The Valley - January 2013 by The Valley Newspaper

Serving Mifflin County and the surrounding area.

The Valley A free newspaper dedicated to agriculture, self-reliance, frugal living, and modern homesteading. Tomorrow’s Media - A Day Early Volume 4, No. 1

by Dave Molek

This is the first in a series of articles about a 1992 program created by the United Nations. At that time, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development created Agenda 21. If you are not familiar with this program, you may wonder why we have chosen to make this front page disclosure. The 21 in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st century. Agenda 21 has been affirmed and modified at subsequent UN conferences. It is a 300 page document divided into 40 chapters that have been grouped into four sections. These sections are entitled (1) Social and Economic Dimensions; (2) Conservation and Management of Resources for Development; (3) Strengthening the Role of Major Groups; and (4) Means of Implementation. Section names sound innocent enough, but as with most governmental programs, titles are misleading. Advocates of Agenda 21 work to impose land use regulations that would force Americans into denser living arrangements, curtail freedom of choice in housing, compel people to pay more for their houses and give up their cars in favor subways, trolleys, buses and bicycles. These efforts are described as sustainable development, open land preservation or

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The Valley, January 2013

new urbanism and have a negative impact on economic growth, competitiveness and our nation’s standard of living. Smart growth proponents (as they refer to themselves) have been working at the national, state and local levels. Agenda 21 is a broad, ambitious plan to start global thinking to “find ways to halt the destruction of irreplaceable natural resources and pollution of the planet.” Agenda 21 clearly calls on governments to intervene and regulate nearly every potential impact that human activity could have on the environment. Rush would refer to these people as environmental whackos. If implemented, the types of policies encouraged in Agenda 21 would significantly expand the role of government in economic decision-making, impede development and economic growth, and undermine individual choice for local communities. We need to be concerned, very concerned, about efforts by our own federal government to implement these policies, both nationally and locally. The four sections we mentioned have great-

sounding goals. Such things as combating poverty, changing consumption patterns, planning and management of land resources, technology transfer and international legal instruments all seem okay on their face. But you need to read more than the titles and goals. These smart growth policies echoed in Agenda 21 originated among liberal European and American intellectuals. These policies were originally enacted by a socialist government in 1947 which forced nearly all subsequent development into existing urban footprints and were an economic disaster. Most Americans are unaware that one of the greatest threats to our freedom may be Agenda 21. Many of us view it as an amalgamation of socialism and extreme environmentalism endowed with anti-American, anti-capitalist overtones. Undoubtedly, most residents of any town, county, or

city in our United States, including central Pennsylvania, who treasure their freedom, liberty and property rights couldn’t care less whether it is called Agenda 21 or smart growth. The United Nations purposely recommends avoiding the term Agenda 21 and suggests the cleverly-named alternative “smart growth.” Agenda 21 emphasizes “global environmental cooperation” over national sovereignty and individual sovereignty. Think just about that for a minute. It appears to many of us that Agenda 21 proposes that protecting the environment would be used as the basis for controlling all human activity and redistributing our wealth. In their own publication, effective execution of Agenda 21 will require a profound reorientation of all humans, unlike anything the world has ever experienced. This policy is already trickling down into every state and many counties, cities and towns in our nation. So, sustainable development is the official policy of our country even though many citizens are ignorant of its existence. This danger-

Lighting Brush Fires in People’s Minds

ous policy encompasses an entire economic and social agenda. In our future articles, we will discuss other goals of Agenda 21, social equity, ecological integrity and social justice. In Agenda 21, private property ownership and control, along with individual and national sovereignty are main targets. Some folks believe Agenda 21 is the end of civilization as we know it. We want to give readers an overview of this Agenda 21 program. We believe efforts to prevent its further implementation in our nation are warranted. Agenda 21 is yet another extension of government’s regulatory reach. We will discuss more of the hundreds of specific goals and strategies that Agenda 21 encourages governments to adopt. You can get a feel for this proposal when you know that Representative Pelosi, Senator Kerry and Senator Reid have spoken in Congress in support of Agenda 21. Adding to the problem, the Obama administration has warmly embraced smart-growth policies. Agenda 21 is not in sync with our Constitution. Global government is not something most of us want to live under in this wonderful country. It is redistribution of wealth, social justice and planned central economy. Sound familiar? We need to pay attention to what our President and his administration are doing to us. Stay tuned. a

Editor’s Corner

The Valley, January 2013

Wayne Stottlar Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and safe and happy New Year celebration. As we look ahead to the new year, we usually envision some kind of change, or at least hope that positive changes are possible in the new year. It is a time to reflect of course, but the feeling of a fresh start often leads to deep thought and contemplation about improvements to one’s life. Well here at The Valley we are in a continual evolution in an effort to make our product even more useful and entertaining to our treasured readers. Speaking of which, all of you folks that have approached us with your kind words the last month while we were out and about, THANK YOU. Your kindness humbles us and we feel very blessed to have such wonderful readers. We are also blessed with some of the most loyal advertisers in the industry, without who, we could not exist. So please, you know that we champion spending your hard earned dollars locally, in LOCAL businesses as much as possible, and please continue to support our advertisers, they foot the bill for all of this. I am pleased to report that 100% of my Christmas buying was done in local businesses, no chain stores, no internet buying, period. When

we buy local, OUR local economy benefits, and a strong local economy benefits everyone who lives here. If you need something, think about where you can obtain that item from a local business, this does not mean Wal-Mart. I use Wal-Mart, but only as a last resort, even if something is a little more from a local establishment. If more of us started buying from local businesses, our area would flourish and be somewhat insulated from what I fear is coming to other areas, especially cities. The sad news from Connecticut has captivated the news cycles now for over a week, all the while ignoring the fact that the people YOU voted for (the Republicans and the Democrats) are about to create a bigger problem by raising taxes and resolve absolutely nothing positive by putting off spending cuts. This country collects way more than enough taxes, but we have a spending problem, and yes, that means entitlements need to be reduced drastically. Speaking of the shootings, yes, it is a tragedy and I feel sorry for the families. However, the over-reaction and hype placed on the story by the media outlets is exactly what perpetrates the continuation of these instances. Instead of just reporting the story and moving on, each story has to become a production whipping

the emotional types into a frenzy of grief and a pseudo outpouring of sympathy. Yes, this is a tragedy, but it is THEIR tragedy, the people and families in CT, not the rest of the people all trying to outdo the other in their sympathy. It is pathetic behavior to thrive on the knee-jerk emotional garbage that comes from news anchors and talking heads. The answer to this horrible crime is MORE guns, not less. It is a fact that criminals do not obey laws, so a new law or regulation will do nothing but make more law abiding people victims. The antigun rights people are some of the most hypocritical in the world. They talk down to you, while either they or their body guards are armed, because of course, they are so much more important than you, and the laws apply to all of their subjects, not them. If one of those adults at that school had been carrying a weapon, lives would have been saved. If several adults at that school were armed, LOTS of lives would have been saved. The simple fact of the matter is that criminals are cowards, they will prey where they are least apt to find resistance. A “GUNFREE” school zone is an easy target. Ever see anyone break into

a police station and start shooting the place up? Didn’t think so. And before anyone makes the statement that it is ok for police and military to possess certain arms, but mere citizens don’t NEED that kind of firepower, get yourself an education on the Constitution. The second amendment has NOTHING to do with sport shooting or hunting. What it reaffirms is that the right to protect yourself comes from God, not our government and that that right to defend yourself is pointedly aimed at OUR OWN GOVERNMENT. The second amendment is put there to allow ourselves to protect ourselves FROM the government, it also is very clear when it says “....SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.....”. We were to have the same firepower as those who would govern us so that the government could not become tyrannical. Any act or law that “infringes” on this is unconstitutional and therefore null and void. God gave us this right and mere man cannot take that away, regardless of what the government wants you to think or what they teach your kids in the government schools. Stop believing what is being force fed to you by the media and the anti-freedom people. Read the documents and other period writings of the authors, it is quite clear what the original intent was and it is quite clear that it has been shredded and trampled by those who desire to control other people. Our front page story this month is a VERY important read. We are losing our sovereignty as a nation at the hands of the corrupt United Nations. This abomination

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Contact Info 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 E-mail: thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com Web: www.thevalleynewspaper.com ©The Valley. All Rights Reserved.

has to be stopped now, and then turned back. Unknowing (read that ignorant) towns and local governments have been instituting its measures for some time now and the destination is a place no one but the most vile, agendadriven leftist wants to go. Educate yourselves on what it will mean at full implementation and start writing letters. We are also making a few changes in page line-up and want to explore giving you, the reader, a bigger voice. First, we have decided to try using the page 3 area as a guest editorial page, and we have had some very good guest editorials over the past year. The response to those stories tells us that we need to get YOU more involved. In an effort to accomplish this, we are asking for folks to go ahead and sound off about something you are passion-

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The Valley, January 2013

safely in many foods) that had been produced using genetically modified bacteria. The bacteria was used by only one company, that had exported their product to the United States, where these illnesses and deaths occurred. Since the F. D. A. was quite aware of the disease outbreaks and their cause (in spite of efforts to find other possible causes) how could they later claim no known difference between GM foods and other foods when evidence of that difference had been staring them in the face for years? Almost one hundred dead people and thousands sick would seem to be rather “meaningful” to most of the rest of us. And yet, it is a telling fact that in a worldwide scientific community where tests seem to be conducted on anything and everything, sound, independent scientific studies (the litmus test of objective scientific research) into the safety of Genetically Modified food ingredients are few and far between, while many of the studies being done voluntarily by the biotech companies themselves do not hold up well under close scrutiny. In 1993, when the company that developed the first GM crop approved for sale in the U. S., a tomato, did its own safety testing, the stomach bleeding and deaths of a small percentage of the small number of test rats being fed the modified tomatoes prompted the F.D.A. to request further information. A second test, again on a small number of rats,

was conducted but used different methods than the first test. Again the F.D.A. questioned the results. The tomato line used in the test was subsequently dropped by the company, but another GM tomato was eventually approved. Interestingly, this approved GM tomato was later removed from the market. On the flip side of the coin, a particularly well-done, independent study in Great Britain points out other problems with GM safety studies. Well researched, staffed by the brightest and best and well funded, a 1996 study prompted by the U. K. government – in an effort to set up sound safety guidelines for GM crops - began well enough. A team of scientists, headed by a “pro-GM” researcher, began by spending more than six years looking into the safety of a natural insecticide produced by a gene found in the snow drop plant. Having concluded that the insecticide was harmless to rats (the target study mammal) they team genetically engineered a potato to contain the snow drop insecticide gene, in the hopes that it could eventually be marketed. The testing they planned was widely comprehensive, with variables added to make the results as close to unquestionable as possible. The results? Every rat in every group fed the GM potatoes developed widespread problems that included smaller brains, livers, and testicles, damaged immune systems, enlarged intestines, and pancreas.

In the general scheme of things, follow up tests would have been done to confirm and clarify these results. But two days after the team leader spoke publicly about his work, without having mentioned anything specific, he was “released” from his position after 35 years of distinguished work and effectively gagged by threats of lawsuits, the other scientists were let go and the project was stopped. Still another area we need to be looking at are the happenings that are swept under the carpet because they are dismissed as “anecdotal” – despite the fact that they are documented and investigated events. Here are a few - of the few - that have been brought to public attention. 2005, 2006 – in India, thousands of sheep die after being grazed on post harvest cotton plants that has been genetically modified to contain the Bt gene used to act as an internal insecticide. Investigation and post mortems eliminate other possible causes. 2004, 2005- hundreds of workers processing cotton in India begin to have mild to severe allergic reactions soon after they began to work with Bt cotton. These included itching, redness and watering of the eyes, rashes and skin eruptions. None of the effected workers had ever had a reaction to cotton before, or after, they worked with the GM cotton. 2003 -96 out of about 100 residents in a Filipino village suddenly became ill – headaches, vomiting, severe pain and fever among other symptoms – when a neighboring corn field, planted for the first time with GM corn, began its yearly pollen production. The same reactions occurred in 2004 in other villages where the same corn was planted. Most of the people remained ill when inter-

Magazine a few times and hope we are lucky enough to bring his clear and thoughtful insight to our pages in 2013. Our local historian Forest Fisher now moves to page 20 so that we can dedicate a little more space to his page and we can also now put any pictures he might like to share there since that is a color page. With an area so rich in history, we are lucky to have a guy like Forest to keep track of it all for us. Also this month, we have a first hand account from local resident Joseph Honaker on his trip to Israel as a volunteer to help the IDF forces in the lead up to

hostilities earlier this fall. These types of first hand accounts are rarely seen by the general public as editorial departments “sterilize” the story for consumption. If you know us by now, we don’t do that, Joseph’s story is just as he wrote it. I actually felt like I was there while reading it, and perhaps someday, I would like to see the holy land. In the upcoming year we also plan to continue our film screenings in partnership with the Mifflin County Library. Our newest addition to the library is “Genetic Roulette” and this will be sure to anger you after you discover what the food industry

has done to us. For local businesses, don’t forget that The Valley has THE BEST advertising rates in ANY media in the area. Our ads work, our in-house ad designer is the best in the business—many of our advertisers have noticed increased sales after advertising in our pages. And that is because our readers are second to none! They support the businesses that make the wheels of this paper turn. So if you are in need of some new customers, or just want to get your word out to an audience not otherwise reached, give us a call and set up an appointment for us to come see you and design an ad

Another Soap Box Moment – Part Three GMOs – What They Claim vs. The Facts by Mary Anna Chenoweth “In nearly all matters of life, before accepting some one’s say so, it is wisdom first to use our own judgment and common sense: and this is particularly true in many of the operations of horticulture, for in no profession is there greater need for the reasoning faculties, and in the neglect of the use of these, the most absurd errors and delusions are held even by many who are practically engaged in the business.” - Peter Henderson, American horticulturist, in a lecture before the New York Horticultural Society, 1881 Claim Number One: Genetically Modified Crops are no different than any other crops and are safe for human and animal consumption. In 1992, The United States Food and Drug Administration adopted policy on Genetically Modified food in which it stated “The agency is not aware of any information that foods derived by these new methods differ from other foods in any meaningful way.” The Facts: Let’s see, where to start? Ah, here’s a doozy! During the 1980s, some people who had taken a food supplement of the essential amino acid L-Tryptophan, developed severe and varied symptoms of an unidentifiable disease. After years of investigation the disease (which sickened thousands and killed almost one hundred people) was directly linked to one specific brand of L-Tryptophan (which exists quite

Editors Corner from previous page ate about. Now having said that, do not expect us to publish an editorial espousing the benefits of GMOs or how pasteurized milk is superior to raw milk. You know who we are, and you know our stance on subjects, you don’t have to preach to the choir. Conflict can be good. I can handle differing opinions, but won’t deal with outright lies and spin. The above article by Mary Anna Chenoweth is an installment of a multi-part story on the subject, we have also featured John Silveira, Senior Editor at Backwoods Home

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viewed three years later. 2001 – pigs and cows in the American mid-west, some of which had been previously fed GM feed, begin to have severe reproductive problems when fed a new variety of GM corn. Despite seed company assurances that their corn was not the cause, evidence in the investigation goes missing, and corn which had been declared safe by the producers was none the less “confiscated” from one farm and subsequently shipped to a plant processing human food. In the United States and around the world, both domestic and wild animals repeatedly show a marked preference to non-GM crops. Animals being used to test GM crops often need to be force fed. Much like the canaries once used in mines to detect dangerous levels of toxic gas, these critters are clearly telling us something and we would do well to listen to them.

especially tailored to your needs. We are always ready to bring a new business into The Valley family. With winter finally arriving in a major way as I am completing this column, I hope you all get a chance to get out into the woods and admire natures winter majesty. Being from New Hampshire you could say that I like winter, a lot. The winter woods are one of the most peaceful places on earth. Wildlife tracks in new fallen snow let you know that life still goes on, only at a little slower pace. Happy New Year....W a

All of Which Begs the Questions: If food safety is of such paramount importance to the government and the food companies that feed most of us, why have foods containing questionable ingredients produced by expensive and questionable science, been allowed to enter the American food chain with the blessings of that government and those companies? Why are the alarms being sounded, world wide, by farmers, consumers, scientists, doctors, and even – bless them - some politicians being marginalized, denigrated or simply ignored? What do we do? Further Research: Books to read: Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods by Jeffrey M. Smith a

The Valley, January 2013

thoughts from the Bunker by jared kauffman

Friend or Foe?

It’s hard to believe a year has gone by since my column first appeared in The Valley. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts. I am trusting that at least some of you haven’t written me off as the crazy tinfoil hat guy (right Lynn?) and have at least considered applying some of the information that I have presented to you. Remember all past Bunker articles are available online to read at thevalleynewspaper.com. As I write this month’s column, it is mid-December and deliberation on avoiding the “Fiscal Cliff” continues in DC. As the economy crumbles in the shadows and the public continues with their nonchalant attitude of “They’ll fix it. They always do,” believing lie after lie put out by the media, it is imperative that we make preparations for a possible economic collapse.

In the last couple of issues, I addressed ways to thrive and survive in a collapse scenario; using bartering as a possible means to obtain needed supplies. And I had every intention on continuing this month with a few thoughts on the Underground Economy, but I must address an issue that I find to be unfortunate, if not disturbing. Like I have said before, I agreed to write this column to present ideas and encourage you, The Valley reader, to take the initiative and to make your own emergency preparations. While doing this I accepted the fact that I would be compromising my privacy and security. I also understood that scrutiny and ridicule would also come. I have encouraged everyone to have at least the minimum of three days’ worth of supplies on hand in case of emergency. And while most people I talk to are at least open to the idea and make an

will react when desperation has set in. In desperate times, people will do desperate things. I believe that it is essential that you create a circle of trusted friends that you can rely on in an emergency situation. I believe that no man is an island and that it will be impossible for the lone-wolf to survive in such a situation. But at the same time be wary of whom you bring into the “loop.” Man IS the most dangerous animal on the planet.. I will conclude with a warn-

ing to all those whose preparation plans consist of causing harm to others, especially to the folks who have taken the initiative to create and implement an emergency preparation plan and have assembled the necessary emergency supplies, it is also more than likely that they also have the means to protect themselves, their families, and their property. Think twice before making such asinine statements and don’t count on a warning shot. a

effort to have the basic supplies on hand, there are some who adamantly refuse to even consider taking responsibility for themselves or their families should a disaster, whether man-made or natural, occur. When having such conversations on an absolute worst case scenario comments such as, “Why should I prepare, I’ll just steal what I need,” or “If worse comes to worse, I’ll just kill someone and take their stuff,” are often the responses I receive. As disappointing as this is, and whether or not it is said in jest, these people should be taken very seriously. Should there come a time when desperation abounds, these people could pose a threat to you and your family. One would only have to read accounts from major disasters such as hurricane Katrina, and more recently Those who go through the trouble of prepping generally ensure that the whole family knows how to defend those preps. Sandy, to see how people

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The Valley, January 2013

Looking out my Back Door Life on my Mifflin County Homestead by Mary Anna Chenoweth

In Praise Of Country Things: Scrapple Most all of us who are native to the Mifflin County area have some genetic link to the various German settlers who came here, centuries ago, hoping to build better lives than those they had had in Europe. As all immigrants do (no matter what the century, no matter where they’re from), they built those new lives on the firm foundation of life skills and wisdom that they brought with them. Those skills and that wisdom, culled from thousands of years of accumulated experience, they adapted to their new environment and bequeathed to us an abundant inheritance from which to build our own lives and to pass on to our descendants. And scrapple fits in here how? Well, believe it or not, as prosaic as scrapple may seem, it’s a good example of how adapting to change is key to the success of the immigrant experience.

Scrapple – and the immigrant experience? Yes indeed. Scrapple, that “love it or leave it” dish found on the menus of so many restaurants and dinner tables in Pennsylvania - and anywhere else German immigrant influence can be found; scrapple, still one of the traditional results of many pig butcherings in rural Pennsylvania; scrapple, which can be… What do you mean you don’t know what we’re talking about? Oh … well … it makes sense that some people may be unfamiliar with this Pennsylvania delicacy. Long story short, scrapple is a concoction made from the bits and pieces of the pig that are left over after the hams, roasts, bacon and sausage are made. The head and trimmings are cooked ‘til they fall apart. The meat is picked out, chopped up and stirred back into the pot liquor with seasoning and

some sort of ground grain. This mass is cooked ‘til it thickens and then poured into pans to ‘set up’. It can then be sliced and fried and eaten with or without accompaniment (eggs, sweet syrups, sweet or tart relishes, etc.) – enthusiasts are known to enjoy it straight out of the pan with a fine layer of fat attached! Now, before you run screaming to call your cardiologists, let me point out that not all pigs are equal and therefore not all scrapple is equal. The meat and fat from a heritage breed pig (or any pig for that matter) raised in tune with nature is a totally different animal from the usual commercially bred hog. The meat AND fat from a swine that is raised rooting about in fields and woods, who occasionally gets a treat of wholesome grain, not only has more flavor, it also has a healthy chemical make up in both its meat AND fat that makes it quite

Scrapple, it’s a Pennsylvania thing, you wouldn’t understand.

healthy for human consumption. Also remember that scrapple is very much a seasonal food, meant to be eaten in late fall and winter. It was originally consumed by people whose lifestyles let them burn three or four thousand calories a day, not a hard thing to do even on a modern farm, especially in cold weather. With a bit of calorie balancing and common sense, less physically active folks can enjoy the occasional serving of scrapple without a single twinge of guilt. But I digress from the point

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of this article, which (hopefully) is to illustrate that seemingly humble things, which are so familiar they become discounted as somehow “less”, often contain echoes of history that can instruct, and sometimes inspire, us as to who we are, where we are from, how we got here. What we know as scrapple, descends from the butchering customs of the ancient Celts, in whose religious rituals pigs played an honored role. Enter the

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The Valley, January 2013

Thots on...Genesis

A Bible Study for the Lay Christian by Lydia In 2 Timothy 3.16, Paul tells us, “Every inspired scripture has its use for teaching the truth and refuting error, or for reformation of manners and discipline in right living…” [NEB*] *Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version. Genesis 18.20 (NEB) So the LORD said, ‘There is a great outcry over Sodom and Gomorrah; their sin is very grave.’ The two angels who had visited Abraham arrived in Sodom in the evening and found Lot sitting in the city gate. Lot insisted that they accept his hospitality and spend the night at his house, because he knew the city streets weren’t safe. That night “the men of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house—everyone without exception.” [Genesis 19.5 NEB] They’d seen Lot escort the fair strangers to his house and now they’d come to demand that he turn the men over to them, so they could rape them. Abraham

had extracted a promise from God that He would spare the city if five righteous men could be found, but here we see that all the inhabitants of Sodom were wicked and perverse—“everyone without exception”. As their host, Lot was responsible for the safety and well-being of those sheltering under his roof. When he went outside to confront the clamoring mob, he closed the door behind him in an effort to protect his guests. It is interesting to note that Lot addressed this wicked mob as “my friends” or “my brothers” [Genesis 19.7], which indicates that Lot identified with them to some extent. Rather than trust God to keep his guests safe, Lot proposed a compromise: He offered to prostitute his own daughters. There is no excuse for Lot’s willingness to sacrifice his daughters’ innocence to the mob in an effort to pacify the evil at his door. That he was willing to do so is an indication of the depths to which Lot had fallen and the extent to which he was

God is Here

by Pastor Pat Roller I found myself writing this on Friday afternoon with the news from Newtown, Conn. playing and replaying in the background. And scrolling on the bottom of the screen were tapes about the events in Clackamas, Oregon and China. When these major, national and international events are added to the local ones from Couldersport and even in our own neighborhood, it was necessary for me to speak words of hope and strength. It falls to me to say something of value—something of importance—something of hope. How do I bring any sense to these events in light of the season we have been celebrating? I think we often come to worship like the crowds of all sorts of people came out to John the Baptizer. We are searching for the sensational—the new—the things that titillate our conscious. But when events like those of these past few weeks line up, we want something of significance – something of substance, of depth, something to help us make sense of life, to answer our most press-

ing questions. John the Baptizer brought a message of spiritual intensity to those awaiting the Messiah. I would also like to bring to you a message of hope and, yes, intensity for our time and our place. I intend to speak with authority and assurance for those of us searching for the presence of God in these situations. First, when we experience the violence and tragedies like the past few weeks, we wonder just where was God when all of this was happening? The rise of John the Baptizer meant that God had not forgotten them. No word from God had been heard for nearly 400 years. But John came and prophesied to a people anxious for any word. We find ourselves in the same situation. Many of us are anxious to hear a word of hope or presence. And, I want to affirm to you that God IS present in every one of these tragedies. God is in the midst of Newtown, Clackamas, Couldersport, China and Reedsville. Not only is God present, he is wrap-

willing to accommodate sin. The mob rejected his offer in much the same way today’s “gay” community reacts to any criticism of their behavior: “Out of our way! This man has come and settled here as an alien, and does he now take it upon himself to judge us?” [Genesis 19.9 NEB] Don’t we hear the same response today when we dare to take a stand against sexual perversion: “How dare you judge us! It’s just an alternate lifestyle” or “I was born this way” or even, “It’s normal! Ten percent of the population is gay.” All lies. First, according to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, only 1.1% of the population claims to be homosexual. Of those, 43% say they have had 500 or more sexual partners, and 77% say they regularly pick up partners in city parks, bars and public restrooms. This is not about a lifestyle; this is about lust. Secondly, every one of us is born with a predisposition to sin. Jesus came to deliver us from sin! By placing our faith in Him, we can be set free from our sins, even delivered from the sin of homosexuality. Finally, we aren’t judging hoping loving arms around every person touched. He has put his loving arms around each person who came into his presence— those wee victims are in the very presence of God today. God is lifting up each person with the same words he used with Jesus, “You are my child. I love you.” Second, we often ask just how can these things happen? How can anyone bring violence upon the least of our society— young school children? The answer is not very comforting: there is evil in the world. I want to remind us all that while it may seem that evil is winning, this is not accurate. Even in the midst of Friday evening’s grief, people gathered in worship, met with rabbis and pastors, and looked to friends and family for support and encouragement. It was reported that every church in Newtown had prayer vigils going, the churches have their doors open and the pastors are available for counseling and as prophets of hope. God is still in control. Even the secular press is limiting their emphasis upon the evil, but is lifting up the victims. It is up to us to remember the good and heroic acts of these past few weeks. In this: in

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mosexuality; God is. Throughout the Bible, homosexuality is called “detestable” and an “abomination”. Lest anyone think condemnation of homosexuality is found only in the Old Testament, let’s take a look at what the writers of the New Testament have to say: 2 Peter 2.10 (NEB) says, “Above all he will punish those who follow their abominable lusts.” This includes the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah which is cited in verse 6. God has not changed. He still considers homosexuality an abomination. In Romans 1.25-27 we read, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie…. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” And finally, Jude 1.7 warns, “In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who

suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” I’ve heard the argument that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed not because of sexual perversion, but because they didn’t care for the poor. It’s true that Ezekiel 16.49-50 condemns their arrogance and surfeit, saying, “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” However, that is not the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. The prophet goes on to say, “They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.” When we shake our fists at God, determined to live our lives in defiance of His laws, He still loves us, even though He condemns our sin. That great love is exemplified in the fact that He sent His Son to die for us, so that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can be set free from slavery to sin and receive the gift of eternal life. We will continue our discussion of Sodom and Gomorrah in the next issue. a

Rev. Dr. Henry G. Covert

hgc7@verizon.net Dr. Henry Covert is an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ. After a tour of duty in the military, he worked in law enforcement for twenty years as both a patrol sergeant and county detective. Toward the end of that career he began his studies for the ministry. He has served several parishes, worked in therapeutic communities, was a state prison chaplain, and acquired adjunct faculty status in the criminal justice department at Penn State University. Dr. Covert was the chaplain for Pennsylvania’s first execution in thirty-three years. He has a doctorate from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and has authored six books. • Ministry to the Incarcerated (ISBN 0-8294-0860-6) International market -paperback • Discovering the Parables: An Inspirational Guide for Everyday Life (ISBN 978-0-313-34962-1 ) International market – hard cover & e-book • Spiritual Reflections: A Journey Through the Scriptures (ISBN 978-0-313-35901-9) International market - hardcover & e-book • Christian Beliefs and Prayers (ISBN 978-0-692-01101-0) International market – paperback, e-book & Amazon Kindle • The Crucifixion of Jesus (ISBN 978-0-9833359-0-0) International market – paperback, e-book & Amazon Kindle • The True Church of Jesus Christ (ISBN 978-0-9833359-4-8) International market – Paperback, e-book & Amazon Kindle Lowest Prices: bookfinder.com, bookfinder4U.com, alldiscountbooks.net, cheapbooks.com, Amazon.com Please Visit: https://sites.google.com/site/christianbooksbyhenrycovert

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The Valley, January 2013

Adventures on Our Nourishing Journey by Sue Burns

Declaring A Resolution Constitution “If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.” ~ Thomas Jefferson I declare; the New Year has arrived! Our nation’s six week holiday feeding frenzy is coming to a close as we nibble on leftover pork and sauerkraut. Now what? Well, traditionally January is the time for hope and change, thus many of us resolve to shed our festive poundage by “getting healthy.” But wait, didn’t we make that very same resolution last January? I am not sure about you, but that intent sometimes gets lost for me. And what exactly does “getting healthy” mean? It sure sounds good in theory, but to be honest, it is an overwhelming load to carry, don’t you think? How can we bring this resolve into focus with the millions of conflicting pieces of health advice bombarding us from sea to shinning sea. Part of this conundrum was solved for me innocently enough “out of the mouth of a babe” about a dozen years ago when I was still teaching preschool. The day began like any other in early September. I was facilitating a lively bunch of 16 energetic four year olds. Fostering co-operation and social skills were high on my list of objectives for the first month of school, so I took extra time to offer suggestions and directives. The end of “circle time” was coming to a close and I was giving the children instruction as to what to expect during “free play,” which was the next transition of the morning. I suggested basic regulations like, “remember to wear your paint shirt when you are at the easel,” and “only four of you can be at the sand table at one time,” blah, blah, blah…. All of a sudden, without warning, this tiny little cherub stood up, put her hand on her hip, waved her finger at me and declared, “YOU are NOT the BOSS of ME!!” Im-

mediately I was blessed with an amazing life lesson via a feisty four year old who understood, with out a shadow of a doubt, her unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Freedom at its finest. What about you? Is this the year you will wave your finger at all the health hype out there, stop letting it boss you around, and determine once and for all what is truly best for you? Becoming “Your Own Boss” of “Getting Healthy” I propose that “we the people” reframe our depriving, unrealistic and uninspiring resolutions of New Year’s past by shining the spotlight on our constitution. Yes, I mean the Constitution of the United States AND our personal health constitution. Stick with me as I attempt to merge the two. Basically it’s all about adhering to time-honored foundational principles. As you know, my nutrition background emerges from the thread of health education known as “holistic” health. One of the foundational principles of holistic health care involves guiding and encouraging people to accept responsibility for their own level of well-being. Everyday choices are used to both take charge of and help determine one’s own health. Well, I declare (again) what a far out concept! People actually participating and taking responsibility for their own health decisions. That kind of sounds like finger wagging freedom to me. Now, speaking of personal responsibilities, freedom and time-honored principles, I trust you enjoy and learn from Dave Molek’s eloquent words of wisdom each month right here in The Valley just as much as I do. If so, that means you have valuable insight and understanding of our nations founding principles as written in the Constitution of the United States, but I suspect you might be asking, “what does this have to do with our personal

health constitution?” As you know, in addition to a written set of principles, the word “constitution” can refer to a person’s physical and mental health, vitality and well-being. Perhaps you have heard reference of someone who shows energy and endurance as having a “strong constitution” while those who seem to go from one malady of illness to the next as exhibiting a “weak constitution.” A personal health constitution encompasses a person’s overall physical, mental and spiritual make up. It also includes their ability to be and remain healthy. Sure sounds like holistic health to me. Now, I know what you are thinking. You are correct in assuming that genetics play a factor in determining our health constitution, but they do not paint the whole picture. Here is why. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the key factors influencing an individual’s state of health have not changed significantly over the past 30 years. Quality of medical care accounts for only 10%. Heredity accounts for 18% and environment is 19%. On the other hand, everyday lifestyle choices are overwhelmingly the largest percentage of the key factors of health showing at 53%. The decisions we make, (in other words our freedom of choice), about our life and habits are, therefore, by far the largest fac-

tor in determining our state of wellness. It is encouraging to know that there is emerging and enthusiastic renewed interest in the Constitution of the United States. Furthermore, it seems that many people are beginning to understand that the health and well being of our nation AS WELL AS the health and well being of its citizens depends on a strict adherence to timeless, foundational principles. Right here, right now, let’s declare our independence from HIOs. That is, Health Information Overload. I challenge each of you to write your New Year’s Resolution as a Constitution of Personal Health based on timeless, traditional, unchangeable principles. Why? Linda Johnson MD, contributing writer to The Revered Review tells us, “As shocking as it may seem, modern medicine applications are sometimes a violation of these very principles resulting in more and more dependence on medications and treatments, which are becoming increasingly aggressive and dangerous. When a cure is worse than the disease, that cure is not based on first principles. Over the last 150 years, many

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of modern medicine’s most proud achievements are actually due to adherence to basic principles such as hygiene and nutrition and NOT, as usually believed, due to technological or pharmaceutical advances. In health as in governance, basic principles are the unsung heroes.” Amen. Dr. Johnson suggests that our personal health constitution might begin like this: “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect personal health, establish biological integrity, insure physical, emotional and mental harmony, provide for defense against disease, promote the general well –being , and secure the blessings of health to ourselves and our off –spring, do ordain and establish this Constitution of Health for our bodies’ constitution.” As an example, listed below are my personal declarations of traditional health principles that I have included in my 2013 “Getting Healthy” Resolution Constitution. 1. I resolve for the most part, (80%) to eat traditional, whole foods. When I get great food, my

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The Valley, January 2013

Julie Mac’s Wisdom from the Kitchen, Home, and Garden by Julie MacConnell

A Case For Wattle Fencing Well, now…we made it through the Mayan end of days! Happy New Year! Hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday season! With the cold winter months upon us, I am trying to make plans for the upcoming gardening season. I think I might have mentioned to you that in the early fall we finished clearing our property. This opens up a huge new piece of land in which to expand my vegetable garden. It also gave us an entire season’s worth of oak and maple to burn in the wood stove next year. My husband has been diligently working at cutting the trees into stove length logs and stacking them on pallets along the fence. It is a huge undertaking as the pile of trees is taller than he is and about 20 feet wide. The hydraulic splitter we share with a friend needs major repairs so the actual splitting will have to wait for a while. Once this task is complete, I am going to start mapping out the actual layout of the garden. The

one thing that is getting in my way is soil condition. It is rather poor considering we had to scrape the top layer of soil away to get rid of the grey clay that our area is known for. Not much is left besides sand and a tiny bit of loam. We planted rye grass and so far it looks pretty good. Properly tilled it will help improve things but not to the extent that I will want to just throw a bunch of vegetables in. I’ve been looking into making raised beds until conditions improve, but the wood needed to construct the boxes is costly, and I don’t want to spend the money when the situation is only temporary. The solution that I’ve come up with is making old-fashioned wattle fencing raised beds. The sticks and branches are free. They just have to be gathered and constructed into the sizes I want, and there are so many variables in design that I can use them for just about any plant. Basket weaving was always one of my favorite projects to do in art class, and if I take my time,

I think that I might be able to make them attractive as well as functional. I have watched several YouTube videos with British wattle and hurdle (fence panel) makers, and the process is much like I remembered from basic basket weaving techniques. The tighter the weave the sturdier the fencing will be. As far as can be found, wattle fencing came into being during medieval times. It was traditionally made from willow, alder or hazel wood. It was used for either livestock barriers or garden fencing. None of these woods are available to me, so I am going to look for stable oak or maple for the main uprights or sails. During the spring, the tender young shoots from rapidly growing sassafras, grape vine or forsythia might be a good alternative to the willow for the weaving material or “Withies.” Wattle fences are still in use today in England and they are very popular. You can also see examples of garden fencing using this technique at

Wattle fencing is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but the best part is it costs almost nothing to create. If you can harvest your own saplings, you have just time invested.

Colonial Williamsburg. The expected life of a wattle depends on the material you make it from. Longer lasting posts made from cedar or other hardy woods will of course last many more years than using oak or maple. In my application I only want them to last a few years, unless I like the results so much that I would consider ditching traditional, in-ground gardening for this area of the yard. If I am successful enough I might even consider making natural arbors and twig furniture. I like the rustic homemade look, and I like the fact that this will only cost me my time Wattle fencing is a perfect solution to gardenand a little effort. Wattle ing in poor soil conditions. fencing is a renewable respringtime and beautiful things to source as well, and harkens back come for the new year. a to an agrarian culture that I am so fond of….ahhhh winter dreams of

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The Valley, January 2013

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The Valley, January 2013

The Horse Scoop by Traci Hanna Yoder

The Scoop on Purina Horse Feed Today, horses are living longer lives than they were just 20 years ago. Purina Mills has played a huge role in that. With over 50 patents in feed, no other national brand of feed has invested more time in research and in understanding the needs of animals than Purina. At East Gate Feed & Grain, Purina Mills is feed that we believe in. I have seen the results that Purina Feeds can bring to many animals especially horses. Therefore, when I get the question “What should I feed my horse?” I can confidently recommend one of the Purina Horse Feeds to my customers. Feed choices are most commonly affected by the lifestyle and age of the horse. Purina has a type of feed designed to suit the needs of a variety horses and the people that love them. For young growing horses and/or broodmares, Ultium Growth or Omolene 300 will get your foal off to a great start. These products provide the proper balance of nutrients and calories for growing foals, as well as excellent nutrition for broodmares.

Purina Strategy horse feed provides optimal nutrition for horses of any age or life style. Strategy is one feed you can count on for balanced nutrition for every horse whether you are feeding growing, breeding, performance or recreational horses. Purina Strategy is East Gate Feed’s #1 selling horse feed. Strategy Healthy Edge is a fairly new Purina horse feed, designed for those that desire the quality and performance of Strategy, but need a lower calorie feed for horses that are less active or easy keepers. Equine Senior is our #1 selling complete feed for older horses. This feed is designed to offer horses a complete balanced diet, including forage. If your horse cannot eat hay due to dental issues, this is the product for him. Purina Equine Senior has a unique Easy Soak Technology to make the feed easier to chew and digest for our older equines. Recently Purina developed Equine Senior Active Healthy Edge for the light to moderately active senior horses that are still able to eat hay and forage.

The Purina Omolene line offers a variety of feeds for different needs. Two of the most popular sold at East Gate; Omolene 200 and Omolene 500 are great feed options for performance athletes. Each of these feeds not only improves hair coat and body condition but also provides stamina allowing horses to work longer. Ultium Competition feed is a patented formula for horses that require large amounts of calories yet need to stay mentally focused. Ultium delivers quick recovery and muscle repair on our extreme equine athletes, as well as helping to avoid digestive upset from competition stress. East Gate carries the Purina supplements called Nature’s Essentials. If you are looking for a mineral or mineral block, we have the Nature’s Essentials Free Balance 12:12 Minerals. For horses that need to gain weight Nature’s Essentials Amplify Supplement is a high-fat, lower-starch, extruded particle that provides extra calories. For our easy keepers or horses that require a “diet”, Nature’s

Essential’s Enrich 12 and Enrich 32 are concentrated supplements to provide horses with the daily protein, vitamins and minerals that they need. The Enrich products are corn free with controlled levels of starch and sugar. For horses with special feeding needs, Purina developed the Veterinarian researched Wellsolve products. Horses that are having extreme obesity issues, laminitis, or other health issues could benefit from the Wellsolve L/S (lowstarch) or the Wellsove W/C (weight control). And let’s talk about new innovative products. The ORIGINAL Purina Hydration Hay Block is a premium blend of quality grass and alfalfa hay that has been compressed into a convenient, lightweight block. Simply drop the block into a bucket of water and it will quickly expand into about one flake of palatable, moist hay. This is a great way to take hay when going on a trip or to

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help hydrate a horse that will not drink when they are away from home. They are now available at East Gate, and in the near future we will be carrying Electrolytes and Joint supplements from Purina. If you are looking for balanced nutrition at a good price, The Horseman’s Edge horse feed line includes several unique formulas, so you can choose the right feed to suit your horse’s lifestyle and activity level. Horseman’s Edge 12 sweet is a good, solid horse feed at a good price. This is actually the feed that I trust for my horses. At East Gate we also

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The Valley, January 2013

LIbrary Lines

Scrapple from page 5

Your Mifflin County Library

I would like to send a big “Thank You” to all of our library supporters in 2012. I hope you continue to come see us during the New Year. We will continue to bring you new books (including large print), audio books, DVDs, magazines, newspapers and downloadable books. We also have great childrens and adult programming! And, if you are one of those lucky people who got a new Kindle, Nook or other eReader for the holidays, we are here to help you download our free eBooks—just call us at 717-242-2391. Remember, you are never too young or too old to enjoy the library! This month I would like to tell you about our Celiac or gluten-free book collection. Since I discovered that I had Celiac disease fourteen years ago, I have learned there are many people in the Big Valley area with this condition. Many of these people have recommended books to our library or inquired about our information. I found a basic definition of this condition on the web; “Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is a genetic disorder that affects at least 1 in 133 Americans. Symptoms of celiac disease can range from the classic features, such as diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition, to latent symptoms such as isolated nutrient deficiencies, but no gastrointestinal symptoms.” Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley,

rye, or sometimes oats (including medications). When a person with celiac disease eats or drinks anything containing gluten, the immune system responds by damaging the lining of the intestinal tract. This damage affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Please remember to ask your doctor about diagnosis. When I first discovered I had this condition, I was so upset because I thought it meant a lifetime of no cookies, cake or pizza… I was devastated! I love these foods! But through research and talking to some of the locals, I learned there was so much I could do. Gluten-free cooking has become very popular and there is much more information available in the last few years. So, take time and learn more about a gluten-free lifestyle. You can start on our web page at www.mifcolib.org. Sandy, our webmaster, included several links, so just go to the online resources icon then look under the health section. Sandy has done a great job making so much important information available for you. Here is a brief bibliography of some of the great Celiac or gluten-free books we have available: Celiac Disease: a hidden epidemic by Peter H. R. Green Living With Celiac Disease by Dale-Marie Bryan The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-free by Anne Bryn (Very yummy!) The Gluten Connection by Shari Liebermanl Incredible Edible Glutenfree Food for Kids by Sheri L. Danderson (very yummy too!) Kids With Celiac by Danna Korn

505 CHIROPRACTIC, LLC Quality Healthcare Naturally

(717) 242-4476 505 Electric Ave ● Lewistown Dr. Christie R. Gisewhite Dr. Heather A. Morgan Formerly Gisewhite Chiropractic Center

I wish everyone a wonderful and healthy New Year! Please remember to take a look at the Mifflin County library webpage at www.mifcolib.org for all kinds of resources and continue to come in and enjoy one of the five branches we have to serve you. Call 717-242-2391 for information. Betsy Tomasik Technical Services Librarian a

Roman Empire, whose conquests forced contacts and exchanges and many new cultures, including the Germanic peoples, entered the picture, adapting new ideas to their use of swine. Rome falls, Europe fractures into feudal kingdoms, and there is the pig, easy to raise and feeding many, at the center of survival in both castle and peasant village. Comes the Renaissance, the Age of Exploration with the “discovery” of the new world, and there is the pig trotting along side of us, often left (an honor also accorded to goats) on remote islands to increase and multiply and assure food for the next shipload of sailors that might come sailing along. But no matter the era, when a pig was butchered, the leftover bits were cooked and stretched to feed more mouths by adding whatever grain was common to that area. This was sometimes the only taste of pork that the poor folk got, the better cuts going to those higher up the social ladder – hence the phrase “living high on the hog” – but there are recipes from the middle ages that indicate the upper class had their versions of scrapple-like foods as well. It is also fair to note that in some countries the mixture, called metzelsupp or potthas, had a more soup like consistency and was part, or all, of the “pay” for those who had helped at the butchering. By the late 1600s, this mixture of pork scraps, their cooking liquid and grain (mostly in ground form) had made it to America in the form of Panhas, brought by the Quakers and Mennonites from the Lower Rhineland who settled near Philadelphia. Reason enough to claim scrapple as a Pennsylvania dish and to further Americanize the dish, recipes were soon

adapted to include ground maize, or Indian corn. As manifest destiny propelled European settlers across the continent, their recipes (and pigs) went with them. Versions of scrapple pop up widely east of, and here and there west of, the Mississippi, and even into southern Canada. Variations abound; oatmeal scrapple, called goetta, in Ohio and Kentucky, scrabblin’ mush and poor- do down south and in Appalachia; each locality has its own recipe and history. And of course, today there are turkey, salmon and even vegetarian scrapples. Well, they CALL them scrapple, anyway. So here’s the point. The next time you go to Peachey’s to buy a pan of scrapple or help out at a butchering where scrapple is made, or order a fry up at your favorite diner (avoid breakfast buffet scrapple if it has sat too long, it can take on the texture of a roof shingle), spare some thought to what your taste buds will be enjoying. Thousands of years of history and human endeavor, thousands of years of fighting off starvation, making much from little and embracing change without loosing the important essentials are contained in that crisp exterior and hot pudding like center. Give a pause to consider all of that. Or you can just enjoy your scrapple. Pass the maple syrup, please! For anyone who is curious about history, food or just wants to know more, the Mifflin County Library has a GREAT book to check out. Country Scrapple: An American Tradition Including Panhas, Goetta, Poor-do, Liver Mush, New Wave Scrapple and the Scrappledelphia Sound by William Woys Weaver a

The Beauty Of The Second Amendment Is That It Will Not Be Needed Until They Try To Take It -- Thomas Jefferson

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Declare A Resolution Constitution from page 7 body does not crave imitations. 2. I resolve to engage in regular daily movement - For me, that means a three mile (or more) walk 3-4 days a week, a visit to our local YMCA three days a week for a cardio and weight work out and some yoga stretching, two days a week. 3. I resolve to get restful sleep- I also resolve to turn off all electrical devices such as my computer at least 30 minutes prior to going to bed. I also resolve to get at least eight hours of sleep five out of seven nights. I will let you know how this is working as the year progresses. 4. I resolve to set aside a time for relaxation ( EVERY DAY!)- This is by far going to be the most challenging. Part of the turning everything off 30 minutes prior to bedtime will allow me time to unwind. (I hope). 5. I resolve to live with honesty and integrity. Enough said. 6. I resolve to make an effort to give back- This involves being a responsible steward. 7. I resolve to seek out gratifying work. Notice I did not say work that offers the largest salary! 8. I resolve to nurture and give thanks for family and friends. 9. I resolve to praise, give thanks to and acknowledge my Creator from whom all blessings flow. Now it is your turn. If “getting healthy” is on your to-do list for the New Year and you have tried the unsuccessful ways that flow from the plethora of health gurus out there, consider becoming “the boss of you” and writing your own 2013 Resolution Constitution. Something tells me Thomas Jefferson would be proud. Blessings to you and yours for your happiest and healthiest New Year Ever! References: http://ahha.org/rosen. htm Sue is a holistic nutrition consultant and holistic health educator. Her office is located at 54 Chestnut Street in Lewistown. To learn more about her business go to www.mynourishingjourney. com She can be reached by email at sue@mynourishingjourney.com or give her a call at 2423132. a

The Valley, January 2013

use it to make your house smell good for visitors. Just wrap an orange, some whole cloves, a whole nutmeg, a couple cinnamon sticks, and a vanilla bean (if you don’t mind the cost) in some cellophane. Attach a little trinket, a bow, and a recipe to quarter the orange and use only the peels, add remaining ingredients with 2 cups of water and simmer on the stove. Smells so good!

Roads Less Traveled by Lynn Persing I’ve decided to coin a new phrase—“Deadline Cliff.” This is the time when the paper must be uploaded to the printer’s server or...well, let’s not even think about the consequences (suffice it to say that Wayne would probably have me drawn and quartered.) It’s midnight on the night before Deadline Cliff, and I still have 24 pages to proofread, one large ad to design, and my article to write. This wouldn’t be a problem if I had all day tomorrow, but with a pending visit from my parents tomorrow afternoon and evening, I’m losing about six hours. Argghhhh! So, what did you all get for Christmas? Good stuff? I hope so! Wayne did an awesome job of buying all my gifts locally this year and that was so thoughtful. I must say that he is one of the best male gift-givers that I’ve ever known. It’s not the quantity, it’s the fact that he actually pays attention throughout the year to the things that I mention that I like, and he goes out and does the shopping and wrapping without any moaning or pawning of duties. He also insists on buying special wrapping paper even though we have plenty on hand. He really goes the extra mile to make birthdays and Christmas special for me. What he doesn’t know is that I treasure time with him (when he’s in a good mood) just as much as any present he could give me! Shhhh, I doubt that he reads my column so that will be our little secret. Our weimaraner, Murphy, turned 13 this month, so we had fun celebrating that big milestone. The only “toy” he doesn’t destroy and try to eat is a hard peanutbutter stuffed bone, so I set out to get him one for his birthday. Unfortunately, they were out of the peanut butter bones, so I opted for a package of dried chicken breast filets by Hartz instead. I thought

he could gnaw on one of those for 20 minutes or so, and then I could give him another a bit later and that would be 40 minutes of pure birthday fun for The Stinkies (aka Murphy). Well, I was wrong. Oh, he liked the chicken breast filets alright. However, I overestimated the time that one would last by 19 minutes and 30 seconds. I had to ask him if he even tasted it? So, when I gave him the second one about an hour later, he had a grand total of one minute of birthday fun between the two filets. Now that makes me sad. Poor Stinkies! He didn’t seem to mind though. He took up his normal position on the couch and snoozed the evening away, with his usual pestering at the appropriate times for a walk and for his nighttime pills and snacks. If nothing else, he sure is predictable at 13. I also celebrated a birthday in December and I’m now closer to the “Fifty Cliff” than the “Forty Cliff.” Don’t worry, Wayne did a little bit better than a peanut butter bone or dried chicken breast filets for me! I had more than one minute of enjoyment while eating my birthday cake. Unlike Murphy, I know how to pace myself (I will admit it is a struggle when it comes to me and cake though). So far my column is about nothing, so I better get down to business. As I was perusing Pinterest a few days ago, I came across some really clever ideas that I’d like to share. Without further ado...

DIY Rustic Decorating. Use a hole saw to drill out the top of a couple logs and insert votive candles. Perfect decor for a fireplace or anywhere else that you’d like a rustic touch!

Simple Jar Candles. You can get jars and vases at the Dollar Store along with sand. Just fill with sand and insert white candles. It doesn’t get much easier!

Holiday Simmering Potpourri It’s a little late now, but this makes a nice simple gift...or just

Holiday Candle Decor. Fill a vase or jar with cranberries and a few sprigs of greenery. Fill with water and add a floating candle. Even easier, just surround a candle with cranberries! DIY Magnet Board Spray paint a cookie sheet in a fun color. Or, paint it with chalkboard paint for double duty. So clever!

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Wrapping Paper Cuff. Need a way to keep your wrapping paper from unraveling while stored? Simple, use the cardboard from the center of a toilet paper roll and cut it. Then, just wrap it around your wrapping paper. a

The Valley, January 2013

Understanding the Constitution by David Molek

Our Second Amendment Needs to be Protected In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court in the Heller case held that the 2nd Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess a firearm for private use within the home. In 2010, in the McDonald case, the Court held that the right of an individual to keep and bear arms protected by the 2nd Amendment is incorporated by the due process clause of the 14th Amendment and applies to the states. If merely one Supreme Court justice had voted the other way, things would be much different today. The scary reality is that our country is just one Obama Supreme Court appointment away from the ability of law-abiding Americans to own firearms, and cancel a right upon which our individual liberty and representative democracy ultimately, and will always, depend. The right to own a firearm was considered by the framers of our Constitution in 1787 to be equal in importance to the right to speak freely, the right to practice religion and the right to peaceably assemble. These liberties are guaranteed to each of us by the first two amendments in the Bill of Rights. There is a case in the 7th

Federal Circuit headed to the Supreme Court. This case challenged an Illinois law which forbids most people from carrying a loaded gun that is easy to reach and uncased. Individuals contend that the Illinois law violates the 2nd Amendment as interpreted by the Heller and McDonald cases. The federal appeals court agreed that the law was unconstitutional. This case will end up at the Supreme Court. I have always felt that the 2nd Amendment is the most important amendment because it guarantees the only right that is capable of defending the other rights in the Bill of Rights. It may be difficult to reverse Heller and McDonald, but it appears states which advocate gun control are trying to adopt regulations regarding licensing requirements. These gun control regulations will need to be strictly scrutinized in the near future. I feel certain that these regulations will be more invasive than necessary and will infringe upon our fundamental rights. The key fallacy of gun control laws is such laws do not, in fact, control guns. They simply disarm lawabiding citizens while people bent

on violence find firearms readily available. If you compare the Democratic and Republican Party platforms, you can easily see the difference in views. The Republican plank on the 2nd Amendment expressly upholds the right of individuals to keep and bear arms, supports self-defense, and opposes the Clinton gun ban or limits on capacity of clips or magazines. On the other hand, the Democratic Party platform supports the position that the right to own firearms is subject to reasonable regulation, reinstating the so-called “assault weapons” ban, and closing the ever-mysterious (but nonexistent) gun show loophole. As a result of the Sandy Hook massacre, the gun control advocates will once again begin the debate and confrontations on our freedoms. People want to do “something” and these gun control people always want to take guns away from the people who “didn’t do it”. Obama would feel much more comfortable seeing ordinary Americans disarmed. Obama will do his best to exploit this tragedy and push for more laws and regulations. His gun-ban agenda will

come to the forefront. Just look at what he has done in the past 4 years. Obama has nominated Kagan and Sotomayer, anti-gun justices, to the U.S. Supreme Court, appointed an antigun extremist to Attorney-General, pushes the U.N. Gun Ban Treaty, supports a semi-automatic rifle ban, armed Mexican drug cartels and tried to cover it up, and opposes right-to-carry laws. In his second term, he will feel immune from the will of voters. He will use his entire arsenal of legislation, litigation, regulation, executive orders, judicial fiat and international treaties. What is especially sad is our President’s ignoring of his oath to support and defend our Constitution and his pursuit of a policy that does not work. Have you noticed that these senseless massacres occur in our gun-free school zones? We should really call them disarmed victim control zones. Policies making areas gunfree provide a sense of safety only to those who engage in magical thinking. Killers are not stopped by gun-free zones. As always, it is the honest people – the very

ones you want to be armed – who tend to obey the law. Gun-free zones are premised on a lie – that murderers will follow rules. Given that gun-free zones seem to be a magnet for mass shooters, we should be working to shrink or eliminate them, rather than expand them. The heart-rending nightmare was the product of the pure evil of one mentally unstable young man. Blaming guns for murder is like blaming forks for obesity. I do not anticipate sensible regulations coming from the Obama administration or from big city governments. We need to be vigilant in our protection of our 2nd Amendment rights. Banning guns has never prevented gun violence. It is unfathomable to almost every person that a man could shoot his mother dead. It may even more unfathomable that someone could shoot a group of little children. The mind of a man so ill or depraved that he is capable of an atrocity such as we saw at Sandy Hook is not one that can be constrained by law or by fewer guns. Look at the knife massacres in China. The notion that more guns mean more crime is wrong. In fact, as gun ownership has expanded, crime has gone down. I guess I am just one of those people who is bitter because I “cling to my guns and religion.” I also prefer our Constitution and will do my best to support and defend it. a

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The Valley, January 2013

God is Here from page 6

Progress At The Embassy by Patricia Lawson

Thank you for supporting us by dining at Hoss’s in Lewistown on December 8th. Look for more opportunities like this in the near future. Breaking news…a contractor has been chosen for Phase One! In the past months, architect, Robert A. Keal of Westlake Reed Leskosky, an architectural firm that specializes in historic preservation and restoration, has been diligently working on the detailed plans and five contractors have made a bid on this project. The winning contractor is BCS Construction out of Altoona. As you recall, Phase One involves masonry/brick rehabilitation of the side and rear walls, the addition of new fire exits, and the installation of a new roof membrane to seal the building from the elements and make it weather tight. The front of the building was upgraded a number of years ago with cleaning of the brick and terra cotta details, the rehabilitation of front windows, installation of the marquee including spot lights for up-lighting of the front, rebuilding of the box office, and the addition of front display cases. All were made possible in part through contributions from Embassy supporters, donation of specialty contracting skills, and sweat equity of volunteers. Lately, while I have been sprucing up the front display cases, several people have asked me about the future of The Embassy Theatre. They are so pleased that this building filled with so many memories will be restored. One gentleman who stopped by told me that he saw Roy Rodgers at the theatre when he was 9 years old. He continued to tell me that Roy was at a local shoe shine shop getting his boots polished, and the townspeople were ogling at him through the front window. His young friend walked right in and got Roy’s autograph! Do you have some memories that you would like to share with us? We would love to hear from you. Just email me at: lawsonlodge@centurylink.net (please put “Embassy Theatre” on the subject line) or send a note to: The Embassy Theatre, P.O. Box 203, Burnham, PA 17009. OK, time for your history lesson. As a recap, The Embassy

Theatre opened to the public on October 17, 1927. But, what was at that site before this theatre was built? Well, it was The National Hotel. The Cohen family moved to Lewistown from Harrisburg and purchased the National Hotel Property for $38,000 in 1916. The hotel was built prior to 1840, so at this point the structure was rather dilapidated. Against the advice of his friends and colleagues, Hyman Cohen improved the site, and the venture soon proved profitable. He constructed a twostory brick building at the rear of the hotel. The second Tom Moore floor was used for apartments, starring Laura LaPlante, who was and the first floor was configured considered the Doris Day of her as a motion picture theatre. On era, and Tom Moore, who later February 12, 1917, The National became a director. Two days later, Theatre DeLuxe opened with “Her demolition began and the building Soul’s Inspiration” starring Ella was gutted to its four walls, the Hall, and “His Waiting Career” a foundation was reinforced, and Billy West Comedy. Guess what the inside of a new theatre began the admission prices were? Ten to take shape. Now, the patrons cents for adults and five cents for of the National Theatre would be children! From 1917 through given an oppor1919 the building was leased out, tunity to choose a but on February 4th, 1920, Hyman name for the new J. Cohen entered the ranks of the theatre. “Movie Kings.” Needing help, he You know sent a telegram to his son, Harold, what new name who was a student at the Univerwas chosen, but sity of Pennsylvania. For the next do you know who three years, Harold juggled his submitted the college courses and weekends in name and what Lewistown, operating the Nationother names were al Theatre with great success. considered? Just However, as the decade check out future passed, it was time to upgrade The editions of The National. So, on April 23, 1927, Valley Newspaper the National Theatre showed its for more reports, final feature, “The Love Thrill” and be sure to Like us on Facebook or check out our Facebook page: www.facebook. com/embassyltwn. Best wishes for a healthy and happy new year from The Friends Of The Embassy Theatre! A Memory with a Future, a Future Full of Memories! a

Laura LaPlante

pictures of people in worship, in the experiences of the heroes, in the lifting up of the wee victims, God wins. Finally, in Jesus’ life we often see him withdrawing from the busyness, from the people’s needs, from the clamoring of the disciples. Jesus attended to the important things of life. Sometimes—especially at Advent/ Christmas—we get so busy doing whatever is pushing or pulling us that we often forget what is important. Often we find ourselves with too many activities—too much to do—too much money and too little time spent. I urge you to determine in your own lives just what is truly important and give yourself permission to do only that. Let go of the “shoulda’s and oughta’s”. Turn off the TV and news announcements when it gets to be too much. Spend your time and energy with the significant—the important: time with friends and family, children and parents. And, together let us walk into the very presence of hope and light, Immanuel.—God with Us. a

The Horse Scoop from page 10

carry the Horseman’s Edge Senior for those that need a complete feed for their older horses, but at a lower price point than Equine Senior. Purina also manufactures the Country Acres horse feed, an economical sweet feed for adult horses formulated with 12% protein plus vitamins and minerals. We often have customers looking for a “Mill Mix” for their horses from East Gate. Country Acres is the product they are looking for. So, why feed Country Acres instead of Mill Mix? One reason is the consistency of every bag being the same and the cost efficiency. However, the number one reason to feed a product like Country Acres over a “Mill Mix” is safety! Many mills such as East Gate manufacture medicated cattle feeds. Those medications can be both harmful and even deadly to horses. Trust in the quality of a Purina Feed. With over 20 options in horse feed, Purina Mills makes something that will work for your Equine Partner. Give me a call at East Gate Feed & Grain at 717667-6556, to discuss options of what we can do for your horse and you. a

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The Valley, January 2013

Our Environment Our Culture “A Sense Of The River” by Kevin Morgan

Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science. - Edwin Powell Hubble I wrote the story below for a class in grad school I had to take a couple of years back. The class, Environmental Phycology, assignment was to spend one hour at a location of one’s choosing and use all five senses to describe how you felt about the time you spent at the location. I had spent time in the location before fishing or just taking a walk with my family, but this assignment forced me to use some of my other senses while at the location. Humanity has slowly lost its connection to the land, but by slowing down and using all of your senses, you can hear it speaking to us once again. I currently reside in an area that is dominated by its river valleys. The Juniata River and its tributaries flow through the region producing some the most beautiful scenic vistas I have ever

witnessed. Today, I walk down from my new home to the Juniata to take in the atmosphere. A short jaunt through a patch of goldenrod and across the seasonally abandoned golf course is all that is needed to reach the river that many of the old timers still refer to as the Blue Juniata. The wintery air is tranquil. The forecast calls for an immense snow storm to arrive by Friday. The refreshingly cool air acts as like it wishes to blow the trees and rustle their remaining leaves from their branches. The anticipation is high on the river. The calm before the storm has a whole new definition at the moment. In the distance, the squawk of crows can be heard. The crows must know that the peaceful atmosphere is about to come to an end. The cold air amplifies the sound. It is extremely difficult to determine if the crows are miles away or just around the next bend of the river. Dogs begin to bark as if on cue. They sound much farther away and their barks sound muffled, I

believe they are on the other side of the river. The increased humidity of the river is strangling their powerful yelps. At five o’clock in the evening the last bit of daylight is losing its battle to the ever approaching winter night. The sycamores that line the river’s shore are basking in the last remaining daylight accentuating their alabaster skin. The river has a mirrored finish

this evening. The world shimmers as the smooth black river is disturbed by a lone long branch of one sycamore that is losing its battle to the river. A boat races by. The hum of its engine interjects to the peaceful scene as it passes behind an island located in the middle of the river. When observing the natural world one can lose one’s self and the sudden entrance of the machine world can be a slap to the face. After a few minutes the waves begin the lap upon the shores pulling at the soil that is nestled among the roots of the trees. A smell matures that is similar to freshly plowed earth. It rises from the terrain slowly and then begins to overtake the sur-

The Juniata and The Pennsylvania Canal mural located in Newport, PA

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roundings. A scream of a hawk or some other bird of prey is rings through the tree tops. It instantly diverts my attention to the sky. However, there is no sign of any bird in the gray expanse. Pennsylvania winters are layers of gray spread across contrasting layers of gray. This bland painting is sprinkled with the random green hue provided by a lone evergreen tree. They are isolated as if on an island surrounded by an ocean of melancholy. As I leave the river, a train can be heard in the distance. My mind wonders back to a time when there were no trains or highways. The river was everything to the community. The river and its canals were the arteries of the area supplying the people of the mountainous area. Now, the life blood of the realm has become tainted by misuse of the land. I wish for a simpler time when the great Juniata linked the region to the world. It has become a relic of the past, because it no longer serves such a profound purpose. Now the river flows like a ghost lost in an age of progress. Slowly cutting at the land, it waits for its relevance to return. a

The Valley, January 2013

Splitting Hares by Julianne Cahill http://oakridgerabbitry.weebly.com

Resolutions Each new year brings fresh ideas and renewed opportunity. Because of that, making resolutions has become an annual tradition. But as you joke with friends about the diet you’re sure to stick to and the alarm you promise not to snooze, I hope you’ll take the time to make resolutions- set goals- for the projects in your barn too. Years ago, I frequented an online forum where rabbit breeders from all over the country shared experiences and offered advice. The forum has since closed, but one of my favorite memories was the annual New Year thread. Everyone posted their goals for the coming year. At the end of the year, someone searched our archives, pulled it up and everyone evaluated their list. Sometimes we had completed everything, some-

times few, sometimes our goals had changed entirely since Jan. 1. Nevertheless, it was a great way to reflect on how much we grew during the year. In a breeding program, improvement and growth is key, so it’s important to give yourself an outline for the future. Throughout this month, take time to set goals for your breeding program: How can your production herd be more efficient? Obviously, production-based goals are going to be one of the largest concerns in a breeding herd. Sometimes swapping the breed you’re working with, solving problems in the environment or changing your breeding practices helps to strengthen your project overall. What characteristics do you need to focus on this year? We

hear the term “bettering the breed” often, but what does that mean? Producing top quality animals takes many generations, but improvement happens one characteristic at a time. Highlight the most significant fault in your herd this year, and focus on improving that trait. By next year, it will no longer be a weakness in your herd. What encourages you? Rabbits are usually a hobby, not a business, so the enjoyment you get from your projects is a consideration. Maybe there is a particular color group or variety you favor. Maybe winning a show makes a year of hard work worth it. Take the time to figure out what motivates you, and incorporate it into your goals for the year. How can you improve the quality of the animals you’re producing? The beginning of a new year is a good time to evaluate where your current herd stands. It may be time to move on older breeding stock who have outproduced themselves, and keep their offspring instead. As hard as it may be to part with those “old reliables,” every step forward brings you closer to achieving your long-term goals. Speaking of long-term goals,

Newborns, a couple days before Christmas!

where do you want to be with your herd in two more years? Five years? Ten years? Looking at where you are now, where do you actually see yourself in that time? Sometimes our wants and our realities become inconsistent as we lose sight of our long-term goals to satisfy short-term goals. The new year is an opportunity to align both the present and the future. For example, if you’re only working with one or two pairs of rabbits, being a nationally competitive exhibitor is going to be difficult. Perhaps a new year means more rabbits—a few more does, a few more litters. No matter which goals you choose or how many are on your list, making resolutions is a way to track the growth and evolution of your rabbit project. Hopefully it’s a catalyst for positive change, but even if you get to the end of the year and find that your goals

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have changed completely, it’s fun to look back and remember where you were a year ago. This morning, a friend of mine shared a post on Facebook that said, “This January, why not start the year with an empty jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen. Then, on New Years Eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff happened that year.” In addition to a resolution list, why not start a jar in the rabbitry? Every time a special litter is born, a rabbit wins a show or something good happens, include a note. The years seem to fly by fast, and it can be easy to forget how many good things happened in between the challenges and frustrations. As we ring in the new year, I wish you all the best with your rabbit projects! For anyone interested in starting a herd in 2013 or learning more about the rabbit hobby, the Pennsylvania State Rabbit Breeders’ Association Convention will be held Feb. 2 to 3 at the Lebanon Expo Center. Thousands of rabbits are entered annually, and it has been called the second largest rabbit show in the U.S., behind the national convention. Don’t miss it! More information can be found at www. pasrba.org. a

The Valley, January 2013

Sojourner Perspectives by Mark Ostrowski

Love, Marriage and The State One of these three doesn’t belong here

Two months ago I shared a story about our Thirtieth Wedding Anniversary celebration and wrote that Joann and I hold a marriage license from the state of Virginia where we were first pronounced husband and wife. We have not officially repudiated that license. However, our act of re-committal served as notice that we remove our marriage from the authority of man and place it directly under the authority of The Almighty. Knowing what we do today, we never would have applied for a marriage license in the first place. What has the government got to do with the bond of matrimony and why do we need permission to marry? That’s right, whether you know it or not, when you obtain a marriage license, you are obtaining permission from your state to marry. Law.com defines license as government permission to perform a particular act. In Black’s

Law Dictionary, it is defined as: “The permission by competent authority to do an act which without such permission, would be illegal.” I do not believe that we should need the state’s permission to participate in something that is God ordained and was sanctioned long before governments existed on the face of this earth! A license technically confers a right to do something, and, in this case, that something is the right to marry. The state does not have any authority to regulate this since the right to marry is God given. State law cannot trump God’s law. A marriage between a man and a woman, who are both believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, have a permanent exclusive relationship that is governed by the Word of their God as recorded in the Bible. There is no room for state interference here. But alas, when we obtain a mar-

riage license, we actually grant the state jurisdiction over our marriage, taking it out from under God’s authority. This includes the fruit of our marriage, which refers to, in large part, our children. It’s my understanding that George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and the whole host of our Founding Fathers were married without marriage licenses. So, how did we get to this place in America where marriage licenses are issued? Historically, all the states in America had laws outlawing the marriage of blacks and whites. In the mid-1800’s, certain states began allowing interracial marriages or miscegenation, (defined as marriage or cohabitation between a man and woman of different races), as long as those marrying received a license from the state. In other words they had to receive permission to do an act which without such permission, would have been illegal. Black’s Law Dictionary

points to this historical fact when it defines “marriage license” as, “A license or permission granted by public authority to persons who intend to intermarry.” “Intermarry” is defined in Black’s as, “Miscegenation; mixed or interracial marriages.” I think it’s important to recognize here that there is only one human race regardless of your skin color or ethnicity. Therefore, banning marriage based on race makes no sense since we are all part of one race. Actually, this was an attempt to regulate marriages between ethnic/people groups based on skin color and outward appearance. These laws were used to outlaw marriage between whites and non-whites, which included not only blacks and mulattoes but Native Americans and Asians at one point as well. This attitude has a long tail. Even as late as 1957, it was a still a bit of a stretch for my father, of Polish origin, first generation American born, to marry my mom, a first generation LebaneseAmerican. As a product of this marriage, I will attest to the fact that it made for a very diverse and insightful upbringing. The food experience alone was incomparable (and may be worth writing about in a future article). So, in my mind, I can’t comprehend enacting such laws, but thus be-

gan our national collective stroll down the marriage license aisle. It didn’t take government long to extend this requirement to all individuals desiring to marry, as by 1923 the Federal Government established the Uniform Marriage and Marriage License Act and by 1929 every state had adopted marriage license laws. Pennsylvania does have something interesting on the books. It’s called a “Self-Uniting” marriage, or a Quaker Marriage. Most states do not offer a selfuniting marriage as an official option, but our Commonwealth has recognized such marriages for centuries due to our Quaker origins and history of religious tolerance. This license only requires the signatures of two witnesses in place of an officiant. How fortunate we are, still under the thumb of the state, however! The issuance of self-uniting marriage licenses is typically allowed only for marriages when license applicants are members of a recognized religion without clergy, such as the Quakers or Amish. (Wikipedia). When a marriage license is issued by the state, it is a secular contract in which the State is the principal party. The husband and wife are secondary or inferior

Continued on page 30

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The Valley, January 2013

POOR WILL’S VALLEY ALMANACK

star in Taurus, keeping that role until the first week of June.

There is no season such delight can bring, As summer, autumn, winter, and the spring. --William Browne

THE SHOOTING STARS The Quadrantids are the meteors of January. Look for them in the northeast after midnight on the 1st through the 5th. On the 3rd and 4th, you might see up to 40 shooting stars in an hour.

for January of 2013 by Bill Felker

THE STARS In the early evening sky, Orion now dominates the southeast. Sirius, the Dog Star, is at his heels. The Pleiades are overhead, and Perseus follows Andromeda and the Great Square into the west. The Big Dipper begins to circle back out of the northeast. When its pointers to the North Star are positioned directly north and south at 9:00 p.m., it will be middle spring. At six o’clock in the morning, it’s May in Star Time. All the January evening stars are setting in the west. The great planting star, Arcturus, is almost overhead, followed by June’s Corona Borealis and then by Hercules. Deep in the southeast, red Antares of Scorpius forecasts the Dog Days of summer. THE SUN Solar perigee (the Earth’s position closest to the sun) occurs on January 2 at 12:00 a.m. The sun enters its sign of Aquarius on the 20th, ushering in Late Winter, at which point the day’s length is approaching ten hours all along the 40th Parallel! And on the 31st of January, the sun reaches one fourth of its way to spring equinox. THE PLANETS Find Mars in the early night sky in Capricorn and then in Aquarius later this month. Saturn rides across the southern sky in Libra after midnight, reaching almost halfway across the horizon by dawn. Venus is the morning star in Sagittarius throughout January. Jupiter begins 2013 as the evening

THE S.A.D. STRESS INDEX Because of its likelihood of cloud cover, its short days, long nights, and bitter cold weather, January has the worst average on the S.A.D. Stress Index. Conditions continue to be conducive to severe seasonal affective disorders until the end of February. Key for Interpreting the S.A.D. Index: Totals of: 75 - 65: S.A.D. Alert: Severe Stress for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorders; 64 - 50: Severe to moderate stress; 49 - 35: Moderate stress; 34 - 25: Light to moderate stress; 24 and below: Only people with extreme sensitivity to S.A.D. experience seasonal affective disorders below an Index reading of 24. Day Clouds Weather Dayl Totals 1 25 25 25 75 10 25 25 24 74 20 24 23 24 71 26 25 21 23 69 BEST FEEDING TIMES Fish, game, livestock and people tend to feed more and are more active as the barometer is falling one to three days before the weather systems that arrive near January 1, 5, 10, 15, 19, 25, 31. Fishing and hunting may be most rewarding and dieting could be most frustrating near these dates at midday when the moon is new, in the afternoon and evening when the moon is in its first quarter, at night when the moon is full and in its third quarter, in the morning when the moon is in its fourth quarter. JANUARY - WEEK 1 THE FIRST WEEK OF

DEEP WINTER LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Crow Gathering Moon continues to gather more crows to the corn and soybean fields as it wanes throughout the week, entering its final quarter at 10:58 p.m. on January 4. Rising in the evening and setting in the morning, this moon moves overhead, its most potent position, near dawn. Lunar influence on animals and people should be relatively light this week as the full moon darkens. According to a number of studies, the moon exerts less influence on ocean tides and on human and animal behavior during periods between new and full moon (like this week). On the job or in the classroom, teachers, bosses, children, and other temperamental persons should be relatively reasonable all week. Police, fire fighters and health care workers should have lighter-than-average challenges. The best fishing and hunting and the most difficult dieting is likely to take place with the moon above you at breakfast time, especially as the January 1 and 5 cold fronts approach. Seed bedding plants with the moon in Scorpio on the 6th though the 9th. WEATHER TRENDS The season of Deep Winter begins January 1. This season has six to seven significant cold waves, and it lasts from New Year’s Day through around the 25th of January. Average temperatures in this season are the lowest of the year everywhere in North America. If strong storms occur this month, weather patterns suggest that they will happen during the following periods: January 1-2, 8-12, and 19-24 (the transition time to Late Winter). JANUARY - WEEK 2 THE SECOND WEEK OF DEEP WINTER LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Crow Gathering Moon wanes throughout the period, becoming

the new Spinning Cranefly Moon at 2:44 p.m. on January 11. Craneflies, insects that look a little like mosquitoes and that spin in the sun on the coldest afternoons, are common throughout much of the country now, often accompanying hikers on their winter walks. Rising in the morning and setting in the evening, the dark moon lies overhead in the middle of the day. Lunar position favors fishing and scouting for game at lunchtime but offers challenges to noon dieters, especially as the barometer falls in advance of the January 10 cold front. WEATHER TRENDS January usually produces an average of nine days in the 20s, three days with highs only in the teens, and one day when the temperature does not get above ten degrees. There is almost always one mild day during the month, sometimes up to ten. About 12 days head to the 30s, and there can be up to five days in the 40s and 50s. An average of two mornings dip below zero (the 9th and the 11th are the days most likely to see such cold). New moon on January 11 and full moon on January 26 are likely to intensify the weather systems due around those dates. In typical years, the coldest January days fall between the 7th and the 10th, as well as between the 15th and the 18th. JANUARY - WEEK 3 THE THIRD WEEK OF DEEP WINTER LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Spinning Cranefly Moon waxes throughout the period, entering its second quarter at 6:45 p.m. on January 18. Rising late in the morning, and setting well after dark, this moon moves overhead in the late afternoon. Lunar position will be most powerful (encouraging dieters and fish to bite) just before supper time, especially as the cold fronts of January 15 and 19 approach. Lunar position

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in Pisces between January 14 and 16 and in Taurus between January 18 and 21 should be especially nurturing for new seeds planted under lights. Wait to do your midwinter pruning until the moon is waning, after January 26. WEATHER TRENDS After its passage, the January 15 front initiates a two-week period during which average temperatures are the lowest of the year. Days on which the temperature does not rise above zero typically occur more often this week than any other week, and morning lows below zero occur after the January 15 front more often than at any other time. On the other hand, after this high moves east, the chances for a slight warm-up increase. During January’s third week in 1890, one of the longest record-breaking thaws in weather history warmed temperatures into the 60s for three days across the Midwest. And, beginning on the 19th, the January Thaw window opens, a brief space during which much milder temperatures and an increased likelihood of blizzards, thunderstorms, tornados and flooding occurs. After the passage of the January 19th front, the average chances for cold increase for a day or two, then fall off slowly, sometimes never recovering their mid-winter strength. JANUARY - WEEK 4 THE FIRST WEEK OF LATE WITNER LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Spinning Cranefly Moon waxes throughout the week, turning full on January 26 at 11:38 p.m. Rising in the afternoon and setting in the early morning, the moon will move across the sky in the middle of the night, making night time the best time for ice fishing (or midday – the secondbest time), especially as the cold front of January 25 approaches. Lunar position in Leo right after full moon favors pruning, trim-

The Valley, January 2013 ming feet on goats and sheep, and cutting your own hair. With the full moon coming on Saturday, expect emergency rooms and police stations to be busier than average this weekend. Be especially careful of drunk drivers on Friday night and Saturday night. If you go to a basketball game over the weekend, expect the fans to be rowdier than they usually are. Animals (like people) tend to be more skittish as the moon waxes full. Be careful of mares, ewes, and does that are coming due in February or March; full moon can be associated with stress and abortions. And the period between full moon and the moon’s fourth quarter can encourage early birthing, so be ready for your animals to birth up to a week early near that time of the month. WEATHER TRENDS The cold front due on or about January 25 often spawns storms, and the days following its arrival make the 25th and 26th some of the month’s chillier days. Secondary frontal conditions, sometimes carrying moist Gulf air, can set off powerful blizzards around the 27th. And full moon on the 26th is extremely likely to intensify all of this weather. A DAYBOOK FOR JANUARY January 1: Cold and blowing snow usually greet homesteaders throughout Pennsylvania on New Year’s Day. A secondary disturbance often causes slick roadways on the 2nd and 3rd. January 2: Schedule routine maintenance and foot clipping for livestock under the dark, fourthquarter moon. Animals kept out of doors will most likely need foot clipping less often. Don’t forget to cut your own nails in preparation for kidding and lambing. January 3: Do your pruning and take out suckers, as well as dead and crossing branches, as the moon wanes. Don’t prune what will bloom before June. Wait for July or August for the maples. January 4: Foxes and coyotes look for mates as the days lengthen. Owls are establishing their territories and nesting. Another forecaster of spring: pines often begin pollination near this date. January 5: Thunder and maybe even a tornado can be expected as the second major font of 2013 moves across your pastures. Temperatures usually get considerably colder after the passage of the January 5th high, and the 8th and 9th are associated with some of the most chilling weather so far in the winter. January 6: Plenty of forage for

your livestock will help ensure that they produce enough heat to keep warm in these bitter days. Increase feed by about a third if your females are nursing twins. Increase by fifty percent if they are carrying triplets. January 7: Under lights, sow flats of bedding plants as the moon waxes during the second and third week of this January. January 8: The period between January 8 and 12 is one of the main storm windows of year. Not only are blizzards most likely at this time, but below-zero morning lows are also possible. January 9: Early fall treatment for lice may not have been enough to keep your flock and herd free from parasites this winter; be sure to check for re-infestation. Look for ringworm, too. Also be on the lookout for foot rot in high-density housing and pens. January 10: Tomorrow’s new moon increases the likelihood of increased cold. January 11: More dangerous than the chill of Deep Winter could be confinement of your animals in the barn. Lack of proper ventilation can lead to excess humidity and ammonia. As the winds blow, however, be sure your herd and flock have an effective windbreak. January 12: Continue to exercise pregnant animal in spite of the weather, checking their condition daily. January 13: Increase energy foods to your livestock when temperatures become unusually severe. Feed more in the evening so the extra calories will be available to fight the night chill. January 14: Throughout the nation, florists and grocery stores are introducing flowering daffodils and tulips, either potted or as cut flowers. Next year, they could be selling the bulbs that you started indoors in the fall. January 15: With the January 15 high pressure system come the coldest two weeks of the year (on average). Days when the temperature does not rise above zero typically occur more often now than at any time of year. January 16: As winter deepens, resist the temptation to give too much protection to your animals. Make sure housing provides the necessary mix of good ventilation but adequate heat. January 17: Muslims celebrate Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi) next week. Check the market for halal meat in your region. January 18: Opossums and raccoons become more active as Deep Winter wanes, and they often appear at night along the back

roads. Once you sight these small mammals, then you know for sure that the next phase of the year is on the way. January 19: The January Thaw period occurs between the January 19th cold front and the January 25th cold front, and odds rise for blizzards. To make matters worse, the moon will be increasing at this time (turning full on the 26th); expect early birthing in the middle of unusually rotten weather. January 20: If rain freezes on top of snow, check to make sure your livestock can get to adequate amounts of water. Used to eating snow for liquid, they may find themselves shut out of their water source by a hard layer of ice. January 21: Sometimes moss is growing on logs, and pussy willows are popping from their hulls. Sometimes tulip and grape hyacinth leaves are pushing out of the ground. Sometimes day lily foliage is up three inches, daffodil spears four to eight inches. January 22: Expect sap to start to run in the maples as the traditional January Thaw moves across Pennsylvania and the moon waxes during the fourth week of the month. January 23: Chinese New Year comes on February 10 this year. Explore this niche market for your goats and sheep. January 24: As Christian Lent approaches, indoor farmers’ markets often display hot-cross buns and other tempting pastries. Consider expanding your baking and marketing approaches as the pre-lenten season ends. January 25: Lambs and kids born during the January Thaw will run a higher-than-average risk of being chilled by the January 25 weather system. Secondary frontal conditions, sometimes carrying moist Gulf air, can set off powerful storms in January’s final days. January 26: This is full moon day: watch for late-term abortions in weaker animals. January 27: Today is a pivotal statistical date in the fortunes of winter. Throughout the country, average temperatures, which have remained stable from the middle of January, climb one degree. January 28: The third quarter moon could make this a busy time in the barn. Be ready for lambing and kidding at least a week before the lambs and kids are “supposed” to be born. January 29: As the final front of January weakens, it often brings the brief “Groundhog Day Thaw,” a warm spell often potent enough to bring skunk cabbage into bloom as far north as the Great Lakes. January 30: Dry newborns

off immediately and get them suckling as soon as you can after birth. Provide extra heat as necessary in the critical first few hours of the their lives. You may want to consider hypothermia jackets instead of heat lamps for new kids and lambs. January 31: The weakening moon should help make the Groundhog Day Thaw a significant one this year. ALMANACK LITERATURE An Outhouse Primer By Lois Newman, Seaman, Ohio When I was growing up in the country, almost every farm had a house and a barn, a henhouse and corncrib and what my daddy called a “little house.” It may have been the least in size but not in importance. We visited it several times a day and often took a sister or a visiting friend or cousin along for a chat as we each occupied a hole. Out-dated Montgomery Ward and Sears and Roebuck catalogues entertained us as we pored over them trying to decide which dress or shoes or toys we liked best. When we were done, we each ripped out a sheet of the catalogue, wadded it in our hands to make it soft and then wiped our bottoms. A buckle on the door kept out anyone we didn’t want to be there. That’s where we exchanged secrets and made plans for our futures. Each neighborhood church had two “little houses,” one for boys and one for girls. I never knew what was in the boys’ but our “little house” had a long row of holes of varying sizes so several women could be accommodated at the same time. Sometimes older ladies would walk in, smile and say, “Hello Dearies.” We shyly peeked as they lifted long dresses to expose petticoats and shiny, black, sateen bloomers with elastic at the waist and just above the knees. Those stinky outhouses sat some distance from the farm home. Trips in winter were harder. We waded through snow to get there, partly undressed, and then sat down on a shivery cold seat. We usually didn’t tarry for secrets. That’s what all country people did. It’s actually more fun to reminisce about than it was to participate in! THE VALLEY “SCKRAMBLER” Some of the most important elements of becoming independent have nothing to do with equipment, land, money or livestock.

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In fact, without at least some of the following characteristics or virtues, your attempts at self-sufficiency could well fail. Of course, virtue does not come easily – it is often scrambled! But if you unscramble these words AND practice what you unscramble, your happiness and self-sufficiency could be assured. And if you are the 10th or 20th person to respond with the correct answers, you’ll receive a $5.00 prize. There should be no typos in this puzzle, and no typo prize will be awarded. If you happen to find a typo, however, you may simply skip that word without penalty. Send your entries by postcard only to Poor Will’s Valley Almanack at P.O. Box 431, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. The unscrambled words and the names of the winners will appear in the next issue of The Valley Newspaper. ECNIEPAT URPNEDEC TEDMREANINOIT ECNEDIFNOC OUAEGRC REPSEVREANCE OEPH DORLERNISES NESSFULPLEH GHTIRESOF ITYBILEXIF EESSN FO ROHUM NEGRESOTIY STYNEOH RITYINETG EEEATMPRNC SESNLUFEHPL YTILAGURF RTYSUDNI NOITERAMOD Listen to Bill Felker’s weekly “Poor Will’s Almanack” on podcast any time at www.wyso. org. And Bill’s website, www. poorwillsalmanack.com, contains weekly updates and a sizable bank of information about nature. His

Continued on page 30

The Valley, January 2013

Fifty Years Ago From the pages of The Sentinel (Lewistown, PA), founded in 1903: January 1963 Brian Keith Hannon wins annual New Year’s Baby Derby. First baby of the year born to Mr. and Mrs. Jerry D. Hannon at 1:50 a.m. in Lewistown Hospital. As an Arctic deep freeze spreads across the region, Fisher Electronic at Garden View, Reedsville paid its employees in $2 bills to make a graphic illustration of what happens to money. In local high school sports, Penn’s Valley defeats Kishacoquillas wrestlers 54-0; Lewistown opens Mountain League basketball play by dropping 57-55 decision to Phillipsburg; Kishacoquillas cagers top Rothrock, 66-55, to grab the Tri-Valley lead; Chief Logan wrestlers hand Kish a 44-6 loss.

One Hundred Years ago From the pages of the Democrat & Sentinel (Lewistown, PA), founded in 1832: January 1913 Jan. 2nd newspaper announced: Christmas passed without incident. Mail carriers made a morning delivery, distributing many belated parcels and greetings. The amount of mail handled by the post office was about one third larger than last year. The first official Parcel Post package went out at Lewistown post office. It was a two-pound parcel of Sndyer County dried corn sent to Mrs. Alexander M. Lupfer of Spokane, Washington. Her brother, Post Master W. F. Eckbert, Jr., sent the package. The Washington address is in the eighth or last postal zone in the United States to the west, yet cost just 24 cents to send. The new Parcel Post stamps

are available to the rural carriers, but the Post Office Department has yet to provide the necessary scales to those carriers. So as of this date, the carriers must provide their own scales for the purpose! Civil War Echoes - One Hundred Fifty Years ago From the pages of the Lewistown Gazette (Lewistown, PA), founded in 1811: January 1863 The patients in St. Paul’s Hospital in Alexandria, Va. sent a letter of thanks to the people of Mifflin County for the “bountiful repast” furnished them for Christmas. Dr. Worrall of Lewistown was in charge of the hospital. A member of Capt. Waream’s company at Potomac Creek, Va., wrote of their Christmas dinner when they dined on “hard tack (crackers) and molasses, beef, pork and potato soup…

After two years of researching local history, collecting community photos, documenting the findings and reviewing his own experience, Paul Fagley’s book on the history of Derry Township Community Park is available. Entitled “Memories of Kishacoquillas Park,” the book presents the heyday times of this community landmark, which was once a popular amusement park, through more than 300 pages of color photos, illustrations and printed memorabilia. The idea for the book came to Fagley in 2010 after giving a walking tour of the park for the local Boyscout Camporee. “Memories of Kishacoquillas Park” is priced at $32.95 plus tax. Contact the Mifflin County Historical Society at 242-1022 or at info@mifflincountyhistoricalsociety.org Books can be purchased from the Historical Society office, at the Chamber of Commerce Gift Shop in the Historic Courthouse or at Friendship Book Store in the K-Mart Plaza, Burnham.

We thought it a good dinner and are not begrudging yours at home.” He also commented that the weather there was as warm as summer. The Gazette reported: “Seventy ladies visited the Dialexian Club rooms (in Lewistown) on New Years Day… were treated to delicacies, vocal music, etc.

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… The room was handsomely decorated for the occasion.” The newspaper noted that another social club was forming in Lewistown. The editor wrote, “This is good and more should be encouraged by parents who should visit them frequently. Parents, keep your sons from the evil associations of the streets.” a

The Valley, January 2013

Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly

Whole House Generators Christmas, New Year’s and 2012 is past history and we’ll never have a chance to write 12/12/12 again. I was hoping the president would declare a national holiday, but I’m not too sure he even noticed. The next time there will be three numbers the same will be on January 1, 2101 (01/01/01). Although the “Winter Solstice” has recently passed and the sun is heading north again, we’re entering the coldest part of the winter here in Pennsylvania. As of this writing there has been lots of rain, but only a minor snow shower and the temperatures have been rather mild. We’ve been lucky so far! It has been perfect Heat Pump weather (i.e. the temperatures which air-to-air heat pumps work very efficiently and save lots of money.) The US weather is seemingly

becoming more severe—damaging hurricanes, tornados, drought, snow storms, and floods. Lately, when the weather is bad it is really bad. The experts say it is because of global warming. Then of course you have other experts that say it isn’t. Apparently the global warming experts are winning because there are many steps being taken to reduce our emissions! Locally, some people were out of power when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. Those of us that had wood, coal or gas stoves weren’t concerned about keeping warm or cooking food; however, it was certainly very inconvenient to be out of power. If you had a private well you were also out of water. It rained hard – so – if you depended on a sump pump to keep your base-

ment dry, you were also “out of luck.” You couldn’t keep up-todate by watching the weather on TV. Burning candles for light soon became old. All of a sudden a generator seemed like a great idea. Depending on how soon you made that decision and how soon you went shopping for one, depends on whether you found one in stock. They were flying off the shelf. If you bought a generator in the past and if you hadn’t run it periodically, possibly it didn’t start. In addition, most of the generators for sale were in the 5KW range, which would power your sump pump or your well pump, your oil boiler, a refrigerator, and a few lights. On top of that, you had to run extension cords from the generator to the electrical appliance or lighting fixture and keep gasoline handy so

you could fill the small tank on the generator to keep it running. It was all very frustrating, but when that first light went on, it was great! Enter the whole house generator, which is propane or Nat Gas powered and comes on automatically. We’ve been installing quite a few of these lately. They are set up to sense when the power goes off; then, wait a short period of time before coming online. There is an interior switch box that automatically removes you from the A whole house generator makes sense. They are electrical grid and affordable and will give you piece of mind durhooks you up to priority ing the next extended power outage. Small and circuits in your house. unobtrusive, they are worth their weight in gold Nice! The outdoor unit when you need power. is a sleek gray box and requires a key to open on how involved it is to sort out the lid to check on the engine. your priority circuits. You program it to startup once a week and run for a few minutes. Curt Bierly is president of the If the unit doesn’t start, it will bierly group incorporated of give you a red fault signal. Nice! which Stanley C. Bierly is a diviMost people install a 10KW unit sion. He graduated from Penn which will handle most of the State with a BS in Mechanical priority loads and uses about 1.25 Engineering and is a member of gallons of propane per hour at ½ the Penn College HVAC Advisory load and 1.93 gallons at full load. Board. You can contact him at Installed cost is in the $5000 to cbierly@bierlygroup.com. a $6000 range depending primarily

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The Valley, January 2013

Recipes-Crafts-Gifts With Debra Kulp Tuscan Turkey Soup Yield: 8 servings 1 chopped onion 1 stalk chopped celery 1 tsp minced garlic 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth 2 cups cubed cooked turkey 1 can (15 oz) solid pack pumpkin 1 can (15 oz) white kidney or cannellini beans rinsed and drained 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/4 tsp pepper Grated parmesan cheese In a large saucepan, saute onion, celery & garlic in oil until tender. Stir in broth, turkey, pumpkin, beans, basil and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer, uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve with parmesan cheese. Pizza Skillet Yield: 4 (1 1/4 cup) servings 1/2 lb. lean ground beef 2 oz. (1/2 cup) sliced pepperoni, chopped 1 (14 oz) jar spaghetti sauce 3/4 cup water 7 oz (2 cups) uncooked spaghetti (or short curved pasta) 1/4 oz sliced, ripe olives 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into bite sized strips 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium high heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Add pepperoni, cook 1 minute. Drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce, water and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat to low medium. Cover, cook 10-15 minutes or until pasta is desired doneness, stirring occasionally. Add olives, stir gently to mix.

Arrange pepper strips over top. Sprinkle cheese, remove from heat. Cover, let stand 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Baked Spaghetti Squash Serves 6 1 medium spaghetti squash ( 2 1/4 lb) 12 oz bulk Italian sausage 1 1/2 cups sliced, fresh mushrooms 1 medium green or red sweet pepper, chopped 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning, crushed 1 1/2 cups red pasta sauce 1 1/2 cups shredded Monteray Jack, mozzarella, or Italian blend cheese 1/4 cup snipped fresh Italian parsley Halve squash crosswise, remove seeds. Place cut side down in 2 qt. rectangular baking dish. Add 1/4 cup water. Cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high power 13-15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Rearrange once for even baking. In a large skillet, cook sausage, mushrooms, sweet pepper, onion and garlic over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink, stir to break up sausage. Drain off fat. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scrape pulp from squash (about 3 cups). Wipe out baking dish and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1/2 the squash in dish and add 1/2 the sausage mixture. Sprinkle with seasoning and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Top with 1/2 the sauce and 1/2 the cheese. Top with remaining squash, sausage and sauce. Bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. a

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves and include all men capable of bearing arms.â&#x20AC;? ---Richard Henry Lee thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com

The Valley, January 2013 Manalo Copyright 2012 Find out about the newest movements in self-sufficiency. There are practical essays in this book; each writer explores farming from multi-angles, both practical and inspirational. Topics covered include family, finances, logistics, equipment, community building and social change. This is a fascinating read!

Mail Pouch Books by Carleen B. Grossman With the COLD that January brings us, I have tried to select a novel that will put you into the holds of an Alaskan winter! I think you will feel relieved that you are not there and instead hunkered down for our Pennsylvania months of cold. I also hope you will enjoy some new non-fiction items to pique your interests during these winter months and that might provide something for you to try out come spring. THE SNOW CHILD: A Novel By Eowyn Ivey Copyright 2012 What a masterful weaving together of tales in this book! The

Snow Child is a combination of two stories—the Russian fairytale about a childless couple who build a snow maiden and are delighted when it miraculously comes to life to be their child; and, woven brilliantly around that story is a telling of homesteading life in Alaska. As you follow a childless couple from Pennsylvania into the Alaskan wilderness of the 1920‘s, you will see how a love-hate relationship of the harsh realities of a different lifestyle culminates into the wonders of life and a resilient love affair that shadows the Russian fairytale! You will experience raw adventure with wildlife, climate, friendship and fate. I found this quote from the book to be at the core of the story... “We never know what is going to happen, do we? Life is always throwing us this way and that. That’s where the adventure is. Not knowing where you’ll end up or how you’ll fare. It’s all a mystery, and when we say any different, we’re just lying to ourselves.” [page 258] I also found the escapades with the various wildlife [fox, moose, lynx, bear and birds] fascinating; the friendship between the couple and their ONLY neighbors

heartwarming; and their struggles in life, remarkable accomplishments...[surviving the weather conditions, gathering their food, overcoming loneliness and depression and in general living isolated lives]. Although, not all persons would want to or be willing to live such a lifestyle, to read about it is intriguing. The story pulled me into it and would not let me go until I reached its end...it was a haunting nature mystery--and I loved it!

REINVENTING THE CHICKEN COOP: 14 Original Designs with Step by Step Building Instructions By K. McElroy & M. Wolpe Copyright 2013 Hot off the press, books don’t get much nicer than this! Contemporary designs for some of the most innovative coops are provided. You will find plans for everything from water capturing roofs to built-in composting

GREENHORNS: Dispatches From the New Farmers Movement Edited by Bradbury, Fleming &

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systems. There are designs for beginning builders and designs for expert builders. Step-by-step plans, full-color photography and detailed construction sketches are all provided! THE FRESH EGG COOKBOOK By J. T. Thompson Copyright 2012 Once you reinvent the chicken coop, just what will you do with all those eggs? The creative recipes in this book will help you out with that! The recipes cover every meal of the day and also provide information for making appetizers as well as smoothies. Your casseroles and stews will be EGG-STRA-SPECIAL and you will have 101 delicious recipes. a

The Valley, January 2013

The Pen and Thread Custom Calligraphy and Weaving

Mary Anna Chenoweth Proprietor

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

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The Valley, January 2013

Homeschooling and Life on the Homestead with Andy Weller

A Time for Reflection

January, the dawn of a new year, the time most of us take to review our past and plan for the future. Some people make resolutions about breaking bad habits, or creating new ones. I always pause and look around me at the world and review what is happening. I also review what I have done over the last year. To that end I thought I would review some of my writing. January of last year I wrote this: “God has given us a great nation, He used brave men and women to show us personal responsibility, patriotic duty, and also to show us how to stand our ground when we are fighting for a just cause.” I didn’t write an article in February, but in March I wrote the following paragraph: “Sometimes it seems like it’s more struggling and overcoming than adapting and improvising, but you get my meaning. A couple of commonalities in homeschooling and homesteading is that it’s not always easy, but once you and your child(ren) adapt

where needed and improvise where needed, you will overcome and it’s rewarding as hell!” April brought the following article: “Even if you’re not homeschooling your child, spend time with him or her, love him or her, and nurture and discipline him or her. Doing the things discussed in the previous sentence will educate your child in ways many children don’t experience in society today. When a parent invests time and energy into a child, that child will remember that and ideas will endure and impact him/her into adulthood. Remember compost—it started as cast offs and became a useful item. A child is neither useless nor a cast off, yet he/ she needs to be cared for and stimulated to realize his or her full usefulness.” May brought this statement that I find interesting: “Let’s mention some other things that I think are much more likely to happen: slow economic slide followed by hyper-inflation (think

ing. If you read through the articles some of them stray into politics, current events and economics. These are things above my pay grade, but I discuss them anyway… I’m sure you know the saying about opinions. Let me leave you with the following that I wrote on my blog: We have expensive oil, a weak dollar that is getting weaker, a stock market that is completely divorced from the economy and a Greece), infrastructure collapse real unemployment that is in the due to disrepair, a government neighborhood of 16%, and that that slowly moves away from the spells disaster. This can be avertConstitution and changes the way ed though. It means getting back it operates through executive orto God and trusting in Him for His Salvation. It means getting back to the Constitution of the United States and being thankful for all God has blessed us with. It means remembering the Rules of Civility as written by George Washington. It means loving one another as Jesus Christ first loved us. We are not Never forget the most important thing in life, nurturing your children. Here Jake and I take some time out to throw some horseshoes after dinner. the center of the universe Jesus Christ is! a college environment.” I’ve reviewed six months of the year so far, below is a statement I wrote in July: “Now don’t get me wrong, in my day job I’m a systems analyst, I like the latest hardware, I like the high end apps, I enjoy the luxuries that we have today. Could people live without them? Yes! Tomorrow the luxuries could all be gone. Life would go on and our children would learn to go outside and enjoy the adventure that is nature. They would learn to use their imagination and play. I urge every parent to teach their child how to be independent, self reliant, and how to reason and think. If you want your country back on track, then our children have to think. It’s your responsibility and privilege to teach them.” As I said, I’ve only reviewed the first part of the year. Most of my articles have a common theme, dealing with homesteading, self reliance and homeschoolders and appointment of czars and administrations that make policy through non-legislative rules (think IRS, EPA, FEMA, Federal Reserve).” In June I talked about my daughter: “The great news is that my daughter graduated from nursing school this week. She has to take the state RN boards and find an R.N. job, but it’s over. Ashley worked hard to get to this point and we are very proud of her accomplishment! Home education really does work and home educated kids can go on and succeed in a

The

ultimate

authority resides in the people alone.

--James Madison

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The Valley, January 2013

Savvy Cents & Sensibility by JoAnn Wills-Kline MBA

January 2013 As we turn our sights to a brand spanking New Year, we must turn our attention to our “intention” for 2013. We must examine what we wish to accomplish over the next twelve months - personally, professionally, and financially - and then set the intention to achieve it. Financial plans can vary greatly

between individuals; however, the main goal of the best financial plans is to have a better “life.” A “good life” encompasses all three of the above areas - personal, professional, and financial. I think it’s safe to bet that all of us, in some way or another, vowed to make 2013 better than our 2012.

Looking back over last year, we probably have had a few “aha” moments - things we could have done a bit differently for better outcomes. Well, now is the time to institute a few of those “aha” moments and create a fabulous 2013. The New Year offers all of us opportunities to illuminate what matters most in our lives, and how

we can go about the process of enacting initial guidelines to create sound and rational personal finance decisions. During 2013, the column will present information that is relevant to helping readers achieve a better financial life by reducing expenses, improving time management and organization skills, and capitalizing current earnings. As we move through

the year, I will offer book suggestions for those of you who may enjoy reading more about particular financial topics discussed in the column. January’s column is purposely short because I am feeling that it is most appropriate to offer space for each of us to quietly contemplate what steps and strategies would be most beneficial to bring about the best fiscal future for each and every one of us. Join me next month as we begin step one towards a healthier personal financial future. a

Rug Roadshow Draws In Expert Rug Cleaners From Across The Nation Local rug cleaners Doug & Amanda Moerschbacher from Doug’s Rug Spa joined an invitation-only group of peers at the Barry O’Connell 2012 RugLovers Tour in New York City. Barry O’Connell is a noted textile authority and appraiser,

and he orchestrated an exclusive rug educational event for a small number of top professional rug cleaners in the industry to meet with several of the top rug retailers and scholars in the field. The tour began in the world renowned New York City “Rug

District” where at Nazmiyal’s Antique Rug Gallery the participants had the chance to inspect and evaluate rare antique textiles, many valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jason Nazmiyal and Omri Schwartz were the hosts sharing insight on rugs from around the world and a century, or two, old. Another session was with Mark Topalian, noted rug appraiser from the television hit “Antiques Road Show,” at his gallery M. Topalian Inc. Mr. Topalian led a session on determining rugs with true age versus the contemporary knock-offs, and the factors that determine high value in antique rugs. The group also had the opportunity to have special access to the Islamic Art Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Priceless textiles and art dating back to the early 1500’s are on display in this incredible exhibit. In addition to having exclusive access to textiles in all

of these venues, the group also engaged in intensive training for their current rug cleaning operations, from preinspection and evaluation of hand Doug Moerschbacher (left) is the owner of Doug’s Rug Spa. Mark Topalian (middle) is a Certified Appraiser/Consultant who woven has been featured on the Antique’s Roadshow. Amanda Moerrugs to technical schbacher (right) is secretary of Doug’s Rug Spa. strategies for achieving the best cleaning attend the RugLovers Tours. and repair results for today’s rugs. For more information about Oriental and Persian hand rug care, or for photos of some of woven rugs require specialized the rare rugs viewed during this care by rug cleaners trained in event, contact us at 814-808-5071 the craft. Few cleaners attain this or dougsrugspa@gmail.com. a level of training, and even fewer are afforded the opportunity to

Grosze Thal Nachbaren from page 27

Turk Lilley of Port Royal visiting the former Lilley home on Broad Street, where his grands Cloyd and Helen Lilley were owners and occupants years ago. Turk’s father “Pick” was the former owner of a farm on Sheepfold Lane. Dad’s went visiting in Church Lane one day last week, making calls at Great Uncle Isaac Ss, Eli Js, Seth Rs, and Samuel Ns, taking dinner at Christ Gs, all Yoders. Seth R. remains on oxygen and occasionally takes a walk when the weather is nice. He enjoys company and mail, so I will include their address again: 10 Small Barn Lane, Reedsville, PA 17084. The above Eli Js are also

cluding Rebecca M. Yoder of New York who is staying at her parents, the David Hs Sr. of McClure for ten days or so. After having fever off and on for a week, Lydia (2), daughter of Uria S. and Esther S. Hostetler, was at the hospital in State College one evening. It was diagnosed as a kidney infection. Also, more children and older folks have been sick lately. Especially right after our warmer spell of seventy degree weather earlier this month. Our local (Milroy) County Observer correspondent wrote of a

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enjoying mail. His birthday was on December 7 (1930). He is handicapped from a stroke six years ago. Address is: 640 Church Lane, Reedsville, 17084. Let’s keep the mail coming all winter for the shut-ins. God’s Blessings Wished for the New Year! a

The Valley, January 2013

Grosze Thal Nachbaren (Big Valley Neighbors) by Jeptha I. Yoder Erstlich ein Grusz im Namen Jesu Christi. Heut fänget an das neue jahr, Mit neuem gnadenschein. Wir loben alle unsern Gott, Und singen insgemein. Es is noch nicht sehr kalt. Man kann noch Löwenzahm Blumen finden auf die Grünen Hugeln. Der Achtzeht November waren wir in der Gemein ans Johannes Y. Hostetlers. Von McClur waren Menno S. (Mose Y.) und Lydia N. (Emma Y.) beide Hostetlern und Rebecca B. Yoder (Yost I.). Von andere Theilen waren Michael Js, Jonas J. und Fräney B. (Johannes M.) alle Hostetlern; Joseph Ss und zwei Jüngste, Barbara K.,Adelina E. und Eli A. (Noah D.) alle Yodern. Es waren etliche Junge ans Johannes fürs Abendessen und Singen. Ost Lang Leen war ans Jacob Z. Hostetlers. Nieder Milroy war ans Noah Y. Zugen. Ich war ans Joshua J. Hostetlers abends. Der Funf-und-zwanzigst November war Kirchengasse Gemein ans M. Sieber Hostetlers, Lang Leen West war ans Johannes J. Hostetlers. Von unser Theil waren Naemi und Lena Hostetler (Jesse S.), meine Schwester

Elisabeth und Ich. Von McClur war Samuel S. Yoder. Von andere Theilen waren Jeptha, Jacob, Franey, und Dorothy (Emanuel J.) und Christ Gs, alle Yodern, Aunt (Salomon) Mareily R. Hostetler. Etliche Junge waren ans Siebers furs abendessen und Singen. Unckel Jesse S. Hostetlers waren ans Unckel Christ M. Yoders furs Mittag-essen. Der Zweyt December waren wir in der Gemein ans Mose R. Hostetlers. Von andere Theilen waren Eli Y. Hostetlers, Joel M. Yoders und fünf Jungste, Ost Lang Leen war ans Emanuel J. Yoders, wo etliche waren fürs abendessen und Singen. Nieder Milroy war ans Abraham J. Zugen. Der Neunt war Kirchengasse Gemein ans Uria S. Hostetlers. Von unser Theil waren Unckel Ruben D. Hostetlers. Es waren auch Junge dort fürs Abendessen und Singen. Lang Leen West war ans Eli Y. Hostetlers. Jacob Y. Hostetlers von McClur waren ans Unckel Rubens über nacht und in Ost Milroy Gemein an ihr Bruder Rufus M. Yoders. Der Sechszeht war unser Gemein ans Unckel Rubens. Von

andere Theilen waren Jonathan Ns, Aunt Salomon Mareily R. und Uria und Elisabeth (Christ S.) alle Hostetlern. Etliche von unser Theil waren in Lang Leen Ost Gemein ans Uria J. Yoders. Nieder Milroy war bei die (Daniel M.) Leah E. Zug. Jonathan Ns gingen ans Rudy S. Hostetlers, Christian C. Zug, und Johannes Y. Hostetlers nach der Gemein. Der Sechst December war Hochzeit ans Mose S. und Rhodä L. Hostetlers, fur ihre Tochter Elisabeth L. mit Josie A. und Dorothy A. Hostetlers ihr Sohn Esli B. verheirathet durch Samuel L. Hostetler Sr. Nevahocker waren: Jonas D. (Mose S.) und Barbara L. (Josie A.) beide Hostetlern; Esli J. Yoder (Johannes H.) und Leah L. Hostetler (Mose S.). Christian greetings in our Saviour’s Name. What a mild winter we are having. Our lowest so far has been 18 degrees one morning. Fall plowing continues. New arrival in our district is Samuel E. on Nov. 28, making first-time parents of Rudy C. and Franey E. Yoder. Grands (all first-timers) are Samuel N. and Catharine R. (Host.) Yoder; Ezra B. and Elizabeth R. Hostetler and the late Daniel S. Greats are Jacob S. and Franey L. Hostetler; Rudy S. and Lydia B. Yoder. Step-greatgrandmother is widow (Sam R.) Malinda K. (Speicher) Hostetler. More arrivals are a daughter Barbara L. on December 9, joining four brothers and four sisters, to Urie N. and Betsy M. Yoder. Grands are widow (Noah I.) Dena L. (Zook) Yoder; Samuel E. Jr. and Malinda F. (Yoder) Hostetler. A son John S. on December 17, joining 1 brother and two sisters to Emanuel I. and Annie L. Hostetler. Grands are John S. Sr. and Lena M. (Speicher) Hostetler; Samuel B. and Anna Z. (Yoder) Hostetler. Great-grands are John B. and Frona E. Hostetler; Eli J. and Barbara Y. (Hostetler) Yoder. Thursday December 13, Jesse S. Hostetlers had most of her sisters for a quilting. Also all of their children and nieces were there, in-

Continued on page 26

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The Valley, January 2013

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The Valley, January 2013

Stroup’s Garage Takes A Step Back In Time By Bringing Back The Honest, Trusted Family Mechanic

Remember way back when you were a kid? No, not you younger readers, but old folks like the editor of this paper. Back then if there were ever car problems that couldn’t be fixed by your father in the garage or a trusted uncle out under his big shade tree, there was the family mechanic to turn to. Everyone in the family

knew his name and you would often greet each other out and about town. This guy wasn’t only a trusted mechanic, but usually a friend of the family. He would be honest with you, never charge you for something you didn’t need, and would often tell you what to take care of to be sure you didn’t need more expensive repairs later;

A busy shop is a sure sign of good service. Stroup’s takes it one step further with their honesty and attention to your needs.

he was a friend to the whole family. With the coming of all the chain stores that became places where you knew no one and had to be on guard for fear of agreeing to something you didn’t need or making sure the service you paid for was actually performed, the family mechanic went the way of the dinosaur and Dodo bird. Slowly but surely, a visit to the garage became something that you dreaded and you became accustomed to being taken. But here’s the good news...this behavior did not befall Steve Stroup who recognized that a trustworthy, honest mechanic could stand out in the industry. He decided to become that guy and that business that you could trust. I became a customer of Stroup’s shortly after they opened, and since then I’ve been anxious to share my new found treasure with everyone in The Valley. Although I fully realize that this may make it harder to get an appointment, I believe everyone deserves to be treated honestly, so I am going to share what I have discovered.

The Stroup’s Crew (l to r) Teresa Johnson, Lisa Stroup, Steve Stroup, Nick Wilt, and Kyle Kratzer promise you excellent service, all the time.

Mission Statement Stroup’s garage is committed to satisfy every customer need with high quality service, honesty, and professionalism. The Stroup’s Story Early in in Steve’s automotive career, he had a vision of opening his own garage to provide customers with a service based on honesty and “good old-fashioned

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trust,” which had been lacking in the industry. That vision was realized in 2010 on the 2nd of August when Steve and his wife Lisa opened the doors of Stroup’s Garage on Main Street in Yeagertown for business. In 1999, Steve decided to further his knowledge and abilities by attending one of the country’s top mechanical schools. He

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The Valley, January 2013

Home-Grown! A Homeschooler’s Perspective By Mary Eck What’s Your Why?

Toddlers are notorious for bombarding unsuspecting parents with inquiries about the mundane and the fantastic. Why do I have to eat my brussel sprouts? Why is the sky blue? Why can’t I wear two different shoes? And on it goes, as weary but loving parents answer what they can and cleverly deflect what they cannot. “Why?” is just one of those questions that requires at least some intellectual effort to answer effectively. But have you ever considered the power behind those three benign-looking letters? Think about it. When someone—say, your precious five-year old—throws a “why?” your way, he will then look at you expectantly for a satisfactory reply. In essence, the question itself is imbued with the gift of the questioner’s rapt attention, and it is then up to the “questionee” to hold or lose it. Your move. Do you take your cue, grasping the inherent trust or respect behind the query, and do your utmost to give an adequate answer, one that shortchanges neither your youngster nor yourself? Your little one is entitled to answers to his or her questions— yes, even the silly ones!—because that is how they learn about the world and their place in it. And you deserve the opportunity to share your unique perspective, and worldview. And guess what? If you don’t value the opportunity and grab hold of it like the treasure it is, someone else will be happy to do it for you. Bet that doesn’t excite you…or at least, it shouldn’t! The point is, being asked a question, no matter WHO does the asking, is an opportunity we shouldn’t waste, even in the arena of schooling choice. Because homeschoolers are disparaged as radical system-buckers by a “koolaid-drinking” society, we quickly discover that we are held to a higher standard. Not that we necessarily accept the higher standard folks try to impose upon us, but we are at least aware that the rules and societal expectations for homeschooled students tend to differ significantly, relative to those that apply to their public

school counterparts. And most of us will, at one time or another, field questions from the nosy-naysayers, the honestly-intrigued fence-sitters, and the know-it-all nags that champion a default public school option (that barely meets low-tomiddling standards), but somehow have time to crack the proverbial whip in our direction. What is your reaction to those arrogant inquisitions posed under the all-tooobvious guise of well-meaning or neighborly curiosity? I am the first to admit that maintaining my composure in the midst of certain exchanges can be an exercise in poise and restraint that tests me to my utmost. But when I am so challenged, instead of homing in upon the real “why” behind it, it helps to remember I have nothing to prove, and that is NOT—I repeat, NOT—the primary task at hand; nor should it even be secondary. My true task, as I’ve defined it for myself, is to represent my family and the homeschooling community with passion, grace and integrity. When I stop trying to prove I am adequate to the task of homeschooling my children, or lobbying for acceptance of my choice to supervise my children’s education, and focus my efforts instead on treating questions as the opportunity they are to leave behind a positive impression of what we do, and why we do it, that is when we as a movement shine. When we refuse to participate in an ourway-is-better-than-your-way sort of contentiousness, and approach discussions with rhetoric that fervently and succinctly summarizes the principles behind our schooling choice, meaningful dialogue ensues. Which gets us to the real heart of it… Parents who send their children to private school are typically praised for their financial sacrifice and lauded for practically embracing the principle of making education the priority it should be. Likewise, public school parents are praised as the diligent and patriotic folks who duly trust wholeheartedly in the government to educate their children.

Alas, homeschool parents are not afforded equal consideration for their choice, so they need to know the “why” of what they do, and be able to explain it in a manner that impresses upon others the legitimacy of homeschooling, and the sheer hypocrisy of any opposing posture that arbitrarily dismisses it as such. So, be ready for the whys and wherefores of a mostly illinformed or ignorant audience, but do not reinforce their negative assumptions and prejudices with ill-mannered behavior. (I know, easier said than done!) Rather, aim to graciously respond and value any opportunity to share your motivation and experiences. The homeschool community needs more backyard ambassadors willing to represent it as a movement as dedicated to its principled vision as public school enthusiasts are to its. We need ambassadors who do not seek approval, but court mutual respect. It is a subtle but potent distinction. The former can be as counterproductive as it is unnecessary, and is impossible without the latter, which is utterly vital to forging a tri-educational model that scorns the pettiness and petulance of current and past skirmishes, and extols the wisdom of what works best for each individual student and family. Just as 1 Peter 3:15 commands us to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you” as to the reason for hope that is in you, homeschool parents (and older students) should be prepared for and welcome the whys and wherefores of others, and recognize them for the gifts in disguise they truly are, just like those precious exchanges prompted by a child’s questioning nature! I ask you, what better way is there to ring in the New Year and gear up for a strong second homeschooling semester than to review, and recommit to, whatever it is that compels you to trod this tricky and often-hostile path as a homeschool parent or student? What drives you to keep on keepin’ on?! Now, the kicker, can you articulate it with conviction and grace? Mr./Mrs. Ambassador, let me be the first to ask YOU, what is YOUR “why?” a

Love, Marriage and the State from page 17 parties. It is a three-way contract between the State, as Principal, and the husband and wife as the other two legs of the contract The husband and wife are merely contractually “joined” as business partners, not in any religious union. Therefore, is it an oxymoron for a minister to conclude a marriage ceremony with the words; by the power vested in me by the state of __________, I now pronounce you man and wife? It is as if the minister truly believes he is joining this man and woman in Holy Matrimony before The Almighty. By using those words and signing the marriage certificate, the minister has now acted as an agent for the state, not as a minister of The Almighty. Pushing this out further, if the state can regulate marriage between a man and a woman, but then later decides that any other type of relationship between two individuals or even between an individual and something else (a pet for instance) can be considered marriage, then what’s the point? If an individual can marry their dog and has a certificate from the state to prove it....well you get the picture—of what value is my marriage license? As an alternative to a license, consider signing a Ketubah. In Hebrew circles, this is the wedding contract between the husband and wife. We signed one commemorating our anniversary, which in part reads: On this great day of celebration, among family and friends, we hereby renew our vows on this joyous occasion of our wedding anniversary in accordance with the laws of Moses and Israel. We commemorate 30 years of marriage; we honor and remember the vows of our wedding day. We promised to love, respect and cherish one another as we built life together as lovers and friends. Our unique bond of compassion and trust has made our relationship the light of our lives. May our souls continue to connect and grow as we age together, nurturing a beautiful relationship through the years. Once signed, a copy of the Ketubah could be filed in the Prothonotary’s office of the county in which the ceremony was conducted to testify of the marriage. Alternatively, I know a couple who in addition to their Ketubah, drew up a separate document stating they were married, which they signed, had witnessed and notarized, and filed in the Prothonotary’s office. A copy of this

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same document was taken to the Social Security office where the wife officially changed her surname to that of her husbands. Marriage is not a contract designed for convenience. It is not the property of the state. It is indeed ordained for three parties, but we dare not substitute the “state” for The Almighty. There is no biblical justification for believers’ participation in marriage licenses. They testify to the “god-state,” not to the reality of The Almighty’s relationship to his Church. C. Mark Ostrowski is the Founder and President of The Stewardship Group in Belleville. He can be reached at MOSTROWSKI@THESTEWARDSHIPGROUP.ORG For further information on this topic, see Rev. Matthew Trewhella’s article at www.MercySeat.net/ marriagelicense.html a

Stroup’s Garage from page 29 moved to Arizona and set out for the Motorcycle Mechanic Institute (MMI). Steve graduated from an 18-month program in nine months by doubling his classes. He was ranked as one of the top students with a 98.6%. He then returned to Central PA in 2000 to apply the training from MMI to repairing automobiles. By 2008, Steve earned a total of eight ASE certifications dubbing him as a Master Automotive Technician with over 15 years of experience. The certifications include: engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance. Stroup’s Garage currently has five full-time employees and plans to expand to help accommodate the needs of their fast-growing customer base. None of this could be possible without customers like you. The Stroup’s Garage family humbly thanks you for your business and hopes to put your automotive worries at ease. a

Poor Will’s Valley Almanack from page 19 organization of weather patterns and phenology (what happens when in nature) offers a unique structure for understanding the repeating rhythms of the year.

Bill lives in Yellow Springs, Ohio. He has two daughters, Jeni, who is a psychologist in Portland, Oregon, and Neysa, a photographer in Spoleto, Italy. a

The Valley, January 2013

Social Insecurity by Sarah Hurlburt I am hoping to inspire those who read this because I don’t aim to criticize, but I want to challenge people to think deeper and make well informed, thought out decisions. I fear this is a lost art and the next generation of leaders is going to be in trouble because no one is teaching them about real choices and real consequences and how to make wise decisions. Only a person with their head buried in the sand would not be aware of the trouble that our country is in, and yet I somehow feel many may as well have their heads buried because they are doing nothing about it. Our leaders should first and foremost be doing something drastic to stop the fiscal disaster that is happening in our country, but they are not, they are making it worse. Also every American citizen eligible to vote MUST vote! It was devastating to see the amount of people that did not vote and yet wanted change.

We cannot let that happen in 2016. Every voice of reason needs to be heard in this country right now. Staying silent at a time like this is the wrong approach—your vote truly does count. We cannot continue to spend money that does not exist. Nor can we continue to borrow money from China. I think we have more government programs than citizens. The problem with a lot of these programs is that they are poorly managed and severely abused. There is government assistance for about anything you can imagine and as nice as that sounds, it’s creating a society of entitled people who don’t know the value of hard work. The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 “Don’t you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” (taken from the Message version; check out that whole chapter for more on this.) Our leaders

must eliminate these wasteful programs. When we have more people taking than working, we have a major problem. I really believe that a lot of people think that when they get money from the government, it actually comes from nice generous “government people” down in Washington D.C. Well, maybe they need to be reminded about where that money comes from before they are so eager to sign up for that next government welfare program. It is taken from the pocket of every hard working American and given to people, who in so many cases, simply don’t want to work because it’s easier to pull out their access card when it comes time to purchase food or to go to the doctor. Meanwhile, the rest of us budget and pinch pennies to pay our bills and pay huge deductibles and co-pays so our kids can have medical care. It’s a corrupt and terribly unfair system that needs to be changed. Ephesians 4:28 says “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to

share with anyone in need.” I’m all for helping the disabled, the orphans, and the elderly— those that cannot take care of themselves, we are called to care for them. Philippians 2:4 says “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others.” Galatians 6:2 says “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” So those who can work need to work, period. We need to help people understand that when they accept “government handouts” they are taking hard-earned money from their hard-working neighbor and unless they truly need it, they should not accept it. I hope that more parents will work hard to instill a good strong work ethic in their children to help eliminate the entitlement attitude that is invading our current society.

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Let’s help those who truly need help and encourage the rest to work. At some point the government has to stop punishing the people who are doing things right and rewarding those who are not. I’m praying for change in America in 2013. The root of the problem in America is the same root of the problem in every country. We live in a fallen world corrupted by sin and evil and it won’t totally disappear until God says so. But that does not mean that we cannot use our God given intelligence to make things better in this country. We can choose to be better parents, better citizens, better people; after all we are shaping the next generation. What contribution will you make? Happy New Year to all of you. a

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The Valley, January 2013

Back Talk by Dr. Joseph Kauffman

How Obesity Affects the Spine What is the most common New Year’s Resolution? The most popular resolution that tops everyone’s list is weight loss. Every couple of years there seems to be a new gimmick, diet fad, or workout routine. Zumba seems to be one of the more popular new workout routines that tends to attract all age groups by making working out seem like fun and enjoyable. And, it really does work. The goal is to get people up and moving. Curves is also a good workout facility that combines working out and being healthy with a social and fun atmosphere. Again, the goal there is to get women of all ages to get up and move. The YMCA and Lewistown Health & Fitness are also good sources for getting people to get up and move. P90X and Insanity are good examples of buttkicking routines you can do at home. But, the key is also diet, diet, diet. Examples of fad diets have been The South Beach Diet, The Atkin’s Diet, NutriSystem, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, The Special K, even Subway, like Jared. The secret to weight loss is very simple—willpower and lifestyle changes. If you work out like crazy, but eat like a savage, you will most likely still be overweight. If you eat totally healthy, but never do anything physical, chances are you will still be somewhat overweight and get frustrated. There are people who seem to be exceptions to every rule. If you don’t

have the willpower, you will not succeed. If you do not make the changes permanent and change your lifestyle, any improvement will be temporary and short-lived. The key is to burn more calories than you consume. Period. To be healthy, you need to consume the right, healthy foods. This varies per person as to what healthy is. I suggest consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian to figure this out for you. Then, consult with a personal trainer to design a workout routine that is catered for you, combining strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for you. But, ignoring the facts is not the answer. We, as Americans, are fat and getting fatter. I do believe that the portion sizes we consume are out of control. A medium soft drink at McDonald’s or Wendy’s is twice the size as it was 15 years ago. We tend to be too busy to eat healthy. Fast-food is way too convenient with busy schedules. This leads to obesity. Obesity has many detrimental effects to the body, from heart issues to blood pressure and cholesterol issues to diabetes and added weight. I am going to focus on the effect it has on our spine. With a normal body, the weight-bearing joints are always being attacked due to gravity and pressure from the body. These joints are the feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower spine. The discs

at the level of L4 and L5 are the most commonly injured discs in the spine. The reason is because of the constant pressure applied to this area. When people bend at the waist, these two discs are under exponential pressure. The more weight that is added to the upper body, the more pressure is applied to these discs. Belly fat adds to this pressure. This is also a common area for pregnant women to have pain, due to the added weight located in the abdomen. But, with pregnancy, that added pressure is only temporary. With obesity, the pressure will remain until weight loss happens. Here is an article that backs up what I am saying and elaborates on these facts. (Taken from: http://backandneck.about.com/od/ medication/a/obesebackpain.htm) “If you are overweight or obese, you may be grappling with back pain, a very common problem for heavy people. Carrying extra weight can increase your risk for developing several back disorders.” Pressure on the Spine Extra weight puts added pressure on the spine, which can cause pain, says Kevin Cichocki, DC, clinical chiropractor and founder of Palladian Health. ‘It has long been known that a rise in body weight results in a geometric increase in the pressure on the spine.’ For those who are morbidly obese, Cichocki adds that the injury to the spine is even greater. This is due to degenera-

tive changes in the vertebral column, he says. The pressure may increase your risk of herniated disk, degenerative disk disease and back strain. Obesity and Herniated Disk The extra pressure weight puts on your spine can -- over time -- cause a wearing away of disks’ outer fibers, increasing your risk of an injury. Being obese may also prevent you from healing pain due to herniated disk-related sciatica. Obesity and Osteoarthritis of the Spine There’s no doubt that obesity contributes to the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in the spine. Studies show that with weight loss, pain from OA subsides in many patients. Adults aren’t the only ones at risk, either. Obesity also affects the health of children’s joints. So, encouraging your children to be active and achieve or maintain an appropriate body weight for their age and

height may go a long way toward helping them to avoid arthritis later in life. Obesity and Back Pain Due to Lordosis A large belly may pull your pelvis forward, which in turn will increase the curve in your low back (lordosis). The increased lordosis will probably tighten up your back muscles and cause strain or pain. According to Dr. Cichoki, keeping a healthy weight and strong abs can help you counter the effects of an exaggerated low back curve. Also, obesity may pull the pelvis forward, which accentuates the low back curve. Obesity and Back Surgery The obesity rate in people who have back surgery is higher than in the general population. In addition, complications from back surgery occur more frequently in obese patients. Having minimally invasive spine surgery may provide a safer option, as it is less invasive than traditional back surgery. Will Losing Weight Reduce My Back Pain? It’s only common sense to think that along with controlling your risk for heart attack, diabetes, stroke and other degenerative diseases, losing weight can help you get rid of back pain. While there’s not a lot of research to address this question, the little that is there may confirm what you were thinking. Dr. Andre Panagos, physiatrist and co-director of the Spine Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital says, “in my office, every single person who loses a significant amount of weight finds that their back pain is also significantly improved.”

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The Valley, January 2013

Joanne Wills-Kline Contentment Quest Every year I pick a word – one single word – as my word of the year. It is that “word” that becomes the nucleus from which I live and act. This year, I chose the word authentic. The MerriamWebster Dictionary defines the word authentic as “… true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.” 2012 was a year full of change. For many people, recurrent change can make it difficult to find one’s footing again – a stability and safety zone – from which to move forward beyond

change and into a new standard. In 2013, the column will produce opportunities to revitalize one’s authentic self by proposing precepts that encourage individuals to be true to their character. The topics will be carefully and purposefully chosen to embolden revival and rejuvenation of the human spirit – a renaissance of authenticity so to speak. Emily Dickenson once said “Where thou art that is home.” What a simple statement that has the power of a major message. Where we

sit (our opinions or mindset), with our personal, professional, financial, and spiritual thoughts/ actions is where we reside (our level of thinking/acting). We then must ask ourselves… where are we residing in thought and action? Is that space in alignment with our true self? Or, are we way off base? Are we ready to make the trip back home…back to our authentic self? Month-by-month the column will offer steps to help individuals move closer to personal authenticity. The intent

is that we all will trek a little closer to “home” – to our authenticity – the true voice that often exists unspoken. May the column present opportunity for readers to celebrate their authenticity! A

The Natural Family Planning Center of Central Pennsylvania presents a free Introduction to Natural Family Planning and related health options for Premenstrual Syndrome The Natural Family Planning Center of Central Pennsylvania presents a free monthly hour-long Introduction to the Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning and related health options for Premenstrual Syndrome in the Community Room in Schlow Centre Region Library, 211 S. Allen St., State College. The Ovulation Method allows couples to confidently identify when they are fertile and when they are not, and then to use this information to either avoid or achieve a pregnancy. In addition, the Ovulation Method can assist women with premenstrual syndrome when fertility charting is integrated with cooperative medical treatment. Upcoming Spring presentations are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 26 at 2 pm; Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2 pm; Monday, March 25 at 7 pm, and Monday, April 29 at 7 pm. Preregistration is requested at 814-238-0901 or fertility.appreciation@gmail.com Free parking is available beside the library during the event. Topics to be covered include the simple and natural observations of a woman’s signs of fertility, how to chart those observations; and how to interpret a woman’s unique fertility chart to identify her times of fertility, infertility, and peak fertility. Neither the rhythm method nor temperature is involved. For couples wishing to use the method to

avoid a pregnancy, the Ovulation Method is 99% effective in avoiding a pregnancy, when the method is taught by a qualified practitioner. On the other hand, for those couples experiencing difficulty in conceiving, identifying and using a woman’s time of peak fertility can result in a 20-40% effectiveness rate for achieving a pregnancy. This statistic comes solely from relying on a woman’s knowledge of her own body. Many people are also not aware that the Ovulation Method can be of assistance in treating premenstrulal syndrome when fertility charting is integrated with cooperative medical treatment. Women with premenstrual syndrome may find mood swings tearing at the fabric of their relationships prior to their period. Anxiety, irritability, anger or impatience may be difficult to control in the second half of their cycle. They may even have been prescribed anitdepressants for PMS-related depression or been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder for symptoms which correlate with her menstrual cycle. According to Dr. Thomas Hilgers in The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTechnology (2006), a core of 10 symptoms identify PMS, though only one of these symptoms needs to be present for a diagnosis. Symptoms occur in the second half of the cycle starting from 14 to four days

before menses. They usually fade once the period begins. Symptoms which begin within three days of the start of a period are considered normal. Core symptoms include irritability, breast tenderness, depression, bloating, headaches, weight gain, fatigue, carbohydrate craving, insomnia, and crying easily. Women have also reported symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, feeling confused, feeling paranoid, and engaging in violent or self-abusive behavior. What causes PMS? In the delicate dance of normal fertilityrelated hormones within the menstrual cycle, estrogen dominates in the preovulatory phase of the cycle, reaching a very high level or a peak just prior to ovulation, and it decreases in the post-ovulatory phase. In contrast, the body produces high levels of progesterone following ovulation. About one week after ovulation, both the higher levels of progesterone and the lower levels of estrogen begin to decrease. Approximately four to five days before menses, the body stops producing estrogen and progesterone. This dramatic drop in progesterone triggers the beginning of menstruation. Betaendorphin levels, by contrast, increase prior to the beginning of menstruation. Beta-endorphin is a powerful naturally occurring analgesic which dulls physical pain. Researchers, over the past

three decades, have discovered important deviations from this pattern with PMS. In the l980’s, Guy Abraham, MD, then Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Endocrinology at UCLA School of Medicine, conducted research on PMS and nutrition. He described an inverse relationship between estrogen and progesterone—a pattern of estrogen “dominance” in the post-ovulatory phase of the cycle. Additional research in the l980’s by Drs. Chuong, Coulam, and others discovered a significant decrease in beta-endorphin levels in the week prior to menses, instead of the normal increase. Thomas Hilgers, MD, Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Creighton University School of Medicine, conducted more recent research which corroborated the earlier findings and added new insight. As Hilgers reported in his 2006 text, when using targeted hormonal evaluations of progesterone, estrogen, and betaendorphin levels on selected days in the post-ovulatory phase of the cycle, he found that estrogen did “dominate” in the latter part of this phase, and that beta endorphin levels did decrease in the week prior to menses, but he also found that both estrogen and progesterone levels began to decrease earlier than expected in the PMS cycle when compared to a normal

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quote by Anais Nin conveys my intent for 2013. “The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.” ~Anais Nin a cycle. What are some self-care strategies for PMS? Dr. Hilger’s specific recommendations for self-care include taking 100-200 mg of B6 and 1-2 tablets of a B complex, moderate aerobic exercise 20-30 minutes 3-4 times per week, and eating small portions (with adequate protein) six times per day in the premenstrual phase of the cycle. He has found that these strategies are most effective for women with mild symptoms of PMS. What if self-care strategies are inadequate for reducing symptoms of PMS? NaProTechnology, a new reproductive medical and surgical science developed by Dr. Thomas Hilgers and colleagues at Creighton University School of Medicine, offers successful treatments for PMS. NaPro Technology provides specialized training to physicians in the field of women’s reproductive and gynecologic health. NaProTechnology stands for Natural Procreative Technology, and physicians who go on to receive this additional training are committed to working cooperatively with a woman’s fertility. Based on extensive research on the pre- and post-ovulatory hormones, NaPro physicians can identify the causes of the woman’s symptoms and work with her fertility cycles to reduce her PMS. As described by Hilgers, an initial evaluation of the woman’s PMS can take up to four months. During the first two months she learns to chart her menstrual and fertility cycles with the Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning. This charting provides for the confi-

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The Valley, January 2013

Life in the East End by Rebecca Harrop Happy New Year from the East End! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. I’m not sure where 2012 went, but ready or not, 2013 here we come. I’ve always heard the adults around me saying “they don’t know where the time went.” I always used to think the time just drug on and on. As I got older, the time seemed to go much faster. Summer vacations would fly by. We would no more than finish school in June and before you knew it, it was time to start again at the end of August. Since I graduated it seems time has just flown by. Rachel will graduate from Penn State in the spring. It doesn’t seem that long ago that she started. It was just 3 years ago I served as Dairy Princess, but it seems much longer. The New Year is always a time to reflect on the past and then look to the future. It’s a time to see what worked and then, maybe see if improvements are warranted. It’s time to see what didn’t work and find alternatives. Sometimes it can be a pretty pain-

ful process. At the time I wrote this article we were still waiting on snow, so unless we got some since, then I’m still waiting. If we did get some, you can bet your snow boots I’ve been out returning snowball fire with my Dad, brothers, and my uncles. Rachel is only home on Saturdays and Sundays, so I can’t get her too much, but I will. Lately we have been having a lot of new baby calves at the barn. At one point I had 8 bottle calves at once. When I complained to my Dad about having so many to feed on the bottle, he reminded me that they are building up the herd. I told him he only says that because he’s not the one feeding them. Even though I complain about having so many to feed, I love taking care of the little calves and watching them grow. When I’m in the milking barn looking at all the cows I think about how almost all of them I bottle fed when they were babies. It’s kind of neat when you think about it.

Our newborn white calf. At first Dad thought there was something wrong with him, but it turns out he is just lazy.

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Last week we had a calf born that was all white except for a little red on the tips of its ears. Its such a cute little calf, but he’s very lazy. At first Dad thought there was something wrong with him because he was always laying down all stretched out. We soon realized that he’s just lazy. That’s something that I’ve noticed before; the boy calves are usually more lazy than the girls, but this one is really lazy. Since he’s a boy, he will be raised for beef. Ben, Dave, and Bob are still hauling manure, which seems to be a never ending job. Probably because we have so many barns and the cattle poop a lot. What most people don’t know is that according to Pa. State law you have to have a Nutrient Management Plan even if you only have ONE horse, goat, sheep etc. If you don’t have a plan, you can get fined. You get your soil and your manure tested and they tell you how many gallons of manure you can put per acre. This helps cut down on the cost of fertilizer. It always

makes me laugh when we spread manure near the town areas because people complain about the smell even though it goes away in a day or two. Personally, I would rather smell that than what I smell driving past a sewage plant. That stuff stinks really bad! With the results of the most recent election we are going to see more regulations like these. The average person doesn’t realize all the regulations that farmers have to go through. As long as they have food on the table when they want it, they don’t care how it got there. That is why it is so important to educate the public. This is why any chance I get I talk to people about farming issues, I do. With the number of farms going down and people being generations removed from the farm, most people have no idea what is involved in farming today. Farming is a way of life as well as a business. It is no longer just something you do. It involves lots of planning, technology, and hard work. I just encourage everyone

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when you sit down to enjoy a meal, give some thought to how it got there. It doesn’t matter if it is in a restaurant or at your own table. Thank a Farmer!! As I’m writing this I am also watching the news. A terrible event has taken place today. A man has gone into an elementary school in Connecticut and shot 20 innocent children and 6 adults. I just can’t understand how someone could do that to innocent children. I pray for the families of the victims and the children who had to witness such a horrible event and will have to live with that for the rest of their lives. Such young children should never have to witness such violence. I hope you all join together to keep these families in your prayers. That’s all from the East End this month. a

The Valley, January 2013

Cave Echoes by Marge Delozier-Noss and Nikki Santangelo

What Have You Got To Lose? Would you like to get rid of some pain from arthritis or the discomfort of asthma this year? Maybe you are bothered with skin challenges such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, or extremely dry skin. What if the New Year brought you a good night’s sleep…without snoring? Are you or someone you love’s health affected by sinus infections, bronchitis, or various allergies? Would you be willing to actually take a step towards a healthier day-to-day life in the New Year? Sitting in a Hima-

layan Salt Cave for a 45 minute session on a non-gravity lounge chair listening to soft music with very dim lights could put you on that road. Halotherapy (salt therapy) is a drug-free and completely natural therapy with no side effects (except feeling rested and restored). It takes place in a controlled air environment that simulates the special microclimate of actual salt caves and salt mines. Since the natural salt caves and salt mines are not conveniently located for most people, Halotherapy (recreating

the conditions of the salt caves) is available in Burnham,PA. One of only about 12 in the country, you have access to one close by. Our goal for you in the salt cave is to receive renewed energy and wellness and this can be accomplished without medications, but with time through the natural healing process. The anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of Himalayan salt provide all the major beneficial factors in Halotherapy. So if you are affected by asthma, arthritis,

emphysema, allergies, bronchitis, sleeping disorder, cystic fibrosis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, or a weakened immune system, all of these health challenges can be positively affected by salt therapy. Most people see a difference after their first session. A goal for the New Year would be to make the cave a regular weekly or monthly habit along with drinking lots of good clean water, exercise, and a healthy diet. I hope you will be one of our regular clients that are able to lessen your need for prescrip-

A Free People Ought Not Only To Be Armed And Disciplined, But They Should Have Sufficient Arms And Ammunition To Maintain A Status Of Independence From Any Who Might Attempt To Abuse Them, Which Would Include Their Own Government. --George Washington

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tive drugs, inhalers, and other medications. Over this past year, we have seen such success for clients who have visited and used salt therapy on a regular basis and have been able to walk away from the side effects of many drugs. What have you got to lose? Check out our web site at www. simplyhealth-calm.com for more information. Better yet, call (717-248-2000) today to get started on the road to better health. Happy healthy 2013! a

The Valley, January 2013

Caving Mifflin County with Todd Karschner Hello Valley readers! Hope your holidays went well and you didn’t have to sell a kidney to get through it. Personally I’m glad they are over. The best part this year is that we were able to get outdoors on Christmas eve to look for a few caves in the Burnham area. I have gotten a few tips about

cause we searched the area earlier in the year with no luck. Scott stumbled across the roughly 40’ dia. sinkhole first. You would think a hole that big would be easy to spot, but with all of the leaves, brush and downed trees, it was almost invisible from thirty feet away. It was then that I realized that I had been only 50 to 60

it down the hole into the darkness and listened—nothing. Jenn was off, Scott right behind, and me bringing up the rear. No bear. Stories that I have heard talk about an attempt to close the cave using railroad ties, small rocks and dirt. The ties rotted and everything fell in. Memories of the cave before it was closed were that the cave went deep into the ridge and possibly came out the

Because of a previous attempt at blocking the entrance, the resulting cave-in has created very tight access

other side. At the time of this visit, the rocks and dirt that fell through blocked the only passage we

Scott and Jenn on the landing at the edge of the hole.

caves in this area, and we found one—possibly two. I checked all of the sources I had available and couldn’t find a name for it. I’m sure some of the locals have a name. Some of the information is from fifty-year-old memories, so I’m sure plenty of people know it’s there. There were three of us on this trip. Jenn Jones, Scott Kearns and myself. This was one of those last minute decisions that fell together. We wanted to go there again be-

feet away from it when we were looking for it earlier. We stood around the edge of the sinkhole trying to see down in as far as we could because one of the local land owners said there has been a bear seen in the area, and it may be using the cave as a shelter. After listening for any noises, we moved to the bottom of the sink onto a ledge large enough all three of us could get a better look. Finally Jenn said “I’m goin!” I tied the rope off, threw

These little stalagtites kinda look like teeth, don’t they?

The Hole

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could find that we could fit through. Now it’s just a large room with many formations. The only sign of life we could find was a swallows nest. I was a little surprised by the number of formations, and also a bit disappointed by the amount of damage that was within arm’s reach. You can see some of the damage in one or two of the photos. At the lowest level of the room, there is a small opening just big enough to crawl through. Those two crawled in and found that it goes about 10’ before it is choked off by the small loose rocks from the cave in. When we were done taking pictures and we were satisfied we had seen the whole room, we decided to call it a day. After getting

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The Valley, January 2013

Ed’s Railroading News by Ed Forsythe

Well here we are at the end of December 2012, with all the hustle and bustle behind us. I hope you all had a very joyous Christmas season of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Of course I also hope you enjoyed all the toy train shows in the area with the Mifflin County Model Railroad Club having been open for many days. There’s one more day available to see these trains running. That is on December 29th, from 1:00 to 4:00 at 3 West Monument Square Lewistown. If you already missed these dates please try to attend a future showing. We haven’t set any special dates yet, but I’m hoping to announce a special show sometime in late winter. The club members would like to say Thank You to all those folks who came to see our layouts and enjoy the trains. Also Thank You to all who financially supported our efforts by donating or purchasing items

from us. We had over 4000 people visit with us. If anyone is interested in getting involved with model railroading, please contact me or any club member for information about the club. Speaking of getting involved, the project “Shining Light Through the Darkness” at the old Kish Park has had several hundred people helping to set up decorations, entertain, greet visitors and pass out treats, bake cookies and cook soups, etc. In the room beside the Theater in the Park there is also a very large and beautiful winter village, children made gingerbread houses for on display, and a train layout is being enjoyed. There have been many volunteers man this room also to make our guests feel welcome. THANK YOU to everyone who has been involved in making this a great season at Kish Park. This event is still open to the public until January 4th. The lights are

turned on each night from 5:00 to 10:00 for your enjoyment of a walking tour. If anyone needs to ride around the park, it is also available for you. This project has really evolved over the past few years. It was the brain child of one young lady and as I’ve stated, there are now hundreds of people and organizations involved. THANK YOU one and all. More great times were had by hundred of riders at the Rockhill Trolley Museum’s Santa Trolley and evening trolley rides through the very well-decorated Black Log Valley. The trolley museum experienced several thousand riders this season and all involved would like to say THANK YOU for everyone’s support and efforts to make these events spectacular. We hope you will all remember to come on out and ride the trolleys this coming summer and please be sure to tell your friends about this fantastic opportunity to travel back in time and experience how folks traveled around towns a hundred years ago. Well, things were busy for us at Ed’s Train Repairs and Sales this past month and now Cathy

Home Brew U

Adventures in Homebrewing by Kevin Morgan

Brewing Up Water kefir I am not the only brewer in the house. My wife continually makes our own homemade soda pop. She does this by making water kefir. Drinking water kefir is not only refreshing, but it is also good for you. The water kefir acts as a probiotic providing your gut with the necessary good bacteria, thus improving digestion. Plain water kefir has a sour, bitter, but refreshing, taste. However, the opportunities for adding flavor are endless. Mint, ginger, juice, or fruit can give your water kefir a unique taste. You just have to experiment a little to find out what you would like. When introducing a new fermented beverage, I usually like to give a little background information about the origins of the drink. The exact origin of water kefir is unknown. The first documented reference of water kefir is from 1899 in Mexico. So most believe that it originates from that region, but some resources believe that it may have been used in Tibet

before Mexico. That would explain one of the common names, Japanese water crystals, which is used in Europe when referring to kefir grains. Water kefir is made from kefir grains, also known as sugar grains, tibicos, tibi, California bees and Japanese water crystals. The grains are not grains at all. They make up a culture of various strains of healthy bacteria and yeast, held together in a polysaccharide matrix created by the bacteria. The symbiotic relationship of the microbes produces a stable growing culture. The grains have a texture similar to cauliflower but appear translucent. The microbes feed on sugar and produce lactic acid, alcohol (ethanol), and carbon dioxide, yielding a fermented carbonated beverage. The alcohol content is usually very minimal, less than 1%. Basic water kefir formula: 1 Cup of water 1 Tbsp. of raw sugar

1 Tbsp. of kefir grains A slice of organic citrus fruit Adjust the recipe depending on how many tablespoons of kefir grains you have. Mix the sugar and water in a plastic or glass container. Add grains and citrus fruit. Cover loosely and place away from sunlight for 48hrs. Strain out the grains while saving the water kefir. The grains should be put in fresh sugar water or you could store them in a bowl in the fridge for a week or two; just make sure they are covered. The finished water kefir can now be refrigerated. Alternatively, the finished kefir can undergo a second fermentation if mixed with juice or another sugar-containing beverage. Lately, my wife has been adding pomegranate juice (2 ounces of juice per 12 ounces of water kefir), but any juice or fruit that does not contain a preservative will cause carbonation to occur while adding flavor. Just make sure the vessel that you put it into has an air tight seal. This is when those refillable flip top bottles work really well. Let the kefir

and I are getting ready to spend some time with our sons and families. Edo, Mayumi, Emi, Mika, and Kana are traveling from Japan for a long awaited visit. Of course, I’m a little jealous since they got to ride on the Shinkansen, Japan’s new high speed train. Jason Andrew, Tricia and Aurianna are traveling from South Dakota so we will have a very full house for awhile. To add to this group, Andrew’s daughter Sabrina will be home with us from Albright College. It will be GREAT having them here. If anyone comes to the Shop from Dec. 29th to Jan. 8th and I’m away, please excuse me. I’ll try to be open as much as possible, but there will be sometimes we will be traveling around together. I’ll be back to full-time hours on January 9th. I realize this seems more like a report rather than an article about railroading, so next month look for an exciting article about a talk I had with a former engineer and his railroading days. Until then, Happy Railroading and may all have a wonderful 2013. Ed a

sit out on your counter but not in direct sunlight for another 48 hours. Then place it in the fridge until you’re ready to consume your tasty healthy beverage. There are a few things to be aware of regarding making water kefir. Try to use a plastic strainer and plastic measuring

The author’s “continuing batch” of water kefir

cups because the grains are a living organism and leaching of metals can contaminate the grains. Another thing to remember is use raw sugar because refined sugar does not contain any nutrients or minerals needed for the grains to propagate. I have read that you could add unsulfured blackstrap

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molasses with refined sugars to provide the necessary minerals for growth. Finally, do not use tap water as the chlorine will kill off the grains. Water kefir is a great alternative to soda pop. Besides the improvements to your intestinal flora, it’s high in protein and low in sugar compared to soda pop. The benefits of the drink are too numerous to list. My kids love it and I’m sure you can find a flavor you would love also. There are many sites online to purchase some kefir grains or you can get in touch with me about obtaining some grains from us. Obviously on a first come first serve basis and when we have some extra grains. Until next month, here’s to your health. a

The Valley, January 2013

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The Valley, January 2013

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The Valley, January 2013

Notes Gifts From Angels Donated to Lewistown Hospital Jennifer Wagner and Lisa Hebert recently donated toys and stuffed animals to the pediatric department at Lewistown Hospital. The donations were collected through the “Gifts from Angels” group. The “Gifts from Angels” was started this year by the Wagner family with an idea from Peg Thomas, Jennifer’s mother-in-law, in loving memory of their daughter who passed away earlier this year, Cathrynne Wagner who was 2 ½ years old. Lisa Hebert began collecting donations with Jenifer Wagner this year after Lisa was approached by Jennifer to design a t-shirt. If anyone wishes to make donations to the “Gifts from Angels” project, you may contact Jennifer Wagner at (717) 2422592 or by finding more information on their Facebook page, “Gifts from Angels.” For more informaLisa Hebert (L) and Jennifer Wagner (R) with tion, visit www.lewisthe “Gifts from Angels” donations to Lewistown townhospital.org. a Hospital.

Local Student Donates to Lewistown Hospital Paige Havice, 11th grade student at Mifflin County High School, created toy gift bags for boys and girls who are currently patients in the hospital. Havice had the idea in her head and just began, with the help of Deb Havice, her mother, she made several bags, blue for boys and red for girls filled with blankets, toys, animals, and more. Havice also began making and selling candles in order to pay for the supplies used in the bags. Anyone wishing to make a donation to Havice for the project can contact her at (717) 953-9552. For more information, visit www.lewistownhosPaige Havice and the gift bags she pital.org. a donated to the pediatric patients of

The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra continues its 2012-2013 season “In Mozart’s Footsteps” Presents MOZART’S PIANO :: Sunday, January 27, 2013 :: at 3:00 pm :: Esber Recital Hall – PSU School of Music Dvorak: Serenade for Strings Lindpaintner: Sinfonia Concertante for Woodwind Quintet Pennsylvania Quintet Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 22 K. 482 Seymour Lipkin, piano After a standing ovation performance with the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra last season, master pianist Seymour Lipkin, member of the piano faculties of The Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School, returns with one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most dynamic piano concertos. The orchestra’s string section, well-known for its dynamic performance of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade will bring to the stage Czech composer Antonin Dvorak’s lively Serenade for Strings. As a special attraction the Pennsylvania Quintet: Naomi Seidman-flute, Tim Hurtz-oboe, Anthony Costa-clarinet, Lisa O. Bontrager-horn and Daryl Durran-bassoon, will join the orchestra to present the Central Pennsylvania premiere of Peter Josef von Lindpaintner’s Sinfonia Concertante in Bb for Woodwind Quintet and orchestra. This virtuoso work by Lindpaintner, a prolific opera composer in central Germany in the early 19th century, shows off the fireworks and expressive lyricism across the broad range of a standard woodwind quintet. . Seating is reserved. Tickets $29 - $19 - $10 Order online www.centreorchestra.org Or call (814) 234-8313 Tickets also available at the door as available.

Lewistown Hospital.

Breastfeeding Basics Class The Family Place at Lewistown Hospital is offering a Breastfeeding Basics class on January 7, 2013 from 6:30 8:30pm at Lewistown Hospital. Class is geared toward the pregnant woman and her partner. Topics to be covered in the 2-hour class include the nutritional benefits of breast-feeding; the “how to’s” of getting you and your baby started with breastfeeding; and various position alternatives. Time will be available to discuss any questions or concerns regarding breastfeeding. If you are currently enrolled in a Prepared Childbirth Class at Lewistown Hospital, there is no fee. Registration is required. Call (717) 242-7110 or register online at www.lewistownhospital.org under Calendar or Health Education. a

WWT Answers: (1) Oklahoma (1907) (2) George Washington (3) Four (Past, Present, Future, and the boy).

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The Valley, January 2013

Outdoors by Wayne Stottlar

Due to an inner clock that is still set to the rhythms of life in New Hampshire, about this time every year my mind turns to ice fishing. You see, Christmas Tree season just ended and now it is time to be on the ice preparing for the onslaught of hard water anglers from the south and laidoff construction workers who typically look forward to winter as a time of rest and relaxation. Their time will be spent in a typically 8 foot by 8 foot, or smaller, bobhouse placed over some secret deep hole or spring. The rewards were many, peace and solitude if you picked your spot right, or the camaraderie of a overnight ice village that always seem to form in the same spots year after year, regardless of previous results or catches. Some fisherman are citytype folk and others are countrytype folk who need to spread out. There are even nomadic-type ice fishermen—those souls who are highly mobile and equipped with ultralight, ultrawarm temporary bobhouses that sometimes move several times a day in search of active fish. I spent time dedicated to one spot some winters, and others moved about frequently even to many different lakes in a season. The best times seem to be those spur of the moment trips usually brought on by a stretch of good weather after a prolonged freeze. During those times, shelter was unnecessary and fishing outdoors on a mild winter day was enriching, regardless of the catch. Speaking of the catch, I will say this, fresh fish caught through the ice ALWAYS tastes better than at any other time of the year and panfish are usually eager to take a spot in your skillet. Panfish are also good targets, not only for their willingness to bite, but they are excellent table fare. We have many small local ponds that freeze for a period of time most winters where ice fishing can happen if only for 3 or 4 weeks. Unlike the big north country lakes that I am accustomed to, such as Winnipesaukee, Squam and Winnisquam, where driving several miles ON THE LAKE was necessary to reach favorite spots, here our water is of much smaller scope and parking on shore and walking to a likely spot is simple. Ice fishing can be one of the

best times of the year to experience our local outdoors without worrying too much about crowds. I am willing to bet though, that if more folks gave it a try, our ponds would become more crowed in the winter. Not only is this a family activity where no experience is really necessary, the reward of a self-caught meal at the end of the day ices the cake. Equipment is very simple and inexpensive options abound. You, of course, will need a way to get through the ice to

An inexpensive ‘Ice Chisel” or spud as some call them is more than likely all you will ever need to break through to water in these parts.

This is why you need to check often until you are sure you have safe ice all the way to your spot. What is safe ice is something you have to decide for yourself, you can check to see what Fish and Game suggests, but I know from many years working on the ice that there are no set rules. I feel very comfortable fishing on 2” of clear ice, but ice snow ice, or ice formed during very windy conditions and full of air, I need a lot more to feel safe. Also take into consideration the amount of weight you are placing in a small area. Keep spread out more on thinner ice. After ice reaches 6 inches, just about anything on foot or snow machine goes, and at 12 inches we would be running up and down the 30 mile length of Winnipesaukee in full size pick-ups. So common sense and a continual eye on safety is a must, but if these steps are taken, ice fishing can be a lot of fun. So after using your chisel to check the ice getting to your chosen spot, and making a hole in the ice to fish through, you will need some kind of gear to catch the fish. This is where ice fishing differs a lot from open water fishing. Since your fishing is basically vertical, you do not need something that casts your line, just something to store your line, this could be your summer ultra-light

the water. In most cases here, gas power augers or even hand powered augers are unnecessary and a simple ice chisel will suffice. This tool is also the best way to check ice thicknesses as you venture out. And perhaps we should stop right here and throw out a warning. If you do not use common sense safety practices, there is a good chance you could

An older style “crossed stick” tip up, set and ready for action

die, so pay attention and BE SAFE! Never venture out without having another person with you, and check the ice thickness frequently as you make your way to your spot. Ice DOES NOT all freeze at the same moment, in fact it freezes in stages. So you could have 4 inches or better under your current position, but if you cross on to a place that froze later, you could be on only an inch or two.

Fall For Hummingbirds Contest Update by Deb Brackbill

Thanks to loyal birders in the area, the Fall for Hummingbird Contest has been a big success. The contest began on October 1, 2012 and runs through January 31, 2013. The contest began with Mifflin County birders reporting up to 5 Ruby Throated Hummingbirds in October. Not to be outdone, birders in Juniata and Perry Counties started reporting hummingbird sightings—all of the selasphorus species. Three of them were banded and confirmed to be Rufous Hummingbirds. Snyder County hasn’t reported any sightings so far. As of the middle of December, 2012, there have been in excess of 80 reports of hummingbirds in the state, virtually all are non-Ruby throats. Around 25 of them have been banded; mostly Rufous, but two Calliopes and two Allen’s hummingbirds were also banded. As if this wasn’t exciting enough, there was also a confirmed female Black-chinned hummingbird photographed but not banded! One bander was able to catch a female Rufous hummer in Lawrence County that was originally banded last January, west of New Orleans! This is the second Louisiana Rufous in

little more than a year, and the third Gulf Coast Rufous caught in Pennsylvania! Prizes for the contest are as follows: Any hummingbird species that can be confirmed will be entered into a $100 drawing. Any species other than Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will automatically win $25. The contest ends on January 31, 2013. The Contest is sponsored by Kauffman Insurance Agency in Mifflintown and Lost Creek Shoe Shop-Optics in Oakland Mills. The Contest is limited to anyone in the Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, and Snyder County area. Anyone in the state, outside of these areas, who is still seeing hummingbirds, is welcome to contact Chad Kauffman or Aden Troyer for further information. They can be eligible for other prizes and contests that are going on. Contact information is as follows: For those on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/FallForHummingbirdsContest Chad can be reached by email at chadkauffman@earthlink.net and by phone at 717-436-8257. Aden Troyer can be reached by calling 717-463-3117 a

A newer style composite tip-up, all are rather simple systems that are very effective for catching fish through the ice.

reel mounted on a short “ice rod” or something more associated with ice fishing, the tip-up. The tip-up was usually made of two crossed pieces of wood with an upright piece attached which held a spool of line under the water, and had a spring loaded flag that, when tripped, would case the flag to pop up and swing in the breeze. When this would happen it would usually elicit the call of FLAG!!! from anyone who noticed. This practice also caused everyone

A Rufous Hummingbird that was banded during the contest. Photo courtesy of Wayne Laubscher

within ear shot to quickly check the position of their tip-ups to see if the “Flag” was theirs. Tip-up fishing allowed you to also partake in other activities since the tip-up does not need you to hold it to work. Often groups would

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skate around the ice and visit with other groups of fisherman. On slow days an impromptu game of hockey could break out, (yes, most everyone had their hockey

Continued on page 44

The Valley, January 2013 In Search of Truth from page 47 day, today and forever! That is an irrevocable Biblical Truth that is imbedded in the undeniable facts of history and there will never be any amount of fire power; no amount of nuclear weapons, no amount of media bias, no book writers or history revisionists, not even Hussein Obama can ever change that! I was so blessed in my heart and very thankful for being so privileged to set my feet walk-

ing in an IDF military base and actually put my hands to work to offer my tangible support, because as the army of Israel, they have been given the privilege and responsibility to protect their land defensively and offensively until the day the Philistines of the world are defeated and Goliath is brought down to the ground by the power of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! It is my desire to continue to have compassion for the Jewish people to help maintain and sustain Israel’s freedom and sup-

port their security and protection from being murdered so unjustly by those who carry the very same spirit of hatred like Hitler and the like in the middle east. Jerusalem belongs to the hands of the Jewish people preserved in the heart of God! Therefore it is a great blessing to be a blessing to God’s agenda for Israel especially in these serious times of conflict. America has been one of the greatest allies of the Jewish State, but now for the last four years is more than ever in position that favors those who are vehemently

Our cafeteria area with our female IDF councilors present.

pursuing the annihilation of Israel. Someone just mentioned to some friends the other night, that the people of Israel are crying out for support. They know that they need all the help they can receive from the western world or whatever nation. They cry out for understandJoseph Honaker in Israel ing that their position as a tiny in the presence of those who very young nation is peace. I have hate her, they have a heart to fight walked in busy places in Israel for their freedom with Jerusalem and I could not help but notice to in their blood and Zion in their my surprise to see Muslim women heart. in their full traditional clothing God says I will bless those and their own choice of worship, who bless you and I will curse walking in the streets of Jerusalem those who curse you. My time with their families. They watch in Israel was out of a desire to the very same amusement sites support and serve the Jewish in Tiberius and be at peace and people. I am very grateful for the happy as can be. Israel is in the opportunity that led me to find my very heart of a conflicting group place of contribution to a Bibliof surrounding Arab nations that’s cal calling to support God’s plan 600 times larger than they are in for Israel during my three short the middle east. Israel is strong in weeks in the Holy Land as I tried their stance to defend their rightto be a blessing for the sake of ful and God given place. And His Holy Name... Shalom! a though they seem weak and very

Research provides effective tools for bringing “mom” back to baseline and back to her life by Joyce Walls Let’s say your 80-year-old mother, who lives in an assisted living home, has been admitted to a hospital due to an infection. She has been pretty successful in her living arrangement so far, even though she has dementia. Caretakers have been able to help her with any problems. But, now you are worried because mom has been acting really different ever since she came to the hospital. She is suddenly agitated. Although she had been showing signs of dementia for several years, especially with her limited short-term memory, she is now very, very confused. Some days she thinks she is back home on the farm of her youth! You wonder if mom will be able to go back to the assisted living home when she is discharged. The above scenario is actually fairly common. The condition that “mom” is experiencing in the hospital is “delirium superim-

posed on dementia.” Delirium occurs in 40 percent of hospitalized older adults with dementia. Delirium typically comes on suddenly and can often be traced to one or more contributing factors, such as a severe or chronic medical illness, medication, infection, surgery, or drug or alcohol abuse. The symptoms of delirium and dementia can be similar, and input from a family member or caregiver may be important for a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. Nurses are key to recognizing the condition. Failure to recognize delirium can result in a decline in health, the need for institutionalization or hospital re-admittance, or mortality. Mount Nittany Medical Center is participating in a National Institute of Health funded trial to improve the care of older adults by giving nurses a computerized

decision support tool, which is part of the nursing portion of the electronic health record (EHR). Computerized decision support tools improve both nurse assessment and detection of delirium and non-pharmacological management of the problem. The principal investigator is Donna Fick, PhD, GCNS-BC, FGSA, FAAN, and professor of nursing at Penn State University. At the 2012 State of Science Congress on Nursing Research sponsored by The Council for the Advancement of Nursing Sciences (CANS) in Washington, D.C. in September, data from the study was presented through a poster presentation titled, “Integrating language processes in a multi-site study with different electronic health records.” When the computerized decision support tool indicates the presence of dementia, nurses on the floor are able to administer a

non-pharmacological intervention, after prompts indicate the necessity. Adult Cognitive Education Boxes (ACE) have proven to be an effective intervention and treatment. Contents of the ACE box helps patients cope with the anxiety and confusion by providing a mental focus. Tactile stimulation of stuffed animals can provide comfort, old photographs can bring back memories and spark interesting conversation, and puzzles and games can occupy the mind. The goal is to provide a link between provider and patient in an effort to get the patient back to baseline and decrease the length of the hospital stay. The poster presentation gave national recognition to a very important study that has the potential to impact patient care on a large scale. “If you look at this poster, you can see that we are keeping good company,” said Joyce Walls,

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Joyce Walls

MSN, RN, director of information services, Mount Nittany Health. Although too small to see at this size, the partners on the poster are of Vanderbilt University, Penn State University, Harvard Medical School and Mount Nittany Health. The bottom line is this— as a result of this research—“mom” will receive the best care possible through proven methods and specific tools designed to get her back to baseline, back home and back to life! a

The Valley, January 2013

The Udder Truth

Outdoors from page 42 sticks in their vehicles, ehh). Ice fishing is by far the most social fishing season there is. Some even went so far as to design modular bobhouses that had full kitchens,

by He ather Wasson

Pennsylvania Alternate Dair y Princess and Centre Count y Dair y Princess A new year is upon us. 2013 has arrived with high hopes and optimism for what the future holds. As we reflect back on 2012 and look forward to 2013, we do so with no regrets for the past year and anticipation of promise for the new year ahead. As always on New Year’s Eve, there were many resolutions made. My hope is that many have made a resolution for a healthy diet in the year to come. Simply by including dairy in your diet you can help to insure a healthy life. Milk’s powerful nutrient package of calcium, plus other essential nutrients, helps to nourish your body not just your bones. Including three dairy products every day is a great way to ensure a healthy and also tasty diet. If we are healthy, there is not much more for us to ask for in life. One great way to start off the New Year is to the visit the Pennsylvania Farm Show. From January 5th to January 12th there will be a showcase of Pennsylvania’s finest foods and agriculture on display in Harrisburg. I hope to see you there, as I will be there to represent the Pennsylvania Dairy Industry. Be sure to stop by and visit the many people showcasing Pennsylvania’s number one industry. There are many differ-

ent foods to try while visiting. I would like to recommend the fried cheese cubes and creamy milkshakes. It is going to be a great week. I hope you can make it to this awesome display of dedication to the agriculture industry. Here are some great recipes I would like to share to help you on your way to a healthy diet. Enjoy and Happy New Year! Cheesy Potato Bake 1 bag frozen Hash Brown Potatoes 1 16oz sour cream ½ cup Butter ½ cup Milk 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese 1 can Cream Chicken Soup Place Hash Brown’s in 9 x 13 pan. In a separate bowl mix remaining ingredients. Spread mixture over hash browns cover and bake at

None of that is remotely possible here due to our short ice season, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a try, after all, the weather is much warmer here, lending itself to fishing outdoors. Other than some bait, this is basically it. Oh sure, there are all kinds of gadgets and comfort makers out there for you to buy, but the beauty is, you don’t need

350 degrees for 40 minutes. Sausage Potato Bake 2 lbs loose Sausage 8 peeled and cubed Potatoes 1 small onion 5 slices of bread 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1 cup milk 1/3 cup butter melted Brown sausage set aside. In casserole mix cubed Potatoes, diced onion, cheddar cheese add sausage. Combine salt and pepper to taste add milk. Crumb bread and put in melted butter. Top casserole with bread crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. a

A day of fresh air and activity, a lot of fun, and some darn good eating is what you can expect from a day ice fishing. Although not imperative, an ice skimmer is worth its weight in gold for keeping your hands warm and ice out of your hole.

bunks and portable toilets, so families could spend weekends on the ice. Much like everyone heading for the campgrounds on weekends in the summer, during ice fishing season, the same groups got together in their little ice villages year after year; it was tradition.

Caving Mifflin County from page 37

to in order to have fun and success, as well as a super fresh meal that you provided for yourself. So wait for that first good cold snap to freeze the small ponds in the area, then grab your chisel, a couple tip-ups, and some live bait and head out for a day of fun with the family. Oh, one last thing, if you find yourself with an overabundance of fresh crappie, I always have time to clean a mess of fresh panfish. a

readers wanting to know where I was. During this time I was able to get an e-mail address set up for everything packed up at the edge anyone wanting to contact me of the sink, we started down the ridge and it began to snow. What a with questions, wanting to join us on a future cave trip, or just to chat. I would like to have an upcoming article on some of the readers caving stories. If you have a caving story, please e-mail it to me. I’m Looking up at the entrance from inside sure others would like to read them. I know I would. My way to end a Christmas cave trip! e-mail address is toddkarschnerI want to apologise to all the readers for not having an article in cave44@gmail.com the past couple of months. Wayne CAVE SAFE said he had a few e-mails from TODD K. a

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The Valley, January 2013

Dave Wilson

Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That

Asked and Answered Almost every day, we receive numerous telephone calls from inquisitive area residents who have questions dealing with a wide range of subjects relating to coins, currency, coin collecting and investing in rare coins, gold and silver. Since we have touched on the “Investment” aspect of coins and precious metals in two or three previous articles, we’ll take some time here and cover a few of the most often asked questions, and their respective answers. (1). Can you still redeem United States silver certificate currency for Silver? Sorry, but you can’t. On June 24, 1967, then President Lyndon Johnson signed a bill authorizing the treasury to redeem $1, $5 and $10 silver certificates for exactly ONE YEAR. After June 24, 1968, paper silver certificates, which remained legal tender, were no longer exchangeable for physical silver in any form, either coins or granules. (2). How can I clean my old copper and silver coins that have become corroded and pitted? Other than sand-blasting,

which usually destroys most, if not all, of a coin’s details, there is NO WAY to recondition a coin that has become environmentally compromised. The corrosion and pitting are IN the metal, making it impossible to eliminate. (3). When was silver eliminated from circulating coinage? 1964 was the final year that US Dimes, Quarters and HalfDollars were minted in 90% Silver. From 1965 to 1970, US HalfDollars were minted with a 40% silver content. After 1970, no “made for circulation” US coins contained silver. The mint HAS continued making silver coins both 40% and 90%, but ONLY for special commemorative and proof issues that are packaged by the mint and sold for substantial premiums. (4). Since the Government recalled all gold coins in 1933, why are there so many older, common gold coins still in existence? First, as you can imagine not everyone complied with the government’s request and kept quite a number of the smaller denominations. The larger $10 and

$20 gold coins which had been used to redeem US paper money (which was backed by Gold until 1971) had been shipped to banks in Europe, Asia and elsewhere. Since the late 1970’s, tens-ofthousands of these coins have been purchased by US coin firms and brought back to this country for resale. (5). I have a Statehood quarter that has several words missing, is it a valuable mint error? No, actually, instead of a mint “error,” you are the proud owner of a piece of mint “junk.” In an effort to make excessive numbers of each State’s special quarter, many times with mintage numbers in the hundreds-of-millions, even billions (Virginia lead the pack with a total circulation mintage of 1.6-BILLION coins) quality was sacrificed for quantity. When Pennsylvania quarters were so expensive we would open a fresh mint roll of these coins only to have to cull out nearly half of each roll because the coins were so poorly struck and heavily bag-marked. With these rolls costing nearly $50 each at the time, such a loss to poor quality

Natural Family Planning from page 34

woman’s charting, cooperatively timed appropriate treatments begin on targeted days in the postovulatory phase. Treatments consist of either progesterone supplementation or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Progesterone treatments have been found to be highly effective when administered in a cooperative fashion with the woman’s own cycle. HCG normalizes the levels of both progesterone and estrogen in the premenstrual phase of the cycle. In addition, for those women with reduced beta-endorphin levels, NaPro physicians include naltrexone as part of the treatment, also given in cooperative fashion with a woman’s fertility cycle. Success rates of up to 95% can be expected from cooperative medical treatments. It is recommended that a

woman with PMS first contact an Ovulation Method instructor to learn fertility charting. Your NFP instructor will then refer to a local NaPro physician to evaluate and treat PMS. Margaret Okere, Ph.D., NFPP, the Ovulation Method Natural Family Planning Practitioner leading the Spring series of Introduction to NFP sessions at Schlow, received her training in a rigorous course of study at the Creighton Model Allied Health Education Programs in affiliation with Creighton University School of Medicine. This year-long training program included 150 hours of classroom education and over 500 hours of supervised clinical work with clients. In her training, she learned to teach fertility charting to women with regular cycles, irregular cycles, or anovulatory cycles, and to women who were

dent identification of the time of ovulation. During this time, she also may begin keeping a symptom diary of her PMS symptoms. This assists in confirming the diagnosis, and it also provides a unique window on to her recovery, as symptoms respond to treatment. During the third month, the fertility chart is used to identify the time of ovulation, and a panel of targeted hormone tests for estrogen and progesterone are taken on specific days in the post-ovulatory phase of the cycle. Tests for beta-endorphin levels and thyroid are also taken. In the fourth cycle, then, based on the identification of the time of ovulation, once again from a

was most unpleasant. (6). Are old coins and paper money from the late 1700’s, 1800’s and early 1900’s still spendable? Actually, yes. While many people will hesitate to accept older coins and paper money that they are not familiar with, they are still legally required to do so. Since the United States began minting coins in 1792 and paper currency in 1863, the ONLY item minted or printed by the United States that is NO LONGER legal tender is the “Trade Dollar” that was produced between 1873 and 1885, specifically for use in trade with China (as it contained slightly more silver than the standard silver dollar at the time. Seems that even then, China was not interested in being short changed by, to their standards, underweight United States circulating silver coinage. (7). I know that 1943 Lincoln pennies were made of steel, but have heard that a few were made of copper and are very valuable. I have one that is copper colored. How can I find out if mine is real, or just copper plated? Easy. If your coin is attracted to any common magnet, then it is a plated steel cent, and not of any particular value. (8). Why are the older Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s worth LESS than the new American Eagle Walking Liberty Silver Dollars? Actually, they are less valuable for two reasons. First, the old silver dollars contain only

77.344% of a full troy ounce of silver, while the new American Eagle dollars contain ONE FULL troy ounce. Secondly, the US Mint charges a reasonably substantial “premium” for the new dollars that, naturally, gets passed on to the final buyer. They are still the coin of choice for current investors, since the newer dollars list their silver content RIGHT ON THE COIN. That is a very popular feature. (9). How much GOLD is in the new “Golden” Presidential dollar coins that began production a few years ago? Believe it or not, we have had DOZENS of people bring these coins in, thinking that they really ARE gold, and hoping to cash them in for big profits. The mint’s use of the term “Golden Dollars” has been a big pain in the neck to dealers all over the country. Sorry folks...they only LOOK like gold. Once they have been circulated for a time, they turn a disgusting greyish light brown. (10). Will the United States ever discontinue Paper Dollars in favor of the longer lasting Dollar Coins? My guess is no, since every dollar coin they have ever minted was shunned by the public. The Susan B. Anthony’s, the Sacagawea’s (yes, I looked it up), and the current Presidential dollar coins have been so unpopular that they have stopped making them for general circulation. a

breastfeeding, premenopausal, or coming off the birth control pill. She also learned to teach fertility charting to—and to interpret chart patterns for—women with such advanced issues as cervical inflammation, unusual bleeding, chronic discharges, effects of stress, PMS, postpartum depression, miscarriage, endometriosis, and infertility/subfertility. Prior to coming to State College, she maintained a Natural Family Planning practice in Ames, Iowa, for ten years. If you are interested in further information on the Ovulation Method and NaProTechnology, visit the websites www.creightonmodel.com and www.naprotechnology.com. a

How Obesity Affects the Spine from page 33

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Panagos believes the reason for this is related to a decrease in the amount of work muscles need to do in order to accomplish everyday tasks, once weight loss has been achieved. Let this tip from a doctor fuel your motivation as you continue your efforts to reach and maintain a healthy weight!” Everywhere you look, 9 out of 10 people have an issue with obesity. It has become such a problem for everyone. There are very few guarantees in life. One is that smoking will definitely cause problems. Another is that obesity, too, will cause bad results on the body. Willpower and lifestyle changes are the key. Let’s not be another statistic, let’s be the change! a

The Valley, January 2013

46 Being put in a spot to respond to a question about God and the Holocaust, I admitted I had no answer. I felt the question was a bit out of place at that moment. Besides it was just a simple night of discussion among individuals coming from different walks of life—natives of about 7 different countries. Somehow in the discussion about different problems and civil issues in Israel, one of the questions verbalized was “why did God not protect the Jews in the Holocaust” [after one of my friends mentioned about God’s hand being on the Jewish people]. Some time during that rabbit trail, another one voiced, “Are you saying that the Jews were to be blamed [for the atrocities done to them in the Holocaust]”… When I told these college level people that I had no answer, I really meant it, but also because I was not in the mood to get into a potentially heated discussion that I had no idea how to carry out intellectually. Indeed, intellectually I fell very short before a more educated crowd than myself. But just because I was put in a spot doesn’t mean that I should be afraid to share my opinion. Well, with the pressure that was in my heart, I wasn’t about to end my night with a disgusting regret knowing that I missed an opportunity. It could’ve gotten pretty ugly, but it didn’t. All I know is that whatever I said, it somehow made me feel very relieved and so blessed in my heart as I took the opportunity to try to honor the God of Israel. First of all, though the Jews had their own mistakes and sins deserving discipline and judgment to an extent in accordance to God’s righteous standards; God judges His people as He sees fit according to His holy justice, which means He is well able to bring calamity on them in much greater proportion than any holocaust. God is God, and He punishes His people according to their works and He will do it righteously. There’s a plethora of history of how God punishes the children of Israel throughout ancient past that pertains to how He deals with them in modern history, which by the way, an ignorance of it is a common reason for unresolved confusions about God and the Holocaust for most people. No, they are not to be blamed for such degree of destruction by the fanatic hand of anti-Semitic Hitler ‘on steroids’ in his ‘mein kamf’ by way of extermination, which we call today, The Holocaust—an evil satanic act of murder. In the

In Search Of Truth A First Hand Account Of My Trip To Israel by Joseph Honaker

light of God’s eternal wisdom however, He can use such atrocity against His children for a greater good in conjunction with the conformity of His chosen people to the fulfillment of His eternal plan. God will not be mocked nor be accused of anything, for He alone is Holy who is righteous and just and perfect in all His ways. Man has been given the authority to make choices. God has never lifted that gift of free will to His creation, namely the human race. Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime, by his own free will brutally murdered the Jews without mercy. And with the power of manipulation in massive conferences and propaganda programs and the controlled media back then, Hitler set ablaze a fire in the “hypnotized” minds of the German populace to invest in their Fueher’s evil, ruthless resolve against the children of Abraham to annihilate them and completely depopulate them from Germany and all throughout his European take over. I was just volunteering for about three weeks. It was my first time to set foot in the Holy Land. I have heard of how special Israel is; being the land of the Bible and God visiting that nation and people in audible voices, thunders and lightnings, the earth opening up to swallow up people who had contempt against the prophet Moses. I have heard and read about it enough to know that in the manifestation of His power in Old Testament History, God is truly among a people called by His Name who were under the chains of slavery in the captivity of the most powerful earthly em-

pire, the Egyptian empire. Turning the stronghold of the Pharaoh upside down and burying his military might in a watery grave to free them from bondage and call them to Himself, and later on establish them in a land sojourned and dwelt in as the home of all the ancient Jewish prophets and patriarchs that make up the Holy Land we call Israel today! In His divine strength, and His love for the Hebrews and actually mercy for the whole world, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob formed a nation out of an eternal covenant right in the middle of a hot and dry desert! I had all these special considerations about Israel in my brain for some years, but in the last 12 months or so, I personally was sensing a different feeling in my

The 9am flag raising was a mandated activity after breakfast

heart. My overall perspective about Israel to the glory and Worship of God in Jesus Christ has been out of a blessing in my spirit that’s even ready to protect this land and people in whatever way God permits. So I was there in the month of late August and early September. Along with a couple of friends, I was excited to be at the Ben Gurion Airport after a long flight from JFK and a long delay at Moscow. We were sent to an IDF base three hours away from Jerusalem. There were 11 volunteers who, as I mentioned earlier, were all from different backgrounds. There was a journalist, a film producer, a historian, a lawyer in the making, a banker with a military background, food service people and a fast food restaurant maintenance guy (that’s me). Most of them were from Europe so it was not hard to see their westernized mannerisms. Many similarities as that of American city kids. To my surprise, our counselors (a couple of female IDF soldiers) were well-versed enough in their English, which was very helpful with the language barrier among the soldiers with whom we had to work. It was an incredible experience being given the opportunity to actually be there and invest the work of my hands to help a group of people without which no one would have a holy land to call home for the Jews. Had it not been for the army of Israel ordained and used of God in such critical times as these days; and since the nation’s (re) birth in 1948. I regretted nothing except my failures to be a greater

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blessing to those around me. As “primitive,” as described by the volunteer organization, as the base where I was sent, I must say that I had nothing to complain about. I was fine with the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers every morning for breakfast. Along with fried eggs, sometimes boiled, humus and rice was also a common food in this particular location. It would escalate to some pasta shells for starch, some form of meaty looking patties; chicken with curry like seasoning and cold sliced egg plants with the usual freshly cut cucumbers and tomatoes at lunch and supper. Tap water was the only drink, chilled in pitchers with ice cubes. Desserts were sometimes jellos, but most of the time vanilla and chocolate puddings in Yo Plait-size individual containers eaten with the same fork you used for your meal. Somehow spoons were scarce. After breakfast at nine o’clock, we were mandated to meet at the flag raising court and express our allegiance to the flag of the most notable country on the face of the earth. In my first week, I was joined with four other volunteers to work with, one of who I assumed was the senior and manager overseeing the maintenance and the inventory of combat accessories for the soldiers. He was a soldier in stature being in the IDF for 27 years thus far. He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Even in the toughness and abruptness in his speech and roughness in his walk, the way he carried himself was still filled with subtle humor. I was glad to have worked with him as we organized several storage buildings filled with duffle bags of gear and vests. In the second phase of my work, I was joined with the other half of the group headed for the combat tanks. Many of the duties were painting and organizing. Some were cleaning and sorting basic supplies and accessories for the battle field. Partly, I was assigned to do what I was used to doing, which was picking up trash. It was around a nearby ditch fronting the maintenance garage and around the dumpster and office trailer. Eventually the supervisor took me along with him in a huge parking lot where the battle tanks are stored; covered in super heavy duty canvas. Although my Hebrew was only good enough to get me to the bathroom or request a drink of water, and the guy’s English was as bad as my Hebrew, somehow we could be productive enough in our work. I told him my excitement in being

The Valley, January 2013 able to help prepare these battle tanks for war. He also expressed to me his urgency in getting his part completed fast. He was given pages and pages of inventory lists of what items needed to be in the tanks and what was to be excluded. It was a rather warm day at around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and it was a tedious job, but I knew in the back of my mind that what I was doing was very meaningful for the sake of Israel. On the weekends it was required of all volunteers to leave the base and spend the days off to wherever suits the individual as to what city or location to go to where accommodations were available. Spending my first weekend in Jerusalem, one of the most captivating experiences I had was at the Wailing Wall as I witnessed a group of IDF soldiers in their uniforms singing as they marched down into the heart of the court fronting the Wall. As they carried on, they were joined with rabbis and other orthodox people and started chanting and singing together; jumping around forming a circle and dancing in expressions of freedom and happiness. Somehow as I intently looked on over the fence that divided the participants and the spectators of which I was one, I had to hold back tears and keep my composure. I was being blessed by the freedom that I saw in them knowing what miraculous reality it is, the historical events and the struggles of these people that led to the rebirth of the Nation of Israel as the home of the Children of Jacob ordained by God through a covenant relationship with His friend Abraham. Although, my main focus of being in Israel was not to find adventure in being a tourist. However, just by being there with both feet and a simple heart with love for the Holy Land, adventure ended up finding me. Besides circling the sea of Galilee on a mountain bike, walking in the town of Capernaum was an incredible experience. We were dropped off by a taxi driver in a spot where I thought was in the middle of nowhere. Little did I know that Capernaum was just a little town. So after walking for about three miles through a preceding town called Tabga, we were amazed by the remains of an ancient synagogue which was claimed to be the only one there in the little town of Capernaum in the days of Jesus. According to Mark 1:21; Luke 4:33, 38; John 6:59 Jesus taught frequently at a synagogue in Capernaum. I could not help but count it worthy of my

close attention. It was Shabbat and after asking someone about the schedule of buses at the nearby bus stop, I remember seeing a bus picking up a few passengers, but that was about 25 minutes ago and it ended up that that was the last bus for

viewed Spielberg’s films about how the Jews were inhumanly treated. At Yad Vashem I had to hold myself from crying about four times because of being so impacted by the detailed reality of what I saw in movies. Seeing some of the actual objects

Yad Vashem

the day on that location. About 13 miles away from our hotel room in Tiberias, we lost hope waiting for a miracle of a bus stopping at that stop for over an hour. Walking a few steps away from the bus stop, I jokingly stuck my thumb out for a hitch hike. After a few minutes of walking, a white car pulls over to the other side of the road passing us, then turns around and picks us up. It was such a blessing and I was so thankful. We were glad to pay, but the driver refused to take money as he gave us a smooth friendly service to a gas station eight miles down the road where it cost only 40 shekels for a taxi ride to Aviv Hotel in Tiberius for three guys. Sunday morning was time to go back to the IDF base. Stopping at the shops on our way up to the central bus station from Aviv Hotel, I had the very best falafel that I’ve ever had in Israel. The fact that it was my last week into the program, I could feel a streak of disappointment knowing that I had no control of time and schedule that would soon lead me back to the airport, then back to America. Heading towards the end of this journal I want to get back to my first weekend as aforementioned above. My foremost intention was to invest my time and energy in Jerusalem; and I am very glad I did because one of the most powerful experiences I had was at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum. I’ve watched a good number of Holocaust/World War II/Jewish related movies and documentaries before. I’ve heard and read of accounts about Jews that would be so unforgettable; it would resonate in my mind for days. I’ve

and real life materials and photos that came from that gruesome moment in history, the place and the people; it was very realistic, thus, very moving. There were hundreds of women’s shoes and sandals contained in a glass case, which shows you only a very tiny fraction of the vast number that were sent to the gas chambers by the hands of totalitarian monsters under the spell of Hitler. Another important part of the Museum was the Children’s Memorial, which was a tribute to approximately 1.5 million Jewish children murdered during the Holocaust. It was a very dark and somber atmosphere. As you walk through to the other side towards the exit, you would hear an audio mentioning the names of the children one at a time and what country of origin they came from. The Yad Vashem was unforgettable and an awesome experience. It was remarkable and for me I felt very much more encouraged to support and reach out to the Jewish people in compassion and in the mercy of God as I was touched by the reality of the unimaginable degree of how much they suffered and how God dearly loves His people! Six million Jews, men, women, children and the elderly were murdered. They lost all their possessions; their professions and jobs and businesses. Hitler’s Nazi party stripped all of everything they had including their families and also their souls. But one thing Hitler and Nazi Germany could not steal from their victims was the fact that they were under a divine covenant. An invisible Hand was upon them whom His ways are higher than the ways of man. So no matter

how many of them were murdered, somehow God in His own wisdom and mercy, even with all the power and passion of Hitler and his regime; even with all the means in their possession to exterminate all the Jews; God moved mountains, worked in miraculous ways to protect a number of them for His own divine purposes. God had a plan for the Jewish people that would shift our world history that will affect the rising and falling; the cursing and blessing of people at all level on a global scale. Even in such atrocious acts against His people in the Holocaust, He was and still is working out the unfolding of His plan in His own timing and wisdom. Yes, even after annihilating approximately 6,000,000 of the European Jewish population, shortly after the end of the world war that liberated Jewish survivors from the Nazi’s grip. Some Holocaust surviving refugees were able to join other immigrants from around the world who have returned to the Biblical Land. Shortly after that period, the Jewish people managed once again to become a nation no longer scattered, but miraculously establishing themselves in the old land of their fathers that was destined for them since the days of old when God made a covenant with their father Abraham about 4000 years ago. God’s hand is truly upon the Jewish people and the land they have cultivated with their blood and fertilized with great self sacrifice. There was no Pharaoh or other powerful emperors in relationship to Jewish history; not even Hitler and the Nazi party with their guns and canons, with their death camps and gas chambers. All of the above from emperors to kings and rulers; from dictators to Fuehers, and that includes today’s Iranian president, will not be able to eliminate the children of Israel nor wipe the Holy land off the map— not even with the indirect attacks and disservice of the “american” president of the United States. I am anticipating the next dictator, the next “Goliath” that will inevitably fall down to its knees and be forced to acknowledge that the God of Israel is the only one and True God and not the god of Iran! The Philistines of the middle east who hate Israel and the world of anti-Semites, the jihadists who are ready to murder Israel, and the United States will know that the power of God is upon the land and the people. The children of Abraham with whom He blessed concerning the destiny, the blessing and the glory of God expressed through the nation of

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Israel from ancient days all the way ‘till the end of time. Back to Aviv Hotel, I remember being so tired and my body aching from the bike ride around Galilee, yet struggling to fall asleep until I no longer could stay in bed even past midnight as I was feeling an urge to write down what I was pondering concerning God’s beloved land and people. As I was thinking about the ancient history of Israel and as I marvel at the event of the last century that led up to its rebirth in 1948 and up to this very day; being young as an independent nation as it is; my thoughts were so concentrated on how Israel is the most remarkable country that I know in the face of the whole earth. The heritage of this nation agriculturally, militarily and spiritually are without comparison among other nations. As I spent my three weeks there in Israel, I couldn’t help but feel a special blessing in my heart as I worked among some of the IDF personnel in the volunteer program. When I think about the IDF in this critical time of history, I think about the armies of Israel in the time of David. And, by the way, the miraculous victories of Israel is nothing new even outside of Biblical history. The battles of little tiny young Israel since its birth in 1948 were all astoundingly miraculous in victory to protect their God given Statehood against its murderous neighbors. Now, in the days of young little David, Israel was facing a very strong army (Philistines) and as we all know the story they had a giant whose name was Goliath. Just as Goliath and the Philistines seemed much stronger and much larger than the armies of Israel back then, likewise the “Philistines” of today seem much stronger and larger than the IDF and modern day Israel. The “Philistines” of today are larger in their number, they are larger in their fire power, they are huge in their hatred for Israel to see the end of her existence; and they are surely large in their evil resolve to take the land that never belonged to them in the first place nor will they ever, ever have the right to posses! Destiny simply does not call for any “Philistine nation” to occupy the rightful land of the children of Abraham. Jerusalem has no place in any other hands except in the Hand of the very one who created it out of the bosom of Jacob as the Apple of His eye, and that divine ownership has been extended to the Jewish people in ancient yester-

Continued on page 43

The Valley, January 2013

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