JUNE
15 2021
Lumber Heritage Region completes Diversity Research Study EMPORIUM — The Lumber Heritage Region announced the completion of a new Diversity Research Study about the history of life in the forest products industry. The research for this study was conducted by Hilary Folwell Jebitsch, historical researcher, over an 11-month period in the LHR’s 15-counties: Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Indiana, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, and Warren.
Holly Komonczi, executive director of the LHR stated, “We’ve always known there was a diverse population of people that lived and worked in the forests during the lumber boom. Historic photos revealed women, young and old alike, as well as a small number of Black men pictured in the lumber camps, but information about who they were and what their role was proved elusive. Now, thanks to Hilary’s research, we can identify them and begin to tell their stories.”
Lumber study continued on ..... page 8
Port Allegany Honor Guard holds Memorial Day services
Photo by Fran De Lance Ken Roach, in back, and Gavin McCabe and Patience Van Curen were the first student group to release rainbow trout fingerlings in Marvin Creek.
Smethport students release fingerlings into Marvin Creek BY FRAN DE LANCEY
Pam Fischer photo The Port Allegany Honor Guard held three services Monday for Memorial Day including one on the Brooklynside Bridge for those lost at sea; another on the Town Square; and the third in Fairview Cemetery. The Honor Guard, led by Joe Knell, included, from left, Clark Barber, Lewis Duell, Roy Kio and Greg Stump, who also served as emcee for the ceremonies. A light lunch was served at the VMI picnic pavilion following the ceremonies. Auxiliary President Patty Fabish manned the grill and served those attending.
SMETHPORT — As part of the newly established Wildlife and Fisheries Studies science elective at Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School, ninth-graders participated in the PA Trout in the Classroom for two semesters this school year. The second semester class released approximately 110 rainbow trout fingerlings — 2 to 4 inches long — in Marvin Creek in Smethport May 28. Class members are Kellie Kinney, Brooke Mandley, Ryan Mason, Gavin McCabe, GraceeShay Meely, Deagen Mandell, Ken Roach, Shaun Roberts, Marissa Robinson, Brian Rounsville, Desirae Rounsville, Evan Ruffner, Emmalee Shelley, Jason Smith, Cole Szuba, Caleb Umstead and Patience VanCuren.
High school biology teacher Christine Lightner developed and directed the elective class that carries one-half credit and covers such topics as introduction to Pennsylvania’s mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, their identification, biology, habitat and ecology. “Content is supplemented through on-line interactions, data collection and sharing, hands-on laboratory, filed and STEM experiences,” Lightner said. With the assistance of Jody Groshek of the McKean County Conservation District, the second-semester students set up a 55-gallon tank with a chiller, high-flow filter, aerator and supplemental components. “On Feb. 11, the class received 261 rainbow trout eggs, which were sorted and counted,” Lightner said. “The remaining 251
live eggs began their life cycle in Room 102.” Lightner added, “During class, the students gathered, recorded and analyzed water chemistry data, fed the fish and continued to maintain a healthy environment for the developing trout. “Students used their troubleshooting skills when necessary and have managed to raise about 110 trout that were released in Marvin Creek.” Made possible by a partnership between the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, PA Trout in the Classroom is an interdisciplinary environmental educational program in which students in grades 3-12 learn about current and past impacts, management and protection and enhancement opportunities of Pennsylvania’s
watersheds and cold water resources, while raising trout in the classroom. Each TIC program has applications in environmental science, mathematics, social studies, language arts, fine arts and physical education. Students explore topics such as trout life cycles, aquatic adaptions, water resource conservation and watersheds. All classrooms end the year by releasing their trout into a “Stocked Trout Waterway,” a state-approved stream near the school or within a nearby watershed. Dating back to 2006, Trout in the Classroom in Pennsylvania began as a non-formal educational program, with offerings varying among individual teachers and program partners, such as local Trout Unlimited chapters, watershed associations and conservation organizations.
Nominations sought for county planning commission SMETHPORT — The McKean Commissioners will accept submissions and nominations to fill a vacancy on the county’s planning commission. The planning commission is a nine-member board, with each member appointed to a four-year
term by the commissioners. Any county resident who is interested in this appointment or would like to submit a nomination is asked to send details including name, contact information, residential address and any related experience to the attention of
Pamela Burlingame, Chief Clerk, by June 18, 2021. The planning commission meets at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the 911 center and by special meeting if there are matters pending for the board to address. The planning commission is
responsible for review and approval of major subdivisions, land developments and other matters related to planning within McKean County. In 2018 the commission coordinated the preparation of the McKean County Comprehensive Plan by
conducting a study based on public participation and engagement. This tenyear Comprehensive Plan was finalized and approved in 2020 and will serve as a guide for local development considerations. Members of the
commission board must be a resident of McKean County. The appointed member will servVe for the balance of the vacancy, until Jan. 31, 2022. There are no term limits on members and the next full-term appointments will be in January 2022.
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JUNE 15, 2021
AUTOMOTIVE Reduce distractions behind the wheel
Fran De Lancey photo
Lenny Anderson, who served as commander of McKean County Post #2497 Veterans of Foreign Wars in Smethport for 18 years and is now quartermaster, spoke Monday at the Memorial Day services in Smethport. An Army medic in Vietnam, he earned the Army Commendation Medal w/ “V” for valor. He was talking to Zephyr Smith, 7, Miss Poppy, and a student at the Smethport Area Elementary School.
Smethport holds parade, follows traditional Memorial Day schedule SMETHPORT — Lenny Anderson, past-commander of McKean County Post #2497 Veterans of Foreign Wars in Smethport, spoke Monday at the Memorial Day exercises in Smethport, which saw the return of the traditional parade and schedule after being interrupted last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Anderson reminded the audience not to forget the real meaning of this day. He said, “Memorial Day, to some, is a three-day weekend for camping, cooking out and lying back. Let’s not forget the true meaning of this day. It is to keep in our memory not only those who died performing their duty, but also their families who feel the loss every day.
“So, today, keep them and all military personnel serving today or those who ever served in your minds and in your prayers.” Since Memorial Day is a customary time for relatives and friends visiting cemeteries, Anderson suggested people visit a cemetery and be amazed at the number of American flags, then multiply that by every cemetery in America and around the world. “Then think of all the men and women who paid the ultimate price so we have the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Anderson who is currently quartermaster of VFW Post #2497. As an Army medic, Anderson is a Vietnam veteran who earned the Army Commendation Medal with “V” for valor.
Anderson concluded his address by reading a poem, “Remember the Heroes,” by Donald Neal, 88, of Bradford and a Korean War veteran. A frequent contributor to The Bradford Era, Neal writes many poems in support of our nation’s military and veterans. The program, which returned to the steps of the courthouse on West Main Street, opened with the Smethport Area High School Band, directed by Emily Housler, playing the Star-Spangled Banner, the first of three selections. Prior to his opening prayer, Pastor Max Simms of the Hilltop Baptist Church, read a portion of President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, commonly
referred to as his “With malice toward none” speech, in which, among other things, Lincoln calls for the nation to bind up its wounds and care for the Civil War veterans, their widows and children. Bob Funk, an Army veteran, was officer of the day. Bud Abbey was in charge of the memorial firing squad. Courtney Cole and Pat Miesowitz placed wreaths at the veterans’ markers and Bucktail monument on the courthouse lawn, respectively. SAHS Band members Emily Miller played “Taps” with the echo provided by Caleigh Wolosewicz. Pastor Simms offered the benediction.
Bridge work to start on Route 46 in McKean County CLEARFIELD — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is alerting area drivers to the start of replacement work on two Route 46 bridges in Norwich Township. The bridges are about 2 ½ miles apart. One bridge spans Lost Run near the village of Betula. It is 13-feet long, dates from 1925 and carries almost 500 vehicles each day. The second bridge spans a branch of Potato Creek about one mile south of Colegrove. It is 11-feet long, dates from 1927, and carries almost 500 vehicles each day. Replacing these bridges will improve their rating from poor to good. Starting Tuesday, preliminary work will begin to mobilize equipment, install erosion and sediment controls, and begin construction of temporary roadways. During this first phase of work, drivers will encounter an alternating traffic pattern enforced
by roadway flaggers. Drivers should expect short travel delays. Once the temporary roads are complete, traffic will use them to move through each work zone and work to replace the bridges will begin. Overall work includes removal of the existing structures, construction of new Precast Concrete Box Culverts approach work consisting of base, binder and wearing courses, guide rail updates, drainage, pavement markings, and miscellaneous items. The contractor on this $1.3
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Despite the fact that automobiles are now designed with more safety features than ever before, the rate of traffic accidents and fatalities continue to rise. The National Safety Council says safety improvement like crash-avoidance technology hasn’t reduced accidents, and driver error is still to blame for many crashes — with distractions behind the wheel and impaired driving leading the way. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says distracted driving claimed 3,450 lives in 2016 alone. Distracted driving is defined as any activity that diverts drivers’ attention from the road. This can include everything from talking to passengers to eating to fiddling with the car radio. However, distractions from technology have become especially alarming, particularly texting or reading phones while driving. During daylight hours, approximately 481,000 drivers typically use cell phones while driving. The NHTSA says that removing one’s eyes from the road for a mere 5 seconds when traveling at 55 miles per hour is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Reducing distractions should be a priority for all drivers. Here are some suggestions, courtesy of Geico insurance and AAA Exchange. • Store loose gear and
other items that can roll around away from the driver’s seat so you are not tempted to reach for them. • Adjust mirrors, GPS maps, climate controls, music, and more before you put the car in drive. • Use a mobile phone only for emergency purposes and only after pulling over to the side of the road. Avoid social conversations on the phone while driving. • Limit the number of passengers you allow inside your car. The more passengers, the more distractions. This is especially true for young drivers. • Eat food before getting in the car. Snacking while driving makes you less attentive to the road around you. • Secure children and pets accordingly. Both should wear harnesses and not be given free reign to roam around the car. • Try to focus only on driving while in the car. Leave the multitasking to when you’re not behind the wheel. Geico indicates that studies have shown people are limited in the amount of information they can process at any one time. Driving requires focus and an ability to react to a host of potential circumstances. Distractions compromise drivers’ ability to focus. Reducing distractions can considerably cut down on the number of motor vehicle accidents each year.
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JUNE 15, 2021
Potter County Tourism/ Recreation Work Group Moves Forward
PA Tourism Plants Newest Road Trip: “Best Buds: A Garden Trail” PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Pennsylvania Tourism Office announced today the launch of its newest trail, “Best Buds: A Garden Trail,” a self-guided road trip highlighting the finest flora at the commonwealth’s gardens and arboretums. The announcement was made during the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show – “HABITAT: Nature’s Masterpiece,” the largest and oldest show of its kind in the nation. The trail with 21 garden or arboretum stops guides travelers along a trail from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, visiting a selection of award-winning grounds and greenery with unique and notable detours along the way. “We designed our newest trail to highlight Pennsylvania’s impressive collection of gardens, from Philadelphia and beyond,” said Carrie Fischer Lepore, Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary of Marketing, Tourism & Film. “Gardening and caring for house plants have become popular pastimes over the course of the pandemic,
and with some of the finest gardens in the country, this trail supports consumers’ ‘budding’ passions.” The road trip gives travelers a fresh way to immerse themselves in the outdoors with a different itinerary for three of Pennsylvania’s regions: Philadelphia and its Countryside, Central Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh and its Countryside. The journey includes iconic spots like Longwood Gardens, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Hershey Gardens as well as lesser-known gems like Chanticleer and Ashcombe, during which travelers can also pass through “worthy detours” like the Penn State Creamery and Troegs Brewery. Other noteworthy stops along the trail include: Bartram’s Gardens Shofuso Japanese House and Garden Mount Assisi Gardens The Allegheny Arboretum From Slavery to Freedom Garden “As excitement for travel continues to build, we know travelers are actively seeking unique
outdoor activities. We wanted this road trip to capture the commonwealth’s greenery and blooming beauty while introducing new sights and unexpected treasures across the state,” added Lepore. For a full itinerary of Best Buds: A Garden Trail, visit visitpa.com/trips/ garden-trail. The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to inspiring travel to Pennsylvania. For more information, go to the visitPA website, or sign up for the Happy Thoughts newsletter, become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out photos on Instagram, share pins on Pinterest, watch us on Youtubeor listen with us on Spotify. For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
POTTER COUNTY — Potter County Tourism & Recreation Work Group held its monthly meeting on May 24. The panel is part of the Revitalize Potter County campaign, a mission to reverse the population loss and rising median age in the county. For more information or to volunteer, contact Potter County Planning/GIS Director Will Hunt at whunt@pottercountypa.net. Members Attending: Curt Weinhold, Chris Nicholas, Ben Stone, Josh Roth, John Snyder, Lori Szymanik, Candace Hillyard and Chuck Dillon. Guest: Nicole Faraguna (DCNR Policy/Planning Director) County Attendees: Will Hunt, Ellen Russell, Paul Heimel, Nancy Grupp and Barry Hayman. DENTON HILL STATE PARK UPDATE: Ben Stone (Bureau of State Parks) reported that the state has set a new deadline of July 9 for proposals from prospective partners/concessionaires to develop and operate Denton Hill State Park as a four-season attraction. Both archery festivals have been relocated to Ski Sawmill Resort this year. VISIT POTTER-TIOGA O V E R V I E W/ U P DAT E : Ellen Russell (board member) said the agency is putting the finishing touches on a new visitors’ map of Potter County. Fourteen new members have joined VPT. Click-through numbers on the VPT website are rising, indicating increased interest in the two counties by prospective tourists. MARYLAND AIR FORCE NATIONAL GUARD LOW-LEVEL TRAINING FLIGHTS: DCNR’s Nicole Faraguna (Policy/
Planning) shared that plans now call for flights from Tuesdays through Saturdays, up to 170 days per year, for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. A draft “environmental assessment” and related public comment period are expected by late summer or early fall. DCNR and others are calling for a more detailed “environmental impact statement.” SUSQUEHANNOCK STATE FOREST: Chris Nicholas (district forester) reported that the ATV trail will reopen over the Memorial Day weekend. Interest in that hobby has continued to grow. DNCR has also seen an increase in camping permit requests and is expecting an increase in state forest visitors this summer and fall. NORTHCENTRAL PA. ATV PILOT PROJECT: Will Hunt reported that PennDOT and DCNR continue laying the groundwork for “connector routes” linking designated ATV trails. Work group members agreed that details of the pilot project, which includes new trails in Potter County, need to be better communicated to township/borough officials and the public. Four of our work group members have been involved in production of an instructional ATV video that will soon be prominently posted on websites and social media. Its emphasis is safety, courtesy and legal operation of the vehicles. DARK SKIES/CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK: Ben Stone advised that DCNR’s improvement project at Cherry Springs State Park is now in the design stage. It includes
new entrance/exit arrangements, expanded parking, an information hub, a pavilion for hosting programs, increased water supply and other improvements. The Galeton Rotary Club Woodsmen’s Show will return this summer. Members continued discussion of options for protecting the dark skies through public education and/or regulation of outdoor lighting to reduce light trespassing. PENNSY LVA NI A LUMBER MUSEUM: Josh Roth (administrator) said the phased reopening – 10 am to 4 pm Fridays through Sundays – has seen steadily increasing attendance. It appears that the Bark Peelers Convention will return this year, but no final decision has been reached. OTHER REPORTS Candace Hillyard (Pa. Rt. 6 Alliance executive director) said the major current emphasis is on promoting and accommodating bicyclists. Steve Green (Eliot Ness Museum) submitted a log of museum visitors coming from several states. He has been referring them to several area businesses and attractions, developing a network of cross-promotion that enhances visitors’ experiences while supporting the local economy. Paul Heimel (Commissioner) reported on a discussion with the Elk County Council on the Arts as part of the effort to resurrect the Potter County Arts Council and potentially incorporate that group with a Potter County Recreation and Events organization. NEXT MEETING: Monday, June 28, 11 am by Zoom or call-int
Smethport Area School District Superintendent David London Delivers Commencement Address SMETHPORT — Smethport Area School District Superintendent David London spoke about leadership Friday evening when he delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2021 in the first outdoor graduation program in recent memory. “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things,” said London, quoting President Ronald Reagan. “He is the one who gets the people to do the greatest things.” Urging the class members to be leaders, London said leadership comes in many forms. Some leaders lead large groups, some lead small ones. “In the smallest sense, you can just lead yourself,” said London. In addition to needing vision to set goals they want to accomplish, directions they want to take and expectations for their organization and themselves, London said, leaders must be well educated and experts in their fields. “I would advise you to lead yourself to as much education and training that you can possibly handle. No one can take your education from you.” Leaders need drive and follow through to push others toward the goal and great leaders make the drive and follow through empowering the people they lead. In conclusion, London said, “To close this out, our ship set sail last August on another school year. Tonight, we return to our
port, Smethport, closing out another school year. One unlike any other. We have done well, better than many other schools. “Everyone worked very hard to keep our schools open and minimize our situations. Thank you for your support. We could not have done this without you, the students and the community.” In her introduction of London, class VicePresident Chloe Costa noted some of his accomplishments during his five years as the district’s chief school administrator. “Under his leadership, Smethport has implemented many changes,” Chloe stated. “His 2020 vision for our students included both support for our children and development for our students. Technology upgrades, facility upgrades, the addition of a social worker and career counselor, improved financial status, alignment of curriculum to state standards, positive behavior management and support and leading us through the pandemic are among his accomplishments.” In his welcoming remarks, Brice Benson, who was principal for most of the past school year, said, “Our class of 2021 has a well-deserved reputation for a strong academic class that has shown its grit and mettle through extra-curricular achievements whether through competitive clubs, such as DECA and mock trial and in numerous athletic pursuits on the mat or court or, of course, on this
very football field,” he said, pointing to the field behind him. “They have done all of this throughout what has been anything but normal circumstances.” Concluding, Benson said, “To the graduating class, congratulations to all of you. You have made Smethport proud. You have handled unexpected changes, embraced challenges, and we wish the absolute best as you enter the next chapter of your lives.” Cadence Gamet, class secretary, introduced Chase Burdick, salutatorian, who spoke briefly about things he would and would not change if he could go back. Saying that time is fleeting to be with friends and family before leaving for college, one thing he would change is reducing the pressure he put on himself to perform to a high degree and “just sit back and enjoy the experience.” One thing he would not change is keeping busy, saying he was more productive when he was busy. “A busy life leads to a successful one in my experience so far,” he said. Burdick also spoke about volunteering in community service. “Community service has taught me some great lessons. Sometimes we get caught up in wanting something in return for everything we do. Volunteering is not about what you get in return for your work, it’s the help you provided someone.” Class Treasurer Haley Snyder introduced valedictorian Jordan Pavlock.
Reflecting on the challenges he and his 46 classmates faced this year due to the pandemic, Jordan said, “We survived. Perseverance is our Hubber spirit.” Jordan encouraged his classmates to use what they learned at Smethport to achieve their goals. Kyler Alexis, Cadence Gamet and Parker Jack presented a vocal selection: “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. Douglas Dickerson, the newly-appointed secondary principal who assumed his duties this spring, presented the class. As class co-presidents Terence Todd and
Chase Burdick announced the class roll, Dan Wertz, school board president, presented the diplomas as Brice Benson announced the honor graduates and their awards and scholarships. The class officers led the turning of tassels. Members of the class are Kyler Alexis, Zackary Barber, Sarah Blauser, Chase Burdick, Ryli Burritt, Logan Christie, Ryan Clark, Austin Coleman, Chloe Costa, Marlee Cunningham, Daryn Dalton, Kassidy Didomizio, Geraldine Farren-Akins, Lucas Fowler, Cadence Gamet, Caydence Gilbert, Tyler Howes, Parker Jack,
Aydia Johnson, Braedon Johnson, Oliver Johnson, Lonnie Lachine Jr. and Kaelin Love. Also, Rachel Main, Richard McDowell, Tyler McDowell, Matthew Nolte, Jordan Pavlock, Justice Peterson, Kameron Rounsville, Kaleigh Sanderson, Layne Shall, Logan Shelley, Kurstin Smith, Haley Snyder, Adenn Stevens, Aaron Stuck, Brian Tanner Jr., Michael Tanner, Summer Tanner, Cassandra Tingley, Terence Todd, Chase Trask, Clay Tronetti, Salena Williams, Sarah Young and Trevor Zuver.
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JUNE 15, 2021
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This report is packed with stories of women working in remote lumber camps as “cookees” and “flunkies,” common terms used to describe their jobs. There are also stories of women making the treacherous journey down the river on logging rafts to deliver the lumber to market, a job often so dangerous most women were not allowed to participate. In later years, research shows women taking over the work in factories producing
HOME & GARDEN
lumber related products during World War II due to the shortage of men. These stories challenge the idea that the forest industry was exclusively male dominated. Although harder to uncover, the study documents instances of Blacks working in lumber camps along with women and white men. Williamsport had the most reports of African Americans working there, likely because it was a larger city, but possibly because of the connection to the Underground Railroad that helped blacks escape slavery in the south. When the Civilian Conservation Corps was created, Black men worked throughout the region on various projects that included forest industry jobs. Jebitsch pointed out,
“As is the case in all research, it is never final.” Now that these stories have been uncovered, the opportunity exists to expand on what’s been discovered, enabling the LHR and its partners to offer a much more inclusive story. Live and virtual presentations of the Diversity Study in the Forest Products industry will be available throughout the year. The first in-person presentation will be June 8 at 7 p.m. at the Forest County Historical Society in Tionesta. Check the Lumber Heritage Region website and social media for more information. This project was funded in part by the LHR in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
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Upgrade Your Home, Downgrade Energy Usage (Family Features) The best home upgrades not only make spaces more livable and energy-efficient but are also cost-effective. Making energy-efficient improvements is a savvy way to save money on utility bills, curb energy usage and add to the house’s value. Consider a variety of home improvement projects, both big and small, that can reduce the financial burden of maintaining your home throughout the year and improve energy efficiency. ADD INSULATION A cost-effective way to save on heating and cooling bills is adding a layer of insulation in the attic where heat loss is typically greatest due to hot air rising. While many newer homes are adequately insulated, those that are several decades old (or older) may benefit from an upgrade in not only the attic but other common problem areas where air can escape such as basements, crawl spaces, fireplaces and ductwork. SEAL DOORS AND WINDOWS Windows and doors are common culprits for energy loss. While a complete replacement of doors and windows can be pricey, adding exterior caulk and weather stripping to fill in gaps where air can escape around these openings can make a noticeable difference for a fraction of the cost and make it cheaper to heat and cool your home.
INSTALL SKYLIGHTS Skylights are a cost-effective option for transforming any room in the home with natural light while also delivering energy-saving benefits. For example, Sun Tunnel Skylights from Velux can be installed in as little as 90 minutes and funnel natural light from the roof through the attic and into the room below with an aesthetic that resembles recessed lighting. Customizable with six diffuser film styles to complement interior design, the skylights can make a home more energy-efficient by reducing reliance on artificial lighting. An optional daylight controller makes it easy for homeowners to adjust natural light entering a room, and a solar nightlight provides a moon-like guiding light at night. Installed with the solar nightlight, the skylights qualify for a 26% federal tax credit on solar property. ADD REFLECTIVE WINDOW FILM When the sun shines through windows, it can
heat up the home’s interior quickly and trigger the air conditioner to turn on. Window coverings, such as blackout curtains, can help, but adding low-e reflective window film to your windowpanes, particularly southern-facing ones, can provide an additional shield from the sun’s hot rays and reduce energy costs. INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT A programmable thermostat is an efficient way to control the climate inside your home, and those with smart technology take programming to a whole new level. Today’s smart thermostats not only let homeowners control temperatures from their smart devices while on-the-go but can also learn daily habits and adjust the temperature accordingly with no other manual adjustments necessary. In addition, some utility companies offer
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incentives like money back at the end of the year for installing a smart thermostat because the energy savings are so substantial. ADD CEILING FANS In comparison to running your air conditioner consistently, the cost of running a ceiling fan (or several) is significantly less. Particularly on days that may not require cooling the entire house completely, fans can provide a gentle breeze and circulate air in the spaces you use most often. Simply adjust the switch to the counterclockwise position to ensure it’s pushing air downward during warmer months. For more information and home improvement ideas, visit whyskylights. com/livelighter.
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Men need to be proactive in regard to monitoring their overall health. This includes seeing their doctors for regular wellness visits and keeping up with recommended screenings to catch and/or prevent illnesses. While men and women can experience the same conditions, health experts recommend specific tests and screenings for men in various age groups. While many screenings are recommended starting at age 40 or 50, men should discuss family histories and risk factors to determine if testing should begin earlier. The following are important health screenings to consider. • Prostate-specific antigen test: A PSA is a blood test that measures how much prostate-specific antigen is in the blood. Measuring PSA has been a standard for prostate cancer screening for 30 years. General guidelines indicate PSA screening begin at age 55. However, having at least one first-degree relative with prostate cancer could necessitate earlier testing. • Colorectal cancer screening: Colorectal cancer screening generally occurs between ages 50 and 75. Tests include fecal occult blood tests, stool DNA tests, colonoscopy, and contrast barium enemas. Doctors will determine which tests are applicable and how often to conduct them. • Diabetes: Men who have a BMI over 25 are overweight and should consider a diabetes screening. In addition, blood
pressure above 130/80 mm Hg or other diabetes risk factors could require a blood test to check for elevated glucose levels. • Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Guidelines recommend a one-time screening for men who have smoked between the ages of 65 and 75. • Hepatitis B and C: Men are at increased risk for infection if they have had unprotected sex with multiple partners, received blood transfusions or transplanted organs before June 1992, are healthcare workers who have been stuck by needles, or travel to regions with high rates of the hepatitis B virus. • Lung cancer screening: Men should undergo a lung cancer screening through low-dose computed tomography if they are over age 55, have a 30-pack-per-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. • Testicular cancer screening: Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers among young men, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. Early screening can include self-checks. Routinely checking the testicles for any lumps or unusual features while showering can help detect testicular cancer. Doctors may order a painless ultrasound if something is discovered. Health screenings are an important component of men’s health care. Now is the time to have a discussion with the doctor about which screenings are necessary.