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PAC1E 1« - PLAINDEALEK - WEDNESDAY. APRIL 27. 1983 Editorial 'PLAINDEALER"*N Opinion Excellence In Education _ >sident Reagan's National Commission on Excellence in Education is due lake its report momentarily. Headed by University of Utah President David Iner as chairman, the commission has discovered several undesirable ds among U.S. schools. _.ie is that educational standards have been slipping in many high schools arnf colleges in the decade between 1970 and 1980. That dismal trend began in the*sixties has not been corrected. One example: in 1970, the average college apdlicant in Utah had taken four college preparatory courses; in 1980, the number was down to three. /*s a result of this high school trend, admissions standards at colleges have been steadily lowered-so that lesser prepared students can be enrolled. But at Utdh, President Gardner placed ads in the state's newspapers last year giving notice that applicants accepted would need specified credits in math, science, history, foreign language, English and fine arts. >me high schools give a student as much credit for a driver-education course sr biology or math. And many colleges have become so lenient they now )t students who can't even read-then give them a college credit for a je in reading! alleges should resume their traditional practice of enforcing reasonable lission standards. Only then will high schools be forced to reduce the iber of easy, elective courses and to increase the number of required credits sics. Cash Award Limits? I lecent court awards of many millions of dollars to families which have f ered tragic losses-injuries or deaths-raise the question whether some limit ,] have to be imposed on awards for accidents. T he question boils down to this: should a company manufacturing products forjsale to the public be put out of business, and its employees put out of work, iuse of a mistake by one employee? « recent award which would cost a manufacturer over $100,000,000 over a !i iod of years raises this question. An accident blamed on faulty workmanship n sed serious permanent injury to a child, who got the huge settlement; i ther injured party in the same accident won over $5,000,000. i uch sums would put many manufacturing concerns out of business. Is this justified or desired consequence for unintentional accidents caused by a «it worker's mistake? { hould there be some liberal limit to a manufacturer's liability-allowing i ierous cash awards but also taking into consideration the possibility of nan error and the risk every American takes in using any product Chased. All, obviously, cannot be perfect forever, without any mistakes by humans who produce them. PLAINDEALER~> suf wi be <|a i pe ca an 4 pit n ge hujnar pu thi .etter to the Editor Public Pulse (Th« Ploind«ol»r invites fho public to ui« thi* column •• on oiprossion of thoir views on subjects o! gonorol in­ terest in our community. Our only roquost it thot the writers give signature, lull address and phone number. We osk too. thot one individual not write on the same subject more than once a month. Wo reserve the right to delete ony material which we consider libelous or in obfection^ble taste.) SCHOOL SPENDING Editor: Recently I read in the Plaindealer that McHenry School District 15 spends less per pupil than any other school district in McHenry county. Many districts in the county are smaller than District 15, yet they spenffcfgiiegjltr-puptt ;f on» of thiirchildren than McHenry. As a parent soon to be enrolling a child in District 15, I am concerned with the quality of education she and others in the community will receive. "Money, of course, is not the only ingredient necessary for a quality education. Dedicated, professional educators are important. To keep a dedicated staff, District 15 needs to be able to offer a salary on a competitive level with other professions. Also a dedicated staff is limited by the quality of the curriculum it can offer. "McHenry citizens need to be aware ol the severe cuts made in the past several years-cuts in the curriculum limiting potential growth for McHenrv students. Outdated texts and crowded class rooms do not give students equal education with students in other districts. In addition, many of the specialty teachers such as music teachers, art teachers, and reading teachers have been eliminated. 'The quality of education McHenry 4fc*rtet »imp*MMlfe community-young and old. Prospective home buyers and businesses are concerned about the education offered in the area. Why don't we read real estate ads listing 'McHenry school district' as an in­ centive for buying a house in the area? "I sincerely hope the McHenry community is not proud of spending the least money per pupil in McHenry county. The next time voters have a chance to improve upon this unen­ viable position, I hope we will respond with enthusiastic support for the best education possible for our children. "Dale Maule" Home Heating Help For 95,000 Almost 95,000 Illinoisans sought assistance to help pay home heating and fuel bills in January through the Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program (IHEAP), says Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) Director Peter B. Fox. "In January of 1982, almost 74,000 applications were received by local community action agencies asking for assistance," said Fox, head of the agency that Administers the program statewide. "We have experienced a 27 percent increase this year." Also last month, 1,340 requests for assistance to have home heating and electricity reconnected were received by the local agencies. "By Illinois' standards, this has been a relatively mild winter," Fox said. "But for those who live in Roll Call Report (Your Congressmen's Vote) Washington-Here's how area members of Congress were recorded on major roll call votes April 11-15. HOUSE REDUCE-By a vote of 219 for and 195 against, the House kept a freeze on nuclear arms build-ups as the top priority of the resolution (HJ Res 13) directing the U.S. and Soviet governments to engage in talks aimed at achieving a "mutual and verifiable" halt in their nuclear arms race. The vote derailed a pro-Administration amendment to make reductions in arsenals the top priority, followed by a freeze. The White House argument is that a freeze at present levels would guarantee Soviet superiority. HJ Res 13 awaited a final vote. --""Lv Supporter Les AuCoin, D-Ore., called the armsTace a runaway freight train" that must be stopped before it can be curtailed. Opponent Ed Zschau, R-Calif., countered that arms talks do not obey the laws of physics," adding that negotiators can easily discuss reductions and a freeze &t the s&me time. Members voting yes wanted a freeze to be the first priority of HJ Res 13. Voting no: Philip Crane, R42. _ _ _ FREEZE-The House rejected, 190 for and 229 against, an amendment to the freeze resolution (above) directing each superpower to discard two nuclear warheads for every new warhead it deploys. Because it permitted the U.S. to modernize its arsenal, the pro-White House amendment eased Administration fears that the freeze resolution would lock the U.S. into nuclear inferiority. The amendment was opposed by most freeze advocates, on grounds that modernization would escalate the arms race. Supporter Newt Gingrich, R-Ga. , said"any conservative who votes against this amendment is taking the risk of voting in favor of freezing the U.S. in inferiority." . , Opponent Jim Wright, D-Tex., said the amendment got into areas suitable for the negotiating table, not the House floor. "Let us keep (the freeze resolution) clear, simple and straightforward," he said. Members voting yes wanted to tailor the freeze measure more to President Reagan's liking^ Illinois voting yes: Philip Crane. ~ FORESTS-By a vote of 136 for and 257 against, the House rejected an amendment to nearly halve the pristine federal forest acreage to be protected by the California Wilderness Act of 1983 (HR1437). Defeat of the amendment left unchanged language to include some 2.3 million untouched acres in California in the national wilderness system. In addition to reducing that figure to 1.2 million, the amendment sought other changes advocated by commercial interests but opposed by environmentalists. The bill, later passed and sent to the Senate, defines the future use of some 6.5 million U.S. Forest Service acres in the state not yet committed to conservation or development. In part, it frees up 4.3 million acres for logging and other limited development. Supporter Gene Chappie, R-Calif., said "people in my area simply cannot afford a bill which will drastically reduce logging and sawmilling jobs in timber towns already reeling from unemployment rates as high as 37 percent." Opponent John Seiberling, D-Ohio, said "not only will few timber jobs be lost by this bill, if any, but we are also protecting the fishing industry jobs...by keeping these lands in wilderness." Members voting yes wanted a smaller California wilderness area. Illinois voting yes: Philip Crane. SENATE ADELMAN-The Senate confirmed, 57, for and 42 against, the nomination of Kenneth L. Adelman as director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Reporting to Secretary of State Geroge P. Shultz, Adelman will become a key figure in dealing with the Soviets and in other areas related to negotiating and verifying weapons pacts. His nomination became a battleground for critics and defenders of President Reagan's nuclear arms policies and attitude toward the Soviets. Adelman, 36, was criticized in part for lacking experience and for not dealing squarely with the Senate Foreign Relations committee. Supporter Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., said Adelman will approach arms control negotiations "with realism, common sense, courage, and toughness tempered with wise flexibility." Opponent John Glenn, D-Ohio, said "we should be putting forward at Geneva not someone who can just get by, someone appointed for political reasons, but the finest negotiating team we can possibly assemble." Senators voting yes favored Adelman's appointment. ^Mnou, A1™ Dixon, D. vojsdy^ State Offers Free School Lunch Rates High In Report On Nutrition Students who eat school lunches have higher intakes of energy and nutrients than students who do not take part in school nutrition programs, according to a landmark study released by thg U.S. Depart­ ment of Agriculture. "The report finds the National School Lunch program is effective in safeguarding the health of the nation's school children by providing nutritious foods," said Assistant Secretary Mary Jarratt. "It affirms the Administration's staunch support of the lunch program as the cor­ nerstone of our child nutrition assistance." The study, entitled the National Evaluation of School Nutrition Programs, is the first ever to look at the effects of school nutrition programs on a nationally represen­ tative sample of public school New Six-County Maps Available The newly revised six-county regional base map is now available. The five-color map shows counties, municipalities, townships, sections, major roads, highways, railroads, lakes, rivers and open space. The map is available for a charge from the Northeastern Illinois Planning commission either by stopping in at the offices or by con­ tacting Publications Department, Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, 400 West Madison Street, Chicago, 111., 60606. The Northeastern Illinois Planning commission is the comprehensive planning agency for the six-county Chicago metropolitan area. In ad­ dition to planning, the agency provides technical. and research assistance and reviews federal grant requests for local governments. students and their parents. Some 7,000 families throughout the country took part. "The school lunch program, as judged by the nutrient intake of students, clearly provides meals that are superior to the lunches eaten by non-participants. These differences are accounted for by the nutritional quality of foods that are required as part of the program's national meal pattern," Jarratt said. SENIOR CITIZEN HOTLINE Older citizens with concerns on any subject-governmental, financial or personal-can contact the hotline for older citizens' problems. The toll-free number for senior citizen help in Illinois is 1-800-252-6565. Hours for the toll-free number are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Arbor Day An American Tradition While the exact day may differ from state to state, the month of April marks an event that was first conceived by a Nebraska pioneer, and is now observed and celebrated in 49 states, Canada and other nations. Arbor day commemorates and recognizes the importance of trees in preserving the environment, assuring our future conservation, and providing natural beauty. J. Sterling Morton was a Nebraska pioneer who had spent a number of years planting trees in his adopted state of Nebraska, and encouraging his neighbors to do the same. In 1872, as a state legislator, he introduced a bill that recommended that April 10 be set aside as a day to plant trees celebrate their beauty and importance. The bill was ap­ proved and that year, over one million trees were planted in Nebraska. ' Illinois and many other mid- western states have selected the last Friday of April as the day to observe Arbor day . This year it will be April 29. However you choose to observe Arbor day, you'll be enhancing the natural beauty of your community by planting a new tree. As J. Sterling Morton, Arbor day founder once said, "Other holidays repose upon the Past; Arbor day proposes for the Future. Avoid Direct Contact Don't pour bleach or fab­ ric softner directly onto cloth­ ing in the water. Bleach can cause white splotches on col­ ored items and holes in oth­ ers. Direct contact with fab- tic*>ftper pan U^Y^lqrfid * Nr unheated homes, that's a small consolation. "It's important that everyone has the opportunity to keep their homes warm the remainder of this winter. I HEAP is ready to help the thousands who need this assistnace," Fox added. For 1983, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ear­ marked about $100 million for I HEAP. Community Action agencies throughout the state administer the program at the local level with DCCA overseeing the entire program. Fox noted eligibility requirements for assistance are based on the number of members in each family and their combined annual income. An overdue bill, cut-off notice or termination of service are not requirements for assistance eligibility. If you have a legal problem - or think you do - and need a lawyer to talk with, "ask a lawyer" at no cost on Saturday, April 30. Lawyer volunteers will answer phones at seven locations around Illinois from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to give the public in all parts of the state general consultation on legal problems. "Ask a Lawyer" day is spon­ sored by the Illinois State Bar association Lawyer Referral ser­ vice in cooperation with bar associations in Chicago and South suburbs, Lake county, Winnebago county, Will county, Peoria county and Sangamon county. Lawyers answering the phones will be able to tell callers general principles of law that relate to their inquiries. If a caller requires specific legal advice or service, he or she will be advised to consult a lawyer. "We find many people hesitate to see a lawyer, even when they think they may have a legal problem," according to Curtis W. Myers of Pontiac, chair of the State Bar Lawyer Referral Service committee. "Ask a Lawyer day will let people talk to a lawyer and find out if they have a need for legal ser­ vices. We expect most questions to be about family law, housing, a n d c o n s u m e r problems, although our lawyers will accept calls about any legal situation." Myers also said callers will be advised of steps they can take to resolve their legal problems. The toll-free phone lines at the Illinois Bar center in Springfield will be answered on April 30 by volunteers of the Sangamon County Bar association/ Young Lawyers division. Anyone in the state may call either (800) 252-8908 or (800 ) 252-8916. The public service project is intended to enable persons to un­ derstand their rights and responsibilities under the law. "Too often, we take for granted that the law will protect us, but there are some steps we must take to protect our Advice rights," according to Myers. "This Law day, Illinois citizens will be able to talk directly with a lawyer and learn how to make the law work for them." Case History CHILD VISION Or. Milton Ross Q. Our eye doctor talked to me about very personal things regarding my son John. What has this to do with ordering a pair of glasses. A. The case history is the most important part of the eye examination. The doc­ tor's prescription, the diag­ nosis and prognosis are relat­ ed to the history. After study, the doctor evaluates the prob­ lems and exam findings. Some of his recommenda­ tions will include lenses, well fitting frames, visual train­ ing, contacts either hard or soft, extended wear soft or astigmatic soft. Referral is made to various health spe­ cialties when required. If you have a question for Child Vision, write to Or. Milton Rots. P.O. Box 639. Frankfort, Ky 40602 from H/STORinf SCRAPBOOK DATES ANO EVENTS FROM YESTERYEARS April 28,1968--U.S. troops invaded Dominican Repub­ lic. April 29, 1899--Band leader and composer Duke Elling­ ton born Washington, D.C. April 30, 1900--John Luther ("Casey") Jones rams his big 8-wheeler locomotive into another train to give A- merican balladry its rpostjamous accident, supposedly _ near Vaughn. Miss, i For Your Inforrr^ Dear friencTs, Conservation may incline us to limit our long auto trips this vacation season. Perhaps we should rediscover the beauty of nature in our near environs: meadows- woods-streams. Sauntering walks, in­ vigorating hikes and bicycle rides to enjoy the natural beauty of our countryside can be a most healthful way to recharge our batteries-and cheaper too. Respectfully, „ c. v.; PETER M.JIISTEN & SON f tNEPAL HOME McHENRY. ILLINOIS 385-0063 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!!! CALL LORRAINE MONAHAN 365-5475 °<°rIO» urn Kliltm Miminil» ROYAL WELCOME Know Your Area-Royal Welcome Does It Best son & §ert)ice fessi°n pro ol Di'e cto^ JACK WALSH, AGENT EMLIL WALSH, BROKER INSURANCEt BONDS Fir*. Auto. Farm, Ufa Representing RELIABLE COAAPANIES 5018 W. Elm St., AAcHenry 3*5-3300 DENNIS CONWAY AUTO. LIFE. FIRE State Farm Ins. Co. 3319 W. Elm Street AAcHenry, III. JAMES M. MclNTEE, LAWYER AVAILABLE TO PRACTICE IN: Personal Injury/Trlalt Business Corporations Wills/Probate Divorce-Real Estate Worfcmafl's Compensation 3434 W. Elm Street. AftcHenry. II. For appointment phono: 3(6-2440 ^^^ntmen^hon^ Farm Equipment George P. Freund, ; Inc. Case - New Holland 4102 W. Crystal lake Rd. McHenry Bus. 385-0420 Res. 385-0227 MCHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES. SERVICE 1 RENTALS AAon.-Sat. *-5:30 Friday til 9:00 93 Grant St., Crystal Lake Phone: 459-122* BR. LEONARD BOTTARt 1303 Richmond Rd.-McHenry Eyes Examlnad-Contact Lenses Glasses Fitted Mon., Twos., Thurs., Fri. 4-4pm Tues., Thurs., Fri. 7-9 pm Sat. 9:30-3 pm Phone: 305-4151 or 305-2252 NcHENRY DENTAL CENTER DR. C J. LUDFORD DR. KEVIN WEGRZYN OPEN 3 EVENINGS A WEEK UNTIL 8:30 P.M. A SAT. 385-1360 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME JJ£CATERTOCOWAgD^ • I R E L I I RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europo Motors, Inc. 2318 Rte. 120 ' ~~ 815-305-0700 SERVICE LINE McHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 385-4300 FAMILY SERVICE « MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 4302-G West Crystal Lake Rd.. McHenry, II. 60050 115-315-6400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE if/ County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-8660 Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. week days (Evar had a problem involving the federal govarnmant arid not known whara to call? And than baan givan th* ronoroond or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how to help? Ten specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: 800-972-6004 (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 car.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES 24-Hours Child Abuse Hotline TOLL FREE: 800-252-2878 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 800-638-2666 (Operates 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 Service. 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 1-800-892-8900 Crisis Center Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number and professional stoff wil answer your call. Sponsoring agency 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 666 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, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PRAIRIE STATE LEGAL SERVICES, INC. 800-942-3940 Free legal representation in civil cases to iow income persons. Landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence or improper denial of benefits such as Social Security, Public Aid, Food Stamps, General Assistance g Unem­ ployment Insurance