Here's Health "Let's eat out". More Americans are saying that to each other these days and going out to sit-down and fast-food restaurants then ever before. They have no doubts that the food they order, from pizza to sauerbraten. will taste good - and be safe to eat The people making sure that food offered for sale in local restaurants is free of con tamination and prepared and served under the highest possible hygienic standards are the county sanitarians working for the McHenry County Health department. Five hundred and twenty-six restaurants are currently operating in the county - , licensed by the Health department and inspected twice a year at unspecified times to make sure they are obeying rules for food preparation and service laid down by the County board The reason for the rules governing the handling, storage, preparation, display and transportation of food and of all equipment and utensils used to prepare food is the ever present threat of bacterial contamination Bacteria are all around us and some of them are disease producing Bacteria can grow rapidly in food that is not carefully handled and stored hygienically and can cause food poisoning that is debilitating and often dangerous to human beings Salmonella. streptococcus, s t a p h y l o c o c c u s a n d Clostridium perfringens bacteria can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever and sometimes prostration if ingested by humans Bacteria like the same food that we do - they thrive on protein and high moisture content foods like fish, poultry, milk*eggs and meat. They also like the same climate, mid range from 45 degrees to 140 degrees The way to control disease producing bacteria is to make things too hot tor too cold) for them and to make sure everything coming in contact with food is as clean as possible County Health department sanitarians take a look at the physical condition of the restaurant on their twice yearly visits Are the walls, floors, and windows reasonably clean" Grease and garbage attract rats, mice and cockroaches - all excellent bacteria carriers Employees are checked for personal hygiene - the hands, hair and physical condition of anyone handling food should be as clean as possible. Sanitarians check on tem peratures in which food is stored. Below 45 degrees or above 140 degrees are tem peratures bacteria find un desirable. The water is checked to make sure it is adequate and from an approved water supply system Ice has to be made from safe, approved water and tran sported and handled as safely as water. Sanitarians also check septic systems and make sure adequate toilet facilities are provided for employees. Ventilation systems are also checked grease laden vapors are not only a cosmetic problem, they can also carry germs. Violations must be corrected within a certain period of time or permission to operate the restaurant may be withdrawn. OF SAFETY Snow Thrower Safety Give trouble a cold shoul der this winter when you're using your push-type snow thrower. Here are some hints from the experts at the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute ( for making winter yardwork easy--and safe. Festive Day In Scotland The most elaborate testivitles in Scotland are saved for HOGMANAY, or NEW YEAR'S. In some parts of Angus the old year is burned out with enormous bonfires around which the people dance And at Stovehaven proces sions are held in which balls of flaming rope are swung about the ends of long cords In Edinburgh, outside the Tron church crowds gather to wait for midnight When the hour strikes, those in Highland dresses toss their bon nets into the air and dance reels to the wild music of bagpipes A L W A Y S M A K E S U R E THE machines guards and s h i e l d s a r e i n p l a c e . 1. Put your owner's man ual at the top of your must- r e a d l i s t . R e l e a r n y o u r machine's functions before you even turn it on. 2. Adjust the height when you're clearing gravel or crushed rock surfaces. 3. Always make sure your guards or shields are in place. 4. If your machine hasn't been checked out by an ex pert this year, make sure you make an appointment with your dealer at the end of the season. 5. Remember: the ma chine's no toy. Never dis charge snow at anyone-- a hidden rock or wood could injure a passerby. If you follow this advice, your snow thrower won't throw you for a loop. W TOondez /take Onn AND LOUNGE FEATUKING CHINESE t AMERICAN CUISINE NOW OPEN FO* LU ITUES.4 WED. SPECIAL ALL DAY SENIOR CITIZEN DAY !•%*? THOUGHT FOR FOOD By GOULD CROOK "Mon, u »'• iw ^HT.' MCH - TUESDAY THRU FRI. 11:30-2 FRIDAY NITE SPECIAL FISHERMAN S WHARF SIM THURSDAY SPECIAL ALL DAY FRIED CHICKEN Sits CARRY OUT ORDERS $506 E. WONDER LAKE RD WONDER LAKE ILL PHONE 815 72S 0411 OPEN FOR DINNER: TUES.-THURS. 4 to 9, FRI. 4 to 10, SAT. I to 10, SUN. 1 to 9 I ACUITIES A* AH ABU fO* BANQUIIS I Wt DOINGS Good Old-Fashioned Fudge Some of the modern quick and easy fudge recipes are good, but I haven't found one that takes the place of Good Old-Fashioned Fudge Beating will take about 15 minutes but it 's well worth it 4 squares of unsweetened chocolate (4 ounces) 11/2 cups milk 4 cups sugar 3 tablespoons white corn syrup 1/4 tsp. salt 3 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons vanilla Chopped nuts (optional) Cook milk and chocolate over low heat until chocolate is melted Use a medium-size and heavy pan. Add sugar, salt and syrup and cook stirring con stantly until it comes to a boil. Now cook without stirring to 230J if using a candy ther mometer or until a teaspoon of the syrup forms a soft ball when dropped in cold water Remove from heat and add vanilla and butter -- don't stir it in though. Let fudge stand to cool about 15 minutes and then beat with a wooden spoon until it thickens and begins to lose its gloss. Add nuts now if you want them Pour into a buttered pan (about 8 by 8 by 2) and let stand until cool and set, cut in squares. • SUBSCRIBE To The McHenry Plaindealer And Save *8.80 Over Newstand Price FILL OUT AND MAIL OR BRING TO: McHENRY PLAINDEALER 3812 W. Elm St.. McHenry, III. 60050. with ch*ck or money order for *12.00 fc subscription within McHenry County. NAME ' ADDRESS CITY ZIP MONEY BACK GUARANTEE FOR UNUSED PORTION" Good Health Habits Ease Risk to Heart Amazing Amazon If the Amazon and the rivers that flow into it were in the United States, they would cover most of the 48 states and reach into parts of Canada and Mexico. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Amer ica today. Although no single factor will prevent heart disease, good health habits are as favorable to the heart and circulatory system as they are to all body functions. If you already have some form of heart disease, suitable medical managenS^nt and good living habits can prolong life and make it more enjoyable The American Medical As sociation offers some sugges tions for the healthful living but don't fear it. Know about its causes and how to cope with it. Learn your personal health status by periodic medical examinations. Discovered early, heart disease can often be better controlled. If you're overweight, take off those extra pounds. Bat less in the hope you will live longer to eat more. ' Exercise regularly. If you have heart trouble your physician will help you set your activiry limits. ' Prevent infectious diseases if possible,^and if one should occur, seek treat ment promptly * Accept life's challenges, come to terms with those things you cannot change, and live your life as though you expect to live forever SECTION 2 - PAGE 3 PLAINDEALER - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22. It78 parents who are probably working to give him what they couldn't have and yet the most important thing they neglept. respect for other peopled property . * % ------ Pi \\\\)i \i F R' Letters to the hdilor Public Pulse (Th# Plomdooler invito* the pubix to utt 'hit th«v eolur thoir Vtowri on »ub|*rt* of gonorol tnt«r«»t in our commi it tho» the writ*ri 91V* tignoture lul' oddrott and phon thot an* individual not writ* on tho some tub|e<t more W# rvterVe tho right to d«l*t« ony moter ob|*c tionooVvto»te a\ on expression of y Ou» onl/«f#qv»*t umber A^otk too n ome eorh month tider libelous or in habits that will reduce the risk of heart disease * Understand heart disease. As recently as 100 years ago, some people were still using a tin kitchen funnel as a hear ing aid -- though it only work ed if you stood right next to it and screamed into it. HOLIDAY VANDALISM "Editor: "There is much talk about the lack of community cooperation in many activities and especially around Christmas "When my children were in school they wanted us to enter the Christmas decoration contest run every year by McHenry's Chamber of Commerce At the time money was a little tight to buy wiring, etc., to participate but we did anyway "We entered our names and two days before the judging some well meaning school kids with their faithful nippers cut our wiring to our Christmas tree lights It was reported and the officers were very kind but couldn't do too much to help without know.ing who the youngsters were. "After the incident I heard many others had The same experience and therefore stopped outside decorating The only thing I do put out is an inexpensive Merry Christmas shield on mv mailbox "The other day I went out to find some vandal had even ripped that off my box To him - - or her - it may have been a laughing matter but I am the one to have the last laugh "He has his whole life ahead of him and if things like van dalism turn him on I feel sorry both for him and his parents - "Today it 's cutting wires and d e s t r o y i n g C h r i s t m M decorations: tomorrow it will be tears in court when he Is sentenced for a more serious crime "The lack of upbringing m the home is showing t p more and more on the streets and-ib the courts So wherever you are. laughing at vwir pr .tic, i am laughing and wishing you a Merry Christmas and r ay yoli get everything you ? have coming to you "Mrs L C fcknes" LENNOX HEATING t C00UN6 We are involved... * HEATING SYSTEM MAINTAINANCE * FURNACE SERVICING * HUMIDIFIER & ELECTRONIC AIR CLEANER INSTALLATION * LENNOX CONSERVATOR FURNACE INSTALLATION * HONEYWELL NlGHT SET BACK THERMOSTATS * J SAVING FLAIR" FLUE DAMPER INSTALLATION &Lll HlwiHCI ucATlur «unrnnnur A C e r t i f i e d 3511 S WRIGHT RD McHENRY. IL HEATING AND COOLING LtNMQX D e o l e r SINCE 1931 (815|459 2300 1312)5266286 1 SANTA SAYS: 10% OFF Young And Old Will Love Artists Supplies For Xhristmas! SUPPLIES SUPPLIES FOR THE AMATEUR AND THE PROFESSIONAL See Our Selection Of Beautiful Picture Frames •Oil Color Sets •Acrylic Sets •Water Color Sets •Caligraphy Sets •Chalk Sets •X-Acto Wood Carving Sets FOX RIVER VALLEY BOAT CO. 1310 N. RIVERSIDE DR.. McHENRY 385-0454 last it's here . . . the merriest time of the year! This is the season when old friendships are strengthened and new ones are fostered by the spirit of good will all about us. Here's hoping we may continue the fine association we have enjoyed in the past. Thanks, friends, and have a wonderful Holiday. HlfS MARENGO F E D E R A L S A V I N G S a n d l o a n a s s o c i a t i o n