820-Uncaster Fanning, Saturday, December 14,1985
Hold down holiday expenses
NEWARK, Del. - With
Christinas just around the comer,
how can families hold down ex
penses as they prepare for the
holidays?
“Whatever your life style, you’re
probably going to spend more
money this month than usual,’’
says Delaware State College ex
tension home economist Pat
Wilson. “Getting ready for
Christmas involves other expenses
beyond the purchase of presents.”
Food, telephone, electricity and
fuel bills go up almost unac
countably. A host of other ex
penses-for decorations, flowers,
candles, postage, extra gasoline
and much more-can also take a
big chunk out of a monthly
paycheck.
Wilson offers these tips for en
joying the holiday season without
blowing your budget for the year.
Draw up a detailed gift list that
includes as much information as
possible. Find out what everyone
needs and, if possible, what they
don’t want. Include sizes and
colors to cut down on returns later.
It’s also wise to ask for alternate
suggestions, in case you can’t find
what someone originally
requested. This should make
budgeting and shopping easier,
Wilson says.
Once your gift list is established,
determine the maximum price you
can comfortably spend on each
item. To get a handle on prices,
check store catalogs, newspaper
and circular advertisements.
Using the yellow pages of the
phone book, call to find out if the
store carries what you want.
Shop when you’re rested, not
hungry and not in a hurry, the
home economist advises. “You’ll
make wiser choices, avoid
pressure from salespeople and be
more alert to consumer fraud if
you’re in the mood for shopping.”
The holiday grocery list is
another big expense. Economize
by purchasing fewer expensive
snack foods which have little
nutritional value. Note unit prices
to get the most for your money. If
you have the storage space, shop
ahead for food items on your list
when sale prices warrant.
“Keep party food bills down by
consulting Italian, Chinese and
provincial French cookbooks,”
Wilson suggests. “The people of
these countries have learned to
make delicious meals for little
cost, and many of their recipes are
easy to reproduce with what is
available in our markets.”
Expensive holiday decorations
can also drain family finances. Try
making ydur own this year. Gather
some pine cones, put them into a
wicker basket, add a red ribbon or
some Christmas tree balls for a
handsome room accent. Rather
than buying evergreen clippings,
see what the garden has to offer.
Use ivy or other greenery if holly
isn’t available. As for table
decorations, consider a bowl of
fresh fruit accented with a few
foliage sprigs. Later it can provide
wholesome between-meal snacks
for family members or
housequests.
Finally, hold down telephone
costs by placing long distance calls
when rates are cheapest. Wilson
suggests getting everyone together
before dialing, so each person can
say hello without wasting time.
Limit the length of the call-set
ting a timer if necessary.
By following these cost-cutting
tips, you’ll be well on the way to a
relaxing and enjoyable
holiday-one you’re not still
paying for six months from now.
Butler County 4-H dairy dub honors outstanding members
BY BARBARA RADER
Staff Correspondent
GALLERY Butler County 4-H
dairy club honored several out
standing members during the
club’s annual banquet, held Dec. 4
at Gallery Fireball, Gallery.
Ryan Graham, Evans City, was
selected the outstanding junior
club member, while Scott Rum
mer, also of Evans City, was the
senior winner. Graham had the top
boy’s 4-H project book, the best
project story of all members,
perfect attendance and a
demonstration.
Kummer received points for
having the second place boy’s
project book and a tie for first
place demonstration. He also
served on several committees
during the year. Both boys have
the Holstein project.
Robert Wick, a local implement
dealer, received the club’s Friend
of 4-H Award, presented by club
president Lona Rader.
A personal friend to the 4-H’ers,
Wick received many kind words
for his contribution to the club
from members and parents.
Other awards presented at the
banquet included top girl’s project
book awards, which went to Julie
Wible, Jean Kummer, Lona Rader,
Christine Wible and Amy Kline.
Boys winmng awards for project
books were Graham Kummer,
Chad Lineman, Joel Graham,
Gary Wible and Harold Rader Jr.
John Kennedy tied with Kummer
for top demonstration award and
also received a perfect attendance
award. John’s brother, Jason, Joel
Graham and Michael Dean also
received perfect attendance pins.
First year members receiving
the traditional 4-H mugs were Joel
Graham, Michael Dean, Chad
Lineman, Christine Wible, Dave
Lutz and Bobby McCandless.
Recognized at the recent Butler County 4-H dairy banquet
were, from left, Scott Kummer, outstanding senior member,
Bob Wick, club's Friend of 4-H winner: and Ryan Graham,
outstanding junior member.
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