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SECTION 2-PAGE 1 -PLAINDEALFR-- WFDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977 It s A Man's World Senior Hot Line RAY McGEE (This issue marks the first installment of a new series focusing on some of the men in the community who, over a period of many years, 4iave helped mold the shape of this city. With all the talk going around about equal rights for women, these men are living proof that it still is a "Man's World") "If you don't go to college, you're not going to go anywhere in life." That's a popular line used by badgering parents in this modern era, literally shoving reluctant offsprings into a world of which they want no part. But how does one place a value on the "real life" ex­ periences, which often prove more significant than any number of years spent in school? Take Ray McGee for example. This man never made it to high school. But anyone who denies his contributions to the city of McHenry simply hasn't lived in the area long enough to have heard about them. For the persons who know Mr. McGee, his contributions and accomplishments are legend, and are more valuable than any number of college degrees or years of education. In fact, he is still keeping active in the community, sepving on the Sheriff's Merit commission, which gives examinations and interviews prospective county police of­ ficers. Mr. McGee is also still on the County Jury commission, and does the interviewing for prospective jurors for trials at the county courthouse. Why does the venerable Mr. McGee remain active on the two key commissions? "It's therapy for me," he explained. "It enables me to use my brains and keeps me on my toes." - Mr. McGee lived through two of the most traumatic moments in American history--the great depression and prohibition. Living through both periods, he has a wealth of material and knowledge to lend to any eager ear. Story Series by Jeff Bonato Staff Photo-Wayne Gaylord For history buffs, Mr. McGee moved from Woodstock to McHenry, and opened his store, McGee and Conway's, in 1919. Six years later, he bought out his partner and McGee's Men's Wear became a reality. At that time, the store was located on Green street, but across the road from its present location. The store was in the old "Bootery" building which burned down several years ago. In 1927, Mr. McGee moved his store across the street into its present location. He has since sold the store although it continues to carry his name. Besides the clothing store, Mr. McGee was also the postmaster in McHenry for twenty-five years. He began at the post office in 1935, and says that, "I was right up to my neck in debt with the depression, and so I took the job at the post office when it was offered." One of his proudest moments came when the new post office became a reality about seventeen years ago. Persons in the community always consider Mr. McGee as the type person who is always willing to help someone else out. He attributes that to his upbringing. "I came from the poorest family in Woodstock," he recalled. "My father died when I was six and my mother had to raise us six children. "We may not have had anything, but we didn't know we were poor. I think I was fortunate to be brought up in that way of life. "Times have changed," he added. "Those oldtimers made themselves a success, but they had to do it the hard way. "It's a helluva lot different now than it was years ago," he concluded.. Mr. McGee has received numerous awards, but seems to hold a special place for the Law day award given him on Law day, May 1, 1973. "I was the first one who received the award who didn't deserve it," he said. "I really appreciate it though. "It was a complete surprise (Written under the auspices of Lieutenant Governor Dave O'Neal) Q. Can you tell me what amount the July raise will mean for persons who are receiving SSI? A. In July the benefit amount will increase to a total of $177.80 for one person and $266.70 for a couple. The amount for a person living in the household of another will be $118.54. Q. There have been some recommendations to Congress for changing the fqpd stamp program. How do you feel about the proposals? A. The full package of recommendations has to be studied. It is too recent a proposal to have full data available. However one of the chief barriers to very low in-. come families has been the purchase price. The proposals to congress would allow per­ sons to receive the benefit without purchasing the coupon allotment. For example, an elderly couple is eligible to purchase $92 worth of stamps for $72. That is a benefit of $20. In the new proposal we understand that the benefit would be given, eliminating the need for a "front end" purchase price of $72. This has often been a barrier to persons on low in­ comes. Q. Is it possible to purchase food stamps through the mail? A. Yes, you can mail your authorization form with a money order to Mail Order Sales Office, P.O. Box 939, Springfield, 111. 62705. You would have to make certain they arrived at the mail order office before the expiration date on the authorization card. Q. How long does it take to be certified eligible for food stamps? A. Thirty days, under some circumstances though there are some provisions for emergency issuance of food stamps. Q. When will the food stamp allotment be changed? A. In July they must be examined to see if adjustments are required by changes in food cost. Q. Can I use food stamps to contribute for my lunch at the nutrition program or for Meals- on-Wheels? A. Yes, if the program is authorized by the State to accept food stamps. to me to receive it," he added. "When you hear your name called, it really takes something out of you. To tell you the truth, I don't think I'm anything special." The man speaks too lowly of himself. Until just recently, he was very active in the Rotary, and he helped numerous causes such as the March of Dimes. For many years Mr. McGee was an avid reader and was a member of the Great Books club of Chicago. Now, besides his commission work for McHenry county, he still belongs to the Enterprise club. The Enterprise club? "There's nothing important about it," he said."It's just a group of retired or semi-retired men who get together twice a month and have a few drinks and talk." Yes, indeed, to McHenry's benefit, Ray McGee came through the depression just fine. Forget his lack of formal education. With what he knows and has done for the com­ munity, Ray McGee is living proof that it still is a man's world. HOUSE Of QIMim 5000 W. ROUTE 120, McHENRY, ILL 385-3401 We Accept Food Stamps McHENRY'S COOK-OUT HEADQUARTERS Mon. thru Sat. 9:00 to 6 30 Fri. 9:00 to 8:00 Sun. 9:00 to 5:30 IN OUR DELI 4; f ' llr 99 SAVE 20% ON OUR WEEKLV SPECIALS! SOFT SUMMER SAUSAGE. SUPER SHARP $105 CHEDDAR HICKORY SMOKED 19 HAM REAL LIVER SAUSAGE. PEPPER CHEESE. % LB. V2 LB. V2 LB. VtLB. 75 BONE-IN SMOKED HAM STEAK of the WEEK PRIME RIB EYE Vi LB. BUY 10 OR MORE *1.85 Vi LB. 99 FRESH-LEAN CORNED BEEF ... 99 THE SEA COVE FROZEN ABALONE MEAT.. WEST COAST SAND DABS 89 LB. GULF COAST RED SNAPPER. FRESH SMELTS Headless & Dressed 5239 85' WHOLE SALMON AND MANY 99 Lieutenant Governor Dave O'Neal Senior Action centers in Springfield and Chicago help with information, tax rebates, public aid, homestead exemp­ tion, housing, social services, nutritional programs, social security, SSI, medicare, medicaid, transportation, senior rights, consumer complaints and any other concerns. Write us at 160 North LaSalle, Chicago, 111., 60601 or 3 West Old Town Mallfe Springfield, 111., 62701 with questions or complaints, about any government agency or program. This column will be covering the many questions senior citizens have on various subjects. The Village of Holiday Hills Call Statewide: Dial 800-252-6565 Toll-Free Metropolitan Chicago: Dial S-E-N-I-O-R-S 736-4677 Still In Effect In Pakistan, a new law re­ quires that the value of the dow­ ry and wedding gifts given new- lyweds cannot total more than $500, under pain of a $1,000 fine and a year in prison. Meanwhile, Greek dowries can be anything from a small olive grove on the edge of the bride's village to high-priced real estate in Athens. The dowry is entrenched in 32 civil codes in Greece, and current moves to abolish it are highly controversial. CHER I HOGLl \D ROSEMARY HOLTZ Silver Jubilee Celebration For Connell Family Marge and John Connell along with their children, Rick, . Chris , Randy and Maureen joined in the gala festivities held for Marge's cousin, the Rev. Ray Goedert, on the oc­ casion of his Silver Jubilee. The day started with a , concelebrated Mass offered by Father Ray and twenty of his associates at St. Barbabas church in Chicago. After the Mass* 225 family and friends gathered together to enjoy a dinner given in honor of Rev. Goedert, twenty-five years in the Lord's service. SCHOOL DAZE Milwaukee zoo is just about the most popular place around these days, as our own seventh graders left the classroom for the call of the wild. The following day the kids toured the Mitchell con­ servatory, also in Milwaukee where fauna and flora are displayed in the beauty of their natural surroundings. Village children who enjoyed the day's outing were, Sue Bielski, Cathy .'185-3944 344-0615 Grasser, Kim Hughes, Ray Hoglund, Barb Mahon, Joe Mroz, Jeff Smith, Val Priko,* Dawn Sheppit, Sharon Sturgill, Tina Harwood, Karen Thietje. GET-WELL WISHES It's been six long months since Dennis Wilson ended up in a body cast that confined him to his bed. The winter months weren't too bad, everyone else was stuck in the house too, but with the golden rays of spring's bright mornings and the sounds of kids playing -- well sometimes it's downright depressing. How nice it would be to see some friendly faces again. Do yourself a favor-- make someone happy-he'll feel better and so will you. AND THE WINNER IS - Talented Kurt Roth is twenty- five dollars richer thanks to his award winning entry in the first annual Holiday Hills vehicle sticker design contest. Kurt's design was the overwhelming choice of the panel of judges. The response to the contest, was most gratifying, sparking plans for next year's competition. Congratulations, Kurt, on a job well done. The BLOW OUT ALL THE CANDLE day belonged to Christopher Wegener-the occasion was the celebration of fiis first year, as chocolate cake and ice cream helped make the festivities complete. Those sharing the happiness of our birthday boy were mom and dad, sister, Kelly, brothers, John, Eddie and Phillip along with Gramma and Grampa Barbier, the DeWitts; Bill, Mim, Noreen and Billy, the Toposkis, Tom, Pat and Brian and Denise. Everyone had a good time, but mostly Chris. HOT LINE A McHenry county hot line, "an alternative to abortion" is seeking volunteers to help man the phones. Sandy Wawczak, a resident of the village asks you to call 344-2863 and offer your assistance for this worthy cause. BIRTHDAY BOUQUETS PAST AND PRESENT Go to Christopher Wegener on May 4, to Joey Holtz on the sixth, Glenna Kessler on the ninth, Julie Bartkus, May 10, and Leone Goebel, May 16. AND ANNIVERSARY ROSES To Bill and Judy Jaramski on the ninth and Rita and Jack Gretner on the twelfth. VILLAGE NEWS Notice the newly-patched, smooth as glass, Sunset drive? It's a welcomed improvement and we in the village are grateful to those who spent their time and energy to repair and maintain our roads. The hard workers were Glen Hiokey, John Van Duyn, Marty Lewandowski, Ron Cornweli. Rog Saunders, Bev Saunders. Jim Childs, John Schneider, Doug Carroll, "The guy with the Mercury outboard" van, Don Gregg, Brian and Keith Gregg, and Mike Novak Jr Don^t forget the board meeting May 19. HAVE A NICE DAY Never Stops o During its 12-year lifespan, a braver never stops growing A- dults average about 50 pounds, a mere shadow of the bearsized an­ cestral beavers that roamed the Ice Age scene Housing Grant Gov. Thompson announced recently that Illinois will receive a $16.9 million federal grant to provide housing and community development assistance to lower-income families and individuals in rural areas. Target counties for the project are Marshall, Stark. Putnam. Bureau, Jasper, Crawford, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wayne, Edwards, Wabash and White. The twenty- four month project will assist with new housing construction, h o u s i n g r e h a b i l i t a t i o n , d e v e l o p m e n t o f w a t e r a n d sewer services and other essential community facilities c o n s t r u c t i o n . F o r m o r e i n ­ formation write to Director John Castle, Illinois Depart­ ment of Local Government Affairs, 303 E. Monroe street, Springfield. 62706. LossmannY Meats, fish & OHi Sale Beer Not Iced We Reserve The Right To Limit Quantities On Sale Items • • • • $ 5jC # 5',c & No Sales To Minors MERCHANTS OF (FINE WINES AND LIQUORS MAY 11th TO MAY 17th 4610 W. RTE. 120, McHENRY, ILLINOIS AMERICA'S FAVORITE! CROWN •R.C. DOOR BUSTER OF THE WEEK! COLA •DIET NUMBER ONE! ROSE'S LIME JUICE COLA CHRISTIAN BROTHE •NEHI FLAVORS 8-16 0Z. BOTTLES FOR GIMLET PERFECTIONi SCHENLEY 12 0Z BOTTLE CHEE-TOS PHILADELPHIA BLENDED WHISKEY CHEESE FLAVORED PUFFS 9 0Z. ECONOMY SIZE REG. 79' EA. HALF GALLON SCHENLEY VODKA HALF GALLON OUR PRICES ARE McHENRY'S LOWEST! PAUL MASSON IMPORTED IMPORTED 1975 YAGO RIUNITE LAMBRUSC0 DEMMER LIEBFRAUMILCH SANT' GRIA PREMIUM CHENIN BLANC ROlmassoT BLACK LABEL QLD MILWAUKEE 12-12 0Z. CANS OLD STYLE 24-12 0Z BOTTLES 6-12 0Z. CANS PLUS DEPOSIT LB. VI§.IT OUR CHEESE SHOP 4610 W. Rte. 120 Ph. 815 385-3200