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SECTION 2-PAGE 6-PLAINDEALER-WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1975 EDITORIALS Key To Knowledge A key to knowledge is curiosity, a trait discouraged by some. The curious child will learn. The curious adult, likewise, continues to improve his mind and expand his knowledge. Without curiosity-the urge to know why--there is little incentive to investigate, study and solve the mysteries of life. Some are surprised that famous intellectuals are stimulated by simple occurrences--the strange way a plantgrows, the odd color of a flower, etc. The tendency of some is to dismiss such people as eccentrics or "nuts." The intelligent person is curious about all the mysteries which surround him. He wonders why an engineer built a bridge this or that way, how a spider spins such a marvelous web, how wild birds and fish travel thousands of miles back to their natural breeding ground, alone. Because man wondered about the flight of birds, he learned to fly. Because he wondered about the atom and the power within, he learned to split it. Because he wondered about space, he learned how to invade it and return safely to earth. To a degree, curiosity is the basis and motivation of much of the world's knowledge. Safety With Firearms This is the time of year fathers and sons are getting guns cleaned and oiled for hunting, preparing for the seasons of deer, pheasant, quail, etc. So it's good to recall, at the, beginning of the season, that sportsmen are killed every year unnecessarily through carelessness with firearms. In South Carolina recently a man was killed taking his gun out of his truck. That accident, unfortunately, will not be the last this year. Hunters will trip and shoot the hunter ahead, some will shoot themselves while crossing fences. Others will be shot by "unloaded" weapons in cars. Some will be shot by trigger-happy hunters mistaking them for wild game. Safety with firearms can't be stressed too much. As the expanded population and more leisure time and money send more and more hunters into the fields, the danger of accidents increases. r̂ i . e & , r«l vol1* VfUr.,ccv0 xl HOUGHTON HEATING • Air Conditioning • Gutters PHONE 385-5476 McHENRY EARL R. WALSH & JACK WALSH INS. F ire Auto, Farm Lite Representing RELIABLE COMPANIES 4410 W Rte 120, McHenry 385 3300 DENNIS CONWAY A U T O L I F E F I R E State Farm Ins. Co. 3319 W Elm St McHenry, III 385 7111 Farm Equipment George P. Freund.lnc. Case - New Holland 4102 VV. Crystal Lake Rd. McHENRY Bus. 3850420 Res. 385-0227 Halm 's WONDER tAKi FUNERAL HOME .4fcL 815-728-0233 DR. LEONARD B0TTARI 1 303 N Richmond Rd ,McHenry Eyes examined C o n t a c t L en ses G l a s s e s f i t t e d M o n . T u e s . T h u r s . F r i 4 6 p m T u e s . T h u r s . F r i 7 9 p m S a t , 9 3 0 t o 3 0 0 P h 3 8 5 4 1 5 1 o r 3 8 5 2 2 6 2 McHENRY LETTER SERVICE Paging Service Now Availat M i m e o g r a p h i n g T y p i n g A d d r e s s i n g M a i l i n g L i s t s 3 5 0 9 W P e a r l S I M c H e n r y P h 3 8 5 0 2 5 8 3 8 5 8 0 2 0 M o n d a y t h r u S a t u r d a y McHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES SERVICE & RENTALS Mon Sat 9 5 30 Friday til 9 00 93 Grant St , Crystal Lake Ph 459 1226 I IRECLI RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europa Motors Inc 2318 Rte. 120 8 153850700 K' S A STANDARD STANDARD SERVICE EXPERT TUNE-UP AT I. AS Tiros Batteries. Accessories QUALITY American Oil Products PH. 385 0720 am? w. ki.m sth * RADIATORS • Cooling System Specialists • AIR CONDITIONING * Trailer Hitches Fabrication it STEEL SALES • Welding & Ornamental Iron 3(106 VV. Rte l-'O McHenry ADAMS BROS. ( \ ev t to Gem C l eaners ) Phone 385-0783 Copuit! M eW at our new q Important Correspondence Accounting Records Invoices & Statements Project/Product Specifications quick-action copy cantar. Inventory Sheets Order & Bid Forms Catalog Sheets & Bulletins Promotional Letters & Flyers Trv This Convenient New ServiceSoon! McHENRY PRINTING SERVICES 3909 W. MAIN . 385-7600 easy-to-use XEROX* aquipmant! PEA ilTOPS 3932 W. Rt. 120, McHenry "GATEWAY TO YOUR FUTURE" CALL US (815) 385-4810 SPIRIT OF FREcSOin tK republic, the newspaper Has , recorded the critical moments m our history; at times, the news­ paper has eren made history. Jt has served,and continues -to serve,as watehdto and protector of pztoic human freedoms •t<r "•>V , NcMSMPEH WeEK Whim* OCTOBER 5-11 Public Pulse (The Plaindealer invites the public to use this column as an expression ot •heir views on subiects of general interest in our community. Our only request is that the writersflive - signature, full address and phone number. We ask too, that one individual not write on the same subject more than once each month. We reserve the right to delete any material which we consider libelous or in objectionable taste.) STATE AID FI NDS "Editor: "As president of the McHenry Community Con­ solidated School District 15 board of education, I firmly believe that now is the time to begin a drive to restore school State Aid funds which were recently cut by Governor Walker. Many schools districts in the state, and our district in particular, will suffer severely as a result of Governor Walker's amendatory veto. This unexpected veto will result in a loss to our elementary district of approximately $73,000 in State Aid alone. "Your • elementary school district's board of education is committed to fiscal respon­ sibility and has given top priority over the recent years to a balanced budget. It has been our objective to provide the very best education for elementary school boys and girls within the resources available. District 15 has operated within a balanced budget and had developed a balanced budget for the 1975-76 school year based on the un­ derstanding that there would be full funding of the State Aid formula. Earlier, school districts were given every assurance by- the legislature and by the Governor that this would be the case. "Unfortunately, the Gover­ nor's veto came after financial commitments for salaries, supplies, and fixed costs were made by school districts. The veto came too late to make any substantial reduction in our educational budget for the current school year. If the Illinois' legislature allows Governor Walker's veto to stand, McHenry Elementary District 15's budget will reflect a deficit in approximately the amount lost in State Aid. "It is my belief that local boards of education need to be able to anticipate their income and that the present school aid formula is basically a fair formula which provides some relief to property owners. I believe it is essential for all interested in a strong educational system to urge their legislators to support a legislative override of Senate Bill 1493 which the Governor vetoed. "We do have an opportunity to correct the situation. A massive push by citizens in­ terested in quality education and a strong community could restore these funds. The override session of the legislature is coming up soon. Now is the time for citizens to write their representatives and express their concerns. WE NEED YOUR HELP!! "Sincerely, "Henry F. Nell, "President "Board of Education Only the Newspaper JIJfiU<l 1 3AUWO QUOTABLE 'It is designed that the country shall be furnished once a month (or, if any glut of occurrances happen, oftener) with on account of such consi­ derable things as have arrived unto our notice. -- Benjamin Harris, editor, in the salutary message of America s earliest newspaper, Public Occurences. The date was 1690. Considera ble things seem to keep on hap pemng; newspapers continue to report them best. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Are You New In McHenry Area ? ****** ****** • Do You Know Someone new? WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A ROYAL WELCOME TO EVERY NEWCOMER TO O U R A R E A ! ! ! ! ! CALL I0AN STULL 385-5418 •a K0YAI WELCOME <c s.prs) FESTIVAL WINNERS Float winners in Johnsburg's recent Saufen Und Spiel were Coast to Coast, best overall; Tom Huemann Water Con­ ditioning. best humorous; and St. John's Personality House, most original. 1 4-H NEWS | MODERN MISSES Ml CLUB Modern Misses held their first 4-H meeting of the year at Parkland school on Sept 23 at 7 p.m. Modern Misses had elections that night. The following are the of­ ficers, President, Colleen Godina; Vice-President. Donna Godina; Secretary. Debbie Herdrich; Treasurer, Linda Muskovin; Reporter, Lisa Opfer; Recreation and game chairman, Denise Freund. The Federation delegate is Linda Muskovin and the alternate is Lisa Opfer. We have some Junior leaders, Linda Muskovin, Donna Godina, Lisa Opfer. Colleerr Godina, Jeanette May and hopefully Julie Koss. Modern Misses is having a family picnic for Modern Misses 4-H'ers and their family. It will be at Debbie Herdrich's house on Sept. 28 from 1-3. Modern Misses is having a Halloween party. A committee was formed with the following, Lisa Opfer, Amy Opfer, Jen­ nifer Koss, Linda Muskovin and jleanette May. The committee meeting is at Lisa Opfer's house on Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. There also was a window display committee with the following. Sue Talbot. Peggy Nowak, Linda Muskovin and Jeanette May. They will meet at Debbie Herdrich's house on Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. after the party. The next meeting will be at Parklajjd school on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. After the meeting we will have our Halloween party. Good luck to all the members this year. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Opfer Teens Leatn Career Skills In 4-H Program "They won't give me a job unless I have experience. But, how can I get experience if they won't give me a job?" That's a common complaint today among young people seeking their first jobs, says Dave Plocher, McHenry county Extension adviser. But 4-H can do something about that situation. Young people often are ready and willing to work before they are eligible for formal career training or are able to get a job. However, through the ex­ perience of many 4-H projects, they learn skills that can be applied to a career. For example, a youthful photographer taking pictures for the high school yearbook may find that the local newspaper editor is also in­ terested in using the pictures. A girl who has learned to sew may find a fabric shop in­ terested in hiring her as a sales person. And a boy interested in growing flowers and taking care of the lawn may find his services in demand by neigh­ bors and friends. Such small enterprises may blossom into good little businesses, says Dave. 4-H has a career activity in which participants learn how to apply for a job, meet and talk with adults employed in the work in which they are in­ terested, and begin to develop good work habits. The program is -flexible enough to cover the kinds of jobs teens want-waiting on tables, babysitting, main­ taining lawns, making and teaching crafts, or public relations. Many 4-H projects offer practical experience which employers are happy to find among prospective employees. A 4-H'er who has enrolled in foods project, for example, may find employment in a restaurant. And one who has taken an automotive project may find employment in a garage or service station. Members of the Hartland Piston Pushers 4-H club are learning by doing, the small engine and woodworking trade from their leaders. These boys (and girls are welcome) could easily earn their pay in a small engine shop. Teen-agers offer youthful enthusiasm, energy, and muscle. All they need is an opportunity to put them to work and an interested adult who will give some direction. Says Dave. If you are looking for a young person to employ, why not consider hiring a 4-H member? * * * * The newspaper gives you the news in the news columns; if you want opinions, read the edito­ rials. Older Americans In Our Society MEALTIME It is sup- pertime for this young robin and its mother is right on time for the eagerly awaited meal high in an evergreen tree in Williamsport. Pa. ******* KNOW YOUR AREA-ROYAL WELCOME DOES IT BEST * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE LAND OF PLENTY By William Peirce Randel Professor Emeritus, University of Maine Just how rich the United States has become might be difficult to determine. The money we spend each year on tobacco, soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits, cosmetics, entertainment, and other non-essentials adds up to many billions of dollars. So do our outlays for education, both public and private, highway construction and maintenance, and such basic needs as food, shelter, and clothing. Recessions reduce the totals a few percentage points only, and have no great effect on our percapita annual income, long the world's highest, even when adjusted to reflect inflation. We are proud, moreover, of the number of automobiles, telephones, television sets, and bathtubs per person. Even what we waste each year, as trash and garbage, is a measure of our affluence. We are a wealthy people. This is, as wave after wave of immigrants were led to believe and many discovered, a land of promise, of opportunity, of plenty. Our largesse to peoples around the world, amounting to billions of dollars annually, is further proof of our vast riches. Surely, with resources to boggle the liveliest imagination, the United States must be able to care for its own, from pre­ natal care to perpetual mowing of cemetery lots. But does it? Does every element in the population share the bounty, and share it equitably? Or do some groups get preferred treatment? What of the elderly? Are older Americans rewarded in tangible ways for their share in creating, through years of working, all this superabundance that rouses envy abroad? In all the places favored by tourists, it might appear so; for a goodly percentage of all American tourists are in the upper age brackets. That any large number of older Americans can afford foreign travel is firm proof of American affluence. What people watching tourists on foreign soil can probably never realize is that most older Americans are no more able to travel than they are. The plenty that foreigners envy is not evenly distributed. Our elderly are scattered along the total economic spectrum, from very rich to very poor. To be young and poor is to suffer deeply, but at least there is hope of breaking out of the strait jacket of poverty. For the very old at or below the poverty level there can be no such hope. If they have worked hard while younger, year after year, what a crushing thought it is that they have missed out! What is the payoff for a lifetime of labor? Whatever happened, they well may ask, to their share of America's glowing promise? More And More Compounding the problem is the recent rapid increase of Americans in the upper age brackets. It even exceeds the statistical bulge in the 15-25 age bracket, result of the baby boom in the 1950s. Births have leveled off and zero population will have increased three times from 1900 to 1980, while the number 65 and over will have increased eight times in the same 80 years. This increase, largely the result of medical advances, has been and continues to be a phenomenon that society is not yet prepared to cope with. Some concessions of real value have been made to the elderly, but these are offset by the emergence of damaging stereotypes that discourage further action. The withholding of Social Security taxes from every paycheck fosters the notion that the active work force is subsidizing the leisure of the retired. Even worse is the general tendency of younger people to view retirement benefits as welfare. Is there really discrimination against the elderly? Look around. It is everywhere evident. Newspaper accounts of nursing home abuses ought to fire our indignation and build up public pressure to punish those responsible, or at least K0ENEMANN Country Made Sausages, Hams and Bacon \ GERMAN IMPORTS AND CHEESES & Full Line Of Delicatessen : Just east of Rt. 12 815-385-6260 VOLO correct the worst conditions. But do they? More often than not, minimal improvement is accepted and only the worst offenses are brought to prosecution. With all our vaunted national wealth, care of all our aged who are doubly handicapped by poverty and ill health could easily be raised to the level of the best nursing facilities - for some are very good. Victims of the worst care facilities fall far short of their full share in the national bounty. But abuses are not limited to the insolvent and disabled elderly. Healthy, active older people, many with property they could pledge as collateral, often meet resistance when they ask for credit or loans. Younger Americans who are no better credit risks seldom have any such difficulty. Income in the form of wages or salary commands more respect, apparently, than the same amount of income from pensions and established benefits. Freedom to move about and to enjoy that access faces a different and more serious restriction in big cities -- the increasing possibility of being victims of street violence. A study in Oakland, Calif.., showed the likelihood of an individual being the victim of a robbery was one in 146, but the rate for females over 65 was one in 24. Old people are not the only targets of muggers, but they are the most attractive, as least able to defend themselves.Society's inability to contain urban crime affects, directly or indirectly, the freedom of the aged to enjoy the public facilities that our nation's wealth makes possible ~ concerts in parks, for example, and the parks themselves, not to mention theatres and museums, art galleries and sporting events. Proper Housing Other forms of crime reduce the attractiveness and livability of housing projects for the elderly; but as a nation we have not given adequate thought to what this housing should be. Even in expensive retirement communities, special consideration for the needs of older people, who exclusively are eligible, is not always evident. A single telephone jack is inadequate in any dwelling of more than three rooms, but it works a particular hardship on the elderly with reduced locomotion. Large-letter labels on ovens and other appliances; special supporting bars in bathtubs; windows easy to open and curtains easy to pull; lights in closets; electric outlets within easy reach - the general absence of such aids of special utility to older people measures the slowness of manufacturers to recognize a rapidly growing market. It is only fair, at this point, to cite certain concessions to age: reduced transit fares and admission fees, double personal exemption on income taxes, and medical care at reduced cost. This last, which Americans not yet 65 have good reason to envy, would be a model of cooperative problem-solving, with the 65-and-older contributing both to Medicare and to the insurance or pension Medicare supplement, if the individuals and institutions providing the services were somewhat more moderate in their charges. Also there are gaps in the coverage of Medicare and costs can be high. Even with these drawbacks, however, the Medicare-supplement plan gives older citizens a welcome share of American plenty in its medical form. At the same time it reduces the drain on financial resources, thus allowing access to plenty in general. Other concessions to the aging might be cited along with further examples of society's torpid interest in giving older Americans their fair share of the Gross National Product. If the general attitude toward the elderly were more positive, if, for example, it approached the honor paid them in Japan, they would all now be getting at least their full share, and probably a little more, as a matter of course. Since there is no easy way to eliminate the stereotypes or alter the general attitude, the best recourse of tffe elderly is to organize as a group and adopt the one form of action guaranteed to work: concentrated political pressure to secure what is desired. With the growing size of this group, such action is predictable, sooner or later. Only when it succeeds will older Americans be confident of getting their proper, and earned, share. They are not getting it now. (This series is made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities). For Your Information Dear friends, To provide the funeral service most people want requires personnel, facilities and equip­ ment, and their availability 24 hours a day. For this reason, the total charge for funeral service is related to the cost of the casket selected, but is not solely determined by it. The average cost of the above services per funeral far exceeds the cost of the casket. Respectfully, PETER AVJUSTEN & SON FUNERAL HOME McHenry, Illinois 385-0063