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I*A<IK 3 - IM\INI>l\|Klt - Kltll>A V. l)K( EMHKn 23. IS83 News and Views VL Santa Claus travels globe Flickering memories rival the candles that abound as Christmas approaches. little ones absorbed in their own visions of sugarplums are unaware that Santa has been around for a long, long time. In fact, it was as far back as the Civil War period that a car­ toonist gave the jolly fellow new usm' &, andenn dimensions by picturing him bringing giftsx to homesick soldiers. Since then he hjjis traveled the globe. In Alaska, Santa has been pictured riding on a«led pulled by huskies, while in Hawaii he sometimes arrives by surf­ board. He acquired an airplane when they took to the sky, and when satellites started drling the Earth, Santa took off in a rocket. - During the -holiday season, Santa's loyal fathers sometimes rise to great heights. Consider the young father and daughter walking in the mall. The little girl became confused as he pointed out this one and that who who were Santa Claus. Baffled enough to question how there can be so many Santa Clauses, Dad turned to the closest one and said, "Santa, explain to Susie how you fell into the Xerox machine", At Christmas time, most of us take on the qualities of Santa Claus. If our pockets are empty there are still invaluable gifts to give. We can give a gift of courage to the discouraged, or a gift of s loyalty to those who depend on us. I|«an be one of understanding to stameone whose opinions may not be just like our own, or to a person who is in trouble and needs our help. Make the gift understanding, too, rather than a pounding censure for one who's^Blown it" for sure. These are gifts from the heart, and they will last the longest. Thoughts "I would like to commend the Plaindealer for publication of two Letters to the Editor con­ cerning Jesus. It's very uplifting to read such articles in a world that has become hostile and negative towards everything, including Christianity. "The wonderful and miraculous event that took place nearly 2,000 years ago still lives on. but not solely in the traditional values we carry from year to year • the decorating of the tree, the shopping day after day, exchanging gifts, baking holiday treats, Christmas plays and concerts, Christmas bazaars, sending Christmas cards and good cheer, and so - much more. Needless to say, all very en enhance the is so come holiday is it left off much to a over, year...But them in 2,000 years ago no room for Him in our hearts. Jesus not only came almost 2,000 years ago to save all of mankind but He also desired to come into our hearts so we can have a continual feast that never ends. Not just once a year in remembrance of Him, but for always. "Let us rejoice and prepare a room for him in our hearts. It will not only give us un­ speakable joy during the holiday season but add a new dimension to our identity and our relationship with our creator every day throughout the year. . ;• "Sincerely "Michele Buchanan" City council meetings to start earlier no room for often there is ^ - ••ni' Warning: The Surgeon General Has Determined That Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous to Your Health PeoPLE ARB , PRACTICAL M6AW PoweR lar and ^enthol. The McHenry City Council approved the 1904 calendar of meetings. Through the end of April, meetings will start at 7:30 p.m. Thereafter, regular council meetings will begin at 8 p.m. Regularly scheduled council meetings are on the first and third (and fifth where ap­ plicable) Monday evenings of each month. The council opted for the earlier meeting times in an attempt to avoid adjourning at late hours. . Several councilmen also expressed a desire for revision of the agenda in order to allow each alderman a chance to speak earlier in the meeting. Holiday greetings to our readers This age-old greeting retains its youthful zest, and continues to ress the best wishes of friends. e make no apology for using the ancient phrase in extending holiday greetings to our subscribers, advertisers, workers, friends and enemies, if any. If you're MERRY, as we wish you to be, you will enjoy the holiday season. Friends and loved ones will surprise you with the evidence of their affection and you'll experience the contentment of a satisfied individual. If HAPPY, as we hope you'll be, you'll have shared the Christmas spirit in the giving of yourself and your blessings to others. To be both MERRY&^^PPY, we must enjoy the material and. experience the spiritual. We should be well in body, satisfied in mind and aglow in spirit. The road is clear: accept with genuine gratitude, enjoy with moderation and give with generosity. Remember: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" and that: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." C 19#3 B&W T Co / nd spurgeons Open Monday, December 26 9 - 5 A L L R E M A I N I N G C H R I S T M A S M E R C H A N D I S E '/2 PRICE k (. J f\j\ t > t v. [ M B [ K 16 M ! U N I IL All MERCHANDISE IS SOLD! CHOOSE FROM CHRISTMAS: • P A P f P K BOW'S • V[ PI UMf S • ' A B l K I O ! H\ • I ( K V f 1 S • K r J i c K K r J A ( K • , • c A I I r j o A w s S o l o c t G r o u p P r i c o H A s M a t k o d . L PLANNING U 2 HI- (24th of a series) by Kenneth J. Chadwick, C . P . A . YKAR-ENI) TAX PLANNING (A lew Ideas) Now is Itu- lime to do siimrlhinif lo cut >our I'Mt.l U\ hill because once December .Msl rolls around. 11 will gcnerallt he loo lute. < onsidcr some ol these ideas. I lu- purchase ol a personal computer mat hate some lax benefits. I o the extent the computer is used lor business or to produce investment income, tou're entitled to ntxcsiincnt credit and depreciation r 'deductions. \ ou mat ctcn choose to expense up to ol the cyst ol' the business portion. Installing a sate in tour home lo sale-guard slocks, bonds ai^l other investment assets allows ton to deduct the cost ol the sale oter a lite-tear period. lie lore the end ol the ti-ar. collect^iolhin hooks, lots, household goods and other items around the house that are no longer used and donate . them lo a charitable organi/alion. (.el a receipt showing the talualion ol the items donaled,..aiMl tou'll be able lo lake a charitable deduction on tour l"MU tax return. It tou receited a lump <<u'm distribution Irom a qualified retirement plan, tou can defer taxation on the distribution ht rolling some or all «il the In ml into'an IK A or another qualified plan within datv , Keep track ol'the fees paid to hanks or brokerage firms lo svl up or manage tour IK \ account because Ihet are deductible. . l>o energt-sating installations before December 31st to (jualilt for the energt credit in IVHJ. Qualil't- ing expenditures include storm doors aniHtindows. insulation and wcalherstrippping. . s', - With elections coming up. consider political c«n- trihittiorts before the. end of the tear. I ht credit is equal t«» 50"» of xour < oitfrihulion with a maximum credit of \5"' itiglo and MHO filing joint. Ketiew tour lax situation and the best wats to minimi/c t««nr IVN3 taxes with tour accountant. Our I'lX.l tear-end lax planner is now atailahlc. lo receite tour copt send Si.tNl t«t coter and handling lo address below'! Kenneth j. Chadwick, C.P.A. 106 Cass Stf, Woodstock 1 • 815/338-2063 Servicing the \4c Henry (ounty areu for eleven years, hngaged in the practice «/ accounting, auditing, preparation of personal and husinew tax returns and management advisory services. ' i mis ' V m