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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 5, No. 1
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The Valley, January 2014
You Can’t Re-invent The Light Bulb! Or Can You? Another new federal regulation is about to go into effect in the new year. Phase two of the federal incandescent light bulb ban. Don’t know about you, but I am still miffed that I can’t buy 100 watt and 75 watt incandescents anymore, as they were regulated out of existence back in 2007. I bought a few boxes figuring somehow this lunacy would be repealed and things would roll along as usual. In the mean-
time, I had a stash that would get me through until then. Or so I thought. Here we are entering phase two of the ban, which will take away the 60 watt and 40 watt incandescents from us. WHY? I am fully aware that the industries darling, the compact fluorescent bulbs, are much cheaper to use, almost 75% cheaper in some cases. But so long as I am paying the electric bill, shouldn’t it be up to me which light bulb I use? Because frankly, I HAAAATE compact fluorescents, or CFLs as they are commonly referred as. These CFLs are just a flourescent tube that is made to approximate the size of an incandescent bulb. To accomplish this, the fluorescent tube is bent to form an ice cream cone look alike. Some folks call them curley-que bulbs, or even squiggle bulbs, but whatever the name, they fail in every respect except energy efficiency. The light they emit is nothing like the warm color that all of us grew up using, CFL’s are cold and I find them downright aggravating. Oh, and then there They’re baaaack!!, for all you folks who miss is the mercury problem. See, since they are fluothe warmth and familiarity of the old incandescent bulbs glow, they are now available at rescent bulbs, each one Newcandescent.com contains mercury, some-
thing dangerous to everyone, but particularly dangerous to children and pregnant women. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency suggests the following measure for cleaning up after a CFL is broken inside the home. 1. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place debris and paper/cardboard in a glass jar with a metal lid. If a glass jar is not available, use a sealable plastic bag. (NOTE: Since a plastic bag will not prevent the mercury vapor from escaping, remove the plastic bag(s) from the home after cleanup.) 2. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Place the used tape in the glass jar or plastic bag. 3. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels in the glass jar or plastic bag.
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Keep a window or door to the outdoors open; Vacuum the area where the bulb was broken using the vacuum hose, if available; and Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and seal the bag/vacuum debris, and any materials used to clean the vacuum, in a plastic bag.
5. Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials, including vacuum cleaner bags, outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors. 6. Next, check with your local government about disposal requirements in your area, because some localities require fluorescent bulbs (broken or unbroken) be taken to a local recycling center. If there is no such requirement in your area, you can dispose of the materials with your household trash.
4. Vacuuming of hard surfaces during cleanup is not recommend- 7. Wash your hands with soap and water after disposing of the jars ed unless broken glass remains or plastic bags containing bulb after all other cleanup steps have debris and cleanup materials. been taken. [NOTE: It is possible that vacuuming could spread 8. Continue to air out the room mercury-containing powder or where the bulb was broken and mercury vapor, although available leave the H&AC system shut off, information on this problem is as practical, for several hours. limited.] If vacuuming is needed to ensure removal of all broken glass, keep the following tips in Photo courtesy of Mike and Laura Jackson mind:
Lighting Brush Fires in People’s Minds
Cleanup Steps for Carpeting or Rugs 1. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place The despised and debris and potentially dangerous CFL paper/cardboard in a glass jar with a metal lid. If a glass jar is not available, use a sealable plastic bag. (NOTE: Since a plastic bag will not prevent the mercury vapor from escaping, remove the plastic bag(s) from the home after cleanup.) 2. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Place the used tape in the glass jar or plastic bag. 3. Vacuuming of carpeting or rugs during cleanup is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have been taken. [NOTE: It is possible that vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor, although available information on this problem is limited.] If vacuuming is needed to ensure removal of all broken
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Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar Happy New Year to all! I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas and Holiday celebration and a safe New Year. The time between Thanksgiving and New Years went by in a flash! I for some reason, thought I was going to have a LOT more time this year to enjoy the holidays, since I decided not to sell Christmas trees this year. That turned out to be wishful thinking on my part. It seemed like things got more hectic since I had cleared some time off of my schedule to enjoy things. One thing is for sure in this business, and that is you can lay out your plans as carefully as can be and have everything go in the toilet at the last minute, oh well, such is the publishing business. Lynn and I had a nice quiet, peaceful Christmas sharing the holiday with her parents over a couple days. We must be getting old because the thought of all the hustle and bustle of running around on the holidays tires me out enough, let alone actually doing it. It is nice to be amongst family and friends though, if that is possible. Lots of new and exciting changes are in motion here at The Valley. We welcome a new regular contributor to our pages
with a column entitled “Coaching Life” authored by local Life Coach Joanie Yanusas. Joanie has a very comforting writing style that leaves you feeling calm and happy. She must be good at what she does as I know I sure do enjoy reading her stories. See page 12 for Joanie’s first regular column for The Valley! Next month we will also be welcoming Lisa Nancoulas to our family. Lisa is going to keep us informed on the insanity that is “Common Core,” which will destroy our education system, she also will write about “SmartMeters” and other topics such as the 2nd Amendment. An unapologetic conservative, she is sure to spark some thought and perhaps dialogue. Our new Outdoor Reports column featuring Jim Reem of Valley Sports and Outdoors is a big hit with the local outdoor enthusiasts—thanks for all the kudo’s guys. I passed them on to Jim. Also new this month is another column dedicated to traditional sustainable farming. “A Glimpse of Nature and Sustainable Heritage Farming” will re-acquaint some older folks and teach younger folks about tried-and-true practices from the
past that are still popular today with those farmers who work in harmony with their farm and soil. Don’t be surprised if this column gets your hands a little dirty, as the author is writing the column while doing his own farm chores, the sustainable way. I wasn’t going to comment about the whole Duck Dynasty fiasco and Phil Robertson’s remarks in an interview with GQ Magazine, but it seems the extremes on both sides won’t let it go. First, I must say that I have several friends who are gay, but I do not believe one of them would agree with trying to silence anyone’s expression of his beliefs. It is ok to disagree with someone, and it is also ok to offend someone. In fact, if you have a strong opinion about anything, you can bet you are offending someone. I say, “Too Bad!,” you have nor have you been granted a right “not to be” offended. I believe the losers in this confrontation was the organization GLAAD and A&E. GLAAD is a vocal minority when it comes to viewership and ratings, which A&E cares about very much. So why would they cower to GLAAD in the first
place? Because it has become expected in progressive/liberal society—it almost has come to the point when any protected minority decides that they want to stir up trouble, they become “offended” and think their civil rights have been violated. Grow the hell up I say. When society or government creates a “protected or privileged” group that is a minority, it creates resentment. Resentment lives just under the surface, simmering away until an opportune time, them it explodes. GLAAD has expended all of the forethought political clout that the news media and leftist said they had to control the minority from speaking out over double standards or protected status. I don’t think they will be able to bully any more networks into removing stories that portrayed their cause in a negative light, or forcing a puff piece to lend them credibility. A&E lost because they wanted to push an agenda and took on a massive audience who will NOT be intimidated by a vocal and loudmouthed minority. The bottom line with this is like I said on day one, the market will dictate the outcome of this and it did. A&E managed to anger the fans of the show, and now in cowering to their ratings and the buck, they have and will further anger militant gay activists. The group that I think about most though is that group of gay friends. They would never have even considered the bullying tactics of GLAAD. In fact, except for their sexual orientation, they pretty much do what I do every day. They get up, go to work, and try to make a living. I fear for their treatment with the backlash that is coming and has already started. I could care less about GLAAD and A&E, but my friends, as well as the two entities will be feeling it either directly or indirectly, and that is a shame for my friends, they don’t deserve it. Being Libertarian, I am already predisposed to not judge others based on their difference from me, but I darn sure will
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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.
judge you based on your actions. That is my God given right, and you may do the same to me. But we can not seek to silence one another as we both are allowed to speak our piece and have an opinion. So any glimmer of hope that some may have had for me to be less opinionated in 2014, don’t hold your breath. I will say what I feel, when I feel, without apology, and if that is upsetting to some, I can’t help you. One of my favorite parts of this gift giving season was the generous gifts from my Amish friends. I baked a bunch of zucchini breads to give out as gifts to the families that I have really come to be close friends with. Their allowing me into their culture is something I will cherish forever, I have learned much. I came home with far more than I delivered and all of it was absolutely delicious. Pies, canned goods, organic cereals, home made taffy, home made candy, cookies, cheese and other dairy products. We are so blessed. Our resident Bunker Boy is also married to a little southern girl who can bake up a storm and she sent over candy, cookies, buckeyes, and even a stick of deer bologna from Jared. Now I have a few more pounds to try to work off in 2014, but I am not regretting any of it, thank you friends! a
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The Valley, January 2014
AFBF Recognizes Mifflin County Farm Bureau Program The Mifflin County Farm Bureau (MCFB) is receiving national recognition from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) for a program it developed to educate third graders about agriculture. Mifflin County earned a County Activities of Excellence Award from AFBF for hosting their Third Grade Ag Tour at the Goss Family Farm, where young students learned about the diversity of Pennsylvania agriculture and factual information on how their food is produced. Mifflin County Farm Bureau was one of only 24 county Farm Bureaus recognized
nationally with this award. “We feel it is important for Farm Bureau to present a positive image of production agriculture,” said Mifflin County Farm Bureau President Frank Bonson. “Our tour strives to give an accurate, realistic image of production agriculture by showing the care farmers provide to their animals.” The day on the farm attracted approximately 450 students from public and private school as well as home schooled students. Students visited 22 stations (staffed by farmer volunteers and business leaders) that touched on the diver-
sity of Pennsylvania agriculture, including crop farming, animal housing, agronomy, dairy farming, and food safety. This event requires approximately 100 to 125 volunteers and financial supports. Some of these volunteers and financial supports have helped with all 15 years of the program’s existence. Farm Bureau noted that even though Mifflin County is largely a rural area, many students attending the Farm tour did not have a farm background. “Often this is the first and only visit to a farm for some of these students. The
farm visit gives these future consumers a positive experience with the agricultural industry,” added Bonson. This tour is incorporated into the third grade agricultural science curriculum in the Mifflin County School District. Although the tour is only one day, students may receive spelling words related to the tour and use the tour for English class in writing thank you notes to the host farm family, station presenters, and tour guides. As an award winner, members of the MCFB set up a display at the PA Farm Bureau annual
meeting in Hershey. Additionally, some members of the MCFB will travel to San Antonio, Texas to display an informational exhibit of the county activity program during AFBF’s Annual Meeting in January. Mifflin County Farm Bureau is an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and AFBF. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization with a volunteer membership of more than 58,300 farm and rural families, representing farms of every size and commodity across Pennsylvania. a
In one of our very first issues we published this wood heat value chart to help those just getting started with heating their homes or businesses with wood heat. We have had numerous requests from newer readers to print the chart once again, so here it is.
As all wood is not created equal, we wanted to give our readers some ammunition when questioning a supplier as to which type of wood they would be purchasing. A good price on a load of Elm for instance, is perhaps not as good a deal as a decent price on a
load of Oak or Maple, if your only use is for heat. Most suppliers will sell you “mixed” hardwood, so find out what is in the mix before purchasing. Of course, there are other very important questions like the length of the pieces, (they have
to fit in your stove) and whether the wood is seasoned or green. And trust me here, I have been burning wood for heat most of my life, do yourself a favor, and stay two years ahead of your needs in stacked firewood. If you do this you will have many less
headaches and a great experience providing your own heat and making one step closer to selfreliance. Plus with wood you can afford to control the inside temp by opening or closing a window, it is always warm! a
Wood Heat Value Chart
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The Valley, January 2014
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WROL Homestead Security As we enter the doldrums of winter, which I have to say is my least favorite time of year, we have plenty of time to make preparations for what the New Year may bring us. One topic I’ve been giving a lot of thought to lately is home security. What if the time would come where all security for your homestead and all protection of your family would rest solely on your shoulders? I’m speaking of a scenario Without Rule Of Law (WROL) and of a scenario that isn’t really that hard to imagine. In his book Prepper’s Home Defense, Jim Cobb mentions four categories of people that he deems as possible aggressors in a WROL scenario. The first group in this category is basically your friends, neighbors, and family members
who basically called you crazy and laughed at your emergency preparedness plans, but will be the first ones at your door begging for food. This group will be the hardest to deal with. The second group the author mentions will be the looters. You’ve seen the many pictures of the lowlifes looting stores and stealing TVs in the aftermath of a natural disaster. In a WROL scenario, it probably won’t be your TV they’re coming after. This group will travel in packs, be well armed, and have one intention: to take what you have by any means necessary. There is only one way to deal with this group. The third group consists of those with power. They will do whatever they have to to hold onto that power. There will never
be a more opportune time than this to implement Martial Law. Your rights as citizens could be suspended and your property confiscated for the greater good. Dissidents will be rounded up and “Stop and Frisk” will be the norm. Still wondering why your local law enforcement agencies are acquiring armored vehicles and
paramilitary equipment under the direction of Homeland Security? The last group mentioned will be those on some form of anti-depressant or anti-psychotic medication. Just imagine what it will be like when no medication will be available. There will be no reasoning with these individuals and the potential for them to cause harm to themselves or others will be very high. I will also include in this group those who are severely addicted to narcotics, whether they be legal or illegal. These people will be very desperate for a fix. This could be the Zombie Apocalypse. Securing your property and protecting your family will be a high, if not the highest, priority in a worst-case, WROL, Stuff Hitting The Fan, whatever-you-wantto-call-it scenario. If the time should ever come where there is
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no rule of law and where there is no police protection, all responsibility for security will be yours. According to the research that I’ve done on this topic, one of the best and easiest way to start implementing security measures is to look at it in rings or circles. Place yourself, your family, your home in the center of the first ring. This ring is personal. This is where you will make your last stand. The next ring consists of the outside walls of your home to your fence line or area within 100 feet of your home. This is what is often referred to as the “intimate” perimeter. The second ring will be the “distant” perimeter and it consists of the area surrounding your property and up to a mile beyond. My next few articles are going to look at ways to secure your home and property. For obvious reasons, I’m going to use a friend’s home as an example. I want to look at ways to “harden” your home, a few ways to secure your immediate “intimate” perimeter, and also a few ways, with the combined effort of others, on how set up what I’ll call a rural neighborhood watch to secure the outer ring. a
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The Valley, January 2014
Tea for Two and You for Tea We country folk (and everyone else whose work is more out than in) know one thing for sure about winter. The work doesn’t stop just because it’s cold and the ground is frozen. Sometimes we’re outside in January almost as often as in July. And just as a sparkling class of iced tea can help to cool us down from summer’s heat, there’s nothing like a strong mug of piping hot tea to help to thaw you out when you come in out of the weather this time of the year. However, there’s more than one way to brew a good “cuppa” – as our British cousins say – and more than one plant to brew it from. Say the word tea and the majority of us will automatically think of the tag and string attached to a little white bag containing the mysterious something that dunked in hot water yields up a pleasantly bitter drink. At its most basic, the little bag contains the dried and crushed leaves of a plant known to us simply as tea. A member of the camellia family favored for its leaves rather than its flowers, Camellia sinensis has been grown for more than 1700 years in China, spreading to other parts of Asia where its’ stimulating properties brought it to the attention of European travelers anxious to make their fortunes by bringing the exotic to the people back home. Beginning in the early 1600s, fortunes were indeed to be made shipping tea from China (hence the old saying, “Not for all the tea in China”), with the new beverage gaining favor in Europe and particularly in England. By the 1700s, tea had become an important commodity to British trade, a veritable necessity to British life and entered British politics when certain elements in the British parliament came up
with a sure fire way to make a bit of ready cash by taxing the tea imported into the American colonies. Of course this annoyed the tea drinking colonists to no end (No Taxation Without Representation! among other peeves) and the Tea Tax was trumpeted as the final straw laid on by a tyrannical government. Which brings us to the actual point of this article: what did all of those loyal, American Revolutionaries drink when the tea went into Boston Harbor and drinking China tea was frowned upon as unpatriotic? They- many of them, anyway- simply went back to drinking the herbal teas that they had brewed up long before the Asian variety came on the scene. Homely brews, such as catnip tea - a European native long naturalized in the colonies - were now poured into elegant china cups as the ritual of tea drinking continued despite the grim realities of the Revolutionary War. Of course, times change, tastes change, and China tea made its come back only to be outpaced by another stimulating plant – coffee. Still, what goes around, comes around and those same herbal teas that once poured out of Colonial teapots have regained popularity over the past few decades. No longer the domain of hippies and health freaks, every grocery store now carries attractively boxed tea bags filled with herbs and herbs mixed with spices, fruit, flowers and – well – tea, all ready for your drinking
pleasure. But, and this being The Valley, you had to know there was a “but” coming, why not grow your own herbs for tea? No new idea here since most of us are probably doing just that and many of us have always done it (the ageing hippies and health freaks who really just knew a good thing when they tasted it), but some of the new comers to the world of selfsufficiency may like to hear about what us old timers have been up to in the nonalcoholic drink line. If you’re so inclined, please read on. The advantages of local food – safe, dependable, do it yourself, take care of the family and the neighbors – includes herbs. It’s just one step from the stew pot to the tea pot, and it’s surprising how many herbs and other plants that we grow for cooking can also be used for drinking. Over the next few months, we are going to take a look at some of the different types of plants to use for beverages– both hot and cold – and a bit about how to grow and prepare them. For now, let’s start with a brief bit of ground work. The word tea started out as the Chinese word usually written ch’a in the Western alphabet and
it referred specifically to the drink made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. During its travels into the English language, the word went from ch’a to chaw to tcha to tay to tee to tea. Look tea up in a dictionary and one eventually gets to “…any of various other infusions, usually made with leaves, blossoms, or chopped stems used medicinally or as beverages: mint tea, etc….
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such leaves, blossoms, etc., so used…such a plant.” This is our particular area of interest and please note that when the tea in question is made from something other than the original Chinese shrub, we qualify it: mint tea, catnip tea, sage tea and so on. This is a good habit to get into. Often in rural areas, any pleasing, aromatic plant that made a
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remember whenever we reject Him in any way we too forfeit the peace we could otherwise enjoy. Why struggle with all kinds of anxieties when one of the fruits of the Spirit is peace ! All that’s required to enjoy it is to truly know Him as your Savior and allow Him to rule your heart. Have you allowed Him to control you today? Next seal three is opened and with that comes forth the rider on the black horse and “he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, ‘A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” (6:5-6). Now I realize this is a time of year most are more weight conscious and the Christmas cookies are trying to be exercised off but when this seal is
opened the diet industry will be bankrupt for food will be extremely scarce. Millions of tons of food are thrown away each year in America but here the warning is see you don’t waste what little is around then. Here we note the absence of real fullness ! This year many folks will try to find satisfaction through various means but truth is only Christ can do that for He made us all. How did trying to find fulfillment in things work out for you last year? Why not plan this year to cultivate spiritual appetites and get involved in a good Bible teaching church and serving in it? Why not fill your mind with great Christian music and literature instead of the junk Hollywood typically churns out? Instead of complaining about the world around you, make yourself useful this year to the Lord and make a resolution to do less complaining and more doing for Him! Then, lets note the fourth seal and it’s horse and rider. This “pale” horse would not “ooh” and “aah” any crowd at the Kentucky Derby let alone Belleville ! It looks sickly in it’s yellowishgreen tone. It does because it aptly illustrates death and near death conditions. When this seal is unleashed one-fourth of the
earth’s population will die ! By today’s standards that’s pushing two billions folks. Imagine the devastation by such calamity. One of the instruments of this rider to wield such destruction is the sword the greek language calls the rhomphaia. This is a large sword often worn by a soldier on his right shoulder. His aim is wholesale killing, period. As the rider trots along on his horse his weapon is meant to swoop down and do as much damage as quickly as possible. This seal depicts the absence of real life ! By way of application, our tongues can be like those deadly weapons as cross words go forth and do much damage severing what would be otherwise healthy relationships and embittering folks. Jesus said “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt.12:34). The key in speaking well is making sure the heart is first controlled by Him ! Is it? Really? Make this a great year that your words build up not tear down others and it will be a truly Happy New Year. Look into the future and you will find great encouragement even in the “ugly” to have God use you to make something truly wondrous this coming year! a
able to do so small a thing as that why do you worry about the rest.” Luke 12:25-26 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
“You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you. So, trust the Lord always, because he is our Rock forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 So rest easy and give thanks to God—sometimes it’s only in the still of the night that we have
time to remind ourselves of who God is and how much HE loves us. May we all celebrate the gift of a new year filled with new opportunities and adventures. Wishing you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year! a
Encouragement from the Book of Revelation by Pastor J. C. Reese In chapters 1-3 of Revelation we see the Lord and what He says to the churches. In chapters 4-5 we see a glimpse of heaven. Now we turn back to the earth as chapter 6 begins and peer into the future as Christ begins to remove the seals of the book revealing what’s ahead as related to us in the remainder of Revelation. It’s a new year ! What lies ahead for you? Wouldn’t you like to know? I would imagine if Adam and Eve could’ve looked down through time to see what would happen in this world due to their sin they wouldn’t have been so quick to choose wrong. Not long ago I saw a couple of teens smoking and having just lost my father to that habit I lovingly warned them to which they responded they would seriously take to heart my words. Sometimes the “uglier” side of things can be good
for us to ponder. Let’s consider the first four seals as we look at the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. The first two riders comprise seals one and two and the image is of war or another way to say it is an absence of real peace: “And I saw, and behold a white horse and he that sat on him had a bow. . .and he went forth conquering and to conquer.” (6:2). The second horse is red “and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth” (6:4). When the rapture of the church happens (the next event in prophecy) the world will begin seven years of great tribulation and peace will no longer be enjoyed on the scale it is today. Why such carnage here? Man has rejected God and though Satan seeks death, God will be using even this lack of peace to draw men to Himself. But this year
In The Still of the Night As we face the start of a New Year maybe we have a lot of fears and anxieties about what is to come in 2014. Maybe things we did not accomplish last year are weighing on us, financial stress is nagging at us, or disappointments of failed attempts are burdening us. Either way, at the end of New Years Eve, the sun will give its last sleepy wink to the world as the moon slips into view. The quiet shimmer of darkness will close around our homes and we will settle in for the evening and at some point find ourselves facing the night and crawling into bed just like we did every night in 2013. Sleep is our recharge time and is great for us; however, when times of disappointment, fear and uncertainty seem to be the norm
in our lives, it can be hard to find rest and to be refreshed for the next day that awaits us. In those still moments of those restless nights, instead of being stressed and letting the pain in life cover you like a lead blanket, remind yourself to be still and know that God is God. His thoughts are not our thoughts and we will not understand all his decisions or His master plan. But that’s ok, because there in the still of the night, if we “listen” with our hearts, we can hear whispers of peace and love soothing us reminding us to rest. “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-31 “Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not
OBSERVATIONS . . . of an OLD MAN We are living in divisive times, we are challenged daily to discern. What are my thoughts? POSITIVES NEGATIVES Love Hate Sharing/Caring Greed/Selfish Light Darkness Understanding Judgmental Compassion Cruelty Joy Sadness Good Evil Trust Fear
God is: Love, Caring, Sharing
Evil is: Fear, Greed, Hate
Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious; If there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise; Think about these things Philippians 4:8
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Peter J. Moses
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The Valley, January 2014
Adventures on Our Nourishing Journey by Sue Burns
All Things White And Wonderful Snowmen & Coconut Something feels out of sync. Everyday for over a week I have had the privilege to stroll amidst the land of “snowmen” and palm trees. Normally these two wonders of nature do not hang out together. Yet this unique co-habitation is a winter wonder we witness this time of year when my husband and I venture to Arizona to visit our daughter and her family. Granted, the little white round men I encounter do resemble “Frosty” as they boast completeness with “two eyes made out of coal,” but alas they are impostors, for as you can guess, here in the warm western desert, snowmen must be represented by the plug in variety composed of wire and white lights. They seemingly sit proudly in the homeowner’s yard to celebrate the winter season, yet this Pennsylvania gal is a bit taken aback and amused, for they share space right alongside majestic palm trees and lush planters of petunias. This scenario makes me think of that popular song from Sesame Street, “one of these things just doesn’t belong.” No, a snowman in the desert is just wrong and does not belong. Hmm. I chuckle to myself, and as I continue walking, I begin to stir up a mental challenge wondering how many things I can think of that are naturally white and wonderful such as the freshly fallen snow from which a REAL snowman is born. I also envisioned crisp clean sheets, a brides special dress, big puffy clouds, soft cotton balls, a fresh piece of chalk, a new stack of computer paper, a pot of daisies, life saving white out, crisply ironed dress shirts, and
finally; I must include my favorite white foods in this listing such as chicken, eggs, rice, onions, garlic, cauliflower, fish, milk, vanilla anything, and last but not least, my all time go-to white food, COCONUT. The thought of fresh coconut causes me to look skyward toward all those palm tress that were towering above. Nope, I did not see any dangling brown spheres. Wonder why? “Can coconuts grow in Arizona?” I ask my son–in-law and daugh-
ter when I arrive back at their home. “No, this climate is not hot enough or wet enough to support the coconut palm tree. They like tropical weather best,” says my son-in-law. Ah, yes, coconuts are a tropical product, which means that coconut oil is a tropical oil. In case you have not noticed, over the past 30 years, conventional medicine has coupled with the food industry to warn us of the health dangers of consuming tropical oils because they are a saturated fat (which usually gets wrongly lumped together with trans fat). In fact, I still get quite a few surprised looks when I speak of the virtues of coconut, for it seems that it is looked upon with a bit of confusion and skepticism just like an Arizona “snowman.” Logic reveals that since coconut is high in fat we should steer clear of it, right? WRONG! Since the 1980’s we have been fed a malnourished diet of low fat information including the political propaganda stating
that tropical oils such as coconut and palm oil are dangerous to our health. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. See the August 2003 issue of Consumers’ Research, vol. 86 no. 8., How a PR Campaign Led to Unhealthy Diets by Beatrice Trum Hunter for a detailed account. Suffice it to say, coconut products are brimming with health-promoting benefits that extend far beyond those sweetened sticky shreds found in bags in the baking aisle. Take a look below at some of its white and wonderful ways. I bet you might just find a place for it to belong in your food pantry. • The products from the coconut palm have been recognized as a top immune booster, antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral and antibacterial remedy for thousands of years all over the world. But, it has been only recently that modern researchers have begun to unearth the numerous coconut health benefits of this miraculous fruit. • As one example, according to a World War II online forum, it was discovered that coconut water (not to be confused with coconut milk) is the perfect substitute for human blood plasma. It is isotonic to our own blood, has the right electrolytes, and won’t be rejected by the body. If taken straight from the coconut it’s also sterile. War doctors soon began tapping the fluid from coconuts and using it for plasma transfusions. Surprisingly, this treatment was (and remains) highly successful. • Thousands of research studies have shown that because of its strong antioxidant properties and health benefits, products from
coconuts can be used to: • Lower cholesterol • Improve digestion • Ward off wrinkles • Stabilize glucose levels • Fight off viruses • Build cells • Regulate hormones • Increase thyroid production • Lose weight • Increase metabolism • Fight infections • Improve memory • Kill bacteria An Arizona Snowman stored. In addition, coconut meat Coconut products include is high in manganese; a nutrient coconut flesh, coconut water, needed by the body to metabococonut milk, coconut cream, lize protein and fat and helps the coconut butter, coconut flour, and body make use of vitamin E, iron coconut oil. Here is a short run and thiamine. It can also help to down of what they have to offer ensure that our body has stable and where you can find them. levels of blood sugar in addition • Coconut Flesh – Granted, to assisting with immune and one cup of coconut meat contains nervous system function. Other about 27 grams of saturated fat, important nutrients in coconut yet this fat is very special. It is a meat include copper and potasmedium chain fatty acid, (rather sium. Copper helps to produce our than a long chain fatty acid, sense of taste and in creating red commonly found in many other blood cells. Potassium helps to foods). Medium chain fatty acids maintain the proper level of fluids do not affect cholesterol levels and they are used more quickly Continued on page 11 for energy rather than being
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NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS ANYONE? Welcome to 2014! How did you ring it in? A big party with tons of strangers or a small intimate gathering with close friends? Or, better yet, did you just stay home in the comfort of your warm and cozy house and watch the ball drop on TV? Ok, raise your hand if you fell asleep before midnight? I’m sure many of you 5AM risers did! No matter how you welcomed it in, I hope you wished for a healthy and
prosperous year ahead! We could use plenty of each in 2014. I have a friend who’s had her share of health struggles in the last couple of years, and an especially hard time this holiday season (Christmas at Hershey Medical Center) so for her especially, I hope 2014 is healthy, happy, and wealthy! It’s tradition across Pennsylvania to eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day to ensure
prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. The abundantly fatty pig and sauerkraut symbolize wealth and good luck for the coming year, as the pig also stands for “progress as a forward-rooting and forward-thinking animal (its four hooves all point toward the front). Slavic superstition also dictates that you should eat the long, skinny threads of sauerkraut to give you a long life—smart thinking when you consider the probiotics and other wonderfully healthy byproducts of the fermented cabbage.1” If you want to know how the sauerkraut is made by our local country folk, pop on over to Rebecca Harrop’s article, “Life on the East End,” where she fully
describes the process her family goes through to make the good stuff. Sure wish I was having my pork and sauerkraut at her house this year. I LOVE homemade kraut! YUM!! Now, on to that other New Year’s tradition. No, I’m not talking about naps and football. I’m talking about resolutions. You know the things some people swear they will never make, and others who make them every year, but never follow through. I thought it would be fun to take a look at some statistics on New Year’s Resolutions and see just how many people are making them and how many are
keeping their promises. I know I am making one resolution this year—write my story and start proofreading this newspaper earlier in the month so I don’t have to work so hard on the weekends that the paper is due to be uploaded to the printer! a
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The Valley, January 2014
Ein grusz zu alle thal lases Hello to all The Valley readers from the nook of Hillside Orchard where it snows in the winter time and the people sleep at night. It’s hard to believe we are already putting up 2014 calenders. That means we are in the darkest of the four seasons. Isn’t it funny how when we were little, time seemed to go at a snails’ pace, but as we get older it seems to move along faster every year? I remember when I was little it seemed sooo long from one Christmas to another, but not anymore! Sometimes one can almost get caught up thinking about the carefree days of our childhood when our biggest concern was making sure we got the biggest piece of pie. One thing I can remember really well from my childhood is doing chores in the winter time after dark in the barn. Then I had to travel the distance between the house and the barn with fear chasing me dashing inside and slamming the door shut right in the face of an imaginary monster. But the truth is that time is one of the few things that doesn’t have a reverse. While most certainly there are thorns along the road of getting older, there are roses too. We are also free to choose, we can focus on the roses, or we can wallow in self-pity and just notice the thorns—you can choose. There are a lot of things in this world that we cannot change, however, we are in full control of our attitude. I once heard the comment that it is the young people that say that the world has changed a lot. But it is not going to change me. Those people will be tomorrow’s leaders. I never voted and I usually don’t pay too much attention to politics, however, I have to agree with Senator Rand Paul’s statement that this country’s problems are deeper than political. The following was taken from the Snyder County Times letters to the editor section, submitted by Art Keller: Not long ago my 95 year old mother gave me a note out of her Bible because of her concern on where America was heading. She
did not know where she got it or who wrote it. I in turn am sharing it with the readers of this paper to ponder, to think about. The average life of the worlds great democracies has been 200 years. During this period each has progressed through the following sequences,
so we don’t contaminate the water with oil. A set of ice tongs and a
2 or 3 horse powered wagon and go to work. What is cool about it is, it helps keep you warm when you work to put it away in the winter and then it keeps things cold in the summer. I will leave you with this thought. Some people are like wheel barrows, they have to be pushed and are easily upset.
1. From bondage to spiritual faith. 2. From spiritual faith to great courage. 3. From great courage to liberty. 4. From liberty to abundance. 5. From abundance to selfishness. 6. From selfishness to complacency. 7. From complacency to apathy. 8. From apathy to dependency, and 9. From dependency back to bondage. I believe we are at number 8, but let’s not forget to be thankful for what we still have and remember that nothing happens that the Lord doesn’t allow to happen. This is also the time of year that seed catalogs start coming out of the mailboxes full swing with their brightly colored pictures of fruits, vegetables and flowers, which is enough to brighten up the most dreary day. This is also a good time of year to sit down and munch on the blessings that the Lord has provided while planning next seasons crops. I have learned over the years that if you want to get fruit trees, it’s best to order early for best selection. It will soon be time to fill our refrigerator for the summer. It is a 10 X 12 X 8 ice box. We put our refrigeration away in the winter for the summer. I’ll give some detail on how we make this cordless refrigeration work. We wait till the pond has 5 or more inches of ice on it, then we use a chain saw and take the chain lubricant out,
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Auf Wiedersehen a
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even make it to States is amazing, let alone place second of 26. Although Leanna had quite a fan club already at the event, one special moment other than her win at States was that her boyfriend Jonathan MacDonald surprised her and showed up to watch. He must be her lucky charm. Sabrina Boring, 18-year-old daughter of Troy and Marilynn Boring from Belleville, won Grand Champion Senior Rider in the Keyhole Horse Class.
The “Key” to Success
In October 2013 4-H Horse Club members from all over Pennsylvania competed at the State 4-H Horse Show in Harrisburg. Several members from our surrounding counties qualified to attend the event. Members must compete at the County level and District level where they must place high enough to qualify for the State show. Three girls from Mifflin County competed in one of the events called Raised Boxed Keyhole Race. In this event, the exhibitors run their horse to a 12 ft x 12 ft raised box keyhole located at the opposite end of the arena. They enter the keyhole between the center two entry/ exit cones spaced 4 ft apart. Once inside the raised box keyhole, the exhibitor must turn their horse a 180 degree turn and exit through
is a 13-year-old Arabian/Quarter Horse cross owned by Kristie Weaver. Leanna has been in the Mifflin County 4-H Horse Club for two years. This was her first year to qualify for the State Horse Show. Leanna was happy and proud of Shamy. She says “Shamy always gives it everything she’s got and then some. She’s an amazing pony.” This was the horse’s first year gaming and to
the same two entry/exit cones. A three second penalty will be assessed if either of the two required entrance cones are knocked over (both cones - 6 seconds). Mifflin County 4-H Horse Club members Sabrina Boring, Baylee Hesketh and Leanna Baker found the “Key to Success” in 2013 in this event. Leanna Baker, 16-year-old daughter of Brian Baker and Holly Hill from Reedsville, won Reserve Grand Champion Pony in the Keyhole Class. Her Leanna Baker Photo courtesy Wendy MacDonald horse Shamy
Hesketh, won Grand Champion Junior Rider in the Keyhole Horse Class. Baylee, previously from Belleville, recently moved to James Creek and attends Huntingdon Area Middle School. Four years ago she joined the Mifflin County 4-H and began riding Cinnamon, a 23-year-old pigeon toed quarter horse mare owned by her pap, Terry Weaver. Baylee has qualified for Districts all four years and also made it to States in 2011, where she placed 4th in Keyhole. This year was special because her sister Savanna, riding her pony, Izzy, also competed in two classes. Savanna was in Pole Bending and Cloverleaf Barrels, finSabrina Boring Photo courtesy of Excalibur Photograishing 10th in phy -Eric Hardesty the pole class. Baylee was thankful to be Sabrina and her 10-year-old Paint able to share the experience and Gelding, Out Smokin Hickory, for everyone that has helped make also placed 7th in the Barrel Race. it possible such as her pap, Ike, She has been in 4-H for ten years Cathy, Kristie, her mom and dad, and has qualified for States eight and the 4-H leaders. years in a row. In 2007 she was Congratulations to these 5th in reining, 2008 2nd in trail, three great ladies and their horses. 2009 5th in reining, 2010 1st in Wishing all of the hard working keyhole, 2011 2nd in keyhole, and PA 4-H Horse Club Members 2012 3rd in poles, 4th in keyhole “great rides” in 2014. a and 6th in barrels. With school and her work schedule Sabrina is not sure if she will compete her last year of eligibility in the 4-H Horse Club. If she does decide 2013 was her last year in 4-H, this win was an amazing way to end her 4-H career. It meant a lot to Sabrina that she had several friends and family at the State Horse Show to support her. Baylee Hesketh, 14-year-old daughter Baylee Hesketh courtesy of Excalibur Photography -Eric Hardesty of Tera and Scott
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The Valley, January 2014 All Things White and Wonderful from page 7 in the cells and maintain sodium levels. Reduce your sugar load by selecting unsweetened coconut flakes and shreds. Then you will enjoy a true coconut taste. They add a delicious touch to fresh fruit, salads, yogurt, smoothies and cereal to name a few. Some local grocery stores and health food stores are now carrying unsweetened coconut flakes. • Coconut Water – The coconut is a natural water filter. It takes almost 9 months for a coconut to filter every quart of water stored within its shell. This makes the resulting coconut water completely pure and sterile, which is one reason why it can be used for blood transfusions. Another benefit of coconut water is the fact that it has the highest concentration of electrolytes than anything else found in nature. This makes it an excellent source of hydration. Much better than any mad made sports drink. Coconut water can be found located with the juice or bottled water in most grocery stores. • Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream - What is the difference? Coconut milk has the liquid consistency of cow’s milk and is made from simmering one part shredded coconut in one part water. Coconut milk is the basis of most Thai curries. Coconut cream is much thicker and richer. It is made from simmering four parts shredded coconut in one part water. The cream that rises to the top of a can of coconut milk is also considered coconut cream. You can make a vegan version of whipped cream which happens to
be really easy and delicious, simply by placing a can of coconut milk (full fat) in the refrigerator overnight and then scooping out and whipping the solid part. There will be about ½ cup of thin liquid remaining in the can. Do not use this for the whipped cream. You can save this liquid and use it in another recipe such as a smoothie. Add 2-3 Tablespoons of a sweetener of your choice and a dash of vanilla or other flavoring, whip it for a few minutes and you have a creamy and luscious whipped topping. Coconut milk and Coconut cream can be found in the baking aisle of most major grocery stores. • Coconut Cream Concentrate or Coconut Butter - To make coconut butter, the dried coconut meat is ground very finely, giving it a creamy consistency due to its high fat content, much like other nut butters. Since it is 70% fat, it is a rich source of pure coconut oil. Note: this is a food, not a cooking oil. I have only been able to find coconut butter online. As of this writing, Wegmans in State College does not carry it. You can make your own if you have a Vita Mix. • Coconut Flour- Coconut flour is a gluten free “flour” that is essentially dried coconut in powdered form. It is made from the coconut solids that are left over after the meat has been used to produce coconut milk. The solids are ground into a very fine, flour-like powder. The flour is popular for gluten free and low-carb baking, since it is low in carbohydrates and very high in fiber. Coconut flour does have a coconut scent and will impart a coconut flavor to baked goods,
especially baked goods that don’t include any other strongly flavored ingredients, such as spices or cocoa powder. As I mentioned before, this might be a negative for people who don’t particularly like the flavor of coconut. Unlike some gluten-free flours, coconut flour is not easy to substitute into regular recipes that don’t already use it. This is because it absorbs a tremendous amount of liquid, so you will find that a 1:1 substitution for flour will be far too dry. Most coconut flour recipes recommend using at least an equivalent amount of liquid to the amount of coconut flour. Coconut flour recipes also typically use far more eggs than similar standard recipes. So, if you want to incorporate it into your baking, you may want to start with working small amounts – 10-20% – of coconut flour into other recipes to get a feel for it, and plan to experiment a little bit to get a feel for the flour and to get the results you want. I really like the flavor of coconut flour in the products I have made. I have found coconut flour at our local health food store, Nature’s Harmony. • Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is considered the best and safest oil to use for cooking even superior to extra virgin olive oil because of its high smoke point. Unlike other fats and oils that we typically use for cooking and baking, coconut oil does not form dangerous trans fatty acids in our bodies, which can raise our cholesterol levels; clog our arteries and even make our skin sag and wrinkle. Plus this superior oil can give our body important antioxidants that can help build cells and improve our overall health and well be-
Guest editorial The Constitution is meaningless by C. Bailey Preamble: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” The Constitution is nothing more than words on paper when “the people” sit idly by and do nothing when its words are ignored and violated by its elected
officials. In the final analysis “the people” decide what is acceptable, not politicians or the courts. Revolutions occur when the rulers or governments cross the red line of tyranny and make the people angry enough to take decisive action. Read the Declaration of Independence for the reasons the colonies refused British rule. The President before he entered on the Execution of his Office, shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Public officials all over this country swear to uphold the Constitution. Yet, far too many of them, violate that oath almost at will with little, if any, consequence. Politicians lying to their constituents is nothing new. The Obama administration has taken it to a higher level. In fact, they have turned into an art. Obama, like dictators, tyrants and other misguided individuals before him, need co-conspirators to carry out his plan to “funda-
ing. In addition to being best for cooking and baking, coconut oil also makes a wonderful topical oil that can help to naturally rid the skin of dangerous toxins. It also gives the skin the perfect mix of hydration and antioxidants that it needs to stay healthy, smooth and younger-looking longer. I keep a second container of coconut oil in my bathroom to use on cuts as well as dry skin. Works wonders! Another great benefit of coconut oil is in protecting your teeth from the bacteria that can cause cavities and disease. Simply rubbing a little fresh coconut oil on your gums and teeth can keep them stronger and healthier. Can coconut oil really help in weight management? Turns out it can! Research shows that coconut oil aids in thyroid function and is thus a boost to metabolism. On the other hand, unsaturated fats found in canola, corn and other vegetable oils suppress metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. Coconut oil can be found in most large grocery stores and health food stores. Although I love the flavor of coconut, I don’t want my scrambled eggs to taste like it, so I choose the “neutral” variety of oil for cooking and baking, but if you are like my husband and are okay with the natural aroma and flavor, look for the regular version. Here is a fast, easy and tasty recipe using coconut flakes, coconut flour and coconut oil. I made this several times over the holidays and will be sure to repeat it into the new year. I usually double the recipe. No Bake Pumpkin, Chocolate, Coconut Macaroons recipe by George Bryant- www.
If you are intrigued in exploring more into the white and wonderful world of coconuts, go to www.coconutresearchcenter. com where you will encounter Bruce Fife N.D. and his fascinating books and research on all things coconut. Also check out www.tropicaltraditions.com where you will find many high quality coconut products. Snowmen in the desert and coconut oil in the food pantry may both seem a bit out of place at first. but I guarantee that once you encounter them. they are sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Happy New Year to You and Yours in this White and Wonderful World Resources: http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/coconut-healthbenefits#ixzz2nIXTbhaa http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org http://www.med-health.net/Coconut-Meat.html http://bakingbites.com/2013/08/ what-is-coconut-flour a
mentally transform” America. Obviously, he has an endless supply of them. He also needs a vast propaganda machine, which he easily found in the main stream media (sending thrills up their legs). He also needs a legislative body, justice department, police force and military to carry out his directives. He has all of these at his disposal. Have you noticed that nearly everything Obama touches turns into a pile of dung. Whether it be healthcare (ObamaCare), foreign policy (Libya, Syria, Egypt, Russia, China), fiscal policy (taxes, stimulus) or energy policy (electricity, green energy, coal and oil). He is spending us into bankruptcy. The coup that started many decades ago when liberals and socalled progressives highjacked our schools, colleges, media, justice
system and courts with little opposition from the conservative majority is now in a full-speed ahead mode. With the election of Obama, an all out assault on the Constitution and the American way of life as envisioned by our founders is nearing its conclusion. Is this inevitable? It appears to be. Can it be reversed? Maybe. But it will take time and a Herculean effort. Will the conservative majority get off of the couch and do what is necessary? Only you can answer that question. Perhaps America is no longer the “land of the free and the home of the brave,” but has become the “land of the slaves and the home of the sheep?” The Constitution is meaningless unless “the people,” courts, police and the military demand that their politicians adhere to it. a
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civilizedcavemancooking.com 1 Cup Shredded Coconut – (unsweetened) ¼ cup gluten free flour such as almond flour or coconut flour ¼ cup Coco Powder Pinch of Sea Salt 1 tsp Cinnamon ¼ Cup Pumpkin ¼ Cup Raw Honey ¼ Cup Crushed Pecans (optional) 2 T Coconut Oil (melted) Put all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Roll into balls or scoop with a spoon onto a plate and refrigerate until firm. Makes appox. 16 small balls.
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Change Your Thoughts- Change Your Life Families who face life together as a strong team will find it easier to handle life’s emergencies and big decisions. But that’s easier said than done. Often a family races through life, out of control, just getting places, living within a budget, and hoping for the best. When a family disaster strikes, the family’s strength is tested. Can you talk things out, create a plan, form a team – with couples and other family members working as one? What if one of you becomes ill, develops an addiction, or suffers a great loss? Will the adult partners support one another? If there are children, will they be part of the support group or feel left behind? As a family and relationship coach, I’ve seen this happen many
times. An illness, accident, or financial disaster can rip the heart out of a loving family – unless they have the skills to cope, support one another, and overcome family disasters. I help couples and families to develop communication skills. You can create a vision of how your family lives harmoniously together – your values, your privacy, your home life. When you agree on this vision, when you know how to share concerns and solve problems together, you will become a stronger family team, ready to face large decisions and challenges. This harmony starts with the couple, even before they commit to one another. If you want children, where you want to live, if
one wants to work at home. What about dual careers, pets, family and in-laws, and attitudes about finances, travel, and social life? As families develop and grow together, a plan for supporting and nurturing one another can keep you on track, no matter what challenges arise. You will learn to solve problems without anger. How to negotiate kindly and listen intently. You can meet one another’s needs and create an atmosphere of love and safety. Make a resolution to work on developing a stronger, more understanding relationship this year. I have an exercise that can help you get started on the road to creating a stronger family. As Dr. Stephen Covey once
said, “If you don’t know where you’re headed, it doesn’t help to try to go there any faster.” Before embarking on this year-long journey to a better relationship, make sure you and your partner agree on the same course. And, as usual, remember to take your time – changes don’t happen overnight! Any relationship resolution may only succeed through mutual effort and communication. If the two of you can take small daily steps to improve your sex life, build intimacy, and strengthen your relationship, you will be surprised by their lasting impact! Try the following exercise to
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create that “more connected” feeling with you and your partner. Write An INTENTION STATEMENT For Your Partnership. This can be a powerful way to communicate what you want your relationship to represent: Is your focus mutual support, spiritual growth, honesty and communication, love and respect? Frame you statement, and place it in your bedroom in a visible spot. To connect with your partner even more, call or email me and I will send you a Couple’s Questionnaire to work on together to create the best 2014. And feel free to call me about scheduling a strategy session. Coachjoanie@ joanieyanusas.com / 814-7770410. a
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The Valley, January 2014
Understanding the Constitution by David Molek
Convention of States State governments and many conservatives (including me) have been vigorously pushing back against a nearly unlimited federal government. Some of us view the need to limit federal government’s overreach. The scope of our federal government’s control has reached, I believe, a tipping point. Our president centralizes government with nearly every single act he or his administration takes. Abuses of power have infiltrated nearly every level of our federal government. Our federal government has become the very thing our founders fought to defeat. The federal government has grown way beyond what was intended. It certainly seems to me that neither party is willing to limit that government. It has been obvious from day one that liberals or progressives want unlimited federal government. However, it now also seems that republicans or rino’s are likewise unwilling to restrain our federal government. I am getting the feeling that future generations are condemned to an
existence of government servitude, economic catastrophe and social class warfare. With this resistance to everexpanding federal power, there are a number of folks who are promoting a constitutional remedy that has never yet been used in our nation’s history – a convention considering constitutional amendments. If you read Article V of our Constitution, states have the power to call on Congress for a constitutional convention when two-thirds of them agree to do so. Our Constitution has been amended 27 times, all by way of congressional proposal. This second method of Convention of States was inserted for the purpose of circumventing our federal government should it become oppressive. Many of us believe it has become oppressive, especially in the last 5 years. This may be considered an emergency cord for We the People. But it also could be dangerous. Such a course requires freedom-loving Americans support state legislators who will
pursue a convention of states to propose constitutional amendments, as described in Article V of our Constitution. The Congress, it states, on the application of two-thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments which…shall be valid…as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three-fourths thereof. Those amendments would ostensibly be designed to curb federal government abuses. However, we need to remember that ANY amendments could be considered. Who knows what some of the progressive or liberal states would propose? Americans today exercise liberties no individual had experienced prior to the adoption of our original Constitution. I view these liberties as important as ever. However, as we have seen, they are indeed vulnerable. I am concerned the liberals would look to abolish our current government and replace it with another – a truly unlimited federal government. In my mind, the largest question is whether an amend-
ments convention can be limited to specific amendments or even topics. There seems to be a slight national awakening to reestablishing constitutional principles and power at the local and state levels. A decisive election is on the horizon in 2014. But taking into account current precedent, political reality and the current administration, I am not sure I want to support a convention of states at this time. It may very well be our last option to try to preserve our Constitution. We know that Congress will never relinquish one iota of power. Our problem is not an antiquated Constitution, but a federal government that has deviated from it. We really cannot fix that problem with changing or adding new rules or amendments. We really need to hold our government accountable to the rules already set forth. Once a Constitutional Convention starts, our individual rights and liberties are open for debate. I certainly do not want those people who voted for Obama deciding on my individual rights. I would
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be concerned about the soughtafter “fundamental transformation of America” under “Hope and Change”. There is a tremendous risk with a new Constitutional Convention. I am not sure I am willing to accept that risk in exchange for potential gain. If every member of the convention thought like me, I would favor it immediately. I would rather fight for the rights protected by a limited government as they are stated in our Constitution. I would love to defy the tide of tyranny, shrug off apathy, change how Washington, D.C, does business and make a stand. However, I will wait and see how the states, which have filed pre-applications for such a convention make out their case. One thing I do know for sure is that we need to stop the abuse of power by our federal government in all its branches. We need to save liberty for ourselves and our posterity. a
The Valley, January 2014
14 Poor Wills’ Valley Almanack from page 19 unlike talcum powder. It would choke you if you faced the wind with no cover over your face. We would use binder twine to run lines from the house to the various out buildings, so we could find our way back if it got too bad. Most people kept a lighted lamp in the window at night in case anyone lost might see it. On Saturday March 15, 1941, Dad had taken the horses and the enclosed sled that doubled as a school bus into town to pick up supplies. He learned that a snow plow would be clearing the road from town past our farm that evening. It was scheduled to leave town about 6:30 p.m. Well, we had a truck with an enclosed box on it that we used as a school bus when the roads were open, but this truck had been buried in a snow drift about two miles north of town since an early December blizzard. So Dad, Wally and I were going to take the horses and sled to meet the snow plow at the site of our buried truck. We figured the plow would get there around 8:00 p.m. Since we had no telephone, we had to estimate and hope. A little before 7:00 p.m., Wally and I went out to the barn to harness the horses. The weather was a balmy 35 degrees and cloudy. We hung the lantern up on a rafter and we were about to get the harness when there was a sudden crash of wind that we thought was going to take the barn down. The barn shuddered and squealed but remained intact. We immediately looked out the door we had just entered – which was on the east end of the barn – and saw a mass of churning snow. The wind was from the west to northwest. We later learned the velocity of the wind to be between 85 to 100 mph. We couldn’t see the house or a light in the house window. Wally took the lantern and we started toward where we figured the house must be located. I tried to hang on to his coat, but the wind and the choking snow was more than I could handle. The storm smothered the lantern so he dropped it and hung on to me. We missed the house but we bumped against a gatepost. The gate was open, so if we had been a foot to the left we would have passed through the gate and into miles of open country. We followed the fence back to the garage, so we knew where we were, but we still couldn’t see the house about 20 feet away. We got our bearings and made
it to the door where Dad and Mother hauled us in. We had snow under our coats and caps, under our shirts and pants, inside our socks. It was packed between my glasses and my face – no wonder I couldn’t see. We were very lucky, since it was so late in the season, we did not have a line from the barn to the house. Fancy Iced Tea By Susan Perkins Hard Times Farm, Kentucky Laurie hadn’t forgotten the joke her sister Ronda and I played on her with the pig-eye. It was late August, hot, humid, and miserable in Missouri. All three of us females in the Perkins house drew garage cleanup. No-one was in a good mood looking at the task before us. I surveyed the mess, taking note of a blue mason jar type glass sitting on the table saw. This lovely jewel had been here a while, as it was an inch deep with flies and bugs. I studied on that evil trick Ronda and I pulled on Laurie last May. “Laurie,”says I, how about getting all three of us a cold glass of tea...I want a blue mason jar glass...it’s easier to hold on to with the handle and all..” More than happy to get out of some of the dirty work, she left, returning with three glasses, all blue, all full of tea. I winked at Laurie, who instantly knew I was up to something. “Ronda, will you roll up that cord, I keep tripping on it.” When Ronda went to get the cord, I switched the nasty bug filled glass with the fresh glass of tea. I slipped some of the ice into the replacement, and left it where Ronda had left her tea glass. Sure enough, she came right back to her glass of tea and took a big swig, spurting and spitting, gagging on the witches brew. Laurie and I rolled laughing. Ronda started laughing with us, having the better since of humor of the two girls. Why, she didn’t even snitch on Laurie and me! Send your family stories to Poor Will at P.O. Box 431, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387 or to wlfelker@gmail.com. Three dollars will be paid for any tales printed in this almanac. Poor Will’s Sckrambler YOCOET GNINURP
structure for understanding the UQADARNTDI repeating rhythms of the year. REPEHINOIL Bill lives in Yellow Springs, Ohio. He has two daughters, Jeni, who GOHGRODNU EAELSW ZEITGEBER EINNSGT EAEEDDTTNL EMIL HATW BLLOHREEE UOUEMYNS SSSSAAAFR TERSAE GONDRIBS EUEOIRRRSTCN NSATCKI DBLBRUEI VANERS If you are the 3rd, the 13th, the 30th, the 60th or 130th person to return your correct Sckrambler solutions by my deadline of December 25th, you will win $5.00. 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. 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 organization of weather patterns and phenology (what happens when in nature) offers a unique
is a psychologist in Portland, Oregon, and Neysa, a photographer in Spoleto, Italy. Copyright 2014 – W. L. Felker a
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The Valley, January 2014
Memories are waiting to be Made The 2013 hunting season is coming to an end. One of the best parts of being an owner of a sporting good store is hearing all the great stories about my customers’ hunts. Some are as a result of being at the right place at the right time to bag their buck. Other stories that people had they worked their tail off to harvest a certain buck that they wanted. Which story to tell first? Hmmmm, now I’m not going to give my customer’s secret spot away. They may never shop here again if I did that. But, lets start with Derek DeCamp. Derek has quite a honey hole for big buck. This isn’t the only big buck that Derek has harvested. I will say Derek takes pride in how he scouts for deer. I was very impressed with this 23-year-old. Derek knows his stuff and has a great head on his shoulders. Derek starts his scouting after the Flintlock season is finished. Derek makes sure that the deer in his hunting area have plenty of minerals and protein to grow the bone.
While he supplies his heard with the supplements, he watches the bucks grow from early spring to the fall through the velvet stage, with cameras and from a distance with spotting scopes. Once the important part of the antler growth is over, Derek pulls all the minerals and lets the deer go back to the natural patterns that they develop as far as feeding in the farmer’s corn and bean fields. At this time Derek will find out what trails the deer are using to get to the fields from their bedding area. He leaves the bedding area a sanctuary that he does not enter unless he absolutely has to. This may take a lot of hard work using cameras and spending as much time in the woods as you can, while leaving the area as scent free as possible. That’s the most important part— leaving it scent free. After months of hard work, Derek gets an opportunity to harvest bucks that are 150” plus on his property. You can too with hard work and dedication.
The next story I would like to share with you is about a 10-yearold boy that set his standards so high that it may take him years or a lifetime to break them. Colson Fike harvested a buck in riffle season that grown men, including myself, are jealous of. Colson is a mentor hunter here in PA and was out walking with his Dad and a group of close friends. They climbed to the top of the mountain early one morning, not thinking that the day was going to end in such a celebration. This is the time of year that parents and kids can make life long memories that they will share with friends and families for a lifetime. Colson, glued to his Dad, Steve’s, hip walked east out the top of a rugged mountain, that most 10-yearolds would say “no way am I walking up that Dad. Take me home to play video games!!!” But not Colson, he’s one of the toughest kids I know. The walk began not thinking what would happen next. Steve noticed a few deer
breaking across out in front of them. He was thinking that Colson wouldn’t come close to getting a shot at them because of the distance that the deer were. Steve threw young Colson up against a tree to give him a good rest and handed him his 30-30. Steve told the boy “when you get a good shot you better take it!” I could tell when Steve shared his story with me that he was very excited, as I stood there looking at Colson grinning from ear to ear. He probably still is. Back to what happens next. Colson takes aim and says “I see one Dad.” and Derek DeCamp with a nice buck taken after Steve says “well shoot!” thinking he isn’t even going hours of study and hard work. to come close to hitting the any grown man/father bawl his deer. eyes out. When Steve and Colson Colson pulls the trigger and were done with their tracking deer take off everywhere. As good exercise, they found a trophy that hunters do, they follow up on hunters wait a lifetime to get. But Colson’s shot. Thank goodness not little 10-year-old Colson Fike. for snow, Steve says. They found This proud little man accomblood! He couldn’t believe it— plished that feat at a very young Colson drilled one. So they got on age, by harvesting this 140” the cell phone and let their group mountain buck. know that they got one hit. Steve VSO hopes everyone had a and the very excited little hunter great and safe hunting season and started following the blood trail. made lots of new memories that Now what they would find at the they too can share around the dinend of this blood trail would make ner table for years to come. Thank you. a
10-year-old Colson Fike, with perhaps the trophy of a lifetime! 140” Mountain buck on a hunt with his Dad—a hunt neither will ever forget.
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The Valley, January 2014
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Corn pest decline may save farmers money Story courtesy Penn State Public Information —By Sara LaJeunesse Populations of European corn borer (ECB), a major corn crop pest, have declined significantly in the eastern United States, according to Penn State researchers. The decline suggests that the use of genetically modified, ECB-resistant corn hybrids -- an expensive, yet effective, solution that has been widely adopted by farmers -may now be unnecessary in some areas. “ECB, which was introduced to North America from Europe in the 1900s, used to be the most important pest of corn in the United States,” said John Tooker, assistant professor of entomology. “Not that long ago, it caused crop losses that annually approached $1 billion nationwide, and $35 million in the northeastern United States.” According to Tooker, to protect their crops from ECB, many farmers have grown a genetically modified type of corn that expresses insecticidal toxins that
kill the worms. These toxins were isolated from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). “These Bt corn hybrids have been widely adopted because they are exceptional for managing ECB -- 99.9 percent of larvae are expected to die when they feed on plants expressing Bt toxins,” he said. “Yet a drawback to using these hybrids has been the high cost of purchasing the seeds, which can decrease potential profits.” To understand current ECB populations in Pennsylvania field corn, the researchers assessed larval damage in Bt and non-Bt corn hybrids at 29 sites over three years. Specifically, they planted Bt and non-Bt corn hybrids on farm sites across four growing zones in Pennsylvania in 2010, 2011 and 2012. During September of each season, they assessed corn borer damage on 400 random plants at each site. They sliced open stalks, and recorded the number of ECB tunnels and larvae per stalk. They also evaluated corn ears for ECB damage. “Our results confirm that we
are seeing widespread population declines of ECB in the East, similar to declines that have been found in the Midwestern United States,” said Eric Bohnenblust, graduate student in entomology. “With less ECB damage around, non-Bt hybrids in our tests yielded just as well as Bt hybrids, so the decline in ECB populations provides an opportunity for growers to generate greater profits by planting high-yielding non-Bt seed, which is much cheaper than Bt seed. Secondarily, planting more non-Bt corn will reduce the potential for ECB to develop resistance to Bt toxins as corn rootworms have done in about a dozen states so far.” The team’s results appeared in an early online edition of the journal Pest Management Science in December. In addition to investigating the extent of ECB populations and damage in Pennsylvania, the researchers also examined the predictive ability of the PestWatch network, which traps ECB and other moth species and provides data about their prevalence.
“While traps within the PestWatch network provide insight on ECB population size, where moths are active and periods A cornstalk broken due to larval feeding. of ECB Image: Eric Bohnenblust/Penn State activity, their “Based on our results, we utility as a predictive tool, parwould tell growers to scout their ticularly for field corn, has been non-Bt acreage toward the end of limited,” Bohnenblust said. “We the growing season,” he said. “If found that ECB moths captured in they have low ECB populations, the PestWatch network correlate and PestWatch reflects low moth well with in-field populations of captures in their area, we would ECB in field corn, which means recommend that in the next season that PestWatch data hold potential they give competitive non-Bt hyto inform decisions about whether brids a try on some of their acres Bt or non-Bt hybrids are right for because they could see better profgrowers in different parts of the its from growing non-Bt hybrids.” state.” Other authors on the paper According to Tooker, growinclude James Breining and John ers planting Bt corn hybrids are Shaffer, research support asrequired to plant set amounts of sistants in plant science; Shelby non-Bt corn as part of a resistance Fleischer, professor of entomolmanagement plan to help prevent ogy; and Gregory Roth, professor evolution of ECB populations of agronomy. a that are resistant to the Bt toxins expressed in corn hybrids.
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The Valley, January 2014
Facing Mortality by Joel Lamkins
It pleases me to introduce my brother in law Joel Lamkins to you this month. Joel is the youngest of my wife’s five siblings and in his forties, has entered college for the first time. Joel enjoys writing and my hat goes off to him for pursuing a college degree at this time in his life. The following article was a paper he submitted for one of his classes and I am delighted to cede my column to him this month for your edification and reading pleasure. ~ Mark Ostrowski, Sojourner Perspectives Something I long dreaded was how I would deal with my father’s death. How would I
respond? How would I handle it? How would I act at the funeral? I would eventually find out the answers to those questions. This is a story of me coming to grips with my father’s mortality, by experiencing an event where I thought he might die. Through the experience, I discovered about myself that in spite of my fear, I was more capable of dealing with his impending death, and with that, the fear of my own mortality lessened. After my ex-wife and I broke up, I had moved back in with my parents to help my mom care for my ageing father. Around that time his health had really declined. My father was a Marine,
and when he was a young man he was big and strong. But back when I was still in high school, he suffered his first of three heart attacks. From then on, I would be more aware of his inevitable death. Eventually, he would have open-heart surgery, and his health would take a rapid decline after that. He also had ‘type one’ diabetes, where he had to give himself insulin shots every day, and he started to have more and more trouble walking without losing his breath, or his balance. Yet, even though at this point, he was old, weak, and frail, he was still very solid and heavy. So when he’d fall down, it was really hard to pick him back up. Looking back on it, I guess it was good I was around to help my mom with that. One incident I recall, where I believe being there really helped my mom, occurred on what I thought was going to be a typical day. My dad was having a diabetic
low, and was in the bathroom getting sick, vomiting. My mom asked me to help get him up off the toilet and onto a chair in the hallway, before trying to make it all the way back to his bed. He was white as a ghost, and his eyes looked weird, like milky water. I’d never seen him look so frail and old. Could this be it? Was he dying right now, right here? My mom and I had a hard time getting him to the chair; he was dead weight and heavy. As we sat him down, his body clumped in an awkward position with his legs and back twisted and contorted. My mom, frustrated and growing hysterical, yelled at him to help us, and try to sit up. He started to vomit; I hurried and got a basket so my mom could hold it under him to catch it. I looked away. I have a phobia about seeing people vomit. Dad had been taking a sponge bath before becoming so ill and he was still naked. That only added to the discomfort of the situation for me, so I tried to lighten the mood, and make us feel a bit better by commenting on how sexy he looked. He laughed. But almost as soon as he was laughing, his eyes rolled back in his head, and he started to convulse making these horrible gurgling sounds, like he couldn’t
breathe. Gurgling through his mouth, his chin hit his chest, as if his neck muscles could no longer support the weight of his head. I thought this is it; I’m watching my father die. This is the fateful moment I’ve dreaded for so long. I’m going to see my father die right before my eyes. I started to emotionally prepare myself, detach myself. My mom, in hysterics, cried, “Call 9-11!” I hurried and got the phone, and went upstairs to get away, to escape the situation. I went upstairs with the phone so I could be as far away as possible. I felt like a coward abandoning my mom to deal with him alone, but I had a feeling that the worst had not yet happened, and that made me feel sick to my stomach. For a moment, I hoped he would just die, so I wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore. I called 9-11 and gave them the information. I got extremely nervous watching my dad vomit and struggle to breathe, and witnessing my mom’s controlled panic. I felt sorry for them both, but I was so selfish and cowardly, I wanted to avoid it all. I felt helpless and apprehensive. I felt like a fake! For around that time, I was talking a lot about not being afraid of death. But here I was hiding upstairs …
Continued on page 30
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18
Poor Will’s Valley Almanack
for Deep Winter of 2014 by W. L. Felker But let the months go round, a few short months, And all shall be restored. These naked shoots Barren as lances, among which the wind Makes wintry music, sighing as it goes, Shall put their graceful foliage on again, And more aspiring and with ampler spread Shall boast new charms, and more than they have lost. --William Cowper The Sun In 2014, solar perigee (the Earth’s position closest to the sun) occurs on January 4 at 12:00 p.m. The sun enters its sign of Aquarius on the 20th, ushering in the last subseason of winter (aptly called “Late Winter.” The Planets Venus is the evening star for a week after New Year’s Eve. By the 8th of the month, it drops below the western horizon and reappears in the east as the huge morning star in January’s third week. Trading places with Venus, Jupiter is the morning star until January 5, disappears from the predawn sky on that date, only to return in the evening sky. Look for Mars rising in Virgo after midnight. Saturn will follow the Red Planet in Libra. The Stars Now, with Orion in the center of the southern sky at 10:00 p.m., the nights are some of the most glorious of the year. The Milky Way stretches from the northwest, through Perseus, between Gemini and Orion, and down into the southeast. In the far east, the
spring planting star, Regulus, is rising, and in the northeast, the pointers of the Big Dipper are aligned east-west. In the west, autumn’s Great Square is setting. The Shooting Stars Look for the Quadrantid Meteors 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. Meteorology 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). New moon on January 1 and full moon on January 15 are likely to intensify the weather systems due around those dates. Peak Activity Times for Livestock, Fish, Game and Dieters 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 The First Week of Deep Winter Lunar Phase And Lore In spite of the arrival of deep winter this week, the tufted titmouse usually initiates its mating calls as the year begins, and the Tufted Titmouse Moon, new at 5:14 New Year’s Day, follows the earliest mating cycles of titmice, owls and small mammals. Rising in the morning and setting
in the evening, this moon passes overhead in the middle of the day. Many creatures are most active with the moon above them: children and fish, among others. The approach of the January 5 cold front is likely to bring increased mid-day activity. And the dark moon is perfect this week for the seeding of bedding plants, especially when it lies in Pisces between January 4 and 6, and then again in Taurus on January 8 – 11. Weather Trends 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. New moon on January 1 and 30, and full moon on January 15 are likely to intensify the weather systems due around those dates. The coldest January days usually fall between the 7th and the 10th, as well as between the 15th and the 18th. Storms are most likely to occur on 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 Tufted Titmouse Moon, stirring the titmice to sing, waxes through the period, entering its second quarter at 10:39 p.m. on January 7, becoming completely round and full on January 15 at 11:52 p.m. Rising in the afternoon and setting in the middle of the night, this moon is overhead in the evening, encouraging creatures to feed and frolic. Feeding and frolicking are especially likely as the barometer falls at the approach of the January 10 cold front, and then again when the January 15 front moves toward the Valley from the west. Seeding of bedding plants continues to be favored as the
moon waxes, with January 8 – 11 being most propitious as the moon passes through Taurus, and then on the 13 – 15 when it enters Taurus. Negative lunar influence is said to be especially low as the moon comes into its second quarter: consider working with animals and family members at that time. Weather Trends Two major cold fronts arrive during this time in deep winter, one on the 10th, another on or about the 15th. Chances for highs only in the 20s or teens increase to near 50 percent on the 9th, 14th, and 15th. And below-zero readings occur most often on the 9th, 11th, and 16th. Skies have fewer clouds this week than last week, with the 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th bringing a 60 percent chance for sun. The 14th brings snow to the Mid-Atlandtic region and the East more often than any other day of the entire year. JANUARY – WEEK 3 THE THIRD WEEK OF DEEP WINTER Lunar Phase And Lore The Tufted Titmouse Moon, full on January 15 at 11:52 p.m., wanes gibbous through its third quarter during the remainder of the period. Rising in the evening and setting in the morning, this moon passes overhead in the before dawn. Lunar influence will be strengthened as the barometer drops in advance of the January 15 and 19 cold fronts. Lunar position in Cancer on the 13th through the 16th will favor the seeding of bedding plants. Full moon on the 15th is expected to increase the chances for a blizzard and deep cold. Weather Trends After the January 19th cold front arrives, look for the January Thaw. Unfortunately, we are still in the
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middle of the period (which lasts from January 9th through the 22nd) most likely to bring belowzero mornings. Just what are the chances for such cold? About 15 percent per morning. And days when the temperature does not rise above freezing occur more often in the third week of January than in any other week. The driest day this week is typically the 18th. It has just a 25 percent chance for showers or flurries. All the rest of the days in this almanac period carry a 50 percent chance for rain or snow. JANUARY – WEEK 4 THE FIRST WEEK OF LATE WINTER Lunar Phase And Lore The Tufted Titmouse Moon wanes throughout the week, darkening to its final phase on January 24 at 12:19 a.m. Rising at night and setting late in the morning, this moon will pass overhead near dawn. Lunar position does not favor planting of flowers or vegetables this week; save your seeds until the last days of the month when the moon turns new again and lies in fertile Pisces. The Paperwhite Moon becomes the Snowdrop Moon at 4:39 p.m. on January 30. This moon becomes new just before the Groundhog Day Thaw (traditionally arriving on February 2), and seeds should be especially eager to sprout in the low pressure that comes in advance of the February 3 cold front (that puts an end to the thaw). Weather Trends After the January thaw, the likelihood of cooler conditions increases briefly with the arrival of the January 25 cold front. That weather system typically makes the 25th and 26th some of the crueller days of the month. Although highs in the 30s or 40s usually occur before January ends, the first serious cold wave of late winter chills the countryside before
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The Valley, January 2014 temperatures heat up again for the Groundhog Day Thaw. A Daybook for January January 1: Average dates for the arrival of cold fronts: are January 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 19th, 25th and 31st. Major storms are most likely to occur within the following periods: January 1st - 3rd, 8th - 12th, 19th - 24th. The New Year’s front is usually one of the most severe systems so far in the winter, and it is preceded by sleet or snow as far south as northern Florida. After its passage, temperatures are typically quite cold. A secondary disturbance often causes additional precipitation on the 2nd and 3rd. January 2: Weasels are active - their five-toed tracks occur in pairs. And listen for great horned owl calls in the night; those owls begin to mate in January cold. White-tailed bucks have their gray winter coats, and they are starting to drop their antlers. January 3: Remember the dangers from throwing out the Christmas greens and decorative plants that may be dangerous to livestock. And antifreeze, even in small amounts, can be fatal to your animals. January 4: One third of winter’s cold fronts have come across the United States. Cardinals, if they sing at all, usually call at about 7:40 a.m. at this time of the month. January 5: As the year’s second major front approaches, milder temperatures and more precipitation are likely; thunderstorms are not uncommon in the South. After the January 5th high passes through, however, the cold returns with a vengeance, and the 8th and 9th are associated with some of the most chilling weather so far in the winter. The major lambing and kidding season begins as January progresses: more lambs and kids are born in the next eight weeks than in any other months. Avoid giving greens to your outside rabbits when the temperature remains well below freezing; if the animals eat frozen greens, they may have an adverse reaction. January 6: Inspect young trees for rodent damage. Purchase or prepare shop lights for sprouting seeds at new moon (the 26th). Increase energy feeds to your herd, flock, pets and family in unusually severe cold. You might consider forage testing if you suspect that quality is declining. January 7: Test a sample of old seeds for germination. Order sup-
plies for February pasture seeding spring oats and barley. Consider frost-seeding the lawn, too: if you scatter seed on the ground, the freezing and thawing of the soil throughout the winter will work the seeds into the ground (if the birds don’t get them first) and sprouts will appear in March and April. January 8: Full moon on the 15th increases the chances for a severe cold front in January’s second week. The period between January 8th and 12th is one of the main storm windows of year. January 8 - 21: This period normally brings more below-zero temperatures than any other time during January. The first week of February is the only other period the year in which chances become this great for sub-zero cold. In Florida, however, Citrus trees will be blooming soon. January 9: Spray broad-leafed evergreens with anti-drying agent to prevent winterkill. Prepare landscaping, garden, and field maps, including plans for double cropping, intercropping, and companion planting. January 10: Arcturus, the star of early summer, appears in the east after midnight tonight, and farm and garden seeds normally reach retail outlets by today. The first seeds are usually on display by the 15th of the month. Foxes and coyotes start mating. Almost all the goldenrod and aster seeds are gone, marking the middle of Deep Winter. Hopeful downy woodpeckers still work the dead wingstem and the broken angelica. January 11: This week the sun starts to rise earlier each morning for the first time since the middle of June. Earliest potatoes are often cut today, dusted with sulfur to prevent rot. They are then dried and allowed to sprout in flats. Pruning is recommended for the next two weeks, as the moon wanes. Depending on where you live, this may be the time to lime your soil (if a soil test indicates you need it). Since lime reacts slowly with the ground, it should be worked in a few months before planting. Lime can also be applied to the surface for no-till fields. January 12: People who fly to central Florida for a January vacation can find elderberries and azaleas blooming in milder years. Other plants that could be blooming include bougainvillea, flame vine, camellias, geranium, Hong Kong orchid tree, Jasmine, poinsettia, powderpuff, and Carolina jessamine. Citrus, avocado, papaya, and carambola are often
in season. Calves and lambs will be out in the fields throughout the warm Gulf States. January 13: On the long winter evenings, take time to check the warm-weather bulbs you brought indoors. Clean and dry them carefully if mold has started to form. January 14: In the warmest winters, snowdrops can be blooming by this date. January 15: The January 15th 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 15th front more often than at any other time. Now sporadic cardinal calls move to about 7:30 a.m., ten minutes earlier than just two weeks ago. January 16: Skunk cabbage is up in the swamps, blackened by the cold but still strong. Watercress holds in the streams. Where the ground is not frozen, new mint grows under the protection of a southern hedge or wall. In the pastures, basal leaves of thistles and mullein are deep green beneath the snow. January 17: Get ready to work outside when the January thaw comes next week. Temperatures are likely to rise above 40 throughout much of the United States, perfect for spraying trees for scales and mites. But don’t spray if a freeze is expected within 24 hours. The weak moon today favors working with livestock and family. January 18: Now is a good time to reserve a feeder pig for spring from someone who raises hogs. If you treat your piglet well throughout the summer and butcher it before Thanksgiving, you will have plenty of pork to get you through the winter. Along with your pig plans, order a few extra corn, pea, bean, and beet seeds for your new addition. Also reserve your spring chicks for March, April or May so they can gain weight throughout the summer and be ready to lay by autumn. January 19: Although the United States lies in the middle of its most frigid time of the entire year, the possibility of mild weather is enhanced by the incursion of powerful southerly winds from the Gulf of Mexico. The resulting turbulence creates a brief space during which much milder temperatures and an increased likelihood of blizzards, thunderstorms, tornados and flooding occurs. January 20th: Crows begin their northward movement. Also on the
20th, the sun moves into the transition sign of Aquarius. Ladybugs sometimes emerge in sunny windowsills this time of the month, foretelling the January thaw. January 21: Record temperatures jump above 70 at various northern locations, signaling a rise in the statistical odds for milder conditions everywhere in the United States. Now look for the first opossums and skunks at night. It’s time to apply fertilizer as growth begins on woody plants in the South. Frost-seed oats and barley, too. Seed or sod the lawn, and adjust lawn pH. Then bring on the transplants: perennials, bare-root trees and shrubs. But if you live in the North, there is no better time than January to force daffodils and tulips into bloom. January 22: Check perennials; cover them with extra mulch if they are sprouting early. January 23: Winter fertilizing not only frees up time in the spring for the many farm and garden chores that follow warm weather, but it provides a modicum of insurance against spring rain delays. The frozen soil of winter also resists compaction from heavy equipment. January 24: Chances for spring thunderstorms rise quickly after this date. Bedding plants are seeded throughout the country now in anticipation of new moon on the 26th. January 25: The front due to arrive around the 25th 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. January 26: Late Winter brings five to six cold fronts and lasts from January 26th through February 18th. Average temperatures start to rise throughout the nation now. Sap runs in the maples. The day is more than an hour longer than it was at solstice. By now, fourteen major cold waves have crossed the country since early December: winter is half over. January 27: Traditional supplements to ward off abortion include rose hips, hawthorn berries, raspberry leaves, tansy leaves and hollyhock root. Herbs to help with birthing: peppermint, thyme and chamomile. Rather than depending on these plants to cure an animal of some disease or difficulty, however, consider them as tonics that might contribute to the overall health of your animals. The 27th is a pivotal statistical date in the fortunes of winter.
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The day now starts to grow at the rate of two minutes per 24 hours, and throughout the country average temperatures, which have remained stable from the middle of January, climb one degree. Averages now continue to climb at the rate of about one degree every two weeks. January 28: In late winter, treat ash, bittersweet, fir, elm, flowering fruit trees, hawthorn, juniper, lilac, linden, maple, oak, pine, poplar, spruce, sweet gum, tulip tree, and willow for scales and mites. Spray trees when temperatures rise into the upper 30s or 40s. Crocus, daffodil and tulip foliage emerges in the garden during milder years. Garlic planted in late November has pushed out of the ground. The first rhubarb leaves are unfolding. January 29: Earliest robins and bluebirds cross the Mason-Dixon Line. Doves start calling. January 30: Schedule routine livestock maintenance and foot clipping for the end of January under the dark moon. Animals kept out of doors will most likely need foot clipping less often. Clip your fingernails in preparation for lambing and kidding. January 31: The sun’s declination passes 17 degrees 31 minutes today, one quarter of the way to spring equinox, just as the final weather system of January arrives. This is the second weather system of late winter, and it is typically followed by an even more pronounced thaw than occurred after the previous two fronts. Almanack Classics A Sudden Snowstorm By Rick Etter, Delta, Ohio This story is one of my Dad’s. For years he wrote snippets of things about growing up on the prairies of North Dakota. This one is about the suddenness and strength of a prairie snowstorm. One nearby family lost three boys that got caught out in it and couldn’t find their way home. The fourth survived, but lost a foot and some toes. I recently heard from his family that he passed away around Christmas last year. Every winter we would get one or more blizzards. These were terrible things to behold unless you were snug in your house. To be caught out on the prairie was almost sure death. It wouldn’t have to snow very much, for the wind would churn what snow there was into fine particles not
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edition of the Democrat & Sentinel blared, “Sleigh Twice Toppled Over by Icy Blasts.” A rural mail carrier in a covered sleigh was just one of many who suffered through a cruel winter storm, but for mail carrier, Bruce VanZandt, it was doubly cruel. VanZandt, just recovered from a “siege of smallpox,” was on his first run upon returning to work. Fifty Years Ago January 1964 Snow lovers got a New Years surprise! The Lewistown Sentinel reported heavy snowfall warnings in the Wednesday, January 1 edition, with temperatures in the low 20s, and strong winds predicted. Snow swept across Pennsylvania dropping between 4-6 inches in the first 12 hours of 1964, with an additional 4-6 to be deposited that night. The month would be marked by snowfalls, a countywide 20-plus incher at midmonth paralyzed travel and closed schools, followed by deep-freeze temperatures. At one point, Lewistown was the cold spot at minus 9 while Belleville noted a balmy, by comparison, plus 18. Judge Paul S. Lehman appoints Richard R. Gehman to the vacant post of supervisor in Armagh Township; plans were
moved forward by the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Lewistown for a new water supply in the Seven Mountains at Laurel Run near Milroy and Frank S. Walk, Jr., future superintendent of Mifflin County Schools, resigned as principal of Lewistown-Granville-Rothrock High School. The Miller Theatre was showing the new John Wayne movie, “McClintock” with Maureen O’Hara, Patrick Wayne, Stefanie Powers and Chill Wills, while the Embassy was running Dean Martin’s “Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed.” On television, viewers could choose from, “Death Valley Days,” “Sea Hunt,” “The Rifleman,” “I’ve Got a Secret,” or “Car 54, Where are you?” in the 7 and 8 o’clock time slots.
You Can’t Re-invent The Light Bulb from front page
trash.
glass, keep the following tips in mind: • Keep a window or door to the outdoors open; • Vacuum the area where the bulb was broken using the vacuum hose, if available, and • Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and seal the bag/vacuum debris, and any materials used to clean the vacuum, in a plastic bag. 4. Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials, including vacuum cleaner bags, outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors. 5. Next, check with your local government about disposal requirements in your area, because some localities require fluorescent bulbs (broken or unbroken) be taken to a local recycling center. If there is no such requirement in your area, you can dispose of the materials with your household
One Hundred Years ago January 1914
6. Wash your hands with soap and water after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing bulb debris and cleanup materials. 7. Continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the H&AC system shut off, as practical, for several hours. Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rugs: Air Out the Room During and After Vacuuming 1. The next several times you vacuum the rug or carpet, shut off the H&AC system if you have one, close the doors to other rooms, and open a window or door to the outside before vacuuming. Change the vacuum bag after each use in this area. After vacuuming is completed, keep the H&AC system shut off and the window or door to the outside open, as practical, for several hours. Sound like something that perhaps more people should know about? What about disposal? How many folks do you think will follow the guidelines for proper disposal? Some states require
Four of Yeagertown’s best football and baseball stars will serve Uncle Sam as soldiers, noted the Lewistown Democrat & Sentinel. The group comprised Reynolds (Buck) Swyers, Raymond and Thomas Landis and Joe Snook. The athletes took leave of their friends and families, and left for Harrisburg by train to take the examination for entrance in the regular army. Inability to find regular employment was a factor in their four-year enlistments. The editor noted, “It is an impression of mine that an ordinance against coasting (sledding) had been passed a number of years ago when a man from the east end of Big Valley was knocked down at Brown and Market streets and had a shoulder broken. At least notices prohibiting the sport were posted after the mishap.” Headlines in the January 15
Civil War Echoes January 1864 The Lewistown Gazette published a “Calendar for 1864” in the January 4 edition. The publication listed the county post offices and respective postmasters, including: Lewistown, Samuel Comfort; Decatur, A.M. Ingram; Strodes Mills, Joseph Strode, Jr.; McVeytown, J. Crisswell; Newtown Hamilton, A.W. Norton; Atkinson Mills, R.S. Gamble; Reedsville, Samuel M. Greer; Milroy, A.W. Graff; Kishacoquillas, E.W. Hill; Locke Mills, E.E. Locke; Belleville, W.C. Nelson; Menno, Benjamin Graff; and Allensville, N. Hartzler. The editor commented that large bounties were being paid for men to volunteer. The second draft had been postponed until mid-January, in the hopes that the quota for Mifflin County would be filled and a draft avoided. a
you to recycle the bulbs without exemption, the industry and the EPA suggest recycling ALL CFL bulbs in order to keep the mercury out of the landfills and our water supplies. How many do you think just get tossed in with the regular trash? Is there an environmental disaster on the horizon? What if I told you that you can still buy incandescent light bulbs in all of your favorite wattages, and even better, they are all perfectly legal? How you ask? Well, some might say good old “yankee ingenuity,” others might say “crisis is the mother of invention.” But in the end, what it really ended up being was a merchant by the name of Larry Birnbaum, who operated a family owned, three generation, light bulb company in New Jersey. Larry, it turns out, is one smart cookie. Perhaps it comes from the fact that Larry’s family has a connection with old Thomas Edison. Larry’s great-grandfather was friends with the famous inventor of the light bulb. Whatever the impetus, Larry has found a loophole in the law that allows his company, “Newcandescent” to produce bulbs
that will operate the same way as your old incandescents, except that they will last a lot longer than your old incandescents. The way Larry got around the ban is by producing what is called a “rough service” bulb. Basically the only difference between this bulb and the ones you used to use, is that the rough service bulbs have more wire inside supporting the filament as well as a slightly heavier gauge in the filament itself. These bulbs are usually used on construction sites, factory applications and other places where vibration or rough use might exist. Other than that, you have the same thing you always were used to, that same warm glow as opposed to the cold and sterile look of fluorescent. With all his previous knowledge in the business, Birnbaum got started right away after the ban took effect to design and produce these “rough service” bulbs under the new federal guideline. Larry’s company was awarded a license to produce these new bulbs, one of only two companies in this country. With license in hand, Newcandescent became a reality and they are marketed through Larry’s company website,
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The Logan Guards - The Civil War’s First Defenders from Mifflin County, Pennsylvania by author Forest K. Fisher tells the story of this Mifflin County militia company. $17.75 plus PA Sales Tax and $3 S&H - Available at these locations: Mifflin County Historical Society, 1 W. Market Street, Lewistown, PA 17044 or - Purchase with PayPal, visit our web site at www.mccoyhouse. com, click on STORE - Also the JVACC Gift Shop, Historic Courthouse, Lewistown, PA. For more information: Call MCHS Office at 717-242-1022 or info@mifflincountyhistoricalsociety.org a
Bulbs.com. The bulbs are a little more expensive than traditional incandescents were, but the Newcandescent bulb is heavier and will last up to 12 times longer than the old style incandescent— you get that warm lighting and best of all, NO MERCURY! It was never about energy usage for me. I always paid a premium to get bulbs that were made to replicate real sunlight, as for the energy usage, that is my business, not the governments, as long as I am willing to pay for it, they should mind their own business. So there is no need to run out and stockpile 40 and 60 watt incandescents before the government tries to take them from you, Larry has you covered, just log on to Newcandescent.com and get them there, and while you’re at it, you can stock up on those 100 watt and 75 watt bulbs you thought were gone forever. Newcandescent.com even has incandescents in higher wattages for those folks who like LOTS of light. An added bonus for Newcandescent bulbs is that unlike fluorescents, they heat up like the old incandescents so you can use them out in the chicken coops, your girls will be forever grateful. a
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The Valley, January 2014
Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly
The “Mini Split” It’s Christmas Eve and our two sons and their families just left. We traditionally celebrate Christmas with our family on Christmas Eve and consider ourselves lucky that both sons live nearby so we can all be together. I’ll spend Christmas Day cutting and splitting a load of wood from my pile of wood poles (I need the exercise after eating too much food) and working on some quotations for customers that are past due. When you read this column the Holidays will be over and we’ll be looking forward to spring. Toward the end of the evening, my daughter-in-law announced in 2014 they wanted to consider a system to heat and cool
their split level home (four levels) that is currently fitted with baseboard electric heat, which they supplement with a pellet stove on level one and a gas insert on level three. Because hot air rises and cold air falls, a split level home is a challenge to heat and cool with a traditional ducted system. They wanted my suggestion on which was “Install a Mini Split Heat Pump/Air Conditioning System.” The Mini Split, which is sometimes referred to as a “Ductless System” consists of one quiet outdoor compressor unit and up to four super quiet indoor air handler inits. The indoor unit(s) and outdoor unit are connected with two insulated copper tubes, an electrical wire and a thermostat wire,
which are all neatly hidden on the outside of the house with “duct hide” (three colors available). The desired room temperature is set for each indoor unit using a remote control – so – relative to temperature, you can control each level separately. Nice!! We are fortunate that Min Splits HP/AC are being widely accepted today. It wasn’t that long ago that few wanted to consider them for heating and cooling their home. They “didn’t like the indoor unit hanging on the wall” was the usual reply when I mentioned them to a perspective customer. These highly efficient units have been popular in Europe for many years primarily because most homes are heated with a hot water system – so – installing a traditional central HP/AC system with duct work is difficult and expensive. In addition, if you lived downtown on one of the upper floors of an apartment building heated with hot water, a traditional central system wouldn’t be feasible. Sometimes I watch the House Hunters TV show where they offer a couple three jomes to check out and they choose one to purchase. Occasionally I notice a Mini Split indoor HP/AC unit installed on a wall. Until recently, the real estate person never mentioned the
system as being a feature along with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, etc. Today that is pointed out to the potential customer as a benefit. The Mini Modern technology and design has created an efficient system Split that is unobtrusive and barely noticed. System derives it to heat and cool your home or high efficiency and the ability to business? It just may be a Mini service multiple zones from the Split ductless system. outdoor variable speed compressor. The more indoor air aandlers Curt Bierly is president of the bithat are running, the faster the erly group incorporated of which outdoor compressor runs. This Stanley C. Bierly is a division. high-efficiency variable speed He is chair of the Penn College technology has just recently been HVAC Advisory Board. You can introduced by Trane and Carrier contact him at 814-349-3000 or for their central ducted systems cbierly@bierlygroup.com. a and I’m certain you will see this technology used more and more in the future. So, what is the best solution
Jan 3rd and Jan 6th Elise N. Uhring, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology
1-877-643-4327
1130 W. 4th Street Lewistown, PA 17044
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expires 01/15/2014
The Valley, January 2014
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LIbrary Lines Your Mifflin County Library
Here is a problem I often run into, and one that several other readers suffer with: I really like a book or a genre. So now what do I read? I call it “Post-book Depression.” You love a book, hate to see it end and once it does, you’re lost. Alone. You have nothing to read! This website will help if you are a mystery-lover like me. Stop, You’re Killing Me or www. stopyourekillingme.com. This is a resource for readers of mystery books, thriller, spy and suspense novels. Over 4300 authors are listed. The website may be searched by author or by character. There is a “new additions” tab and a “genre index.” The genre index is the best. Some of the genres listed include: Cozy; Sherlock Holmes; Pets; Vampire Mysteries; and Young Adult. There is also a “Job Index” if you would rather read mysteries about Firefighters, Aviation, The
Clergy, or Librarians. Tons of jobs are listed. But what if you like historical mysteries? The tab is displayed chronologically, beginning with Ancient Times (before 476AD). As our modern knowledge about ancient times increases, there are more and more mysteries taking place during this period of time. Some of these books, however, are hard to find. Of course, the titles are linked to Amazon for you to buy, but the library can always get them for you if Mifflin County Library doesn’t own them. Just look for “InterLibrary Loan” on our webpage. It’s free! Please take a look at Stop, you’re killing me.com. It’s a great site. There are give-away drawings, audio book lists, large print lists, book awards and book reviews. I hope this helps with “Post-book Depression.” It works for me! Susan Miriello Children’s Librarian a
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Home Nursing Agency Offers Lewistown Grief Support Group Home Nursing Agency is continuing to offer a Grief Support Group on the last Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. at Home Nursing Agency’s Mifflin County location, 129 S. Main St., Suite T, Lewistown. The dates for 2014 are Jan. 29, Feb. 26, March 26, April 30, May 28, June 25, July 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26. The group will not meet in December. Facilitated by hospice chaplain Pastor John Walters, this sup-
port group is open to all members of the community grieving the loss of a loved one. Grief can be very painful and difficult at times, so those grieving are invited to come and share their thoughts, express their feelings and discuss how to work through the grieving process. For more information on grief support, please contact Walters at Home Nursing Agency at 717248-4593. a
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The Valley, January 2014 phone? Or that you can easily exchange unused gift cards for cash? And, where you can get free advertising for your garage sale? There are many more tips in this helpful book!
Mail Pouch Books by Carleen B. Grossman Happy New Year! Let’s all begin the year by reading some great and inspirational books. I have tried to provide you with those kinds of books that will not only make you feel good, but get you organized for beginning the year ahead. Best of wishes to you all! THE GOOD DREAM By Donna VanLiere Copyright 2012 I highly recommend this novel; I absolutely could not put it down! It is a well-crafted story taking place in the 1950’s Tennessee mountains where multi-colored soda bottles might
dangle at the end of each limb on some trees to ward off the evil spirits who live in the trees. On the way out of the tree, the spirit gets trapped inside the bottle! But the evil in this book is not inside of a bottle, because it is too big for that folklore tradition. The novel is a combination love-story filled with elements of mystery interwoven into this excellent read. The story centers around a young woman in her early thirties who works the farm after her parents die. She finds herself lost in loneliness that is unexpectedly changed. One of the ways her life changes is through her discovery of a mountain boy who has been stealing from her vegetable garden. She cannot begin to imagine how the boy has been living—but she soon discovers the horrors of his life. She becomes attached to the boy and her mission in this heartwarming story is to help the child. In helping the child she wards off many evil spirits that haunt her own life, the child’s life and even some of her neighbors’ lives. This is a perfect book with which to begin the new year!
LIVE MORE, WANT LESS By Mary Carlomagno Copyright 2011
HOW TO DE-CLUTTER AND MAKE MONEY NOW By Donna Smallin Kuper Copyright 2013 This book is extremely informative and has great ideas on how to make money selling the items that are cluttering your house. There are step-by-step instructions on how to sell these items on eBay, Amazon & Craigslist! Learn about how to cash-in on clutter. For example, did you know there’s a comparison site where you can get buyback quotes on your old cell
This short book does an outstanding job, in 180 pages, of giving you 52 ideas to create more time to enjoy the things you love. The answer, as you can probably already guess, is owning LESS STUFF. The book is broken down
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into 52 different ideas, one for each week of the year. You will find helpful hints giving you ideas as to how to de-clutter! REAL SIMPLE: The Organized Home By Kendell Constrom Copyright 2004 Real Simple: The Organized Home, is a practical book to help you streamline your home and create a more peaceful and productive life in the process. It provides valuable step-by-step advice on everything from organizing kitchen shelves and cleaning the refrigerator to setting up a versatile living room and creating a peaceful bedroom. Real Simple: The Organized Home will help readers find the time for the things that really matter. a
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The Valley, January 2014
Find us on The Valley Newspaper
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The Valley, January 2014
Let Himalayan Salt Improve Your Health in 2014 The New Year often turns our attention to our health. Thank goodness! My wish is that everyone would take responsibility for their own health and do as much as they can for themselves to stay well….or get well. Now with “Obamacare” it’s even more critical that we assume responsibility and get and keep ourselves healthy. Costs of prescriptions are going up and becoming too costly for many people, monthly premiums are rising, and coverage is getting less and less. So, what does that mean “take responsibility for our health”? What can we do? I do not mean “early detection” with the tests that we have available to us. I mean even before that……lets get well/stay well so that those “tests” don’t show anything when we have them routinely. Something simple but yet so effective is to sit in the Himalayan Salt room for a 45 minute session. That will start to shrink the inflammation which is in all of our bodies, even children, babies, and adults. Himalayan salt is so beneficial in that it is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal. In our Salt Spa, you will be surrounded by 11 tons of Himalayan salt between the 3 rooms and more salt is generated into the air for your benefit. We have had people increase their lung capacity with COPD, have doctors tell them that they no longer need their oxygen, prescriptive inhalers and other medications, get out of pain from arthritis, get rid of migraine headaches, so many skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, acne are improved. 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 Himalayan salt therapy. Most people see a difference after their first session. A goal for the New Year might be to make the Salt
Spa a regular weekly or monthly habit. Of course it goes without saying that we need to exercise. Some people are not physically able to exercise though which is very unfortunate. You may want to consider using our “Whole Body Vibration Therapy”. This machine is very easy to use and many times used in medical rehabilitation. You just stand on it and it can help circulation, stimulate your lymphatic system, help increase bone density, 10 minutes equals 4 miles of running, loosen joints and muscles, decrease fluid retention, and improve balance. We also need to eat a very healthy diet. But what if your diet has not been so healthy. Perhaps you are recovering from a sugary, fat laden series of holidays. May we suggest some detoxing in our Salt Spa? You are detoxing in a Salt room, but we also offer in addition the Ion-Cleanse detoxing footbaths. How does Ion-Cleanse work? In non-technical terms, toxins are excreted through your feet using osmosis and polarity. You will start by sitting in a chair with your feet in a container with warm, salty water for 30 minutes. As the process begins, the water will turn colors as the body works to remove waste and byproducts. The different colors will demonstrate where the toxins are coming from in the body. For example; orange means it is coming from your joints, green is gall bladder, black can be heavy metals etc. Poor diet and high stress can cause our bodies to accumulate and store exces-
sive amounts of waste products. This waste can attack joints, tissues, muscles, organs and glands causing minor to major dysfunction. The Ion Cleanse footbath is a natural and relaxing way to begin the healing process. “After my first Ion-Cleanse, I noticed that my joints were not as achy. On the third session, my joints did not hurt at all. What a sight to see such dirty water.” --Sandy ”For the first time I have been able to lose weight and keep it off. After trying every diet out there, I began doing the IonCleanse at least once per month and weight began to come off and STAY OFF!”-- Ruth The third form of detoxing that we offer at our spa is the Far-Infrared Himalayan Salt sauna. Far Infrared is a section of the natural band of light that is not visible to the human eye, but can be felt as heat. Unlike the high heat produced in traditional saunas, far infrared heat is able to penetrate the body to a depth of 1.5 to 2 inches. This stimulates the body’s cellular detoxification
combined with massage therapy and nutrition. Other improvements are; improved cardiovascular conditioning, enhanced immune health, pain relief, and beautification of the skin to name just a few. There is no one on this planet with a body free from accumulated toxins. How toxic are you?
process more effectively than a traditional sauna. The body, incapable of metabolizing and excreting all toxins it is exposed to, often times stores toxins in fat to protect the body. Our body’s tissues normally produce infrared energy, which is used by the body for a number of healing processes. By delivering penetrating warmth to the body, the far infrared sauna increases the body’s own infrared energy levels, encouraging a light rise in body temperature that boosts natural detoxification systems. Stress Relief: High daily stress levels put constant strain on the body’s nervous system and can contribute to chronic disease. The far infrared sauna helps to reduce physical stress by boosting circulation and triggering the production of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones. N- Weight and Cellulite Control: Toxins can play a significant role in preventing us from losing weight as well as gaining weight. Those wishing to lose weight should note that the cardiovascular effect from a single sauna burns as many as 600 calories. The sauna is also quite effective at dealing with cellulite when
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1. Do you have low energy? 2. Do you experience depression? 3. Do you have high stress in your life? 4. Do you feel less alert than you used to? 5. Do you feel anxious and don’t know why? 6. Do you have trouble learning new things? 7. Do you get infections or headaches? We need to pay attention to what’s going on inside as well. Today, we are exposed to the greatest toxic lead and other pollutants in the history of our planet. Our bodies do detox on their own, but with the amount of toxins our bodies are now subjected to, ongoing periodic detoxification is essential to maintain health and avoid disease. These are just a few suggestions of ways to help increase your energy, improve your health, release some stress, and get/stay on a healthy path for the New Year. Adding a guided meditation class or yoga class to your weekly routine in our Himalayan salt spa is another excellent healthy suggestion. Find others on our website at: www.simplyhealth-calm. com or call us at 814-954-7731 or 717-248-2000 to make your appointment. a
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The Valley, January 2014
Greetings and wished Blessnumbering the squares legibly is and turning the ear another 1/6th ings from above. quite important. turn, remove another kernel two December seems to be one of Wet the cloth and spread it inches from the tip. Do the same the few months that a farmer has out to receive the kernels chosen thing twice. Then place the six time to sit down and think about from the seed ears whose vitality kernels in the square numbered to what has taken place this past and vigor we wish to test. Each correspond with the number of the season. ear that is to be tested should be ear from which they were taken. And, if you are lucky enough plainly and securely numbered. When a tester is full it should to be sitting out in the woods Duct tape works well; the seed be rolled up, care being taken not after a light snow fall, take a deep from each ear should be placed to disturb the kernels. Kernels breath and then look around. in the square of the tester corshould all be pointed down, then You will be amazed at what nature has to offer. But as much as I would like to stay at such a place and forget about everything else, a sustainable heritage minded farmer has lots of planning to do. January is the month that we do the most seed cleaning and sorting etc, especially our open-pollinated corn seeds. To do this, we like to take it into our living room. We take a white cloth that is twelve inches wide and Although this picture shows 10 kernels in their test, we like to use just six. six feet long and draw lines three inches apart and then draw cross lines the same disresponding to its number on tie the bundle loosely at each end tance apart. Number the squares the cloth. Six grains should be with a string or rubber band. Place beginning at the left end of the the rolls in a pail of lukewarm taken from each ear for the test. water with the germ end down upper row, with the squares in the A pairing knife works to remove and let it soak for 4 to 6 hours, top row being 1 to 10, those of kernels. Remove one kernel about the next row will be 11 to 20, and then pour off and turn the pail uptwo inches from the butt, turnso on to the end, beginning each side down over the rolls, leaving ing the ear 1/6th of a turn, take time at the left end. Marking and another kernel from the middle, a space of an inch for ventilation. Keep the tester warm and moist until germination is completed. At the end of seven or eight days, germination should have progressed far enough to study the results. Each plant should have a well developed root system and the shoots should be sturdy and vigorous. Ears which do not show these results on this test should be discarded as unfit for seeds. In Iowa, when seed which showed one dead kernel out of six was planted alongside of seed that gave perfect germination, the yield was reduced 6.2 bushels an acre by the use of poor seeds. A good reason for doing this test isn’t only for increasing yields, but you should also select the strongest genetics for years to come. So much this time. Enjoy the winter! a
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The Valley, January 2014
Grosze Thal Nachbaren
(Big Valley Neighbors) by Jeptha I. Yoder Guten Tag! zu euch alle liebe Leser und Scheiber. Es ist die Kalte Winter Zeit. Die Vögel kommen gern um Futter zu suchen und fressen. Die Landschaft ist bedeckt mitt Schnee. Eine schöne Weihnacht’s Landschaftsbild! Am Sonntag, der Erst December waren wir in der Gemein ans Esra B. Hostetlers. Von andere Theilen waren Joel Ms und Mahlon Cs und Familien, Jeptha H. (Emanuel J) alle Yodern; Freida, Jacob, Lydia, und Fräney (Jacob Z.) alle Hostetlern. Von McClur war Daniel M. Yoder (Mose S.) Ich war ans Unkel Jesses abends, Lang Leen Ost Gemein war ans Mose J. Hostetlers. Nieder Milroy war ans Aaron L. Yoders. Der Acht gingen Unkel Christ M. Yoders in Kirchengasse Gemein ans Uria S. Hostetlers. West Lang Leen war ans Thomas S. Yoders. Unser besuch war Mose Rs fürs Mittag und Jesse Js (und Familien), alle Hostetlern fürs abendessen. Der Fünfzeht waren wir in der Gemein ans Mose C. Yoders. Von McClur war ihre Schwester
Lydia Hostetler (Yost I.). Von andere Theilen waren Johannes M. Hostetlern und Jüngstes und etliche andere Junge. Die Joel M. Yoder Fronie kam mitt ihre Eltern, die Jacob S. Hostetlers. Etliche van die Unkel Jesse S. Hostetler Familie waren in Lang Leen Ost Gemein bei ihr Bruder die Isaak R. Hostetlers. Etliche Junge waren ans Moses fürs abendessen und schpäter die singen. Nieder Milroy Gemein war ans Noah Y. Zugen. Der Sechs und Zwanzigst November war Hochzeit in Penns Thal ans Stephen N. und Elisabeth M. Yoders, für ihre Tochter Susan E. mitt Eli M. und Anna D. Yoders ihr Sohn Daniel E. Am (Danksagungs Tag) Acht und Zwanzigst war Hochzeit ans Joshua J. Hostetlers für ihre Tochter Elisabeth A. welche war verheirathet mit die (Noah I.) Dena (Zug) durch Aaron L. Yoder. Jacob Stutzman von Lang Prärie Minnesota hatte anfang. Gemein war ans Jonas A. Hostetlers. Nevahocker waren Ephraim Yoder (Hosea J.) und Elisabeth (Abraham N.) beide Yodern; Noah J. (Joshua J.) und Lydia (Jonathan
D.) beide Hostetlern. Von Turbotvill waren Jacob Hershbergers, Owens und Aarons beide Hostetlern. Noch mehr Gefreundte kommen von Penns Thal, Winfield, McClur, Glockestädel, Port Royal, Lawrence County, Andover, Ohio, und Hammondsport, Neu York. Der Fünft December war Hochzeit in McClur ans David C. und Ruth E. Yoders für ihr Maria S. mitt die (Korie N.) Nancy Hostetler ihr Korie N. Gemein ans Joel S. Yoders. Der Zeht war Hochzeit für Noah D., und Fronie K. Hostetlers (und der vorige Sam S. Yoder) ihr Barbara K. mitt Michael L. und Mattie B. Speichers ihr Sohn Rudy. Durch Uria S. Hostetler. Nevahocker waren Eli A. Yoder (Noah D.) und Leah B. Speicher (Michael L.); Rufus N. Hostetler (Noah D.) und Lydia F. Yoder (Uria J.); Gemein war ans Mose J. Hostetlers. Von der ferne war Christ Speicher, von Maine; Noah Hostetlers und Sohn Eli von Maryland. Auch Freundschaft von McClur, Penns Thal, Winfield, Turbotvill. Von Andover, Ohio; Hammondsport, Neu York und Knox County, Ohio. Der Zwelft war Hochzeit ans Rufus J. und Mareily N. Hostetlers für ihr Barbara M. mitt Abraham J. und Maria N. Zugen ihr Samuel N. Gemein war ans Andy M. Hostetlers. Auch der Zwelft war Hochzeit ans Yost I. und Sarah N. Hostetlers, von McClur, für ihr Rebecca B. mitt Johannes E. und Barbara K. Yoders ihr Emanuel R. Gemein ans Hannes M. Yoders. Christian greetings amidst a winter wonderland. A pictureperfect Christmas scene! Flocks of Junco’s and Sparrows are about farmyards and fields eating seeds from the dry winter weeds sticking out of the snow cover. New arrivals since my last writing are; joining two brothers and three sisters is Noah A. on November 23 to Rudy J. and Elizabeth R.; Grands are Jonas A. and Franey V. (Speicher); Rufus J. and Mary N; Step-greatgrandmother is Rachel L. (Zook), all Hostetlers. A son John S. joining two sisters on November 26th to M. Sieber and Lizzie E.; Grands are widow (Salomon C.) Mary R. (Yoder); John M. and Naomi F. (Yoder); Greats are widow (Moses I.) Elizabeth L. all Hostetlers. And Moses M. and Esther F. Yoder. First-time parents are Isaac S. Jr. and Lydia B. (Hostetler) to a Emanuel I. on December 2nd. Grands are widow (Emanuel B.) Franey N. (Hostetler); Samuel I.
and Ruth L. (Hostetler). Greatgrandfather is Isaac S., all Yoders. Joining one sister is Noah Y., on December 4th, to Samuel F. and Anna B. Grands are Moses E. and Emma Z.; and widow (Noah L.) Rhoda L., all Hostetlers. Saturday November 30th, Jesse J. Hostetler had a frolic of relatives and neighbors to build a shed/barn. Another frolic in the neighborhood, on the same day, was to fill the woodshed of widow (John Z.) Mattie H. Hostetler. John S. Hostetler was to Hershey on December 6th. Still is not to put any weight on his legs, but is healing. Has another appointment scheduled for January 8th. He is the one receiving numerous fractures when a log rolled on to him two months ago. Here is their address again: 150 J. Pine Lane, Reedsville, PA 17084. Great-Uncle Isaac S. Yoder will have a birthday on January 25 (1933), Lord Willing. He has not been well off and on, the last years, having mini-strokes. His wife Leah passed in October. Mail will reach him at 1065 Church Lane, Reedsville. Great-Uncle Rudy S. Yoder Sr. has a birthday on January 7, (1931) His wife Lydia B. had one on December 15 (1932). Mail will reach them at 556 Church Lane, Reedsville. We were shocked by the sudden passing of Terry Bitner, in an accident (head-on) on the road. Besides dealing in antiques, he also did some taxi driving for the Amish. The Bitners have our
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sympathy. The latest new arrival is a daughter, Elizabeth on Decemebr 19, joining three brothers and two sisters, to Samuel A. and Frona E. Grands are the widow (Michael S.) Catherine S.; Josie A. and Dorothy A.; Greats are John B and Frona E., all Hostetlers. Also, came to my attention of a daughter, Anna, joining three brothers, to Jonathan Y. and Emma N. Hostetler. Grands are Sam I. and Ruth L. (Hostetler) Yoder; Moses J Sr. and Esther Y.; Great-Grands are widow (Moses I.) Elizabeth L. and Jacob S. and Franey L., all Hostetlers. All of the Grands are of this side of the mountain. I have Guineas to sell at five dollars each or “trade.” Contact me at 150 Red Lane, Milroy, PA 17063. “Never a Christmas morning, Never the old year ends But someone thinks of some one, Old days, old times, old friends.” Jeptha I. Yoder a
The Valley, January 2014
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Savvy Cents & Sensibility by JoAnn Wills-Kline MBA
Frugal Finesse for 2014 The infancy of a brand new year is upon us! Now, is a great time to set the pace for frugal living throughout 2014. As we move onward and into the New Year, some of the topics that you can expect to see in this article are: • Living with Less Waste • Frugal & Simple Meals o Some meals require only five ingredients
• A Change of Wardrobe o Making multiple outfits out of a few versatile articles of clothing • Mini Morning Makeover • Eco Friendly Home Cleaning & Organizing • Trimming the Fat to Loose Excess Debt • The Rubber Hits the Road o Walk vs. Ride
• Time is Money: The Work Smarter not Harder Mindset As well as many other topics yet to be disclosed, so stay tuned! This month, the article is super short on purpose as I wanted to give you the opportunity to check out great reads on frugal, simple living. January is a wonderful month to calm down and cozy up with a motivational book. The
sort of books that have the power to propel you into a firm frugal mindset, and give you the inspiration to live it daily. So, with out further ado, here is my suggested reading list (in no particular order) for thrifty thinking: 1. Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider published by Better Way Books 2. The Power of Simplicity by Patty Kreamer published by Publish Connect, Pittsburgh, PA. 3. But I Might Need It Someday! By Patty Kreamer published by Publish Connect, Pittsburgh, PA. 4. Life or Debt 2010 by Stacey W. Johnson CPA published by Pocket Books, New York 5. The Small Budget Gardener by Maureen Gilmer published by Cool Springs Press
6. The Wisdom to Know the Difference by Eileen Flanagan published by Tarcher Penguin, New York 7. Lighten Up by Peter Walsh published by Free Press, New York 8. Saving Savvy by Kelly Hancock published by Worthy Publishing, Tennessee 9. Easy Money by Liz Pullman Weston published by Financial Times Press a division of Pearson Education Press, New Jersey 10. The Difference by Jean Chatzky published by Crown Business Press, New York Now, put on your coat and shoes and head over to your local library to check out a few of the above titles – then enjoy, and declare to make 2014 a magnificent year for YOU! a
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The Valley, January 2014
From Barley to Beer
This coming year I will be embarking on a grandiose experiment. I am going to try to make a beer with only ingredients harvested on my property and reused from a previous batch of beer. I already grow hops and numerous herbs on my property, and the yeast will be washed and saved from a former brew as described in last month’s article. I have well water so that’s covered. The final ingredient is barley. Starting this spring, I will be growing a small batch of barley that I hope will produce between 8 to 10 pounds of malted barley. So over the year I will be coming back to this topic frequently and updating the progress of this venture. I will also be
discussing other topics because an article entitled “the barley is growing” would be fairly dull. This month we will start this topic by discussing the history of barley as related to beer. It is theorized that beer was accidently discovered around 9000 years ago somewhere near Mesopotamia. Around 13,000 years ago, nomadic tribes stopped following herd animals that migrated with the seasons and began planting grain (wheat and barley). Many leading scholars believe that one day as the tribe was harvesting their barley, a neighboring tribe attacked them. They left the fields with the grain in the harvesting pots exposed to the
elements in order to defend the village. Then a large rain storm filled the pots. The tribe, due to the carnage of the attack, was not able to return to the fields for many days. The sun heated up the pots and changed the starches into sugars. Then wild yeast landed in the world’s first wort. Finally, the tribe finished dealing with the aftermath of the attack and returned to the harvest. At this point, for some reason, someone drank out of one of these pots. Was it because of necessity? I doubt it. This had to be one foul looking mess in those pots. I’m guessing like many others that it was a dare. One guy looked at another guy and said, “I bet even you would not drink that garbage.” And just like that, the party started. Barley was cultivated because it could be stored and used later to make bread. Beer provided another why to store calories for an even longer duration. That
My barley seed which will be planted this spring in hopes of producing 8 - 10 pounds of malted barley.
and who would want to celebrate a special occasion by toasting with a loaf of bread? Also, since beer was stored in containers, it was easier to transport and could be then sold at markets. During these times, it is believed that beer was only sold and not used as a bartering item at markets. Beer from Babylon was exported and distributed as far away as Egypt. It was thought that beer was so sought after as a potable food source that it was, however, used as payment for labor in the fields. Hammurabi, a Babylonian King, decreed the oldest known collection of laws. One of these laws established a daily beer ra-
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tion. This ration was dependent on the social standing of the individual. A normal worker received 2 liters, civil servants 3 liters, administrators and high priests 5 liters per day. So even then the common man was getting pissed on by the elite, pun intended. So there you have it from barley to beer. A short history of how beer came about. As the days get longer and warmth returns to the area, I will be getting the plot ready for planting. I have a plan, but that will be revealed next month. Until then here’s hoping your nights are warm and your beer cold. a
The Valley, January 2014
30 Tea for Two and You for Tea from page 5 good drink was referred to as “tea” but the actual plants could be as different as mint leaves from sassafrass root; being specific can help to avoid confusion. The definition also brings up an important point to cover. Generally speaking there are two types of drinks made with water and plants - an infusion and a decoction. Though these are terms used mostly in the study of the medicinal use of herbs and other plants, those of us mainly interested in a tasty drink should be aware of them as well.
Facing Mortality from page 17 afraid of my father’s death. But I knew my mom needed me for moral support, so I forced myself to go back down stairs. My father looked a little better by then. I helped to hold him up in his chair, turning my head away so I wouldn’t see any possible vomit. My mom kept yelling and talking sternly to him, telling him to stay awake, hoping he’d stay conscious. It was then at that moment I felt a sense of relief, and thought he might pull through.
With an infusion, the plant parts are steeped – or soaked – in hot water. This method is used for the more delicate parts – leaves and flowers. In a decoction, the plant parts are usually the harder bits-bark, roots, berries and they are actively simmered over heat. A tea can be either of these. For example, a cup of mint tea made by pouring water, just off the boil, over mint leaves placed in a cup and steeped for a few minutes is an infusion. A cup of birch bark tea made by adding the bark of a birch tree, to a pan of cold water, heating it just under a boil and simmering it
for several minutes is a decoction. But from our point of view they are both teas. Another point to ponder: to strain or not to strain. Probably the greatest reasons tea bags came into existence is that getting a mouth full of tiny bits of wet leaves when drinking is not particularly pleasant; an even more important matter if you’re using woody plant parts. Some tea pots are designed with a perforated insert. Stainless steel tea balls with thin chains are another innovation that makes tea making simple, especially if a larger amount of tea is desired. On the other hand, if you’re
really in a hurry or don’t have any gadgets, you can always strain it through your teeth as you drink. But generally speaking, most of us strain it before we drink it. Another point to consider is how long to steep the tea. Books have been written about the proper way to brew a cup of tea – most of them are referring to Chinese tea since too long a soak will give too much tannins that spoil the delicate flavor of the essential oils and are far worse for your health than any of the caffeine that is present. With most herbs and other plants, the chemistry involved is different and often a longer
steeping time doesn’t necessarily produce a drink that will curl your toes. But there is a lot going on in all plants and we need to be respectful of the fact. Sometimes, less is indeed more. So, while the winter weather gives our hard working land a rest, warm up from your outdoor activities with a hot, aromatic infusion of your favorite “tea” (even if it IS tea) and let’s start planning for the spring and adding a few new “teas” to our gardens. We’ll start next month with a closer look at one of the most used, and most popular, families of “tea” plants – the Mints. a
At the time it seemed like forever, but shortly after, the ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital. He wouldn’t die that day but the experience prepared me for the day he would die five years later on April 25, 2012. I would be the only one in his hospital room with him at the moment of his death (other family members were down the hall sleeping in the waiting room, or had gone home for the night to try and get some sleep). But it was agreed upon earlier that night, that I would spend that night with him. It was meant to be I guess. Thinking back to that mo-
ment when he almost died, and then to when he did actually die (It was just him and I alone together in his dark hospital room in the middle of the night), I feel it was fate. Later that day, after he died, when I got back home I wrote this e-mail, “Due to the pneumonia and the lack of anymore white blood cells to fight it, last night around 4:00 am, my father, drowning from the fluids in his lungs … as I waited with him by his hospital bedside… stopped breathing …tightened up… eyes popped wide open having a strange different vivid color. Slowly he looked at me … but as if not to know me … he looked right into my eyes, but as if not to see…he had already gone to another world. Then he laid back and died. I bent down and kissed his cheek as his dead skin quickly changed hue. I said in his dead ear, ‘I love you. Goodbye buddy.’” I’ve been to his gravesite a few times,
though it doesn’t mean very much to me. To me it’s just a place that has a slab of stone with his name on it. I don’t need it to conjure up memories of him. I can have memories anywhere I go. Don’t get me wrong, I like cemeteries. I like them for their different atmosphere, and for a relaxing walk. I like to walk through cemeteries for the solace they bring me. On one such autumn walk through
a cemetery (not the one with his gravesite), the leaves beginning to change color, two leaves … like feathers on the wind float down and land before me as I think to myself, “I’ve seen my son’s eyes open up for the first time, and I’ve seen my dad’s eyes close for the last time.” I feel really lucky and I appreciate having lived. a
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The Valley, January 2014
Get Ready for Lambing/Kidding Season Part: 1
Lambs and kids are adorable and a blast to raise, but are you prepared for their upcoming arrival? In this article I will be covering basic facts during a ewe’s/doe’s pregnancy, and what to have readily available leading up to their arrival. Breeders of market goats/ lambs tend to try and have little ones arrive between late December to early February, depending on what show they are aiming for and what age/market weight they would like their lambs/goats to be at. Here at HSE Club Lambs in Halifax, PA, we try to have our lambs born anywhere between the middle of January and early February, so that they will make weight for livestock shows during the summer, as well as county fairs in August and September. Gestation for a sheep and
goat are primarily the same, around 150 days (5 months). It is important to know their heat cycles and when they are most susceptible to breed (late summer to early fall). This is the most common time because the cooler nights are approaching. The easiest way to determine if your ewe/ doe is bred if you are not artificially inseminating, is to apply a marking harness on the ram/buck. A marking harness is applied to the chest of the male and has a marking crayon on the front, so when the female is bred, a mark is left behind. It is important to write down when the ewe/doe is marked to determine the approximate time of delivery. Now the waiting game has begun! Early, and even later into the pregnancy, it is important to monitor their weight and to keep
them healthy while the little ones grow and develop. If a ewe or doe is fed too much and becomes heavy, they are more prone to birthing problems such as toxemia. It is also important to vaccinate with appropriate vaccines (CD-T and Chlamydia). If you are unsure what these vaccines are, please contact your veterinarian. Two weeks prior to lambing/kidding, make sure that you have all supplies available for the big day! You can find many lists online as to what supplies you will need. At HSE Club Lambs, there are a few items that we have on hand prior to lambing. We have gentle iodine (for dipping the umbilical cord), towels, gloves, milk replacer, bottles, a prolapsed spoon, and nutria-drench (a nutritional supplement). Many breeders like to have heat lamps for warmth, but they are not a necessity. At HSE, we rely on great mothers that take care of their lambs, and when one becomes weak or cold, we will bring it into the house to increase its body temperature. We always have a heated blanket for smaller lambs that are weak upon birth. There is a lot of information on the internet and in books regarding what to prepare
Soon farms all over the valley will be welcoming little ones as the circle of life begins again with the New Year.
for lambing/kidding, and this is a brief summary of what we prepare for with our lambs. In the next ar-
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ticle, I will cover what to do once the lambs/kids arrive. Stay tuned! a
The Valley, January 2014
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Researchers: New Sustainable Ag Farmers Need Access, Farm-management Knowledge
Story courtesy Penn State Public Information —by Hannah Lane
cal for supporting new farmers growing food for local markets, explained Kathleen Wood and Leslie Pillen, both master’s degree On-farm internships and land- students in rural sociology. link programs are two important For these aspiring farmers, models for increasing the number learning to farm often comes of farmers in the sustainablethrough a relationship with an agriculture movement, according experienced farmer, and gaining to researchers in Penn State’s Col- access to land occurs through an lege of Agricultural Sciences. agreement between land seeker The majority of newcomers and landowner. to sustainable agriculture do not For their theses, Wood and enter farming through a family en- Pillen conducted research examinterprise -- the traditional succesing the role that farm internships sion process of learning skills and (Wood) and land-link programs inheriting property is not common (Pillen) play in supporting a new among these first-generation farm- generation of beginning farmers ers. in the Northeast. As a result, novice producers In their research, which was often lack essential knowledge partially funded through 2012 and access to land, both critiNortheast SARE Graduate Student Research Awards, Wood and Pillen explored the social processes and structures of farm internships and land-link programs, and studied the implications of these for providing the necessary resources to new farmers. Their data were independently collected through mixedmethod research designs. Both studies included intensive interviewing and Web surveys, and Wood also conducted focus groups and distributed time-use diaries to farm interns. There are few sociological studies conducted on either topic. Wood focused on the role farm internships play for curious or aspiring farmers to gain hands-on farming skills. She found that the emphasis these internships place on labor imparts practical skills to interns. However, the model leaves gaps in knowledge provided to participants if work is not supplemented with instruction from a farm mentor. “Farmers are expected to offer a broader picture of farming by including interns Kathleen Wood (top) and Leslie Pillen, in labor tasks and providing both master’s degree students in Rural instruction on a range of farmSociology, conducted research examining topics, so the interns will ing the role that farm internships and land-link programs play in supporting a gradually gain experience,” new generation of beginning farmers in said Wood. the Northeast. “But in many cases, interns Image Penn State
At the Seed Farm, an agricultural business incubator in Emmaus, Pa., Penn State Extension educator Scott Guiser, right, teaches aspiring farmers about the value of cover crops in controlling weeds. New farmers in sustainable agriculture often need mentoring relationships with experienced producers to gain the knowledge they need to be successful. Image: The Seed Farm
feel they are laborers more than learners, and farm interns receive limited instruction apart from labor activities.” Although most farm interns were given alternate remuneration for their labor, they were more motivated by skills learned and the value of their work, noted Wood. Many of them wished that their employers had spent more time training them in areas of management or farm planning in addition to labor. Since the farm population in the United States has dwindled, and growing numbers of farmers are nearing retirement age, new farmers are crucial to continuing local and sustainable agriculture. Organizations and individuals that offer their land to farmland seekers through land-link programs see it put to good use and support the growing of food on the local level. Nevertheless, according to Pillen’s research, these landowners mainly look for credibility
among potential lessees when deciding to lease their land. “Owners may look for prior farm management experience before they trust land seekers to lease their land,” said Pillen. “In my research, I found that over a third of the seekers did not have experience in farm management.” Land-link programs -- often motivated by supporting beginning farmers and local agriculture -- manage databases of farmland to help beginning farmers locate properties to cultivate. However, it is less common that they support farmers and landowners in establishing clear expectations of the partnership in a lease agreement, Pillen pointed out. “Owner inexperience and owner ‘farming fantasies’ are two barriers land-link programs face when facilitating a lease,” she said. “Some landowners may be excited about supporting local agriculture, but they might not know exactly what it entails in cases where they themselves have never
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farmed or experienced a farm.” The goals of the land seeker and the landowner must be clearly communicated and compatible, Pillen emphasized, so both parties can engage in a successful partnership. Land access security is another barrier of leases facilitated through land-link programs. “Owners retain ultimate control,” Pillen said. “They have the ability to end the partnership if they are unhappy with it.” The need for new farmers is evident, the researchers agreed. But there is also a need for farmers and landowners who are prepared to teach aspiring farmers proper farm management and to provide them access to land. “Without addressing the challenges present in internships and land-link programs within current sustainable agriculture systems, the future sustainability of these efforts to support beginning farmers will remain in question,” Wood said. a
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The Valley, January 2014
Back Talk by Dr. Joseph Kauffman
Uh...Wait. What? When Obama was running for president back in 2008, I was very apprehensive and anxious about what his win would mean for our country. He made so many promises that he set himself up for failure, but if any of his promises came into fruition, I was worried about what that would mean for the future of our society. In a recent interview with Barbara Walters, she even admitted that she and many people thought that he was the next Messiah. The simple comparison shows what kind of person he is. One of my fears was Obamacare. Free healthcare is never free for all. Someone has to pay for it. Many of my fears and anxieties were what others called back then, “conspiracy theories.” Well, when some of these theories started to become a reality, people like me who feared them then, do not appear to be so crazy now. Who would have thought that our own government would be spying on its own citizens with
spacecrafts such as drones or be spying on what we are looking at on the internet. Do we have more or less freedoms than we had back in 2008? So, does taking away our freedoms make our country better or worse? Perhaps, we each have our own different answers. Here is something I found that is very intriguing. Is it just another conspiracy theory or is there truth to it? “Obamacare Medical Codes Confirm: Execution by Beheading To Be Implemented in America... - (by Lorri Anderson, FREEDOM OUTPOST) -- A faithful reader sent me a code and asked me to investigate how it ties into the larger scale of things. The specific code sent to me will make any American’s hair stand up on the back of their neck. The code is ICD 9 E 978. After reading this code I decided that it was my duty to investigate further and get to the bottom of why we have a medical code in the United States
for “Legal Execution.” Below are my results. ICD 9 E 978 “Legal Execution” All executions performed at the behest of the judiciary or ruling authority [whether permanent or temporary] • asphyxiation by gas • beheading, decapitation (by guillotine) • capital punishment • electrocution • hanging • poisoning • shooting • other specified means • INJURY UNDETERMINED WHETHER ACCIDENTALLY OR PURPOSELY INFLICTED According to reports, more than 68,105 new medical codes are being added due to the Obamacare monstrosity. Doctors all across the nation have been complaining due to the overwhelming burden it places upon them. Just the time consumption
alone, making sure these codes are accurate, will inevitably take time away from the doctor/patient relationship creating a barrier of paperwork while destroying the personal experience with your doctor. While these doctors are correct to state it will be even more of a burden, they are not correct to state this has come out of Obamacare itself. Let me explain. These codes were not created by Obamacare; however Obamacare is trying to implement every American citizen under international codes to link us to the “international” system. These codes were actually created by the WHO (World Health Organization). The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations. [...] The questions that need to be asked and answered are: 1. Why has the United States been subjected to “International Medical Coding” without our knowledge? 2. Why are we allowing “coding” that goes against our principles and constitution? 3. Why do we have a code for “Legal Execution” which is illegal in America? With the exception of those given the death penalty after trial by jury.
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4. When did the Department of Homeland Security find out about this coding? Why haven’t they addressed this (since they are supposed to protect the people)? 5. Why is DHS sending any kind of “Medical Coding” to the states? 6. Why haven’t the doctors spoken out to make Americans and Medicare recipients aware that their information has been given to an “International body”? 7. Why haven’t they made people aware that the WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations and directly linked to the “League of Nations under the guise of collecting data? 8. Why would we allow forced medical coding through congressional bills to come from an organization that supports UN Agenda 21, Millennium Development Goals, and supports the eradication of “sprawl” (which is average people like you and I)? 9. Is law enforcement aware of this specific code? If so why haven’t they brought this to the attention of the American people?”
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Joanne Wills-Kline Contentment Quest
Poiema Every year, as one year comes to a close, and a brand new year begins to unfold, I choose a word – a single word – that will serve as a guidepost for my personal growth. This year, my personal growth word is “poiema.” Poiema is the ancient Greek word meaning masterpiece, workmanship, creation, art. The word poiema has evolved in our modern English language to the word “poem.” So, as we move into the days of 2014, the word poiema will be the guidepost through which I breathe and move. I will make art – not the kind of art that gets revered in museums – the everyday kind of art such as a home-cooked nutritious meal made with love for my family. I will create. I will create a warm, welcoming home for my family and friends to enjoy. I will endeavor to mindfully offer my best workmanship in all I do. I will recognize myself and others as masterpieces created from the most high God.
One of my favorite writers, Emily P. Freeman, has released her third book into the world, and I am enjoying it immensely. Emily’s new book is titled “A Million Little Ways… uncover the art you were made to live,” published by Revell. As we move through 2014, and I work through Emily’s book, I intend to share highlights of the book through my column. Emily’s book is founded on the notion that we are all image bearers of God – the god that created the universe and created us in his image. We are the most high God’s workmanship, his creation, his art, his poiema. On page eleven of “A Million Little Ways,” Emily quotes Jon Foreman,and encourages us to view our life – our every day – as if we were making art… as if we were creating a masterpiece, and in essence, we are creating masterpieces as we live our lives. Below, I have excerpted Jon Foreman’s quote: “You want to know the meaning of life? This is your highest
calling: You are called into the dynamic co-creation of the cosmos. This breath is your canvas and your brush. These are the raw materials for your art, for the life you are making. Nothing is off limits. Your backyard, your piano, your paintbrush, your conversation… You’re making a living with every step you take.” ~ Jon Foreman The big questions are… what do you want your life to represent? How will you use the raw materials you were given to create a life – your life? Do you want to create beautiful art through the way you move and act in the years known as your lifetime? Do you want your life to represent a lovely creation, a masterpiece, a purpose realized? Do you wish to uncover your highest calling? If your answer is “Yes!”, then join me
as we seek to uncover who we were destined to be when we were fashioned in the image of the most high God. Join me as we ponder fragments of Emily’s writing through my Contentment Quest column in 2014. Take some time throughout January to consider what single word you would like to name as your word for 2014. Consider how you could move, breathe and live the meaning of the word you chose. And then, approach your daily life as if you were creating a masterpiece… as if you were
Progress At The Embassy by Patricia Lawson
Did you stop by The Embassy the possibilities of potential uses on December 5th during The Fesof the Embassy: Community tival Of Ice? If not, you missed Theatre; Wedding Receptions; out on some yummy cookies and Social Events; Business Meetings a look at the latest conceptual deand Conferences; Live Music and sign of the future Embassy. Also, Comedy Performances; Independif you didn’t pick-up the current ent and Classic Films; Educationbrochure, I’ll let you in on some al/Learning Center; Community/ exciting updates. This is what has been accomplished to date: New Roof; New Exit Doors; Marquee; Secured a $246K grant through Save America’s Treasures; and Secured a $85K grant through Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Now, use your Conceptual Design courtesy of Westlake Reed Leskosky imagination, and just think of all
Arts Center. The final piece before moving forward is a fundraising/donation effort to start work on the interior. Immediately, the Friends will need to raise about $150,000 to provide a match to the remaining Save America’s Treasure’s grant and to fund some items not covered by the grant. A common question is, “When will the Embassy re-open?” If we can sustain the fundraising/donation plan, the Embassy could be finished and fully operational in about five years. But, we need YOUR support. Please contact Paul Fagley at embassytheatre@verizon.net or call 717.248.0321, to find
out how you can help. I recently read an article, “Why volunteering is good for everyone.” Here are some excerpts of interest: “One of the better-known benefits of community service is its impact. Volunteering allows me to connect to my community and make it a better place. However, I have found it has benefited me in unexpected ways as well. Dedicating my time as a volunteer helped me make new friends, expand my network, and learn new skills.” “Recent research shows that volunteering in your community improves your general well-being. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do
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fashioning a work of art with every word you speak and every move you make. Utilize your finest ability - your workmanship – to make meals and clean house and demonstrate your love of family. Use your skills to make your house a warm welcoming home. Use your words to uplift and praise. Then meet me back here for our next step in uncovering the art we were meant to live. “There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh a
not volunteer.” “What a better reason is there to connect with your community and give a little back? As a volunteer, you certainly return to society some of the benefits that society gives you.” Important Notice: The Benefit Auction that was scheduled for January 17th has been postponed. However, please continue to collect new or gently used items for this fund-raising event. The Website and Facebook will announce the new date, and it will be held at Stevens Auction House on Market Street in Lewistown. Would you believe that November of 2012 was the first Embassy article in The Valley Newspaper? That calls for a recap: • Who built the theatre? Harold and Hyman Cohen • When did the theatre open? October 18, 1927 • What was the first movie shown? “American Beauty,” a silent film • When did the “talkies” debut? December 31, 1928
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Life in the East End by Rebecca Harrop middle of August so it’s mature Happy New Year everyone around October. Mom thinks the from the East End! I hope everykraut is better made that time of one had a great Christmas. Our year than earlier in the year. This family did, but then we always year, Dad came home with 57 do. The only sad note was it was the first Christmas without Gram plants! I guess he thought that Harrop. Gram loved Christmas so we wouldn’t need to make it for much. She always baked cookies a while if we had more plants. I and fruit breads. She made home- forget what variety they were, but made fruitcakes that everyone they sure grew and made huge liked. You hear all these people heads. So at the end of October, joking about fruitcakes, but peoBen, Brenda, Pap and Gram Goss, ple liked these. She always made sure my brother and Gram Goss got a fruitcake. I think my Dad and Uncle Bobby eat them also. My Mom has Gram’s recipe, so I guess she will have to start making them now. One of Gram’s favorite things about Christmas was that families got together to celebrate. I guess that is the only time some families do get together because they live in different areas. I can hardly imagine that because most of our family lives close by. Although, Gram Goss’ immediate family lives above Syracuse, New York, Many hands are needed on kraut canning so we don’t see them very day, everyone has their own specific task often. I like that our family and the work goes by quickly. lives close. We get to do lots of things together. Aunt Loraine, Mom, Dad, and I One of the things we do made the sauerkraut. Dad cut 52 together is make homemade sauof the heads, put it in tubs and erkraut at the end of October. A brought it into the house. Gram couple people suggested I should cleaned it and trimmed it. Make write more about how we do that, sure you save some of the big so here goes. It really isn’t a hard outside leaves to use later to cover process and it’s actually kind of the top. Mom and Brenda have fun. You start with the cabbage, those KitchenAid mixers with of course. You can buy heads of the attachments and one of the cabbage or grow your own. We blades is for sauerkraut. Pap says usually plant cabbage plants in the they used to cut it by hand with
Dad cut the cabbage and filled the tubs to bring into the house.
a butcherknife. That would take forever! Mom and Brenda sliced it in the KitchenAids in five pound lots. They had those mixers flying! For each five pound lot, you mix in three tablespoons of salt. We usually mix it with our hands. This is probably the messiest part of the process, especially if whoever is mixing gets a little carried away. I saw cabbage flying all over the table. That could have been Mom or Loraine. Remember, if you have any cuts or scratches on your hands the salt burns. But, The ten large crocks we ended up begging from neighbors and family. This is a lot of kraut! I’ve been told it only bothers you if you are what I was told. You continue to floor. We put the filled crocks out a wuss! Next, you dump it into in our smokehouse to ferment. fill the crock five pounds at a time a crock and using a big wooden We started with three five-gallon to within about six inches of the stomper, tamp it down. You have crocks. When they were full, top. Tamp lightly to level the top, to tamp it pretty hard because Mom grabbed a couple smaller then using the saved outer leaves you want to make juice. Pap crocks and then we still had cabcover the top. Place a clean Goss did the tamping. Did I say bage to cut, so she started calling dinner plate on top and weight it the mixing was the messiest? I to see if we could borrow a couple down with a quart jar filled with might have to rethink that. I’m crocks. We ended up borrowing water. You can leave it like this, pretty sure Pap had a lot of juice two crocks from my Aunt Billie but we always set it down in a big splattering around. Also, it has Jo, one crock from Aunt Janel garbage bag. When it ferments, to be a wooden stomper because it will get messy and putting it in Great Grandpap Goss said so. a big garbage bag keeps all the Continued on page 38 Believe me, I asked and that’s mess inside the bag, not on the
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The Valley, January 2014
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Companies Could Make The Switch To Wood Power From Penn State Public Information —by Matthew Swayne Some companies could economically convert their operations to wood boilers for heat and power, according to a team of forestry researchers. The conversion to woodpowered burners would make the most sense for larger commercial and industrial operations in areas that have access to large timber resources and a friendly regulatory environment, said Charles Ray, assistant professor of wood products operations at Penn State. Wood is a renewable resource that could help contribute to the nation’s energy needs for an indefinite period, according to Ray. “Theoretically, if we manage timber according to sustainable criteria, you could maintain it forever,” said Ray. “It could serve as a sustainable fossil fuel replacement.” He added that although wood is currently uncompetitive with
boiler. The researchers, who report their findings in the online version of the Renewable Energy Journal, used databases from the U.S. Energy Information Administration to estimate that there are 163,000 industrial and commercial boilers in use in the United States. Of those, they found that there were 31,776 oil, coal and propane boil-
natural gas-powered boilers, in ly to have the resources to receive, certain states it could compete store and load tons of wood chips with other fuel sources, such as and wood pellets that will fuel the oil, propane and coal. The most likely states for wood conversion currently are Maine, Texas, New York, Florida and Georgia, according to the researchers. Pennsylvania ranks 10th on the list. While communities in Europe are adopting communal systems of wood boilers to generate heat and power for homes, U.S. customers seem reluctant to adopt a communal approach to heating and power generation, Ray said. “Those kinds of operations would have both the money to invest in that size of project, as well as would have the resources for handling the wood,” said Ray. Companies are more likely to have the resources to receive, store and load tons of wood He added that larger chips and wood pellets that will fuel the boiler. companies are more like-
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ers in 37 states in the Midwest, Northeast and South, the target region of their study. Those boilers generate the energy equivalent of 287 million barrels of oil a year. If all of the boilers would be converted to wood-burning ones, they would consume about three times the wood available in the area, but that scenario is unlikely to happen, according to the researchers. “It’s doubtful that all of those conversions would occur,” said Ray. “Only the conversions that would make the most economical sense would happen.” Most wood boilers use wood chips or pellets. The country’s paper industry once consumed most of the wood chips to make paper, but the remaining paper mills consume far less wood now, Ray said. That availability makes wood more accessible for other purposes, including power and heat generation. Ray worked with Li Ma, a doctoral candidate in forestry resources, Penn State; Thomas Wilson and Daniel Wilson, both of Wilson Engineering Services; and Lew McCreery and Janice Wiedenbeck, both forest products technologists, U.S. Forest Service. The U.S. Forest Service supported this work. a
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The Valley, January 2014 Uh...Wait. What? from page 33
Caving Mifflin County with Todd Karschner
Bats and Windmills Do Not Mix
Hello again Valley readers. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year! Well, I’m sure most of you have heard that windmills might be coming to big valley. 95 windmills! When I first heard about it, I didn’t really know much about them. So after I did some research, which I urge everyone to do, I have learned some interesting things. Now, I’m all for alternative energy. We do need to lay off the coal and oil a bit. But, I am not convinced that windpower in the Appalachians is a good idea. The Appalachians is a karst region. Basically, karst means landscape underlain by limestone that has been eroded by water producing fissures, sinkholes, caves and other characteristic landforms. Here in Mifflin County, there are roughly 70 known caves. In these caves live our hibernating bat colonies. There are also migratory bats that move in and pass through our area each spring and fall.
Bats are extremely important in our local ecosystem. A single colony of 150 Big Brown bats has been estimated to consume nearly 1.3 million pest insects each year. That is a big impact on agriculture and forest viability. Bats consume a significant amount of pests, thereby reducing the amount of pesticides needed on crops. The Eastern Red Bat is known to eat gypsy moths, tent caterpillars, cutworms and a variety of agricultural and forest moth pests. Not to forget mosquitos! Some of you probably have heard about White Nose Syndrome, or WNS, that has been devastating our bat populations. We have been hit hard here locally as well. Wind turbines will do even more damage to our remaining colonies. One turbine kills an average estimated 24.6 bats per year. Plus all other sorts of flying creatures like Bald Eagles. Keep in mind that the tips of the blades can travel up to 195 miles per
hour! Bats do not have to be actually struck by the blades to kill them. Just by flying by the spinning rotor will cause blood vessels in the lungs to explode due to the sudden drop in air pressure. This phenomenon is called barotrauma. Barotrauma for bats is like the bends for scuba divers when they rise too quickly from a deep dive. Even during construction of these turbines will destroy colonies living under the bark on dead trees and in crevices in live and dead trees. One of these species of bats, the Indiana Brown Bat (Myotis sodalis), is endangered and federally protected. When power companies want to erect wind turbines within a 10 mile radius of an Indiana Brown Bat hibernaculum, (cave or old mine where bats can hibernate for the winter), it requires a multi-year, very expensive permitting process. Who do you think ends up paying for that? There are Indiana Brown Bat hibernacula in Mifflin County, so intensive research will be necessary. With all that in mind, then take into consideration the health risks, noise and just plain ugly—is it worth it? If you have never been close to one, take a trip to one of the wind farms here in Pa. Park your car and get out to listen for yourself. Then imagine that sound 24/7. Go knock on a few doors and ask them how they like living close to one. Get online and snoop around. There is plenty of information out there. Until next time.
- See more at: http://www.redflagnews.com/headlines/#sthash. jw32tQd7.LMEJwCfM.dpuf When I searched for that particular ICD 9 code, I learned that it is in fact the code for “Legal Execution.” The last time I checked euthanasia is illegal, so why is there a billable medical code to specify a diagnosis on a reimbursement claim for a procedure that is illegal? I know it takes a medical doctor to administer the drugs for lethal injections and to be present for death by electrocution in cases of capital punishment. Perhaps, this is the code they use to bill the government for these services. But, why include options such as
Progress at the Embassy from page 34 • • • • •
Cave safe, Todd K. a
R.O.F.F. from page 44 www.roff.cc or call 1-877-933ROFF (7633). In addition to the featured kittens and dog above, we have oodles of “future pets” available! Just check out our web-site www. roff.cc, to see who’s looking for you! Until they all have homes… www.roff.cc a
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What year and what was the first all-color movie shown? 1935, “Becky Sharp” What was the seating capacity? 682 When did the theatre close? 1981 When did “The Friends of The Embassy” rescue the theatre? 1991 Is the Embassy on the Nation-
shootings, hangings, and beheadings? And, what is with the International Medical Code? Are we being prepared for potential future issues? These are questions to think about and wonder if we are just concocting more conspiracy theories. http://www.icd9data.com/2012/ Volume1/E000-E999/E970-E979/ E978/E978.htm http://www.washingtontimes.com/ news/2013/dec/18/barbara-walters-admits-we-thought-obama-was-next-m/ Dr. Joseph Kauffman Kauffman-Hummel Chiropractic Clinic a
•
al Register of Historic Places? Yes, 1998 Are donations tax-deductible? Yes! Please make checks payable to “The Friends of the Embassy” and mail them to: The Friends of the Embassy, P.O. Box 203, Burnham PA 17009. Thank you!
www.embassytheatre.org www.facebook.com/embassyltwn A Memory with a Future, a Future Full of Memories! a
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Ed’s Railroading News by Ed Forsythe
The holidays are over, the Trolley Museum is closed until spring, the Model Railroad Club has completed their open houses, the trains ran great at Kish Park for Shinning Light Through the Darkness, and Cathy and I have been swamped in the train shop. Well, that was a long sentence. Hope you didn’t try to read it all in one breath. As for railroading stories, over the years I’ve received many about the kids who received Lionel, Bachmann or MTH trains
for Christmas. One was about the little girl who just wanted to lay on the floor and watch it go round and round the tree. Several times she fell asleep right there on the floor. Also a story about a young lad who played with his train daily and didn’t want to go to bed without it. Then there’s the little girl who wanted the girls set by Williams Trains that I’ve had in my shop for several years now. The first year she had the choice of the train or the iPad or phone or computer, etc, the next year the
Life In The East End from page 35
week. Although, after church that Sunday, Mom did can the four small crocks. She got 40 quarts out of those. So, Saturday Dec. 14th Brenda, Mom, Gram and Pap Goss, Aunt Loraine and her daughter, Collette, came to can the kraut. We had four propane burners on the back porch. We used three to run canners and one to heat the sauerkraut. Plus, Mom heated two big pans on the kitchen stove. First, you have to open the garbage bags and take the jar and plate off the top. Then you scoop all the nasty stuff off of the top and throw it out. I have watched Mom do this before and asked her how she knew how much to throw out. She says you can tell by the look and the feel when you are scooping. She says to try to scoop it in layers so you can see when you get to good kraut. The bad stuff on top will feel mushy and look rotten. When you get to the good kraut, it looks like kraut and feels firm like cab-
choice was the train or the ?????, the third year, the same choices. It just seems that the train always lost out to something important. Well, the little girl grew-up and this past summer I saw her with her family and I found out that she has graduated from high school and is now in college. I swear sometimes these kids are graduating at the age of 14 to 16 as this young girl certainly grew up really fast. Well, of course, since she’s now in college she has other ideas about gifts for Christmas, but it seems that the train set was still on her list. So this year, old enough to be a student of higher education, this young lady has received her girls train set with the pink engine, tender and caboose along with really pretty pastel-
colored cars, transformer and track. As I had to write this article before Christmas I’m kind of anxious to find out about her reaction. I’ll try to remember to include her reaction in the next article if I hear from her. I’m actually hoping she stops in the shop to visit. Cathy and I want to say “THANK YOU” to all who assisted with the project of Shining Light Through the Darkness at Kish Park. Well, as I stated earlier, Cathy and I were swamped during into the Christmas Season so this article will be short and sweet and we are really ready for a long winter’s nap. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and we wish you all a very prosperous and happy 2014. Happy Railroading, Ed a
bage. The longer you leave it to ferment, the more bad stuff will be on top. Mom says you and two crocks from our friend just have to do it to Jean Savitts. All together we get a feel for what is filled four five-gallon crocks, one right. Mom scooped eight-gallon crock, three four-galout the good kraut into lon crocks, and two three-gallon big bowls. We put it crocks. Believe me, that’s a lot in the pans to heat. If of sauerkraut! We let it ferment it doesn’t have enough for about 6-8 weeks. Before I juice on it, you can tell you how to can it after it’s add a brine of one finished fermenting, just let me quart of water and one say this. I have smelled a lot of and a half tablespoons smelly stuff around the farm, and of salt. After it comes there aren’t a whole lot of smells to a boil, we put it in that bother me, but, sauerkraut quart jars and seal it. STINKS! Every time Mom opens Brenda, Gram and I a jar to cook it, I can smell it all filled jars, and Loraine over the house. I personally can’t and Collette put the stand the stuff! Mom, Dad and fillers and rings on. Rachel love it, but you can’t pay Pap was in charge of the propane burners and the Pap and Mom put the canners out on the porch. me to eat it. Ok, now you know jars in the canners. my opinion of sauerkraut. of sauerkraut, making a total of We use the boiling water bath We had planned to can it 141 quarts. That is a lot of kraut! method to can it. You process the the Saturday it rained all day Maybe we won’t need to make it sauerkraut for 30 minutes, then and since we can it out on the next year. Well, that’s it from the remove it from the canner and let back porch, we decided to wait a East End. a sit for 24 hours before removing the rings and storing. Now, if you remember Saturday Dec. 14th, it snowed pretty good that day. It was kind of funny because we waited a week because of the rain and ended up canning it in the snow. Anyone driving past our house that day probably got a good laugh at the idiots on our porch out in the snow. When Pap came in from the porch, his hair was covered in snow. It got a little icy out there too so they had to be careful they didn’t fall. At the end of the day, we had Not even an early snowstorm could stop the annual kraut making at the Harrop Farm. an additional 101 quarts
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The Valley, January 2014
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The Valley, January 2014
40
From Hip to Heart Rehab
When Independence Matters Most “I’m an independent man, and I want to stay that way,” says Russell Trego, Jr., 58, of McAlisterville. That is a common sentiment among many people facing rehabilitation after an injury, illness or surgery. Russell recently fell at home and broke his hip, and when it was time for rehabilitation, he chose HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Pleasant Gap. “Two years ago I was at HealthSouth to get strong after a long hospital stay left me feeling weak and unsafe to live alone,” says Russell. “In 18 days, I went from being in a wheelchair to walking out on one crutch. That’s why I’m here again.” Rehabilitation after hip surgery did not begin easily for Russell. “The first day in therapy, the pain was so bad that I wanted to give up. I thought I would never walk again,” says Russell. “But my aunt Mary said some things to me that were very motivating. I live alone, and I don’t want to be a burden to anyone, especially my children.” Russell, who has four children and seven grandchildren, says that instead of fighting the pain, he learned to go to another place in his mind. “I imagined that I was with my grandson and granddaughter, and it worked,” he said. “I was able to deal with the pain and move forward in my therapy.” In addition to a broken hip, Russell has a heart failure diagnosis. “At HealthSouth, when a patient is admitted for rehabilitation (for whatever reason), and that patient has a heart failure diagnosis, they also get the benefit of our Heart Failure Program,” says Amy Adams, Russell’s case manager. HealthSouth’s Heart Failure Program has earned the Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification. The program includes classes that teach patients about managing fluid intake and medications, and the importance of daily weight monitoring. “I’m learning how to manage my heart failure diagnosis when I go home,” says Russell. “I want to be able to take care of myself again.” Nurses use the “teach-back method” to educate patients about daily weights and what weight gains to report, foods to avoid, the name of their water pill, and other signs and symptoms to share with
their health care providers. Case managers also ensure that a heart failure patient has a followup appointment with their primary care doctor. “We call the patient four days after discharge, and again 30 days after discharge,” says Adams. “That follow-up after the patient is discharged helps to prevent re-admission to the hospital.” Patients with a heart failure diagnosis also participate in their rehabilitation goals through the “Road to Recovery” board in their rooms. Nurses and patients change the board as patients achieve milestones and reach
goals. Russell’s goals include walking again, living independently at home, and successfully monitoring his heart failure diagnosis. “My dad always told me, ‘No is not in your vocabulary,’ so I always try my best.” HealthSouth Nurse Jackie Tepsic, LPN, who cared for Russell, adds, “Russell’s positive attitude is what makes him a great candidate for rehab. He never says ‘no’ and is willing try anything to get better. That’s what helps a patient like Russell go home again.”
Continued on page 46
Physical Therapy Assistant Steve Uberti (left) supports patient Russell Trego, Jr. as they walk in the physical therapy gym at HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital. Russell is getting rehabilitation for his hip, and is also in HealthSouth’s Heart Failure Program. “Three hours of therapy a day is what make’s this place so good,” says Russell. “Some days I’m even wishing for more.” Russell’s goal is to get strong enough to return to his home and live independently again.
Rehabilitation after your illness, injury, or surgery.
Better Outcomes. Quality Care.
A Higher Level of Care
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550 West College Avenue • Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 814 359-3421 NittanyValleyRehab.com ©2013:HealthSouth Corporation:636925
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The Valley, January 2014
How Things Change
by Clarissa Goss HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and enjoyed bringing the New Year in! Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to start the New Year! New clothes, new things, new changes in our lives, and don’t forget celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Mifflin County Youth Fair! I’m so excited to start this year off with much planning for the big event in August. It’s busy, busy, busy. As I go about the meetings and phone calls, I often find myself thinking of what 4-H was like when I participated. The volunteers were different people and now many of our leaders and volunteers are new faces of former 4-H members that really enjoyed their time in the 4-H program and that enjoy working with children and want to pass on the knowledge that was once passed on to us. There are still some of our elders around helping with clubs or on the Fair-
board committees. I enjoy having them still with us, and they really are wise in ways that the rest of us may not be. It’s always nice to have their input when making decisions and teaching our youth. In this month and in the next, I will be interviewing some of our elders in the 4-H program and asking them about what is different in 4-H from when they were kids in the program compared to what 4-H is today. It will be quite enlightening and will hopefully help many readers to understand the importance of keeping our tradition going. From the time when I was a child, I heard my elders talk about how different life was “back in the day.” Everything was cheaper and easier in the good old days. I remember many times trying to picture myself in the time period my grandparents and their friends were talking about, and I still can’t believe how cheap gas was!
But we live in this new year of 2014 and things are not cheap and not exactly easy. In the 50’s and 60’s, it was rare for a both parents in a household to have jobs, and now it’s almost impossible to make ends meet with only one income. My grandfather, Wilson Goss, Jr., grew up a farmer’s son and knows how simple life was back then. He walked to a little school house with his brothers with one teacher, and the school worked around a farmer’s planting/harvest schedule. As a child, it was the excitement of the summer if you had a 4-H project and were going to show your livestock at the county fair. As a parent, it was good advertisement for your farm to have a prize winning pig from your farm. My grandfather can tell you many stories and I’m always keen to listen. He told me once that 4-H leaders were all farmers or livestock owners themselves and knew everything that was important about that animal. It was simple really. You walked your animal into the show ring and smiled for the judge with your best clothes on. The judge could tell how much and how hard you worked with that animal depending on whether they would cooperate or stand like a statue. Then there was how clean and neatly clipped your animal was and with those factors in mind the judge would give placings for showmanship. As far as meat quality went, the bigger the better although, the judges didn’t like your animals too fat. It may sound a little complicated, but compared
to the lengths that our youth goes to today to get a first place ribbon, it’s very simple. Today, the youth in livestock have to know every body part of their animal, what appropriate minerals are needed for their diet, and the many different breeds of their animal, as well as always keeping a smile on their faces while doing it. The
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reason for it being harder for our youth is to help better themselves and to help educate them in the agriculture business, since many members of 4-H aren’t children of farmers anymore—they need to learn their animals inside and out. It is all part of our 4-H pledge to help our youth to have a “Head to clearer thinking.” a
The Valley, January 2014
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The Psychology of Emotional Responses to Art So, here is something I’ve thought about often regarding our gut emotional response to viewing a piece of art, and mainly considering paintings and photographs. I’m not talking about a careful critique after thinking about the piece for a while. I’m thinking of that immediate feeling you might have of warm and fuzzy, or unease, or energetic engagement… those sorts of reactions. Are there some landscapes that make you just want to walk into them? Are there others that somehow feel “safe” or, at the other extreme, put
you on edge? I think these kinds of gut level responses are often triggered by something in our hardwiring, our subconscious programming that’s been handed down from the thousands of years of being tribal hunter/gatherers that every human being has somewhere in his or her distant past. It’s like the way an unexpected loud noise behind you makes you whirl around to see what happened, maybe with a jolt of adrenaline, before you even process what you were doing. For example, a scene looking across
an open meadow at a forest edge a hundred yards away will likely have a calm, relaxed feel to it. Why? Perhaps because, in ages past, you are a distance away from the hidden interior of the forest, giving plenty of time to react if a wild predator or enemy human were to emerge from the woods edge. Were the view of a thick, dark forest edge from only a few yards away, however, the subconscious response might be one of wariness and perhaps even a bit of fear. A painting of a city street at night, with lots of dark, undefined corners, might feel very tense or, if there are plenty of other people in the scene and they seem to be at ease and enjoying the evening out, the feeling might be the very opposite, warm and even romantic. In this case, the gut reaction is influences by the other depicted people in the scene, as we often take our cues from others around us as to the safety or danger of a situation. These considerations might seem pretty obvious, but they are important to an artist to contemplate and factor in when deciding exactly how to approach a paint-
“Library Girl and Wren” A 16x20 inch oil painting by Karl Eric Leitzel recently done as a fundraiser for the East Penns Valley Library. The statue is in front of the library at its Millheim Borough Building location.
ing. Decisions of composition and use of color and light and shadow can make a big difference in how most viewers are likely to react to the finished work. A round Millheim, things will be rather quiet in January as everyone decelerates after all the bustle of the holidays. At the Green Drake Gallery, we will be going to reduced hours for at least the mid-winter months, as it is a slow time of year. We will only have scheduled open hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m..
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We will also be open by chance when one of the resident artist staff members is working upstairs, as well as by appointment. Please call ahead at the gallery number (814-349-2486) or managing partner Karl Leitzel’s cell phone at 814-422-8461 any day but Saturday. We will continue to have our regular music jams, music and art lessons, and occasional special Friday evening events. Check our web site or Facebook page for updates. a
The Valley, January 2014
Co-authored with Helen Carp
May I start this off with saying Happy New Year! Now that the new year has begun, it is a good time to consider joining a local 4-H group. 4-H is a great program with many interesting and knowledgeable people to learn from. Maybe you’re already in 4-H, and would like to join a new club this year, or maybe you’d just like to try something new. To find out what local clubs are around you, contact your local extension office, and they will be happy to direct you. Two very good 4-H clubs in the area are Penns Valley’s “4H Rams,” and
Mifflin County’s “Rabbits R Us.” Both have very knowledgeable rabbit leaders that are willing to help you in your start into the rabbit raising hobby. Rabbits make a great 4-H project as they are easy to care for and can be kept in many different households. Whether you live on a farm or in an apartment, rabbits are a good choice for a pet. In fact, many apartment managers allow rabbits in their buildings. Since they aren’t loud and don’t smell (as long as they are well cared for), they make the perfect pet for apartments. They can also be happily kept in outdoor hutches year round (again, if cared for properly, and given what they
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need to stay out of the elements). Rabbits are multipurpose animals, being used for meat, fur, pets, and show. “Choosing a good quality rabbit can make the difference between second place, and best in show! – 4-H teaches ANR’s Savon, Best In Show rabbit at the 2013 Grange Fair, photo by Oksana Mallare” about each part of the You need to choose your rabbit but there are many breeders that fantastic world of rabbits, they started out with one pet rabbit, but carefully, some breeders will sell give you the knowledge to help they eventually ended up expanda 4-Her a pet quality rabbit just decide what part of that world is ing to have an entire herd. because they are not planning on right for you. A good quality rabbit costs showing it in ARBA shows or One of the most important parts starting a breeding program. You of doing rabbit 4-H is (as you Continued on page 46 may not have these plans now, may have guessed) the rabbit!
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The Valley, January 2014
44
R. O. F. F.
Dairy Connection by Halee Wasson
Rescue Our Furry Friends
Centre Count y Dair y Princess January 1, 2014 seems to be just another date. However this date starts us off to a new year, full of new adventures. On this day we set new goals, short and long. It may be a goal for a healthy diet and lifestyle, or to branch out and experience new things. Whichever one you may choose, both of these could involve a short trip to the dairy aisle of your local store. If you are looking to try new things, there are hundreds of different dairy products with unique flavors. If you are looking to have a healthy diet and lifestyle, the dairy aisle has many low-fat and fat-free products available. 2013 was the year of the farmer—let’s continue this in 2014. Support the farmers in your area by buying their products. I am including some recipes for you, so you can try new things or have a better diet.
Strawberry Icebox Cake 1 c Strawberry Greek YOGURT 1 c HEAVY CREAM ¼ c powdered sugar 48 chocolate wafer cookies 1 block semisweet chocolate, for grating Whip the HEAVY CREAM with the powdered sugar until it forms stiff peaks. Add the YOGURT and whisk to combine. In a 9-in square pan add 4 rows of cookies, 4 cookies to a row (16 cookies total). Evenly spread 1/3 of the YOGURT mixture over the cookies. Top with another 4 rows of cookies and half of the remaining YOGURT mixture. Finish with the remaining YOGURT mixture. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, use a grater or vegetable peeler to grate or shave chocolate over the cake.
by Patricia Lawson
Serving Size: 8. Latkes with Sour Cream Mushroom Sauce For those who aren’t familiar with them, latkes are a traditional Jewish dish of potato pancakes. 2 large russet potatoes, shredded (about 3 cups) 5 green onions, chopped (about 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) 1/4 c all-purpose flour 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free) Vegetable oil 1 c SOUR CREAM Place the potatoes into a colander. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry with paper towels. Stir the potatoes, 1/2 cup onions, flour and 1/2 cup soup in a medium bowl. Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. For each latke, drop 2 tablespoons potato mixture in the skillet, flattening into a 3-inch round with the back of a spoon. Cook the latkes, 5 or 6 at a time, until well browned on both sides. Drain the latkes on paper towels. Stir the SOUR CREAM, remaining soup and onions in a small bowl. Serve the sour cream mixture with the latkes. a
Once again, Pet Photos with Santa was a hit! Thank you Big Valley Beverage in Reedsville for the use of your facility! We often hear about the pet dogs in the White House, but how about those pet cats? Well, here are a few and their owners that don’t get much notice: “Socks” – President Clinton; “Misty Malarky Ying Yang” – Amy Carter; “Tiger” – President Coolidge; “Tabby” – Tad Lincoln (also, Lincoln rescued 3 stray kittens orphaned during the Civil War); “India” (AKA Willie) – George W. Bush; “Slippers” (6 toed) & “Tom Quartz” – Teddy Roosevelt; and “Tom Kitten” – Caroline Kennedy. Check this out…Do you have the opportunity to take payroll deductions for the United Way where you work? Did you know that you can ask for your contribution to be donated to ROFF? Just ask your HR representative how you can do this. Thank you very much!
Leo
Kittens, kittens and more kittens! All you need is a litter box, litter and food, and you’re good to go! Get ready for some laughs and love. All are about 10 – 12 wks old, and Charlotte is the only female. All tested negative Feluke/ Fiv, are litter trained and are sweet and loving. Just fill out an application on our web-site at www. roff.cc or call 1-877-933-ROFF (7633). Is your dog’s name in the “Top 10”? Find out here – for female dogs: Bella, Daisy, Lucy, Molly, Sadie, Sophie, Lola, Chloe, Zoey, and Maggie. For male dogs: Max, Buddy, Charlie, Rocky, Cooper, Duke, Bear, Jack, Bentley and Toby. My dog, Sam, is #43, but I’m not telling him.
Charlotte
Raja
Jellybean
Butters
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How cute is this picture? This is Raja with a member of her foster family. Raja is a female brindled pit bull that is approximately 4 years old. She is a very loving, affectionate girl who absolutely loves people, especially children, and she also gets along with the family cat. She doesn’t seem to mind male dogs, but isn’t real fond of other females. She is crate trained, house broken, spayed and up to date on her vaccines. So, she’s all ready for her FUR-ever home. Just fill out an application on our web-site at
Continued on page 37
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The Valley, January 2014 always keep in mind that nothing is ever guaranteed. Having offered those observations, lets take a look at a few things we DO know.
Dave Wilson
Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That
(1). Since the birth of the US Central Bank (The Federal Reserve) on December 23, 1913, the Federal Reserve “Dollar” has LOST more than 97% of its original purchasing power.
Buy Low - Sell High Think it is easy? It Isn’t!
You may wonder if that item has become a dead product forever and any money allocated for purchasing it, even at an historic By now, pretty much any investment is when the item(s) are low price, might be entirely lost. To be sure, many investment (reasonably educated) person past being eagerly sought after by the items have gone that route all too the age of 40, understands (at least “masses” and prices have jumped in theory) that the BEST time to to exaggerated levels and continue frequently. On the SELL side, the quesbuy ANYTHING, especially an to climb steadily (or rapidly). tion becomes, “Gosh, what if I investment, is when the PRICE So, if we all KNOW this, sell NOW and the price explodes for that item is dropping, seems then why isn’t everyone rich? dramatically to the upside. It to be out of favor, and is not high Well, while we all understand could cost me a fortune in lost on most buyer’s want list. (Sorry, the mechanics, the actual move potential profit. don’t mean to be insulting to to “buy or sell” usually takes im So you see, buying when people under 40, but the truth is mense discipline. Having a cast a product is out of favor, then that most younger people are far iron stomach doesn’t hurt either. selling when it is (once again) a LESS investment conscious than After all, when an item is HOT-HOT-HOT property, isn’t as older adults. If you are under 40 depressed in price and continuing easy as it sounds. and reading this article, then, of to drift lower, one must always These questions are even course, you are the exception to ask himself if that item will ever this presumption.) again rise to profitable, previously more difficult when the investment item is new, with little The best time to sell an high levels. history (i.e. “BitCoins,” new innovations, new start-up companies, etc.) For investment items like Gold, Silver and other precious metals, however, those “very hard” quesSue P. keeps in shape by jogging after work, but tions “should” her knee really hurt after a bad fall. Her doctor be a bit easier to answer, since we scheduled an MRI at the local hospital. She are dealing with checked on her insurance company’s web site THOUSANDS and found that her full deductible of $2,000 OF YEARS of remained. She checked the cost of the hospital history and expeMRI and was shocked at the $1,827 price, since rience. it was her responsibility to pay this amount. Buying and selling still takes On the same website she noticed that the cost at 611 MRI was $511. a certain amount Sue quickly realized that she could pay $1,316 less for the same exam. of courage, even with precious Your Hospital 611 MRI metals, as we Procedure Deductible Cost Cost Difference
(2). Since 1913, when Silver was worth 58-cents per Troy Ounce, that metal has INCREASED in value by 3,393% to $19.68. (Close price on 12/13/13.) (3). Since 1913, when Gold was worth $18.92 per Troy Ounce, that metal has INCREASED in value by 6,543% to $1,238.00. (Close price on12/13/13.) ** Keep in mind that current (mid-December) Gold and Silver prices are terribly depressed, even compared to prices just 3 years ago. Otherwise, the numbers for #2 and #3 would be dramatically higher. When you give these figures some thought, along with thousands of years of proven history, then the case for converting much of your dollar (paper) investments
Local woman saves $1,316 on MRI!
MRI Knee
$2,000
$1,827*
$511
$1,316
MRI Shoulder
$2,000
$1,615
$510
$1,105
MRI Lumbar Spine
$2,000
$1,894
$554
$1,340
*Rates are for areas largest insurer. Check with your insurance company.
814-234-2600 www.611mri.com
611 University Drive, State College
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into (tangible, real) precious metals becomes a great deal more clear. No, we are certainly NOT suggesting that you take ALL of your investment capital and buy Silver and Gold. What we ARE suggesting, is that the old rule of thumb, that you should have 5-to-10% of your savings in Gold and Silver, is just that, O-L-D. A “much” higher percentage is needed now to help you protect your lifetime savings. Nobody can “guarantee” you excessive profits in ANY investment. And, to be sure, the decision to BUY or SELL is still a difficult one. However, considering Washington’s complete and total “inability” to even think about debt/deficit reduction, in even the tiniest way, then the avenue for protecting your accumulated, hard-earned savings leads to only one class of investments—Precious Metals. As timing would have it, these investment products have been driven to 5-year lows, which, at the present time, makes them even MORE interesting as a wealth saving category. Is NOW the time to “BUY LOW” in the Gold and Silver markets? You decide. a
The Valley, January 2014
46 Hip to Heart Rehab from page 40
HealthSouth’s Heart Failure Program includes a monthly support group, which is open to the public and held on the fourth Monday of every month at 4 p.m. at
HealthSouth. The group is led by Traci Curtorillo, CRRN®, nurse manager and the Heart Failure Program champion. For more information, call (814) 359-3421 or (800) 842-6026, or visit www. nittanyvalleyrehab.com a
HealthSouth Nittany Valley Patient Russell Trego, Jr. is on his way home following rehabilitation after hip surgery. “Everyone at HealthSouth is so nice and helpful; they motivated me,” says Russell. Standing, from left, are three of HealthSouth’s employees who cared for Russell: Jackie Tepsic, LPN; Steve Uberti, PTA; and Amy Adams, case manager. Russell, seated with two of his grandchildren, is excited to be going home.
Splitting Hairs from page 43 just as much to feed and care for as a pet quality rabbit. So why settle for less? For $20-$30 more, you could get a nice example of the breed. With a good quality rabbit, you can compete in ARBA shows, and have a good start in a breeding program, not having to spend years trying to overcome the many faults that the one original rabbit brought in. Now, just because a rabbit costs more, does not mean that it is better quality. Start out your hunt knowing what breed you want, and get to know the ARBA standard for that breed. Know what to look for in a good quality rabbit. That way you do not have to depend on the breeder to tell you what’s show quality and what isn’t. When in doubt, ask your 4-H leader, or a trusted rabbit breeder, to help you find a nice quality rabbit within your price range. Expect to pay between $45 and $80 on a nice quality rabbit, depending on the breed. Before you bring your rabbit
home, you need to decide where you are going to keep it. Rabbits can live in a variety of different places. The most important part of your rabbit’s environment is your dedication to their care. A rabbit can live perfectly happily in a solid-bottomed pet cage filled with shavings, or in a wire floored hutch. Weather you choose a wire bottomed hutch or a solid bottomed cage, really comes down to what you can comfortably care for. Solid floored pet cages require daily cleaning to keep your rabbit in a healthy environment, while a wire floor hutch requires cleaning about once a week. Solid floored cages are a good choice if your rabbit will be living inside, since having an outdoor hutch inside is not very practical. You also have to keep in mind the breed you are getting. Long haired or “wooly” breeds such as Angoras, Jersey Woolies, and American Fuzzy Lops do not do well on solid-floored cages because their wool gets very dirty and the shavings turn their wool into a matted mess. On the other
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hand, breeds like Mini Rex’s can have foot trouble if they are kept on wire floors, without a resting mat, or a way to get off the wire. As long as a resting mat, or other means of relief is given, they will do just fine. The rabbit project in 4-H is a great program. Rabbits are easy to maintain and bring such joy to their owners. They can live in many different environments, and are a relatively low maintenance pet. With a life expectancy of 8-10 years, rabbits will provide you and your family with years of joy! a
Happy New Year from all of us at The Valley!
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The Valley, January 2014
Industrial Wind Turbine Safety Concerns and Setbacks Laura Jackson, President Save Our Allegheny Ridges www.SaveOurAlleghenyRidges.org
Industrial Wind Turbine Safety Concerns and Setbacks Townships have the regulatory authority to enact setbacks to industrial power plants to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents. As industrial wind projects become more widespread, more accidents occur. People have been killed when turbines crash to the ground. We urge townships to protect residents and their property by enacting adequate setbacks. For non-participating property owners, turbines should be sited at least 1,000 feet from the property line and 2,500 feet from occupied buildings of non-participating landowners. A few examples of townships in PA that have adopted these setbacks are: Union (Mifflin Co.), W. Providence, Napier (Bedford Co.); Tell (Huntingdon Co.); Tyrone (Blair Co.). This article illustrates the safety issues and provides references for further research. 1. Turbine blades break apart and large pieces can fly long distances. Blades measure over 100 feet long and weigh more than 10 tons each. Lightning often damages blades. E.ON plans to build turbines on Jacks Mountain and has had blade failures in a U.K. project. This video shows the damage and safety concerns: www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/ calderdale/windturbine-blades17-metres-long-ripped-off-in-
high-winds-1-5657089 A recent turbine collapse in California: www.kcet.org/news/rewire/ wind/ocotillo-wind-project-shutdown-after-blade-throw.html The 315-megawatt Ocotillo Express Wind project in Imperial Co., shut down after a 10-ton blade came loose from one of the project’s 112 wind turbines, landing about 100 yards away on a public road. www.wind-watch.org/ news/2013/01/07/blade-fallsfrom-windmill-facility -shuts-down/ A large portion of one of the blades on a wind turbine in the Allegheny Ridge Wind project blew off sometime over the weekend in January 2013 forcing the project to shut down.
www.caithnesswindfarms.co.uk/ page4 The Caithness group has documented 221 separate incidences of blade failure, with pieces of blades documented to have flown over 1,300 meters or 4,266 feet (4/5 of a mile). Blade pieces have gone through roofs and walls of nearby buildings. Trees were knocked over by a shattered turbine blade near Lilly, PA in 2007. 2. Fires are the second most common
turbine accident. Fire companies can do very little to control a blaze that starts over 200 feet in the air. Just two examples: A video of a turbine fire near Blue Knob, PA on Feb. 6, 2012: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=TfQcflLwajI On May 14, 2009 a turbine caught fire at the Locust Ridge project in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The fire was blamed on a gearbox problem. 3. In the winter, turbines could throw huge chunks of ice. Wind companies say that the turbines stop when icing occurs. This video shows otherwise: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4EmYe2u6J6g http://site.ge-energy.com/ prod_serv/products/tech_docs/ en/downloads/ger4262.pdf Wind Engineers for General Electric note that a safe distance is “dependant on turbine dimensions, rotational speed and many other potential factors.”
posts/13468-windmill-in-denmark-explodes#. Ulx62GSG2WU For more information: Good overview on
accidents: www.easywindenergy.blogspot. com/2013/02/wind-turbine-accidents.html Comprehensive list of wind turbine accidents: www.caithnesswindfarms.co.uk/ accidents.pdf Wind Turbine Fires: www.nacleanenergy. com/?action=article&id=11235 Industrial Wind Action: www.windaction.org National Wind Watch: www.windwatch.org a
Wind turbines on Jacks
4. Turbines fall over. http://www. easywindenergy.blogspot. com/2013/02/ wind-turbineaccidents.html www.caithnesswindfarms. co.uk/page4 Many structural failures have been recorded, including entire wind turbines that have crashed to the ground. 5. Turbines can even explode. A wind turbine in Denmark exploded, then collapsed during a storm in Denmark on Feb 22, 2008. It was caught on video: www.windaction.org/
Mountain?
WIND TURBINE PUBLIC MEETING January 10 th 6:30 PM
Locust Grove Mennonite Church 3358 West Main St., Belleville, PA
Concerned Citizens & Wind Turbine Representatives have been invited to speak at this event.
Questions from the public will be addressed. Sponsored by Friends of Jacks Mountain www.SaveJacksMountain.org
Call 717-‐935-‐2137 for more information Locust Grove Mennonite Church is not sponsoring this event.
LISTEN TO LOCAL RADIO STATIONS OR CHECK ON-‐LINE IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER! If needed, our Snow Date will be JANUARY 17th, same place & same time!
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The Valley, January 2014
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