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In Celebrationof little-know Mother-type folks from all over

VERLIN JONES: CABIN CARPENTER

For three-quarters of a decade 27-year-old Verlin Jones has been constructing log cabins that are designed to outlast their builder by a century or more. And the Ozark native has priced his handhewn log shelters — which sell in kit form — at well under the going rate. "Most all manufacturers today," says Verlin, "don't bother looking for ways to produce their goods for less money . . . they just jack up the price tag every time their costs increase." Jones, on the other hand, keeps cutting his expenses and his fees: Verlin currently charges $850 for a 20' X 20' structure, $750 for a 15' X 20' dwelling, and $650 for a 15' X 15' cozy residence.

What's more, the hill country carpenter extends credit to his customers ($100 down, and $25 per month) . . . and — though he's not equipped to deliver his product — will store orders free of charge for up to five years. (Write Verlin Jones, Box 97, Route 3, Kirbyville, Missouri 65679 . . . and please include a few dollars to cover his costs when requesting information.)

Jones figures that the average do-it-yourself should be able to add a roof and floor to any one of his wall frames with a little bit of elbow grease and about $500 worth of used materials. "My cabins," Verlin acknowledges, "are made for folks who have more time than they have money! " — JV.

JOSEPH MARONEY: REFUSE RECYCLER

"Since I moved to Reno in the early 1970's," says Nevada resident Joseph Maroney, "I've never put out so much as a cigarette butt for the garbage company to pick up." But despite that fact, a collection agency for the Reno Disposal Co. has sued the 72-year-old for refusing to pay for its "services".

A city ordinance gives Reno Disposal an exclusive franchise to collect garbage within the city limits . . . in order to prevent the potential health hazards caused by the accumulation of refuse. "But it ain't garbage until you throw it out," claims Joseph, "and I don't make gar bage ." Maroney turns much of his food waste into mulch for his garden, burns paper products and potato peelings in his fireplace, and sells aluminum cans and glass bottles for recycling.

Nevertheless, in September 1979 Joseph was ordered by Reno Justice Court to pay the collection agency $100. Maroney intends to appeal that decision: "If there's a law that says I have to have garbage," asserts the unremitting recycler, "I say it's an unfair law." — JV.

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