Standard-Speaker from Hazleton, Pennsylvania • Page 2

Hazleton Standard-Speaker, Friday, May 12, 2000 Tarone, Graham battle over planning commission comment John M. Doddo, was area tailor for more than 70 years i He told Graham her position on the planning commission was "way off base and you failed to realize it." Tarone employed one of his boilerplate rejoinders: That government in Hazleton didn't begin when (in this case) Graham moved to town. Some people, he noted, care deeply for the City of Hazleton. "You've been here four years and four months. I've been here for 16 years and four months," he said.

"I think I know a little more about government than you do." Tarone said he is a victim, as well, pilloried of the newspaper editorials and columns. In spite of published criticisms, Tarone notes that he is re-elected. "I can sit here and tell you what I've done for this city," Tarone said. "The voters They like me. They keep electing me." For all of Graham's affection for the planning commission, on which she served for 12 years, Tarone said it is not the panacea for all the city's woes.

After the meeting, Tarone said requesting planning commission approval of his late-night snack was clearly not a personal attack on Graham. "I was attempting to be humor-1 ous," Tarone said. "And I wanted to make a point that city council governs." After researching the issue, Slusser concluded that the planning commission does not have the authority to change fees. That is city council's role. This is the second clash between the two, and it follows the same trajectory as the first: Graham expresses a view, Tarone comments humorously or impatiently, Graham takes offense, the conflict escalates.

At a meeting in February, Graham requested a budget work session to discuss her concerns. Tarone asked her to put her comments in writing because he didn't want to sit through "a freshman seminar." Graham shot back that she should treat the council majority as it has treated her: by withholding information until the last minute. 4 Until last night, relations have been amicable among all on coun cil. On nearly all major issues, for example, the council votes unanimously. It appeared that the council majority Tarone, Lock-wood, and Robert Stevens was reaching out to the disaffected Graham.

In several council discussions, they would follow Graham's comments or concerns by voicing support or After last night's meeting, GVa ham conceded that she "spend time looking for trouble.J However, she said Tarone3 known for a "healthy sense of say casm." When a Tarone remark rs ambigous, she said, it is often best to "err on the side of sarcasm." By DAVID FALCHEK Standard-Speaker The usually civil, sometimes strained relationship between John V. Tarone and Evelyn Graham blew up at Thursday night's Hazleton City Council meeting. Graham took offense to a comment Tarone made two weeks earlier, characterizing her as "belittling," and displaying "bad manners." Tarone said Graham misinterpreted his words, but said little to smooth things over. The origins of the dramatic debate couldn't be more mundane. Two weeks ago council members discussed whether the Planning Commission had to approve increases in city demolition fees before council approved it.

Graham, a former member of the commission, said the planning commission approval was essential. Tarone, presiding over the meeting in the absence of President William Lockwood, said council had sole authority to set the fees. Tarone asked assistant city solicitor Chris Slusser to look into it. Just before gaveling the meeting to a close, Tarone told Slusser he planned to go out for a sandwich and a beverage." "I will be charged a fee," Tarone continued. "Do I need the approval of the planning commission." Graham waited to respond until last night.

"I am not without humor and can enjoy a joke even when it is on me," she said, reading from a prepared statement. "This remark was apparently intended to disparage me for pointing out the role of the planning commission." Graham said council members should argue their positions without "belittling" fellow council members and said Tarone's remarks seem like "bad manners." Tarone sat back quietly in his chair. Lockwood, sitting between the two, looked down at his desk. Graham suggested that Tarone doesn't accept the city's executive mayor form of government. She said state law has given local zoning board and planning commission valuable roles.

"(Some) people believe that everything must begin and end with city council," she said. "State law has granted (zoning and planning) the authority to act imperatively in many matters yes, John, even without the approval of city council." Tarone said Graham took him the wrong way. If Graham wanted to depict herself as the victim of Tarone's sharp tongue, he helped her. Far from being conciliatory, Tarone let her have it. "Obviously, you confuse sarcasm with wit," Tarone said.

"But that is your personality, on which I will not comment." Death Notices CRAWFORD At Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center, Wednesday, May 10, 2000, Robert C. Crawford, Sr. of Christman Road, Drums, beloved husband of Eileen (Murphy) Crawford. Funeral service Saturday at 10 a.m.

from the Mark S. Harman Funeral home (East) Butler Drive, Drums. Burial in Conyngham Union Cemetery. Friends may call Friday 7 to 9 p.m. Contributions to Handicap Access Fund of Christ United Church of Christ, Conyngham, PA 18219.

GALLAGHER At Hazleton -St. Joseph Medical Center on Tuesday, May 9, 2000, Anna V. Gallagher of 202 Hazlewood Apts; Hazleton. The funeral will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. from the Frank J.

Bonin Funeral Home, Inc; followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph R.C. Church. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery Pennsburg.

Friends may call on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. If YOU NEED to Call or out of the area toll free 1-800-843-6680 FAX: ADVERTISING 455-4244 NEWSROOM 455-4408 BUSINESS OFFICE 455-9794 To Start The Paper EXT. 263 To Report Delivery Error EXT. 271 Between 7 AM Noon ADVERTISING Mon-Friday PM Ask for EXT.

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Next- day requests can rarely be accommnduted. NORTHERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY OFFICE 24 West Centre Shenandoah, PA 462-4440 462-4442 874-0711 FAX 462-4446 TAMAQUA AREA OFFICE 35 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 668-2933 668-5773 FAX 668-1239 PLEASE NOTE For Your Convenience We accept both Mastercard and VISA for All Transactions! Standard-Speaker Standard-Speaker SUNDAY Published Everyday by Hazlvton Standard-Speaker, Inc. 21 North Wyoming Street Hazleton, PA. 18201 Telephone 455-3636 or 1-8004434680 Periodical Postage Paid at Hazleton, PA. Publication No.

238140 7 DAY DELIVERY The Hazleton Standard-Speaker I delivered by carrier tor $2.85 a week. Paid in office in advance. Three months $37.05 Si month $72.10 One year 4143.20 Sunday Only Delivery Paid in Office in advance Three month $9.75 BY MAIL Monday through Saturday One month 515.00 Three months $36.00 Six months $70.00 One year. $135.00 Sunday Additional $1.50 per week by mail. St mlnrd -Speaker mm iv 455-3636 Obituaries Michael T.

Knoblauh Michael T. Knoblauh, of 137 S. Laurel Hazleton, died unexpectedly Wednesday at home. Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Thomas and Antonetta (Angelo) Knoblauh, and lived in Hazleton most of his life. He was a member of St.

Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church, Hazleton. Mr. Knoblauh was a graduate of Hazleton High School and also graduated from St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia. For several years, he taught French in various private schools, including Bishop Hafey High School.

He also worked in the marketing division of Atari Inc. in California. For the past 11 years, Mr. Knoblauh was employed in the human resource department of Boscov's in Reading, as a training manager. Mr.

Knoblauh did theater work in New York City, where he produced and directed "Gift of the Magi" off-Broadway. He was instrumental in initiating the original dinner theater productions in Hazleton. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was a sister, Margaret "Peggy" Knoblauh, in 1980. Surviving are an aunt, Mrs. John (Marie) Kaduk, Hazleton; a cousin, Sister Marie Parker, Dallas, Luzerne County, and a close friend, Brian St.

Clair. The funeral will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. from the Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th Hazleton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m.

at St. Gabriel's R.C. Catholic Church, Hazleton. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Drums. Friends may call at the funeral home today from 6 to 9 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, P.O. Box 369, Dallas, 18612; the Hazleton Animal Shelter, 101 N. Poplar Hazleton, or a charity of one's choice. Funerals The funeral of Levia Craver, 83 School Lane, Conyngham, who died Sunday afternoon at the Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center, was held Wednesday morning at the Beltz-Petrilli Funeral Home.

The Rev. Jeanne Murray, pastor of Christ's United Church of Christ, Conyngham, officiated. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, St. Johns.

Pallbearers were Tom Wotring, son-in-law; Timothy Charette, Jerry Diehl, Brian Musolino, Ray Molino, and Sam Desiderio. The funeral of Anna Urban, 562 Ridge West Hazleton, who died Monday at Hazleton General Hospital, was held Thursday morning from the Hilary J. Bonin Funeral Home, 99 W. Green West Hazleton. Monsignor Joseph Kelly was celebrant of a Mass of Christian Burial in Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church, West Hazleton.

Pallbearers were Jack and Thomas Beckley, Stanley and Mark Sypeck, Jeff Justofin, and Neil Bonner. card of Thanks Wesley filler We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all our thoughtful relatives, friends and neighbors who assisted and consoled us during the death of our beloved husband and father, Wesley R. Miller. Special thanks to all those who sent gifts of kindness through flowers, food, cards and all others who helped in many other ways, and especially those who donated to the Shriner's Childrens Hospital Geisinger Ronald McDonald House that helps to continue with Wesley's lifetime help of children and others in need. A final thanks to Rev.

Manuel Stivers and all Masonic Lodge brothers who assisted in both beautiful memorial services held for their brother in Christ, Wesley. Again and also, thank you to Doctors Roda Gazek along with their caring staffs as well as the staff at HGH. God Bless, Joan Darlene Daryl Kathy Gary John M. Doddo, died Thursday morning at the Weinberg House, Hazleton. Born in Shenandoah, he was the son of the late Michael and Maria Doddo, and resided in this area all of his life.

He was a member of Most Precious Blood Church, Hazleton. A Hazleton-area tailor from April 11, 1927 until Jan. 7, 1998, Mr. Doddo worked for master tailor Joseph Cosco for eight years, and moved on to study with Salvador Mercantino. In 1935, he advanced his tailoring career with Barney Chenetz in a local clothing store and worked there until 1944 at which time he decided to open his own business.

Before opening his own business, he ventured to New York City to study with master tailor Frank Giacoponelli, who was a designer of ladies and men's suits. Mr. Doddo was also interested in the medium of oils and charcoal. He learned sketching and creating scenics, many from photographs. He was a musician in his earlier years, he had his own three-piece Latin-America band, the Cavaliers.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his wife, the former Antoinette Lon-go, and a sister, Elizabeth Ligotti. Surviving are daughters, Mrs. Joseph (Marie) Kotansky, Mrs. Cy (Regina) Ulichny and Yvonne August "Gus' F. Kender August F.

"Gus" Kender, of 403 E. Thirwell Hazleton, died Wednesday evening at the Lehigh Valley Hospital. Born in Jeanesville, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Kender, and resided in this area all of his life. He was employed by the Duplan Corporation, before working for the Jeddo Highland Coal Company, from where he retired. Mr.

Kender was a past president of the United Fishing and Hunting Club, and former secretarytreasurer of the Hazleton Heights Gun Club. He was also the former financial secretary of the Tresckow Game and Gun Club. He was a member of St. Gabriel's Church, Hazleton. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were brothers, Carlo, Dominick, and Anthony; sisters, Rose Frigoni, Thelma Cara, arid Mary Lions.

He was the last member of his immediate family. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, the former Mary Gadola; a son, August Tresckow; daughters, Mrs. Santo (Marie) Minnici, Weston; Mrs. Paul (Carol) Rentko, Hazleton; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Nieces and nephews also survive.

The funeral will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. from the Fierro Funeral Home, Hazleton, followed at 9:30 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Gabriel's Church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call today from 7 to 9 p.m. Rev. Andrew Rentka Rev. Andrew Rentka, formerly of Hazleton, died April 26 in Acapulco, Mexico. He was the son of the late Frank and Barbara (Parish) Rentka.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were a brother, Frank; and sisters, Helen Dusheck, Frances Gulas, Barbara, Margaret, and Mary. Surviving are a sister, Agnes Lazar, Hazleton; nephew. Rev. Leo Dusheck, Bordertown, N.J., nieces and nephews. Burial was in Zapata, Mexico.

A memorial mass will be celebrated Sunday at 11 a.m. from St. Joseph's Church, Hazleton. Andrew Hvizda We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all our kind relatives, neighbors and friends who assisted and consoled us during the recent death of our beloved son, brother and uncle, Andrew Hvizda. Also special thanks' to the pallbearers, those who sent spiritual or floral bouquets, donors and drivers of cars and all others who assisted us in any other way.

Mother, Brother, Daughter-in-Law, and Niece Aiello, all of Hazleton; a son, John Anthony Doddo, White Haven; four granddaughters, one grandson and four great-grandchildren. Nieces and nephews also survive. The funeral will be held Monday at 9 a.m. from the Fierro Funeral Home, Hazleton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Most Precious Blood Church.

Burial will be in the Most Precious Blood Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial donations to the Weinberg House or Hospice St. John would be appreciated by the family. Susan C.

Soper Susan C. Soper, 88, formerly of 115 Bayview McAdoo Heights, a guest at the Hometown Nursing Center, died Wednesday at Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center. Born in Silver Brook, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary Gmitter. She was employed in garment factories, before retiring.

Mrs. Soper was a member of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, McAdoo. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband, John a son, Thomas and brothers, Andrew, John, and Joseph Gmitter; a sister, Mary Yed-nak; and a granddaughter, Susan J. Soper.

Surviving are a son, John Neptune, N.J.; Maryann Soper, Phoenix, 11 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren; sisters, Anna Yatsko, Helen War-nick, Haddock; Elizabeth Pilk-ington, Reading; Mrs. Andrew (Margaret) Miskiewicz, Silver Brook. Nieces and nephews also survive. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Damiano Funeral Home, Blaine and Cleveland streets, McAdoo, followed at 10 a.m.

by a Divine Liturgy With Office of Christian Burial in St. Mary's U.C. Church. The Rev. Gregory Maslak will be the celebrant.

Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Monday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. A Parastas service will be held. George Podany George Podany, of 602 E.

First Hazleton, died Thursday evening at home. Arrangements will be announced by the John J. Pusti Funeral Home, Hazleton. Success can put a scare into Spacey LOS ANGELES (AP) Kevin Spacey likes challenges. It's success that worries the two-time Oscar winner.

"The longer I choose to do things that are challenging and difficult and even scare me, the better the work will be," says the 40-year-old actor. "If I start getting a cocky attitude about it and actually believe all the nice comments, then IU probably be on the rocks in no time." In Memory Of SR. MARY ELLENA R.S.M. 512-99 House approves massive conservation measure By H. JOSEF HEBERT Associated Press WASHINGTON Ignoring complaints the government already owns too much land, the House agreed Thursday to create a $45 billion, 15-year conservation fund to buy parks and open spaces, pay for wildlife protection and restore environmentally damaged coastal areas.

Despite the overwhelming 315-102 approval in the House, the massive measure faces uncertain prospects in the Senate where west-em property rights advocates have promised to fight it when it comes up for consideration next month. Republicans were sharply divided, voting 118-93 for the bill. Among Democrats, the vote was 196-8. The two independents split their votes. The bill is the most ambitious environmental action before the Congress this year.

It would commit nearly $3 billion a year over 15 years for a myriad of programs from buying scattered private property within federal parks and rebuilding eroded beaches and BLESSED 1st. ANNIVERSARY IN HEAVEN GARY F. O'CONNOR 7-26-60 5-12-99 REST IN PEACE SWEET GARY MOM, DEBBIE, LORRAINE JOANNE coastal wetlands to helping communities set aside land for soccer fields and bike paths. During two days of debate, sup. porters of the measure voted dowq more than a dozen amendments many offered by property right? advocates aimed at reducing the ability of federal and state governments to buy private land.

The feder al government already owns a thira of the country, the critics declared. A substitute proposal offered bj Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-TexaJ that would have delayed the spending for five years and added new private property protections was defeated 291-126. He had argued that conservation funding should not be automatically put ahead of defense, education, health care and other important programs. "What this is about is the federal acquisition of new land," complained Rep.

Richard Pombo, R-Calif. Pombo's amendment to slash money for federal land purchases failed 315-109. Supporters of the bill including Reps. Don Young, R-Alaska, and Billy Tauzin, both longtime allies of the property rights movement insisted the legislation provides increased protection for landowners, not less. "This bill doesn't not hurt private property," insisted Young, chairman of the Resources Committee.

He compared the legislation, developed during months of negotiations, to a "delicate house of cards" a balance of political interests that will fall apart if tinkered with. All but a few of the more than two-dozen amendments offered were defeated. Hailed by most environmentalists as a long overdue federal commitment to conservation and preservation of open spaces, the legislation attracted an unusual alliance of conservatives and liberals. i 4 1.