Editorial

What can be accomplished

by Ruth Isenberg

By working together, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia restored travel on Interstate 95, one of the most-heavily traveled roads in the nation. Completing temporary repairs ahead of schedule kept the east coast’s supply chain intact. They relieved a massive headache for commuters. And they proved that cooperation can work miracles.

Many government initiatives promise big results. But they become mired in paperwork, and often those “shovel-ready” projects don’t see earth turned for months or years. Layers of bureaucracy create delays and cost money.

After the collapse of the bridge on I-95, a massive effort to make repairs speedily was launched. Governor Josh Shapiro deserves credit for spearheading the project, bringing city officials, unions, federal government representatives and the media together. Newly confirmed PennDOT secretary Mike Carroll, who served our area in the PA House of Representatives, was always on the scene.

Resources were called in from across the state. Pocono Raceway, for example, supplied a jet dryer to help cure the temporary roadway. Fill material made of recycled glass nuggets came from a company in Delaware County.

One of the most notable aspects of the project was its transparency. Daily press conferences were held, and a 24-hour camera provided a constant view of the job.

The stakes were far higher on this repair than on ordinary pothole repairs, road restorations and bridge replacements. But the lessons learned in Philadelphia should be applied state-wide. Imagine what can be accomplished if they are.

At a special meeting held Thursday, the Crestwood School Board shaved 20% off its tax increase. The planned-for 5 mill increase was set at 4 mills.

David Feaster was welcomed as the incoming president of the Weatherly Rotary Club at their installation of officers held Friday at the Weatherly Country Inn.

A full day’s festival is planned at Crestwood High School on July 3rd, including a foot race, a parade, music, magician Pat Ward, a cow-chip bingo, and fireworks at dusk.

Terry’s Toggery will hold their sidewalk sale July 6 to 10.

The Lions, Steve’s Mobil and Thriftway are now all tied in the second half Little League standings 5-3. Thriftway beat the Firemen’s team twice, where Steve’s and the Lions split their games against each other.

Steve Stallone wrote a column about his dream of playing golf on the Senior Tour, if only he could drop 20 points off his golf average … a point a year for 20 years...

Phil Engman Rambled

On … about the Phillies slipping before the All-Star Break, Anthony Young – the NY Mets pitcher with 24 straight losses, and about a golf match between the Mountain Laurel staff and ML maintenance where maintenance won, and the staff wants a rematch.

Phil Jeffries wrote a preview of the ’93 Weatherly Area Cross Country season.

The Weatherly Little League coaches topped the WYOU team 10-8 in six “hard, well-played innings.”

Ruth and I enjoyed a good meal at a good price at The StageCoach in Drums $35 for dinners, ice tea and a glass of wine.

From The Journal

Issue of July 1, 1943

Publisher W. C. Taylor

This month’s $1 dinner for 4 Hamburger steak with brown gravy, 35¢; mashed potatoes 7¢; carrots & corn O’Brien (with pimentos and green peppers) 21¢; sliced Bermuda onions 10¢; bread

& butter 8¢; butterscotch bread pudding 16¢ and demi-tasse 3¢.

The large chicken house behind Elmer Kunkle’s place was completely destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon.

Under the terms of a court order…two sections of highway located in Foster Township between White Haven and Freeland have been vacated. These were part of the old state highway running through Pond Creek. They reverted to the township several years ago when the new road was opened by the state.

A most welcome rain fell here on Monday evening, followed by more rain throughout the night and Tuesday morning, thus the torrid heat spell was broken and vegetation given a new lease on life…It was so cold here Wedenesday that furnace fires were in demand.

Summer concert series returns at Heritage Hill

Heritage Hill Senior Community’s outdoor concert series returns to the parking lot at 800 Sixth St., in Weatherly. Enjoy a wonderful evening of good music and wholesome fun on Wednesday, July 19, at 6:30 p.m.— don’t forget your lawn chairs.

Leilani Chesonis is a high-spirited and engaging country/folk vocalist performing country classics and various crowd-favorite songs. Complimentary refreshments will be available, courtesy of Heritage Hill. Preregister for a chance to win a door prize. If inclement weather occurs, the concert will move indoors.

RSVPs are appreciated; please call Rachael or Brittany at 570-4274500 or email rtimm@ heritagehillsenior.com.