2022/2023
INSIDE:
• Juniata woman recalls times of abuse, comfort • How to let young athletes enjoy their sport • Goose Day preview
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JUNIATA VALLEY FAMILY 2022 Published and distributed by The Sentinel, 352 Sixth St., Lewistown, PA 17044 Copyright 2013-22 www.lewistownsentinel.com Fax: (717) 248-3481 Publisher Ruth Eddy
What’s Inside
As Juniata Valley Family switches to a new, annual format, we are able to offer more local articles that offer insight into issues that affect families in a variety of ways. The Juniata River Valley Visitor’s Bureau is not shy about reminding us that Goose Day is right around the corner. Our local restaurants are proud to offer delicious Goose meals. Legend has it that if you eat goose on Sept. 29, also known as Saint Michaelmas Day, you will never want for money all the year round The Lewistown Sentinel’s sports editor delves into how sports can influence young athletes on Page 4. We are excited to feature a guest column by Vianney Siennick, who bravely recaptures the tragedy she and her family experienced as a result of domestic abuse. This serves as a reminder to all of us, that if you see Erin Thompson something concerning, say something. The Abuse Network can be reached at (717) 242-0715. If you have any ideas for stories you would like to see in Juniata Valley Family, contact us by calling (717) 248-6741, ext. 117 or emailing ethompson@lewistownsentinel.com. Sincerely,
To advertise, contact Advertising Director Matthew Bolich, (717) 248-6741, ext. 130; mbolich@lewistownsentinel.com Ruth Eddy
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Juniata Valley Family is published quarterly by Ogden Newspapers of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. We welcome correspondence and editorial submissions, but are not responsible for the return of any unsolicited materials Juniata Valley Family does not necessarily endorse the products, services or viewpoints offered. All material in this publication are provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. We reserve the right to reject any advertisements.
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Table of Contents Sports and youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 11 Goose Day . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 6 Appreciating young athlete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 8
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Sports can help kids and society By ANTHONY FIUZA Sports editor
sports@lewistownsentinel.com When it comes to improving society, I think it’s important for us to help today’s youth. Fortunately, we have organized sports that can give kids the opportunity to build their social skills and have fun. Over at the Juniata Valley YMCA in Burnham, there are plenty of youth sports programs ranging from indoor soccer to karate. Mike Knarr, who coaches the YMCA’s rec basketball league, believes giving kids a sports outlet can lead
to exceptional character. “We think the most important thing for our kids is to come out and have fun. Also, learn the game (of basketball) and create that comradery among each other, so they can take those values and carry them out of this gymnasium and into our streets. So, they can become full citizens within our community. That’s what I think our purpose is at the YMCA,” Knarr said. Knarr, also known to many as Coach K, has approximately 20 years of coaching experience. He’s been on the college, high school and rec level. Knarr has noticed that kids are different today
compared to when he first started coaching basketball. “It reflects back to the cell phone. It can be utilized for a lot of positive things. They can get their rules and watch other kids do certain things on video,” Knarr explained. “The cell phone has changed the aspects of how they can get more involved and it can help them understand basketball more.” Knarr has embraced kids that have the “want and the love” for basketball. His program welcomes athletes with different skill levels and it’s also helped kids that have disabilities. Knarr added that kids in the rec basketball league
root for each other to excel and it’s rewarding when each athlete overcomes an obstacle. He believes that kids give hope to everyday society, but we need to listen to them more in order to help them grow. We’ve become so reliant on our mobile devices to a point where it’s hard to imagine a world without them. Social media likes, followers and subscribers have created a new way of living for many content creators, which means leaving the house has become somewhat voluntary. “I think we really need to work hard on socializing better. We need to look each other in the eyes, but
we need to meet each other (in-person) first. We can’t stand beside each other and just look at our cell phone,” Knarr said. “We need to be more understanding of each other and know that kids have multiple options to get involved socially.” For more information about the programs at the Juniata Valley YMCA visit online at https://jvymca. org/youth-sports/ The lessons learned from youth sports have been carried to the high school ranks. Juniata head football coach Kurt Condo has acknowledged his players understand the value of teamwork.
“There are a lot of players that understand the concept of teamwork from playing youth sports. Some of them still need to learn that the big picture is the success of the group from working together as a team,” Condo noted. So how can area athletes get used to playing high school football? “We encourage the players that are transitioning into high school to participate in our offseason weightlifting program. This allows us to get to know them, as well as preparing them for the season,” Condo said. A big reason why I have See YMCA / Page 11
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Goose Day offers family fun across Valley Submitted by the Juniata River Valley Visitor’s Bureau LEWISTOWN — Goose Day starts here! The Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau’s office inside the Historic Courthouse on the square in downtown Lewistown will be Goose Day Central on Sept. 29th. In 2021, the bureau saw more people stopping by their office than ever before on the local holiday. Most were looking for places to eat a goose dinner, others just wondering what activities they could do to celebrate. “Come Sept. 29th, Goose Day is down to eating in restaurants without a lot of other activities going on,” said Jenny Landis, executive director of JRVVB. “We’ve decided to develop something happening at our office and direct visitors to stop here first before heading out for the day.” Upon arrival, guests will know they are in the right place as they see Mr. Wiggles, the 20-foot-tall inflatable air dancer greeting them from the square. The Historic Courthouse porch will be decorated for fall and inside visitors can have their photo taken with Mrs. Goose who will be donning her “Top Goose” attire from the Lewistown First Friday photoshoot, plus other goosey activities. From there, the bureau will hand out restaurant lists to
Submitted photo
Runners take off during the Goose Day 5K in downtown Lewistown. guests to locate their lucky goose meal to ensure wealth and prosperity for the coming year. The official Goose Day List will be released on Sept. 1st listing all the events, activities, and goose dinners that are occurring this year. In the meantime, here is a list of activities that have been confirmed for 2022. Museum Day in the Juniata River Valley — Back by popular demand is the second annual Museum Day in the Juniata River Valley. Last year, more than 400 people visited the 14 museums in both Mifflin and Juniata counties, and they visited the museums included in the Huntingdon County History and Heritage Roundtable’s Museum Day.
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“We are encouraging guests to take advantage of this opportunity to see some of these rare and special historical locations in our area,” said Buffie Boyer, communications director for the JRVVB. “There is a great distance between most of the museums, so make a plan where you want to visit.” The official list of participating museums will be released on Sept. 1 on www.jrvvisitors. com. Museum Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 24th. Goose Day Baby — If you know anyone who was born on Sept. 29th, they will often make sure to tell you they were born on Goose Day. This year, the Submitted photo first baby born on Goose Day at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Mr. Wiggles the Goose represents Goose Day at the 2021 Goose Day Pumpkinfest at the Mifflin County Youth Park in Reedsville. See Goose / Page 6
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Goose
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will receive a gift basket full of goose-themed goodies. Okto’bear’Fest — Shy Bear Brewing has scheduled this year’s Okto’bear’fest in accord with Goose Day. On the 29th, join the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners (bluegrass) as they entertain the crowd during your Goose Day meal. On the 30th, the Bavarian Stompers will put the “oom” and the “pah” in your Friday night. Saturday will be the main day of activities with all day music, festivities, and German food options. Sunday will feature Miss Melanie on the stage. Shy Bear’s special Märzen Lager will be available for
Submitted photos
Above, a diner enjoys a Goose Day dinner. Right, Alyssa Brown poses for a photo with Night Gander at Buttonwood Campground. pours alongside a few oth- — Each year, the visitors the Goose Day postcard. er special beers. bureau chooses to feature See Goose / Page 11 Goose Day Postcard a local artist’s design on
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Enjoy your young athlete’s play, and they will too With the fall sports season approaching, parents will be back on the sidelines cheering on their kids. That’s good. But some of those parents — way too many, it seems — have forgotten that their job is not to coach, officiate or criticize those who do. To be a good sports parent — in any season, for kids of any age — you need to remember that your role is to sit in the bleachers, root for the kids and buy a hot dog (it helps support the team!). Longtime soccer player and coach John O’Sullivan founded the Changing the Game Project after seeing a major shift in the culture of youth sports — and
not a change for the better. We’ve all seen parents — and coaches, and players, the latter often learning it from their parents — berating coaches and officials, often volu n t e e rs , for trying to make sports better. Jeff Fishbein O’Sullivan, who w r o t e “Changing the Game: The Parents Guide to Raising Happy, High-Performing Athletes and Giving Youth Sports back to Our Kids,” has become somewhat of a Ted Talk phenomenon
in youth sports circles for his presentation on the role of parents in athletics (you can watch it online at https://youtu.be/VXw0XGOVQvw). The key, he says, is to support your athlete — and his or her coach, and the officials on the field — no matter what. Nothing that happens that day will change anyone’s life — unless you, the parent, make it a bad memory for your child. “I love watching you play” That’s the most important takeaway from O’Sullivan — something you can and should say to your young athlete. Don’t tell them what they did wrong See Athlete / Page 8
JV Family photo by Mike Carmo Photography
My son Chris wanted to play goalie at an early age, and when he reached the squirt level (10U) he finally got into net in games. Look closely — he made the save. Seven years later, I still swell with pride when I see this photo.
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Athletes
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— or for that matter, what anyone did wrong. Just tell them how much it means to you to be there for them. Too many parents think athletics — from the earliest age — is a ticket to a better future. And they’re right — but probably not the future the parent is thinking about. Think about the influence you have on your child. Do you want to raise a disrespectful child who badmouths those they play with? That’s what happens when you set the example. Work with the coach, not against. Recognize that officials are human, and will make mistakes — for and against any team or player, not just yours. Respect their decisions, and your child
will too — and the world no such thing as an athletwill be a better place for it. ic scholarship at most colleges and universities, and My kid will get a in many cases it’s a paltry scholarship amount the school knocks Maybe — but probably off their pricey tuition to not. In fact, the odds are help get an athlete to enroll. stacked high against it. It’s all about the In any given year, there grades are between 7 and 8 million Sooner or later, sports high school athletes in the U.S. Just 7.5% of them will careers end — and only play a college sport at all — an infinitesimally small and that includes walk-ons, number of them end on a and the schools that do not pro team. Athletics should offer athletic scholarships. not be the focus of college, To make the roster at a but college the focus of the Division I college — where future. School is not a backup most scholarship athletes play — is even rarer. Few- plan, it is the plan. And doer than 2% of high school ing well in school is more athletes go on to compete important than doing well at that level. The odds vary on the field. The lessons of by gender and sport, with sports should help in that the more popular sports department, too. generally being the most Driving force competitive for scholarship money. O’Sullivan points out And don’t buy into the that more and more young Division III myth — there is athletes are giving up on
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sports at earlier and earlier ages — something he attributes to parents driving their kids to do more, to do better, not just to enjoy doing it. When it stops being fun, the kids will walk away. You, the parent, have the most influence on whether it will or will not be fun — and you can’t make it be fun by pushing. Cheer for your kid. Support their coach. Be thankful for the time officials put into the game. Buy that hot dog. And make sure you tell your son or daughter, “I love watching you play.” ••• Jeff Fishbein spent more than 30 years as a sports reporter and editor, focusing predominantly on high school sports. He is a sports parent himself, a volunteer for his son’s sports league — and loves watching him play.
JV Family photo by Christopher Shannon
Chris Fishbein skating at Penn State’s Pegula Ice Arena. Now a teen, he continues to play — and enjoy it — on the Susquehanna Valley Stampede, a member of the Central Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League.
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Seeing the light through times of tragedy By VIANNEY SIENNICK Special to JV Family
Even in times of great despair, beauty is revealed. My name is Vianney M Siennick, I came to live in Lewistown on July 4, 1995, from San Diego, California, which my then-husband, a Pennsylvania native, desired to return after living away for several years. My three children were very young, Cindy my oldest was eight, Zeus seven, and Julio 6 years old. I am from the city, so coming to live in a small town like Lewistown was a huge change for me, but I was a young wife, full of dreams and in love. I realized quickly however, that the move to Lewistown with my new husband was not going to be easy. He became very abusive and controlling, resulting in me becoming an abused woman far away from home, with no family or friends to count on, a textbook move for an abuser. Life became a matter of survival for me and for my children. After seven years of marriage, another son, and many beatings, I finally found the courage to leave, secured a divorce and became a single parent to four children. I worked a lot, and life wasn’t easy, but I was able to raise my four children to adulthood. Two of my children, Cindy and Zeus moved out and started their own families, Julio decided to join the Army, and just a day after he turned 18, he was gone to Missouri for basic training. He was elevated to Army Ranger serving overseas in Afghanistan,
Submitted photo
From left to right, the Siennick family includes Lucciana, 3, Graciella, 15, Marquise, 11, Valentina, 4, Vianney, grandmother and caregiver, Ydnic, 1, and Dominique, 12. In this photo, the family is shown at home with a check created from community outreach. Submitted photo
Construction on the home being built for the Siennick family. and serving his country for three years. So, with this, I found myself with just one son at home, Donnie, my youngest. I didn’t have to work so much anymore and discovered I had some free time on my hands, as I didn’t have to shuttle the four children to games, and other obligations. I became very depressed, and found myself in this ugly and dark place that is depression and emptiness. I tried very hard to get myself out of that sad place and thought that maybe a way to feel better was through volunteer service. So, I started volunteering for different organizations; United Way, Habitat for Humanity, The Abuse Network, Area Agency on Aging, Safe Kids Worldwide, Girl Scouts of Central PA, The Welcome Center, Estamos Unidos PA, Latino
Hispanic Professional Association, and Rotary. I became very involved in Rotary and found that it was a way for me to contribute and help more people around the world; I felt connected to the world, to humanity. The feeling was awesome! With this, also I started training professionally, achieving accreditations in the professional world — I love learning, so it was great! I also discovered cycling, I fell in love with biking. All of my free time, or any free time that I could manage was channeled toward bike riding. The feeling that you get when you bike is amazing, you feel free, happy, and the transformation of your body is also really amazing, you become stronger physicalSee Siennick / Page 10
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JV family photo by ERIN THOMPSON
Siennick family members and others are, from left, front, Lucciana Siennick, Valentina Siennick and Ydnic Siennick; middle, Jennie Dallas, Dominique Siennick, Marquise Siennick, Vianney Siennick Josie Souders and Graciella Siennick; back, Todd Denlinger, Mike Green, Paul Wilson, Gary Gill, Jen Featuers, Jim Zubler, Mayor Deb Bargo, Jeff Bell and Mike Spahr. and suddenly you awake, my house and gave me the realizing how beautiful most devastating news the world is, how every- any parent can hear. My thing is connected, how daughter, Cindy lost her Continued from Page 9 life is everywhere, even in life as a result of domestic the smallest flower, or the abuse. ly, and mentally you feel tiny piece of sand — really That day my whole liberated, attributing to what a beautiful world! world and life as I knew it the sensation that you can I also became enamored ended. do anything. You develop of Pennsylvania; with My heart, my mind, my this desire for cycling, for its majestic green moun- soul, every cell in my body conquering new places, tains, its lakes and rivers. hurt. I lost my sense of bediscovering new trails, We live in a very beautiful longing, I felt distraught you dream about biking, state! and very angry. My heart you talk about cycling, you So, through cycling broke in pieces. I felt so get so excited when you’re and volunteering I was empty and so so lost. able to conquer that steep in a very great and loving I wanted my daughter, hill, and the joy you feel place mentally and physi- my heart and my mind when you ride more miles cally! I was loving life, and kept repeating to me — I is so satisfying! everything was just amaz- want my daughter. The feel of the wind on ing! All I wanted to do was your face, the tiredness Everything was color to get to her side and cudof your body after a long perfect, color pink! I was dle with her, wake her up, ride, and the excitement fulfilled, I was happy. hold her in my arms and after getting to that place tell her how much I loved you had dreamed of, is just January 24, 2020 her, tell her that mommy so fantastic and unbelievA knock on the door and was going to take care of able! my world came crashing everything, that she was Through cycling I be- down. going to be ok. Mommy is came connected to nature, There are no words to here, mommy is here my and when you feel a con- express my thoughts, my little one — just wake up. nection to nature, it’s an feelings of that awful day. Nobody is prepared to amazing feeling. It’s like How could I? start over with so much waking up, like you have Two Pennsylvania State devastation, trauma, pain, been sleeping all this time Police troopers came to anger and hatred.
I found myself lost, lost in my pain with six grandchildren now in my care. Six children that were hurting just like I was, six traumatized children now motherless. My grandchildren, 6 months to 14 years of age at the time, came to live with me in my tiny Lewistown home that same day, Jan 24, 2020. I have to apologize because I don’t remember much of what happened the next day, or even what happened the next few months. I just don’t remember, my mind had enclosed itself in this little bubble, what professionals call ‘’survival mode.” My memory from that awful day was to “get to Cindy, wake her up and get the kids, get the kids.” Somehow I knew that I needed to protect the kids, that I needed to bring
them home to me. I brought my grandkids home that day, but I didn’t have any thing for them, like diapers for the six month old, formula, baby bottles, clothes, beds and blankets for all of them. A sense of community What happened the next day and many days after, according to my sons and my sister Angélica, arriving from California to be with us for support, is that many people from the community started to come to my house bringing food, diapers, formula, clothes, blankets and beds, all kinds of things the kids desperately needed. Wow! When I learned of this, I was amazed — amazed at how this community responded to our tragedy and our needs. Truly amazing! When I was feeling so lost and
alone, when my world had completely crumbled, this community came to our rescue. With my heart broken and my sense of belonging shattered, I witnessed how this wonderful community first provided a vehicle large enough for all eight of my new family to transport all of us safely. Later, members of the community created a committee to plan and help build or buy a bigger house for our eight-member household. I can’t begin to express how thankful I am to all these people that in one way or another helped my family when everything seemed so dark, when our hearts where so devastated and broken. Hope, they gave us hope. In January 2022 we received a building lot donatSee Siennick / Page 14
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Goose
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This year, Aimee Parsons-Hubley, a Mifflin County High School art teacher, was selected to create the 2022 postcard. Starting on Sept. 1, a pre-stamped postcard, showcasing artwork by Hubley, can be purchased at East End Coffee Co., the Mifflintown Farmers Market or the visitors bureau office. For $5 per card, the buyer can fill out the back of the postcard and then return the card to the shop owner. On Goose Day, the postcards will then be taken to the Lewistown Post Office where the special commemorative pictorial Goose Day postmark will be applied and then the card will be mailed. The postmark will be available only at the Lewistown Post Office on Sept. 29th. Top Goose — In keeping with tradition of having a pop art photoshoot each year, the visitors bureau will be flying to new heights with its “Top Goose” themed photo. Mrs. Goose will be wearing an aviator suit just like the char-
YMCA
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respect for football (and other sports) is because it teaches discipline and players from different backgrounds can build relationships while pursuing on-field success. But, let’s remember to let kids be kids and remind them to enjoy the ride of their high school, junior high and youth sports experience. Unfortunately, some athletes work so hard without being reminded, ‘hey it’s
acters in the Top Gun movies. Stop by Lewistown First Friday or the Historic Courthouse on Sept. 29th to get a photo with her. Goose Day 5k and Goose Day Road Rally —The 44th annual Goose Day 5k Run/Walk and the Goose Day Road Rally, both the longest running events in the history of the holiday, return this year. To register for the 5K, which will be held Sept. 24th at 9 a.m., visit jvstriders.com. For details on the road rally, which will be held Sept. 25th, check out the Goose Day List on Sept. 1st or look for the Facebook event page coming soon. Wild Geese- The Wild Geese: Flock Together Public Art Project continues to spread its wings and grow. So far 25 geese have landed throughout Mifflin and Juniata Counties and the good news is, there are more to come! According to Community Partnerships, the organizer of this project, more geese will be landing before Goose Day. Follow the Goose Day in the Juniata River Valley Facebook page for updates. For a complete list of Goose Day fun, visit www.jrvvisitors.com starting Sept. 1st.
okay to relax and be silly.’ A word I always hear is ‘tough’. People like to compare athletes of today to those of yesteryear, but we have to understand there’s a variety of the ‘tough’ athlete. Condo, who is entering his 21st season at Juniata, doesn’t think toughness can be taught to a player. “Toughness can be looked at from different perspectives and it’s one thing that I don’t think can be coached. Some kids are just tougher than others, some physically, some mentally. I believe this is something that is ingrained in the kid while
growing up, way before we get to see them in high school,” the head coach said. I understand the world isn’t a perfect place and people go through tough times, but let’s keep in mind that kids have options from sports to drama club to just going for a walk each day. No, they don’t have to give up their phone, but there are different ways help kids grow and create a better, well-rounded future. ••• Anthony Fiuza is the sports editor for The (Lewistown) Sentinel.
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ENTER HERE OR ONLINE at lewistownsentinel.com/JVFamily to be entered Just fill out the entry form below and drop/mail to The Sentinel or email to enter. Deadline is August 17, 2022 OFFICIAL ENTRY Name _________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City ____________________State ____Zip ___________ Phone _________________________________________ Email __________________________________________ What is the 4 digit contest code inside this edition: ________________________________ Mail/Drop Off to: Attn: JV Family Contest The Sentinel, 352 Sixth Street, Lewistown, PA 17044 Deadline: 8/17/22 No purchase necessary. One official contest form may be obtained at The Sentinel office, 352 Sixth Street, Lewistown, PA during normal business hours 8am-5pm. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Contest runs from August 10-August 17, 2022. Prize is for 4 passes for the 2022 season at DelGrosso’s Park. Employees of Ogden Newspapers and immediate families are not eligible to enter. One random winner will be chosen from all qualified entries. The Sentinel is not responsible for lost, misplaced or late entries. Decisions of judges will be final.
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From tragedy to triumph for father and son MCVEYTOWN — When it comes to the sport of auto racing, many friends and family come together to watch and enjoy the races. But for the Dickson family, it is more of a way of life. For nearly fifty years Josh Yoder the Dickson family have been synonymous with dirt racing. More specifically, the super late models. “Well my dad help my uncle Don and my uncle Ernie back in the 50s,” Ken Dickson said. “It was just born into our blood and whenever I was a kid, I started going to races.” It all began with Ken Dickson who started his racing career at Port Royal Speedway in March of 1979. Looking back, Ken sees major differences between building a race team back then to what it has become nowadays being a race car owner. “Things were way different back then. We went to the races with three spare tires sorta just took the car and your toolbox,”
Ken and Nick Dickson stand inside their race shop next to their car in Ferguson Valley. Ken said. “Now we carry 20 spare tires, it’s a lot of money and technology.” “You can’t stop technology, but you got these guys in the wind tunnel and everything, figuring the bodies out, 900 horsepower motors,” Ken continued. “My first motor probably made 400 some horsepower. You just progress with it every year and I still enjoy
it. Even when you’re not winning it’s something I just use to coming into the shop, two, three times a week and that’s what I do.” When came time to pick a number for his race car, Ken felt that only one number was appropriate for his car and looked into his years growing up and ultimately choose the number 17. A number that stayed
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with his family for many years to come. “We use to go watch Bobby Pannepacker, his dad had a garage down there in Strodes Mills, of course his number was 17. Then later on my brother teamed up with Sheldon Knepp in McClure and his number was 17,” Ken said. “So it was sort of no brainer whenever it came time to race we
JV Family photo by Josh Yoder
were going to be number 17.” However it took a little while but eventually Ken was able to nail down his first win of his dirt racing career. In happened during the mid 1985 in Selinsgrove. At Port Royal Speedway, Dickson is second all time in wins with 54 only behind Scotty Haus who scored
96 victories at the track. Dickson also collected four Super Late Model Championships throughout his career two in the limited late models winning backto-back titles in 1990 and then again in 1991. Ken then went back-to-back again in the Super Late Models winning in 1993 and again in 1994. Overall Dickson collected a total of 60 wins through varies tracks including winner his final race in 2002 at the track where it started it all Port Royal before calling it quits. Then forty years since his debut, Ken was given the honors of the Living Legend Proclamation by Port Royal Speedway in 2019. Looking back on everything Ken is proud of what he has earned throughout his long career and is humbled by being given the honors by his peers. “I was really proud to have that,” Ken said. “I’ve seen some of the guys that had it before. I guess I look at it, I’d paid my dues to get it. I always thought of myself as a clean racer. Nick’s a clean racer and I’m pretty proud of that reward.” After retirement in 2002, Ken handed over the reigns to son Nick, who then beSee Yoder / Page 12
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JUNIATA VALLEY FAMILY
5 ways to be more sustainable this summer (StatePoint) You don’t have to be a sustainability expert to incorporate elements of eco-friendly living into your everyday routine. This summer, think about the small changes you can make that can add up to make a bigger difference. •Store Sustainably: Single-use plastics are difficult to avoid when protecting fragile household items or delicate holiday décor. Cut down on plastic cushioning and packing foam usage by incorporating Flourish Brand Honeycomb Cushion Wrap to cover and safely store your breakable and fragile items. The interlocking structure is easy to stretch and secures to itself without any tape needed. • Give Green: It’s often difficult to find the perfect presents for housewarming gatherings, family holidays and hostess gifts. Spread some sustainable love by
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gan his career in 2003. Nick says it was a dream come true. “He won the last race and just knew that I wanted to do it, so I didn’t really ask he just told me,” Nick laughed. “It’s all I’ve ever known, its just all we did. Something I’ve always wanted to do.” And what an incredible first season in his career as Nick scored his first ever victory just 22 races at Bedford Speedway. And to top it all off, Nick finished his 2003 rookie year with not one but two rookie of the year trophies on back at Bedford and the other at Port Royal. The early success was a little surprising to him Nick admitted. “It came a little bit faster than thought,” Nick said. “I knew, the first year I was
gifting a plant to that hardto-buy-for-friend or neighbor, or even give something green as a surprise for someone special. •En vironmentall y Friendly Connection: Sending a package to a distant loved one is a delightful way to brighten someone’s day, but unfortunately many mailers feature excess plastic wrapping or aren’t made of earth-friendly materials. Ship sustainably by choosing an eco-friendly option like Flourish Honeycomb Recyclable Mailers. These mailers feature 100% recyclable material packaging and include a die-cut honeycomb layer to create space and cushioning that helps protect items during shipment, without using unnecessary plastic. Additionally, they can easily be tossed into the recycling bin after use. •Make Small Chang-
es: Living sustainably can sound intimidating at first. Like any shift in habit though, changing behavior may take a while to stick, but small, consistent adjustments will mean the most over time, especially when it comes to everyday things like reducing your use of single-use plastics, and switching to reusable shopping bags and food containers. Take things one small step at a time. For example, commit to recycling one additional item each day. •Enjoy the Outside: Being active is always easier on warm, sunny days. Take advantage of summer weather to reduce your personal carbon footprint and get some healthy exercise! Find ways to do this by walking or biking instead of taking a car to the store. If you need to travel a longer distance, opt for public transport or carpool instead.
just trying to keep out of everybody elses way and try not to crash myself. Each week was getting better and better.” However, tragedy struck the Dickson family in 2011 as long time co-owner of the racing team and brother of Ken, Rick Dickson had passed away late in the year. But Nick turned tragedy into triumph, as his 2012 season was a monstrous one as Nick went on a tear throughout the season collecting four wins on four different tracks. Nick had wins in Winchester Speedway down in Virginia, another win in Selinsgrove, one in Hagerstown. But his biggest win came over at Hesston Speedway where 10 laps into the race, Nick found himself in a crash. However, that didn’t stop him from scratching and clawing all the way back from worst to first with just three laps to go to take home his fourth victory of
the season. Nick came a lot of the credit to his uncle Rick who he believes was guiding him from above. Nick had finished the 2012 season winning not one, but two championships with one for the Hagerstown Speedway and the other at Hesston Speedway. “2012 we had really good year,” Nick said. “I won at Hagerstown and I won the points at Hesston that year so we won two championships in 2012. That was a really good year.” Ten years later, the Dickson are still going strong in the world of Super Later Model racing. Whatever happens, you can be sure that a Dickson will always love the sport of dirt racing. “I never thought I still be racing some 40 years after the fact but we’re still trying,” Ken said. ••• Joshua Yoder is a sports reporter for The (Lewistown) Sentinel)
Photo courtesy of StatePoint Media
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Help is available for abuse victims
The Abuse Network provides services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes in Mifflin and Juniata Counties. These services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, empowerment counseling, information and referrals, an emergency domestic violence shelter, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, accompaniment, and support groups. All services are free and confidential. The Abuse Network also provides free prevention and awareness education training to schools, local groups, and community members. There are also various volunteer opportunities with the agency for those
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ed by Josie Souders, and by mid-February we had broken ground! It was still winter, so it was very cold and snowy, but volunteers started arriving every day, helping. People I didn’t know and that didn’t know me either. Seeing all these people coming to help every day, day after day, giving of their time and expertise to help my family, happily chatting with one another, with me, treating me like I was somebody they knew, providing me support, giving me hope. The children also helped on weekends and as school ended are helping every day as well. The way the volunteers treat the kids and me with so much love, we are all now filled with gladness and gratitude. You see, I became so angry, so bitter, and started falling into this ugly world of hatred and bitterness. I couldn’t get myself to get rid of those dark clouds that my hurting mind had created. Somehow my mind was trying to protect itself by shutting down, while my body was absorbing all the pain that my mind was closing itself from. So, I became this person that was in so much mental and physical pain that it was extremely hard
for me to do even the most simplest of tasks. My body was reacting by trying to kill itself. I used to be a very healthy person — mentally and physically strong, cycling three or four times a week from 20 to 60 miles at a time, and now, here I was, completely broken and sometimes even unable to walk. I understood what my body was trying to do, but my mind was unable to help prevent it. I was a complete mess and knew I needed help. One day tired of feeling so much pain, I turned to God. Before I was so angry at God for allowing my daughter to die and for the circumstances of which I now found myself. But I knew that in this moment, He was the only one that could help me, that could tuck me into His arms and heal my soul. That day I talked to Him, I poured my heart out to Him, and pleaded with Him to guide me and help me so I could help my grandkids. I plead with Him to let me see the beauty in people and not to be so bitter. I asked for forgiveness for myself, my daughter, and for help to accept her death, and to please help free my heart from all the hatred directed towards the person that committed the crime. The House that Love is Building is wrapping
who wish to help their fellow community members. The Lewistown Abuse Network is located at 31 S. Dorcas Street, Lewistown and can be reached by calling the 24-hour hotline at (717) 242-0715 or toll free at 1-888-810-2444. A satellite office in Juniata County is located at 38 N. Main St., Suite 1, Mifflintown and can be reached by calling (717) 447-1885. Offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. For more information, visit www.abusenetwork.org.
construction, aided by all these people coming to help build, awesome people, wonderful souls. Through this amazing outpouring of support shown to me and my family, I felt my heart begin to heal, become more receptive to my surroundings, more open. On one occasion I was talking to one of the volunteers and the conversation turned to our tragedy, suddenly my eyes became an ocean of tears, and he said “I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to make you cry” to this I responded, no, no, it is not bad, talking about my daughter helps me and when I talk about her I can’t help myself from crying. I also said to him, that actually seeing all these people coming to help, volunteering their time and knowledge to build this house, has help me to realize that there is more out there; that there are evil people, like the one that hurt my daughter, but also good people, like the ones that come here day after day, after day, helping build this house. I have no words to express my gratitude to all the people that in one way or another has helped my family in this journey. Then one day suddenly I saw it, I saw it! I saw the beauty in everything, it was like the skies had opened and allowed the sun to shine into my soul! I cried, I cried this feeling of
joy and gratefulness; God was with me, I understood that God had been with me all this time, holding my hand, guiding me through all this chaos. God is good! I know that my family has a long journey ahead of us and that we will face the pain and anguish of Cindy’s death, I know the kids will forever miss their mother, just like I will always miss my daughter. But I also know that we are together, and that we are not alone, I know that we have this amazing community, these beautiful souls, angels in my eyes, behind us, giving us support and hope, and most of anything, we have GOD. I have no words to express my gratitude, all I can say is that we live in an amazing community, great people, wonderful souls. I am forever grateful to all of you. Thank you all, God bless you. — Vianney Montserrat Siennick
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