Needy elderly not getting food stamps She is 75 years old and lives alone. Her children have moved away and she has no family to turn to. She doesn’t drive a car. Inflation has eroded her small social security check. During this past severely cold winter, she had an even rougher time making ends meet because of additional fuel bills. She is eligible for Food Stamps bid does not participate. North Carolina has over 750,000 citizens over 60 years of age. Many of them face the same problems as this lady. Economically, the state’s older adults do not fare as well as those of many other states. Almost one-third (33 per cent) of North Carolina’s elderly nave incomes below the poverty level compared to a national average of only 16.7 percent. The pined) of inflation, the energy crisis and non-existent or inadequate retirement pensions, force a large per centage of our elderly citizens to live in dire poverty cir cumstances. One-third have chronic health problems, with over half of these being directly related to poor nutrition. Yet, very few of the state’s elderly participate in the Food Stamp program which is designed to help people with low incomes purchase adequate food to meet their nutritional requirements. Only approximately 6 percent of the state’s elderly who are considered eligible parit cipate in the program. Why not? Misun derstanding of eligibility requirements, transportation and pride are considered to be the major reasons according to those who work with the Food Stamp program in county social services departments across the state. A statewide effort is being started this month to make sure that senior citizens un derstand the Food Stamp program and how it can help with their nutritional needs. Nathan Yelton, Assistant Secretary for Aging for the North Carolina Department of Human Resources, and Robert Ward, Director of the division of Social Services of the Department, are spearheading the statewide effort. Letters have gone out to all 100 county social services departments, staff members working with projects for the aging, local councils on aging and Tide VH nutrition site project directors urging a cooperative effort in helping to make senior citizens more aware of the Food Stamp program. This effort also calls for making the program more accessible to the elderly by providing adequated cer tification and issuance locations throughout the counties and transportation where needed. One of the main thrusts will be to have local Food Stamp eligibility workers visit Title VII conmunal dining sites to explain the program and take applications. There are 238 such sites across the state where a hot meal is provided each day for senior citizens, including the Black Mounatin Clubhouse. Stillbirth rate high I Fetal deaths (stillbirths) for the first six months of 1177 increased by 9 per cent ac cording to a statistical report recently released by the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Division of Health Services. A total of 542 fetal deaths were reported during the first six months of 1977, compared to 496 fot the first half of 1976. On the other hand, a downward trend in infant mortality (birth to one year) during recent years continued in the first half of 1977. North Carolina reported 677 infant deaths, a 6 percent decline from the provisional count for the same period a year ago. Dr. Richard Nugent, head of the DHR Perinatal Care Brandi, said the increase in fetal deaths probably can be explained by the increase in deliveries. He said North Carolina still ranks high in infant and fetal mortality in comparison to other states underscoring the need for continuing to develop perinatal health services. The report noted that live births are on the rise in North Carolina for the first time since 1970, according to provisional statistics for the first six months of 1977. A total of 40,742 births was reported, an increase of about 2,500 births or 7 percent over the number reported during the same period a year ago. The increase in births, occurring nationally also, began in September of 1976. In North Carolina, almost 2,000 more births occurred during the last four months of 1976 than during the same period of 1975. Birth rates by age groups for ihe first half of 1977 show that the greatest increase over 1976 rates was in the age group 30-34. The 1976 rate of 43.6 births per 1,000 women in this age group rose to 45.4 during the first half of 1977. Health officials pointed out that these figures occurred two years after a prediction by two California demographers that the nation would soon see an upswing in the birth rate. The demographers speculated that the decline in the birth over the last six years was due in part to young women delaying childbirth. If their theory is correct, a rise in the birth rate should con tinue over the next few years. Other provisional statistics for the first half of 1977 show a slight increase in the number of deaths. The 1976 count of 23,327 deaths compares to a total of 23,557 deaths reported during the first half of 1977. Causes of death which showed increases during the first half of this year over those in 1976 were: ar teriosclerosis, nephritis and nephrosis, accidents other than the motor vehicle, and suicide. Most of the increase in suicide, however, was reported in the first quarter of the year. On the other hand, deaths from motor vehicle accidents, infectious and parasitic diseases, and homocide decreased. Although the number of North Carolina divorces continued to rise, the number of marriages decreased slightly The marriage total was 19,889, close to the 20,005 reported for this same period in 1976. During the first half of 1977, the provisional divorce total reached a record high 12,216, an increase of 5 percent over last year* provisional count of 11, 681. Dwarf Type Plants Get Attention Smaller building lota and a deaire for minimum care plant* are two of the reaaons more people seem to want slow-growing dwarf or semi dwarf type foundation and landscape plants for their homes If you are among these, there are some good plants for your selection North Carolina State Uni eersit.v agricultural exten •ion horticulturist* offer the following as a partial list of relatively small shrubs. Your nurseryman may be able to suggest others. The list includes Rotunda Holly, Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Dwarf Burford Holly, Helleri Holly, Dwarf Gardenia, Jap garden Juniper and the new dwarf Crepe Myrtles. COLLINS DEPT STORE 119 Broadway Black Mountain Misses and Junior COATS i 54* I4 ito V 9900 1 iV/m mm 1 MEDIUM WliAfee Save 40% to 50% Ladies Nylon Sleepwear A wonderful opportunity to save on first quality nylon sleepwear from the regular fall selection. A beautiful selection of fall colors and subtle prints. A selection of peignoir sets, long and short gowns, pajamas and lounge pajamas. Shop now and save on ladies warm nylon sleepwear in sizes S-M-L. Regular 12.00 to 40.00 5.90 to 19.90 Collins Lingerie Famous HANES Underalls V The favorite style pantyhose for ty ladies everywhere. Features the ft hose and panties all in one. Panties lly with cotton gusset. Full shades in jH||\ sizes A-B-C-D. Stock up now while ip \ the savings are worthwhile. IlSf, l Regular "I C fZ \\ 1.95 I .JJ 1| \fjmm I Collins Hosiery Men’s SWEATER! Regular $20.00 to $30.00 a12» Men’s DRESS SLACKS Regular $20.00 to $23.00 990 r I CASUAL . FOOTWEAR Many styles and colors to choose from in assorted scuffs and sandles. - Popular fell colors | and in sizes 5-10 | Regular $9.00 and 10.00 390 Boy’s SWEATERS 1 \ Regular $10.00 Sizes 8 to 20 i 590 Boy’s SKI | JACKETS Sizes 8 to 18 14” Men’s I WINTJ * C0A11 Assortment of | styles and colors. 2290 1 Men’s PAJAMAS |A Cotton Polyester Regular $11.00 f 690 Hen’s and Boy's \ifnj'^ TjT Converse Fast Bra TENNIS SHU Reg. 6 25 3“ | \ k Ladies h SLACKS f Misses 8 to 18 I 790 p I * and 110“ Ladies SCUFFS a 100% washable scuffs with w|l comfortable cushioned innersole. Long wearing 'wjl outer sole in choice of solid ^ and pastel colors. Sizes S-M-LXL Regular $2.50 166 Ladies k KNIT I TOPS < I? Regular $11.00 M90 Famous Name Little Boy’s JACKETS ^ Choose from toddlers and Z sizes 4 7 boys in assorted styles and fabrics. Special purchase that really is valuable for you. ^ Sizes 2-4T Regular $22.00 { P 14” \ 1 15” Tricot PANTIES —« Choose from hiphuggers, bikinis and briefs with cotton gusset Sizes 5-10 and extra sizes too. Wh'te and colors. W 99* Regular $1.65 VINYL HANDBAGS ^ Add a little zip to your fall wardrobe with a new handbag. Choose from assorted k styles in colors of espresso, navy, tan, ■ black and almond. g90 Regular $14.00 Ladies BRAS SI 00 Off on all * Bras in stock -i-' i'.-v ■ - 4r •'■JtJ&ui •». ^ l\ INFANTS kPLAYWEAR m-s Top quality infants and toddlers w playwear in assorted styles, fabrics r and colors. Timely savings for the little ones. 1 490 Regular $8.00 to $12.00 J -50TH m¥CRS>1 w Mtar 4ar/ of ftt/HKMl M/TORY IlleVe Iv/t BCGMIMM mg _ H.B. DENNY, who painted Town Hall when it was first built in the 20s, was on hand to repaint the new interrogation room recently. The room is bare ex cept for a fdesk, two chairs and a one-way mirrow. (Dan Ward) Guide . to 7 Good ^ / Eating^ SAFETY OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS Anyone wno acquire* food ■ whether from farm, home gardening, or (hopping at the supermarket - may face the problem of food spoilage. Each of us invests about $80,000 in food in our lifetime, and throwing away food that cannot be eaten is certainly a waste. Generally, consumers recognize the importance of proper handling of perishable foods. However, when it comes to milk and milk products, extra care is a must. Along with eggs, meat, fish and poultry, milk and milk products are defined by the U.S. Public Health Service as “potentially hazardous.” This means that these food products can support the rapid and progressive growth of bacteria which causes illness if handled, stored or served improperly. You have heard the old saying, “life begins at 40.” To the bacteriologist, no truer words are spoken, since at 40 degree F. and above, bacteria are alive and growing. The 3 c’s in the home care of milk are: keep it Clean, Covered, and Cold. Fluid mOk will maintain its freshness and flavor for at least 10 days below 40 degrees F. Exposing milk to sunlight may destroy its good flavor, and reduce riboflavin, one of its nutrients. This B vitamin promotes healthy skin, eyes and clear vision, and helps release energy from food. It is in the area of safety that dairy product consumers are best protected. The term “Grade A” can be seen on package labels of milk and milk products in the supermarket. The Grade A rating designates “wholesomeness” rather than quality. The milk has come from healthy cows, and was handled under strict sanitary conditions enforced by state and local mOk inspectors. A recent USDA study showed that milk plants are inspected on the average of twenty-four timet a year, although the Public Health Service recommends only two times. The date on milk cartons is called the “pull date” or “sell by date.” This is set to allow for additional storage life in the consumers’ home. The product will remain fresh and usable for several days after the date on the container. Here’s a delightful surprise to complement any meal: DESSERT MOCHA SHAKE 2 cups cold milk 1 pint chocolate ice cream (2 cups) V* cup chocolate-flavored Quick milk mix 2 teaspoons instant coffee Cinnamon Whipped Cream* Cinnamon stick Combine milk, ice cream, chocolate mix and coffee. Blend well in blender or with a mixer. Garnish with Cinnamon Whipped Cream and cinnamon stick. Yield: About 4 cups. * CINNAMON WHIPPED CREAM: Whip together 'A cup whipping cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 'A teaspoon cinnamon in a CHILLED Bowl with CHILLED beaters, until stiff peaks form, scraping bowl occassionally. (PRN) — Dairy & Food Nutrition Council of the Southeast Fireplace Log Can Be Made of Rolled Paper If you are short of wood for the fireplace this winter and have bundles of old newspapers stored away, you can solve the first problem with the second one. Make logs from the papers. Here's one of the ways to do it, as suggested by a U.S. Department of Agriculture source: Roll layers of newspapers tightly around a broomstick. Keep rolling un til the log is as thick as you want, then tie off the ends with wire or string. Remove the broomstick. The log can be burned im mediately, but if you want to improve on the artificial fireplace log, take it a step further. Mix a tablespoon of detergent in a tub of water and soak the paper logs over night. Remove them the next day and knead them with your fingers, making them more compact for longer bur ning. The soaked logs must be allowed to dry thoroughly before they will burn, end this will take several weeks. Be patient. When they're dry, you should have a good, long burning fireplace log that will produce less fly ash than had you burned it without soaking in the detergent water. A shortage of kindling may be even more of a problem than a shortage of firewood. There are solutions to that, too. Use such throw-aways as wax-coated milk cartons, for example. If you have a pine tree or two in the yard, gather and keep the cones. They make fairly good kindl ing. Resist the temptation to speed things up with gasoline or other volatile liquids This is a dangerous practice and shouldn't be done. t