'Tis the season to use reason

[DEC. 12, 2002]  The holiday season has arrived. For many, the holidays are a busy and expensive time of year. Ellen Burton, Extension educator in consumer and family economics, reminds us that it makes sense to try to save money and time on shopping. Burton points out that not all of us are successful at doing this, as evidenced by the 40 percent of Americans surveyed who said they spent too much money during the holidays last year. If this is your situation, then Burton has a few changes that can help you gain control of holiday spending.

--Plan ahead. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Also make a list of the gifts you would like to give. Before you head to the store, make a card for each person on your gift list. At the top of the card, write down the total amount you plan to spend on gifts for that person. As you shop, write down the gifts you bought and cost of each gift. Stop shopping when you have reached the total amount. This helps you to avoid buying impulse gifts that may be inappropriate or too expensive.

--Compare prices and shop carefully. Holiday "sales" and "markdowns" sometimes are not the bargains they appear to be.

--Before making a purchase, ask the merchant about its refund and exchange policy. A store is not obligated to accept items for refund, exchange or credit unless the item is defective or was misrepresented.

--Be informed about your rights when placing orders through catalogs, mail order, TV shopping networks or online venues. Additional information on mail and telephone order shopping is available from the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov. Ask about delivery times, delivery costs and how returns are handled.

--If you are considering shopping on the Internet, exercise the same care and judgment that you would on Main Street. If you are not familiar with the online merchant or company, visit the Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbbonline.org. Know the website's privacy policy before you place an order. If you are shopping online and you are not comfortable entering your credit or charge card account number online, call it in to the company's 800 number or fax it.

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--Buy appropriate toys for children. Keep in mind the child's age and abilities. Use the age guidelines on toy packages.

--Be on your guard at all times when shopping. Never leave your wallet, credit card or purse on a counter. Do not get overloaded with packages. Shop with a companion or ask for a security escort to your car.

--Give, but give wisely. If you are approached in person for a donation, do not give if you are pressured or if the solicitor is vague. Ask for written information to review. If the appeal is legitimate, your donation will be just as appreciated after the holidays as before the holidays. Check with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, http://www.give.org, for additional holiday giving advice and information on charities meeting ethical guidelines.

Consumers today have many choices on where to shop for holiday gifts. Shoppers can take advantage of local stores, television shopping channels, catalogs and the Internet.

Wherever you shop, use smart shopping practices. Remember to plan, and use caution and reason as you shop and give. As Burton states, "As you get into the holiday shopping spirit, remember that it is the season to use reason."

[U of I Extension news release]

New county board Animal Control Committee hears concerns and requests

[DEC. 12, 2002]  The Animal Control Committee of the Logan County Board held its first meeting with new board members Wednesday evening at the Animal Control office.

Committee members include Pat O'Neill, who is the committee chairman and a new member; Dave Hepler; Terry Werth; Dale Voyles, board chairman; Chuck Ruben, a new member; and John Stewart, new member.

A number of interested citizens attended in order to voice their concerns over the operation of the shelter.

Stan and Mary Rousey of Lincoln addressed the board and presented a list of situations they would like to see the new board correct. Included in the list were response times when people needed services from Animal Control, current medical procedures if an injured animal is brought in, capturing stray animals and wild animals such as raccoons and squirrels, office procedures, and office hours.

Voyles said that as part of the routine of a new board taking over, the audit of accounting procedures and office processes would be done by a committee, to include a local representative, and would address these issues.

Also discussed was the possibility of establishing a "no kill" facility. Contact is to be made with such facilities in other towns in order to determine the feasibility of doing the same in Lincoln.

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O'Neill said that, as chairman, he had received 37 calls in a two-day period from individuals voicing concerns and asking questions about animal control procedures.

It was also discussed how volunteers could be used in order to assist in the case of manpower shortages.

Voyles pointed out that this could be done, but the duties have to be restricted to certain areas because of liability and training that is required to work directly with animals.

Hepler asked that documentation, including times, situations and personnel, be forwarded to the committee or board chairman.

An update will be given at the January meeting. Individuals who would like to provide input to the committee can call O'Neill, Voyles or the board office in the courthouse.

People interested may also attend the next meeting at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of January at the animal shelter on North Kickapoo.

[Fuzz Werth]

Libraries receive state grant awards

[DEC. 12, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD -- Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to a number of Illinois libraries to extend library hours of operation, increase library services, and plan and implement programs for children, teens, adults and seniors.

White said the "Opportunity Knocks" mini-grant is awarded to libraries that have never written or applied for a Library Services and Technology Act grant or an Educate and Automate grant from the Illinois State Library. A total of 105 competitive grants were awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,000.

"Many librarians have wonderful ideas for their library, but they may be apprehensive about writing a grant because they have never done so," White said. "These 'Opportunity Knocks' mini-grants are designed to encourage librarians who have never written a grant to apply, and alleviate the apprehension of first-time grant writers by easing them into the grant process. These new applicants may choose to seek advice and assistance in preparing their grant application from mentors and regional library system consultants.

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"The various grants awarded by my office allow our libraries to better serve the public. The grant applications we receive indicate that our libraries are extremely creative in developing ideas and programs for their patrons. They reinforce how committed and dedicated our librarians are to improving people's lives through the dissemination of important information. I congratulate these first-time recipients and hope they will apply for more Illinois State Library grants in the future."

Local awards

• Elkhart Public Library District, Expanding Possibilities, $2,000
• Lincoln Public Library District, Terry Turtle’s Teaching Totes, $2,000
• Barclay Public Library District (Warrensburg), Book-A-Movie, $1,750

[Illinois secretary of state press release]

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