CMYK Who at their Wheaties?
THE ABINGTON
Who was throwing heat?
JOURNAL
See which Lackawanna Trail students shared breakfast with their parents. Page 5.
Abington Heights faces off against division rival Scranton Prep. See Page 14.
An edition of The Times Leader
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Wilkes-Barre, Clarks Summit, Pa. Pa.
MAY 23 TO MAY 29, 2012
50¢
A.H. OKs first budget
“I think how pretty the store must have looked with the milk bottles in different colors….” Reverend Glenn H. White Collector
Board to meet June 27 for final approval. BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com
Rev. Glenn H. White Jr. compiled a list of dairies in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming Counties., above. His goal: to write a more detailed history of Lackawanna County dairies.
ABINGTON JOURNAL/JOAN MEAD-MATSUI
Rev. Glenn H. White Jr. said his quest for collecting the glass milk bottles stems from a love for history along with childhood memories of the milk delivery man. “That was exciting for me as a kid that the milk man came to the house…it was so personal,” said White.
Got milk memorabilia? By Joan Mead-Matsui Abington Journal Correspondent
Clarks Green collector at 6,000 items of dairy history and counting
T
hey call him the “Milk Man Minister,” yet he has no connection to the dairy industry, nor was he ever a milk delivery man. And if a vehicle with the license plate, “MLK BTLS,” passes by, it’s a good guess that the Reverend Glenn H. White Jr., pastor of Clarks Green Assembly of God Church, is in the vicinity. White realized his fascination for glass milk bottles early in life in what began as a thirst for chocolate milk. “One day I said to the Burschel milk man, ‘Would you give me anything for these milk bottles?” He said, ‘Yep, I’ll give you something.’ So he took the milk bottles and he handed me a pint of chocolate milk off the back of the milk truck. We didn’t buy choc-
olate milk – it was a special item – and I started looking for milk bottles for him, thinking I could get more chocolate milk,” said White. White’s collection includes more than 6,000 items of milk and dairy -related memorabilia, including milk boxes, bottles, hats or anything that
CLARKS SUMMIT- The Abington Heights school board approved the preliminary general fund budget for the 2012-13 school year, by a vote of 7-1, at $42,201,160. The preliminary budget does not include a tax increase and has no consideration for liability. It also includes the elimination of five teaching positions. The budget has a structural deficit of $1,739,161, which the district plans to cover using their fund balance. Board members Gregory Madensky, Louise Brzuchalski, Michele Pusateri, Michele Tierney, Michael Fleming, along with Board President Cathy Hardaway and Vice President William Acker voted in favor of See Budget, Page 6
“I completely agree that particularly in the primary years (K-3), class size is a very important consideration.”
See Memorabilia, Page 8
Customers would relay their specific product requests, such as whipping cream, skim and others to the milk man using tags such as the colored examples at right.
Abington Heights Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Mahon Speaking about increased elementary class sizes as a result of budget cuts
Ransom hires forensic accountant BY ELIZABETH BAUMEISTER lbaumeister@theabingtonjournal.com
INSIDE
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ArtsEtc...............................10 Calendar.............................2 Classified ...........................15 Crosswords.........................4 Obituaries...........................9 School .............................5,6 Sports................................13
RANSOM TWP. - The Ransom Township Board of Supervisors held a special meeting May 16, at which they voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to enter into an agreement with Marx Accounting and Forensic Services in Scranton. The firm is to perform a forensic accounting investigation of the township books, records and other information from the past five years, at a cost not to exceed $7,500.
The investigation, requested by Pa. State Police, follows the resignation of former Ransom Township secretary-treasurer Kathy Zielinski, which was accepted at an emergency meeting March 19 after irregularities were found during an audit of the township finances, according to Solicitor Edmund Scacchitti. Although the original audit is complete, its details are yet to be released. Scacchitti said the Supervisors first need to finalize it at an “exit conference,” which was not yet sched-
uled. In a May 15 letter to the township regarding the agreement, Marx Accounting and Forensic Services listed the professional consulting services it expects to provide to include (but not be limited to) the reviewing of credit card statements, bank statements, utility statements, cash receipts, disbursements journals and the general ledger as well as providing expert witness testimony in support of the work and conclusions to be made from it.
Gone, but not forgotten Residents donate time to fallen heroes the Association of Lutheran Friends, ALF, a not-for-profit Pennsylvania aring for the graves of Revolu- corporation that “provides a forum for cooperation in ministry, education and tionary and Civil War heroes and other persons laid to rest is fellowship involving Lutherans living a yearround mission for Clarks Sum- in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Kerri Angel said, “We want to premit residents, Kerri and Bill Angel, Newton Township. They can often be serve the history and remember the found at a small cemetery in Ransom church and the families that founded Township. The Angels visit the ceme- it, and the families that are buried out there… We need to preserve this tery regularly and tend to whatever needs to be done, including painting, place for the future because it’s imweed control and planting flowers. On portant to preserve our history. Some a sunny day in May, Bill Angel, with of the people who are buried out there (referring to the cemetery adjacent to a can of black paint and a brush in the church on a hillside) are Revoluhand, restored the fence that surtionary War heroes.” rounds the church. The property dates back to 1846, The Ransom Valley Lutheran Church and Cemetery, located in Ran- Kerri Angel said, “when a small som Township, falls under the care of group of Lutherans declared them-
BY JOAN MEAD-MATSUI Abington Journal Correspondent
C
selves to be a congregation, and built a small church on land that was donated by John and Jacob Dorsheimer.” That same year, a veteran of the Revolutionary War was buried in the cemetery. Occasional services were held at the church until 1910, according to a historical document provided by the Association of Lutheran Friends. That year, church property was turned over to a reorganized board of trustees of the Cemetery Association, who continued to utilize the property until the early 1970s. In 1988, a news report that the church had been vandalized aroused the interest of local groups, including the Veterans of the See Heroes, Page 7
ABINGTON JOURNAL/JOAN MEAD-MATSUI
Local Veterans groups provide flags for the cemetery in observance of holidays. Shown is one at the Ransom Valley Lutheran Church and Cemetery, located in Ransom Township
CMYK PAGE 8A
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MEMORABILIA Continued from Page 1
features a dairy name. At 11, the Chinchilla native foraged the woods and streets in search of discarded glass soda and milk bottles. At a nearby store he would cash in his finds for money to buy candy. He said, “Not every milk bottle had a deposit on it, so I accumulated a lot of bottles at the house that I couldn’t turn in at the store.” While he was away at college, White’s mother, cleaning the house for a move, called him and said, “I’ve got all of this junk that’s yours, come and get it.” Inside the boxes were, not surprisingly, milk bottles. White explained his initial goal was to assemble a set of bottles: a quart, a pint and a half pint, and display them. Today his collection has grown exponentially, following years of amassing, rummaging, digging at auctions and trading with other collectors. His passion for collecting the glass treasures has grown from a love for history along with childhood memories of the milk delivery man. “That was exciting for me as a kid that the milk man came to the house…it was so personal. I even have notes that I got out of the milk bottles that were written to the milk man.” One note, he recalled stated, “Please open the refrigerator and pour a dish (of milk) for the cat.” White added, “Can you imagine that the milkman must have had free access to the house when people weren’t home? He put the milk in the refrigerator…” Glass bottles had a reign of approximately 70 years dating back to the end of the 1800s, and by approximately 1967, they were eventually replaced by cardboard cartons. “I think how pretty the store must have looked with the milk bottles in different colors…,” said Rev. White. Part of his collection includes what he refers to as “church bottles” that “encourage going to church.” “Attend the church of your choice,” or “Buy War Bonds” were two messages inscribed on bottles in Rev. White’s collection. “They’re very difficult to find and expensive,” he noted. Among his favorites are bottles from Snook’s Dairy, which was located behind the Abington Community Library, near the oldest house in Clarks Summit. “I had visited the son, who was living there, and he didn’t want to sell them, and when he passed away, he left a note for his wife to give them to me. They’re really special to me,” said Rev. White. Clarks Summit alone had four or five dairies, including Harry Leach Dairy, Snook’s, Oldfield Dairy (by the Parker Family- Parker Hill Church was named after that farm) Thompson’s Dairy and Morningland Dairy. He noted that only two dairies in Lackawanna County are still operational: Montdale and Manning dairies. The best place to find old milk memorabilia, including bottles, according to Rev. White, are in old dumps. “I really enjoy the hunt,” he said, and confessed, “If somebody came today and said ‘I know where there’s an old dump,’ I would be rearranging my schedule to get out there…” While a trek could mean walking for miles, one trip to a dump could at times produce as many 60 bottles, with some that are “really quite rare.” A few years ago, Rev. White compiled a list of dairies he has been familiar with in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming Counties and his goal is to write a more detailed history of Lackawanna County dairies.
The Abington Journal♦Clarks Summit, PA
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012
Pieces of the Abingtons
How well do you know the streets where you live? The Abington Journal puts your powers of observation to the test with our new contest, “Pieces of the Abingtons.” Every other week within the paper, we’ll feature a photograph of a landmark, architectural structure or other local item in public view in the Abingtons. We’ll ask you to submit a guess as to where the photo was taken and what is featured in the photo. Then we’ll enter each correct answer in a drawing to win a $10 gift certificate from Lynn’s Hallmark in Clarks Summit. We’ll notify you if you win, and we’ll print the winning contestant and answer in an upcoming issue of The Abington Journal with the next contest photo. Winner #123: John Pisaturo, of Clarks Summit Answer #123: VFW Post 7069 memorial
Sponsored by:
Space donated for orientation The Lupus Foundation Pocono/NE Branch hosted an orientation meeting for new patients April 11 at The Inn at Nichols Village in Clarks Summit. The event space was donated by Nichols Village. The new patient orientation included an information session, mediation techniques, nutrition information, and coping strategies for chronic illness. Patients also learned ways to discuss lupus with their families. Shown, from left, are: Joy Tetlak-Adelstein, Lupus Foundation Patient Services Director; Rachelle Choquette, Nichols Village Sales Manager; Robert Jones, Nichols Village General Manager; and Sarah Piccini, Lupus Foundation Event Coordinator. Educational programs and orientation meetings are held throughout the year. New patients recently diagnosed with lupus are encouraged to call the branch office at 570. 558.2008 or toll free at 888.99.LUPUS for more information.
“Pieces of the Abingtons” contest rules:
1. Identify correct location of Photo #124, at left. 2. Submit your entry by contest deadline on Friday, June 1, 2012. 3. Entry must include the correct location and/or description of the “Piece of the Abingtons” featured in the current week’s photo. 4. Entry should include your name, address, contact number (not for publication) and correct answer and be sent to: The Abington Journal, 211S. State Street, Clarks Summit PA 18411 or news@theabingtonABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTO/NATALIE MENNICUCCI journal.com 5. Contestants can only win once in a 90-day period.
Waverly will not match grants for schoolhouse by board, and storing the materials. The historic piece WAVERLY TWP. - At the worth keeping is the front façade and the post and May 14 Waverly Township beams, which are still usmeeting, supervisors said the township is reluctant to able. Supervisor Thomas take any more action on the Durbin said he believes this is the Review Board’s proschoolhouse restoration ject. and the Township project. The Historical Architectu- should not have any further involvement. ral Review Board has not A letter was received found a match for its grant money and is looking to the from the Waverly Community House, informing the Supervisors, who have Township of the Board of made it clear that they will not be matching any grants. Trustees reappointment. The Supervisors said they Township Manager Bill would like to become more White suggested dismantling the schoolhouse, board engaged in the selection of BY BRITTNEY PIERCE Abington Journal Correspondent
people who are recommended for the board. They requested a meeting with Community House Executive Director Maria Wilson, for suggestions. Lackawanna County Community Relations Coordinator John McGurl submitted a recycling contract for the township to consider. If they chose to opt out of the contract, then township items will still be accepted at recycling centers, but at a cost to the township. A decision will be made at the next meeting regarding signing the contract.
Troop 160 assists at Lake Winola Christopher Connor is shown with fellow Boy Scouts of Troop 160, based in Clarks Summit, who came out to lend a hand with his Eagle Scout project. The project benefited St. Mary of the Lake at Lake Winola. A stairwell was painted and replaced with new rails and steps; the church flagpole was painted and a new flag that had been flown over the Nation’s Capitol was added. Shown are, from left: Andrew Gallagher, Tyler Van Gorder, Joshua Wagner, Sean Rigau, Christopher Connor, Sam Kontz, Andrew Gibson and Jason Kontz. Absent from photo are: Alec D’Elia, Jeramie Glynn, Kyle Napierala, Austin Harris, Alex Zelna(Troop 518 Tunkhannock), Mike Perry, Wyatt Sebring, and David Boeth, Art Williams, Eli Gallagher, Rich VanGorder, John D’Elia and Steve Patrick.
Slice of life at Senior Living
Clarks Summit Senior Living, 950 Morgan Hwy., recently welcomed Frattelli’s Restaurant owner Jeremy Morris for a Pizza demonstration. Residents observed and sampled home made pizza during Happy Hour. Shown, Jeremy Morris, owner of Frattelli’s Restaurant, prepares pizza dough.
Dalton applauds area businesses Cresswell, who was accompanied by his son Scott Cresswell and his granddaughter Kendall Cresswell. Gray praised Dave Hopkins Sr. for his free jump starts to people’s cars. “He never charged a nickel,” said Gray. “That’s the kind of community service . They always help out.” Board member Bill Montgomery introduced the board to Joanne Davies, who was filling in for secretary Paula Vail. Davies read correspondence written by the John Holbert, president of the Dalton Fire Company. “A number of individuals not part of the Dalton Fire Company have been walking around the fire company building, including offices and social hall,” Davies read aloud from the letter. “While we want to maintain a good relationship ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/BEN FREDA with the borough and the community, we need to make sure Gail Rees, president of the Dalton Business and Professional Associthat we don’t have people simation, presents a plaque to Dave Hopkins Sr. for 40 years in business ply wandering around our facilfor Dalton’s Garage. From left: Dalton Council member Bill Montity. If you or any member of our gomery, Dalton Mayor Jim Gray, Dave Hopkins Sr., Rees, Dave Hopoffices need to access the fire kins Jr. and David Thomas Hopkins.
today,” said Gray. “For the 133 years for Cresswell’s and over 40 years for Dave, his son, and DALTON - At the Dalton Borough Council meeting held now his grandson, these are at the Dalton Fire Hall May 10, important times . And I know Mayor Jim Gray acknowledged there were tight situations in those years.” local businesses, Dalton’s GaGail Rees, president of the rage on Turnpike Road and Cresswell Drilling Company on Dalton Business and Professional Association, presented a Route 6 & 11, for their generations of service. Dalton’s Ga- plaque to Dalton’s Garage owner Dave Hopkins, who was rage, with three generations, accompanied by his son Dave has been in business 40 years. Hopkins Jr. and his grandson Cresswell Drilling Company, with five generations, has been David Thomas Hopkins. Gray presented a plaque to Cresswell in business 133 years. Drilling Company owner Bill “It’s tough to be in business BY BEN FREDA Abington Journal Correspondent
company for any reason other than the space you currently rent, please contact John Holbert. We will make every effort to accommodate the reasonable request.” Gray respondedtelling the board that he contacted Chief Chris Tolson of Dalton Police to make sure the back door is locked. Board member Bill Montgomery said that he will speak with Holbert as well. In other business, board member Lorraine Daniels said that she requested agrant from the Arts Council of Lackawanna County. She said that she wrote a letter on behalf of the
Dalton Borough Council and the Dalton Business and Professional Association. “I applied for a grant for our summer concerts and in turn, we have received a $500 check,” she said. Board member Montgomery said that the Dalton Sewer Authority received their annual audit, which had no problems. “We don’t say ‘Thank you’ to them often enough, but they do a nice job down there.” Board member Susan Davidson noted the upcoming Dalton Fishing Derbyat the Dalton Streamside Park June 10.
Mayor Jim Gray presents a plaque to Bill Cresswell for 133 years in business for Cresswell Drilling Company. From left: Dalton Council member Bill Montgomery, Gray, Bill Cresswell, Gail Rees, Scott Cresswell and Kendall Cresswell.