March 2011 #125 by Punxsutawney Hometown Magazine

A ‘Punxsie’ Story

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By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine

irmly attached to a wall in the sports lounge of the Punx’y Hotel in Punxsutawney is a framed collage of several photographs, news articles and documents. Organized in a neat manner, each piece relates to the life experience and accomplishment of a Punxsutawney native who, in her young adult life, gained a reputation as one of Connecticut’s “best allaround girl athletes.” Her confident attitude and high level of skill in many sports while a resident of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and where she was employed over 50 years ago in a World War II factory, earned her election to the Connecticut Softball Hall of Fame in 1983.

engines. He was also a janitor (“caretaker,” as it was called many years ago) in the old Mary A. Wilson School built in 1890 in the East End. Her mother did laundry and cleaned houses to help support the family. Anna Mary would often help her mother with her laundry chores and scrubbing floors. In the summer months she would help her father with his janitorial tasks at M.A.W. n 1942, after graduation from Saints Cosmas and Damian High School at age 17, Anna Mary Edmondson left town to visit her grandparents in Connecticut. There was little employment for young people in the Punxsutawney area. In Bridgeport, there was a thriving industrial center in the early years of World War II with hundreds of factories due to the build-up in support

While employed in a “war factory” in Bridgeport, Connecticut, young Anna Mary Edmondson, a Punxsutawney native, played softball from 1944 to 1955. She was given her nickname “Punxsie” by her employer at Westinghouse Electric.

Bryant Electric Company, a subsidiary of Westinghouse Electric Company. When interviewed for her first factory job, she told her boss she was from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Familiar with the town in Pennsylvania that is famous for its legendary weather predicting groundhog, he called her “Punx’y,” a nickname that has been hers to own for the remaining years of her life. In her new environment and with new acquaintances, the word “Punx’y” replaced her childhood nickname of “Fats.” Her factory job was assembling electrical units that would steer torpedoes toward

We are the only Punxsutawney-owned media! Punx’y Proud — Boosting our Hometown! Publishers William C. Anderson Mary L. Roberts Advertising Mary L. Roberts Tracey Young Contributing Writers S. Thomas Curry Marty Armstrong Marsha Lavelle Bill Anderson Justin Eger Art Director Melissa Salsgiver

- Continued on next page

Graphic Artists Melissa Salsgiver Carol Smouse Nicole McGee Emily Altomare All material submitted becomes the property of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine.

How to Get In Contact With Us: Mary Roberts ................................(814) 938-0312 Bill Anderson ................................(814) 472-4110 Tracey Young ................................(814) 938-9084 Our Office......................................(814) 938-9141 Our Fax..........................................(814) 938-9507 Our email address: hometown@mail.com Our business mailing address: P.O. Box 197, Punxsutawney, PA 15767 With our office located in: Railroad Building, Suite 100 North Penn St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 Yearly Subscriptions: $36 — First Class Mail

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With a lifetime batting average of .369 during her playing time, and a reputation as the “Babe Ruth” of Connecticut softball, the name Anna “Punxsie” Edmondson was added to the Connecticutt Softball Hall of Fame in 1983.

Anna Mary Edmondson had visited her grandparents in Connecticut many times as a youngster while living with her parents Thomas and Anna (Rozdilsky) Edmondson at 701 Third Ave., where the former BFG Company buildings have been demolished, and near the old Silk Mill and the St. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church. Her father was a railroader, first a brakeman and then an engineer on the old steam

of the war. Many people from small towns and cities were attracted to the well-paying jobs, willing to join the substance and compactness of factory life by the industries spread throughout the coastal northeast. Sharing an apartment with four other women, her first jobs of working in stores lasted only a few weeks. Then, like so many others, she got a job in one of the “war factories,”

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A ‘Punxsie’ Story Continued from previous page their targets. Describing the significance of her job, she said the war department would keep track of each electrical steering mechanism and send back a notice of which torpedo had sunk what ship. “I sunk two battleships, and I think a cruiser,” she had said at one time in an in-

“Punx’y” Edmondson said “If I thought it meant anything I would have tried harder.” She participated in other sports, too. She played guard on the company basketball team, bowled in a “duck pin” bowling league, and was a sharpshooter in a pistol league. In October 1947, she reported to Florida to try out for the 1948 All-American Girls Baseball League. Women who played baseball from 1943-1954 were the inspiration for the movie “A League of

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• Adult Memberships Men & Women Save More Than $500 (Call Today for Promo Details) • 35 years of age & under Now Only $575.00 New members only • Associate Membership Program $435.00 Live outside Punx’y School District • Social Memberships now available for Just $25 Contact Kay Today at 938-9411• www.punxsutawneycountryclub.com A collage of sports pictures and documents, displayed on the wall of a local sports lounge, tells the story of local resident “Punxsie” Edmondson as a top-flight softball player in Connecticutt.

terview with a Connecticut newspaper. As a young worker, she liked to keep busy after her eight-hour workday. Miss Edmondson joined the Bryant Electric team of the YMCA Industrial Softball League as a left-handed catcher. Throughout 1945 and 1946, the team won city and state championships and then disbanded in 1947. In 1948, she joined the Raybestos Company Brakettes in the East Coast Women’s Softball League and played first base. Her hitting and field play for the team would be reported regularly. During her playing time she compiled a seven-year batting average of .465. With her home-run hitting she gained a reputation as the “Babe Ruth” of Connecticut softball. Humbly commenting on her hitting record during that time

T h e i r Own.” She went, did the tryouts, but chose to stay at her job in Connecticut instead of signing the contract for the season. In the early 1970s, with her body “gracefully aging” and her baseball swing fading, she took up golf. Reporters and writers who covered her participation in the regional sports would list her name as “Punxsie” Edmondson, a - Continued on page 9

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What’s in YOUR Punx’y Libraries? T By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine

hose credit card commercials showing Vikings experiencing culture shock after culture shock when interacting with the modern world illustrate how the technology of any long-standing practice can move ahead of one into the seeming future. One example is reading. We are encouraged now to buy the latest gadget to help us read: a hand-held device one can carry anywhere and which can be loaded with this or that selection of reading materials. Just call up what you want to read and print appears on your screen. It reminds me of the story written by Isaac Asimov, scientist Sketch of the Jacob L. Fisher home on West Mahoning Street by and prolific science fiction S. Thomas Curry. writer of the twentieth century. gave the former Jacob L. Fisher home on Many of his works dealt with the coming West Mahoning Street for use as the town’s of the computer age, though he and many library. The striking castle-like building others assumed that computers would just was a unique structure and hosted former get larger and larger as the need for memPresident Taft when he visited Punxory expanded. The microchip—he didn’t sutawney for a speaking engagement in see that coming. He also wrote extensively 1919. about machines becoming more humanEventually the library was relocated to the like—robots if you will—in the quest to Civic Center complex on East Mahoning make technology help us. Street as part of the town’s redevelopment. In his 1956 short story, “Someday,” AsiWhere the Fisher home once stood is now mov writes of a time when children would the site of the Gigliotti professional buildlearn at home with the assistance of a ing. It is a wonderful coincidence that the mechanized instructional device and prerePunxsutawney Rotary Club’s vision of 3-D corded information which it would assimistructures for Barclay Square during the late and play back. Because his robotic Christmas season began to take shape this tutor (referred to as a “bard”) was an older year with the recreation of this well-known model with older information, he learned former landmark. We saw it previewed on of a time past when people had books lightup night and the finished piece has just which were printed words on paper pages. been unveiled this month—very timely. He deduced that the printed words were I remember visiting the building when it some sort of code which anyone then could was the town’s public library. Coming into decipher and read and it motivated him to town, highlights for me as a child were the want to learn the code and create a secret stores where I could shop for art supplies, way to communicate with his friend. Hunger’s which had a selection of interestBooks from his time were recordings ing books for young people and the library. played back to the listener. My choices centered on history and sci-fi Asimov didn’t get it exactly right. We’re mystery. I remember Miss Harlan, the listill largely reading the printed word albrarian, but didn’t have the interaction with though audio books are available for use by her enjoyed by Jeanne Curtis, retired school those who need or want them. Since February has been designated “Li- Continued on next page

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High academic standards Strong moral values 4 – Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125

brary Lovers’ Month” by Mayor Jim Wehrle, we have had occasion to think about our library history and just what kinds of libraries we have available to us. When our town’s South Jefferson Street library building became too small, the John Jacob Fisher Post of the American Legion

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YOUR Libraries Continued from previous page librarian and coordinator of libraries for the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society. Living in town, Jeanne remembers long visits to the library as a child, picking out books to read in the library’s reading area, especially the Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House on the Prairie” books. It was Miss Harlan’s comment to her on the death of Mrs. Wilder in 1957 that there would be no more books in the series that made Jeanne realize that books were not all written in the past by authors long gone but that they continued to be produced by living writers. So, authors, by their works, have an influence on people, as do librarians. Children become acquainted very early with the libraries maintained in their schools. All the schools in our area, from the Punxsutawney District, to the Punxsutawney Christian School to S.S.C.D have a wide range of materials from which to choose. That wasn’t always so. Many decades ago, when every county had a school superintendent, reports would be filed in Harrisburg about each school in the state. The many one-room and two-room schools listed things deemed to be good for instruction—framed pictures on the wall, books on the library shelf. P o o r e r schools had few books, less than one or two dozen in some cases. When the Shilling School in Perry Township closed in 1957, we students were each invited to choose one “A Child’s History of England” book from the shelf to keep. by Charles Dickens I chose Charles Dickens’ “A Child’s History of England” and read it still. The Punxsutawney Campus of Indiana university of Pennsylvania has a library for the use of its students and the IuP Culinary School has a culinary library, the nucleus of which was given to the school by former Punxsutawney resident and writer, Elaine Light. The Light Collection came to everyone’s attention on the recent addition of the former Eberhardt Building to the school but the books were donated earlier. In talking with Roberta Dinsmore, former librarian and executive director of the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, I learned that she had catalogued the Light collection as a graduate student project.

Who else has libraries? The libraries most are familiar with, public and school libraries, serve two needs. Books for educations and enjoyment can be borrowed and returned for others to use. Coral Ellshoff, current librarian and director of the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, writes regularly about the books and services available there. The libraries which allow borrowing are referred to as lending libraries. Other materials stay on site and are available for research. The Tibby Library at the historical society is a research library whose patrons come regularly to trace their family history or learn about our region’s past. Every church with which I am acquainted has a library of materials for research and reflection and most professional offices have libraries tailored to their needs. Tele-

vision attorneys always have walls of law books and that’s true locally. Accountants have extensive tax libraries. I remember well an occasion when IRS representatives visiting Dave Smith’s office for a meeting were anxious to look up certain topics in our library. Of course, the technology of professional libraries has moved forward. Much of this material is available on CD’s and publishing companies push us to use it in that form. It has its advantages—less space is required for maintaining it, less cost is built into its transport and updates are readily available. It also has disadvantages. Research often involves getting out many different references and reading parts from all, moving back and forth from one to another. That’s just not as satisfactory when - Continued on page 9

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Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125 – 5

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country. Labor was in demand in manufacturing centers in Michigan, new York and Ohio. The entry of the united States in World War II brought about an increased demand for coal. The war also took more men

he Punxsutawney Spirit of november 25, 1941 carried a special Adrian Section announcing that 55 years of activity at Adrian would soon cease operations. The editor of the Spirit lamented, “For the past two years there has been gradual diminuation of the mining force. As ‘places’ grew fewer men were withdrawn and placed at other mines of the company. At the moment less than 80 loaders are employed in the mine, where once nearly 1,000 men labored. In a few days A Buckeye Shovel Model 70 being used to load coal into a dump truck, 1945. those 80 will be reduced to 50, then to a mere dozen and then — ‘sic transit gloria mundi’— which our dictionary on quotations tells us is translated—“So passes the glory of the world.” With the closing of Adrian Mine, the end of large company owned undergroundcoal-mining operations in the Punxsutawney area Buckeye Shovel Model 70 in a strip pit during March, 1945. was at hand. The fufrom the Punxsutawney area. To meet the ture of coal production in the area would demand for coal, the industry turned to shift to contracts with smaller mine opermechanization and strip mining. ators and more efficient ways of mining. With the ability to produce more coal The first steps in this direction began after with fewer men, the Rochester and PittsWorld War I when there was a decline in burgh Coal Company no longer needed to coal operator profits. provide housing for thousands of miners. The Rochester and Pittsburgh Coal They sold their excess assets including Company, which had dominated the coal their company towns. producers in the area was in a serious fiOn January 22, 1946, the Jean H. White nancial situation. In an attempt to mainStudio, Punxsutawney, received a letter tain profitability, the company tried to from Advertising Producers Associated, lower wages, which was met with strikes. Inc., Chicago, Illinois, requesting Mr. The Wall Street Crash in 1929 and the White to accept two assignments from onset of the Depression brought bitumithem at new Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. nous coal production to rates as low as The company had found Mr. White’s name those in 1904. Lay-offs and dwindling in the Classified Membership Directory of hours of work forced many area miners to the Photographers’ Association of Amerseek opportunities in other areas of the

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ica. The assignments were to take good action pictures of the two Buckeye Traction Ditcher Company’s Model 70 Buckeye Shovels recently installed in the area. One had been installed at the plant of Paul Coleman, Jr. and the other at Joseph F. Sherman’s place. Mr. White promptly replied that he would be glad to make the photographs. He requested the company obtain the necessary permissions from Mr. Coleman and Mr. Sherman. He advised the advertising company that he had previously made 16mm movies of the Buckeye Traction Ditcher Company’s equipment in operation and was aware of the meticulous detail they required to show the special features of their machinery. On February 6, Advertizing ProducersAssociated, Inc. provided Mr. White with Mr. Sherman’s approval to have a photographer take pictures of his Model 70 Buckeye Shovel in operation. “Just use your own good judgment in getting us an inter-

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mines for 23 years. In 1950 he became a dragline operator and began working in strip mines. He operated dragline machinery for mine owners in the area of Glen Campbell, new Bethlehem and Porter Township. In addition to operating the dragline, he purchased

Continued from page 6 esting action picture, 8 x 10 — and be sure to send us the negative,” wrote W.H. kreicker, Vice President of the Company. He went on to inform Mr. White that he had not yet received a reply from Mr. Coleman. He wished Mr. White luck and expressed his hope to receive two good pictures, along with the negatives. At that time Joe Sherman’s shovel was working on loading coal in a strip pit and Mr. kreicker was interested to learn how much coal he was able to load in a day. Due to weather delays the photographs were not able to be made until March 4. On March 6, Mr. White finally was able to send the requested photographs and negatives of the two Buckeye Shovels to the company. He also provided a set of pictures to Coleman and Mr. Sherman. Mr. White provided the following information on the use of the shovels. “As to coal production obtained by these shovels: Operational conditions cause wide variations in daily tonnage. Sherman’s operation has run 800 tons some days with a 400 to 500 ton average; while Coleman reports as high as 1000 tons in one day but estimates he moves 400 to 500 tons of strip coal on an average day.” The “glory of the world had passed” from thousands of miners Patrick M. Kennedy, dragline operator, in located in the cab. digging 10 to 15 tons per day to The man holding the baby is Clarence Smith, who taught one miner producing 400 to 500 Kennedy to operate the dragline. The others are unidentitons of coal per day. In addition fied. (Photo courtesy of Betty Kennedy Dinger.) to the man who operated the dump trucks and hired men to haul coal to shovel, this type of mining required dump the tipple. This provided him with the retruck drivers to haul the coal to the tipple sources to purchase a tractor for use on the where it was loaded on railroad cars. This family farm. His new earning power also type of work was welcomed by the men reenabled him to provide his family with the turning to the area from World War II. luxuries of the late 20th century among Many of them were able to purchase their them an indoor bathroom, a telephone, a own dump trucks and sign on with the new new car and a television. Mr. kennedy’s smaller coal companies. daughter, Betty kennedy Dinger, has purFollowing on the success of these shovchased a memorial tile to be placed in the els, came draglines. These machines, Punxsutawney Area Coal Memorial in his which had been used in flat-land strip minhonor. ing in Ohio, were adapted to the plateau in Today both underground and strip mining the Punxsutawney Area where coal was acoperations exist in the Punxsutawney area. cessible within 100 feet of the surface. Although fewer people make their living These machines could scoop tons of earth in mining, advanced technology continues or coal in a single swoop, increasing the to make production of coal profitable. amount of production by a miner even (Editor’s Note: The resources used in the more preparation of this article are available at One area miner who personally experithe Punxsutawney Memorial Library, the enced these changes in the industry was Punxsutawney Area Historical and GePatrick Miller kennedy. He was born in nealogical Society and the special collec1911 and at the age of 16 began digging tions at the Stapleton Library, Indiana coal in the underground mine at Sunnyside University of Pennsylvania. Buckeye phonear Dora. His starting wage was fifty tos are from the White Collection at the cents per day. He worked in underground Punxsutawney Historical and Genealogi-

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cal Society. This article has been prepared by PRIDE – Punxsutawney Revitalization: Investing, Developing, Enhancing. PRIDE is a nonprofit organization which brings together residents, business people, community leaders and civic organizations, to improve the business districts in Punxsutawney. PRIDE is working to develop a Coal Memorial and Welcome Center for the Punxsutawney Area. Comments on this article or requests for Memorial Tile Applications may be directed to PRIDE, P.O. Box 298, Punxsutawney, PA 15767 or 9382490) •••

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A ‘Punxsie’ Story YOUR Libraries Continued from page 3 variation of the town’s accepted nickname of “Punxy” or “Punxsy.” Perhaps the writers were not familiar with her hometown’s spelling of the nickname. Others would think, perhaps, it was the desire of some in the print medium to recognize her feminine gender, as in Leslie, katie, Joanie, etc. Another spelling of her nickname was “Punksie.” Certainly, the sound of the name “Punxsie,” however it was spelled, was heard often for years in that region. While traveling on tournament schedules, she would occasionally drop by her hometown with some of the team members that they might see and experience the quiet, little town of her youth, and her parents who were gracious hosts to the visitors. After living in Connecticut since 1942, and employed for 40 years, Anna “Punxsie” Edmondson retired in 1983 when she was inducted into the Connecticut Softball Hall of Fame. A retirement party was scheduled, and when over 400 people indicated their plans to attend to honor her, from janitors to the company’s president, the event was moved to a large hall. To everyone who knew her affectionately as “Punxsie,” “Punxy,” or “Punxsy,” she announced she would be leaving her farmhouse in Westport, CT and “disappear like a jet.” She moved back to Punxsutawney “to God’s country,” as she called it, to be with her mother. Her father had died in 1973. Watching the children of family members and following and participating in their activities was a personal joy early in her retirement. For those 40 years in Connecticut, it seemed everyone knew “Punxsie,” and she knew everyone, recalls Janice Redding, her caring niece in Punxsutawney. “And everyone knows ‘Punxsie’ here, too,” she added. Visiting friends and participating in activities at her favorite places in town, the Eagles Club, the Walston Club and the Army and navy Club are all part of her weekly routine. At 85, she makes her home on Myrtle Street where she has resided since 1993 with cherished memories of sports achievements and valued employment, and fond family remembrances of a “wonderful, perfect childhood” in her namesake hometown. Looking forward to the summer, “Punxsie” Edmondson is making plans to return to Connecticut, to attend a reunion with teammates of the former Raybestos Brakettes of Bridgeport. •••

Continued from page 5

done on a computer screen. The cost is high in every format. Roberta says that when working with young people, she would often ask them if they had a library at home. The response was usually a big-eyed silence. Then she would ask if they had any books and if they kept the books in one place. The response to this was always affirmative. “Then,” said Roberta, “you have a library.” Children begin acquiring books from babyhood. Books for students are readily available during one’s school years. We have Bibles and if we participate in church or church school, we have study aids. Homeowners and crafters pick up how-to books while we all are drawn to self-improvement books. We buy technical books to help us with our careers and a range of personal interest books to read in our free time. Devoted fans of certain authors, we want to read everything that person has written—more than once. If you, like me, have all of the above and can’t bear to throw away a book, you have quite a lot in your library. Marty Armstrong, President Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society •••

1406 N. Main St., Punx’y

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Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125 – 9

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(Editor’s Note: ‘From Our Past,’ researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.) February 17, 1886 — A company, consisting of George Brown, Jos. Williams, Milton Black, George Beck and H. L. Grube, all of Bell township, contemplate a trip down the river. They are building a boat for the contemplated trip. The boat is 12x35 feet and the cabin is 12x24 feet. They expect to start about April 1st. We think this will be an enjoyable excursion and we bespeak a pleasant trip for the boys. (Valley News) February 20, 1889 — This town is fast becoming a manufacturing centre. We have a woolen factory, a broom factory and a cigar factory here now, to say nothing of two peanut roasters and a brick machine; and now there is talk of a paper mill. Of course we are several paces behind Pittsburg, but we are letting ourselves out and closing up the gap as fast as possible. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

February 23, 1871 — MR. FRED. ALEXAnDER, assisted by amateur actors of this place, has been entertaining the inhabitants of this community in kecks’s Hall, during the past few evenings. [note: keck’s Hall was located east of the park, where some residents will remember once was the Park Apartments.] (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) February 26, 1890 — A B., R. & P. box car coming from Adrian last Thursday, filled with coke, caught fire and before the flames were subdued the roof was pretty well consumed. The fire started by some of the coke being too hot. (Punxsutawney News) February 27, 1889 — While the mercury was cavorting around from twenty to thirty degrees below zero last Saturday night the gas fires burned dim and low, and after hugging the stove is a vain endeavor to keep his blood from congealing, the average citizen was compelled to go to bed with his overcoat on and try to dream of spring. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

Community Happenings F rom the Chamber of Commerce and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events and happenings coming up in our area. n Fundraiser Dinner for Father Kirsch The parishioners of SS.C.D. are hosting a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for Father Gregory kirsch, a former priest at SS.C.D. who is battling cancer. The dinner is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27 and includes a Silent Auction and a 50/50 drawing. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under age 5. n Free Income Tax Preparation for those with an annual income of less than $49,000 per year. Community Action’s Volunteer Free Income Tax Assistance Program is scheduling appointments now. Call for details: 814-938-3302. n Children’s Aid Society will hold an adoption information night at DuBois Penn State campus in the Hiller Building from 6 to 8 p.m., March 1. Information will be available on adopting a child from the Statewide Adoption network, international adoption and private adoption. The adoption

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process will be discussed. Please call to register. 814-765-2686 ext 227 n Relay For Life of Brookville Craft/Gift Expo Kickoff. Wanted: Crafters and Businesses from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Come out and show/sell your crafts There will be a non-refundable $15 table space fee. Crafters/business asked to donate one Chinese Auction item. (Proceeds Benefit the American Cancer Society) Please call to reserve your table space: Pauline 7152701 or Vicky 541-0615. n P.A.C.A.D., Punxsutawney Area Coalition Against Drugs, meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of the Mahoning East Civic Center. Punxsutawney.com is maintained by the Chamber of Commerce for the community. Any area business or organization is invited to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce for as little as $65 for the year. For more information, visit Punxsutawney.com/chamber or call 938-7700. To submit an event for the calendar, visit Punxsutawney.com/calendar and fill out the form. •••

Rainbow Mountain Alpacas Farm Visits • Fiber Sales • Spinning Classes 2346 St. John Rd. Punx’y rainbowmtalpaca@yahoo.com Curious about these beautiful animals? Call to arrange a farm visit. Office Phone Farm Phone 814-939-7079 814-938-3792

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Brooke’s

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ogs, like people, are living longer thanks to advancements in preventative health care. That means that illnesses and parasites that once were the culprit behind a short life span are no longer the threats they once were. now oral health care issues have become a leading problem for dogs. Fortu-

loss, periodontal disease can increase a dog's risk of heart disease. Ideally, a dog's teeth should be brushed at least once a day. But many people do not take the time to brush dogs' teeth. At the very least, the task should be done once a week. This is the single best way to help keep periodontal disease at bay and prolong a pet companion's life. There are other steps to take that can reduce tartar build-up and fight bad "doggy" breath. * use antibacterial wipes (found at the pet supply store) to reduce the amount of bacteria in a dog's mouth that can contribute to plaque. * Routinely inspect the gums "Doggy breath" could be a sign of periodontal disease. Teeth-brushing remains and teeth to the single best way to prevent tartar buildup. check for disnately, such problems are largely coloration or tartar build-up. preventable. * Consult with a veterinarian if the probA new puppy comes home full of life and lem is bad. He or she may have to perform with sweet breath. As a dog ages, how- a professional dental cleaning, which is ever, foul breath can become the norm and conducted while the dog is under anesthemake interacting with a pet an undesirable sia. affair. Bad breath is one of the key signs of * There are many bones and other denpoor oral health and an indication that tal-health products that can help remove owner should take action. plaque scaling from the teeth. While it's largely believed that eating and * Observe a dog's behavior and look for gnawing on bones is enough to keep problems that could indicate mouth pain, plaque and tartar build-up at bay, this isn't such as pawing at the mouth or trouble the case. Dogs need routine brushing of eating. their teeth for optimum health. Failure to As in people, periodontal disease can do so opens dogs up to the build-up of lead to other issues, including heart disfood and bacteria, which can contribute to ease, and should be taken seriously. Maintartar and gum disease. taining healthy teeth and gums is an easy Research indicates as much as 85 percent task and one that can greatly prolong the of all dogs have some form of gum dis- life of a furry pal. ease. In addition to bad breath and tooth •••

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12 – Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125

Top of Fairview Hill, One Mile south of Punx’y on rt. 36

938-2100 314 n. Findley Street • punx’y

District Judge Doug Chambers

“Serving Southern Jefferson County”

George Washington

First President 1789-1797 state represented: Virginia Party Affiliation: Federalist Fact(s): In May 1775, Washington was elected commander in chief of the Continental Army.

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Vote Republican

IRA SUNDERLAND for County Commissioner in the May Primary

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John Adams paid fo

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second President 1797-1801 state represented: Massachussets Party Affiliation: Federalist Fact(s): His son, John Quincy, became president. He was the first Vice President.

Thomas Jefferson

James Madison

Third President 1801-1809 state represented: Virginia Party Affiliation: Democratic-republican Fact(s): At age 33, he drafted the Declaration of Independence. He constructed his mountain top home, Monticello.

Fourth President 1809-1817 state represented: Virginia Party Affiliation: Democratic-republican Fact(s): louisiana and Indiana became states during his term. He helped form the Bill of rights.

James Monroe Fifth President 1817-1825 state represented: Virginia Party Affiliation: Democratic-republican Fact(s): He was the first president to ride a steamboat. He made the Monroe Doctrine.

James “Moon” VanSteenberg Jefferson County Treasurer

John Q. Adams sixth President 1825-1829 state represented: Massachussets Party Affiliation: Democratic-republican Fact(s): His father was president.

Andrew Jackson seventh President 1829-1837 state represented: Tennessee Party Affiliation: Democratic-republican Fact(s): He was in the war of 1812. He studied law.

Martin Van Buren

eighth President 1837-1841 state represented: new york Party Affiliation: Democratic-republican Fact(s): He gave us the word "OK" or "Okay" which was an abbreviation for the name of his new york home "Old Kinderhook."

William Henry Harrison ninth President 1841 state represented: Ohio Party Affiliation: Whig Fact(s): He was the first president to die in office.

Bernard P.

SnYder COrOner of Jefferson County

Saluting Our Presidents

John Tyler

James K. Polk

Zachery Taylor

Tenth President 1841-1845 state represented: Virginia Party Affiliation: Whig Fact(s): loved to play the violin. His first wife died while he was president.

eleventh President 1845-1849 state represented: Tennessee Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): He died from exhaustion and hard work soon after he left office.

Twelfth President 1849-1850 state represented: louisiana Party Affiliation: Whig Fact(s): He served in the Mexican War. He died while President.

Millard Fillmore

Thirteenth President 1850-1853 state represented: new york Party Affiliation: Whig Fact(s): He had eight brothers and sisters. His wife started the White House library collection.

Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125 – 13

Celebrating

Franklin Pierce Fourteenth President 1853-1857 state represented: new Hampshire Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): served in Mexican War.

James Buchanan Fifteenth President 1857-1861 state represented: Pennsylvania Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): He was elected five times to the House of representatives.

OuR PRESiDENTS

Abraham lincoln sixteenth President 1861-1865 state represented: Illinois Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He had to struggle for a living. lincoln's mom died when he was 9.

Andrew Johnson

Ulysses s. Grant

seventeenth President 1865-1869 state represented: Tennessee Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): His wife taught him to read.

eighteenth President 1869-1877 state represented: Illinois Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He was a Civil War General. Fought in the Mexican War.

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rutherford B. Hayes nineteenth President 1877-1881 state represented: Ohio Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): Was wounded in Civil War, became a General.

James A. Garfield Twentieth President 1881 state represented: Ohio Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): Died in office.

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Founding Fathers

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Chester A. Arthur Twenty-First President 1881-1885 state represented: new york Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): Was a General in the Civil War.

Grover Cleveland Twenty-second & Twenty-Fourth President 1885-1889 & 1893-1897 state represented: new york Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): Angered the railroads by ordering an investigation.

Benjamin Harrison Twenty-Third President 1889-1893 state represented: Indiana Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He was the same height as James Madison. His grandfather was president.

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14 – Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125

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Celebrating

William McKinley Twenty-Fifth President 1897-1901 state represented: Ohio Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He became the leading republican tariff expert in Congress. He died in office.

Theodore roosevelt Twenty-sixth President 1901-1909 state represented: new york Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): Born and died in new york. First president to ride in a car while president.

OuR PRESiDENTS

William H. Taft Twenty-seventh President 1909-1913 state represented: Ohio Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He was the son of a distinguished judge. He preferred law to politics.

Woodrow Wilson

Warren G. Harding

Twenty-eighth President 1913-1921 state represented: new Jersey Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): He was a good student in college. His first wife died while he was president.

Twenty-ninth President 1921-1923 state represented: Ohio Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He had gray hair. He died of a heart attack while president.

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Calvin Coolidge Thirtieth President 1923-1929 state represented: Massachusetts Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): His name was "silent Cal."

Top of Fairview Hill, One Mile south of Punx’y on rt. 36

Herbert Hoover

Thirty-First President 1929-1933 state represented: California Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He was a member of the supreme economic Council and head of the American relief Administration.

Franklin D. roosevelt Thirty-second President 1933-1945 state represented: new york Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): First president to ride in an airplane while president.

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Harry s. Truman Thirty-Third President 1945-1953 state represented: Missouri Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): He was a captain in World War I. He was Vice President for Franklin roosevelt.

Dwight D. eisenhower Thirty-Fourth President 1953-1961 state represented: new york Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He was the first president to ride in a helicopter while president.

Senator ..................................................joe Scarnati Representative ........................................Sam Smith Commissioner ........................................Paul Corbin Commissioner ......................................jim McIntyre Coroner ............................................Bernard Snyder District Attorney ....................................jeff Burkett Register & Recorder ..................Diane Maihle kiehl Sheriff ............................................Carl Gotwald, Sr. Treasurer......................................jim VanSteenberg County Auditor..........................Maxine Zimmerman County Auditor ................................Roger Richards jury Commissioner ............................Mabel Dunkle

Saluting Our Presidents!

Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125 – 15

Celebrating

John F. Kennedy Thirty-Fifth President 1961-1963 state represented: Massachusetts Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): He liked to swim. He represented Massachusetts in the House and the senate.

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lyndon D. Johnson Thirty-sixth President 1963-1969 state represented: Texas Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): He signed a civil rights bill, established Great society programs.

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richard M. nixon Thirty-seventh President 1969-1974 state represented: new york Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He was president at the end of the Vietnam War.

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Fortieth President 1981-1989 state represented: California Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He was shot by a would-be assassin and quickly recovered and returned to office.

Forty-First President 1989-1993 state represented: Texas Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): When he was 18, he joined the armed forces. He represented Texas in Congress.

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Jimmy Carter Thirty-ninth President 1977-1981 state represented: Georgia Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): He has four children. He recently won the nobel Peace Prize.

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Gerald r. Ford Thirty-eighth President 1974-1977 state represented: Michigan Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): He starred on the University of Michigan football team.

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George W. Bush Forty-Third President 2001- 2009 state represented: Texas Party Affiliation: republican Fact(s): likes baseball. First President to begin serving in the 21st Century.

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Barack Obama

Forty-Fourth President 2009 - Present state represented: Illinois Party Affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): The first African American to hold the office. He was also the first black president of the Harvard law review.

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SENATOR

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Visit Our Museum Complex:

OuR PRESiDENTS AND THE HiSTORY OF OuR COuNTRY

(operated by volunteers of Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.)

JOSEPH SCARNATI

President of Punxsutawney Borough Council 16 – Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125

Bennis House - 401 West Mahoning St. Lattimer House - 400 West Mahoning St.

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hile the month of February guarantees Punxsutawney a moment of world-wide attention each year, the month of March has become an opportunity for Big Run to garner publicity with the emergence of the Big Run peepers. The community’s well-known resident, John London, has for more than thirty-five years been recording the early peeps of the tiny frogs in the center of his beloved hometown. His ceremonial recording of the moment to announce spring was not widely known. not until 1993, anyway, when London’s particular way of weaving a story caught the attention of a reporter for an area newspaper. That printed story eventually went nationwide over the wires of The Associated Press. In Big Run, as with many small towns, residents’ lives were interwoven with nature and weather by the experiences of hunting, fishing and trapping. Stories of encounters and conquests, would become legendary.

As early as 1888, one particular story had appeared relating to “the wilds” of the area of Big Run, the quiet little settlement of about 1,000.

It was late September of 1888 when news stories were appearing about “some gigantic animal resembling a gorilla” reportedly running at large through the forests near Big Run. The creature’s tracks were described. They measured sixteen inches in length, wide at the toes, and the toes having long nails or claws. In early October, another news item gave an account of the appearance of these strange footprints in the vicinity. By that time, the foot prints had been examined by

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“principal citizens” of Big Run who described them as “resembling in some degree a human footprint.” However, human footprints were discounted as these strange footprints had toes that were too long and “the foot too wide in front and too narrow behind.” Those who trailed the footprints in the near-by forest for weeks later reported seeing a strange creature walking along the woods “near the old kramer oil well, a “monster of hideous mien.” To one eyewitness, it appeared “to be a man” with long, shaggy hair all over his body, with “tremendous long arms, and an enormous mouth, filled with huge, white teeth.” This sighting was in broad daylight, the news story reported. The veracity of the witness never was questioned. The story stated, “Mr. Depp is a perfectly reliable young man, not given to exaggeration.” Later in October, George Schwem, pro- Continued on next page

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prietor of the McClure Hotel in Big Run reported a sighting, printed in the Big Run Commercial Gazette. His description was of a “form . . . tall and bent, his hair long and straggly, and he wore a sheep skin over his broad shoulders, with the wooly side

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out.” At that time, the creature was seen gathering chestnuts. In another incident, in the summer of 1918, a snake story emerged in the newspapers. Out of Big Run, Onondaga (now Robertsville) and that vicinity there began the report of a “monstrous reptile” in the Mahoning Creek. The snake was first sighted in late August, - Continued on page 27

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"Goodbye Charlie" (A comedy in two acts)

By George Axelrod

February 25, 26 at 7:30 Punxsutawney Area Middle School Auditorium Tickets at Door: Adults $7 Seniors $6 Students $3 This play contains mature language and adult humor Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. 20 – Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125

Guild Warms up with Comic Look at Battle of the Sexes

nyone looking for a cure for cabin fever and a sure-fire way to beat the winter blahs will find that the latest production by the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. is just the ticket for fun. "Goodbye Charlie," a classic Broadway comedy by George Axelrod, warms up the season with a lively look at the war between the sexes. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m.on Friday, February 25, and Saturday, February 26, at the auditorium of the Punxsutawey Area Middle School. Tickets are sold at the door. Charlie, a womanizing playboy, has just met his end when an irate husband catches him with the man's wife. Rather than being allowed to go peacefully into the next world, poor Charlie finds that Fate has ordered him to return to earth in the body of an attractive female. During his second chance to set things right, Charlie will learn one hilarious lesson after another as he begins to understand the meaning of love. Although his ego, personality, and values are still the same, his body is different. Clueless Charlie decides he can behave the same way and enjoy the same results, in spite of the fact he is now a woman. His scheme to pose as the deceased Charlie's widow in hopes of raking in lots of money to compensate for his punishment leads from one witty complication to another. Will Charlie find that people like him better as a woman? Will they sympathize with his search for a meaningful relationship? Will the whole scheme result in happiness for anyone? under the direction of Guild veteran, kathy S.Dinsmore, who lists "Goodbye Charlie" as one of her favorite plays, a cast of six seasoned performers and a newcomer bring this fast-paced show to life. Morgan Barrett and Doug Fye as Charlie and George, are the central figures whose predicaments carry the audience from one escapade to another. Joining the talented duo in a pivotal role is Jessica Schidlmeir as Rusty, one of Charlie's former conquests. Rounding out the cast as the only

mourners at Charlie's memorial service in the opening scene are newcomer Mallory Croasman, and Michael Shaffer, Tim Cooper, and Terry A. Fye. The production contains mature language and adult situations and is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. •••

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Don’t let your heart break: making healthy choices

By Irene Maher St. Petersburg Times

ow's your heart? Do you know your numbers for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose? And are you living right: not smoking, exercising briskly for 30 to 45 minutes a day, maintaining a healthy weight? Are you limiting alcohol, sodium and saturated fats? Do you know your family history? And are you keeping up with those doctor visits? The action plan for a healthy heart may start with a partnership between you and

your doctor, but it hinges on the lifestyle decisions you make every day. That message hit home for Eileen Corning a few years ago. She let her annual physical slide, watched her weight creep up, wasn't exercising and couldn't shake a salt habit. At age 45, the Seminole, Fla., resident had high cholesterol, a stressful job and a family history of heart disease. Yet she never suspected a heart problem in november 2007 when a worsethan-usual case of indigestion kept her up all night. "I ignored it and went about my routine.

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Don’t let your Continued from previous page I went to work the next day," says Corning, now 48 and vice president of human resources at Largo Medical Center in Largo, Fla. When she finally went in for a physical in December 2007, an electrocardiogram, or EkG, revealed she'd had a heart attack. Her thoughts went to that attack of indigestion. "It's a night I'll never forget," Corning says. "It was a big wake-up call." Dr. Vibhuti Singh, chairman of cardiology at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Fla., says heart-health management starts with primary prevention, exactly what Corning ignored for two years before her heart attack. "In general, for all adults who have no diagnosed heart disease, no diabetes, no symptoms, this is what they should be doing medically," says Singh. -- Starting at age 18, men and women should have their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose checked. If all the results are normal, those tests would be repeated every five years up to age 40 for men, and up to age 50 for women. If at any point there are abnormal readings, or diabetes or obesity develops, the tests should be repeated annually. -- Between ages 40 and 45 for men and ages 50 and 55 for women, adults need all the primary prevention tests mentioned above, plus an EkG, a baseline chest X-ray, a urinalysis, a thyroid hormone test, a stress test and an eye exam, says Singh. "By looking at the tiny capillaries in the eye, we can see, very clearly, damage from blood pressure or diabetes," diseases that often start silently, without obvious symptoms. If all the test results are normal, these screenings may be repeated every three to five years; abnormal results may warrant re-checking annually. For people who have been diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease, have had a stent placed, bypass surgery, a heart attack, chest pain or any other symptom of heart disease that their doctor wants to examine further, Singh explained that more advanced prevention steps are needed. The goal is to prevent a second event or worsening of heart disease and damage to other organs. These tests may include:

echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology tests, ultrasounds and CT heart scans. Diabetics fall into this secondary prevention category even without cardiac symptoms. Because of their high risk for heart disease, they should be screened annually with all the tests for primary prevention, plus some in the secondary tier of tests, as recommended by their doctor. Sharon Brooks, 63, a registered nurse at Englewood Community Hospital in Charlotte County, Fla., knew she was in this category. Her cholesterol, blood pressure and weight were all in check, she didn't smoke and was a regular fitness walker. But she

Heart-healthy goals St. Petersburg Times

Goals for a healthy heart: • Total cholesterol: Below 200 • LDL "bad" cholesterol: Below 100 • HDL "good" cholesterol: 50 or higher • Triglycerides: Below 150 • Blood pressure: Below 120/80 • Fasting glucose: Below 100 • Body Mass Index (BMI): Below 25 • Waist circumference: Less than 35” Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service www.scrippsnews.com) also had diabetes for 40 years. When her blood sugars became uncharacteristically unstable last December, her doctor ordered a CT scan of her heart. Her health insurance wouldn't cover the test, but she considered it a $300 Christmas present to herself and paid cash. The test showed a substantial blockage in her heart that required treatment with a stent, a tiny wire mesh tube that props open vessels. "It took me a week to get over the shock that this really happened to me without symptoms," says Brooks. "I was a cardiac nurse before. I knew about prevention. I knew how to take care of myself. I felt I was in excellent physical shape. When it happens in spite of all these good things you do for yourself, it comes as quite a - Continued on page 25

Casteel Chiropractic Dr. IAn CAsTeel Our job is to keep your spine in line for a better, healthier you!

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22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125

To restore function you need to restore posture.

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Providing: • Assistance in Daily living • Short & long term Care • 24 Hour Care • Activities • Physician On Call • Special Diets • Safety Bells in Each room • Physical, Occupational & Speech therapy Available • Independent Apartments Available

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24 – Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125

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e often think we're eating healthy and living right, when in reality, not so much. nearly 90 percent of 1,234 adults taking part in a Consumer Reports survey late last year thought their diets were at least somewhat, very or extremely healthy. But when they revealed what they were actually eating, their consumption left a bit to be desired. Only 30 percent said they eat ﬁve or more servings of fruit and vegetables every day, and another 28 percent say they get that many servings on most days. Just over half said they regularly try to limit how many sweets and how much fat they eat, and just 8 percent said they monitor their daily calorie intake. And there was a common tendency for people to see themselves as slimmer than they actually are. About a third of those surveyed who reported having a healthy weight had a body mass index in the overweight and obese range when they revealed their actual height and weight. Even that may be a tad suspect, since only 13 percent said they weigh themselves every morning. So what if we get better nutrition information in front of us about what we're about to eat? The experience recorded at a chain of taco restaurants around Seattle after king County required menu labeling is not very encouraging. The local health department and researchers from Duke university found that 13 months after calorie counts were posted at the counters, there was no difference in food-purchasing behavior between restaurants in the county and elsewhere. The total number of sales and the average calories bought per transaction were unaffected by the menu labeling. Researchers pointed out that the chain, Taco Time, was already posting "Healthy Highlights" logos beside items that were relatively lower in fat and calories for some time before the labels were required, so

consumers inclined to be guided into eating healthier may already have changed their ways. However, nutrition facts have been required for prepackaged foods in the u.S. for years, and seem to have made little impact on the national expansion, noted Eric Finkelstein, an associate professor of health services at Duke. He was lead author of the study, published in the February issue of the American Journal for Preventative Medicine. Two recent European studies offer still more reasons for eating five a day. First, a study of 300,000 people in eight European countries concluded that eating more fruits and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of dying from ischemic heart disease (characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart). Specifically, the study showed that risk of dying from that form of heart disease was 4 percent lower for each portion above two a day consumed, up to eight or more portions a day. The researchers noted that folks with higher fruit and veggie intake also tend to have other healthy eating habits and lifestyles. They can't say from this study whether something in the produce itself benefits the heart's circulation or whether higher consumption is among factors that reduce risk. Scientists at the university of St. Andrews and Bristol university report that people who eat more portions of fruit and vegetables each day have a more golden skin color, and that lab subjects asked to rate the attractiveness of people with such skin tones gave them higher marks that those who had gotten color from exposure to the sun. The coloring from the fruits and veggies comes from carotenoids, a type of antioxidant that helps boost the immune system. The study was published in journal Evolution and Human Behavior. (Contact Lee Bowman at BowmanL@shns.com.) •••

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any women who have had breast surgery are not aware that their health insurance may cover the purchase of bras, camisoles and breast prosthesis. Whether you have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction. The certified staff at Wigs-n-More can help you with the process of being fitted properly. Depending on the type of Health Insurance you carry, you may be eligible for up to eight bras a year, one cilicone breast prosthesis every two years, as well as one leisure form prosthesis and camisole every six months. The knowledgeable office staff will help you with the confirmation as to what you are entitled to receive to the best of their ability. Custom breast prosthesis is another product that we offer to our women at Wigs-n-More and may also be covered by your insurance. This is the state of the art Laser Scanning and 3-D CAD/CAM techonology with a patented handcrafted process. ContourMed creates the most life-like look and feel custom breast prosthesis available in the world. utilizing and extending their technology enables them to meet the needs of women for general enhancement,lumpectomy and symmetry inbalance. The scanning process is done at the shop and takes approximately an hour. Women have the opportunity to choose their skin tone, areola and nipple design as well as view the intricate scan during the process. The chest wall contour is captured through laser scanning so the breast form fits like a puzzle piece and hugs the chest wall. The custom products are individually hand crafted giving each woman a natural, custom fit. We are a unique Woman's Boutique with the ability and passion to accommodate your needs. We also carry a large selection of mastectomy bathing suits in the latest fashions. Visit us on the web at www.wigsnmore.net or call us @ 724-

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Continued from page 22 shock." Most patients in secondary prevention also need daily medication. Brooks takes a prescribed daily aspirin, statin, beta blocker and ACE inhibitor to keep heart disease from advancing. Chief among all preventive measures for heart disease is lifestyle modification. Singh says three steps are a must: Don't smoke, exercise daily (Singh echoes the American Heart Association advice to get a pedometer and take 10,000 steps a day), and maintain a healthy body weight. Add to that a heart-healthy diet that includes omega 3 fatty acids, plus fruits, vegetables and fiber-rich whole grains.

Eileen Corning exercises regularly, watches what she eats and has lost 30 pounds since her heart attack. She reminds women that their symptoms of a heart attack may not be the stereotypical chest pains -- indigestion, nausea and back pain can all be symptoms for women. "Don't ignore what your body is telling you," she says. "It's hurting for a reason." Sharon Brooks walks 2 miles a day, four to five times a week, but with more intensity. Since getting the stent, she says she has more endurance. "I was never short of breath before, but now it seems I could just walk forever," she says. (Contact Irene Maher at imaher@sptimes.com.) (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service www.scrippsnews.com) •••

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Located at 5924 Rt. 981, Latrobe Punxsutawney Hometown – March 2011 - Issue #125 – 25

‘Widowhood effect’ takes tool on grieving spouses By Anita Creamer Sacramento Bee JD Conger told everyone he couldn't live without his wife, Opal. He took care of her as her dementia deepened and she slowly faded. But even during her last difficult year, they relied on each other: Frail as she was, she translated the world for him, making up for his failing eyes and ears. When Opal Conger died at age 97 on the morning of Jan. 13, they had been husband and wife for 81 years, spending their last few at a senior living center in Carmichael, Calif. The Congers' devotion was clearly an unbreakable bond.

And so JD followed Opal into death just after dawn, not 48 hours after she died. He was 101 and he was true to his word. "He was not going to be here without her," said the Congers' granddaughter, Sue Seaters, 55, a public health nurse in Placer County, Calif. She sat by his bedside in his final hours. "He went to bed and didn't get up." Researchers have a name for the increased probability of death among grieving mates within weeks or months of their spouses' passing: the "widowhood effect." Among elderly couples, according to Harvard university sociologists, men are

22 percent more likely to die shortly after the death of a spouse, compared with 17 percent for women. And a national Institute on Aging study found that race plays a part in the widowhood effect, with white partners aged 67 or older more likely than elderly African Americans to succumb early in bereavement. Findings on the widowhood effect don't come as news to medical professionals, who have observed similar patterns of increased mortality. "We've all had experiences with this kind of thing," said Trish Caputo, a nurse and bereavement coordinator at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice in Auburn, Calif. "Often, it's unrelated to any accident or cardiovascular incident. ... That can be part of the stress reaction to grief. "I've had at least three bereaved spouses who've fractured a hip within a week of their loved one's death, one at the funeral of the spouse." Complicating the fog of grief is the fact that elderly care giving spouses are at a 63 percent greater risk of death than older people not caring for their mates, according to American Medical Association research. Traditional gender roles play a part in the widowhood effect, too: While women seek connection -- a trait that serves them well after a spouse's death -- men's drive for independence can leave them isolated and lonely, said Barbara Gillogly, gerontology department chair at American River College in Sacramento. "It's just the difference between men and women and how we're socialized. Connection helps us negotiate old age. Independence does not do us well," she said. With the death of J.D. Conger's wife, he may have lost interest in living. "His job was done." "They were so attached to each other," said Virginia Stone, marketing director at Carmichael Oaks Senior Living, where the Congers lived for the past few years. "One of the things JD said when she passed was, 'How can I go on without her?' " (Contact Anita Creamer at acreamer@sacbee.com. For more stories visit scrippsnews.com) •••

Pain is a Terrible Indicator

Dr. Kevin P. Merrow

hear it every single day in my office; “It hurts right here.” Well, 90% of the time, when it hurts right here, it’s caused by something else. Our societal norms teach us to chase pain and sickness using our health insurance dollars as a cure all modality. What happened to the individual responsibility? Did you know that in Ancient China, “doctors” were paid by patients until they got sick? It’s an interesting way of thought isn’t it? Imagine that, doctors being paid to keep people healthy, working as precautionary rather than reactionary. How have we fallen so far away from preventative care that now all we want to do is get help when we decide we need it? There are blood tests that can predict the onset of cardio vascular diseases like coronary artery disease and heart attack. Almost no one receives these tests until they are at the cardiologist with chest pains. There are movement screenings that can reveal postural abnormalities that might one day lead to debilitating low back pain. unfortunately, chiropractors don’t get the chance to perform these screenings until patients are already writhing in pain. As a society, our health care is driven by two things, pain, and the almighty dollar I tell my patients all the time “Let’s stay well, not get well.” Simply put, you are feeling good now and regular monthly or bimonthly checkups will keep you that way. Regular check-ups can clearly demonstrate a patient’s weakest link. knowing is half the battle. Once we know where an injury is likely to occur, we can address it through adjustments, by altering one’s exercise program, daily activities, or even sleep position and that once a month visit can cost as little as ten to fifteen dollars out of pocket. However, when patients wait for a major injury to occur, the necessary treatment protocol becomes much more regular leading to the accumulation of higher fees. It is simple to understand. Pain is a poor indicator of physical condition. A paper cut for example can be excruciating, while cancer can go undetected for years. Have you had an ache or a pain for weeks that “should have gone away by now?” Schedule your regular check up with whoever it is that you trust with your health today. ADVERTISEMENT

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Shaking the salt habit

By Jeremy Goldmeier Scripps Howard News Service ost people know how to count calories. Dedicated dieters have learned how to suss out good from bad cholesterol. But based on a new federal health report, there's an ingredient whose dietary damage still might be flying under the radar: salt. The u.S. Department of Agriculture just released its latest edition of "Dietary Guidelines for Americans," which identified salt as Public Enemy no. 1. The report recommends that Americans limit their daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams -- or 1 teaspoon. That guideline becomes even tighter for high-risk groups, who make up about half of the country's population: people 51 and older, blacks and anyone with diabetes or high blood pressure. The report instructs these groups to consume no more than 1,500 milligrams per day. Today's food marketplace makes that goal a bit of a challenge: if it's frozen, processed, canned or prepackaged, it's probably swimming in salty preservatives. Because it's cheap, fast and convenient, that type of food makes up a sizable chunk of the typical American's diet. According to the American Heart Association, the average American consumes 3,346 milligrams of sodium each day. "I tell my patients, 'Take your salt shaker and throw it in the trash,' " said Ansleigh Rowan, a registered dietitian at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas. "'Your food has enough salt in it already.' " The risks of too much sodium are high and well-documented. High blood pressure, heart disease and stroke all come with the territory. The problem, as Hendrick's Dr. Ralph McCleskey explained, is that the body can only tolerate a limited range of sodium in the bloodstream. Whereas blood sugar can veer wildly over the course of a day, sodium has to remain relatively stable. After a sodium-heavy meal, the kidneys immediately start retaining water to dilute the blood. More water means a higher blood volume, which means a higher blood pressure. Given a lifetime of salty meals, this sort of effect adds up. So knowing what to eat day-to-day is essential. In most cases, it doesn't take a genius to know what to avoid. If it's got salt grains visible on the surface (like pretzels), there's probably a fair bit of sodium in there. If it comes in a grease-stained wrapper with a side of fries, high sodium is just one of many issues on the table. But there are still sources of sodium that fly under the radar. Soup, for example, can take the bite off a winter cold, but it can also provide a sodium overload. So what can consumers do to limit salty

foods? For starters, the best resource is the nutrition label on the package. The percentages you see for sodium intake are based on a daily value of 2,400 mg, which is a little higher than the new guidelines. So if a single serving is eating up close to 25 percent of the day's sodium allowance (like a 2ounce bag of Cheetos, which has 590 mg), it's best avoided. Major chain restaurants also have nutrition numbers in stores and online. Perusing these lists can help you make small switches that add up over the course of a day. Secondly, eat fresh whenever possible. Even with vegetables, the fresh variety has notably less sodium than the canned version, Rowan said. That philosophy extends to eating at home instead of eating out. By cutting out the middleman and making that turkey sandwich yourself, you're reducing the number of salty additives that get chipped in along the way. Thirdly, Rowan said it's time for Americans to rediscover their spice racks. A dash of sage or a sprinkling of oregano can pack just as much flavor as a salt drizzle, without the sodium boost. Still, all these precautions beg the question: Does the American food industry bear any responsibility for the amount of salt it packs into food products? There's the possibility of change, either voluntary or mandated, to reduce salt content. McCleskey cited a 2007 article from Medical news Today noting that England and Finland have cracked down on salt in mass-distributed food. The article said that, thanks to regulation, McDonald's Chicken Mcnuggets now have half the sodium content in the u.k. as they do in America. To a certain extent, similar things are happening domestically. A Wall Street Journal article from January 2010 noted how some food manufacturers were "quietly" cutting back on salt, pointing to companies such as ConAgra Foods and Campbell's soup. Both have gradually reduced sodium levels in select products over a period of years. What's more, Walmart recently announced that it will reduce the amount of sodium, fat and sugar in its store brands while providing lower prices for fresh fruits and vegetables. But barring a sea change in the American food industry, making salt-smart decisions still rests on consumers' plates. (Contact Jeremy Goldmeier of the Abilene Reporter-News at goldmeierj@reporternews.com.) (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com) •••

Continued from page 19 1918 in the water across from Alahoe Park (between Robertsville and Foxburg adjacent to Big Run). There, it swam up and down the creek five or six times, the eyewitnesses reported. The news story described the sighted creature as “some sort of a snake or some such reptile, 30 or 40 feet long with a head the size of a man and a body as thick as a man’s trunk at its heaviest part.” In another sighting, a man claimed, “It has a head as big as a cow and a body as long as Main Street in Big Run.” It had been observed on the bank of the creek, wriggling in the mud and creating a path “almost wide enough and deep enough to form a new channel for the creek.” Many of the excited men of Big Run went gunning for the creature. In one attempt, dynamite was exploded to force it out of hiding for crack huntsmen to blow it out of existence. After another week, the monster snake was spotted in the “swamp south of the Punx’y brewery.” On that same day, it reportedly was seen in Sawmill Run in the West End of Punxsutawney. That report was discounted because Sawmill Run was not considered big enough to hold the reptile described in the weeks before. Each of the “credible” sightings were attributed to a dozen persons by name. Living in Big Run at the time of this giant reptile news story was local squire Quint (Q.S.) Reams, considered a foremost naturalist. In his response to the many reports, he said, “The impossible doesn’t happen, you know.”

Reams opined the “monster snake” actually was a long line of muskrats chasing each other up and down the creek. After all, it was the season when muskrats did their cavorting, he claimed. And, in another explanation, he said, “It must be muskrats, because that’s about the only kind of animal that can get by in the sulphuric waters of the Mahoning Creek.” By the end of March or early April, those who awaited the sounds and sights of the Big Run “peeper” will have made their report, and the story from the swamp in central Big Run will have been recorded. John London, acclaimed as Big Run Frog Man, will have marked his calendar and the most celebrated legend of Big Run will have had its day in the spring sun. •••

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