The Mail-Journal, Volume 17, Number 47, Milford, Kosciusko County, 10 December 1980 — Page 14

THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., December 10,1980

14

TRAVEL TALK

“Amtrak is making a comback little by little,” Lem told his staff at the travel agency during their weekly office meeting. “The best addition it has made to the service is the medium-tjistance passenger train needed so badly but which was nearly driven to extinction by the automobile, the interstate highway, and the airplane. It is reappearing now on some tracks such as the Chicago-Indianapolis run, a connection to Cincinnati and also from Chicago to more cities in Illinois, Michigan and lowa.” “Amtrak’s medium-distance (500 miles or less) trains will be a pleasant surprise,” Lem continued. “In the last 10 years they have spent millions of dollars buying new locomotives and cars, and refurbishing the older equipment. Thousands of Americans have discovered the improved trains as shown bylhe steadily increasing ridership in the last few years. However, trains still carry only about 10 per cent of the number of passengers carried by airplanes.” “With continuing fuel price increases and expected shortages, the federal government has a new policy to encourage Amtrak to develop'medium-haul routes between major cities.” Lem added. “How does the mediumdistance train compare in travel time and cost with air travel?” asked Lettie. / 4 “The greatest advantage of train travel is the price. Coach fares on Amtrak run at least onethird less than the cost of, air travel for the medium-distance routes. For instate, airfare from Elkhart to Chicago O’Hare is four times coach train fare from Elkhart into Chicago's Union Station,” Lem replied. “And surprisingly the shorter train routes do nofrequire much more door-to-door travel time than an airplane trip because of the additional time it takes to go from airport to downtown. Most train stations were built close to the center of downtown areas in both towns and small cities, even in large cities such as Chicago and New York. Os course, on long distances such as to the west coast, trains need two and a half days and to the east coast about SLABAUGH CUSTOM CANVAS 1 Mi North 4 Mi West Milford BOAT COVERS - TARPS PICKUP COVERS - REPAIRS AWNINGS — TRAMPOLINES Open 5 Days 8 A M 6 P M

t 7 Buy s\ ACE/ W for IS p|<M U Ith the Helpful Harduarc Man' 'B4 EXTRA LOW SALE PRICE Self-BUTTER-RITE x» — A A Buttering MIBB S ■fl 88 "Butter Well" IlMliaaMJ Automatic |U value « «•*«• CORN $19 ’’ ( M O • Completely automatic— [ Generous| II no shaking or stirring. i 4 Quart 1 | | • Inverted cover becomes ( CanacitV 1 I II serving bowl. • Non stick finish on popping C<gßaßS||B’i \ surface for fast, easy clean up. • Handsomely styled with amber Lexan cover, brown base • 650 W, 120 V AC only. Cord included „ . J fIQ EXTRA LOW SALE PRICE „ THORSEN TOOL COMPANY .H, s 9 BB < SOCKET SET @ “■*- I&kWt _J: FOR PROFESSIONALS i and ‘DO-IT-YOURSELFERS' X \ Small starter set includes 7 middle range sockets \ plus extension and ratchet (38W/25173) ' TEGHTMEYER “r AM 457-3474 “VS / Camelot Square HARDWARE

18 hours or more. But we are talking now about the mediumdistanceroutes.” “What about frequency of the trains, doesn’t that become a problem?” Annie Lou questioned. “Yes, that’s one of the big problems Amtrak has in competing for travelers. In-frequent service, except in a few cases such as with commuter trains, makes it impossible to travel round trip in a day. Many towns and cities are served by one train a day in each direction, so that if one misses a train it’s another 24 hours before the next one comes along. That’s where airlines for the most part have a big advantage over train travel. However, the energy situation has causedrSTHines to reduce their short run service, too.” “We were interested in a report published recently, which told about Amtrak’s problem with equipment. It simply does not have enough usable cars. Amtrak has been buying new cars during the past few years and also has started a program to rehabilitate up to 900 older cars. These cars are stripped to the frame, completely rebuilt, and new wiring is installed. The rebuilt cars will be known as the Heritage Fleet and will become familiar to travelers going in and out of Chicago, particularly.” “One other feature of Amtrak is the food and drink service which is reasonably priced,” said Lem. “The medium-distance travelers are likely to encounter the Amfleet food service car. The food is better than typical airline fare but not up to the quality of the diners. As with airline meals, it is prepared in a commissary and placed in a microwave. Two or more entrees are available and usually there is a choice of two major meals plus a variety of beverages. The food is served cafeteria style on most Amfleet cars although table service is available on some trains for an extra charge. But there is no waiting, on Amtrak you simply go to the food service car whenever you want,” Lem explained. “This report also told that Amtrak seats are roomier than airline seats. Tracks have been improved to eliminate much of the clackity-clack on trains and make it easier to catch a nap in the reclining seat.” “Amtrak officials say they don’t really expect these improved medium-distance trains to make much of a dent in air travel. But they do believe their biggest potential market is the vast numbers of Americans who use automobiles. Ninety-too per cent of inter-city travel is by auto and it is in this market that the increased train service expects to benefit,” Lem concluded.

Christmas shopping hints

Christmas shopping can be fun, satisfying and profitable or it can be frustrating, disappointing and financially disastrous. Careful planning is what makes the difference. Since needs and wants often exceed income, the careful shopper will want to undertake an analysis of values and financial resources before determining actual requirements. To paraphrase a song of the season, make a list and check it twice before going shopping. As values are identified, goals come into focus and spending becomes easier to control. Fortunately, many resources besides money can aid in achieving a realistic budget for Christmas expenses. Foremost among these are energy, time, knowledge, equipment and in-

T ~ ■ JBOO HEWI s * vt3 -** f 99) I‘TWr*’/ HOOK'S ■ ■AA ffif 1*1) ® Special Prices Good Thru December 14, 1980. ' "tx™ 5 IBfH norilco p ~ inflation V.- - A99 111 machine** I POLLENEX . R 7 K I Model HBI9OO. The DAL MASSAGE I Tf]J|llaC fl L akd-onwrrtwi Model OM2IOR with Wo,Saver. Sj B I HONEYWELL SMOKE DETECTOR 12.88 HOLIDAY O WATT] 18.99 \ ‘ 22" 10M nuMurii F Lffly 0881 r-— SOO AT A- I IS" 17” LIGHT i<Br^> >PRESTO jEMtf |£, /• F neasy ffeO hot I ./ to > IRON NK dogger ■ £ P Model HOTD-1. Cook to 5 hot dogs in just ■ R NUKtItU weight steam & dry ‘ 60 seconds. (While Quantities Last) I DIAL-A-BREW u j ICWUD iron you’ve been waiting / U V*l rnrrrr Model ftoohr. / * t—jTN ] YOUR CHOICE COFFEE / AJ f FnaW O| 31s?v®.n Fill Your List... / >0 o«o it ill waring Please Your Budget! /Jpfyk Jr I A.SMB KITCHEN TOOL SET R»pi«»n»ent Bowl ■ IJ7 BLENDER I—ra?/ CHttSBTRAY SAVES.* _ VS. T y L/liffi CUTLERY TRAY SKSSS* Jl Z’» (While Quantities last) j Seve 3.00.... jW . _ popcorn" corn" PRICE w pumpsr h ® popper , UE D. DISPLAY 21* AW IH F’TSoT I CLOCK RADIO | V[ ] ' delicious popcorn I l|H I Pir T with hot air. H POT " 0 : « Model 7-4651/50. AM/FM Deluxe not hot oil. Q NWF Jy SAVE 20* electronic clock features with With built-in Model 2306. To fC w< L»noi SAVEW * SAVE 64' SAV *J 4 " STfH,lt fapl SXI ■ BRACH'S PRFFIO pipy SinutaM M _■■ gloriamix .24 oz. p== CAR !7 PR J FLEX S=l' A ■ RSt&’n HOLIDAY cream drops ». 3 69 Y' —U 3 J I I COOKIES Sinutah sinutabii B-”-l crayola r LFX . -d CIMMTAB CRAYONS -X———— ~ \ SAVE 10* : " %<Z7>.s'*Xm«.- Smus Headache SINUTAB a.so value I XSr.l’X.*. CARE andCongesno., '■■.'"..Xj HoxofMMHM,. ld M l Stocking S.ufler. K V U K ' ■' I " save *r S/W’SCHRAFFT'S MOO WO ' LIFE SAVER THIN MINTS i so* Off i m 1 88 c “ s 5 7 v ig'p STO.V - — MAX FACTOR S i alka- 'wM(ovan, OO MAKE-UP ! SELTZER G*Y'SCON 99 I . ■Bgggsp PLUS ANTACID l n sA/a • Pancake, Panstick, Creme Puff, Erace, . rLU3 ) I \ ■ OO Erace Plus, limit One, > COLD Bottle of 100 chewable Coupon Expires: December 14. 1980. I ' tablets. For relief of FOR ■ SUN-UTE !?«a® S“ E ggg,l CHUCKLES POPCORN ( CANDIES 2 lb. The only popcorn guaranteed to pop! J N | ' j bag of Mint Sot tees. (While Quantities Last) (While Quantities Last) 1 ALMAY ' 839 A LS® S ??™ S o ! alka-seltzer IftF Ascnpt,n > H 7 W Coupon Expires: December 14. 1980. TABLETS , . . V' 4- */ Wllrl wm mm m Bottle of 100 tablets. The only aspirin with V./KNUT /"AAifYV ™*"* — mmm - m Bottle of 25 tablets. Maalox® added for stomach protection. CANDY »- T —— (While Quantities Last) ■ (While Quantities Last) ONLVI GsisjiaiL qnlyi FREE W,TH G /I*® iISSSSeT 49" f q aac i — sAVtw FKBE coupon J 1981 HOOKS i nurse's (?. s p . r T re . ® ? santa bank fAIEkinAD ! e-FE-r CALENDAR [ STETHOSCOPE 2J .SelMasteningHondi- 'Bg > V Limit One. I Lightweight. Mr • Zero-OK'“ visual P SNO-BALLS SWEETWISTS L- ——— M—— M—— — mmmmm J . accuracy indicator. f . _JS i o oz. bag Malted Milk Candy. 16oz.bog. (While Quantities Last) (While Quantities Last) \ en y° u nee< * son,e ® ne ♦<> turn to * <r VAIUi / Sometimes, an accident or illness can make it difficult \\ «g| £ yF Zfor you or someone you love to move about at will. That's I '\ *8 when you should turn to the Convalescent Aids Department u / \ \ DEPYNDARLE DRUG STORES of your Hook’s Dependable Drugstore. The Convalescent « LEAF CANE / -- ) lajms*. cv WK Aids Department has special items for home convalescing ■ ia>«tsj / } f WRIGLEY to buy or rent. And the Hook's staff will help you select the n • WITH /; ♦ PLEN T PAK proper products and equipment to aid in your recovery. H BUBBLE GUM V " » CUM So when you need convalescent products or equipment, ( t vwm ‘‘THE PRESCRIPTION PEOPLE” remember the Hook’s Dependable Drugstore. It's a very (While Quantities Last) \ J I Doubtamint good reason to turn to us. |/ — U ' Cy rui ' ‘ 9 ' SYRACUSE NORTH WEBSTER R. 4 PICKWICK ROAD SR 13 SOUTH

terests. For example, someone with more time and energy than money can comparsion-shop and bargain hunt and shop during off hours when faster service is available. If in addition to time and energy, a person has the ability and the equipment to make an item or perform a service, significant savings are possible. Setting a budget based on specific requirements will reduce confusion when shopping and increase the probability of ending up with the items that best meet established needs. The quality of a product depends upon its materials, design and workmanship. Selecting high-quality items may be the best buy at Christmas if the higher price does not require the sacrifice of other essential things; the item is to be-jised a long time and is not

likely to go out of style; or the ' finest in materials, design and workmanship is essential for the purpose intended. Medium-quality goods, those usually offering reliable but not luxurious components, may be the best holiday bargain if the price fits budgeted spending plans, durability and practicality are important and “extras” and fine details are of little consequence. Lower-quality goods can, but do not always, offer acceptable , materials, design and workmanship. A low-quality item can be durable and useful for many purposes and may be a better alternative in Christmas shopping if it is essential and higher quality is not affordable; it suits the purpose for which it is intneded; it is intended for limited or temporary use

v »• :< “ *■*-.111111. JJL - A’' 43 s 15 - v INDIANA • S£/ NO NEW PLATES — The Indiana State License Branch in Syracuse displays the new 1981 white with brown license plates pictured above. Plate numbers 1 to 100 will be renewed each year. Vehicles with plates over 100 will receive yearly stickers instead of replacement plates. The cost will remain the same. The metal plates will be used three years.