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Show Citizen - WednMda v. January 9, 1985 - Page 6 The chain letter -a guilt trip By SHARON MORREY The letter looks interesting. Not youi typical junk mail and without a business return address to give away its origin. Open it up, and read a few lines. Voila! The guilt is laid on thick as the' script tells you this is your chance to reap great reward; all you have to do is copy the letter six times over, mail it to a few friends and in a few weeks, hundreds of postcards, letters, dollars or penpals pen-pals will be coming your way. Fail to follow instructions and you break the chain, which hasn't been broken since 1902. You've just received a chain letter, illegal in the United States if it asks you for anything of value to be sent out, and a bother to the Postal Service customer. Joan Erikson, American Fork's Postmaster, says while some chain letters are not breaking any laws there are "not any with the sanction of the Postal Service." "Those type of letters that suggest someone write letters, mail postcards, trade stamps, etc. while not against the law, are a bother to the consumer. We discourage them because of the inconvenience caused to persons receiving such mail," commented Erikson, when contacted the first of January. "Those asking for money or something of value are illegal and if a person brings such a letter to our attention, it is sent on to the Postmaster Post-master General and prosecution takes place." Erikson estimates she sees an illegal chain letter about every month through the American Fork Post Office branch. "When I started two years ago, there were more. The economy was tighter and for some reason, those kind of things flourish during hard times. There are fewer now because they have been prosecuting those they find and I think the economy is a little better." Chain letters asking for financial donations and promising a big return "once your name gets to the top of the list" are essentially a pyramid scheme and build upon people's gullibility and greed. Erikson says those are the ones the Postal Service would like to see stopped. Letters between youngsters are not such a concern, although Erikson points out emphatically that no chain letters are encouraged by the Postal Service. "If a person has any doubts or questions, I'm accessible. I'd say to come in, bring it in, ask us." C3" y jr f f m j J . " r 5 'V 1 : - '" . 'JV - hi i u K , 11 '- f,' JrJn " ry y y-j - - : , - "4 f : : .411 t 1 if "vV; I) if- IT-- f- Lynda Heap, owner of Fashion Crossroads, is new member of A.F. Chamber of Commerce. Fashion Crossroads welcomed as new Chamber member Fashion Crossroads, 61 West Main, American Fork, is in the American Fork Chamber of Commerce Com-merce spotlight this week. Lynda Heap, owner and operator of the popular women's store, is one of the new Chamber of Commerce members, Chamber directors say. The firm features sportswear, dresses, bendovers, nightwear, ladies coats, and other items in nearly all sizes, as well as many accessory items. Their prices are reasonable and designed to meet the average budget. The store was totally redecorated prior to their official Nov. 1 opening, and offers a pleasant atmosphere to shop in. Mrs. Heap is assisted by staff members Jane Adamson, Heather Jones and Shellie Heap. The Chamber of Commerce joins her in inviting area residents in to get acquainted and see for themselves them-selves the fashions available. Is it a birthday invitation? Is it a bill? No, it's a chain letter for Penny Berens who's checking over her mail. Library releases winter schedule Need a couple of ideas to help break out of the winter doldrums and keep the kids busy? The American Fork Library can help. The new winter schedule is all mapped out and there's a place for everyone of every age. Scouts can profit from the new series of Merit Badge classes being offered each Wednesday at 4 p.m. for no fee. The librarians are certified Merit Badge Counselors and can both help boys pass off their requirements and sign their cards. Beginning Jan. 9, "How to earn a Merit Badge in 10 Easy Steps" is offered for both Jan. 9 and Jan. 16. Jan. 23, American Heritage is the badge class. Jan. 30, it's Fingerprinting, Finger-printing, followed by Consumer Buying the first Wednesday in February. Classes will extend through March', including Citizenship in the Nation, Geneology, Law, Citizenship in the Community, Public Speaking, Citizenship in the World and Public Health. Youngsters can learn all about Science in the Little Beginnings classes starting up Jan. 16 and H.That's Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. for children four and five years old. There is no fee. . Toddle Time classes for the wee ones - two and three year olds - will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesdays for the upcoming eight weeks (beginning (begin-ning Jan. 16) for just a $2 charge. Registration is required. Storytime for any and all ages is scheduled for Monday mornings at 10 a.m. The Stamp Club is still calling for members. It is held every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. and anyone eight and up is welcome. Films are planned each Monday evening at 7 p.m. for families or individuals who want to spend a pleasant evening for no cost. Films on tap the next few weeks are: "Alaska" and "A Family Adventure Ad-venture - Wild River" for Jan. 14, "The Devil's Work", "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" for Jan. 21, and "The Glass House" for Jam 28. - Check with the circulation desk at the library for a full three month film schedule. Upcoming goodies in February and March include "The World of Strawberry Shortcake," and "The Making of Star Wars." The American Fork City Library is located on 100 East 64 So. and can be reached by phone at 756-4681. ( HEWS? 736-0273 ) jlIcIqOQ ji7c1qQCs gqO Prices Reduced Up To Sale Effective Thursday, Friday, & Saturday January 10, 11, 12 University Mall 4 - s Learn new skills in 1985 Enroll in these January classes Tole - Bear Planter Ceramics every Tues. Beginning Jan. 22 6:30 8:00 p.m. Class Date Tole Painting Bear Planter 16 Christmas Tree 23 Heart 30 Soft Sculptured Doll 18 Butterflies 21 31 Valentine Bear 24 Valentine Wreath 25 Tree Weaving 28 (requires both nights) 29 Time 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 6:30-9:30 p.m. 6:30-9:30 p.m. INTERMOUNTAIN CRAFT SUPPLY 43 South Main. Pleasant Grove 785-0448 Happiness happens when we are absorbed in successful work and leisure which is a positive contribution contribu-tion to ourselves and to others. We would like to be a partner with you in helping your child attain that happiness. Come watch us in action and see why so many parents like what Challenger is doing. Chatteiaeis ENROLL NOW PRE-SCHOOl, KINDERGARTEN and ELEMENTARY 225-6177 730 N. 300 East, Orem Schools Also In Sandy .572-1910 Draptr 572-6686 SoW Lak 27M79T, Jamiary Clearance We have Eureka vacuums on sale that's just right for your needs! lj MM EUREKA 9 mi i Mm (mm?IH 4 J ..TrCKlFR Wide, bright headlight head-light helps discover dirt in darkest corners. E 'elusive 6-position dial contrnl is 'Jto reach, adjusts front end of cleanor for best overall performance. Model 2061D Amp 6.5 only 2S)95 7 r 338 East State St AMERICAN FORK .1 ... |