- ner of the Jonathan R. Davis property, along the Dallas- Harveys Lake Highway. The monument, which is four feet, two inches wide, by seven feet six inches high, is being erected at a cost of approximately $350. Flood lights, controlled by a time clock, have been installed on the Jackson Honor Roll, through the co-operation of the township supervisors, who are also assuming the monthly light bill. The roll now contains 113 names. Robert Culp installed the lights without charge. Hal Wagner, 11-year-old son of state treasurer G. Harold Wagner, is in Presbyterian Wo Hospital, Philadelphia, where he is responding nicely to treat- ment of his right leg which had been paralyzed below the knee by infantile paralysis. Not long ago Hal was surprised and delighted when he received an autographed photograph from screen actress Dorothy Lamour who wrote, “Dear Spanky, I have just learned that your are in the hospital. Hurry up and get well so that we can go to the movies. Love and kisses, Dotty Lamour.” 90 Years Ago Oct. 15, 1954 SHAVERTOWN WSCS PLANS NOVEMBER RUMMAGE SALE Mrs. Ziba Howell, Center Street, is chairman of the col- lection committee for the rum- mage sale being sponsored by WSCS of Shavertown Methodist Church at Luzerne Nov. 4-6. Assisting her are Mrs. Howard Hontz, Franklin Street; Mrs. George Jacobs, Pioneer Avenue; Mrs. Francis Dougherty, Shaver Avenue, - among others. Cash prizes contributed by businessmen and organizations of the area will be awarded to contestants of the Halloween Parade Oct. 28. Westmoreland Band will lead the line of march, which will form on Lake Y Street start moving promptly at 6:30. Any child or student in the Back Mountain is eligible for entry. Hubert A. Boline, Vonderheid Street, Trucksville, has been graduated by International Business Machines Corporation elect typewriter engineering sch at Poughkeepsie. He is assigned to the company’s Buffalo, N.Y. sales .and service office. Mr. Boline and his fellow graduates represent 14 IBM branch offices in 10 states and Canada. 40 Years Ago Oct. 15, 1964 CHIEF HONEYWELL WILL RETURN Russell Honeywell will return to duty as police chief of Dallas Borough this Monday, Oct. 19, he told borough coun- cil this week. The chief has been out of service, from a heart attack, for about three months. Chief Honeywell says he is feeling fine and that he deliberately waited out the time limit suggested by doctors to give himself time to build up health. Pioneer Avenue, Shavertow and John Sheehan, Huntsville See YESTERDAY, pg 5 Squire Fredric W. ng 7 a ; - Ans oa Seb L
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers