The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

\ - \ \ ) Social Security should be contacted often SECTION 2 • PAGE S>- PLAIN DEALER HERALD. FRIDAY. DECEMBER 7.1984 byCarlRiblet Jr. Q. -- "When should a person go to the Social Security office to app­ ly for benefits or to inquire about the future? -- Gerald A. A. -- There are at least five times in a person's life when he should contact SS, by telephone of in person. They are: • Before obtaining the first Job. That's when everybody should ap­ ply for a SS number. The number assigned to a person working under SS is all-important later on in life when obtaining proper credit for earnings. • After a death in the family -- to learn if survivor's benefits or a lump-sum death payment are payable. • When a person becomes disabled, to learn if disability benefits are payable. • At retirement age. Full cash monthly payments are payable at age 65. At age 62, anyone on the SS program can apply for, and get, reduced payments. People should sign up for Medicare two or three months before age 65, even if they do not plan to retire until later. • Whenever a problem in SS comes up. The SS people can answer such questions as: how much credit for work is needed in order to be insured; who can qualify for benefits, how can a lost SS or Medicare card be replaced; and how can a statement of earn­ ings be obtained free of charge. Q. -- "In answer to the letter in your column that wanted to know how an older person can avoid be­ ing cheated when disabled, there is a procedure that is available. The court can appoint a conser­ vator to take care of the assets of elders who don't have a member of the family to act in their behalf. There are many elders Who are greatly concerned about the safe­ ty of their assets in the event they become incompetent." -- Maggie Z. County receives MFT funds Illinois counties and townships recently received their share of motor fuel tax (MFT) funds paid into the state treasury during Octobcr, according to the Qlinois Department of Tran­ sportation. A. - There are a number of methods available in law that can be used to protect the assets of the blind and senile. The thing to do in any event is to make provision now. An elder's bank can advise and help him or her to get it done sensibly and legally, and at once, to make certain all will be proper­ ly taken care of when ana if it is necessary. Q. -- "Mrs. Robert T.H. wanted the words to the song 'I Shall Not Be Moved.' She can find the song in the Stamps-Baxter Music Book in the section of the book subtitled "Favorite Songs and Hymns." Any large library should have a copy of the book." -- Katherine F. A. -- The book is on the shelves of many public libraries. All who want words to songs and poems could do well to try first to gratify their desire by going to the public library. It is a wonderful place to spend a few hours a week. A public library offers an ex- perience that can open up new worlds to many elders. Q. -- "Many of your readers write to ask if there is anyway to get an answer to their Social Security problems when the SS of­ fices don't answer reasonably soon. This is my advice, and I speak from experience: "My husband, too, worked since the beginning of SS. He and I felt that his benefit check was too low. In 1968, we started an almost endless series of inquiries at SS. In 1974, six years later, the answer came to him in the form of a check for more than $6,000. A long wait, MFT funds are allocated to various counties and for their highway needs, the county amounts are computed on the basis of motor vehicle registration fees. Locally, McHenry County paid in 4,575,992 in registration fees and received $103,205.41 as its allotment. RENT MNSENVAC the professional do-it-yourself corpet cleaning system First Hour of Rental $1.00 per hour for every hour thereafter. (Example-2 hour# • total charge $1 plus tax.) • Special Rentol Rate Good Mon-Thurs RINSE N VAC cleans the way professionals do at a fraction of the cost. OVERNIGHT SPECIAL I ^.1:00 pm-9:0O am ) $10.00 mm 4400 W. RTE. 120 • McHENRY. IL t SUN <r FIRST INSTITUTE OF TRAVELj PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL INDUSTRY TRAINING CUSSES START JAN • 7 • 15week course • Day & evening classes • Over 170 hours of in-depth training • Hands on computer facilities AppOrtd bj Ike lllinoit Slllt Hfcvd ol I d.iCil'On 0*ned in6 optutcd If one ft ffcl Pitmut Rtljil 1'Hti AfMCHi M Illinois 31 E. Crystal Lake Ave. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 - (815)459 3500 to be true, but we got the money. Actually, the whole thing was an example of bureaucracy at its worst. They corrected a mistake but took six years doing it. Getting the money, however, was worth the wait. The Idea is, never give up."-Patricia M. A. -- When people have need for information from SS, they should telephone SS or go there and ask for answers, and demand action if it does not seem to be forthcom­ ing. If fast action then doesn't result, the inquirer's con­ gressman can generate it. It is astonishing how fast SS gets going after a letter or call from a U.S. senator or member of the House of Representatives. Q. -- "1 don't care whether I am called a senior citizen or an elder. As the old saying goes, 'Just don't call me late for dinner.' One of your readers asked how senior citizens who have time on their hands can help other senior citizens. The answer is that there are so many places that need volunteer help you can't count them: churches, hospitals, Meals on Wheels, nursing homes, in­ surance information adviser, almost any organization that helps seniors. Most are listed in the Yellow Pages. You seniors who have nothing to do, can get off your rears and help somebody. It will do good for you too: you and the person you help." -- Ruthann B. A. -- In other words, don't rust awiy. Q. -- "My husband and I own a house in nearby Illinois that I •m can't even walk into. Three years >ut the house up for sale with estate man. He persuaded me to rent it and he moved some people in on a rental basis and let them stay until they Just about ruined the house and now they have moved out and use the downstairs to store auto parts. When I went to inspect my house the renter had the police put me out as a trespasser. It's my house but I can't go into It. I want to sell it. I need the money. The real estate man said the deed was faul­ ty. Although he admits that he rents the house, I never once received any of that rent. The real estate man must be keeping it. 1 have talked to lawyers and the state's attorney and It did me no good. What can I do now? I am 65." --RJaRTHAG. A. -- If Martha has legal claim to the house, faulty deed or not, it would seem that somebody can help her. She can go to the Legal Aid Society in her city, phone 426- 5173. Also, she should contact the ombudsman at the Area 13A Agen­ cy on Aging at the Community Service Center in her town. Next, if the Legal Aid people think she has a case against the real estate man, she ought to report him to the state real estate commission and then to the State Board of Realtors, should he be a realtor. Realtors don't want to have afiy crooked realtors around. Write to Carl Riblet Jr., with self-addressed, stamped envelope at Box 40757, Tucson, AZ 85717, if you have any questions on pro­ blems of aging. No identities are revealed. Coping with alcoholism is difficult during holidays The holiday season Is synonynous with party going and giving. People Jump Into the "fast lane" of tree trimming parties, Christmas caroling feasts, and New Year's Eve celebrations. For the recovered alcoholic, the holidays can be a particularly dif­ ficult time, when the Individuals commitment to recovery is often tested by offers of festive drinks (Mr loneliness and depression. The Northern Illinois Council on Alcoholism offers the following tips for keeping the season bright without alcohol: • Line up extra activities for the holiday season such as going Christmas caroling, and attending concerts or plays. • Keep a list of phone numbers of supportive friends and call when you need help. • participate in a charity effort or volunteer to work with children. • Be a host to a lonely person you know. • Get involved in physical ac­ tivity • hiking, swimming, sled­ ding or skating. • Go to church or to a synagogue. Try a new one. • Discover a self-help group and go regularly. (AA, Al-Anon, Families Anonymous, etc.) • Try to keep the holiday season In perspective, if you are feeling lonely or depressed, remind yourself that it is only temporary. • Don't get worked up about ^holiday temptations. Remember "one day at a time" or even "one hour at a time." • Enjoy the true beauty of holi­ day love and Joy. Give of yourself. For further Information please call 244-4434. I rwnsTicjf £ SI \ / i \ / ' 1 HI OK f O^JIOOW I INCOIN'WWMI NRV a - •' l •< •« • fci }44 ! i.t" lb FREE TANNING SESSION WITH PURCHASE OF 5 SESSIONS r good thru 11/31/M) oSly Hot V*M With Olhtr Often ISPECIAL 1 S35-,,3M HONMY-TMMSSAY IllNMIMM MMwMJkMlMI/M WllVIMwttO--rOH»i IMOMhrhm »* S. < V f < i «• * % 1 m iSI m h §S i, M SATURDAY ONLY SA VINGS Store Opens at 9 a.m. - ... 4.-- -a. . .v. a&Lsi Sale 9.99 Save $4 MISMS BOW Blouses Rag. $14. Liven up her wardrobe with fancy French front blouses. , Soft, easy-care polyester in prints and solids. Sizes 8-18. Sale 9.99 Save $5 •Misses Plaid Skirts XMg. $15. A fitting gift. Elastic- waist pull-on skirts in a variety of winter-warming plaids. Polyester/ acrylic in sizes 8-18. Sale 25% Off* Save $9-$23 Misses Ten Jay® Wool Bland Coordinates Sale 28.50-70.50, reg. $38-$94. Career looks in rose and grey. Pants, skirts, blouses, sweaters and jackets. Polyester/wool. . Sizes 8-18. Sale 25% Off* Save S6-S8 Entire Stock of Junior Corduroy Pants Sale *18-25.50, reg. $24434. Trousers, baggies, drop yokes and 5-pocket styles in cotton corduroy. Solids and patterns in sizes 5-13 Sale 25% Off* Save *6-917 All Regular Price Junior Dresses Sale 14.99-52.50, rag. 19.90470. Dressy, career and casual styles in knit and woven fabrics. One- and two-piece styles. Sizes 3-13. Sale 36%-40% Off Save $9-$ 18 . Fire Islander Woman Coordinates Sale 109.99 Save S45-SOO Missee and Petite Wool and Wool Blend Sale 4.99-11.19 Savs 25% Maldenform® Sweet Nothlnge Sale 1.49-56 Save 25%* . All Regular Price Women's Socks Orig. 1J9-$8. Tickle her down to her toes with a gift of famous maker knee-hi's and anklets. Solids, argyles, cable-knits and mote. Sale $6-13.50 X Save 25** I Entire Stock Trlfarl® Earrings Rag. $8418. Let the spirit shine with gold- and silvertone earrings in basic pierced and clip-on styles. Sale 15.99-25.99, reg. $25-$44. The basics are better in lapis blue and garnet. Skirts, pants, blouses, sweaters and jackets in top sizes 38-44 and bottoms 32- 38. Drees Coats Orig. $1554170. Give the gift of warmth with long wool and wool/ nylon coats in basic and fashion colors. A flurry of styles in sizes 6-16. Underfashlons Reg. $7415. Underwire, soft cup and fiberfill bras in white, beige and fashion colors. Matching bikini panties also available in selected stores. Sale 1.49-56 Save 25%* . All Regular Price Women's Socks Orig. 1J9-$8. Tickle her down to her toes with a gift of famous maker knee-hi's and anklets. Solids, argyles, cable-knits and mote. Sale $6-13.50 X Save 25** I Entire Stock Trlfarl® Earrings Rag. $8418. Let the spirit shine with gold- and silvertone earrings in basic pierced and clip-on styles. Sale 20% Off Save $3-$ 14 Entire Stock of Ride-On Toys Sale 11.99-55.99, reg. 14.9*69.99. Durable plastic ride-on toys from Empire, Coleco and Little Tikes. Big Wheels, Power Cycles and more. Sale 5.99 Save 25% * Children's Plush Toys Rag. 7.99., Give someone a ' cuddly new friend for Christmas. Choose from a special group of brown bears, cats, mice, raccoons and more in our Children's Department. Sale 3.99 Savs 33%* Toddlsr Blankst Sleepers by Kent Rag. 5.99. Cuddly fleece of SEF modacrylic polyester with full- length zippers. Assorted colors in sizes 2-4T. Sale 8.99 Savs 25% Girls 7-14 Novelty Denim Jeans Rag. 11.99. Give her fashions like the grown-ups wear in sizes just for her. Assorted stripes in 100% cotton denim. Salt 8.24-13.50 Savs 25% Entire Stock of Boye 8-20 Sweeters Reg. 10.9SS18. The finishing touch for his outfits: crewneck and V-neck sweaters in solids, stripes and patterns. Sale 13.59-18.39 Savs 20% * Boys, Students and Young Men's Levi's® Prewashed Jeans Rag. 16.99-22.99. Durable cotton denims in boys sizes 8-14 regular and slim, student waists 26-30 and young men's waists 28-38. Sale 16.50 Savs 26%* Men's Farah® Baited Drees Slacks Rag. $22. Is his Christmas list a little loose? Take up the slack with polyester pants in basic dress colors. Sizes 32-42. Sale 59.99 Save $20 Men's Farah® Corduroy Sport Coats Orig. $80. A gift for good sports: fully lined corduroy jackets in basic and belted styles with suede elbow patches. Polyester/ cotton. Sizes 38-44 regular and 40-44 long. Sale 26.99 Savs $7 Msn's Calvin Klein® Jeane Reg. $34. Make it a comfortable Christmas with all-cotton denim jeans in a basic 5-pocket straight leg style. Waist sizes 31-36. Sale 25% Off SaveS7 Entire Stock of Men'e Velour Tope Sale 17.99-20.99, reg. $25$28. Soften the season with all-over and engineer stripe cotton/poly­ ester velour tops. Sizes s, m, I, xl. Sale 9.99 Save 23% Men's Woven Shirts Rag. 12.99. Smart dressing on casual occasions calls for button-down and spread collar shirts in checks and plaids. Sizes s, m, I, xl. Sale \ 1.99 Save 33% Men's Pajamae Rag. $18. Give him warmth that lasts all night with flannel or broadcloth pajamas. Cotton/poly­ ester solids and patterns. Sizes s, m, I, xl. Sale 8.25-11.25 Savs 25%* Msn's Jiffies' Slippers Rag. $11-$15. Put an end to his cold feet with lounge slippers in warm acetate velour, cotton terry or corduroy styles. Sizes s, m, I, Xl. MEN'S FURNISHINGS Sale 790-35.99 Save 20% All Regular Price Chrlstmss Kltchsn Linens Rag. $1445. Tablecloths, table runners, napkins, placemats and accessories. Excludes only our everyday low-priced style. Sale 1.49-1.99 Save 20%-25% Matching Christmas Dlahtowele and Potholders Reg. $2-2.50. Bedeck your ' kitchen with matching towels and potholders in colorful Santa, holly, teddy bear and other patterns. Sale 5.99 Ssve$4 2-Ot. Teakettles Reg. 9.99. Brighten your stove- top with red, yellow, blue or white teakettles of quick-heating enamel on steel. Sale 5.60 bath Save 30% * All Martex* and FiekJcreel® Print Towels Rag. $8. Thick, absorbent cotton/ polyester towels in a bounty of patterns. Hand, reg. 5.50, sale 3.85. Wash, reg. 2.50, sale 1.75. Sale 19.99 sll slzss Save $5-$ 10 Assorted Comfortsrs Reg. 24.99-29.99. Twin, full and queen sizes in a wide range of colors and patternis. Some are slightly irregular. Sale 25% Off* Save S9-$41 Entire Stock of Artificial Chrletmaa Trees Sale $27-123.75. reg S36-S165 Save on Mrge and small trees in natural green or with flocking. ' Save 25% on all electric lights, too. Sale 4.89-10.50 Save 30% * Aeeorted Lighting Reg. MM1S. Choose from the dip-on light for af-tiome use, portable book light and 4-way fluorescent emergency lantern. STATIONERY DEPT. Store Opens at 9 a 'Savings off ticketed price. Intermediate markdowns taken on some items. We have a gift for giving