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V The Courier and Freeman Editorial Page COURIER-FREEMAN, POTSDAM, N. Y., Tuesday, Nov. 22, 1966 11 1 ouner \Give Them Light With Which To See And Stimulus To Reflect.\ Potsdam Area exceeds Last Year's United Fund Contributions by $10,000 We are proud to note that the Potsdam Area United Fund, under the chairmanship of Richard Kukuk, has reported a total of $34,012 collected toward its $37,325 goal for 1966. This is $10,000 more than was raised last year at the same time, and the highest figure ever reported for Potsdam giving in the United Fund. David Garner, executive director of the St. Lawrence County United Fund, expressed his gratification at the figures, during remarks made at the county-wide Victory Dinner at the Treadway Inn a week ago. Of 'particular interest is the fact that substantial increases in giving were reported at both Clarkson and State University Potsdam. Clarkson is nearly 20% over last years amount, and SUCP is up 45% from 1966. The personnel of each college has now contributed over $4,000 in pledges to the 1967 campaign. Bey. Jack Wells, president of the County United Fund has noted \with pleasure this demonstration of concern shown by the colleges of the community'. We felt certain that the residents of the Potsdam Area would 'come through', just as they always do for any worthy cause they are asked to support; and that is exactly what happened, albeit there were a few days of uncertainty whenvthe program seemed to have trouble getting off the ground in this locality. Perhaps it was just a very human tendency to pro- crastinate, but at any rate the campaign picked up tempo during the last week of the fund drive, and Potsdam gave concrete evidence of its concern for the more than 28 agencies which depend on the United Fund for partial support within the county. We would not forget a few words of commendation for Dave Garner at this point. There is no question in anybodys mind that Dave is dedicated to the concept of united giving, and his dedication has manifested itself in a tireless application to the myriad facets involved in such an undertaking. Complicating the whole procedure is the fact that St. Lawrence County is one of the largest United Fund areas in the United States and this geo- graphic factor compounds the headaches encountered in any such gigantic fund-raising organization. The stock remark often given the volunteer solicitors is still, \I could care less about what's happening or what's need- ed in the other end of the county.\ We're pleased too that the United Fund workers adhered to their or- ignally stated intention's of starting and stopping the campaign on time. We agree with Rev. Wells who stressed that this is the only way to be fair to the volunteer workers. And, we would add, to the other agencies, not in the United Fund, whose fund-raising campaigns follow one after the other, in calendar order, for a good portion of the year. It may very well be that a prolonged campaign'could have secured a few more dollars; but such a pro- cedure tends to weary both the solicitors and the contributors. Moreover, we believe that, another year, people will respond to this one-month solici- tation, realizing that this is their one chance to participate in the county- wide effort. Hospital Rate Increase seen Necessary The Board of Directors of Potsdam Hospital has found it necessary to raise the patient rates, in an attempt to meet rapidly rising operational expenditures with which they are faced. We are sure that the decision was reached only after a thorough exploration of all the factors involved. We are equally certain that the need for a rate increase will be understood by most of our readers, particularly those persons in industry who find them- selves faced with similar problems from time to time. None of us are going to be especially happy about the matter, least of all the hapless members of the Board, on whose heads the wrath of the public sometimes descends in such cases. It's obvious therefore that only necessity would have prompted their decision — and the two principal rea- sons given for the need are easily understood by most of us. No. 1, the cost of maintaining a much larger plant, almost twice the square footage of the old hospital. This obviously requires a larger force of maintenance people. The second factor involved is government-mandated increases, in cer- tain wage scales, leading to corresponding increases up and down the line for all personnel. Thus, even though there has been no recent increase in nursing personnel, operational costs next year are expected to reach a $115,000 increase. This has nothing to do with the building program, which is a separate item of the hospital budget. Hospital Administrator James Clemens and members of the Board were unanimous and enthusias- tic in praise of their working staff whom they describe as 'really dedicated people'. They are emphatic in their assertion that this type of service can- not be adeqately compensated, even with the proposed increase; and add that all the staff merits such consideration. Moreover, we ourselves feel compelled to point out that the type of patient facility and care enjoyed in 1966 is a vast improvement over that of former years, and this is not to decry or demean the fine professional care provided over the years. It merely means that the modernized Pots- dam hospital offers much more in patient convenience, comfort and care than old style facilities could do. As in all areas of life, we must pay for what we get. And what we're getting is a hospital we can be proud of, staffed by highly qualified professional personnel, and administered by a Board of Directors and an Administrator who recognize the need and the right of every employee to receive just compensation for services perform- ed. I Thanksgiving is Time for Reunions The Thanksgiving holiday has already begun for hundreds of students, many of whom were enroute home early this week. Other hundreds will be leaving tonight or tomorrow to spend this traditionally American holiday at home with their families. Other segments of the population of our read- ing area will also be making various preparations for the big day: some will be traveling to distant points for family reunions; others will be pre- paring the festive Bird for children and grandchildren who are expected. We sincerely hope that no tragedy marks the joyful reunions of the Thanksgiving holiday, and we are glad to pass on the warnings of the State Motor Vehicle Bureau that extra caution should be exercised by holiday travelers, and that all safety factors, such as brakes and lights, should be •hacked before departure. Happy Thanksgiving. By George Annual Holiday brings Thanksgiving Memories \HUNGARIAN CAROLLERS\ the design contributed to UNICEF, United Nations Chil- dren's Fund, by the Hungarian artist, Lajos Vincze, for the 1966 card sales. This card is sold ten to a box with envelopes. Proceeds help UNICEF in its many programmes to aid children world-wide. Tree Lighting Ceremony to feature Canadian Figure Skaters and Choir Canada this year is sending a giant Christmas tree as the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center's famous annual Christ- mas celebration—and with it will send three of its most tal- ented figure skaters and one of its finest boys' choirs to perform at the tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 9. The Canadian participation in the Rockefeller Center event, mraking the first time that the tree has come from outside the United States, was arranged as a goodwill salute to Canada's celebration, of its upcoming Centennial year. From Vancouver, British Columbia, there will be Karen Magnussen, who at 14 years old is one of Canada's most exciting free skaters. Karen won her first title at nine, and last year won the Gold Medal of the Canadian Figure Skat- ing Association. Performing also on the Cen- ter's \pond\ will be the world famous pairs skating team, Otto and Maria Jelinek, who won both the Canadian and North American pairs skating l S\ 4 ttJ\'. A:J.1_ ,. :_. -HUM nn J in£O ani) 4Yin I' 1 \ £ ¥ v. titles in 1961 and 1962, and the world championship in Prague in 1962. They opened as pros with the Ice Capades show that same year in Madison Square Garden, and are star- ring in the current Ice Ca- pades show. From Montreal will come The Little Singers of Mount Royal, a boys choir associated with Montreal's famed St. BOYS CHOIR — The Little Singers of Mount Royal, a boys choir associated with Montreal's famed St. Joseph's Oratory, will sing traditional French carols for the annual Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony which will be televised over WNBC-TV, Channel 4, Friday, Dec. 9, from 5:45 to 6:00 p. m. Other participants in the program which will officially light the giant evergreen which is being presented by Canada this Wnh's Oratorv Trained in y ear o n the accasion o( tne loot h anniversary of her Confed- josepn s uraiory^ irameu j« eration wffl bg. Jo i, n Fj s her, Canada's Centennial Commis- sioner; Karen Magnussen, 14-year old winner of the Canadian Figure Skating Association's Gold Medal, and Otto and Maria Jelinke, world famous pairs skating team who are now star- ring in the current Ice Capades show. Hugh Downs, star of the nationally televised NBC-TV \Today Show\ will be mas- ter of ceremonies. the age-old church tradition in the intricacies of liturgical chant, the 37-boy choir will sing French carols for the Rockefeller Christmas celebra- tion. The tree—a 64 footer from the Petawawa Forest preserve 120 miles north of Ottawa, yy e Q e t Letters . Canada's capitol -r- will u - be brought down by truck, cross- ing the border at the Thousand Islands Bridge. At that point Royal Canadian Mounted Police will turn' over the tree to the New York State Police, who will act as escort to New York City. At the tree lighting cere- mony, John Fisher, Canada's Centennial Commissioner, will present the tree as a gift of the people of Canada. Master of ceremonies for the 15-min- ute outdoor program which Welfare Aid Abuse scored To the Editor: I have received many calls and letters in response to my speech given before the St. Lawrence County Board of Supervisors on Monday, Nov. 14, pertaining to the alarming increase in our welfare costs. The cost of welfare aid in St. Lawrence County is un- believable. Many of the wel- fare resipients are paid much more than the case workers. traditionally signals the open- We have prosperity m our ing of the Christmas season c t now fi dread to think will be Hugh Downs, host of ' - - NBC TV's nationally televised \Today Show.\ The tree lighting show will be carried on NBC TV (5:45- 6:00 p. m.) and by the Cana- dian Broadcasting Corporation in Canada. We Get Letters ... Seat of Problem Not County Seat Dear Editor: The St. Lawrence County Board of Supervisors appears to be under attack because of the large increase in the 1967 budget, an increase that is ap- parently caused largely by with those elected representa- \welfare\ and Countjrpartici- tives whose duty it is to estab- what our welfare budget would be if we were to have a de- pression. I call on the citizens of this County to act as policemen in enforcing the letter of the law. Isuggest that everyone in our County who knows of a re- cipient who is receiving wel- fare aid, and is violating the' law, report such violation to visors do not dictate policy to either the State or Federal Governments, it may be that the County Seat is not the seat of the problem, Perhaps it would be far bet- ter if each person who feels that \there is a better way\ would register hiss opinion their Town Supervisor and DEMAND ACTION asking for a report from him as to his findings. You elected him and have every right to ask for such action. I for one am willing to help expose irresponsibles who are receiving welfare assistance and are abusing this aid. I have received many calls, and find our citizens are alarmed about the abuses. I have and will follow through on those names that I have received. I believe in helping the need- dy, but let us put some pride and dignity in the welfare as- sistance given. pation in the Medicare-Medic- aid programs. True, the tax paying popula- tion of this great Nation is on the horns of a dilemma, but since County Boards of Super- lish the policies and enact the laws which govern local gov- ernment, both in Washington and in Albany. Anyone interested in the sub- payers.\ \ The welfare rolls may be closed for public inspection, but there is no law against exposing those who we may know in our area who are re- ceiving aid and are abusing this assistance. We the citizens of this Coun- try still have our Constitution- al Rights, and we have the right to demand an investiga- tion. I ask and appeal to the citizens of St. Lawrence Coun- ty—let us be the guiding light. Can we do it? I say, yes! Let us stand up and be count- ed; show our officials that we are willing to help, and to those who are abusing the privileges given by our TAX DOLLARS, that we are dis- gusted and intend to, do some- thing about it. Let us begin by Agatha George Dear Lord, we give Thee thanks. . . Thanksgiving Day. A day uniquely American, stretching backward across more than three centuries to the time when a handful of devout, somber-clad Pilgrims wrested a harvest from a virgin land and gave thanks to the Cre- ator for His blessings. As early settlers pushed the frontier ever toward the sitting sun, into Vermont, New York and Ohio, across the Prairie States of Illinois and Kansas, into Indian Territory, across the majestic Rockies and into the gold fields of California, so went the custom. In 1864, President Lincoln proclaimed a formal Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day. A day for giving thanks that we are a nation of people fre to make the deisions that affect our personal lives that give dig- nity to man. A day on which to give thanks that our home- land bears no visible scars from the holocausts of two world wars. These are the ab- stracts of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day. A day on which the ghosts of Thanksgiv- ings past file in silent proces- sion across the pathways of the mind. Thanksgiving Day at Gra- ma's. A spotless linen table- cloth spread the length of the kitchen table, all its leaves in place, set with heavy white plates, the \good\ silverware and the young table-setter's choice of \cracked ice\ or \frosted grape\ water glasses. And the food! Chicken with biscuits and gravy and the bis- cuits and gravy served each year in the same brown pot- tery bowl, their flaky white halves floating in rich yellow gravy. ' There were mountains of fluffy maslfed potatoes with golden butter rivulets flowing down their sides. There was cabbage salad and fruit salad made with grapes we young- sters cut and se i d (and snitched!) and pineapple and thick whipped cream. We Get Letters ... Arm Bands for Identification? Dear Editor: I am most enthusiastic about the editorial proposal in the November 17th issue that \... the public act as watch dogs, reporting welfare abuses to the proper authorities.\ I am also concerned about the ap- parent barrier to this form of civic action—the fact that the names of those on welfare are not made public. I have, I be- lieve, a solution. The problem, quite clearly, is one of recognition. How to know one? Simple. With his next check, each welfare re- cipient shold receive an arm 'band marked WASTE (Wel- fare Assistance- Saint Law- rence) and be required to wear it so long as he remains on the public role. For human- itarian reasons I would sug- gest excluding all children un- der the age of six, and preg- nant mothers, from being so distinguished. To keep costs down, the price of the arm band should be deducted from the welfare payment. What sport it would be! Peeking through windows at 3 a.m.; hiding behind the coun- ter at the liquor store; watch- ing for the forbidden purchase in the television shop. And best of all—all this fun in the name of social justice. The Christmas shopping sea- son is approaching, a notorious time for the wasting Of hard earned dollars by a small group of social sinners. We had better be prepared. Perhaps the Welfare Depart- ment could even offer a boun- ty for each malefactor un- covered by a vigilent citizen- say 100 trading stamps of the captor's choice. Yes, yes, I am most enthus- iastic about your proposal. Tonight, I am going out with my lantern and ladder and etc., etc., Yours, R. S. Hikel There was pale pungent tur- nip and mashed yellow squash. And pickles. There were al- ways homemade pickles from Grama's cellar. Great thick slices of toma- toes, brown from rich spices, awash in their sweet dark juice. And thin slices of cu- cumbers with crisp little cres- cents of red and green pepper that resembled bits of broken tile. And transluscent crab- apple jelly, shivering in a cut glass dish. And dessert. Always mince pie and pun'kin pie, dark and heavenly aromatic with spices. For supper, it was oyster stew. Sometime during the afternoon, my father would an- nounce that he was going to \take a walk\ to the general store for them and for the crackers, the little round puffy kind that are the only kind to serve with oyster stew. Some- times I would accompany him, my small mittend hand tucked into his large one. W ordered a quart and watched as the storekeepr dipped them, drip- ing, from big containers into little cardboard oyster pails and closed down the covers, tight. We ate Thanksgiving supper around Grama's kitchen table, amid the adults' comments and comparisons of' the cur- rent year's oysters. For desert there was white layer cake, covered with the shiny kind of seven minute icing that was beaten by hand over hot water and spread with a silver knife from which the plate had not worn, decor- ated with little globules of ruby red jelly-that shimmered and winked in the light. The big glass kerosene lamp in the center of the table shed its gentle light like a benedic- tion over the heads around it. Our stomachs were full and so were our hearts when Mother, Dad and we kids walk-' ed.home hand in hand under the brilliant twinkling stars. God was in His heaven, all was right with our world. now—the tune is not to late to act. Sincerely, Walter Basmajian, 181 Main Street, M'ssena. New York Congressman's \Tourist Days\ are Over Now WASHINGTON BRIFES Esther Van Wagoner Tufty Washington — Congressman Robert McEwen (R-Ogdens- burg) back in Washington af- ter his overwhelming victory for re-election is now out of the Freshman class in the House of Representatives. Wisecracked the general Re- publican, \I no longer feel like a tourist in Washington.\ . * # * Emboldened by election tri- umphs, the GOP will push plans for sharing the federal tax revenues with the states. * • * A breakdown of receipts and expenditures for state high- way departments has been re- ported by the Bureau of Pub- lic Roads. New York: $742,- 925,000 receipts; $752,535,000. Fifty-seven sites in 26 states have been recommended for registered National Historic landmark status by the Na- tional Park Service. Seven are in New York: Watervliet Ar- senal in Albany county; Jay Gould estate in Tarrytown; Andrew Carnegie Mansion in New York city; \Arden E. H. Harriman estate in Orange county; Pierpont Morgan Li- brary in Manhattan; George Eastman House in Rochester; and the Woolworth building in New York City. * * * Milk production in 1967 will total only moderately more than in 1966, according to the outlook report of Economic Research Service. * * » Ripon Society of New York; \Once again it's fun to be a Republican.\ We Get Letters ... Strong Feelings on Fluoridation Editor, Courier-Freman, Apparently some people dis- agree with the widely-held the- ory that NO additive could further detract from the qual- ity and consistency of the local city gin, or even be detected (See letter* pag* I) <:
