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POETS CORNER Mistletoe Not Just For Kissing PAGE 3 - PLAINDEALER - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20.1978 , THE FAITHFUL ONE When there's some work to do, It's very likely to be done by just a faithful few. Many folks will help to sing, and some are glad to talk. But when it comes to doing things, A lot of them will balk. So when you have to look about . At things that must be done, You nearly have to go and ask the "Faithful One" You know full well he's busy too, And always hard at work, Yet, you are sure he'll not refuse Nor any duty shirk. He never stops to make excuses But always tries to do, The very best he can ^ To smooth the way for you. So may God bless this "Faithful One' and ever enrich his life, For having served his post so well. John H. Keizer 3607 Middle St. McHenry, 111. THE WONDER OF IT ALL 0, little Babe of Bethlehem, With eyes so starry bright, Did you know the wonder of it all, That calm and hallowed night? Did Mary cradle you in her arms, And hold you close and sing A lullaby to her precious Babe Who someday would be King? Did you know of shepherds in the field Whose hearts with fear were torn At the herald angel's message, "Fear not. A Savior to you is born?" Did you hear the song of the heavenly host Of angels from on high, "Glory to God, on earth peace, good-will," Did it hush your baby cry? Did you know that wise men from the East Guided by your brilliant star, Came to worship you and bring rich gifts Of gold, frankincense and myrrh? Did you know dear Babe of Bethlehem, How our hearts you would enthrall. And our love for you would be sanctified By the wonder of it all? Ethel Hintz I Senior Hot Line { am (Written under the auspices of Lieutenant Governor Dave O'Neal i Q What is a nursing home" A Today's nursing homes are professional health care facilities providing long term or extended care to con­ valescents of all ages The aim is to help these residents- patients care for themselves to the best of their individual abilities and return to their own homes and communities whenever possible. Q v\ hat types of services and facilities are currently available in Illinois" A Sheltered care facilities provide residents with some supervision and assistance with personal tasks These residents are mostly ambulatory and are able to take medicines on their own Intermediate care facilities provide basic nursing care for residents patients with long term illnesses or disabilities who have reached a stable plateau Skilled nursing facilities provide continuous nursing care and observation with frequent medical supervision. These facilities are for persons who need the type of care and treatment required during the post acute phase of an illness or during reoccurrence of chronic illnesses Facilities for the develop mentaly disabled may either be licensed as skilled, in termediate, or sheltered care They are oriented toward those persons who are mentally retarded or have cerebral palsy, epilepsy, etc, Homes for the aged is a descriptive term used by facilities in which the residents are usually private pay Endowment homes are a type of residential facility usually offering room and board only and not licensed by the state If additional service above room and board is offered, it must become licensed as a sheltered or nursing care facility. These "home!" usually offer "life care" for an agreed upon en­ dowment to be left to the facility y What about costs? What if 1 cannot afford this care? A If you cannot afford a facility s private pay rates, there are three possible govern m e n t assistance programs Medicaid is a public assistance program financed by the state and federal governments Skilled and in­ termediate facilities may receive Medicaid certification. Medicare is a health insurance 'program administered by the Social Security administration for persons over 65 years of age, or under B5 with a disability, and who have been hospitalized for a minimum of three days and are placed in a skilled .nursing facility by a physician Supplementary security income is a federal program coupled with a state supplement lor persons Old Tradition In Italy on New Year's Eve some Italians pitch almost anything they can get their hands on out the window. This is at mid­ night and they toss out d i s h e s , f u r n i t u r e , k i t c h e n w a r e a n d o l d g l a s s w a r e . T h e y a r e "cleaning out the old and beginning the New Year." To most people, mistletoe means an excuse to steal a kiss at Christmas time. But that's just one of many traditions that have been associated with this curious, parasitic plant. For centuries, people all over the world have considered mistletoe to be a charm against disease, witchcraft, and in­ fertility. Mistletoe super­ stitions probably came about because of the unusual and rather eerie way in which the plant grow. Misteltoe flourishes in clumps on the trunks and branches of various hardwood trees, where it robs its host tree of water and nutrients. Often, the host tree is so weakened that it dies But since mistletoe can produce its own food when necessary, the parasite remains green and moist Because they were unable to explain how mistletoe grew, ancient civilizations believed the plant had supernatural powers. Peasants in both England and Japan believed that barren women would be able to conceive after eating mistletoe. The Walos of Africa attached mistletoe leaves to their bodies, confident that they would then be protected from injury. The Swedes carved sword handles from mistletoe branches to ward off witches, while other Europeans wore mistletoe corsages to guarantee a successful hunt. Mistletoe is not a very tasty plant. In fact, although there are more than a thousand varieties throughout the world, only one animal--the tiny Australian mistletoe bird- relies solely on mistletoe for food. But medical history reveals that despite its taste, mistletoe was often fed to ailing patients by physicians who thought it had curative powers. ^ French physicians used mistletoe as an antidote for poisons. And one 17th century British physician Observed that the plant is "good for the grief of itch, sores, toothache, and the biting of mad dogs and venemous beasts." Even as late as the mid- 1700 s. many European medical authorities thought mistletoe would cure epilepsy. Since mistletoe attaches itself so firmly to a tree that it cannot be blown down, they reasoned, an epileptic could not fall down if he consumed the plant regularly. As it was thought that mistletoe possessed magical powers, it's not surprising that the plant was long forbidden in Christian chur,ches. It was thought to be tainted with heathenism But the Druids- the woodsy priests of the an­ cient Celts-considered mistletoe to be a warm refuge n HOSPITAL NOTES RECIPE for the woodland spirits during the cold weather. They gathered and hung the plant throughout their dwellings This primeval practice may be the origin of the western tradition of decorating homes with greenery at Christmas time. Centuries ago. on the sixth day of a new moon, a white- robed priest armed with a golden sickle could be se«n harvesting mistletoe, the Druids believed the jjlant was too sacred to be collected by just anyone Traditions change, of course, and today anyone willing to venture out into the woods can gather mistletoe with a pair of pruning shears But some traditions change very little A kiss under the mistletoe dates all the way back to Norse mythology, which dedicated mistletoe to the Goddess of Love M< I IENKV Admissions: M a r g o Schneider of McHenry and Edward May of Spring Grove. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. WOODSTOCK A d m i s s i o n s : H e r b e r t Freund. Miss Karen Howe. Miss Maureen Pintozzi, and Mrs. Charlene Frantz, all of McHenry baby Christian Jones. Thomas Jones. Amanda Donash. Frank Heser and Mrs Barbara Clark, all of Wonder Lake; Mrs Esther Popelka of Spring Grove Born: Dec 15. to Mr and Mrs Thomas Stokes, McHenry, a boy. School Testing Results residing in a sheltered care "facility Q Are there alternatives to these facilities" A There are various alter­ natives to entering a long term health care facility Among those to be considered, are adult day care, retirement centers, home health care, homemakers. meals-on-wheels programs, etc Q What initial steps should I take before placing a relative or myself in a long term health care facility" A Don't wait until a time of crisis when the choice must be made quickly Acquaint yourself with the different facilities in your area now and find out how they operate When the need becomes ob­ vious and warranted: rely on a physician's recommendation regarding the type of care needed; « visit and compare facilities suitable to these needs; meet the staffs and talk to the residents; ask questions regarding costs, services, patient's rights, personal freedom, etc Next week we will advise you on how to choose a nursing home Write or call us at Lieutenant Governor Dave O'Neal's Senior Action centers at 160 North LaSalle. Chicago. Ill 60601, or 3 West Old Town mall. Springfield. Ill 62701 with questions or concerns about any government agency or program This column will be covering the many questions senior citizens may have on various subjects Call statewide: toy free 800- 2 52 6565; Metropolitan Chicago 312-793-3333 Illinois students continue to score well on tests of achievement as compared to students in the rest of the nation, State Superintendent of Education Joseph M Cronin noted in a preliminary report on achievement trends to be presented to the state board Dec. 14 According to Cronin, over the last nine years, students in Illinois have scored con­ sistently higher than the rest of the nation on the Scholastic Aptitutde Test (SAT) and slightly higher than or very close to the rest of the nation of the American College Test < ACT > The SAT and ACT are the two major tests of achievement taken by junior and senior high school students who anticipate attending college About 15 percent of Illinois high school graduates take the SAT; about 64 percent take the ACT Illinois SAT mathematics scores have remained essen­ tially high and unchanged over the last nine years. Cronin reported, while national scores have continued to slide Illinois SAT verbal scores decreased from 1969 to 1975. but have remained essentially stable in the last three years "The gap between the higher Illinois verbal scores and those in the rest of the nation continues to widen," Cronin said Since 1967. Illinois ACT scores have measured slightly higher or very close to the national scores Although Illinois ACT scores appear to have decreased from 1970 to 1976; they have remained essentially level in the last two years. Cronin also announced results of the Illinois Inventory of Education Progress (HEP), a state-wide survey of student achievement. Initiated in 1976 in response to a nationwide push for educational accountability, the HEP is administered each academic year to a random sample of students in Illinois in fourth, eighth and eleventh grades On the mathematics portion of the test. Cronin reported. Illinois students showed a slight improvement on metric items in all three grade levels after a poor showing on metrics two years ago "The scores indicate that renewed efforts in the area of measurement, including the p r o f e s s i o n a l t r a i n i n g workshops in metrics, are beginning to pay dividends," Cronin said Increased effort also seems to be producing in the area of computation, which includes test items in addition, sub­ traction. multiplication and division "Historically, com­ putation has been an area of lower student performance on standardized tests." Cronin explained "Because of this, many Illinois districts have recently increased their efforts in this area The 1978 scores, slightly higher than those in 1976. reflect this extra effort " Also tested on the HEP was science The assessment in eluded items dealing with life science • biology), physical science (physics and chemistry), and earth science (geology and meteorology). Students were tested on both concepts and facts, on the requirements of the scientific method, and on their ability to make inferences and solve scientific problems "Students showed highest achievement in life science and lowest in earth science There seems to be a good un­ derstanding of the scientific method at each grade level tested " The Superintendent in summary commented, "The most useful student testing occurs in the local school district where administrators and teachers are best able to measure individual student learning. Through the HEP the state is able to portray a more general picture of what Illinois students know and can do As we face the responsibility of public accountability we need to emphasize that a test is only one indicator of student per­ formance and that the in formation contained in this report must be used only as a starting point in defining the strengths and weaknesses of Illinois schools and student performance." Corn Conscious When buying corn on the cob, look for ears that are well covered with bright, plump ker­ nels. The husks should be fresh and green. Avoid ears with un­ developed kernels as well as very large, overmature kernels CHRISTMAS HOURS! DEC. 23, SAT. NITE TIL? - DEC. 24. SUN. 9 to 5 Take Camera To New Year Party A hen you head for the party take your camera Festivity provides endless picture taking possibilities The best party pictures are ones that capture an instant without interrupting the situa­ tion, snapshots that look natural and spontaneous When you lake pictures at a party, circulate among the guests and observe the scene first Study facial expressions, gestures and the interplay be­ tween conversationalists When the right moment comes, press the shutter button \ HP 1132 contoured for more closeness than ever before REG. $40.95 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! •new sleek styling for closer, smoother shaves *36 self-sharpening blades with floating Microgroove heads follow contours of face to cut off whiskers safely below skin level ^convenient thumb control on^off switch *115/230 voltage selec­ tor for AC and DC (50 and 60 c/s) *pop-out sideburn and moustache trimmer-for more efficiency and comfort ••lip-top shaving head assembly for easy cleaning •razor head guard, cleaning brush, coiled cord •handsome black and red travel wallet C No Ampf Phi l ips C.OfD ' 978 now available at: wv/ TM 1 C01AST TO COAST STORES" Eggnog Will Please All 6 eggs, separated cup sugar, divided 2 cups each milk and heavy cream 1 cup blended whiskey, bourbon or brandy 2 tablespoons dark rum Nutmeg In large bowl of mixer beat egg yolks until very thick and lemon colored Beat in cup sugar un­ til dissolved Beat in milk and cream Stir in liquors Re­ frigerate 4 hours or overnight to allow liquors to cook eggs Just before serving, beat egg whites until stiff Gradually beat in remaining cup sugar Fold into egg-yolk mixture Pour into punch or large serving bowl Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg Makes 12 servings BIBLE VERSE And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the des­ ert till the day of his show­ ing unto Israel. 1. To what child does the above statement refer? 2. Who was his mother and father? 3. What was his mission in life? 4. Where may this state­ ment be found? Answers To Bible Verse 1. John, later known as John the Baptist. 2. Elizabeth and Zach- arias. 3. To prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. 4. Luke 1:80. • • » • Too often habits make men instead of men mak­ ing habits. By Sarab Ann! These two holiday sweets» are easy to make and keep • several weeks. Eggnog is also a special treat. Date Loaf ^ ' IS 1 lb. graham crackers^ rolled fine 1 pkg. dates, chopped. 16 marshmallows, chop­ ped. 1 c pecans, chopped. Mix with enough cream to ioUJ together. Roll into logs d wrap in waxed paper. Keeps well in refrigator or freeze. Slice and serve. Brandy Balls Vanilla wafers, 3 small boxes, crushed 1 '/i T cocoa 2 T karo 1 c powdered sugar 1 c broken pecans 8 T Bourbon whisky Mix all ingredients to­ gether and form into balls about one inch in diameter. Roll in more powdered sugar and place in sealed cans. Eggnog 6 eggs 6 rounded tablespoons sugar 6 T brandy Beat egg yolks until light. Gradually add the sugar, beat­ ing all the while. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Add brandy. If desired Vj pint of whipped cream may be added. The secret of good eggnog is in the beating. Serve in tall glasses with a sprinkle of nut-; meg. -- _ _ _ * * * jk __ __ Most of the people who are in a hurry have 1 little else to do. • total hardware MCHENRY MARKET PLACE 385-6655 OPEN DEC. 23, SAT. NITE TIL? - DEC. 24, SUN. 9 TO 5 If You Retired Today, Is This What You Would Be Looking At Tomorrow??? The Classified Ads??? You are fifty-five years old, or there about and you are looking for a way to make ends meet. THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE! CLASSIFIED fiDS I won CM *IHU CWOTR SP**' 1 I!?.!!.0? OCAt IdlCROHlMlNGCO Mill nun with*) VMM Nttt K A. MUROHlMiNG |1 SVWJJ Each IRA deposit has a maturity of three years. If you are 59-'/a years old, die or become disabled, withdrawals can be made at any time without penalty. Withdrawals made at other times may be subject to a Federal Tax penalty and earn the regular savings rate (currently 5%) less 90 days interest, if funds do not reach their three year maturity. The First National Bank of McHenry offers you 8% on Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA). No bank or savings and loan can of­ fer you a higher IRA rate. And, it is com­ pounded daily to give you an 8.33% annual yield. Deposit now and deduct up to $1500.00 (or 15% of your earned income, whichever is less) an­ nually on your tax return. To qualify, you must not presently be covered by an employee pension or profit shar^g plan where you work. Open your First National Bank of McHenry IRA today. It's a good idea. Besides, we'd rather see you looking at Sport Pages instead of Want Ads. Serving the banking needs of the McHenry area tm M Nel l Member FDIC MaTioiMaL eaiMK of \r hcmry 3 8 1 4 W E £ T E L M S T R E E T P G B O X M c H E M R Y I L L I N O I S 6 0 0 5 0 8 1 b J B b 5 4 0 0