`wheels On Wheels' Helps Disabled With Area Travel

Accounting Firm Hired To Audit Borough

Saturday, January 24, 1998 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 1C 





FRIENDLY SAFETY ADVICE &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Seatbelt Sam charms kids into buckling up &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He's big. He's green. And he has scales and a pointy tail. But unlike some
other dragons, he's not scaryThat's because he's Seatbelt Sam, a friendly
dragon who paid a visit Sunday afternoon to the Lackawanna County Children's
Library in Scranton. Children at the library had the opportunity to learn
about various safety situations from Sam. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "It was a tremendous success," says librarian Deborah Lewandoski. "There
were a lot of smiling faces. The children greeted Seatbelt Sam with as much
love as they would have for Barney, the big purple dinosaur." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Approximately 115 children and adults attended the event, which was
sponsored by Lackawanna County Commissioners Joseph Corcoran, Ray Alberigi and
John Senio. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Lewandoski first heard about the Seatbelt Sam program more than three years
ago from a library patron. The program started in September 1994, and
Lewandoski wanted a second performance because she feels it is essential that
children realize the importance of buckling up and how it can save lives. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Additionally, each child who checked out at least three library items
received gifts from the county commissioners' office- a coloring puzzle book,
a bookmark in the shape of a school bus and stickers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The children also viewed a video entitled, "Mickey Mouse- Safety Expert,"
which portrays Mickey in various seatbelt situations, and took part in a
question-and-answer session. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 According to Lewandoski, 503 library items were checked out in a period of
three hours, which is the second highest total of items checked out on a
Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The Seatbelt Sam program is conducted by Kathy Fox and her sister-in-law,
Nicole Fox, who portrays the friendly dragon. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The next event scheduled for children of all ages at the Lackawanna County
Children's Library is Tooth Fairy Day, which will take place at 2:30 p.m. on
Sunday, Feb. 1. The program is part of the celebration of Children's National
Dental Health Month. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Kids will receive a visit from the Tooth Fairy, and take part in
storytelling and face painting. Each child who checks out at least three
library items will receive a gift from the Tooth Fairy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 There is limited registration. Call

Friendly Safety Advice 
Seatbelt Sam Charms Kids Into Buckling Up 
He's Big. He's Green. And He Has Scales And A Pointy Tail. But Unlike Some 
Other Dragons, He's Not Scary.

Friendly Safety Advice Seatbelt Sam Charms Kids Into Buckling Up He's Big. He's Green. And He Has Scales And A Pointy Tail. But Unlike Some Other Dragons, He's Not Scary.