`family' Values Make County Politics Worthless 
The Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations Act (rico) At Last Enabled 
Federal Prosecutors To Arrest And Convict Mob Kingpins, Rather Than Small Fry.

Aging Roof Gives Way At Crestwood High 
As Predicted By Some 
Parents And Experts On 
Roofing, 16-year Old Roof 
Atop The School Caved 
In, Flooding Science Wing

Saturday, January 18, 1997 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 





Don't let Gov. Ridge, Houstoun close the doors of White Haven Center &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In the past few months there have been numerous articles in the newspaper
concerning animal rightsRecently there were news reports that Gov. Ridge and
Feather Houstoun, Secretary of Public Health and Welfare, want to close White
Haven Center and move the residents into group homes. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since this announcement, there has been only one article in the paper in
defense of the mentally retarded residing in this institution. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 How shameful that people defend animal rights while ignoring the plight of
the mentally retarded. These people have rights too -- they are called human
rights. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 It's about time we put our priorities in order and speak for those
individuals who cannot speak for themselves. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Feather Houstoun said it would cost less to keep the mentally retarded in
group homes. This might be true initially, but as more group homes open, the
costs could soar. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 And besides, what price does she place on human beings? From my experience,
institutional care is superior to that in group homes. Clients' needs are met
24 hours a day by a plethora of professional and trained workers who are
responsible and accountable. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Three years ago on Christmas Eve morning my son Jacky, who was home for his
Christmas visit, died in his sleep. He had been a resident of White Haven
Center. The outpouring of love and affection from Jacky's caregivers at the
Center was tremendous. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 One of his social workers was a pall bearer and gave a short eulogy at his
funeral mass. After his death the center held a beautiful memorial service for
all of Jacky's family. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 My sympathy goes out to all those parents who fear the closing of White
Haven Center and having to place their loved ones in group homes. They fear,
as I once did, for the safety and well-being of their children and what will
become of them in the event of the parents' deaths. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 If you need a cause to fight for, then why not champion the cause of the
mentally retarded? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 With Gov. Ridge and Feather Houstoun proposing to close the institutions, I
wonder how many of the clients they would be willing to take into their homes. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Write your congressmen and senators and ask them please to keep these
institutions open for the sake of mentally retarded citizens and their
parents. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Please note that Sen. Ray Musto, D-Pittston, continues to fight for the
mentally retarded. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Rose Marie Sebastian &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Wilkes-Barre &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Don't Let Gov. Ridge, Houstoun Close The Doors Of White Haven Center 
In The Past Few Months There Have Been Numerous Articles In The Newspaper 
Concerning Animal Rights.

Don't Let Gov. Ridge, Houstoun Close The Doors Of White Haven Center In The Past Few Months There Have Been Numerous Articles In The Newspaper Concerning Animal Rights.