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Iw-intnvas J x t s . m ifcf Free IV Guide in Today's Edition Winning Designs Above are the winning Christmas card designs in High School District 156 and the students whose artistic ability created the cards. Supt. Robert Swartzloff, left, is shown with Colleen Pierce, freshman at East, who won $10 third prize; Craig Cynowa.West campus senior whose design was selected for first prize and $25; and Tracy Tietz, junior at West campus, second prize of $15. The greeting contained in the first place card, mailed from the administration and board reads, "Peace and joy throughout the New Year. STAFF PHOTOS-JOEL WAKITSCH At this time of year, visions of sugar plums are supposed to be circulating in the heads of children. For Mom and Dad it's more of a nightmare, con­ sidering the price of toys this year. But Mom and Dad rate at least one good sugar plum dream. Maybe we can help than along. If you're tireaand the pocketbook has that jingle, jangle, jingle sound instead of the sound of paper money, try to imagine what it would be like to live in a kind of Utopia. Gose your eyes and revel in what they tell us living in Washington is really like. Maybe what we hear is only a fairy tale, but we deserve a little fantasy at Christmas time "Fat City" is the way Washington is sometimes described ~ another Santa without the red suit. It's a place we have come to think of as a city with an army of paper-pushing bureaucrats raking in huge salaries for telling us how to live our lives. Now wish for the magic carpet to take you to its metropolitan area, which just happens to rank No. 1 in "buying power". The average household income hovers just above $27,000 a year. That's not a bad start to any dream! It's the highest of any major city in the country and nearly 32 percent above the national average. Forget those discount stores and your struggle with bills. In your new dream home you can buy something nice for the wife at Saks Fifth avenue, where some pretty average people do their shopping. Getting hungry? 1 No, no, it isn't down to the hot dog vendor in Washington. Remember, this place is special and the vendors are selling quiche and other lunchtime delicacies. Our rather real fairytale dream puts us right up there among 15,000 lawyers and 58,000 psychologists and social workers employed by the government. If you're young, you can dream too, and don't try to limit your good time. One young man, less than a year out of college, is now pulling down $25,000 a year from one of the consulting firms that can be found almost everywhere in the nation's capital. In this fantasy land they assure us this is rather typical. Whoops! That one got you, didn't it? You've been working for years to reach just a small percent of that salary. It's enough to wake anyone. And now you're back in the real world of bills, cold weather and respon­ sibilities. It's a cruel world, but give yourself a Christmas gift. Don't let yourself feel guilty about that knot that appears in (Continued on page 18) Sounds Of Christmas In Park An old fashioned Christmas ex­ perience belongs to the public Sunday at Pearl street park. At 2:30 p.m., the Sweet Adelines will continue to heighten the Christmas spirit. As an encore to their excellent per­ formances last weekend at the First United Methodist church, 20 members of this popular county chapter will set the spirit of Country Christmas under the direction of Pat Gattone of McHenry. The McHenry chapter of the Sweet Adelines is part of an international organization. Not only do they perform locally but also compete annually in a Midwest contest, in which they have been most successful. The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce invites the public to enjoy this free concert of traditional as well as modern Christmas carols. Costumed in beautiful blue for the occasion, the Adelines will offer four-part bar­ bershop harmony and then lead everyone in community carolling af­ terward. The choirs of McHenry churches have been invited to par­ ticipate in this Christmas activity to round out the sounds of the season. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be in their cozy hut at Pearl street park from 2 to 4 p.m., patiently listening to the Christmas wishes of the young. Everyone is urged to . dress for cold weather. Hot chocolate, hot coffee and (Continued on page 18) Crime At Christmas Time The yuletide is traditionally the time of year when people give and receive gifts, but it is also the time of year when there is a substantial increase in the number of property crimes in and around McHenry, according to Police Chief George R. Pasenelli. These crimes include: thefts from cars, stores and burglaries, etc. Pasenelli cautioned people not to leave packages in the passenger compartments of cars, rather to lock them in the trunk. He also advised locking the car when away becauae cars, as well as packages, may disappear. Particular attention in the home should be paid to locking windows and doors and periodically double- checking these potential avenues of entry for the would-be burglar. Pasenelli also noted that alert, watchful neighbors are an important key to the security of your home. "Call the police if you see any suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood," the Chief said. "Open garage doors without cars and unlit homes are open invitations to burglars," Pasenelli explained. He pointed out that, during the winter months, conditions favor the burglar because dusk falls before many people get home from work. "Leave a light or radio on if you are leaving the house," Pasenelli advised. "If you're leaving town, let the Police department know. We can't check if we don't know you're gone." The Chief also commented that the criminal today is much more mobile than he used to be - moving out to the smaller cities and suburbs and then retreating to the City. He pointed out that it takes a competent burglar approximately two minutes to go through a house, taking only the most valuable items. The Chief said that if a wallet or purse is lost or stolen a report should be made. Many times, he noted, the thief is after credit cards and identification more than the money. Commenting on the increase in the number of home and office parties that occur at this time of year, the Chief advised people to "go slow and drive defensively." "There are a lot more parties at this time of year," Paaanelli said. "Make the 'one for the road* a food strong cup of coffee, or gat someone else to drive." Pasenelli pointed out that, at the discretion of the court, the range of possible penalties for a 'driving while intoxicated' conviction in­ cludes: automatic loss of licenaa, a possible jail sentence or a stiff fine. "In cases where there has bean an injury, thoee penalties are secon­ dary," the Chief said. "Avoid a tragedy, we want to make this holiday season safe and happy for everyone," he said. THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 <*> VOLUME 105 NUMBER 41 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1980 1 SECTION 22 PAGES 25' Name County Board Heads At Tuesday's meeting of the McHenry County board, Chairman Ronald J. Morris of Harvard an­ nounced his decisions for chairmen and members 'of the various committees. The four members from District 2 (McHenry) who are starting new terms are named among those with respon­ sible positions. Clint Claypool will head Finance & Salaries; Edward Buss, Legislative and Public Affairs; James Curran, Liquor and License; and Dean Cunat, Planning and Zoning. Thomas Huemann heads the Transportation Study committee. Claypool will also serve as a member of the Transportation and Tran­ sportation Study committees and will act as chairman representing the County board* on the 704 Mental Health a, bdariL ^ Buss, besides his chairmanship, wt'J serve on the Transportation committee In addition to acting as chairman of Liquor and License, Curran will also serve on the Audit and Court Services and Finance and Salaries committees. Cunat will serve on the Legislative and Public Affairs committee and as NIPC representative. Thomas Huemann, in addition to serving as chairman of the Tran­ sportation Study committee, is a member of the Public Safety and Valley Hi Nursing home committees. Paul Fidler, a newly elected mem­ ber, will serve on the Finance com­ mittee and as board representative on the Health Service Agency (HSA) board. Bill Fitzgerald, another new mem­ ber, serves on the Audit and Court Services and Health and Agriculture committees. Also new, John O'Hagan will have input as a member of the Health and Agriculture, and Purchasing and In­ surance committees, and will serve on the Committee for Local Im­ provements. Member Thomas Huemann of Johnsburg brought to the attention of the board an update on FAP 420, the proposed freeway north of McHenry, and an editorial concerning it which appeared in a recent issue of the McHenry County Defenders newsletter. Both items defended the position of this environmental group which favors an alternative plan for transportation and the abandonment of the highway. Passing out copies of both items, Edward Buss of McHenry started to read a strongly worded letter of rebuttal but was stopped mid-way through. One member suggested that it was poHcy- ta take issue with the freedom of the press to express its opinion. He observed that many times there is disagreement with stated opinions in other newspapers and these had not been answered. Although the membership appeared to be incensed as the discussion opened, when a vote was taken on the matter of answering the Defenders articles, there were 14 who said "no", 4 "yes" and 4 passed. The Valley Hi Nursing home report for the year disclosed a deficit of $172,055. This resulted from ex­ penditures of $971,829 and receipts of only $799,773 during the twelve-month period ending Nov. 30. A portion of the report listed 36 women and 19 men on the waiting list in 1980, both considerably higher than in 1979. William Morefield, administrator of Valley Hi, explained that emergency type patients are now cared for at the Carestoel center, McHenry. When Carestoel becomes filled with its own patients, Morefield said it would be the responsibility of the county to odd to the Valley Hi home. Buss recalled that the last referen­ dum for an addition to the county home was defeated by a 9-1 vote. However, he said a small addition was built anyway because of extreme need, and later the agreement with Carestoel was made. The board approved a request from Rosemary Azzaro, county clerk, to raise the salaries of judges from $45 to $55. Mrs. Azzaro was present to explain that under the new consolidation of elections law now in effect, there will be three elections in 1981. She said the amount of money earned by the Judges requires them to report withholding on Social Security taxes. Complaints have been received and Mrs. Ansro said she is fearful many will refuae to serve unless they are compensated. The treasurer's report for the month of November disclosed consldsrably leaa sales tax received for the year to date. A total of $1,097,966 was received, while $1,250,000 had been expected. A resolution wss passed commending Susan Fayette Hutchinson's dedicated service to the citizens of the county end particularly to the County board. She has been appointed an associate Circuit judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit. -School -Tax Levies-Set by Rededication Ceremonies At East Campus January 18 Rededication ceremonies will be taking place at McHenry high school East campus Sunday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m. in the Teaching theater. Formal ceremonies will be followed by tours of the newly renovated East campus facility. Many former members of the high school faculty and administration have been invited to participate in the ceremonies. Entertainment will be provided by the McHenry high school East campus Music department. Hie public is invited to attend this memorable event. School leaders feel it is an excellent day for the residents of District 156 to view the newly renovsted facilities at East campus and to renew old acquaintances. I6-2 Recommendation New Hospital Denial By HSA The Health Systems agency for Kane, Lake and McHenry Counties (HSA- KLM) has recommended against McHenry hospital's application for a $29 million, 200 bed replacement hospital. The recommendation to deny, on a vote of 16 to 3, has been sent to the Illinois Health Facilities Planning board, where a final decision is ex­ pected in early January. The HSA board acted quickly after a brief discussion of the methods used in determining need for the project. The board decision followed earlier recommendations made by the HSA's Project Review committee and the McHenry County Subarea council. The HSA's analysis of the McHenry hospital proposal underscored three major concerns as the basis for a negative recommendation: (l) the proposed project is not financially feasible because the ratio of debt financing to total project cost exceeds the 80 percent maximum requirement set by State regulations; (2) the project is believed to be not economically feasible because it would result in an "excessive and inappropriate assumption of debt relative to reasonable projections of patient volume", (patient charges would, on the average be $14.50 per day higher than necessary in 1985). Finally, the HSA analysis concluded that (3) "McHenry hospital has failed to identify all possible alternatives to the proposed project, nor has it selected the most cost effective alternative." Citing its own projections that 161 beds could be utilized at optimal oc cupancy by 1985, the HSA disagreed with MdHenry's projections supporting the need for 200 beds. McHenry hospital currently operates 136 beds. In other action, the "Guide To Family-Centered Maternity and Pediatric Care" was approved for release and distribution. The Guide describes the services currently offered in thq area and presents basic in­ formation regarding family-centered options that can be tailored to the needs of particular families. The Guide may be examined at the HSA office, 188 So. Northwest Hwy., Cary. The Health Systems agency's overall purpose is to encourage optimum health and health care services for all area residents at reasonable cost. General -membership in the HSA- currently more than 900 persons are members-is open to all KLM residents and health service providers. In addition, 40 volunteer positions on the HSA-KLM board ami subarea councils will be filled in March, 1981, elections. Further information and applications for general membership and board of director poaitions may be obtained by calling the HSA office at 312-639-0061. DISTRICT 156 The board of High School District 156 authorized its i960 tax levies at a routine meeting Tuesday. Included were approved amendments to the budget for fiscal 1980-81 snd provisions for funding a bond issue for energy conservstion and fire prevention under the Life Safety code. The board also voted to support s concerted effort by a number of school districts to oppose a rate increase by Commonwealth Edison Co. The levy total approved by the board was $3,984,000, consisting of $2,900,000 for the Educational fund, $550,000 for Operations, Building and Maintenance, $263,000 for Transportation, $110,000 for Working Cash, $82,000 for Illinois Municipal Retirement fund, and $79,000 for Tort Immunity insurance. Mike Kelly, business manager, explained that amounts did not necesssrily represent proposed expenditures by the district, but were inflated by about 50 percent to ensure that unforeseen in­ creases in assessed valuations would not prevent them from reselling the maximum rates for tax levies. Some funds have a statutory limit, such as $1.32 per $100 for the Education fund. If the actual amount needed was levied, and a dramatic valuation in- crease was recorded by the assessor, the levy rate conceivably could fall to a $1.09 and the fund-starved district would receive less than it might have otherwise. The board also passed a resolution re­ establishing the Working Cash fluid which was dissolved st the end of the last fiscal year and its balance tran­ sferred to the Education fund. Board members asked Kelly if passing the levy for the $90,000 for the Energy Conservstion bond issue meant that the district was going to try to sell the bonds in the current unfavorable market. Kelly said the purpose of the resolution was to get on the 1980 levy, but they would not necesssrily go into the market unless financial firms in­ dicated it would be favorable. He said there was a cap of 9 percent on the interest payable. If the actual interest was lower, part of the levy would be abated. The issue is con­ sidered essential because of the energy savings possible to the district if the work is completed. The board approved Robert An­ derson's motion to support a group of school districts led by Oak Park-River Forest High School District 200 snd the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) in Project COST (Conserve Our School Taxes) which is fighting Commonwealth Edison's proposal to raise costs. The schools sre claiming discrimination in that they are billed at (Continued on page 18) DI8TRICT18 The board of Elementary School District 15 recently passed the annual resolution for levy of taxes against assessed real estate for 1980 and the measure will use the full $1.38 rate limit for the Education fund, William Landis, assistant superintendent for operations, indicated. He said the amounts included in the levy ordinance were: Education fund, $2,208,000; Operations, Building ana Maintenance, $400,000; Bond and Intereet (set by county clerk accordJU# to an earlier submitted amortization schedule): Transportation fudd, $240,000; Illinois Municipal Retirement fund, $60,000: Working Cash fund. $80,000; Liability Insurance, $102,333^ Landis noted that the IMRF and Hie * Liability levies were the actual amo- « ounts and are not limited by a statutory ' rate. Included in the Liability fund,4 Landis explained, was $80,000 for * unemployment compensation resulting from the teacher and staff layoffs. This ' amount, he indicated, the board could < seek reimbursement for. The levy« should not contain any surprises * taxpayers if assessments are not * abruptly changed. * The board agreed not to participate la \ a cooperative effort by affected school 4 boards to seek relief in court Cram « alleged discriminatory billing by J Commonwealth Edison during summer J months. The reason given was the •» indefinite cost snd the district's « financial condition. The project is ? called COST (Conserve Our School4 Taxes). ? After hearing committee reports, the J board decided to allocate $300 from the \ board expense account for preparation « and diatribution of a district newsletter * to implement its goal of communicating-4 better with parents and reaidenta. The material is not directly related to the referendum although its timing it hoped to inspire some input from the public, Joan Miller, public relatione chairman, suggested. In the same vein the board moved to change the location of the Jan*, 27 educational meeting from Parkland school to Hilltop school and notify the PTO for that area that their attendance would be welcomed. While the general public is also welcome, board members noted that they would like s dialogue with PTO leaders about school problems. The board also authorized Landis to pursue possible solutions for Hill top's water problem, including necessary permits from the county. Karen Salman, chairman, Planning- Building committee, advised that she had presented district concerns about the property at Route 120 and Ringwood road to the developers and had received (Continued on P*9* 18) The Blues Of Christmas Alternative Education Christmas Plant Care Newest Color New Life Through Grant Traditional Favorites Page 8 Page 5 Page 9 i