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* J* \ I'UiK •*ixnF.AI.KR - WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY9,1983 PLAINDEALER"> Editorial Opinion Private Videoiaping The U.S. Supreme court recently heard arguments on the controversy over home videotaping. How anyone can think this can now be curtailed is beyond comprehension. But the entertainment profession is out to add sales changes and liave today's widespread practice legally judged to be copyright infringement. , One can readily accept the argument that videotaping should not be used outside the home, or for commercial or profit-making purposes. That would obviously infringe copyright laws. However, when one buys a videotaping machine, who is to say that he or she can use it to tape this program and not that program in the home? How could a limitation be enforced? Surveillance would require ten million inspectors-with search warrants! Nor should everyone be forced to pay a fee on the assumption they will tape. In Congress, a bill has been introduced exempting home videotaping from the copyright laws. In the event the high court succumbs to theoretical or legalistic impraeticality, that may be the only solution (if Congress can get its act together to pass the bill). , One would hope the high court doesn't put millions of American videotape machine owners in the precarious position of having to depend on 535 politicians to promptly translate common sense into law. The film industry is already scandalously rich--and really needs no new royalty payment on cassettes and films unless taped for commercial purposes. The S.S. Compromise While the bipartisan commission studying reform of social security was wallowing in controversy, indecision and disagreement, many turned to President Reagan, insisting he should intervene in the process. Mr, Reagan refused to do so. He said the commission was a bi-partisan .commission, that for him to intervene would therefore be improper ana that, in any event, the commission could submit a list of alternatives, if necessary. He also said it was up to the commission to face its responsibility and send him a recommendation. At the very last minute, the commission finally hammered out a compromise, after realizing the president wouldn't take the ball and relieve them of their responsibility. Mr. Reagan quickly approved it Congress should do likewise, and speedily. ' In effect, he forced the commission to face the music. Just a day or two before, also, he used strong language in a press conference and said bluntly •iies" had been used by demagogues last year to win votes by scaring the elderly about social security. Tough talk, but true. It's good once in a while to see a president stand up on his hina feet and tell it like it is. Heart Month The American Heart association carries on a national education campaign to. create public awareness and recognition of the early signs of heart attack. Heart attack is the greatest killer in the United States (more than 660,000 deaths annually). All should therefore be interested in warning signs. The AHA says the most common are: (l)-Prolonged oppressive pain or discomfort in the center of the chest; (2)-Pain radiation to the shoulder, arm, neck or jaw; (3)-Sweating accompanying the pain, perhaps nausea, vomiting or shortness of breath. These symptoms, the AHA says, often subside and return later. The AHA specifies February as heart awareness month. Executives between 35 and 64 are most vulnerable. v Salute Veterans \ Many hospitalized veterans face unique challenges which make a day of remembrance especially important. Some still bear the scars of war: men without limbs--men kept alive by machines--young men and old, in whose miads war willnever end. .. Many are far from family and friends. So thousands of Americans will mark Feb. 14 by visiting loved ones in VA medical centers. At many of the 172 VA medical centers, visits begin the week before Valentine's day and continue after that date. " Some centers plan special visits for the 14th. These .visits by service organization members, sports stars, beauty queens, and government officials, play an important role in letting hospitalized veterans know they are appreciated each day of the year. In 1974, groups like Vietnam POWs and No Greater Love -- a national humanitarian organization -- visited veterans in 50 of the VA's medical <-enters. By 1978, this first salute became an official Veterans .^administration program -- celebrated in every VA medical center. Appropriately, Valentine's day -- a day of caring, sharing, loving and remembering -- is now National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Day. Illinois At The Brink; Where Do We Go From Here? Illinois, at a financial crossroads, is approaching the crucial decision­ making process which will determine the fiscal future of the state; To ex­ plore the multiple facets of important issues, the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois is sponsoring a major con­ ference: "Illinois at the Brink: Where Do We Go From Here," Friday, Feb. 25, at the Palmer House from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Federation Chairman William C. Terpstra announced this week; 'During 1983, the Illinois General Assembly will be making crucial, lasting revenue and fiscal decisions," said Terpstra. "That's why the conference is so important. It is vital to get involved now in the decision-' making process. This forum will give a broad cross-section of Illinois taxpayers -- from business, industry, labor, associations, government, the educational community -- an op­ portunity to make a difference." Highlighting the conference will be two open panel discussions examining various aspects of Illinois finances from a wide range of perspectives. Moderated by Dan Miller, editor of train's Chicago Business, the "State Income Tax Exclusion of Gain On Home If you're 55 or older, you could be eligible for a "once-in-a-lifetime" S125.000 exclusion of gain on the sale of your home, the Internal Revenue Ser­ vice says. You qualify if you are at least 55 years old before you sell your home. You must have owned and used the home as your principal residence for a_ period of three years out 6f five years ending on the date of sale, and have never excluded gain on the sale of a home after June 26,1978. If you sold your home on or before July 20. 1981, the maximum exclusion was limited to SI00.000. For homes sold after that date, however, the maximum exclusion is up to SI25.000. A principal residence is the home in which you live. Of course you must own the home, whether it is a houseboat, mobile home, condominium, apartment or house. If you own two homes, and live in both, your principal residence is the one that you reside in most of the time. f - Your gain is the selling price of the residence minus selling expenses and items included in the basis of the home, such as the original purchase price, commissions and improvements. If you are married and filing a joint return, you may not choose to exclude the gain unless your spouse joins you in making the choice, if you meet all the requirements, are married but filing separately, you may choose to exclude your share of the gain up to S62.500. Your spouse must agree with your choice to exclude the gain. You may make or revoke your decision to exclude the gain from a particular sale or ex­ change for up to three years from the date your return is due. three years from the date the return was filed, or two years from the date the tax was paid. For further information, IRS Publication 523, "Tax Information on Selling Your Home." Publication 554, "Tax Benefits for Older Americans." and IRS Form 2119, "Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence" are available free. To obtain these publications and IRS Form 2119. use the handy form found in your ux package. Tax Exemptions For Age, Blindness An exemption is a set amount which is deducted from your adjusted gross in­ come in figuring taxable income, the In­ ternal Revenue Service explains. The regular exemption is SI,000 and is allowed for the taxpayer, his or her spouse, and his or her dependents. In addition, there are exemptions for age and blindness. The age and blind­ ness exemptions may be claimed only for the taxpayer and his or her spouse, not for a dependent. A citizen, resident, or national of the United States or a resident of Canada or Mexico who is 65 or older by the end of the year is allowed an additional exemp­ tion of $1,000. Taxpayers are con­ sidered 65 on the day before their 65th birthday: Citizens, residents, or nationals of the United States or residents of Canada or Mexico are allowed an additional ex­ emption of $1,000 for blindness if they are blind at the close of the tax year. Persons losing their sight late in the year are entitled to the exemption for the en­ tire year. A person is considered blind, for tax purposes, if the central visual acuity does not exceed 20/200 iothe better eye with corrective lenses or the field of view is no greater than 20 degrees. Taxpayers who desire additional in­ formation on the subject of exemptions should use the mail-order form in their tax packages to request the free IRS . Publication 501, "Exemptions. " " PLAINDEALER~> Letter to the Editor Public Pulse (Til* Ploindealer in»ltes the public to ul* this column at an expression ot on subjects of gonorol In­ terest in our community. Our only r*qu»l1 it HwMho writers |in signature. lull address ond phono numbor. Wo 0>k too thot ono individual not write on the Mfflo tubjoct mora than onco a month. Wa ratorva tha right to delete any malarial which wa contidar libalout or in objectionable taita.) SUCCESSFUL DRIVE "Dear Editor: "United Way of McHenry County recently completed the most suc­ cessful annual fund raising campaign it has ever undertaken. "People from every walk of life in every community in our county contributed generously to our annual campaign which we conduct in part­ nership with the United Way-CruSade of Mercy serving Chicago and 91 suburban communities. The $180,500 raised locally by our United Way will be spent entirely within McHenry, county. With additional support' provided by the Crusade of Mercy and county residents, who work outside our county,, United Way will provide $380,000 of support to 15 human ser­ vice agencies, who are helping over 20,000 county residents this year. "This is the United Way--people helping people to help themselves in time of need. "Ron Russell - "1982-83 Campaign Chairman "United Way of McHenry County, Inc." INCONSIDERATE PET OWNERS "Editor: 'I'm glad to see someone else speak "Please, I say to them, keep your pet in your own yard, tied if necessary. Don't let you dog bark constantly - its really very irritating! Don't leave your pet outside all day while you're gone. And if you do walk your dog through the park or neigh­ borhood - please clean up after it! "Mrs. Melanie Harazin" VILLAGE SPEED LIMITS "Dear Editor: "It was stated in the Friday,. Jan. 28, Plaindealer article, 'Debate Police Role in Village', that the Village of Wonder Lake police were under fire by the board for conducting a speed trap. This is not entirely so; it is only on the north section of Thompson road that there is a speed trap (see Or­ dinance 022-A2). "The director, Chief Bender, of the Department of Police (according to article) said, 'There is no such thing as a speed trap, signs are clearly posted on Thompson road'. "Question - With all the roads in the village why did said director only refer to Thompson road? Was it because that's where the speed signs are posted contrary to ordinances? "The president stated, 'Bender and Young do a good job following state statutes and village ordinances'. If said director follows ordinance then county ordinance. Yet the 30 MPH sign has been posted right up to the village boundary, including the township stretch. "Is the board aware of this, you may ask? "The board members and the Police department have been imformed of this subject many times (see village records). During the 1981 campaign by candidates for village seats, letters were sent to some of the candidates. A reply by trustee Vanderwiel May 22, 1981, is as follows: 'Question 3 -You know as well as I do that there was a lot of discussion on where road signs should be placed regarding not only Thompson road, but also Won- dermere. An agreement was made and the signs were placed. Should the signs be moved again or do we change the ordinance?' "Note the last statement, which indicates that the board is aware of the contrary posting. Also note, neither signs nor ordinance have been changed as yet. "Therefore a petition is hereby made to the board of trustees of the Village of Wonder Lake to post all speed limits according to ordinances. "Sincerely "K.W. Ehlen" Illinois Chosen To Host Industrial Research Meet Chicago has been selected over a half-dozen other cities as the site for the spring 1988 meeting of the In­ dustrial Development Research Council (IDRC), one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious planning groups. "TTiis association's voting members are made up of mostly large private sector industrial firms, but associate members are drawn from govern­ ment and other development organizations as well," said Depart­ ment of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) Director Peter B. Fox. "Founded in 1961, IDRC is an important and knowledgeable group of corporate facility planners. "That's why for the last six months, DCCA has been working to land Illinois as the location for an IDRC meeting," said Fox. "We were joined in this effort by the City of Chicago, the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry, the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Development Council." False Myopia. CHILD VISION Dr. Milton Ross Q. Our 14-year-old com­ plains that he cannot see the school blackboard. Is he go­ ing to be near-sighted like his father and mother? -- ° * '-j* 9(xiu uiicviui luuuwa ui uuiaiitc UJCU lAttor jt i il.. . .L:IJ _r L2. of the State-- Today and Tomorrow" segment will allow state government representatives to discuss exactly where Illinois stands today, both on its own and in relation to other states. A second panel entitled "Tug of War - Who Gets The Pot?", moderated by Terry Savage, financial reporter with WMAQ-TV, will examine how factions in the private and public sectors are competing for a finite amount of tax dollars (tax incentives versus special needs). Both panel discussions will en­ courage participation and questions from the audience. Reservations for the conference can be made by contacting the Taxpayers' Federation at 525 W. Jefferson Street, Springfield,,111., 62702 (telephone 217- 522-6818). There is a substantial registration fee to cover costs, in­ cluding the luncheon. letter. "At least the dog owners in Mr Shepherd's area keep their dogs on leashes. Here in Lakeland Park most pet owners give their dogs frei run of the streets and also allow their pooches to bark constantly night and day. "There's a fire hydrant on our lot that's used at least twice a day, our mailbox post is stained or permanent pale yellow, and I'm constantly cleaning up after straying dogs. "When we first moved in about four years ago, we had to put up fence mainly because our year old son kept stepping in or 'investigating' those 'messes' in our back yard. "I'm not saying all dog owners are at fault. Most, of my neighbors are very good about keeping their pets in their own yards - it's just those few that make it miserable. I agree with Mr. Shepherd that it is both a privilege and a responsibility to own a dog. Hopefully, some of these in­ considerate pet owners will finally start realizing that and get this message. ordinances. "The board of trustees in 1978 amended Ordinance 022 establishing the speed limits on Wondermere and Thomspon roads, and therein precisely located the limits (See Ordinance 022-A2}. "Sometime later, false posting of the 30 MPH limits was made on the north ends of Wondermere and Thompson roads. These two stretches of roads are very similar in village boundaries. Protest was made to the board and the false posting on Won­ dermere was corrected according to said ordinance, but not Thompson. "According to this ordinance, as amended, the 30 MPH limit ends 300 meters (.19 miles on the village odometer) north of Wondermere road intersection; that is about 60 percent of the total distance from Won­ dermere road to the village north boundary. Also within the last 40 percent stretch, which should be 55 MPH, there is an 84-meter township unincorporated stretch of road that is supposed to be 55 MPH according to visual loss in a child of his age. Treatment depends on whether the myopia is false or real. Visual training may bring about a complete cure for pseudo-myopia. Con­ tacts or glasses will correct the condition. Because ol tha volume ot letters to (hit column, requests for persona! replies can­ not be accommodated. Editorial panel sated* lor weekly use the letter which best represents questions andJor com ments from readers Child Vision. P.O. Box •», Frankfort. Kentucky 40*02. Down to the Sea A hand-built replica of an ancient Greek ship probably sunk by pirates 300 years be­ fore Christ, may one day re­ trace the ill-fated vessel's last voyage. Nautical archae­ ologists and an Athens-bas­ ed group hope to rebuild the 47-foot ship which went down under mysterious cir­ cumstances near the port of Kyrenia in Cyprus. TIPS 1 Income Splitting A very effective method of lax planning is income splitting within the family. The best and most popular example of income splitting involves investment income. This income is taxed to the parent* at normal tax rates, which are normally much higher than the rates that would be applicable to the minor children in the family. Thus, by transferring the in­ vestments to the children, the overall family income tax could be reduced by the dif­ ference between the tax paid by the children on the invest­ ment income, and the a- mount which would have been paid by the parents on the same income. H o r Y o u r I n f o r m a t i o n Dear friends. The funeral is a rite of sepa'ation of the deceased from his loved ones. It confirms the realty of death. This, psychiatrists say, is a necessary beginning toward haalthy adjustment to loss. Survivors may want to deny that their loved one has died • that life on earth has ended. Viewing the body .at the funeral reversas the process of denial, while it promotes tha accep­ tance of realty. Respectfully, PETER MJISTEN & SON FUfoEPAL HOME J ARE YOU NEW IN The McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone New? We Would Like To Extend A Royal Welcome To Every Newcomer To Our Area! i! CALL LORRAINE MONAHAN 385-5475 »»wi °*K? riQM ,m MICH* HtMtUI M ROYAL WELCOME Know Your Area-Royal Welcome Does ft Best JACK WALSH, AGENT EARL R. WALSH, BROKER INSURANCE ft BONDS Fire, Auto. Farm, life Representing RELIABLE COMPANIES 5011W. Elm St.. McHenry Mt-3300 KIWIS CONWAY AUTO, lift, FIRE State Fa* Its. Co. 3319 W. Elm Street McHenry. III. 3M-7M1 JAMES NLMclNTEE, LAWYER AVAILABLE TO PRACTICE IN: Personal ln|ury/Trials Business Corporations Wills/Probate " Divorce-Real Estate Workman's Compensation S4M VY. tlm Street. McHenry. H. For appointment phone: Iti lUd Form Equipment George P. Frcund, Inc. Case - Now Holland 4102 W. Crystal Lake Rd. McHenry Bus. 385-0420 Res. 385-0227 MCHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES, SERVICE « RENTALS Mot.-Sat. f-5:30 Friday til *00 93 Grant St., Crystal Lake Phono: 459-1224 DR. LEONARD BOTTARI IMS Richmond Rd.-McHenry Eyas Examinad-Contact Lansas Man.. Two*., Thurs., Frl. 4-4pm Tuesi. Thurs., Frl. 7-9 pm Sat. 9:10-3 pm Phono: 305-4151 or 3S5-2242 McHENRY DENIAL CENTER DR. CJ. LUDFORD DR. KEVIN WE6RZYN OPEN 3 EVENINGS A WEEK UNTIL T:30 P.M. ft SAT. ; 315-1360 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME WE CATER TO COWARDS 11 R E LB.I RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Ewropo Motors, Inc. 2318 Rt*. 120 815-385-0700 SERVICE LINE HENCE STRESS LINE igs onJvvsafey^jpr | MCHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 385-4300 FAMILY SERVICE ft MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 4302-C West Crystal Lake Rd.. McHenry, II. 60050 815-335-5400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE. Call 815-344-3944 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-8550 Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30p.m. wstk days (Evar had a problem involving tha federal government and not known whore to call? And than bean given the runaround or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know bow to help? Ten specialists available ot this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: 800-972-5004 (For confidential conversations on problems dealing with run-away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone 800-424-9213 (Complaints about interstate moving by companies, buses or trains. Sponsored by Interstate Commerce commission.) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 800-424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether a particular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used cor.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES 24-Hours Child Abuse Hotline TOLL FREE: 800-252-2878 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 800-538-2555 (Oparatas five national lines. Answers inquires about or reporting on the safety of products from kitchen appliances to children's toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING INFORMATION CENTER 800-523-2929 P.O. Box 1607, Rockville, Md. 20850 (Dispenses information on solar systems for heating and cooling to anyone from architects to home owners looking for a sun-powered hot-water system.) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312-793-3580 Chicago, III. BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Help? Counseling Service. 385-2999. 24 hours Answering Sarvice. YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU FOR McHENRY COUNTY 4719 W. Elm St. .McHenry Phone: 344-3240 24 hours Crisis Intervention and Confidential Coun­ seling for youth and families. ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phone: 217-522-5514 Answer to questions on gover- ment regulations. MENTAL HEALTH j 1-800-892-8900 Crisis Center Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number and professional staff wil answer your call. Sponsoring agancy McHenry County Comprehensive Mental Health Service System. NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION Post Office Box 17400 Washington, D.C., 20041 Phone (703) 471-0404 McHENRY COUNTY CETA OUTREACH CENTER 665 Russel Ct. Woodstock.il. 60098 (815) 338-7100 JOB TRAINING OFFERED McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCATION FOR THE RETARDED Robert G. Lambourn, Executive Director Phone: 344-1230 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (815) 455-3311 McHENRY COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL 800-892-3272 . Monday through Friday. 8:S0 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PRAIRIE STATE LEGAL SERVICES, INC. 800-942-3940 Free legal representation in civil cases to low income persons. Landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence or improper denial of benefits such as Social Security, Public Aid. Food Stamps, General Assistance ft Unem- ployment Insurance