Click here to subscribe today or Login.
Monday, March 03, 2003 Page: 7A
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.~
LAWYERS’ INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY PRAISED DIAMOND DROP WORKERS MADE DEC. 31
SPECIAL KUDOS TO GENERAL LPNS DURING DIFFICULT TIMES MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM
BASKETBALL AMBASSADOR POSITIVE STORIES ON W-B ARE JUST WHAT CITY NEEDS BALLET
DANCES WITH JOY OVER MUSICIANS’ EFFORTS LET’S SEND CARDS TO THOSE SERVING
COUNTRY Over the course of the last several months, the Wilkes Barre Law and
Library Association has conducted a Public Awareness Campaign regarding the
community involvement of its members.I would like to thank everyone who
worked to make the early-evening activities at the Diamond Drop New Year’s Eve
celebration in Wilkes-Barre a success. Dorothy Carr and Norma Ritchie worked
hard to develop the “Golden Oldies Casino” at Prudential Towers; Jim Crossin
worked with People For a Drug Free Community; The Alumni Association and the
Salvation Army to present the Dinner Dance at the Citadel; Pam McDonald and
the prevention specialists from the Wyoming Valley Drug and Alcohol who
organized “The Battle of the Bands” on the Square; Al Rende who got the
prizes for the bands; Elder Kenneth Claxton and the congregation of First
United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) for the gospel event held at First
United Methodist Church; and members of Methodist Urban Ministries for the hot
drinks served.
We are beginning to plan for next year’s celebration. Call 822-6817 or
attend one of the meetings.
The Rev. Dr. Keith F. Benjamin
Director of Methodist Urban Ministries
Wilkes-Barrecopy
I would be remiss if I did not relate the following commentary. I was a
patient recently at the General Hospital for six days. During that time the
great change (RN strike) took place on a Thursday morning, needless to say as
a patient I had some concern regarding the future efficiency and quality of
care and I could sense the tension in the air. No fear, LPN Mary Ann and her
cohorts performed marvelously and worked tirelessly performing regular duties
as well as orienting the imports and acclimating them with routines,
schedules, and patients. I can guarantee that without the stalwart Mary Ann
and her fellow LPNs, chaos would rule on the 8th floor. The conscientiousness,
dedication, empathy and bright smiles displayed by the LPNs under duress were
gratifying, heartwarming, and a pleasure to see. Again, the glue and grit that
was the integral part of a relatively smooth transition, were the LPNs.
If the RNs are priceless, then the value of the LPNs is incalculable, and
it is about time that the administration recognizes this reality.
Ed Lipski
ShavertownHi, my name is Thomas Stambaugh Jr. I am recently into my second
tour with the Washington Senators, playing the Harlem Globetrotters. We are
touring the Southwestern U.S.A. I will see over 100 cities. My first tour
which was back in October of 2002, was in Europe. I was in the countries of
Germany, Spain, Scotland and Iceland.
I have a message to any youth or teenage child, whether academic or
athletics or trade. You can do anything you set your mind to, if you want it.
I started out in youth programs throughout the Wyoming Valley and later
represented the schools that I attended. There are many choices in life to
pick from, and many do not follow the road you choose, but stay on the
straight path – meaning no drugs or alcohol.
The youth and teenage children of Wyoming Valley are very, very blessed in
the fact we have great teachers, coaches, and volunteers willing to help in
all sorts of programs. Believe in yourself, believe in God and believe in your
family. Anything can happen with hard work and faith in yourself.
Thomas Stambaugh Jr.
PlymouthHats off to your columnist Sandra Snyder, and staff writer, Mary
Therese Biebel, for their positive articles in the Feb. 3 edition of the Times
Leader. Sandra’s “Opinion”” column highlighting the South Franklin Street
renovations, plan for the Hotel Sterling and the charm of Boscov’s bargain
basement remind us of the Wilkes-Barre that once was and will be again. Mary
Therese’s article on that wonderful mainstay, Hottle’s Restaurant, features
quotes from many people who are committed to the success of this city. I
applaud this optimistic style of reporting having long been an advocate of
featuring the good things that happen in our city and there are many. My
husband has just declared his candidacy for Wilkes-Barre City Council and it
is the belief in the positive future of “The City with a Heart” that he
shares with so many that inspired him to seek a council seat. It’s time for
all the optimists in the city to join forces. Working as a team this city can
and will come back.
Pat Gazenski
Wilkes-Barrecopy
On behalf of our associates in Ballet Northeast, we wish to express our
profound gratitude to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic for the
privilege of participating in this distinguished orchestra’s “Home for the
Holidays” performances during the past two years.
We are indebted to executive director Glenn Roberts and his staff for their
many courtesies, and we are especially beholden to the accomplished members of
the orchestra and Mr. Clyde Mitchell, their charismatic music director and
conductor. Rarely does a small regional youth ballet company have the honor of
performing to such magnificent live musical accompaniment. Maestro Mitchell’s
direction was especially inspiring for our young dancers.
Mr. Mitchell shared with us an extraordinary talent for blending the
artistry of musicians, singers, and dancers in a seamless synthesis. The
Philharmonic’s Board of Directors are to be applauded for bringing to its
podium a genuine virtuoso whose enthusiastic and welcoming presence invites
artists and audiences to enter joyously into the realm of this sublime muse.
Bravo.
Kristin Degnan
Rudolf Schleich, Ph.D.
KingstonBasically, I would like to have the addresses of either loved ones,
friends, or someone from this area who is in the service whether they are
overseas or in the United States. I just want to let them know that they are
remembered here at home and that we are proud of them. I hope to get some
local clubs involved so that we can send out some packages but for right now,
I want to send out Easter and other holiday cards, etc.
If you have questions about this project, please feel free to contact me at
929-3658. Leave a message and I will get back to you.
Mary Labert
McAdoo
I for one would like to commend the effort of the Wilkes Barre Law and
Library Association, for accenting the good works, highlighting the efforts to
promote the general welfare of the community, and the selfishness of the
various members of the Bar.
I have had the privilege and the opportunity to work with many members of
the Bar on a variety of projects where they have shown a keen interest in
being the best advocate; promoting what needed to be done, doing so the right
way; and a willingness to extend themselves on behalf of their clients, or
Catholic Social Services. More times than I can remember, doors were opened,
situations were resolved, or challenges successfully addressed because of the
work, the ideas, and the consideration extended by members of the Wilkes Barre
Law and Library Association. For those whom Catholic Social Services works on
behalf of, that is, the poor and the poor in spirit. This group has always
given of their time, talents, and energy to promote and to directly work
for the mission of Catholic Social Services.
I, for one, never hesitate to join in the bantering about lawyers, their
profession and their posturing, and while it makes for a funny story, I, for
one, know that it does not reflect the truth. For the men and women whom I
have had the privilege of working with, engage in the practice of law with
integrity, fidelity, and commitment to the point where I am never ceased to be
impressed.
Ned Delaney, Executive Director
Catholic Social Services