February 2015 the valleyonline by The Valley Newspaper

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The Valley, February 2015

Protecting Monarchs With ESA May Further Hurt Their Numbers On August 26, 2014, a petition was filed with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to protect the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act. The petitioners (The Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Food Safety, The Xerces Society, and Dr. Lincoln Brower) state that the North American monarch population has declined by more than 90% in the past two decades and may be threatened with eventual extinction. I, like most butterfly enthusiasts, am highly concerned by the drastically reduced monarch numbers. But I wonder if adding the monarch to the Endangered Species List won’t further threaten the monarch population. Likely, the biggest reason for the plummeting drop in the monarch population is that milkweed is being destroyed at an alarming rate on agricultural grounds, where it once grew wild in abundance. Milkweed is vital to the monarch, for it is the host plant for monarch larvae. Without milkweed to feed the caterpillars, the butterfly cannot complete its lifecycle and thus, the monarch population cannot survive. Since 1996, when genetically-modified, Roundup Ready crops were introduced, milkweed

has been rapidly disappearing from farmland. Farmers are now able to plant seed without having to first till the soil and then, spray their fields with Roundup to control the weeds. The herbicide kills the weeds (including milkweed) but does not harm the crops. While only Roundup Ready soybeans were available in 1996, today the list of Roundup Ready crops includes soy, corn, canola,

alfalfa, cotton, and sorghum, wheat, and rice. Well over 90% of the corn and soy being planted today are Roundup Ready varieties, and there appears to be a direct correlation between the use of Roundup Ready crops and the destruction of milkweed in rural North America. And it is widely accepted that the loss of milkweed has resulted in the dwindling number of monarchs.

Out of concern that an iconic species might become extinct, the Endangered Species Act was passed by Congress in 1973. The most serious threats to endangered animal species have traditionally been shooting, poisoning, and trapping. To address these concerns, Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act states that it would be unlawful for any person “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt,

shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect” the species in danger of extinction. Known as the “take clause”, Section 9 makes it illegal for people to take the threatened species from the wild. The government extended the “take clause” to include the “taking of habitat which harbors, or could harbor, the endangered species”. While Section 9 seemed sensible and necessary in 1973, it can, and has, brought about severe negative consequences for some of the species that the “take clause” was intended to protect. How, you ask, could this happen? Let’s look at what might realistically happen if the iconic monarch was added to the Endangered Species List. Landowners who have milkweed growing on their property might decide to forever destroy the milkweed prior to the monarch’s inclusion onto the list. Why? Since milkweed is the host plant for monarch caterpillars, making it, under Section 9, “habitat which harbors, or could harbor, the endangered species (the monarch)”, milkweed might be determined to be habitat that is critical to the monarch’s survival, and milkweed-laden property could then be under federal government regulation. Not wishing to be arrested or fined later for

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Lighting Brush Fires in People’s Minds

The Valley, February 2015

Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar Well, a very tough holiday season is over and our new life with our two new Weimaraners Murphy and Elwood is beginning to become routine, just like a Weim likes it. I feel bad for these two though, they came from Virginia Beach and it has been pretty much frigid and snowing here since they arrived. They have been good though, not getting into any trouble, even though I know they are bored stiff being cooped up—so am I for that matter. Spring is only a short hike from here, and I am sure the dogs, and I as well as most other folks, will be happy to see it. Fences and More in Mifflintown will be installing a green vinyl chain link fence as soon as the ground thaws, that will provide these two with room to cut loose. They will be sure to enjoy that and it will allow

them to burn off some energy. I am especially ready for spring since my little ad has provided a few permissions to metal detect some old properties in town. There doesn’t even have to be a building there, in fact, many farm fields are good spots to hunt. Make no mistake though, if a current home was built sometime in the 1800s or early 1900s, it is well worth checking out. Our operation does no permanent damage to turf or soil and I leave a place with little evidence that I was even there. I am happy to leave relics and artifacts with the property owner and I will split any pre 1964 coins 50-50 with you. Modern change you can throw in your piggy bank. So if you have some land that I can hunt, give me a call and perhaps we will find something interesting.

I am watching the news reports with more and more cynicism lately. I remember when the first glowing reports came out about falling oil prices, and the matching falling gas prices, as a huge boost for the economy. The media was almost giddy reporting it. Someone must have gotten the word out to those who control such things because within a week reports started becoming more gloomy about the oil prices. Why folks were going to lose their jobs and companies were going to have to file bankruptcy because they were no longer making exhorbitant profits. This is just a tiny snippet of what our news media, (ALL OF THEM, YOU TOO FOX) has become. It is a theatrical production made to cause you to react in a certain way. No matter what the issue, you can go on the internet and hear people spouting word-for-word what some news personality said only hours before. I have news for you, the news anchors can be some of the most ignorant and downright DUMBEST human beings on the planet. If you lose you emotions and just watch and listen intently, it is obvious that they are nothing but a personality reading off a teleprompter— they have no clue in most cases, what they are reporting

about. I saw this recently on the Fox morning show when Brian Killmeade was arguing with his co-host insisting that a Kalashnikov rifle and an AK-47 were not the same weapon. In my mind that guy is an idiot, as is the co-host of the Five, Kimberly Guilfoyle. She is nothing but a pro law enforcement hack, and not to pick on just Fox, the other networks are in fact, way worse if that is possible. I remember back in the 60s all the hippies were talking about killing your TV, and we once had a writer from the backwoods of Maine who actually did kill his TV with a load of buckshot. I think it is one of the things we all need to consider. The airwaves are full of useless programming, meant to manipulate how you think, cause you to buy something you don’t need or fill you with just enough garbage to keep you fighting with those on the opposite side of the fence. Hardly anyone thinks for themselves anymore. It is just a lot easier to pick a side and then immerse yourself in whichever side’s rhetoric aligns with your desired view. Then when you open your mouth about anything, you immediately have throngs of other nitwits too lazy to find out for themselves, swearing to whatever you say, all the while not having the slightest clue of the real issue. One thing I believe to be true

is that you WILL NOT get any truth from television, everything is run through some investor’s editorial board, and what comes out the other end is not fit for consumption and does not resemble the truth. It seems every issue is nothing but a sports game where sides line up on either side and try to out-shout their opponents. Nothing really gets accomplished and that is exactly how those in Washington want it—BOTH parties! If you are occupied, you are less likely to be watching them. When fans of a particular sports teams or political sides can overlook lies and bad behavior thinking they are supporting “their team” we have certainly entered the end of times. The other part of the news media that I see as detrimental to society is promoting hysteria over measles. In most cases, measles are not going to kill you, neither will the chickenpox or the mumps. I had and survived all three as did almost all of my peers. When was it such a catastrophe for a kid to get measles? Perhaps about the time the government taxation caused moms to have to work outside the house to continue to buy all the things that the TV tells you that you need, plus pay your ever rising taxes? Don’t worry about the kids, the government will indoctrinate them for you. I mean, why else all the hysteria?

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Editor/Publisher Wayne Stottlar Graphic Artist/ Co-Publisher Lynn Persing Associate Editor Colleen Swetland The Valley PO Box 41 Yeagertown, PA 17099 (717) 363-1550

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“Fair & Balanced” means Spin gets Equal Time

Traditional Values Rooted in Faith

The Valley, February 2015

Back Talk by Dr. Joseph Kauffman

Mickey Mouse Measles

After reading about the latest measles outbreak and seeing that ALL of the mainstream media is saying it is due to pocket areas in California where parents are not getting their children vaccinated or are delaying the recommended vaccine schedule, it is easy to doubt the decision about not vaccinating. After a momentary episode of self-doubt, I had to remember that the biggest tactic used by pharmaceutical companies, by the media, by medical doctors, by the CDC, and by our own government is Fear! I admit that I am human too and my first reaction was doubt. Are we doing the right thing by not vaccinating our kids? Are we putting other children at risk by not vaccinating our kids? If other parents follow what we do, are we causing more issues for society? I do think about these things, but then I snap out of it. That’s exactly what they want us to think. They prey on fears, anxiety, and doubt. In fact, they push that. The media uses all of their resources, including headlines and advertisements and news segments on television and spout their one-sided propaganda. They fail to report the other side of the story and the side effects and they even fail to publish the percentage of ineffectiveness of the vaccinations. The doctors push forth bogus clinical studies and falsify or massage their data to show the results they desire to see. The CDC is already admitted that this year’s flu shot is ineffective, yet when you look around, the medical doctors and pharmacies continue to give the shot! My desire is that you understand that it is okay to have these feelings of doubt and caution. With all of these tactics based on fear, it is difficult not to experience these feelings. However, educate yourself. Remember that you are only hearing one side. This latest measles outbreak originating in Disneyland in California is being blamed on the population in that area that is not vaccinated. That is what the mainstream media is spouting and that is going to be what the medical doctors are going to use as propaganda and

motivation to get people who are on the fence concerning whether or not to vaccinate to go ahead and get their children vaccinated. When you only look at the surface, this is how the picture is being painted. However, when you dig deeper and break away from mainstream media, you see another side of the picture. This is what I encourage all of you to do. Dig deep. Research both sides. Know how vaccinations work and learn the exact data. If your main search engine is a popular site such as google, dig deeper than the first 10-15 results. Remember the side that pushes hardest has deep pockets in order to push their agenda. “CDC lies: Measles outbreaks confirmed among children already vaccinated http://www.naturalnews. com/048391_measles_ MMR_vaccines_Disneyland. html#ixzz3Q4p8YHgk Maybe Mickey Mouse is responsible for spreading measles to children at Disneyland? This is a more likely hypothesis than health department claims that unvaccinated children are to blame for a recent outbreak that occurred at ‘the happiest place on Earth,’ in which 39 people -- and counting -- from at least four states, according to the latest reports, have been confirmed as having contracted the disease while visiting the park. Official reports are claiming that unvaccinated children are to blame because some of those who contracted the measles hadn’t been vaccinated. Some of them had been vaccinated, of course, and the original source of the disease has yet to be determined. But like always, it is automatically those pesky individuals who choose not to inject their bodies with a vaccine linked to brain damage and autism -- and that’s been shown to spread the measles -- that must have triggered the outbreak. The interesting thing about this latest measles outbreak is that the media is parading it around as evidence that not getting vaccinated triggers disease outbreaks, even though the original source

of the disease is unknown. It is entirely possible that a vaccinated person spread the disease to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, which in and of itself shows the lack of effectiveness of vaccines. If the vaccine for measles -- in the U.S., this vaccine is the combination measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) injection -- really did work as claimed, then all the measles cases identified at Disneyland would have been in unvaccinated people. But they weren’t. Early on, media reports claimed that “most” of the cases were in unvaccinated people. More recent reports are saying that ‘some’ of the people were unvaccinated. MMR vaccines can trigger ‘atypical’ measles, potentially triggering a measles outbreak As you may already be aware, many previous measles outbreaks have occurred among mostly vaccinated populations, for which health officials have no explanation other than to, again, blame the unvaccinated (which makes no sense). Many measlesvaccinated individuals have also come down with what’s known as ‘atypical’ measles infection later in life, the direct result of having gotten vaccinated. In a paper published back in 1979, atypical measles infection was described as a ‘hypersensitivity’ response to a natural measles infection due to having previously been injected with an inactivated measles virus. A measles epidemic that occurred several years prior in Northern California exhibited all the signs of atypical measles caused by vaccination. ‘In typical measles a maculopapular rash occurs first at the hairline, progresses caudally, is concentrated on the face and trunk, and is often accompanied by Koplik’s spots,’ explains the study, as reported by the International Medical Council on Vaccination. ‘In AMS [atypical measles] the rash is morphologically a mixture of maculopapular, petechial, vesicular, and urticarial components. It usually begins and

The Truth Has No Agenda

is concentrated primarily on the extremities, progresses cephalad, and is not accompanied by Koplik’s spots.’ Without going into too many details, the point here is that a measles-vaccinated population was responsible for this particular outbreak, and likely many others. And yet the mainstream media is making no mention of AMS in its reports, instead choosing to perpetuate the lie that unvaccinated people are always the cause of disease outbreaks. While they may be the cause in some cases, they are most likely not in most of them. As we reported back in 2011, the Institute of Medicine even admitted in a report claiming that MMR vaccines don’t cause autism that the vaccines can, in fact, cause measles. On page 574, in fact, this report claims that the evidence “convincingly supports” the notion that MMR vaccines cause measles. More on this is available here: NaturalNews.com.” http://www.naturalnews. com/048391_measles_ MMR_vaccines_Disneyland. html#ixzz3Q4owcm8x Even if the individual who started this outbreak originated from a non-vaccinated person, if the population had the vaccine, shouldn’t they have been protected? Because a higher percentage of the people who got the measles were the ones who were vaccinated for the measles, what is the point of the vaccine? It offered them zero protection. If you are for vaccinations or against

vaccinations is not as important to me as you being educated about this topic. Too many times I have heard about people not knowing what is being injected into their own body and into their children. It is YOUR responsibility to know what is going into you and into your child. Many people do not trust the actions of our government in any aspect of society, so why do you trust them for your healthcare and why do you blindly trust government agencies? Educate yourself! Know what’s going into you and your kids! It is up to you! Health comes from within your body. Your immune system can be strong enough to fight off the measles and all other diseases. Make sure that your immune system is strong by making sure your body is functioning as efficiently as possible. If the brain is properly connected to the immune system and the body, it will function at its utmost capacity and be able to adapt to stress better, thus adding more life and health to your body. Vertebral Subluxations are vertebrae in the spine that misalign and pinch on the nerves coming from the spinal cord and create interference between the brain and the body causing it to function less than optimal. Chiropractors find and fix subluxations. If your body is not functioning as efficiently as it should, call our office at 2482506 and find out how chiropractic can help you. Dr. Joseph Kauffman Kauffman-Hummel Chiropractic Clinic drjosephkauffman@comcast.net a

Learn About Orchids

Orchids have become a popular house plant but not everyone knows how to keep them growing and blooming. The Bellefonte Garden Club will present a program on the types of orchids and how to care for them. John Dunklebarger, a member of the Central Pa. Orchid Society and an orchid show judge, will provide an overview of this beautiful family of plants. The program is free and the public is invited. Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 203 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Information: bellefontegardenclub.org or 814-355-4174

The Valley, February 2015

4 Monarchs from front page wounding or killing the then-protected milkweed on their property, the landowner might decide to kill off the milkweed prior to the time it becomes illegal to do so. And if hundreds or thousands of property owners did this, how much more milkweed might be destroyed?

Most people consider milkweed a “weed”, know it is capable of spreading aggressively, and that it could, if left unchecked, overtake pristine lawns and gardens. Armed with knowledge of the monarch’s upcoming status as an endangered species, and not wanting the federal government to have control over their

Rose with Monarch

You don’t think this would happen? Think again. In an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal on October 20, 2014, Terry Anderson, in an article entitled “When the Endangered Species Act Threatens Wildlife”, describes numerous cases where similar things did happen.

estate, property owners might well poison the milkweed growing on their grounds and then, plant rose bushes, geraniums, and petunias in its place. They might cover their milkweed patch with a concrete slab and then build a picnic pavilion where it grew. In the petition filed with the

Fish and Wildlife Service asking that the Monarch be listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, the petitioners say on page 85 that “The vast majority of monarchs are dependent on habitat on private land where no existing regulatory mechanisms are in place to protect them” and that “The breeding range of summer monarchs is largely on private agricultural land where protection is entirely lacking.” Does this indicate that the petitioners desire for privately owned milkweed patches to be protected by the federal government, for private citizens to be fined for destroying milkweed plants that are growing on their property? I have been an avid butterfly gardener for over twenty years, and I love the monarch butterfly, so I might be crazy enough to let our entire property become overrun with the common milkweed that now occupies a small portion of our yard. I don’t think, however, many other property owners would be pleased to have milkweed growing ramped on their grounds. In my opinion, it might be to the monarch’s advantage to not be protected under the Endangered Species Act. Since the monarch is such a well-known and highly-adored but-

terfly, it might likely do just fine now that people understand the dire situation it faces. Monarch enthusiasts have already begun to plant milkweed because they want to aid the monarch in its quest to survive and multiply. School teachers, students, and other citizen scientists are diligent and sincere in wanting to save the majestic monarch butterfly. People are paying attention to what is being said about the monarch’s dwindling population and spreading the word about the obstacles it is facing. I think we, the butterfly gardeners of America, and not the Endangered Species Act, might be of more assistance to the mon-

“Fair & Balanced” means Spin gets Equal Time

arch in increasing its population. And in working to increase the monarch numbers, we might even increase the number of honeybees too. And what a blessed reward that would be for all of mankind. Rose Franklin resides outside Spring Mills, is the author of Fast Track Butterfly Gardening (2012), and proprietor of Rose Franklin’s Perennials, an online plant nursery. She and her husband, Andy Smith, have been gardening for butterflies, photographing butterflies, and raising butterflies for over 20 years. a

The Valley, February 2015

Home Nursing Agency Announces Retirement of Robert Packer, Promotion of Phil Freeman Robert Packer of Clymer, president of Home Nursing Agency, retired in December with 27 years of service. With a bachelor’s degree in finance and master’s in industrial/human relations, Packer was hired in 1987 as senior vice president of administrative services and chief financial officer. He was promoted in 1998 to president and chief executive officer of Home Nursing Agency

Phil Freeman

Robert Packer

Phil Freeman of Cresson was recently promoted to president of Home Nursing Agency, a notfor-profit organization serving people of all ages with home health, hospice and community services throughout Mifflin and 14 additional counties in west central Pennsylvania. He previously served as chief operating officer since 2011 and has over

28 years of leadership experience in operations, finance and human resources. “I am honored to assume the role of president, following a legacy of strong leadership which built Home Nursing Agency into one of the elite 500 home health care providers in the country,” Freeman says. “I hope to continue expanding delivery of first-class, postacute products and services by our team of passionate and caring professionals.” a

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717-248-6079 131 West Market Street Lewistown, Pennsylvania

The Truth Has No Agenda

The Valley, February 2015

Republican Voters Elected Tom Wolf

Encouragement from the Book of Revelation by Pastor J. C. Reese It’s not normal for us to want to look ahead to help ourselves but it’s often very wise ! How did that extra slab of cheesecake around the holidays work out for you now? Financial planners urge us to think of our retirement and save accordingly, the doc tells you to get up and move around more in the winter and watch what you eat. And likewise as we come to the end of Revelation 16 God shows us some of the future but the application can be very heartening for you now. Lets’s see just how! The final two vials or plagues are meted out by God upon the Anti-Christ and his wicked followers on earth. Vial six is “poured out” on the great Euphrates river (vs12) which results in it being dried up to allow the armies east of Israel to come and make war against the Lord at His Second Coming. Verse 16 mentions the place as ‘Armageddon’ (which is the area of Mt. Megiddo in Israel). These kings will be pawns of the Anti-Christ and influenced by evil spirits as depicted in vs.13 “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs, come out of the mouth of the dragon (Satan), and out of the mouth of the beast (Anti-Christ), and out of the mouth of the false prophet”. Angelic beings, whether good or evil, are seen in Scripture to influence world leaders (Dan.10; 2 Kings 22). If you know the Bible somewhat and see the decisions our leaders make at time it’s not a stretch at all to think evil angels influence our officials still! However, what’s very encouraging to see here is that despite the schemes of evil men and angels, God is still in complete control. Verse 16 states, “And He gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon.” Here, we see He is drawing them all in one place to be finally destroyed so that this old world can be on its way to a new and better place !! He would rather see those opposed to Him repent and enjoy an eternity of bliss but

fact is some people just won’t repent of their sin and these will have become so hardened to God, so duped by Satan, that they will have left God no choice but to judge them as they are. Finally, verses 17-21 depict the seventh and final vial and once poured out God calls out from heaven to say “It is done !” The idea of the phrase here in the original language speaks of complete and lasting results so what follows is unprecedented devastation upon the earth. The ‘great city’ referred to in vs19 is a rebuilt Babylon (which Saddam Hussein was working on) which will be the epicenter of the Anti-Christ’s power and rule. Yet God will flatten it ! Then as if things won’t be bad enough, huge hailstones of around one hundred pounds each will rain down from the sky. You would think by then, these wicked men would repent but instead they grow even more hard towards God! What can be encouraging about this judgment? It means this old broken world and the evil folks in it will be dealt as they should. It means when we wonder why God doesn’t intervene to put the bad guys in their place, He WILL. It means we should not be living for a world that is on its way to being destroyed. Not spending our energy, time and money primarily for things here that WILL perish but that we store up treasures in heaven by serving God and others, supporting churches and missions, and living for God and looking ahead to the recreated universe that is coming for those of us who are saved ! Join us Sunday mornings at 10:45 in the “log cabin” church between State College & Lewistown at the corner of Mountainback Rd & Rt.322. Check our website out at nittanybaptist.org

by Bill Been Pennsylvania governor Tom Corbett was the only incumbent Republican governor who was defeated by a Democrat challenger, Tom Wolf, in the 2014 elections. Last week, I published Article 6 which was a plea for unity rather than continuing the divisiveness that has so typified the behavior of the right-of-center voters during the last 2-3 years. The Pennsylvania 2014 general election was a dramatic example of how this behavior can directly generate a huge negative for those who desire to stop the continued advance of the Progressive Democrat leftists. Pennsylvania now has a Republican dominated legislative branch without the Executive Branch while confronting multiple items from the leftist agenda, not the least of which are Common Core, Obamacare, Energy, Unfunded Pensions, and Immigration. To say that opportunities have been squandered at a crossroads both locally and nationally would be nothing but the worst of understatements. One would have thought that every Republican voter would have been motivated to the highest degree possible when Barack and Michelle Obama both came to Pennsylvania the week before the general election encouraging their leftist base to defeat Governor Corbett. In fact, Obama stressed how critical electing the Democrat Tom Wolf was to completing his transformational agenda!!!!

Did the Republican voters turn out in great numbers? Absolutely Not!! In fact, 900,000 Republican voters who voted in 2012 for Romney did not bother to show at the polls to vote for any candidate. This is an apathetic demonstration impacting both the state of Pennsylvania and Washington as Wolf works to assist Obama with the transformation of America. Reviewing any statewide election results in Pennsylvania starts with analysis of Philadelphia County and Allegheny County where Democrat voters outnumber Republican voters by 300,000-600,000 votes. As would be expected, Democrat Wolf won Philadelphia County by 289K and Allegheny County by 59K for a total of 348K while winning the state by only 344K. Two counties out of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania provided the entire victory margin for Democrat Wolf which simply means the other 65 counties standing alone would have re-elected Governor Corbett. Even worse is the revelation apparent when reviewing the vote counts from the various Pennsylvania counties. In addition to the 900,000 who stayed home, another 225,456 Republican voters who showed up at the polls voted for the Democrat candidate Tom Wolf. Tom Wolf did not win the gubernatorial race!! It was handed to him by voters who voted for the congressional Republican candi-

dates in 50 of the 67 Pennsylvania counties who then crossed over to vote for Tom Wolf. Had these 225,456 Republican voters also voted for Governor Corbett, a swing of 450,912 votes would have occurred erasing the 344K Wolf victory and resulting in a second term for Tom Corbett.* In effect, these 225,456 Republican voters with their own agendas destroyed the hope and objectives of the 1.6 million people who voted for Governor Corbett. The impact will be immediate with totally unnecessary gridlock in Harrisburg while providing support for the Obama agenda in Washington!!! Amplifying the impact in Harrisburg was the election of several additional conservative Republicans to the state Senate which resulted in the removal of the liberal Republican speaker who has been an impediment to the implementation of conservative legislation while also impeding the major efforts of Governor Corbett. We have lost a huge opportunity to implement a conservative agenda in Pennsylvania while also losing the ability to provide statewide resistance in what we hope will be the final two years of Barack Obama. *Neither Philadelphia nor Allegheny are part of the 50 counties that showed the voting pattern supporting the calculation of the 225, 456. All county data was taken from the Pennsylvania Secretary of State website.

OBSERVATIONS . . . of an OLD MAN

We are living in divisive times, challenged daily to discern. Do we understand issues, the views of others? Is our thinking Positive or Negative? POSITIVES Love Sharing Light Understand Compassion Joy Good Trust

vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs.

God is: Love, Caring, Sharing

NEGATIVES Hate Greed Darkness Ridicule Cruelty Sadness Evil Fear Evil is: Fear, Greed, Hate

Albert Einstein: “ Peace cannot be found or kept by Force. It can only be achieved by Understanding”

“Fair & Balanced” means Spin gets Equal Time

Peter J. Moses

The Valley, February 2015 that the number is no longer in service? Many investors have already been fleeced by such operations. Imagine what might happen if a never before encountered worldwide financial crisis were to descend upon us with little warning. Under such intense circumstances, even some well-

Dave Wilson

Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That

meaning operations could find themselves unable to fulfill their client obligations. Others might still be able, but would choose to take the low-road and end up being unwilling. Either way, the investor ends up holding the bag, Unfortunately, it is almost always a very EMPTY bag! a

If You Can’t Touch It, You Don’t Own It With more and more people awakening to the real possibility of an imminent crippling of world currency values, or worse, a possible collapse in their purchasing power, we have seen the growth of numerous (and creative) ways for investors to (allegedly) own precious metals, other than taking physical possession of them. The “Storage” plans allow you to buy whatever (supposedly) physical (Real) Gold and Silver you want, and have it safely stored by them at a facility of their choice. The “Paper Share” plans can be bought and sold much like stock certificates, and, when you want to sell or take delivery, they allege it can be done with a simple phone call or internet message. (These plans are “supposedly” backed with 100% Real Gold and Silver for each share sold. Many, however, include a clause that would allow plan operators to buy your shares for “cash” instead of delivering the physical Gold or Silver you may have requested!)

These “plans” appear to be the perfect, easy and totally secure way to invest in Gold and Silver. They would eliminate the inherent dangers of actual physical possession. On the surface, and in a perfect world, such plans would be wonderful. Simply pick up the phone or get on the internet, and order anything you want. When you wish to sell, or take physical delivery of your metals, just call your plan’s agent and make whatever arrangements are necessary. Safe, simple and uncomplicated. Hmmmm, that’s right, we did say something about a perfect world, didn’t we? While there certainly are many wonderful and trustworthy Bullion operations “out there,” investors always have to wonder if they will get their cash payments or real Gold and Silver when they ask for it! If their plan of choice opts for a cash settlement, customers would get zero real gold or silver, making their investment nearly worthless if currency

values are crashing. Financial plans that have promised much, then went bankrupt, or simply disappeared before investors could retrieve their assets, have become quite common. Thousands of people have lost billions of dollars by trusting the wrong people. When it comes to investing in Gold and Silver, taking actual possession of your coins or Bullion bars and medallions, is the only way to assure that you actually have what you think you do! As we suggest in the title of this article, “If you can’t touch it, you really don’t own it!” True, there are some drawbacks to physical possession, such as finding a safe place to store what you own. However, if a currency crisis does occur, and such a possibility has become even more likely of late, do you want to worry about calling your plan’s agent/broker, only to get nothing but a busy signal, or worse, a recording telling you

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The Truth Has No Agenda

The Valley, February 2015

Death Pledge Last month we discussed a possible approach to instructing our children with regard to proper money management techniques. We looked at the utilization of credit and debit cards and helping our young folks to understand the difference between the two. I’d like to continue our discussion here, focusing on debt. There is much to be said about debt. More than can be contained in this limited space. To be sure, many authors have approached this subject and thus there are many books available for your perusal with regard debt. Quite a number of them will tell you to stay clear of all debt. While I believe there is wisdom in that nugget, I also believe it needs to be qualified. Debt, when used cautiously can provide benefits. Understand however, as we’ve

previously pointed out from the Bible, the borrower is slave to the lender. Given the option, is it better to be debt free? Absolutely! It’s a great goal to work toward. The Bible also states that the wicked borrow and do not repay. Therefore, the opposite applies as well; the righteous repay. In fact that verse actually continues with: “but the righteous give generously.” It appears then that there is a correlation between properly repaying ones debts and being generous. Interesting. To be sure, our society is awash in debt. For starters, our currency is debt based. We use dollar “bills” and Federal Reserve “notes” to transact purchases. A note is defined as a debt instrument. When a borrower borrows money from a lender they promise to repay by signing a promissory

note. A bill on the other hand, well, we all know what a bill is, it’s a statement given by a seller to a buyer itemizing a sale and demanding payment. To be sure, our entire monetary system is anything but what our founding fathers established. They realized that the key to a strong and sound economy is a sound currency. However, the foxes got into the hen house in 1913 and since then, the Federal Reserve banking system has been the law of the land. The Federal Reserve is a private bank that issues these notes and bills, and our government has given this bank the authority to issue our money. So the question begs to be asked; just who do we, the people, owe, through the issuance and use of our currency? And, why have our trusted, elected officials allowed this? This topic would fill an entire issue of The Valley, cover to cover, without pictures or advertising. For those who find this of interest, please check out the audio CD (or book by the same name) “The Creature from Jekyll Island” by G. Edward Griffin. So, all that to say, debt is in our DNA. Can’t get away from it.

Debt gives the illusion of wealth, and while the use of debt is not inherently wrong, it’s the misuse of it that gets us into trouble. Borrowing beyond our means to repay, borrowing to finance a consumer goods purchase long term and borrowing with the intention to not repay are all misuses of credit. I would even be as bold as to say that borrowing for a college education these days could be a no win, particularly

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if your degree work is in general studies such as Liberal Arts or Communications. You will rarely get a position that will pay enough to pay off the debt you’ve allowed yourself to be saddled with. The use of debt for a housing purchase or to finance a business makes the most sense. Ideally in these cases, you are acquiring funds to build equity in an

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The Valley, February 2015 Homemade Frappuccino (From The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond)

“Souper” Winter Soups and More...

A quick update on our new Weimaraners, Elwood and Murphy. They are doing great! Elwood had a bit of trouble adjusting to the “going outside to do business on a leash” schedule since he had a fenced in yard at his former home, but by golly, I think he’s finally got it! These two obviously haven’t seen much snow since they lived in Virginia Beach, but they seem to like it. When they first arrived, I don’t think they knew what to do with it, but now they go out there and jump around and get a little frisky when they come back inside. Elwood does silly 360 degree turns in the air. I do wish the temps would warm up a bit though, because they both enjoy walks down the street but when the temperatures are below 30°F and the winds are howling, I don’t! Elwood continues to be the nut of the house with his crazy mannerisms. Murphy sticks by my side like glue. If I go upstairs, he goes upstairs and stays with me until I go back down. If I sleep in, he runs right back up to keep me company after he has breakfast and goes out to potty. I don’t know if he’s protecting me, or if he just feels left out with Wayne because Elwood is always on his lap. I don’t have a specific topic to write about this month, so I thought I’d share some recipes for some “souper” winter soups and another recipe that isn’t so winter friendly, but scrumptious nonetheless. Winter is the perfect season to warm your insides and your soul with hot soup and some crunchy bread. I have a couple recipes to share, one is from a work friend, and the other is a twist on one of my mother’s recipes. Spicy Sausage Chowder If you like food with a kick, this soup is for you. The spices in this soup is sure to warm you on a cold winter night. Ingredients: 1 lb bulk hot sausage 4-5 potatoes diced

1 pint of half and half 1 can of creamed corn 1 can of nibblet corn (undrained) 1 can of cream of chicken soup 1 can of chicken broth 1 small onion-diced (optional)

Ingredients 12 ounces, fluid Very Strong Brewed Coffee Or Espresso, Chilled 8 ounces, fluid Whole Milk (more

To Taste) 1/3 cup Sweetened, Condensed Milk

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1/4 cup Chocolate Syrup 1/2 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (more If Desired!) Whipped Cream 1/4 cup Half-and-half (optional)

Fabulous Frappuccino!

Preparation Instructions: To make Vanilla Frappuccino: Add coffee, milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla to a blender. Top off blender with ice and blend until smooth and icy. (Add half-and-half if you’d like it to be a little richer and creamier.) Serve in a glass with whipped cream on top. To make Mocha Frappuccino: Add coffee, milk, sweetened con-

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Brown the sausage and drain fat, set aside. In a large pot, add diced potatoes and onion and boil in water until the potatoes are done. Drain and add sausage to the pot. Throw in all the rest of the ingredients except the half and half and stir and heat through. Add the half and half and reheat. Heat slowly so the half and half doesn’t burn on the bottom. I add some additional milk to make it stretch a bit further and because I don’t like it to be so thick. This is optional as it’s a matter of personal preference. Corn and Clam Chowder Ingredients: 4-5 potatoes (diced) 1 small onion (diced or sliced) 1 can nibblet corn (undrained) 2 small cans of chopped clams (undrained) 2 pints of light cream Milk Several slices of bacon cooked until crispy. 2 tbsp. butter Salt

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Directions: Boil potatoes and onion in water just enough to cover them. When potatoes are done don’t drain, just add corn, clams, light cream, and milk (add as much milk as you like). Salt to taste. Add butter and heat slowly until butter melts and soup is hot. Be careful not to burn the milk to the bottom. Just before serving, crush up the bacon and put a little on the top of each bowl being served. As I write this, we are getting a nice little snow storm, so this next recipe seems a little out of place. However, if you are like me, you can enjoy shakes and ice cream all year round!

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The Valley, February 2015

Winter Water Many people think that summer time is when you need to worry the most about your horse drinking water. A horse’s need for water does not decrease with temperature. Even though a horse does not sweat as much in the winter, they still need water to keep them hydrated and aid in digestion. An average horse should drink approximately 10 gallons (or more) of water each day. The need for extra forage increases for the winter months to help keep horses warm and maintain weight. Along with this you need to increase water intake to aid the horse in digestion and reduce the chance of colic. The majority of the year supplying water to horses is not much of an issue for most horse owners; however winter can be a struggle. Water must be kept free of ice. Even if there is no ice on the water, research shows some horses will not drink icy cold water. Horses will often drink twice as much warm water during the winter than water that is near freezing temperature. Some horses do not seem to want to drink no matter what you do. Try providing these horses with a salt lick or free choice salt. Salt will

usually increase a horse’s urge to drink. Horse’s usually want to drink during or shortly after eating, therefore it is a perfect time to make sure the ice is broken off of the water and the buckets are full. Pay attention to whether or not your horse is drinking. Feeding time is a good time for removing ice from buckets and scrubbing them to make sure water is fresh and clean. If your horse has trouble getting to water that is outside, he may not drink as much as he needs to. Make sure that his drinking area is clear of ice and winter debris. Horses need water to aid in digestion. Many people have tried different feeding options in order to assure that their horses get water in the winter. One of those is to offer a “ mash”. A “mash” is often made with wheat bran, beet pulp, or even just mixing water with the horse’s feed. The benefits of feeding mash have always been debated. One of the questionable benefits is that it gets water into the horse’s system, especially during the winter months. Horses do get water from the mash however the amount of water in a mash is not enough to compensate for a

horse that is not drinking any other water. Regardless of whether or not you feel a mash is beneficial, there is no harm in mixing water with your horse’s feed. The addition of beet pulp is also a good source of fiber. Purina Mills offers the Hydration Hay cubes that can be soaked to increase water and fiber anytime of the year. If you are looking for a good winter feed that will make a good mash, Purina Equine Senior is an excellent choice. The easiest source of providing constant water at a consistent temperature over the winter is a heated bucket. You can purchase heated plug in buckets or deicers for your stock tanks. Deicers can be submerged or floating. A heated water source does require electricity and is not always practical. They also present a fire hazard so must be checked often for signs of wear in the cord. They must also be used in a way that horses cannot chew the cord, which can cause electrocution. Sometimes a horse may be able to feel the electricity in the water even when

you do not notice. This will cause a horse to avoid the water. An alternative to heated waters is to try to insulate your bucket or trough, by wrapping an insulating material around it. It is important year round to monitor your horse’s water intake and hydration. You can check gums for color and moistness. Push on your horse’s gums for a few seconds until they appear pale. The pinkish color should return to the horse’s gums within a few seconds. You can also pinch the skin on the horse’s neck to check for dehydration. It should

return to a normal state within a few seconds. If it does not then that is an indication of dehydration. Know what is normal for your horse; physically and behavior wise. The quicker you spot signs of dehydration, the more likely you are to avoid a bad case of colic. “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink” is often a very accurate statement. However following some very easy tips to help keep your horse hydrated can reduce his risk of colic or other dehydration health issues. a

Keep your horse’s water source ice free over the winter months to ensure that he able to stay hydrated during cold weather.

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The Valley, February 2015

Hillside Orchard News and Comments by Iddo M. Hostetler Hello to all The Valley readers from Hillside Orchard where it’s cold, the peaches are sold, where there are children to hold, the people work without being told and waste no time digging for gold, where there is a dog to scold and oats to be rolled. Winter is here, however, and with it being February we almost get ideas that we see spring starting to shine around the corner. We have been making fair game of the cold weather by putting our yearly supply of ice away. Water sure is one of the most valuable resources we have. ...for the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills Deuteronomy 8:7 In the above passage, we see that a spring of water was an important thing for those that lived in a buttonless society. The early settlers also highly valued a spring, often building their homes close to these fresh water supplies. Most important, was water to drink. That was not the only use for it however, it served as a cooling off haven on hot summer days, and another useful purpose was food refrigeration. The number of springs is limited however, and those of us that arrived too late, are out of luck to claim one. There is another option. An ICE HOUSE! Almost every home has the opportunity to have this efficient means of refrigeration and it need not to be out of the way. The ice house can be on the side of the house so this cool resort is only a door and a couple steps from the house. You could also do as we do now and put ice in a small cooler that we fill as needed from the ice house to store most of our food. Even with today’s strict food laws, it is legal to cool milk with ice. While this way of refrigeration is well suited for those of us that do not have electricity, this cost effective way of refrigeration is gaining popularity all around. To everyone out there, I wish safety to you in putting your ice away and in the use and enjoyment of it in the dog

days. With it being February, it is time to start getting serious about pruning our apples and pears. 2014 was a severe fire blight year for most pear and apple growers in our area. So make sure you prune those when its 40 degrees F or below. A farmer is usually eager and wondering what the next season brings. We planted our first trees in 2009 and so far, every season was different. It seems like an orchardist is more at risk of the weather than a farmer that plants annual crops. The trees are always there and when the ground thaws and warms the trees wake up. In 2011 we got our first measureable peach crop, then around harvest time we had warm humid weather and we lost about half of our crop to brown rot—lesson learned. 2012 came around and we had the earliest spring that I ever remember. I went to the orchard on St. Patty’s Day, that’s right March 17th, and there were peach blossoms there. A week later we had frost and it took approximately 50% of that crop! Not much we could do about that. 2013 came around and we had to learn another lesson the hard way. we had leaf curl so bad that some varieties shedded their crop, so we lost a percentage of that crop. So it went until 2014 when we finally got a full peach crop. As the saying goes, every down side has an upside. So what was the upside? We learned to have control measures in place on time. It also gave us a good hands-on insight on which varieties perform best in adverse conditions. From the ten varieties we had, Red Haven did the best with full crops every year. Veterans did well also. An argument is two people trying to get the last word in first. Auf Wiedersehen a

PACleanways of Mifflin County Keep PA Beautiful Sea change starts with you. Trash in the ocean doesn’t fall from the sky – it falls from peoples’ hands. Since 1986 million’s around the globe have joined in Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest volunteer effort to clean up our marine environment. This year. 12,808 volunteers took part in the International Coastal Cleanup in Pennsylvania. There were 440 events in 50 counties throughout the state cleaning up 646,210 pounds of trash. All water goes down stream and whatever trash is in it usually follows the flow of the water, which all ends up in the Chesapeake Bay ocean waters. Ocean trash is a global problem, but has local solutions through this fall cleanup each year. Volunteers documented the trash that was picked up

and the most abundant types of trash found during the 2014 Fall cleanup included: 27,489 Cigarette Butts 13, 129 Plastic Beverage Bottles 3,635 Tires 2,438 Plastic Grocery Bags Cigarette filters are actually plastic. Plastic bottles in sun and salt water become brittle and break into small pieces, which are harmful to fish. Plastic grocery bags pose high risks to sea turtles when they mistake them for their favorite food, jellyfish. Toss reusable bags in your backpack, purse or car so they are handy for every trip to the store. March 1 begins this year’s Keep Pennsylvania Beauitful spring cleanup and will run through May 31. If you see trash near your home, take pride in your neighborhood and do a cleanup. Get your neighbors involved,

get together and plan a spring cleanup. You can even adopt the area and work on cleaning it up throughout the rest of the year. Trash attracts trash—if people see you take pride in your community to keep it clean it often stays that way. We will be planning our spring cleanups at our February meeting. We will also soon be making plans for this year’s river cleanup. We are looking for boats and teams of 4 per boat to help with the river cleanup. If you don’t have a boat and still want to help, there is plenty to do on shore when the boats bring in trash and tires. You can contact www.keeppabeauiful.org to see how you can get involved this spring. Pam Sechrist Affiliate Coordinator a

Private Forests Landowners Conference Pennsylvania has 11.5 million acres of private forests owned by nearly 750,000 woodland owners. Estimates are that 1 of 7 households in Pennsylvania has at least an acre of trees. These woodland owners really like their woodlands. If you are one of these lucky owners, do you have questions about caring for your woods? Do you want to attract more wildlife to your property? Are you worried about your forest’s health or threats from invasive plants or insects? Do you want to learn how to establish the next forest? Do you like to use GIS or apps to learn more about your woods? Are you interested in using wood products off your property? Do you want to know what resources are out there to help forest landowners like you? To answer these and many other of your questions, mark your calendar for March 20 and 21 for two days of learning about caring for your woods. The second biennial Private Forest Landowners Conference: the Future of Penn’s Woods will be at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, PA. The program starts on Friday, March 20 with a selection of field tours before lunch to explore how others work with Penn’s Woods. Following a keynote presentation by Jim Finley, Director of the Center for Private Forests at Penn

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State, opening the formal Conference, attendees can choose from forty-four different presentations during four concurrent sessions. New and established owners of large or small properties will all find topics designed to help them address questions and challenges they encounter while caring for their woodlands. After a day of workshops, there will be an open reception for all attendees. If you choose, you can attend a banquet where Richard Alley, a world recognized expert studying global climate change, will weave a story of ice and forests. Saturday’s program begins at 8:30 and offers fifty-five presentations during five concurrent sessions. Again, these offerings have been selected to answer your questions and provide information designed to help you care for your land. The program will close with a keynote by Chuck Fergus, outdoor writer, who will tell his story about learning his land. Chuck was a Pennsylvania woodland owner, but now lives in Vermont where he writes about forests and nature. You might recall his “Thornapples” column in the Pennsylvania Game News. In addition, participants will have access to nearly fifty vendors and service providers before the formal program begins, during breaks, and while sharing lunch on Friday and Saturday. There

will be a silent auction featuring an outstanding selection of items everyone can use. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the Center for Private Forests at Penn State and its mission to address issue affecting woodland owners and their land. The 2013 Conference was a huge success and folks demanded that we offer this opportunity again in 2015. You can learn more about the Conference by visiting http://ecosystems.psu.edu/ private-forest-conference. There you will find information on registration costs, a copy of the program schedule, information on tours and keynoters, and lodging information. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to write or call. Registration closes on March 9, so register today. This is a great opportunity to find answers to your questions. You will have plenty of time to meet other woodland owners who share your interests in forests and trees. There will be foresters and other resource professionals available to answer your questions and to help you find answers to your most challenging questions. Come out to this great opportunity for learning and fellowship around caring for the woods! James C. Finley, Director, Center for Private Forests Phone: 814-863-0402 Email: fj4@psu.edu a

The Valley, February 2015

GOLF COURSE VIEWS FROM A UNIQUE HOME! by Kim Rickert Imagine looking out of your window onto the Lewistown Country Club golf course! There are not many homes in our community with the views of not only the golf course, but also of the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. Built to take advantage of the views and to be a welcoming destination for

space for entertaining, you will be hosting plenty of house parties! The rec room has a full-size wet bar with shelves, carpet and ceramic floor and access to the patio and hot tub! The sun porch is a large heated room with windows along two sides, a unique gas fireplace, and entertainment center. The outdoor spaces include a beautiful inground pool, hot tub and patio area for summer fun. The more traditional spaces in the house include a dining room with hardwood floors, sunken living room with gas fireplace, three bedrooms, This sprawling ranch home could be yours. A once in a lifetime opportunity! two and a family and friends, this sprawling half baths including a master linger. Prep meals on the kitchen ranch home is situated on a 1.22 suite. The roomy master suite island, enjoy cooking on the gas acre lot with over 2800 square has a sitting area, custom walk-in cooktop and entertain with a wet closet with built in cabinetry and feet of above grade finished area. bar and wine racks right at your bathroom with radiant floor heat, Views from the sun porch and fingertips. The kitchen includes vanity and large tiled shower with the sunroom are maximized with a home office area with counter, multiple shower heads. floor to ceiling windows in both cabinets and phone or internet The home has an attached rooms. The sunroom next to the hook ups. The home includes so much two car garage with a half bath, kitchen has a cathedral ceiling and and a detached storage garage with room for an additional car. The large yard lets you use your imagination for outdoor activities, and the landscaping gives the home a beautiful The exquisite natural maple cabinets highlight the granite counter tops and tile back splash in this fabusetting. lous kitchen. You will spend more time here other than just cooking. It is tile floor with radiant floor heat, and is a great place to relax with a good book. Friends and family will want to spend a lot of time in this kitchen not just cooking, but enjoying all the spaces in the gorgeous room. Beautiful natural maple cabinets, granite countertops, tile backsplash, double pantry and breakfast bar invite you to

said that the most important thing about a home is LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! This is certainly true of 238 Fairway Place, and whether you are a golfer, love swimming, or just want a home that is an easy commute to State College or Harrisburg—you will want to call Katy Flood at Stone Arch Real Estate for a personal tour of this unique property! a With gorgeous views of the golf course and mountain backdrop and an inviting pool just out the back door, you will be having some tough decisions to make.

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The Valley, February 2015

Geisinger Health System Partners with Richards Energy Group to Update Hospital Lighting Green initiative at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital will cut lighting energy use in half Richards Energy Group and Geisinger Health System recently announced the completion of a major lighting system overhaul at Geisinger’s hospital in Lewistown, PA. The retrofit project will reduce the facility’s energy consumption by more than 700,000 kilowatt-hours each year, which is roughly equivalent to removing 69 homes from the electric grid or 106 cars off the road. In addition to the installation of new low-wattage, highperformance T8 fluorescent and LED fixtures, the project included a commonsense measure to drastically reduce energy waste: occupancy sensors were installed in all closets, restrooms and offices to make sure lights are turned off when not in use. For Geisinger, conservation goes hand-in-hand with patient care. “Geisinger is deeply committed to energy conservation as part of our mission,” said Al Neuner, vice president of facility operations at Geisinger Health. “Reduced energy use decreases

pollution emitted by power plants, which in turn improves the health of the communities we serve.” A 123-bed acute-care community hospital, Geisinger-Lewis-

town Hospital provides inpatient, outpatient, wellness and community services while employing more than 1,000 employees. The medical staff consists of 169

providers, including 24 employed physicians. The range of specialties cover family and internal medicine, cardiology, weight management & nutrition, otolar-

yngology, pulmonary medicine, sleep medicine, medical oncology, surgical services, obstetrics/ gynecology, urology, gastroenterology, neurosurgery and bariatric surgery. “We here at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital are very pleased to have this new lighting system, said Kay Hamilton, Chief Administrative Officer at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital. “As a small community hospital that serves around 80,000 citizens in the Juniata Valley, we appreciate the importance of efficiency and energy conservation. More than that, though, we are pleased that our new lighting system also provides a better environment for our staff and for our patients.” Richards Energy, an independent, family-owned consulting firm, guided Geisinger through every step of the process to ensure the project was environmentally friendly and economically viable, including the recycling of all old lamps and ballasts. “This project brings Lewistown Hospital up-to-date with tried-and-true lighting efficiency measures,” said Andrew Fritz, senior lighting coordinator at Richards Energy. “Lighting should be one of the first updates

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The Valley, February 2015

Dairy Connection by Kelly Beck

Centre Count y Dair y Princess

Her name is synonymous with the movement for women’s suffrage, resulting in the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution extending the right to vote to women. In February 1880, Susan B. Anthony came to Mifflin County and spoke to a capacity audience in the courtroom of the now historic courthouse on Monument Square. Her topic - “Women want Bread, not the Ballot.” It was a highly anticipated event, however. An extra stop on the Main Line of the PRR was arranged at McVeytown station and a special train ran on the Milroy Branch to bring in the interested from the far reaches of the county. The Lewistown Gazette and the Democrat and Sentinel spurred the public’s appetite for her presentation, noting it was the first gathering of its kind in the then reconstructed courthouse. The Democrat & Sentinel editor commented after her speech that, “Miss Anthony has been maligned and ridiculed, but in spite of this she has shown such moral courage, with an individuality and strength of purpose, on behalf of

her convictions as to command admiration...she has exhibited a degree of honesty not often found in the ranks of the sterner sex...” She could be called a trailblazer in the suffrage movement, and was the first actual woman honored with a one-dollar coin in 1979. (Lady Liberty was depicted on earlier coins.) Here are some of Mifflin County’s female trailblazers, firsts in their own right. 1. Annie Clark and Delia Thomas are credited with being the firsts in their field, locally. Minute books of an area board of directors indicate the pair were Mifflin County’s first ... [a] nurses [b] teachers [c] librarians [d] secretaries 2. In 1878, local newspapers advertised Kate A. Hawlh’s prowess and proficiency as Mifflin County’s first... [a] dental assistant [b] hair dresser [c] female printer [d] female blacksmith

3. In 1910, Jeanette Bingaman Snyder was the first woman in Mifflin County to hold a license to... [a] hunt [b] practice law [c] cut hair [d] perform marriages 4. For a service rendered during World War II, Esther Miller Elcock is believed to be the only woman from Mifflin County to ... [a] be granted honorary British citizenship [b] receive the Bronze Star [c] have a warship named for her [d] have her image on a French stamp ANSWERS: 1.C (March 5, 1875 both are mentioned in the Minute Book of what was to become the Mifflin County Library System.) 2.B 3.A 4.A SOURCE: Women in the history of Mifflin County, compiled and published in 1989 by the Lewistown Branch of the AAUW. a

Home Nursing Agency Offers Lewistown Grief Support Group Home Nursing Agency is continuing to offer a Grief Support Group on the last Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. at Home Nursing Agency’s Mifflin County location, 129 S. Main St., Suite T, Lewistown. . The dates for 2015 are Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25, April 29, May 27, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26, Sept. 30 and Oct. 28. The group will not meet in November or December. Facilitated by hospice spiritual counselor Pastor John Walters, this support group is open to all members of the community grieving the loss of a loved one. Grief can be very painful and difficult at times, so those grieving are invited to come and share their thoughts, express their feelings and discuss how to work through the grieving process. For more information on grief support, please contact Walters at Home Nursing Agency at 717-242-0186.

February 6 is national Pay a Compliment Day. Give a compliment to someone who has done something for you and someone who helps you every day—a farmer. Farmers help to provide the nutritious food you eat, especially dairy farmers. They work every day of the year to make sure that the milk you drink is healthy and safe, so you can enjoy their product. Many of these farmers are your neighbors, or are within your county. They support our economy and help give back to their communities. So the next time you see a farmer, remember what they do. And to help you enjoy your dairy products, here are two recipes that are sure to get you a compliment. Strawberry Smoothie 1 c. Strawberry yogurt ½ c. strawberries 4 ice cubes 1 banana, sliced 4 tbsp milk Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth •

Baked Mac and Cheese 8 ounces uncooked elbow

Editors corner from page 2 When moms used to be at home, the outbreak of these minor diseases was never a cause for panic. I can even remember talk among parents at the time talking about exposing their children to others who were already sick so that they could have their kids catch the disease and then be immune ever after. What changed? The news media is trying to claim that unvaccinated children are the cause for vaccinated children catching the disease. Excuse me? I know it is popular on news stations to lie to the audience with a straight face, and even tell stories that no one believes, but seriously, my un-vaccinated kid gets your vaccinated kid sick? Guess your vaccine sucks then, doesn’t it? It is NOT the end of the world for children to endure measles, I wish the news outlets would tell the drug pushers at the pharmaceutical companies that they aren’t going to lie for them anymore, but then of course, they would lose their job, and frankly, the truth doesn’t matter to many folks anymore, especially when they are looking out for themselves.

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macaroni 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 3 cups milk • 1/4 cup butter • 2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose • flour • 2 tablespoons butter • 1/2 cup bread crumbs • 1 pinch paprika Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain. In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. Put macaroni in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well. Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve. a •

The only place in the world where you might find the truth if you dig enough is the internet, but dictators like Obama and his cronies in the House and Senate (yes, Republicans and Democrats) want to take control of the internet too—to protect you of course. Horse Crap! What they want is control of the information, then you will be a compliant subject as you will have no frame of reference. Any lawmaker who votes for such a law is a criminal. If the talking heads tell you something is for your safety, you had best believe the opposite. Besides, I never gave anyone the right to think for me—I do that, no one else. On a brighter subject, we will be starting seeds in a couple weeks/ I intend once again to plant a lot of nectar producing plants for my bees, along with the vegetable garden. I did have a hive swarm late in the season last year and it never recovered enough numbers to survive the winter, so I will be placing swarm traps again soon too. New life is around the corner! a

The Valley, February 2015

Ice Is In, But Will It Stay Ice Fisherman: Here is your Ice fishing Report. Ice is thick all around us. Howard 6-8”, Poe Valley 8”, Faylor and Walker 6-8”, and Greenwood 8-9”. Safety is definitely the most important thing when it comes to stepping on the ice. Always check the thickness of the ice before you just stroll out there with all your gear, or you may get pretty cold pretty quick.

The fish are biting! Lots of Crappie and Perch are being caught at Howard Lake. At Poe Valley and Greenwood, the fisherman are landing trout. The bait choice for most anglers is: 1 Wax worms 2 Fat Head Minnows 3 Shiners. We have them all at Valley Sports N Outdoors located behind the Dutch Country Inn off of the Bellville/Reedsville exit at the

corner of routes 322 and 655. We have all of your ice fishing needs—line, rods, reels, tip ups, jigs, ladles, and single and double burners to keep you warm on those frigid days as you sit on that frozen water. VSO will be your ice fishing headquarters. VSO will be keeping live bait and all the supplies in stock for the rest of the winter. Come visit us at the Great American Outdoor show in Harrisburg. The show starts February 7th and runs until the 15th. We will be in the Archery Arena at Booth Number 1037. We will have all of our Hoyt, Bear and Athens bows on display at the show for you to shoot and or [urchase. VSO will also have show specials on archery targets, lighted nocks, bows, accessories, camo graphics, and much more. We will be handing out coupons as well to use in the store at a later date. So swing into the archery arena and say “hi” to all of us at VSO. Remember, we’re in Booth 1037. a

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The Valley, February 2015

Four Tips For A

Stronger Relationship

You were taught basic skills such as reading, writing, and how to ride a bike, but were you were taught how to be in a love relationship? I find it quite amazing that in these sophisticated times, people are not taught basic “relationship 101” skills. Judging by today’s high divorce rates, it seems needed. Today I’d like to share four key factors. 1. Your relationship: the path to growth and healing 2. The art of listening 3. The three As: Acceptance, Acknowledgment, and Appreciation 4. The importance of sustaining your emotional bank account. Your relationship can be a path to growth and healing. Did you know that unconsciously you attract someone who will embody both the positive and

negative qualities in your parents or caretakers? That’s because the path of a love relationship has an underlying purpose – healing past wounds. How many times has your sweetheart triggered your core issues? For example, here’s a couple we’ll call Jim and Sue. Sue has past abandonment issues. When she and Jim get into an argument, Jim tends to get angry and walk out. This drives Sue crazy, because, unconsciously, it triggers her fear of abandonment. And Jim walks out because arguing tends to frustrate him, making him feel like a failure. What can you do about a situation like that? Practice the art of listening. Teach yourself to be aware of core issues by listening to what your emotions are trying to tell you. Here is an exercise from Dr. Christiane Northrup.

Start by paying attention to what you are sensing or feeling. Now, notice where in your body you are feeling the sensation and breathe into that area to release some of the tension there. Now describe the feeling and ask yourself these questions: “What event prompted this emotion? Do I have any selfjudgments or shame around this? What need do I have that is not being met?” Once you gain clarity about your emotions, you can better communicate with your partner. The next tip I call the three A’s – acceptance, acknowledgment, and appreciation. For example “I love you for who you are. Thank you for loading the dishwasher. I feel we’re so blessed to be a couple.” Acceptance means to let go of the need to be perfect. So many times couples try to change one another. This comes out of the unconscious need to control life in order to feel safe. That need to control is really based on fear; it does not foster love. a

Acknowledgment and appreciation are quite important. How would it feel if you and your partner sincerely acknowledged each other for all the joy and support each has brought to the relationship? The last is your emotional bank account. Like a financial bank account, an emotional bank account represents the amount of trust that has built up in a relationship. The saved-up reserve of trust helps you feel safe with one another. Emotional bank deposits include kindness, honesty, courtesy, spending fun time alone together, and the three A’s. Examples of withdrawals are disrespect, dishonesty, shutting out the other person, and betrayal of trust.

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The more emotional deposits in your accounts, the greater total of trust. With higher trust, it becomes easier to communicate and your bond strengthens. When withdrawals far exceed your deposits, the relationship may become bankrupt. Relationships cannot sustain themselves. They truly need to be nurtured. The commitment to be there for each other, even through difficult times, can strengthen and enrich your loving bond. a

The Valley, February 2015

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The Valley, February 2015

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The Valley, February 2015 Geisinger from page 13

Savvy Cents & Sensibility by JoAnn Wills-Kline MBA

February Good Buys

The holiday season is long gone; spring is far on the horizon, so what stands in between? February! It’s the shortest month of the year, also known as the month of love, and little known month of fabulous buys. During the month of February many good sales occur on pricey items, thus taking the sting out of having to make a purchase. This month’s article will focus on the “sweet” bargains offered in February. Perhaps there is an item or two on the list that you may fall head over heels for… ready set buy: 1. Furniture – February is a great month to purchase furniture because most retailers are clearing out old styles to make way for the new arriving in March. Typically, you could save 30-60 percent! 2. HDTV’s and Home Theaters – New models come out in the spring, so retailers are hoping to clear shelves of old stock by month’s end. Plus, if you purchase early in the month, you can reduce the guilt of watching the Super Bowl on your new high def big screen because you likely saved 30 percent or more. 3. Cell Phones – Many cell phone carriers have great “2 FOR 1” deals during February. It might not be your traditional Valentine’s Day gift, but two for the price of one just might edge out chocolates

and flowers. 4. Broadway Tickets – Broadway and theater tickets in general usually can be purchased for less in February. It’s typical for some shows to offer great bargains, and a few do offer “2 for 1” tickets. Ah, a new phone and a show with your sweetheart – it’s amore`! 5. Computer Monitors and Laptops – February is clearance time for tech stores. If you bypass a good tech deal in February you may have to wait until August’s “Back to School” sales to find a nice bargain again. Savings could range in the 25-50 percent range. Checkout the “Closeout” section for the biggest savings. 6. Gas Grills and Air Conditioners – If you reside in a cooler climate, February is a great month to purchase “summer” appliances. Retailers usually deeply discount last season’s stock. If you planned on buying new this year, don’t wait until warmer weather and pay more. Beat the supply and demand cycle by purchasing in February. When the weather turns warm, you’ll be smiling as you use your new appliance…your deeply discounted appliance. 7. Boats – same goes for boats as for gas grills and air conditioners. Retailers want to

Death Pledge from page 8

negotiable instrument—such as a promissory note—by signing his or her name along with the name of the original obligor, thereby promising to pay on it in full” (legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com). In other words, when a person does this, they are signing to help someone else get a loan for which they would not otherwise qualify for. Another term for this is Surety. Defined (by legaldictionary) as “an individual who undertakes an obligation to pay a sum of money or to perform some duty or promise for another in the event that person fails to act.” Essentially, by signing, their debt becomes your debt and if they do not repay, the lender will come for you. The book of Proverbs in the Bible has a lot to say about this. Here’s just one example; “Don’t promise to pay someone else’s debt. If you cannot pay, you will lose everything you have. So why should you lose the bed you sleep

asset that is appreciating in value as opposed to depreciating. It is interesting to note that when one buys a house, or any type of real estate, the loan is secured by a lien on the property, allowing the lender to take the house if payments are not made. This is called a mortgage. The root of this word according to Wikipedia is old French, which translated means; “Death Pledge!” What’s in a word? The Online Entomology Dictionary says it is so called because the deal dies either when the debt is paid or payment fails. While this definition is somewhat soothing, the term Death Pledge still seizes the faculties and ought to denote the significance of such a contract to put oneself into debt. Finally, let’s talk about becoming a co-maker on a loan. “A co-maker is a person who becomes obligated under a

move last season’s stock off the shelves… perhaps you’ll find a fantastic deal in February that really “floats your boat.” 8. Winter Clothing and Coats – As temps plummet in February usually so do winter clothing and coat prices. Typically, winter apparel gets discounted 50-80 percent in February. It’s a great time to “spring” for the pricier brands/items your purse normally wouldn’t be open to… but at 50-80 percent discount, go ahead – no guilt involved! 9. Wedding Supplies – February, the month of love, is a great month to purchase wedding items. Often, brides who are planning a spring or summer wedding wait until warmer weather to make big ticket purchases. But, it’s wise to browse in February and purchase items early as great discounts are readily available. Many Bridal Expos take place in February too. 10. Tax Prep Software – The closer we get to the April deadline the cheaper the software gets. February is typically when discounts are first given. Purchasing the software this month gives the discount and plenty of time to get taxes filed – a win/win situation! I’m hoping the ten suggestions for savings scores you a bit more cash in your wallet if you have to make one of the purchases. Good luck and savvy shopping to you! a

to a facility due to its high impact on energy costs and the working environment, before other measures such as solar panels are considered.” Several programs exist to help businesses offset the cost of upgrades, according to Fritz. Penelec, the local electric utility, covered 24 percent of the Geisinger project cost with a rebate as part of the state-mandated Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. For more details on the project, contact Richards Energy Group at 717-898-6330. Richards Energy Group is located at 781 Chiques Road in Manheim, Pennsylvania. About Richards Energy Richards Energy Group is local, independent and familyowned. Established in 1995 and headquartered in Manheim, PA, Richards Energy stands as a trusted energy advisor to businesses – offering a variety of cost management solutions, including electricity and natural gas purchasing, lighting efficiencies, facility energy audits, and demand response programs that create recurring revenue streams for clients who can reduce energy us-

age during peak times. For more information, visit www.richardsenergy.com. About Geisinger Health System  Geisinger Health System is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development of innovative care models such as ProvenHealth Navigator® and ProvenCare®. As one of the nation’s largest rural health services organizations, Geisinger serves more than 3 million residents throughout 48 counties in central, south-central and northeast Pennsylvania. The physician-led system is comprised of approximately 23,500 employees, including a 1,200-member multispecialty group practice, nine hospital campuses, two research centers and a 467,000-member health plan, all of which leverage an estimated $7.7 billion positive impact on the Pennsylvania economy. The health system and the health plan have repeatedly garnered national accolades for integration, quality and service. In addition to fulfilling its patient care mission, Geisinger has a long-standing commitment to medical education, research and community service. For more information, visit www.geisinger. org. a

on?” That could be a real death pledge, especially since you have no control over that other person’s actions. In the end, debt is neutral. It is neither good nor bad. How it’s used is the key to wise financial management. C. Mark Ostrowski, MSFS, is the Founder and President of The Stewardship Group in Belleville. His articles ponder various contemporary topics evaluating them from a political, economic and scriptural point of view. Visit The Group at: www. TheStewardshipGroup.org a

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The Valley, February 2015

Heart-Healthy Education Gives Patients Confidence At HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Pleasant Gap, education is an essential part of rehabilitation. When a patient is admitted for rehab after an illness, injury or surgery, and that patient has a heart failure diagnosis, they also get the benefit of the Heart Failure Program. The program includes classes taught by a nurse, a registered dietitian, a psychologist, and a pharmacist. The classes focus on sodium intake, medications, coping with heart failure, and the importance of daily weight monitoring. The interdisciplinary team also teaches patients about foods to avoid, the name of their water pill, how to weigh themselves, and symptoms to share with their health care providers. Patients’ family members are encouraged to attend. According to Occupational Therapist Heather Carpenter, “Our heart failure patients practice tasks such as weighing themselves, preparing and making a healthy meal,

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and managing the symptoms of heart failure. That practice helps patients feel more confident about going home and carrying out a heart-healthy regimen.” Patients also learn exercise tips, and skills such as how to safely transfer to the scale, and navigate in the kitchen. Carpenter adds, “The goal is for patients to succeed when they get home, and if they practice while they are here, they will be more confident at the time of discharge.” HealthSouth’s Heart Failure Rehabilitation Program has earned the Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification, the gold seal of approval in health care. HealthSouth’s Heart Healthy Support Group is open to the public, serving patients, family members, and those caring for someone with a heart failure diagnosis. Meetings are held at HealthSouth on the fourth Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m. Contact Traci Curtorillo, CRRN®, at (800) 842-6026 or visit www. nittanyvalleyrehab.com a

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Regain Strength. Return Home. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with activities of daily living, consider calling HealthSouth Nittany Valley today for a no-cost rehabilitation assessment. Our rehabilitation nurse liaison comes to you in your home, physician’s office or the hospital to determine if rehabilitation may be right for you. Conditions that can benefit include: • Bathing • Bowel and bladder problems • Chronic pain • Desire to return to previous level of functioning • Difficulty recovering from a recent illness

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The Valley, February 2015

Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly

Quiet, Comfortable, Invisible Heat

What type of heating system do you have in your home or business? Is it quiet? Is your home/ business comfortable to live/ work? Are there hot spots and cold spots? I believe we can all agree, The best heating system is one you can neither see or hear. All you know is that you are warm and comfortable wherever you are in the livable part of your home or business. There is no blowy air or creaking radiators. No noisy boiler or furnace turning on and off. Oh yeah, it must also be very efficient. A correctly installed hot

water in floor radiant heating system powered by a correctly installed high efficiency, very quiet condensing gas hot water boiler will provide you with a highly efficient, very quiet and very comfortable heating system. No radiators, no registers, no hang on the wall air handlers; the floor heats the room! It is estimated that a radiant heating system will save up to 30% of the cost to operate a conventional hot air or hot water distribution system. First, you need a correctly designed system to distribute the heat. The material of choice is

1/2” PEX-Al-PEX Plastic Tubing. This Polyethylene (PE) cross-linked (X) pipe has three layers. The top layer is Polyethylene, the middle layer is Aluminum (Al) and the final layer is Polyethylene. The aluminum serves as an oxygen barrier to prevent oxygen from entering the water in the system and rusting the steel or cast iron components. Although straight PEX can be used in a low temperature radiant system the PEX-AlPEX is easier to work with and for the price difference, isn’t worth the chance (my opinion). The tubing starts at the Supply Distribution Manifold and in the simplest scenario, is installed back and forth between each floor joist of the room you want to heat, and then is returned to the Return Distribution Manifold Zone Valve for that particular room. The 1/2” pipe can’t exceed 300’ in length for ease of water flow and temperature drop. Each room can have its own very accurate digital wall thermostat so the temperature can be precisely controlled in that particular area. The room is literally heated by the warm floor. If the floors are warm in your home or business, you’re comfortable. The best floor to use with

Elise N. Uhring, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology invites you to try Alta. 1130 W 4th Street, Lewistown, PA The Truth Has No Agenda

this system is a hardwood or tile floor. If you use carpet, it’s best to use a thin pad or no pad under the carpet, so as not to insulate the floor and thus retard the heat from warming the room. The piping can be installed in a concrete floor before it is poured, but the perimeter and area under the floor must be very carefully insulated to keep the heat in the floor. If the concrete floor is existing, it will be necessary to build a new floor on top of the existing floor and insulate between the floors. If you don’t insulate, the heat will be

absorbed into the concrete below the new floor. Typical radiant floor loop temperatures operate in the 115°F to 135°F range, whereas a modern hot water condensing boiler can reach temperatures of 190°F. To reduce and control the temperature of the water feeding a radiant floor heating system, a mixing valve or injection pump is utilized. Either device injects enough hot water into a circulating radiant heat loop to keep it in

Continued on page 27

T W O W E E K F R E E T R I A L

C a l l f o r a n A p p o i n t m e n t

1 8 7 7 6 4 3 4 3 2 7

The Valley, February 2015

Plain Talk

Solar Explained by S. Yoder Hello to all friends and readers of The Valley newspaper circle. This month I am going to explain frequent topics and questions from our store and highlight those questions most often overlooked. Why use L.E.D., for example, if you are already using CFL bulbs, which use less power than incandescent bulbs? First, let’s compare the wattage used to operate each bulb. A CFL (compact fluorescent, or curly bulb to some) uses five times LESS electricity than the standard incandescent— pretty good, right? Well, only partly so, as there is a disposal problem with these bulbs since they contain mercury, a poison. If one ever gets dropped and broken, you have mercury contamination. An L.E.D. (light emitting diode) lamp uses even two times LESS electricity than a CFL, and a big benefit is no special disposal requirements as these bulbs DO NOT contain mercury. Life of the lamp is another consideration. An L.E.D. bulb lasts five to eight times longer than a CFL, which lasts 8,000 15,000 hours. With an L.E.D. you also do not have a starting ballast, which causes hesitation upon starting and a constant flicker. L.E.D. bulbs come in many shapes, forms and styles. My personal favorite is the L.E.D. corn bulb, which is available in AC or DC. The AC bulb is voltage rated to 100 VAC - 250. D.C. bulb is also rated 10 - 30 volts DC, which is in stock here year round and both are priced 1-2 pieces at $29.99 ea., and 3 or more at $26.95 ea. for the 10 watt standard bulb. The DC version is dimmable to about 1 watt. Variable

Incandescent

light settings are also available up to 6500 kelvin or 6500K which is comparable to sunlight. So, it is high time to think about going green and also saving green. Stop in and see our store lit up by L.E.D. power on a winter night, and we only use one bulb for 500 square feet of inventory. All of it is nicely lit up. Without the obstructions we have with racks and displays, it would light up a space a lot bigger. We do have a local pallet shop using one of our L.E.D. systems and also many very happy customers who love their low cost 10 watt bulbs, which still produce 1200 lumens. People also prefer the L.E.D. over the CFLs because they did not like the flicker that the CFLs had. Some people also mentioned the fact that they liked the full light output at startup rather than waiting for brightness, as the CFLs had to heat up. So, you can instantly say good bye to constant flicker and say hello to L.E.D. There is a style and color for you to install in every room in your house. Installation is as simple as removing the old and installing the new. So maybe L.E.D.s will be suitable after all. Remember us and let us help you choose what is right for you. If you need more questions answered, give us a call or stop by! A word about rated life on bulbs. The rated life on the package of a bulb does NOT mean that every one of those bulbs will last the specified number of hours. They are all different. What that number means is the number of hours it took for 50% of the test bulbs to fail. Some bulbs lasted

CFL

less hours, some more, but the number on the package is an average. Our L.E.D. bulbs are rated for 80,000 hours of life, but for the purpose of demonstration, we will use 40,000 - 50,000 hours of life. At six hours per day it would last 22 years, and with a slight light loss of maybe 20%, it would last 36 years. If you burn this particular bulb eight hours per day, it will still last you 17 years, and if it stays on 24 hours per day, it will still last five to six years! Also, because of the L.E.D.s low power consumption, it added up to 240 Watt hours per day (or .24 killowatts) and 87.6 KW per year for 24 hours per day. If only using for eight hours a day, the usage would drop to 80 watt hours and 29.2 killowatts a year, or 500 killowatts per bulb per 50,000 hours of life. A similar light output incandescent bulb would be about 2.4kw per day for a 100 watt bulb (which is equivelent to our previous example) and would be about 5,256 KWH! So, with the cost being about .12 cents per KWH, the following example shows your approximate cost to operate the three different bulbs, all other things being equal. L.E.D = $59.64 CFL = $119.28 Incandescent = $630.72 Over the period of the test, L.E.D. would be clean and green. You would use more bulbs and have a disposal liability with the CFLs due to Mercury, and the annoying flicker would be constant. With Incandescent, you will use far more bulbs and have the associated heat from the bulbs. So now you have all the information you need to make the right choice for you, or, you can reach us at 717-667-0330 after 3:30 pm. See ya next month, S. Yoder a

LIbrary Lines Your Mifflin County Library

By Robert T. Long, Jr President of The Friends of the Mifflin County Library Hello again! My name is Robert T Long, Jr. and I am pleased to serve as President of the Friends of the Mifflin County Library for 2015 and 2016. It’s a pleasure to have this opportunity to write this edition of Library Lines. What a significant, positive and lasting impact your local public library provides for the residents of our communities and the Friends are honored and privileged to lend its support. The Friends of the Mifflin County Library is a membersupported, nonprofit organization that advocates, fundraises, and provides support for the Mifflin County Library. We provide the residents and the communities in Mifflin County with opportunities to invest in the success of the library by donating time through volunteering or donating funds. 2015 is off to a great start. First, we will be sending out membership renewal letters in the mail in the coming weeks. The letter will include a questionnaire designed to identify skill sets and interests of our members. We hope to utilize this information in matching members with our various activities. Secondly, the

Lewistown Community Band will hold its first concert of the 2015 season on April 30 at the Lewistown Middle School. The concert is free to the public and anyone wishing to do so will have the opportunity to make a donation. The Friends will be also there to accept membership applications. What a wonderful evening of music this will be. Mark your calendars now! As hard as it is to believe, March will soon be upon us and with it, the NCAA basketball tournament, better known as March Madness. The Friends will be giving away two top of the line basketballs, fully inflated. One will given to a youth and one to an adult. Details will be available soon on the Friends Facebook page. Please visit and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ FriendsofMCL for up to date happenings – or- you can obtain additional information on our web pages located on the Mifflin County Library’s website at www. mifflincountylibrary.org. That’s it for now. Spring is just around the corner! a

New Column Coming in March! Look for another new column starting in March! Stealth Diggers will be enjoyed by not only those who metal detect, but every outdoor enthusiast and history buff will also enjoy the antics of this band of brothers enjoying the outdoors and the Freedom that NH has to offer. Beautiful photos with a look into colonial New England living.

LED corn bulb

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The Valley, February 2015

Remember Your Valentine February 14th

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The Valley, February 2015

“Fair & Balanced” means Spin gets Equal Time

The Valley, February 2015

Green Tea Ingredient May Target Protein To Kill Oral Cancer Cells Story courtesy Penn State Public Information by Matt Swayne A compound found in green tea may trigger a cycle that kills oral cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone, according to Penn State food scientists. The research could lead to treatments for oral cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Earlier studies had shown that epigallocatechin-3-gallate -- EGCG -- a compound found in green tea, killed oral cancer cells without harming normal cells, but researchers did not understand the reasons for its ability to target the cancer cells, said Joshua Lambert, associate professor of food science and co-director of Penn State’s Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health. The

added. The EGCG did not cause this reaction in normal cells. In fact, it appeared to increase the protective capabilities of the cell, according to the researchers, who report their findings in the online issue of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. The researchers studied normal human oral cells side-byside with human oral cancer cells to determine how EGCG was affecting cancer cells differently than normal cells. They grew the normal and cancer cells on petri dishes and then exposed them to EGCG, the major polyphenol found in green tea, at concentrations typically found in the saliva after chewing green-tea chewing gum. At various times, the researchers would collect the cells

research on how EGCG affected oral cancer, a disease that is expected to kill more than 8,000 people in the United States this year. “We’ve published one paper previously just looking at the effect of these green tea polyphenols on oral cancer cells in cultures, and there have been other papers published using oral cancer cells and at least a couple of animal model studies that have looked at oral cancer and prevention of oral cancer,” said Lambert. He said the next step would be to study the mechanism in animals. If those tests and human trials are successful, the researchers then hope to create anti-cancer treatments that are

as effective as current treatments without the harmful side effects. “The problem with a lot of chemotherapy drugs -- especially early chemotherapy drugs -- is that they really just target rapidly dividing cells, so cancer divides rapidly, but so do cells in your hair follicles and cells in your

intestines, so you have a lot of side effects,” said Lambert. “But you don’t see these sorts of side effects with green tea consumption.” The American Institute for Cancer Research supported this work. a

100 Stine Drive Lewistown, PA 17044

current study shows that EGCG may trigger a process in the mitochondria that leads to cell death. “EGCG is doing something to damage the mitochondria and that mitochondrial damage sets up a cycle causing more damage and it spirals out, until the cell undergoes programmed cell death,” said Lambert. “It looks like EGCG causes the formation of reactive oxygen species in cancer cells, which damages the mitochondria, and the mitochondria responds by making more reactive oxygen species.” As this mitochondrial demise continues, the cancer cell also reduces the expression of antioxidant genes, further lowering its defenses. “So, it’s turning off its mechanism of protection at the same time that EGCG is causing this oxidative stress,” Lambert

and check for oxidative stress and signs of antioxidant response. “We also took a lot of pictures, so we could use fluorescent dyes that measure mitochondrial function and oxidative stress and actually see these things develop,” said Lambert, who worked with Jong-Yung Park, a research technician and Ling Tao, a doctoral candidate in food science. The researchers said that a protein called sirtuin 3 -- SIRT3 -- is critical to the process. “It plays an important role in mitochondrial function and in anti-oxidant response in lots of tissues in the body, so the idea that EGCG might selectively affect the activity of sirtuin 3 in cancer cells -- to turn it off -- and in normal cells -- to turn it on -- is probably applicable in multiple kinds of cancers,” Lambert said. The study builds on earlier

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The Valley, February 2015

Visual Art Meets Performance Art

We artists have this itch to create, to express things in a way that moves other people, and sometimes that creative urge comes out in a wide variety of ways. I know quite a few artists who are both painters or photographers and also musicians, as I am. Visual art and performance art are two very different forms of expression and some artists like to use both. I’ve always liked some of the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, and particularly his long narrative poem, The Raven, published in 1845. The Raven runs through the gamut of human emotion, with a healthy dose of the hair-raising “ghost stories around the campfire” effect that Poe is best known

for. About ten years ago I set out to memorize the entire poem, (Abraham Lincoln is said to have done so soon after its publication), and got about halfway before I lost the energy to finish. The Raven is eighteen long verses in all and takes nearly ten minutes to recite out loud, so it is no small undertaking. A few months ago I decided to finish the job and started spending some time every day working on the last nine verses and tying it all together. My time for working on it was most often when driving here and there in my daily travels, so it just made use of otherwise wasted minutes. I finally got the whole thing nailed down around the end of the year and then made plans for

a first public performance during our January monthly 4th Friday Poetry Night at the Green Drake Gallery in Millheim. I also wanted to create a couple of new pieces of art to accompany the performance. I painted an oil portrait of Poe based on one of the best known early daguerreotype photographs. I also did a larger acrylic painting Karl reciting “The Raven” of the raven sitting on the bust of Pallas (the limited numbers of giGreek goddess Pallas Athena) clee on canvas prints of above the narrator’s chamber both paintings so other Poe fans can hang one door, as described in the poem. or both where they can This painting, when hung above continue to enjoy it. To and just to the side of me durget in touch about the ing a performance, allows me to prints or a performance, “converse with” the raven during email me at karlericleitthe appropriate parts of the poem. zel@gmail.com or call I also assembled at 814-422-8461. You an outfit of period can also see a short clip clothes to fit the of the performance on time of Poe. The initial my Youtube Channel. performance at Just go to Youtube and Poetry Night was search for Karl Leitzel Raven. well attended and went very Right: Edgar Allan Poe, well, with great Oils on canvas, 24x18 reviews by those inches. Giclee prints available. who came out for Bottom: The Raven it. I talked a little on the Bust of Pallas, about Poe and his Acrylics on canvas, life, and related 24x30 inches. Giclee the well-known prints available. a (though highly questionable) local legend that Poe stayed at the Eutaw House Inn and Restaurant in Potters Mills and may have written The Raven while there. I’m hoping to have lots of opportunities to do the recitation in the future for public or private events, perhaps as a bit of dinner theatre or at art show receptions. I’m also doing

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The Valley, February 2015

Mail Pouch Books by Carleen B. Grossman Book Note!

I received a letter that was written to the editor about my October novel review of “WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS.” The reader fully agreed with my review and told of her own fond memories of reading that book throughout the last 37 years! She also passed a message on to me about another book by the same author. I would like to share that tidbit with you; the book is “SUMMER OF THE MONKEYS” by Wilson Rawls, copy-

right 1976. This is another very good book for the whole family. The story is about a country boy and his faithful dog. You will follow them roaming the creek bottom near his home in the Oklahoma mountains. Strangely, he meets up with a troop of monkeys who have escaped from a circus; his goal becomes to safely capture the monkeys for the reward money! You will find yourself laughing and crying as the boy’s adventures help him to learn a life lesson. This is a perfect novel showing family relationships, adventure and even some magical moments. DRAGGING GERRY AROUND THE WORLD By Carole J. Gariepy Copyright 2015 245 pages

This is a 2015 travel memoir entitled DRAGGING GERRY AROUND THE WORLD. Gerry is the author’s husband who usually puts up resistance when she suggests travel. Once he decides

This book is a collection of authentic heirloom pie recipes from archives of farm wives, church cookbooks, newspapers, and other historical sources. Chipmunk Pie (an apple-nut con-

Ed’s Railroading News by Ed Forsythe

Well here we are in the middle of another Winter after another wonderful Christmas season of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I hope everyone had great times. I also hope you all got to spend time at the “Shining Light through the Darkness” project at Kish Park in December. In excess of 330 volunteers put the project together, and served as greeters, entertainment, train room attendants, snack shop workers, etc. Volunteers worked many, many hours to bring us all this fantastic event. It was great seeing everyone creating this wonderland spectacular and since there were over 13,000 people who attended, I’m sure they all feel a great sense of pride in helping with the project. There were numerous new decorations and displays for all to enjoy. There were several new corporate sponsors, who donated money for new light displays.

to go and gets there, he always enjoys it and immerses himself in the culture and the history of the area and they together find many life-changing experiences! This is the basis for the title of this book. Most of the places are foreign countries, but there are several chapters that are about U.S. destinations. One of those is their

trek DRIVING across the United States so that they could take their own camper to explore Alaska. This chapter shows how the best laid plans go awry! In another chapter, you will travel with them along the old Route 66 and learn about the background of this historical U.S. Road. The tidbits about penguins in Antarctica were fun. Also, I found myself laughing out loud while reading the Aussie Vocabulary list which included sayings as “Dead Center” for a cemetery, “Booby Trap” for a bra and “Bless your little cotton socks” for thank you very much. This book illustrates just how thankful we can be to live in a country where we can travel freely and safely. This is a MUST READ for anyone who travels or who wishes to do so!

To all of our sponsors, we say THANK YOU for your support. Plans for this year’s event are already underway. Anyone wishing to get involved with a great community event give Cathy or me a call. We’d love to have you on-board. The Mifflin County Model Railroad Club also held their open house events during December and over 2000 visitors enjoyed seeing the trains run and looking at all the additional scenes that were added this past year. In case you missed it, watch for the next event to be announced soon. All the members of the train club wish to say THANK YOU to all who attended and donated funds or purchased raffle tickets. These funds help to keep the club financially on track and the raffle winners were extremely happy with their prizes. Happy Railroading, Ed a

“Souper” Soups continued from page 9 densed milk, vanilla, and chocolate syrup to a blender. Top off blender with ice and blend until smooth and icy. (Add half-andhalf if you’d like it to be a little richer and creamier.) Serve in a glass with whipped cream on top. To make a Mocha Chip Frappuccino: Add coffee, milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips to a blender. Top off blender with ice and blend until smooth and icy, with tiny chocolate bits throughout. (Add half-and-half if you’d like it to be a little richer and creamier.) Serve in a glass with whipped cream on top, and drizzle the whipped cream with chocolate syrup or dot with more chocolate chips. Well, there you have it. A couple recipes to warm you up while the winter wanes on, and one recipe to cool you down when ever you feel like it! Just have the blanket handy if you make a frappuccino prior to spring. a

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No power on earth has a right to take our property from us without our consent. John Jay

fection) and Southern Peach Pie are just two of the pies described in tantalizing detail. You can easily follow the baking tips provided, and all recipes’ measurements, temperature settings, etc. have been adapted for modern times. KNIT YOUR OWN ZOO By Sally Muir Copyright 2014 176 pages You will find easy-to-follow instructions for 24 animals in this fun guide to knitting. Along with the knitting patterns, are also brief descriptions of the various species and tips on sewing up and embellishing the animals. a

Quiet, Comfortable, Invisible Heat from page 21

the needed temperature range. If you can’t install enough in floor radiant heat in an area to heat it, then some hot water baseboard may be needed, which requires higher temperatures (example, a family room with lots of windows). Thus, the same hot water boiler can be used for heating baseboard radiation (if necessary), the radiant floor circuits and domestic hot water. To very efficiently provide a very comfortable living and working space, you should consider an in floor radiant heating system. Curt Bierly is president of the bierly group incorporated of which Stanley C. Bierly is a division. He graduated from Penn State with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and is the chair of the Penn College HVAC Advisory Board. You can contact him at cbierly@bierlygroup.com. a

Next Issue of The Valley: March 4th

The Valley, February 2015

Life in the East End by Rebecca Harrop January was a very busy month for us here in the East End. We’ve had some real snow now in January. I love snow! It makes everything so pretty. It really sparkles in the headlights in the dark. I like how it makes everything look different. There is something about snow that makes adults act like children. My brother and I were waiting for someone to come look at calves and while we waited, we were playing in the snow. I made little balls of snow and stuck them in the side of the milkhouse to make a snowman face. It was a lot of fun. Yeah I’m 23 and he’s 34, but like I said, something about snow brings out the kid in you—even if you’re over 40. I still have snowball fights with my Dad and uncles. You can be working away doing your work, minding your own business, and you never know when a snowball will come flying out of nowhere. My little nieces are experiencing their first snow this year. They helped make their first snowman. They really like being outside and it’s good for them to be outside. We butchered pigs again this year. I always enjoy butcher day. It’s fun getting together with everyone, especially the people

we don’t get to see very often. I didn’t get to make it outside much this year since I was helping to watch my nieces inside. Although, I did make it up to the kettles to get some kidney. My uncle and cousins fished some out of the kettle for me. That’s my favorite kettle meat. The others eat the liver and headmeat. I’ve eaten liver, but I prefer kidneys. Gram Goss eats something called the sweatbreads. They come from around the stomach. I’ve helped get them when we separate the good part from the bad part of the intestines, but I’ve never eaten them. The liver, kidneys, and the headmeat are what is cooked to make the ponhaus. After it is completely cooked, the meat is removed from the bones and ground. It is then returned to the kettle with broth. When it comes to a boil a thickening consisting of cornmeal, buckwheat, and flour is added. Then you boil it till it is thick enough. Mom’s friends from New Jersey made it out as well. Jimmy brought another one of his brothers and his nephew along and they got here about 6:00 am. Mom had pancakes and bacon for them for breakfast. Jimmy and his brothers and nephew really had fun. This is the

third year that Jimmy and Bobby have come out, so they are getting to be old hands at this butchering stuff. It seemed like his other brother, Jack, and Jimmy’s nephew had fun as well. They tried everything and they weren’t afraid to get dirty. You should see my Pap Goss. He loves teaching people about stuff like butchering. He gets like a little kid explaining the different things we do and why we do them. All in all, it was a good day again. We are logging some trees on the mountain ground on the farm where I live. It’s neat to step outside the house during the day and hear chainsaws running. We sold the logs to a sawmill up on Back Mountain road. Blue Rock Sportman’s Club has started their Grocery Shoots every Saturday through the middle of March. I haven’t gotten to one yet, but I’m hoping to get out soon. It’s a good way to keep in practice and win some goodies at the same time. I went to see “American Sniper,” and it was one of the best movies I have ever seen. It was the only time when the theater was completely quiet when the movie was over. It really makes you appreciate what people in the military do for our country and all the sacrifices they make. I strongly encourage everyone to go see this movie. On that note, I’m going to close till next month. a

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The Valley, February 2015

The Truth Has No Agenda

The Valley, February 2015

Happy 2015! As I write this from a scenic spot overlooking a volcano on Lake Atiltan in Guatemala--a long overdue vacation paid for by my Federal lawsuit settlement against the Weare, NH PD--I am once again struck by how important what we are accomplishing in New Hampshire is. As you know, the mission of the Free State Project is to get 20,000 signers and encourage them to move to the Granite State. We are more than 82% towards our goal, and now, for the first time, more than 10% of signers have moved. I can see the finish line, and I bet you can too. I want us to seal the deal as soon as possible so that more movers can help build a better, freer future. Let’s Trigger the Move! What is holding us back? Getting the message out to more potential signers, and encouraging more early movers. By my estimate, despite our best efforts, not even 15% of Ron Paul supporters know about the FSP. This needs to change. In December, we applied for

and received a $10,000 per month Google Adwords grant, which was contingent on our receiving 501(c)(3) status. Over the next few weeks, we will launch specific Adwords campaigns, doing A/B testing to see which messages resonate most, and then drill down to target and find those final signers. We will also be running more Facebook ads targeted to specific types of liberty lovers (e.g. guns, gold, green). We also recently sent out a Liberty Forum mailer to 3,558 signers in the surrounding New England states, inviting them to attend this world class conference, and encouraging them to start planning their move. Did you receive one? Let me know what you thought by emailing me. 7 Things YOU Can Do to Help Trigger the Move: One. Come to Liberty Forum! And bring a friend. Word of mouth is our most valuable recruitment tool, which means it is up to all of us as individuals to help. The speaker line-up this year is stellar, but the best part of

Liberty Forum is connecting with the community. Buy your tickets today. Two. Donate! The FSP runs solely on donations from people like you. Whether you wish to support us with a monthly recurring donation or one-time gift, or specifically want to support Chris Lopez’s Admin Fund, or wish to become a Trigger the Move Patron, we are grateful for, and in need of your support. We accept FRNs and Bitcoin. Three. Get involved! Join local groups, online discussion boards, social networking sites, and tell others about the FSP. On Facebook, join the “Porcupines” and Free State Project groups, and become a fan of the Free State Project page. Follow us on Twitter at FreeStateProjectNH. Do you listen to podcasts? Commit to posting a comment about the FSP with a link to the FSP’s website. Do you listen to talk radio? Call in and mention the FSP as a proven solution to what ails the U.S. Four. Volunteer! There are now many ways

to help the FSP with projects. Attend one of our weekly volunteer meetings at the Quill, the Manchester activist center (Thurs, 6-8PM), or email your area of expertise to us and we will put you to work remotely. Attend a meet-up, man a booth, blog for the website, help us make memes, share our social media content. If you can help, please contact us. Five. Do you shop on Amazon? Every time you direct your Amazon purchases through AmazonSmile, 0.5% of the price of your eligible items will be donated to the Free State Project on your behalf, with no extra cost to you. Learn more here. Six. “101 Reasons: Liberty Lives in NH”! Share the free video, which has already been viewed more than 30,000 times, with everyone you know who is even partially liberty inclined or considering moving somewhere else. New Hampshire is not only home to the FSP, but is also an

awesome place to live, consistently ranked #1 in quality of life. Seven. Put the “move” in “movement”! The outcome of the FSP is inevitable; it is only a matter of time. Why wait? Come build your future in New Hampshire with the most audacious, vibrant liberty community in the world. The sooner you move, the sooner you can establish yourself and join the fun! I want to leave you with this sentiment: it takes a Shire. The success of this movement is contingent on each of us as individuals. Think of the amplifier effect if every person reading this newsletter just forwarded it to one other person this month. If you committed to doing just a few of the above-mentioned things, your actions would have a significant impact. In order to Trigger the Move, I need you to help me help you. After almost 8 years in New Hampshire, I promise you, moving to this community is the best decision I’ve ever made. I want YOU here by my side as we create a living, breathing, dynamic representation of Liberty in OUR Lifetime! Yours in peace and liberty, Carla Gericke President, Free State Project a

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The Valley, February 2015

The odds are good you’ve never heard of alpaca fleece before. Indeed, it’s quite possible that you haven’t the faintest idea what on earth an Alpaca even is. So I am writing this story to take some of the mystery out of Alpaca’s and alpaca fleece. An Alpaca is a domesticated species of the South American Camelid. It resembles a Llama in appearance. Alpaca’s are known for their very gentle demeanor. Indeed, Alpaca’s are frequently purchased for pets, as they are very friendly and calm around young children. Today, many ranches/farms in the United States raise Alpacas. These ranches raise the Alpacas for their soft, warm fleece, which is sheered off (cut-off) about once a year. No Alpacas are killed or injured in obtaining their fleece. Instead, they simply get a haircut

once a year - not so different than normal sheep, which are sheered once a year for their wool. So what makes Alpaca fleece different than normal wool? The softness. Alpaca fleece is significantly softer than normal wool. The best comparison for Alpaca fleece is that it is roughly equiva-

lent in softness and insulating abilities to Merino wool, which is used in Ugg Boots, smart wool socks and other products from New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, Alpaca fleece, similar to Merino Wool, does not have the “scratchy” feeling that normal wool has. Similar to other wool, the fleece from Alpacas is very warm - actually warmer than normal sheep’s wool. The fleece has hollow air-fibers that provide superb insulation - even when wet. Alpaca fleece is a lustrous and silky natural fiber, While similar to sheep’s wool, it is warmer, not prickly, and bears no lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic. THE PERUVIAN LINK AT DUTCH PANTRY GIFTS Alpaca fibers are especially good for making warm socks for winter, but they also are great for making cozy summer socks and athletic socks too.

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31 out Dutch Pantry Gifts. They are Diabetics know how important it is to find a good pair of located at 15 Commerce Drive, socks, and socks using alpaca fiMilroy, Pa, next to Best Western. bers are sometimes made especial- They ship throughout the USA, ly for diabetics. In fact Peruvian and will ship internationally if Link makes some socks especially requested. for sufferers of diabetes. Their Also available are the Alpaca Therapeutic Terry Lined socks Dryer Balls. Hand felted in are doctor approved and said to Pennsylvania, Dryer balls are a improve circulation for diabetics. natural green alternative to dryer They are made from the soft fibers sheets. Made from hypo-allergenof baby alpacas. Finding good ic alpaca wool, dryer balls have socks is very important for people no dyes, dry clothes faster, and who suffer from diabetes since if reduce static and wrinkling while their circulation is cut off, they softening. Dryer sheets and fabric could suffer from gangrene. softener are petroleum based People who suffer from arthriproducts that are making your tis may also find alpaca socks clothes more flammable and less beneficial to help relieve the aches breathable. They are coating your and pains in their feet. The socks clothes and dryer with chemicals provide warmth, but are not so and petroleum. An average box of tight that they reduce circulation. dryer sheets range from $3-$6 for When circulation is reduced in a 50 load box compared to 1 dryer the foot, the arthritis sufferer feels ball at a cost for $6 that is good more aches and pains. for several years. Stop by Dutch Alpaca socks are machine Pantry Gifts and see the great washable and do not require selection of Alpaca items. a special care. They are ideal for people who are allergic to sheep’s wool. Products made from alpaca fiber are long lasting—in fact, a well made pair of alpaca socks will last for many years. Alpaca fiber is often said to be stronger and longer lasting than most wools. If you are a consumer looking for good quality alpaca Dryer balls are a natural alternative to socks, you will want to check chemical sheets

The Valley, February 2015

Perfect

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