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V PAGE 5 - PLAIN DEALER-WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, ijhjj A Look At Winter 183 by Joanne Springman SHAW MEDIA NEWS SERVICE \ We almost hesitate to mention it for fear of tempting capricious gods, but in case you haven't noticed, there's no snow on the ground. Winter officially began Dec. 22, but some days have been so balmy as to be like early spring. But the weather is not a first for this region of Illinois. The National Weather service in Chicago has recorded several winters of light snowfall, with the least, 9.8 inches, during 1921-22. Recently, there have been several days with flurries, but in December, the most snowfall recorded on the ground was 1.2 inches on Dec. 15. Rain is another matter. In December, 8.5 inches was recorded, whicfi was 6.7 inches more than the record set in 1895. Unfortunately, the unusual rainfall resulted in unusual and severe flooding. Temperatures in December also ran higher, 8.9 degrees above the normal average of 22.9 degrees. On Christmas Day, when the mercury hit a summer-like 65 degrees, people amused themselves outside wearing shirts or sweaters. Looking forward to 1983 with its 90- day forecast, the National Weather service expects that precipitation will run very close to normal. Last year, average snowfall was recorded at 10.7 inches in January, 8.1 inches in February and 7.2 in March -- not to mention the coldest day in recorded history. But don't go out right away and buy a snowblower or a new car battery. According to the National Weather service, temperatures are expected to be milder than usual, and that probably means the precipitation will be less snow and more rain. At the McHenry County Emergency Services and Disaster agency, Assistant Director Barry Valentine said the weather here may be even more unusual than that recorded by, the National Weather service because of the county's distance from the city. But Valentine agreed this winter could be. milder given January weather so far. Valentine said January usually is the coldest month, with warming trends starting in February and continuing into the spring. Last year, the average January temperature was 6.9 degrees. The problem with milder tem­ peratures and more rain, Valentine said, is the increased potential for ice storms and freezing rain. For those of you who don't buy new­ fangled methods, that old standby, the "Farmers Almanac," also seems to predict a milder winter. For the Midwest, the almanac forecasts an average temperature of 16 degrees and average precipitation of 1.5 in­ ches for January, 29 degrees and 1 inch for February and 31 degrees and 2 inches for March. In addition to physical comfort, milder weather also can mean dollar savings. Municipalities like Mc­ Henry will save money if crews don't" have to spend as much time with salting, sanding and snow removal. Consumers also may find a reduction in their heating bills. Although he did not have, specific statistics, Ron Russell of Com­ monwealth Edison said milder temperatures may have brought down at least some electric bills in December. At Northern Illinois Gas, John Orso said gas consumption definitely was down although that did not necessarily indicate lower gas bills. On the other hand, some people with seasonal incomes may be at a disadvantage. So, after a green holiday season, people are alternately hoping for lots or none of the white stuff. And despite all the forecasts, only time -- and Old Man Winter -- will tell. Wildlife Calendar Set Family Planning Course Natural family planning wilL.be taught at St. John the Baptist church, 2302 W. Church street, Johnsburg, beginning Sunday, Jan. 16, at 2:30 p.m. Mitch and Darlene Considine, teachers from the Couple to Couple league, will explain the sympto- thermal method and its usefulness to couples wishing to prevent pregnancy as well as to couples who want to conceive. The Considines stress that natural family planning is morally acceptable to .all major religions, and many people choose it for this reason. With the sympto-thermal method, several fertility signs are observed. It is an improvement over the tem- perature-only and the mucus-only methods, and it assumes that every woman has irregular cycles. To pre-register or for further in­ formation on the course, which consists of afternoon sessions held once a month for four months, call (312 ) 497-3050. The class cost depends on the number of optional textbooks a couple chooses to buy. The Considines are also available to speak to doctors, nurses, clergy and marriage preparation groups as well as to other interested groups. A monthly column by the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Project of the McHenry County Conservation District.) Owls have an ancient and universal relationship with man. As creatures of the darkness, owls stirred the imaginations of men and beccame both symbols of power and wisdom and omens of evil. But in the natural world, separated from man's imagination and judgments, the owl is neither demonic n6r divine. He is a bird of prey beautifully equipped to hunt in the night. / Both owls and hawks have hooked beaks, very strong feet, and sharp talons or claw But owls have other physical attributes that distinguish them from the daytime-hunting hawks, and most other birds- features which adapt them uniquely for nighttime hunting. Owl eyes are large, as birds go, and are structured internally to gather and utilize all possible light. They contain a rich mixture of both rods (low light receptors) and-cones (bright light and color receptors). So the notion that owls cannot see in the daytime is false. With both eyes set in the front of the head, owls have binocular vision very similar to our own. This is a'great advantage in judging distance and helps owls when capturing moving prey. Huge eyes in a small head leaves little room for muscles, so the eyes of an owl are virtually immobile. An owl cannot roll his eyes from side to side as we can. To see something, he must turn his head. A well-developed set of neck muscles allows an owl to turn his head 270 degrees with amazing speed. Sometimes the motion is so fast, it looks like the owl is turning his head completely around. People once believed it was possible to kill an owl by walking around him many times, making the watchful owl wring his Own neck. But excellent binocular night vision Billy: "Honey, I want you, and only you alone." Millie: "Ok, give my little brother a quarter!" Two High- Humidity Pans Keep food fresh up to 15 days 7 05 cu. f t . I reezer. 2 ice t rays. , removable b in. Equipped lor opt ional automat ic icemaker Adjustable spl i t - level and fu l l -width steel / shelves Sealed snack pack lor unwrapped meat . cheese. One lower humidi ty pan lor f ru i ts , berr ies. Fashionable new refrigerator keeps food fresh up to 15 days in controlled climates. ̂ • 22 cu. ft. of storage convenience, flexibility. • Removable egg trays. • 34Vj" wide, 66" high. • Rolls out on adjustable wheels. MODEL TBF22P YOURS FOR ONLY '779 95 W.T. The McHenry Plaindealer (USPS 3M1-MM) Established l»7» MI2W*«« llmtlrMt W<on«115-MS0170 Published Every WVd£*sday • Friday at McHenry. Illinois Second Class PofljWTAID at McHenry. Illinois by McHEN»Y PtfjllSHING COMPANY POSTMASTII Send eddres^tian«es to McHenry Plaindealer Mil W Elm St . McHenry. Illinois *0040 Subscribers ara requested to provide immediate natico of change of ad­ dress to The McHenry Plaindealer Ml 2 W. Elm St.. McHenry III. MOSO A deduction of one month from the eipiration of o subscription will bo mode where a change of address is provided through the Post Office department. Thomas C. MilUr-Publish»r Ad*l* Fro«hlich-Editor fltoarb Winning iittospaptr Ly MEMBER NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASOCIATION SUBSCRIPTION RATES 1 Y * o r $ 1 6 . 5 0 1 Y » o r $ 2 4 . 0 0 X In McHenry County Outlid* McHenry County LAKELAND PARK 6 LAKELAND SHORES Carol Cominsky 385-7246 does not explain the fact that owls can capture prey in total darkness with astounding accuracy. Experiments with these birds revealed that" they depend upon acute hearing, too. The ear openings of owls (hidden under the feathers on the sides of the head) are very large and asym­ metrical. The right and left ears are not the same shape. Further, they are unequaMn size, and one is usually higher than the other. This means an owl hears "differently" on each side of his head and uses this ability like radar to pinpoint the location of the sound. - ^ Owls also have a unique feather structure enabling them to fly almost silently. The upper surfaces of their wing and tail feathers are velvet-like. And the forward edges of the wing feathers are finely toothed. Both features act to silence the noise of air rushing over the owl's wings. Like other predators, owls are opportunists, capturing the easiest and most vulnerable prey. Little escapes their notice or their palates. Crayfish, Junebugs, snakes, rabbits, birds (including other owls), frogs, and even skunks are acceptable food items for owls. But small rodents such as mice and rats are the staple food of owls. Some people still insist o; classifying owls as "vermin" for occasional barnyard chicken or due that owls eat. In 1972, owls, along wjl all other birds of prey, receiv protection under federal law, but each year many are shot illegally by uninformed people. V Scientific explanations^ the owl's seemingly unnatural atmRTes have done much to remove our fear and apprehension of him as a creature of supernatural powers. The 20th- century science of ecolqgy challenges our prejudices toward predators and. asks us to accept the owl in his role and to recognize him as a necessary part of a healthy environment. For further information about owls, read "The Nightwatchers" by Cameron and Parnell. Woman's Club Meets Jan. 13 The Lakeland Park Woman's club will meet again Thursday, Jan. 13. A potluck dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the community house, 1717 Sunset, and the business meeting will im­ mediately follow at 7:30 p.m. All ladies residing in Lakeland Park and Lakeland Shores are invited to attend. LAST BABY Charles and Madeione Jumper can probably say their daughter was one of the last babies born in McHenry county in 1982. Lisa Lynn arrived at Memorial hospital, Woodstock on Dec. 31, at 1:45 p.m. She weighed 7 lbs., 6Vfe oz., and was 20Vi inches long at birth. Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Jumper, McHenry; maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mris. Robert Reolson, Phoenix, Ariz. Our congratulations to each of you on your blessed event. NEWLYWEDS When Scott Kasko came home in early Noverjaber and told his parents, Roger arra Pat, he planned to get married before 1982 ended - they \couldn't imagine it would be possible. He week of Thanksgiving a shower wa&v given for the bride-to-be, Charrpne Poelhls of Freedom, Wis., in her hometown. Mr. and Mrs. Walter lis, parents of the bride mailed the invitations to 250 people; then it was time for many seamstresses to begin making the attendants' dresses. Everything fell right into place as Scott and- Charlene walked down the aisle of St. Nicholas church in Freedom on Friday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. The groom's sister Donna, and Carol Lasko, were among the attendants attired in long red velvet with white lace trim dresses carrying white giuffs accented with holly. Neighbors Ann and Rich Wohnrade joined the out of town guests who took up half a hotel in Freedom. Our best wishes are sent to the newlyweds now residing in Whitefish Bay, Wis. if HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mark Rogers, LeAnn Taylor and Mary Ellen Johnson have their special day Jan. 12. Phil Flemming has his eighteenth birthday on the 13th. Jessica Boelter will be eight years old Jan. 14. Scotty McGrath turns seven on the 18th, and he shares that day with Pearl Koester and Jim Koch. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Tom and Barbara Gerambio will be married 32 years on Jan. 13. The 17th is the day Barb and Ron Meuer will celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary. . Veterans, including (peacetime vets who served a full emistment unless released sooner for^ervice-connected disability, ap also eligible for a free burial flag that can be presented to the next of kin or a close friend after the funeral. Apply at any VA office or most local post officefc. Deaf? Not Me! I just can't make out certain words" If this is your problem...you hear but do not always under* stand cloarly, than the Fiaeteae CusImh CI may bo the answer FREE Special Offer No Cords • No Tubes • No Wires We will send a non-operating actual size replica of the Finetc^e Custom CI absolutely free to anyone answering this advertisement. Wear it in the privacy of your Own home and see for yourself just how small and convenient the CI is. It weighs less than an eighth of an ounce, and the entire unit is worn at "ear level" for the most natural sound pick up. There are no cords, tubes, or wires. A model will be sent FREE to anyone who requests it. IT'S YOUR TO KEEP with absolutely no obligation Although not everyone can be helped by a hearing aid, if you can hear but do not always understand clearly you owe it to yourself to look into the Finetone CMJftMHLCl qpd «t« ffi'" Y*P"Iifu G*ntl*m«n: PUat* send m«, without obligation, my fU non-op«ratiitj| Finoton* CI hooting aid roplica. I understand there it no obligation what- Address State Telephone Check if you now use a hearing aid: DHead worn DBody worn DNo aid Mail coupon to: FINETONE HEARING INSTRUMENTS, Inc. Dept. RS P.O. Box 500, Boston, MA 02112 IT'S NOT TOO LATE! YOU CAN OPEN AN IRA ACCOUNT UP TO APRIL 15TH. 1983 AND TAKE THE DEDUCTION ON YOUR 1982 TAX RETURN! GE BRINGS GOOD THINGS TO LIFE. • "Serving McHenry Area For Over 50 Years" CAREY APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE 1241 N. Green Street, McHenry, Illinois 385-5500 IRA (MMVWVAL RETIREMENT ACCOMT). A TAX SHELTER FOR EVERT WAOE EARNER. {very wage earner. mn though they lie ectrve participants in tn employer sponsored pension plan, can make tax sheltered contributions to in Individual Retirement Account (IRA.) Your IRA. contributions will accumulate tax-deferred with compounded interest until retirement. The following we some of the important points concermni the new pension reflations WHAT IS AN MDIVIDHAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (I.R.A.)T An I RA is a personal ta> sheltered retirement savings plan Millions of American workers ate using l.RA's to both reduce their taxes and build a more secure future for themselves and their (amities WHO NEEDS AN I.R.A.T Just about everyone who wants to retire comfortably To maintain your current life style it is estimated that you will need between 70% 80* of your pre retirement income when you retire. Since Social Security will contribute only about 30% and a pension plan approximately 30% more an IRA can make the difference for a comfortable, independent retirement ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF I.R.A.'S? Yes Contributory I RA's are for wa|e earning individuals Spousal l.RA's are for married couples where only one spouse is employed WHAT ARE THE MAXIMUM COHTRIRUTIONS? lift coirtriketien for Coatribntorv I S A is up la 12,000. The contribution lor Spousal 1.1.1 is * to S2.250. or upon permanent disability WHEN ARE TAXES PAID? No Federal income tax is paid on either savings or interest until distribution begins. At that time most individuals are in a lower tax brocket, with perhaps more exemptions available so that the tax savings can be considerable WHEN ARE THE DENEFITS PAID? Anytime alter 59H. but payments must start belore 70H or upon death (to named beneficiaries) You may elect to receive your retirement benefits in i lump sum or il you wish on a regular scheduled basis HOW ARE DENEFITS TAXEDf Benefits are taxed as ordinary income as they are recerved in a taxable year II you choose to receive your benefits in a lump sum. you may be able to use the' live year income averaging prevtpons available to all taxpayers HOW IS AN I.R.A. STARTED? Opening an IRA is as easy as opening a Savings Account Don t wait because you probably will have a difficult time saving up enough money in a short time so start now. HOW DOES I.R.A. SAVE ME TAX DOLLARS? for Federal income tax purposes, contributions to your I R A are fully deductible from gross income, up to the maximum allowed by law You may make this deduction even though you do not itemue other deductions During the years the plan is in force, earned interest is also added to your IRA These earnings are also tax-deterred Compounding of «he interest over the years generates more doHars to build a retirement fund significantly larger than would be possible with taxed dol lars In addition, you realue further benefit because your I RA contribution puts you in a lower tax bracket .1)00% of coaptation, aatpeniation.. yhidiever COME ii less) IN AND WE WILL DISCUSS A PLAN TO SUIT YOU I ALWAYS SERVING YOU ALL WAYS! McHenry State Bank MEMBER F.D.I.C. 815-385-1040 Main Building: 3510 West Elm St. Robert L. Weber Building: Crystal Lake Rcf. at Lillian Street Gerald J. Carey Building: Richmond Rd. at Pearl St., McHenry i