20 years ago — 1996
Junior Girl Scout Troop 644 of Lehman recently participated in the Anchor Watch Program at Mystic Seaport, Connecticut. The overnight program has been offered to scouts since 1951. The girls slept on the Joseph Conrad and participated in the day’s activities at the 1880’s seaport village. They also visited the Mystic Aquarium. Participants were: Erin Loughney, Diedre Wengen, Megan Weaver, Casey Horvath, Mandy Lowery, Karen Davis, Kristin Lipski, Rachel Turak, Lisa Wasser, Nicole Sudall, Leah Vnuk, Patti Manzoni, Tracy Pavlico, Amy Wertz, Tonya Hoopengarden, Diane Folmar, Tara Bath, Lauren Scott, Rachel Card, Danielle White, Deena Sanfanandre and Vanessa Wengen.
Mrs. Lohin’s fourth-grade class at Gate of Heaven School recently received a letter and signed photos from President Clinton (and Socks). The President was responding to a package of letters and drawings class members sent to the White House. Class member Katie Bartizek delivered the class materials to the President, and Tara Stepinitis wrote a cover letter for the project.
30 years ago — 1986
Kevin Mikula, eight-year-old son of Daniel Beverly Mikula, Dallas, recently placed first in Pee Wee Fighting in Marsh’s Karate Tournament held at Luzerne County Community College. Kevin, a second grade student at the Dallas Elementary School, fought and won five bouts to capture first place.
Music Therapy students from College Misericordia recently completed their clinical practicum at the Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas. This is the second year for this cooperative program which promotes physical maintenance, rehabilitation through exercise and movements, and provides opportunities for social and creative experiences for residents at the center. Participating students included Lisa Lorusso, Carole Ann gross and Mary Rovinski.
Harry B. Davenport, III, Shavertown, has been selected to participate in the Statue of Liberty Collegiate All-American Band, which will be performing during the Liberty Weekend celebration to be held in New York City. Harry, a 1981 graduate of Dallas Senior High School, has been a member of the Penn State Blue Band throughout his collegiate career.
40 years ago — 1976
Five members of Cadette Girl Scout Troop 639, Dallas, received their First Class awards, the highest rank in Cadette Scouting, at a badge and awards meeting recently in Dallas United Methodist Church. First Class pins were presented to Mary Edwards, Debbie Kanarr, Becky Jones, Liza DeWitt and Linda Kuras.
Luzerne County Woman’s Christian Temperance Union recently held a poster contest on drugs, alcohol and tobacco open to high school students. Miss Deborah Withey, Dallas Senior High School, won first prize in Luzerne County and first in the Northeast Regional Contest. She also placed second in the state of Pennsylvania.
50 years ago — 1966
Den 5 Cub Scouts of Pack 281, Dallas, toured the Wyoming State Police Barracks last month. All facets of the life of a state police man were covered from issue of uniform to his duties and how he performs them. Participating cubs were: Jerry Cobleigh, Bill Perry, Dana Parrish, Ricky Earl, Willie Perry, Jackie Coon and John Earl.
Six Rainbow Girls from Charles James Memorial Assembly, 144, Dallas, who served the past two summers as Junior Volunteers at Wilkes-Barre Veteran’s Hospital, received their 100 hour service awards from Walter J. Boyle, Deputy Chairman of the VA Volunteer Committee at a recent Installation ceremony of the assembly. Honorees are: Debbie Savikas, Pat Nixon, Eleanor Jones, Barbara Brown, Bonnie Brobst and Betty Oatridge.
Mrs. Helen Lutsey, Shavertown, who attended the State Convention of the Eagles Auxiliary at Erie over the weekend, was elected to the office of Conductor in the order. She has been the state officer for some time.
60 years ago — 1956
Strawberry crops in the Sweet Valley area were badly damaged by last Thursday’s hail storm, coming on top of the latest deep freeze on record for thirty-five years, which on May 25 froze blossoms in the bud and wiped out all chances of an early and profitable crop. Albert Morris, with eight acres of late berries, says he may have berries by the first of July, but he estimates a 25 percent crop damage.
Wilfred Ide was installed as president of Harveys Lake Lions at the monthly meeting at O’Connell’s Twin Lakes. Carl Schreiner, retiring president, was thanked by the membership for leading the club to a successful goal in community service during the past year. Jack Nothoff, Edgar Hughes and Richard Williams were installed as vice presidents; Harry Jones, secretary; and Clarence Payne, financial secretary.
70 years ago — 1946
Back Mountain housewives rested considerably easier this week and relaxed in their hectic search for holiday meat, when Lehman Volunteer Fire Company and their wives announced that they would serve a delicious roast beef dinner at Lehman High School on July 4. Lehman High School Band will furnish music with the meal and in the afternoon, athletic contests and a baseball game will be featured – making a day of it. Mrs. Beaulah Sutton is chairman assisted by a large and able committee of the “world’s finest cooks.”
Mrs. Gertrude Smythe of Main Road entertained her little friends and a few neighbors at an ice cream party Monday evening. Present were Mr. and Mrs. Howard Rhoads and Ross and Tracy, Mr. and Mrs. Narti Berti and Jackie and Billy, and Mrs. Smythe.
Dallas Women of Rotary have voted to give an annual contribution of $50 to the Cancer Clinic for the use of needy Back Mountain residents stricken with the dreaded malady. Establishment of the annual contribution to the Cancer Clinic is but one of many similar projects the Women of Rotary have carried out over a period of years.
