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/ PAGE 18 - PLAINDEALER - THl'KSDAY MUSIN' AND MEANDERIN' (Continued from page 1) with some device for keeping com- plainers off the phone line and away from our door, at least until 10 o'clock. It's hard to find an answer for an early morning grouch when you feel a bit snappish yourself. After momentum builds, we can probably get along until noon. But please, Santa, don't let the phone or the door bell ring during our half hour siesta following lunch. Salesmen either don t know, or are oblivious to the fact that it takes this brief reprieve from the public -- and from ourself -- through the medium of the land of nod, to get through a sometimes gruelling af­ ternoon. We will try to the best of our ability to manage the next few hours on our own power, but we definitely need help in getting out those last cards and gifts that await us in the evening. Shopping never presents the problem that confronts us when we write and wrap. Addresses from the file and changes indicated on newly received cards present a dilemma. Invariably, the pen slides under us each time we put it down to pick up another card. In wrapping, the tape is always under the wrapping paper if it hasn't slid under the couch from which we work. Scissors never stay where we have carefully placed them. Although we have never found their legs, they manage to slip away in some fashion and hide. Only a mass turnover of everything uncovers them. With everything in place, we begin again to write and to wrap. But by this time the clock is reaching 10, the mind simply will not react to the message we are sending it, and so we pack up the whole mess for another night. Indeed, we do need Santa, but he must be all powerful and all magical to meet the needs of a weary body, a befuddled mind, and a spirit which has never failed to rise to the occasion at Christmas as we issue a sincere: MERRY CHRISTMAS! KAF OVERRIDE WATER LINE' VETO (Continued from page 1) may not be a reason to install the main on one side of the road or the other He continued to say that it would be unfair to charge the person opposite the main more than a resident across the road. Alderman Michael Wieser com­ mented at the Dec. 7 meeting that he had built a house on West avenue in 1970 and the city brought the water line, under the roadway, to the property line at no extra cost to the owner. The council voted unanimously Monday night to override the mayor's veto. Alderman Ray Smith then made a motion to require that the city extend the service pipe to the property line, at no cost to the property owner, and regardless of what side of the road the main was located. The motion passed unanimously. In other business, the McHenry City DECEMHEK 24. 1981 Council approved, with minor changes, a revised set of rules for park picnic registration and reservations which were developed by the Park committee and Park Director Peter Merkel. The council approved the payment of $1,705 to Lakeland Construction for equipment rental for work at Knox park; $5,844.41 to the Home State bank of Crystal Lake for a 1966 bond issue; $60,450 to the First National bank of Chicago for a 1969 bond issue; $20,000 to Lakeland Construction for the dredging project; and $40,076.05 as final payment for the sewer plant addition. The council authorized City Attorney Bernard Narusis to file a complaint against one Green street resident who has failed pay his share of the sidewalk improvements, as agreed. Mayor Stanek noted that the Meadow lane Federal Aid Urban (FAU) road project bid will be let on Feb. 10. The council approved an amendment to bring the "driving while intoxicated" ordinance in line with the recently amended state statute. CONSIDER REQUEST FOR PILOT PLANT (Continued from page 1) Regarding the two year extension request, Gerstad said, "The hand­ writing is already on the wall. We'll probably be in no different situation a year from now " The motion to grant the extension, with 10 percent interest paid annually, passed unanimously. The council also heard from Attorney Frank Gradishar, who said the owners of a four-acre parcel of land, across Route 31 from the site of the new hospital, were interested in annexation and zoning. The attorney said the property is being sold to a group of physicians, conditional upon an­ nexation and zoning. The group, he added, is looking to build a 60,000 square foot medical and professional center The site is presently zoned "B 1" business in the county. Gradishar brought the subject to the council's attention as a matter of in­ formation and it was referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Plan commission. The couht^l Voted unanimously to concur with a ^Streets and Sidewalks committee recommendation to deny parking during the day for school ad­ ministration employees in the municipal lot. Alderman George Marker said he had met wiuith both superintendents but no definitive answer was given Alderman George Marker reported that "the 11 ladies in the office," who presently shuffle cars to meet t wo-hour parking requirements on Main street, dismissed two offers of free parking as being too far away. The offers were from Chuck Miller, to use a lot at Crystal Lake road and Main street, and from James L Althoff, to use a lot on Front street. Harker said a third offer, from Ed Buss, to use a leased lot between the car wash and the former Firestone building, was also tendered. According to Harker, Buss said the administration employees could use the lot until he nettled il for his business. No decision was reported. Marker noted that in canvassing local merchants on both fcides of the street, the feeling was that if the ad- (ninsitrat ion employees can park on the street, so could their employees. The vote to deny use of the municipal lot was unanimous. DELIBERATE IN TOEPPER, HOSPITAL '8 MILLION SUIT (Continued from page 1) provements to accommodate Jason's needs. The civil trial began Nov. 9 before Judge Roland Herrmann in 19th Judicial Circuit court. Because of the severity of the case, it took about 2^ weeks to select a jury, with more than 100 potential jurors being excused for various reasons before the final pahel was chosen. f The plaintiffs' attorney argued Uhe O B. department's staff did not follow hospital procedures at the time Jane Toepper arrived at the hospital at 2:15 a.m. Jan. 24 and that she was not thoroughly examined. According to evidence, Mrs. Toepper was sent home and returned to the hospital about 5:30 a.m. when the fetus was in distress and Jason was born about 2Q .minutes later. It was claimed the nurses and doctor could have prevented the "catastrophe" of "birth hypoxia" had they followed proper procedures. List Holiday Mail Schedule The McHenry post office will operate on a holiday schedule Friday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Jan. 1. in observance of Christmas and New Year's day. Postmaster LeRoy Smith said regular residential and business deliveries, and pickups from collection boxes, will not be made. Usual post office lobby service will not be available with the exception of lockbox service from noon until 4 p.m. Delivery of certain expedited mail services will continue during both holidays. Included are special delivery and express mail. Mailers should call the post office, 385-0816, for details and holiday schedules. Normal mail service will resume Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. GIFT TO ANIMALS A caller to the Plaindealer Wed­ nesday morning reminded that many people feed the birds but forget that there are many stray dogs and cats without food or water. As a Christmas gift' to them, and for the remainder of the winter, she suggested that people act out of kindness and place a bowl of water t which may be consumed before it freezes) and dry food where these animals can eat and drink. Hospital Holds Blood Drive Saturday, Dec. 26, McHenry hospital will be the site for the Aurora Blood Bank blood drive, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This vital service will help to fill the always urgent need for blood through the participation of hospital employees and the interested public. The board room on the lower level of the hospital will be the location of the blood drive, and may be reached through the building's main entrance off Waukegan road. A staff security guard will be available to give ad­ ditional directions. A single donation f^avides a unit of whole blood which ma$K>e transfused to a patient, or may be processed into several blood products, such as plasma, red blood cells or white blood cell concentrate. These blood components can also be transfused to patients depending on their specific needs. Most people are suitable candidates as blood donors, unless they are anemic, pregnant, or have high blood pressure. To protect the donor and the future patient from any adverse ef­ fects, a brief physical examination and a test for hemoglobin are conducted the day of the blood drive. Conditions liable to be affected by blood donation are: heart disease, epilepsy, infectious disease, diabetes or acute allergy. Normal findings ,irj, temperature, blood pressure and pulse are necessary for donating blood. Advances in surgery, medicine, drug treatment, and immunology have resulted in safer and more effective blood and blood products available for the health protection of the public. Blood banking has grown and developed through the generosity of the volunteer donors who contribute a small amount of time and give the gift of life. If further information is needed, call the hospital public relations depart­ ment at 385-2200, extension 622 or 623. No appointments are necessary.. Two Civilians Christmas At The Post Off ice It's Come A Long, Long Way I "I used to dread Christmas", notes McHenry's Postmaster LeRoy Smith, "butwith the sorting machines (at the Norjft\ Suburban mail processing center) things run a lot smoother now." H^spoke Tuesday afternoon from a post office that was virtually free of any mail accumulation, a contrast with years gone by when two days before Christmas meant backlogs and a struggle by employees to get everything delivered before Christmas day, and sometimes extra trips by carriers on Christmas to ensure delivery of gift packages. Smith conceded that volume, ac­ cording to statistics on incoming mail, was down somewhat, about IS percent compared to last December, probably dutHo Jhp recent first class rate in­ crease to 20 cents. He added that dollar- wise local postal income had increased about 10 percent in comparison with last December. And because the work hour usage at the retail counters had increased, Smith said that an analysis conducted to justify it indicated that more and smaller transactions by the public were occurring. He believed that people were considering the 20-cent stamp and buying less than they really needed, and then dashing back later to pick up a few extra for cards they had overlooked. Also contrasting with postal Christmases of long ago, employees were working about normal hours (without the traditional extra over­ time) and sorting and delivering mail on the usual schedule. The hour usage showed a decline of 7 percent from 2,211 hours used last December to the 21st to 2,053 hours used this year for the same period. Smith said they have hired no temporary or extra employees and have needed no extra equipment for delivering or mail processing this year. Smith attributed what he termed greater productivity to a difference in attitude at Christmas time. Instead of going into the "Christmas rush" already beat by the impending long hours and monotonous work, they have recognized that period is really no different than any other busy time for the post office and take it in stride. Smith added that some programs instituted earlier by the postal service are becoming effective. The stan dardizing of sizes for cards and letters, with higher rates for non-standard pieces requiring manual handling, have made machine processing more ef­ ficient. The public has finally accepted the mail early' program which has evened out the flow of mail through the systems, and almost all cards are now delivered on time. Smith noted too, that although parcel post volume is down, principally due to competition of United Parcel, loss and damage claims locally have been almost eliminated because people are heeding instructions for packing, extra labels inside, and proper addressing While patrons sometime are unhappy about having to take a package back to rewrap or address it, they apparently now realize that these requirements are in their own interest, Smith claimed He pointed out that express mail service is available for people who would still want to make the Christmas deadline. He reported that the express mail fail rate has fallen a small per centage (failure to make the one-day delivery results in a refund for the mailer). Smith announced that the post office would close at noon on Christmas eve and most employees would be sent home shortly thereafter. He anticipated that deliveries would be completed early in the afternoon. Smith said that reports from the mail processing center at noon Tuesday indicated that all first class or preferential mail was current There was only a one-hour backup on non-preferential and that would change by the end of the day, he concluded. Recognized Andrews New Zoning Officer The McHenry Police Officers' association (MPOA) presented Cer­ tificates of Recognition to two men who were instrumental in saving the life of a man trapped in a car that crashed Nov. 1 MPOA President Anthony Militano made the presentation to Daniel Jackson and Dennis W. Taylor at Monday night's regular council meeting. The awards stemmed from the ac­ tions of the two men shortly after a car crashed into a parked semi-trailer on Eastern avenue, in Lakeland Park, and burst into flames. Realizing the danger to the driver of the car,, the tw<* men attempted to remove Douglas A. Hill, of 2106 Or­ chard lane, McHenry, from the burning vehicle. Unable to do so because of extensive front end damage, the two men kept the fire at bay in the engine compartment until McHenry Fire and Rescue units arrived. The McHenry City Council voted unanimously Monday night to concur with the mayoral appointment of Or- ville Andrews to the position of Building and Zoning officer of the City of McHenry. Andrews, 54, of 1413 Scully, McHenry, was chosen from 21 candidates who applied for the job. He has an extensive engineering background and was most recently employed, from 1970 to 1961, as vice- president of the engineering firm of Scully, Hunter and Scully. Prior to this employment, Andrews worked as an engineering technician with the Des Plaines-based firm of Fletcher Engineering. He has also been employed in a number of capacities with the Lake County Highway department, Inland Lakes Sewer and Water company, of Grayslake, and Rickert Electric, of Grayslake. The need for the building and zoning Rental 9 75 PER MO. 1980 rent soft\ • NO installation charge • NEW fully automatic softeners • TWO year option to buy with • FULL rental fee deducted • ONE phone call can answer any questions 312-259-3393 FOX VALLEY DIVISION (loution ?!0% OFF X •RING THIS AD TO APPLE TREt RESTAURANT IN HOLIDAY PARK AND RECEIVE 10% OFF DINNER ft DRINKS. GOOD TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY. ONE COUPON PER GUEST CHECK. SINGLE DISCOUNT ONLY. A l l M f r r i f EXTENSIVE MENU FEATURING ALL-WEEK OUR EVER POPULAR SPECIAL STEAK $ft50 TUIS THRU SUN ALL YOU CAN EAT V INCl IIOES SOUP SAl AD & DFSSFRT VISIT GREEN APPLE GIFT SHOP FOR EXTRAORDINARY (312)546-8230 CHRISTMAS GIFTS ^ Skiing! A Two for The ^ k Price Of One i << I 10AM 4PM DAILY AFTER 4PM SAT & SUN V4 MILE EAST OF RT. 12 ON RT. 134, INGLESIDE, ILL. (312)546-8222 Livo Entertainment! "CROSSROADS" WILL BE FEATURED FRIDAYS ft SATURDAYS DURING DECEMBER THRU ft INCLUDING NEW YEAR'S EV officer was noted during recent restructuring meetings held by the council. The position requires the officer to review all plans and specifications of commercial, residential, industrial and public buildings to ensure compliance with municipal codes. He will also be responsible for on-site inspections and evaluations of construction, plumbing, heating and electrical work. The officer will provide advice to the mayor, aldermen, citizens, contractors and other staff members regarding all building and zoning matters. He is also charged with maintaining the Zoning Board of ApfteatenfUes. < The building ahd zoning officer will make an annual salary of $19,040 to start and Mayor Joseph Stanek noted that Andrews will assume the duties after the first of the year. CHURCH SERVICES Pastor Roger Olson ha^-aanounced that Christmas eve services atN&livity Lutheran church^3Su6 E. Wonder bake road, Wondj and a candlelight rite at 10:30 p.m. FREE IMMUNIZATION / . Free immunizations for children in high school and under will be given Wednesday morning, Dec. 30, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. in Room 101 of the new McHenry county courthouse located on Route 47 north of Woodstock. The shots are offered by the McHenry County Board of Health with the endorsement of the McHenry | County Medical society. i OFFICE CLOSED The McHenry city clerk's office will be closed Saturday, Jan. 26, and Saturday, Jan. 2. \ X X. Merry Christmas to ©t/enjbody from * S5S& SPRJNG GROVE 8156756666 / 5* Save *60 lb *80 During The Toro* Great Winter Rebate. Indications are, this could be a real tough winter. A good time to save on a Toro® snowthrower. Like the Toro S-200. The S-200 will clear six inches of snow off a fifty-foot, two-car driveway in just fifteen minutes. In just thirty minutes, our self- propelled, two-stage 421 will clear nine inches off a 60-foot, two-car driveway. Whatever Toro you buy, now's the time to do it. Because just about the time the flakes really start coming down, so will our Great Winter Rebate signs. Haven't you done witnout a Toro long enough?* Geo. P. Freund, Inc. 4102 W. CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD 3S54420 t̂s&si&ŝ ssxssr < /