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Monday, December 25, 1995     Page:

Editor’s Note: “Mountain Laurels” is a regular series of letters from
readers conveying thanks to individuals or groups for their support, help or
kindness.~
   
Outstanding coach
    ~I would like to salute my son’s little league coach, John DooleyFrom him,
my son learned the importance of team work. I have seen healthy growth in my
son’s ability to socialize and interact with people. My son has learned that
winning is not everything and that if you have done your best, that’s good
enough.
   
My son has learned independence. He knows that a team is important because
of the members and that strength is gained when each member does his part for
the team.
   
When my son broke his arm, I thought the season was over for him until the
coach called to say that he was still part of the team and was needed for
moral support.
   
John Dooley made every player feel important.
   
I would like to salute John Dooley for taking the time for these children
and for giving my son the best season in his life — a season of safe, secure,
good, honest, clean fun.
   
Susie Nicholson
   
Hazleton
   
~
   
Little League, big success
   
On behalf of the administrative staff of Little League District 16 — the
largest Little League district in the nation with 33 leagues and more than
5,000 young players on the roster — I want to thank the hundreds of
volunteers, league presidents and other league officials, parents and, most
especially, the youngsters who participated in organized Little League
competition during the 1995 season
   
I also want to sincerely thank the sports staff of The Times Leader for the
tremendous coverage accorded all the teams in the district and the district
itself throughout the regular season and during post-season tournament play.
   
All in all, 1995 was a successful year for District 16, and we look forward
to building on that success in 1996.
   
Fred J. DeSanto
   
Administrator
   
Little League District 16
   
~Pittston Township
   
Lift for Eddie
   
Many of you may recall reading in this newspaper about our son, Eddie, who
has had multiple health problems.
   
At age 8, he was diagnosed as having a malignant brain tumor; at age 18, a
giant aneurysm in his brain, which ultimately led to a stroke which has left
him totally handicapped. He is now 21-years-old.
   
During this past year, we were able to purchase a van with a lift for
Eddie: We thank all those who purchased and sold tickets for the fund-raiser
for Eddie.
   
We would especially like to thank commissioner-elect Joseph “Red” Jones and
Don Lasoski of American Pool N Spa for spearheading this fund raiser; Tom
Crossin of Bonner Chevrolet, who went out of his way to see that the van was
suitable for Eddie’s needs; and Jim Keller Sr. of Keller Wheelchair Lifts.
   
We are also thankful to the Bayada Nurses and staff who give such loving,
attentive and expert care to Eddie; to Tom Pugh, vice president at John Heinz
Institute of Rehabilitation, for his extraordinary compassion; and to his
staff at the wheelchair clinic.
   
Bonnie, Ed, Pam and Eddie Turchin
   
Jackson Township
   
~
   
Veteran’s Day parade
   
This year’s annual Wyoming Valley Veteran’s Day Parade was a tremendous
success. All the people who braved the snow and cold to either watch it or
participate in it show that the residents of Wyoming Valley really do care.
   
Each parade is the end result of over nine months of planning, coordinating
and legwork by the parade committee made up of volunteers from local veterans
organizations and the local National Guard and reserve units. The parade also
would not be possible without the gracious support of the City of Wilkes-Barre
and the Municipality of Kingston who lend us their streets as well as
logistical assets.
   
Many private organizations also play a crucial part in the success of the
parade.
   
On behalf of Parade Grand Marshall Major General Joseph Perugino and Grand
Marshall Emeritus Major General Frank Townsend, I would like to extend a
heartfelt thank you to all the people and organizations who make the Veteran’s
Day Parade the great event that it is.
   
Major Patrick J. Riley
   
General chairman
   
1995 Wyoming Valley
   
Veteran’s Day Parade
   
Turkey bingo soared
   
The Mountaintop Knights of Columbus want to thank those who attended the
turkey bingo on Sunday, Nov. 19, for having made it a great success.
   
I also thank chairpersons Pete Dougherty and Joe Luashewski, the local news
media and Orloski’s Quick Mart for publicizing the event.
   
Tony Biago
   
Knights of Columbus
   
Mountaintop
   
Breslau bazaar
   
The members of the Breslau Hose Company No. 5 of Hanover Township sincerely
thank ~all the friends, supporters and patrons for their participation in our
1995 annual bazaar.
   
The~ success of the bazaar and spaghetti dinner is entirely due to the
generosity of the local businesses and community who year after year give
donations, gifts and, most importantly, time.
   
It is because of your support we can develop and expand our capabilities,
not only in firefighting, but in river rescue and hazardous material response
as well.
   
Breslau Hose Company No. 5
   
Hanover Township
   
Knights food drive
   
Thank you for the fine coverage you gave the Knights of Columbus 1995 Food
Drive.
   
The Knights of Columbus Plymouth Council 984, Luzerne Assumpta Council 3987
and Nanticoke Council 913 Basketball League, Cub Scouts from Plymouth and
Nanticoke, Boy Scouts from Plymouth, Girl Scouts from Plymouth, and the youth
of St. Vincent’s thank everyone who donated food.
   
Because of your generosity, the Christian Service Center located at St.
Vincent’s Church in Plymouth was able to provide food orders to over 1,650
people. The Center received enough food to help during the Christmas holiday
also.
   
Again, you showed that you cared and shared for the less fortunate of our
Valley.
   
On behalf of all of them, thank you very much for your generosity.
   
George R. Grantuskas
   
Chairman
   
Plymouth Council 984
   
Knights of Columbus
   
Luzerne and Nanticoke Councils