The Valley - March 2013

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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.

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The Valley, March 2013

Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby Traditional Family Fun

By Jason Lonergan

The change in the grand prize, in my opinion, makes the odds of winning the grand prize better for fishermen. With that said, it also changed how my friends and I fished this year’s derby.

During the winter, rainbow trout love to hang out in shallow, clear, sandy bottom areas. Often

times I would place tip-ups along the shoreline to catch rainbow, but with the change in rules this year we decided to fish in deeper water for white perch, yellow perch and crappie; some of the best eating fish on the lake during the winter.

Paugus Bay in Laconia has been a great spot for us over the years for

perch and we decided that would be our spot for this year’s derby.

We set up our tip-ups, two per person as defined by the NH Fish and Game laws for Lake Winnipesaukee, around the bob house in water depths ranging from 18’-25’. We used pin shiners and smelt for bait, which we placed a

foot or two from the bottom. My friends and I have had days out

Every February the Meron Paugus where we’ve caught edith New Hampshire Rotary enough white and yellow perch Club holds its annual ice fishing to fill a five gallon bucket—other derby. It’s not only a tradition days we didn’t catch a single fish. for Lakes Region area fishermen, This year the action was steady but for fishermen throughout the with the party catching eight fish state of New Hampshire and New including pickerel, perch and England. I’ve been fishing black crappie. As with the Great Rotary Fishing any fisherman, different Derby since I was a young techniques can be used boy with my grandfather to catch fish through the and uncles. The tradition ice. Along with tip-ups, has carried on with my jig sticks and jig poles are childhood friends and their popular and used to catch kids. Lake Winnipesauall species of fish during kee has been our fishing the winter. Two of the spot for decades and is the fish we caught, a yellow headquarters for the derby. perch and a pickerel, were

This year’s Derby caught “jigging” the botstarted off like no other in tom. recent memory. Twenty One of the keys to ice four inches of snow fell fishing is having a bobacross New Hampshire house where you fish. We over two days. The always have a bob house Nor’easter wasn’t the on the ice to provide shelonly change this year. ter, a place to cook, a place The grand prize normally to relax and a place to jig awarded to the largest inside from. The house “tagged” rainbow trout provides the essentials changed to a $15,000 cash needed to be comfortable prize. The cash prize is on an 18 inch sheet of ice now a drawing amongst during the cold winters a pool of the top boarded of New Hampshire. Ice (heaviest) fish in seven diffisherman and tourists will ferent species or categories venture out onto the ice (rainbow trout, lake trout, of Meredith Bay, derby cusk, white perch, yelheadquarters, to browse low perch, black crappie the colony of bobhouses. and pickerel). For years Some fishermen have all the New Hampshire fish the essentials of home in hatcheries have stocked their bobhouse, including Paugus Bay in Laconia NH was our base of operations. 24” of fresh snow and bright sunshine, it doesn’t get much better than that for a “tagged” rainbow trout in hard water fisherman. Here we are setting out our tip-ups before piling into the bob house to get warm and eat, as well as jig through built- a bathroom, satellite area lakes for the purpose in holes in the bottom of the house. With outside temps at 15 degrees, a bobhouse is the way to go. Fishing a lake that is 10 miles wide and 30 miles long, there is always a place to get away from the crowds. of the ice fishing derby.

Continued on page 46

Lighting Brush Fires in People’s Minds

The Valley, March 2013

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Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar One week till seed starting time for my tomatoes, and the goldfinches at the feeder are starting to change from their drab winter attire to their bright golden yellow plumage of summer, we must be close. I sure hope so, this winter has put a crimp on outdoor activity here.

Not so up in the north country. One of my son Jared’s lifelong friends and avid outdoorsman, Jason Lonergan, happened to post a few pictures on Facebook from his phone last month. I believe it was first ice, but we got to talking about the sport and how much I missed being part of the winter outdoors scene at home. Then he really tugged at my desire by mentioning the upcoming Ice Fishing Derby that used to be a huge part of my past livelihood during the winter months.

My old employer Jim Waldron of Meredith had also been mentioning the Derby to me and wanted to try to set up a weekend of fishing like we used to do back when we both had a lot less gray hair. As bad as I wanted to go (thinking it would make a great story and allow me to recharge the internal batteries a little), the demands here didn’t allow for it this year. Perhaps someone was looking out for me after seeing the area get pummelled with snow

from winter storm Nemo in the two days leading up to the event.

This is a change, because in the old days, Jim and I would absolutely at some point find ourselves in dire straights due to weather or circumstances beyond our control.

Maybe now that we are old, we will catch a break here and there.

After talking to Jason about the Derby, he kindly agreed to provide us with a glimpse of what that weekend is. As a native, Jason has a distinct advantage in knowing the local area inside out, and years of experience dropping lines through the ice. Jason’s story and pictures tell a first-hand account of his experience. Anyone that enjoys ice fishing might want to look into attending the annual event next year, which will be it’s 35th consecutive year. Information can be obtained at these sites: http://www.youtube. com/watch?feature=player_ embedded&v=PdftPw8gRPU#! http://meredithrotary.org/

Another guest author this month is Cheryl Boise who is sounding the alarm over our loss of control over our childrens’ education under the “Common Core Standards Initiative.” If you have school age children or take a special interest in our public

education, give this story a read.

We are extremely excited about welcoming two new writers to The Valley family, Ally Carl joins us with her column “From Me To Ewe” where she will cover everything from goats to lambs.

Our other new writer is Karl Leitzel of Millheim. A local artist, Karl is going to cover the arts and its interaction in our lives. The creative hub that is Millheim, PA is a perfect spot to report on a positive community cultural influence that is art.

We have also found a few more local treasures, such as locally produced furniture that is made from 100-200 year old barn boards from the barns and mills that got our state up and running.

This is a win-win—history is being preserved, we are re-cycling the wood and producing another item of value, and one-of-a-kind pieces are produced and can become family heirlooms. See the story about Olde Thyme Reflection’s barn board furniture.

Dutch Pantry Gifts has brought in three local jewelry artisans who each have their own line of handmade, local jewelry.

Timeless, always in style, and also, one-of-a-kind.

The drama that is being played out in Washington on several fronts is the biggest wagon load of bullcrap ever offered up by the government and the ‘government-controlled media.” Separate yourself from the hysteria being acted out by our politicians and then force fed to the masses who blindly accept any input rather than think for themselves.

First of all, there is NO debate on the gun issue. The 2nd Amendment is one of the first 10, otherwise known as “The Bill of Rights.” These first ten amendments can NOT be altered, amended, or changed in any manner whatsoever! They are reaffirming our GOD-given rights!

Did you get that? GOD-given, no man or government grants them, therefore no man or government can take them away, or change them. If you can get the votes, go ahead and amend to your hearts content, from amendment 11 on.

This one is untouchable. It also DOES NOT matter what the majority wants or desires, or cries out for. We are NOT a Democracy but rather a Constitutional Republic. In a Democracy, mob rules, in a Constitutional Republic, the individual is PROTECTED from the majority. End of discussion, not one more inch, PERIOD! Any politician, even our president, should be treated like a criminal and prosecuted if they attempt any change at all. Of course you would have to remove the Attorney General first before a trial could begin.

As far as the sequester goes, I say let it happen. This is no real cut at all anyway, it is just a re-

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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.

duction in the projected increase.

If we can’t afford what we are doing now, as evidenced by the rapidly growing federal deficit, how on earth can we afford ANY increase, no matter if that increase is trimmed just a little or not. WE CAN NOT AFFORD IT! Instead of reductions in planned increases, how about we start doing some real slicing. Close every foreign base that we operate, eliminate ALL foreign aid to every single nation, leave the UN and boot them out of our country, and then cut all social programs by the same exact amount or percentage.

We haven’t gotten here by mistake folks, we didn’t make a wrong turn somewhere. This has been a carefully mapped out journey, we are right where the Republicans and Democrats want to take us, they can’t fix it, this was their goal! Time to eliminate both of them! a

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The Valley, March 2013

Common Core Standards Initiative An Assault On Local Control

by Cheryl Boise

How many Pennsylvania voters, taxpayers, legislators, school board members, and families understand what the Common Core Standards Initiative is, and how it impacts our students while also impacting local and state control of our schools?

Some people may remember years ago there was a national push for Outcomes Based Education, Goals 2000, and more recently we have had No Child Left Behind.

Under the Clinton Administration there was an attempt to nationalize the academic standards in the public schools starting with History. They did attempt to go through a legislative process, but the backlash was intense. Education has always been a state and local responsibility.

Meanwhile in June of 1997, a letter was submitted to then Governor Ridge by the Advisory Commission on Academic Standards which indicated they were working on “creating and recommending the adoption of a rigorous set of state standards, the achievement of which demonstrates the attainments of high levels of student competency in core academic subjects.” At the same time, the Commonwealth developed the state assessment test (PSSA) which was to be used as a standards-based achieve-

ment test. In 2007, the Rendell Administration pushed to expand education standards all the way down to infancy for those children in licensed daycare centers. The point is, we have had standards, so why now is Pennsylvania along with other states, 2 territories, and D.C. pushing the implementation of what is now called Common Core Standards?

The federal standards movement never seems to totally go away. In 2009, the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers made a decision to create “voluntary” national standards known as Common Core. They did this knowing that most states already had standards, some of which were known to be excellent, such as those in California and Massachusetts. Going through the Governors’ Association made it seem as if states would still control the standards being taught in their classrooms. Some states, such as Alaska, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia initially said no to this movement. The Common Core Standards were not even written when the states agreed to make these changes, and almost immediately Governor Rendell jumped on board with this initiative.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Education hired the University of Pittsburgh in 2010 to do an alignment study between our existing standards and the Common Core Standards (CCS). In the agenda of their alignment meeting, it states that the State Board plans to adopt the Common Core, which has to be 505 CHIROPRACTIC, LLC comprised of 85% of the national standards.

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Many citizens are not aware that the State (717) 242-4476 Board even exists. It is the

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largest in the country having 21 members with the majority of the members being appointed and not directly responsible to the public.

The State Board started with changes to Math and Language Arts while waiting for other National Common Core Standards to be completed in additional subject areas. Science was more recently completed and released.

Meanwhile, Dr, Sandra Stotsky, who was initially on the CCS committee in Language Arts, refused to validate the National Standards. As a curriculum specialist, she expressed deep concern that the standards are difficult to implement in the classroom, inferior to what many states had, and do not take into account the cognitive development of children. James Milgram from Stanford was the only math expert on the Common Core Math Committee. He also refused to validate the standards saying it would place our students two years or more behind our international competition, which was counter to the comments that the Common Core are internationally benchmarked.

This is a “one-size-fits-all” approach to educating children, which does not account for many variables in the individual learning process. Organizations such as the Pioneer, Pacific, CATO, and Heartland Institutes represent a few of the many groups that have also expressed deep concerns that this initiative has the potential to remove education further from state and local control.

In addition to the standards, Pennsylvania agreed to be part of the two testing consortia (Smarter Balance and PARCC) that received millions in federal funds to develop the testing associated with the Common Core. If there is national control of the standards and testing, then it follows that there has to be national influence

over the curriculum. The further standards, testing, and curriculum is removed from the local school districts, the more difficult it is for parents and taxpayers to get any answers about what the children are being taught.

The Pennsylvania House and Senate Education Committee did not have public hearings on the standard changes, nor was this put before the entire legislature.

Congress in Washington also did not have a direct vote on the federal money being dangled in front of the noses of the states, so they would accept this national standard framework.

Any changes that happen through regulation in Pennsylvania, that do not go through a legislative process, must go to the Pa. Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC).

The IRRC took public comments on the standards and recent testing changes and then issued comments back to the State Board of Education at the end of 2012.

It was clear that many concerns were raised related to cost, implementation, and the impact on all of the students. The State Board indicated there would be no new costs to the schools districts.

However, the IRRC disagreed and felt the State Board had not clearly addressed the financial issues.

In 2012, The Pioneer Institute did a white paper addressing the cost of the Common Core on the various states, since many states had not adequately looked at the money factors. They projected in

Better be despised for too anxious apprehensions, than ruined by too confident security.

--Edmund Burke

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Pennsylvania over the next few years, it could cost us $650 million and that was considered to be a conservative figure. At a time in Pennsylvania when many local school districts are having serious budget issues, who is going to absorb the cost of implementing this program? Is this another underfunded federally based program?

Why is it that outside groups, such as the Gates Foundation, are spending large sums of money in Pennsylvania to promote these standards? Could it be that one of the major facets of Common Core will be technology? Should outside groups co-mingle tax dollars with their own money to promote these types of changes when they have no level of accountability to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, and to the families of our students?

In the state of Indiana, they slowed the process down by having state legislative hearings and very recently had legislation written to revise what was about to happen with the standards.

Taxpayers in Pennsylvania should consider requesting the same process take place in our state. A recent curriculum publication estimated that more than 79% of the taxpayers had no clue about the standards and their potential impact on local and state control of our students’ education. One Pennsylvania legislator, who himself did not know the details of the Common Core or related assessment changes, said it has to be closer to 97%. Given the budget issues in so many school districts, taxpayers can no longer afford educational reforms made without close public and legislative scrutiny.

Cheryl Boise

Director, Commonwealth

Education Organization

Pittsburgh, PA. a

The Valley, March 2013

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Bugging Out

This month I’m going to give you some thoughts on creating and implementing a family emergency evacuation or bug-out plan.

This plan will include assembling an emergency “bug-out bag” (BOB) for each family member, plans that include evacuation and rendezvous points, communication, and the need for a secondary location/bug-out location (BOL).

Even if you live in a relatively safe area, there is always the possibility of an emergency that could include evacuating your present location. Examples of this scenario could include: 1) A train carrying hazardous chemicals derails a mile away, authorities issue an evacuation for the surrounding area. 2) A fire sparked by lightening threatens your mountain property. 3) Rising flood waters threaten your homestead.

Be Prepared. Not only is that the Boy Scout motto, but should be yours as well. Being ready should that order for evacuation ever be given requires proper preparation. Having an emergency kit that is individualized for each family member and that can be grabbed at a moment’s notice, having a vehicle designated and properly equipped as your bug-out vehicle (BOV), and having supplies at another location or resupply caches along your pre-planned evacuation route, are all steps that should be considered in your

preparation plans.

Here is a suggested list of steps to follow when preparing for a possible evacuation: 1.) An emergency kit (BOB) individualized for each family member and a storage container with extra food, water, clothing, medical kit and other survival supplies such as a tent, blankets, sleeping bags, camping stove, water filter, etc., should be stored in an easily accessible area in your home and stored so that it can be quickly loaded into your vehicle. All members of your family should be familiarized with contents, use, and location of your evacuation supplies.

2.) A vehicle should be designated as your BOV and maintained as such. Never let the vehicle’s gas tank get below halfway and have gas on hand to replenish the tank.

A supply of gas, properly treated for storage, should be part of your preparedness plans and should be stored on an exterior rack when evacuating. An up-to-date road atlas and maps of the area should be stored in your vehicle and a road maintenance kit including a tool kit, towing line and properly inflated full-size spare tire should also be included. As much as we’ve become dependent on GPS units, they are subject to disablement during a national crisis, so

campsites could be your chosen bugout location.

5.) Pre-position supplies at your secondary location/BOL (bug out location).

Keep in mind that it may be several days until you are get a map and learn how to use able to return to your home and it. that there is a possibility that you

may never be able to return.

3.) A reliable means of com munication such as a set of FRS/ 6.) Choose a pre-determined rally GMRS (good) or MURS (better) point for family or friends. It’s hand-held radios (limited recepnot unusual for individuals to tion useful only when traveling in work many miles from home and a group), a CB radio, and/or-one if all forms of communication thing I’m very interested in learnare unusable, a rally point agreed ing more about-a HAM amateur upon beforehand will allow all radio setup. Many times during family members or friends to meet a disaster wireless networks are up and continue onto a secondary jammed with traffic making cell location. Also, another good idea phone use erratic and unreliable is to establish a check-in contact and protocol of Homeland Secuoutside the area where family rity is to interrupt cellular services or friends can call when lines of during a potential terrorist attack, communication are reestablished which would make communicato report that they are safe. tion with cell phones impossible.

I’ll also include a mobile police 7.) Have an alternate route or scanner and a battery operated routes to your secondary location. radio in my supplies—while they Main roads and highways will be are not viable as receivers they heavily congested; consider back will keep you informed of what is roads as an alternate evacuation happening and where it is happen- route. I recommend a practice run ing.

4.) A pre-determined secondary location (BOL) is a must. This could be a relative’s or a friend’s home where pre-positioned supplies could easily be stored.

A hunting camp, vacation home, or if you are properly prepared, a campground with primitive

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on these roads; familiarize yourself with both day and night-time conditions. Remember those survival caches I talked about several issues ago? You might be wishing you had a few hidden away along your route.

8.) The Red Cross recommends taking the following documentation with you: driver’s license or state issued photo identification card; Social Security card; Proof of residence (deed or lease); Insurance policies; Birth and marriage certificates; and wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns.

I encourage each of you to consider organizing and planning an emergency evacuation plan for yourself and family. In these uncertain times it is up to you to be prepared for any scenario that could force you to BUGOUT! a

could honor them.”

The Valley, March 2013

Looking out my Back Door

-from the novel Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier 5

IT’S MARCH! SPRING IS ON THE WAY! HOORAY!!!!!! groups have done and still leeks do thisand want to others “push” in thewe nutrients or Okay, time to get to work.

Except for celery, a few that as often, and with as much fervor, “pull” in the nutrients. seeded last month, March is when many of us really begin to garden, giving certain plants as those who live on and work

See? Simple as can be.

– tomatoes, peppers, etc., etc- awith jumpstart by planting them indoors.

Over the next eight the land.

Of course it can also be quite weeks (give or take) starting plants will occupy a good part of the time that we don’t

“And God said, Let there involved, as anyone who uses an spend outdoors getting things ready oninthe As the weeks almanac progress, theseFrom future be lights the land. firmament of the knows. our very

by Mary Anna Chenoweth crops will overflow every available space that’s and weWill’s happily begin heavens to divide thewarm day from thebright ownas Poor Valley Almanack night: and let them be for signs, to any number of “Farmer’s Alanew this part of the cycle of life. and for seasons, and for days, and manacs”, there are lists and guides But this article is not about the mechanics of starting garden plants indoors. It’s years: and it them was so.”

So wrote to show manyinelements that about taking thought as to when we start – now in containers andthelater the ground Hebrew wise men some five can be added to the mix: the stars – and when we will harvest them. thousand years ago, putting down and the constellations, the planets Planting By The Moon When humankind first raised their the heavens, they beheld wonders in writing a fareyes oldertowisdom that of our solar system and their place unlike any of the beauties of the earth.

They homageto to divine will resonate withaccordingly us always. gave relative thethe stars, the sun, the

“In Ruby’s mind, everything few others that we seeded last beheld wonders unlike any of

Of all of the guiding lights time of day that all of essence that they saw in the fierceness of the sun, the gentleness of the moon andthese the inter– setting fence posts, making month, March is when many of the beauties of the earth.

They in that firmament, our celestial act, perigee, apogee, ascending scattered shimmer of the star splashed night. Over the millennia, of all of the ways by us really begin to garden, giving accordingly gave homage to the sauerkraut, killing hogs – fell companion the the moon is the most node, descending node etc.,ofetc., which humanity has tried to understand world, their place in it and the right way certain plants – tomatoes, peppers, divine essence that they saw in the obvious guide that we can turn to, under the rule of the heavens… etc. living onof it, culture often than not, turned their eyes upward seeking etc., etc- a jump-start by plantfierceness theevery sun, the gentle- has, more But Ada, chose to view the signs so let’s take a look at the “how

And as you’ve no doubt guidance both spiritual and practical.

Few groupsand have done and still do this asand often, and ing them indoors. Over the next ness of the moon and the scatas metaphoric. They were, as and why” of planting harvestgathered, anything everything withshimmer as much fervor, as those who live and work with the land. eight weeks (give or take) starting tered of the star splashed Ada saw them, an expression of ing by the on moon. can be approached in this manplants will occupy a good part of night. Over“And the millennia, of all stewardship, a means of taking God said, Let there in thethe firmament the-heavens the be Atlights its simplest, “how” for of ner from whentotodivide worm your ofday the from ways by which humanity care, a discipline. They provided a the time that we don’t spend outplanting and harvesting works like livestock (around full moon the night: and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:when doors getting things ready on the has tried to understand world, ritual of concern for the patterns this:wise (Seemen Chartsome below)five thousandthe internal parasites tend to be and it was so.” So the wrote Hebrew years ago, putting down land. As the weeks progress, these their place in it and the right way and tendencies of the material *The whole when-to-fertilize active) to when you sew a shirt in writing a far older wisdom that will resonate with us always. future crops will overflow every of living on it, every culture has, world where it might be seen to thing depends on what you’re (on the increase if you want the allnot, of turned the guiding in that firmament, our celestial companion the moon is available space that’s warm and more oftenOf than their lights intersect with some other world. using (lab chemical vs. nature stitches to stay put) to any other the most obvious guide that we can turn to, so let’s take a look at the “how and why” of bright as we happily begin anew eyes upward seeking guidance Ultimately, she decided, the signs chemical), what your source of Continued on page 30 planting and by the information moon. this part of the cycle of life. both spiritual andharvesting practical. Few were a way of being alert, and is, and whether you under those terms she could honor But this article is not about At its simplest, the “how” for planting and harvesting works like this: ST them.” the mechanics of starting garden 1 QUARTER 2ND QUARTER FULL MOON 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER -from the novel Cold Mountain plants indoors. It’s about taking Plant crops that Plant and Harvest.

Plant and Till and weed.

by Charles Frazier thought as to when we start them bear their harvest crops (This also harvest crops (Fertilize)* – now in containers and later in useful parts that bear their includes “wild” that bear their

IT’S MARCH! SPRING IS the ground – and when we will above ground. useful parts crops.) useful parts ON THE WAY! HOORAY! harvest them.

Okay, time to get to work.

When humankind first raised (Fertilize)* above ground. below ground.

Except for celery, leeks and a their eyes to the heavens, they (Fertilize)* (Fertilize)*

Life on my Mifflin County Homestead

In Praise Of Country Things

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The Valley, March 2013

6

Thots on...Genesis

A Bible Study for the Lay Christian

by Lydia

In 2 Timothy 3.16, Paul tells us, “Every inspired scripture has its use for teaching the truth and refuting error, or for reformation of manners and discipline in right living…” [NEB*] *Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version.

Genesis 19.30 Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar.

He and his two daughters lived in a cave.

You may recall that Lot’s wife, in defiance of the angels’ specific instructions, gazed back longingly at Sodom and so was struck and turned into a pillar of salt, leaving Lot and his daughters alone.

Also, contrary to the angels’ specific order to flee to the mountains and not stop anywhere on the plain, Lot had begged to be allowed to go instead to a small town named Zoar, formerly known as Bela [Genesis 14.2, 8],

located on the plain. Lot insisted that he’d never be able to make it to the mountains in time and the disaster would overtake him. (Do we argue with the Lord this much when He tells us to do something?)

Now we see that Lot was afraid to remain Zoar. We aren’t told the reason, but since the town had been slated for destruction along with Sodom and was spared only at Lot’s insistence on taking refuge there, we can assume the people of Zoar were as wicked as the residents of Sodom. We can also assume that the residents of Zoar witnessed the destruction raining down on Sodom and Gomorrah and noticed that only Lot and his daughters escaped the conflagration. Do you think they may have been suspicious of Lot or even blamed him? Perhaps they shared the attitude of the residents of Sodom, who were indignant that Lot, an outsider, should presume to pass judgment on their behavior. Whatever the

A Shockingly True History Lesson from page 30

the “whole word” method (which he admitted was far less efficient) because—get this—independent thinkers are “made by hard books, and…cannot be socialized very easily.” In response to such blatant and conniving rubbish, Bertrand Russell, the renowned and überaccomplished British philosopher, once commented that American forced schooling is one of the “most radical experiments in human history” because we were deliberately denying our students the tools of critical thinking. Go, Bert!

So, what now? Public schooling is clearly destructive to both students and teachers, to their families and communities, and its dismal performance record should logi-

people.

To combat this most heinous offense, Dewey insisted the phonics method of reading instruction be abandoned, and replaced by

reason, Lot was afraid and so he and his daughters fled to the mountains, where the angels had instructed them to go in the first place, and now we find Abraham’s once-wealthy nephew reduced to setting up housekeeping in a cave.

While living in Sodom, Lot had become comfortable with sin.

Despite the wickedness of the city, he was reluctant to leave, to turn his back on sin, and sin had accompanied him to his refuge.

Like Noah before him, after he had been saved from disaster, Lot got sloppy drunk. And his daughters, who knew full well that their father’s Uncle Abraham lived not far away in Hebron, along with his household and servants, chose not to seek husbands there. Neither did it occur to them to trust God and seek His will in the matter. Instead, they told each other that there were no available men and so, in order for their father’s line to continue, they had no option but to commit incest. Thus, both daughters became pregnant by their father. [Genesis 19.36]

How creative we are when it comes to making excuses for sin!

How inventive we are when we try to persuade ourselves that we cally translate into its none-toosoon demise. But the current state of our education system is one of perpetual mess because we’ve allowed it to become a statesponsored monopoly of mammoth proportions.

Public schooling is the single largest employer in the United States and a top grantor of contracts, second only to the Defense Department, which means no shortage in the political advocates and allies department. Thus, no amount of failure in the schools will likely change anything.

The public school bureaucracy has shrewdly positioned itself to weather any storm of public scrutiny or outrage by vowing to fix the problem with...you guessed it, more of the very monopoly that will never police itself. And while I would never insist of anyone they must or should homeschool their dear children, I hope I’ve opened a few eyes as to one of the very big “whys” behind my family’s decision, and that of many others.’

In a nutshell, public education is NOT failing; quite the opposite, actually. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the devious scheme of America’s public education system has been a resounding success; sadly, a veritable coup de grace. And my rugged individualism will not let me be a party to it. a

really have no other choice but to commit sin! We use the most convoluted reasoning to salve our consciences, don’t we!

Bible commentator David Guzik noted that the fact that Lot had wine in plenty so soon after having lost all or most of his household possessions in the conflagration of Sodom is an indication of the priorities of a compromised heart. He also notes that Lot’s life indicates that it’s possible to have a saved soul but a wasted life.

We are never told the names of Lot’s daughters, nor do we hear anything more of Lot, whose life ended in humiliation and ruin because of his love for the world and his refusal to obey God. However, we do learn the names of the sons who were born of those incestuous relationships.

The older daughter gave birth to a son named Moab, meaning ‘of father’, whose descendants, the Moabites, settled in an area of Jordan near the Dead Sea. The younger daughter gave birth to a son named Ben-Ammi, meaning ‘son of my people’, whose descendants, the Ammonites, also settled east of the Jordan River.

Both the Moabites and the Am-

monites would become enemies and obstacles to Israel, just as the descendants of Ishmael would.

Sin always bears fruit far beyond what we can imagine.

Whenever we begin to doubt God, whenever we decide that we have a better idea, we need to remember that our meddling always ends in disaster and failure. If we learn nothing else from these chapters, we should learn this.

Finally, when Jesus was speaking to his disciples about the end of this age, He told them that time would be the same as it was in the days of Lot. “People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them.

Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything.”

[Luke 17.28-31]

And He left us with a warning: “Remember Lot’s wife!” a

Rev. Dr. Henry G. Covert

hgc7@verizon.net Dr. Henry Covert is an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ. After a tour of duty in the military, he worked in law enforcement for twenty years as both a patrol sergeant and county detective.

Toward the end of that career he began his studies for the ministry.

He has served several parishes, worked in therapeutic communities, was a state prison chaplain, and acquired adjunct faculty status in the criminal justice department at Penn State University. Dr. Covert was the chaplain for Pennsylvania’s first execution in thirty-three years. He has a doctorate from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and has authored six books.

• Ministry to the Incarcerated (ISBN 0-8294-0860-6) International market -paperback • Discovering the Parables: An Inspirational Guide for Everyday Life (ISBN 978-0-313-34962-1 ) International market – hard cover & e-book • Spiritual Reflections: A Journey Through the Scriptures (ISBN 978-0-313-35901-9) International market - hardcover & e-book • Christian Beliefs and Prayers (ISBN 978-0-692-01101-0) International market – paperback, e-book & Amazon Kindle • The Crucifixion of Jesus (ISBN 978-0-9833359-0-0) International market – paperback, e-book & Amazon Kindle • The True Church of Jesus Christ (ISBN 978-0-9833359-4-8) International market – Paperback, e-book & Amazon Kindle Lowest Prices: bookfinder.com, bookfinder4U.com, alldiscountbooks.net, cheapbooks.com, Amazon.com Please Visit: https://sites.google.com/site/christianbooksbyhenrycovert

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7

The Valley, March 2013

Adventures on Our Nourishing Journey

by Sue Burns

Pop The Soda Habit

Several weeks ago my husband and I grabbed a quick dinner at a local restaurant. It had been an especially draining day. While waiting for our food to arrive I

set my brain on auto pilot and started scanning the room to see if I could spot a familiar face to offer an oasis of distraction and relief. Not seeing anyone I knew, I turned on my gawking radar and tuned in to a group of people being seated beside us. Our dining neighbors appeared to be a family of four; a mom, a dad and two young children. I overheard the waitress ask their beverage preferences. The father said they would all want sodas, two “regular” for the kids and two “diet” for him and his wife. “OH NO” I thought, “please, please, do not allow your children to slip and slurp that toxic sludge.” At that point, I began to quickly scan the surrounding tables and sure enough, the ubiquitous brown liquid was bubbling up from a majority of the drinking glasses throughout the room.

Why should I be surprised? After all, the average American drinks more than fifty gallons of “The Real Thing” each year.

I must confess I strongly resisted the urge to walk past the neighboring table and “accidently” knock their drinks onto the floor (remember, I said it was a rough day). Instead, I decided to channel that energy in a more positive and appropriate manner by knocking out some facts and figures on America’s favorite drink. My intent is to challenge

all of us to pop our soda habit; or at least slow it down. Why should we care? It has something to do with the fact that we only get one ticket on this journey we call life

and our body is our only transport vehicle. When we pump soda into our “gas tanks,” our engines begin to malfunction; slowly but surely.

Yet, do not despair, for there is a bright moment at the end. My news is not all restrictive gloom and doom. I promise to offer some soda alternatives and I bet there will be at least one in which “You like it and it will like you.”

(Sorry, but I just had to add an old advertising slogan for a soft drink.

Do you remember it?)

Since 2005, white bread has taken a back seat as the number one source of calories in the American diet. You might be tempted to say hooray until you learn that it has been replaced by soft drinks. Why do you suppose that has happened? Here are five possible reasons: 1. For one, soda is VERY tasty.

Yes sir, that ice cold, sweet, fizzy sensation can be very alluring.

While I am not proud to admit this, I had a powerful lust for orange soda when I was a kid. The very sight of it now still brings back “fun in the sun” memories.

2. Another reason is that soda is everywhere. Soda is the perfect example of grab and go convenience. Advertisers spend billions each year to make sure we do not have to walk more than ten steps

anywhere on earth before we stumble onto a vending machine packed full of pop. Yes, even health promoting facilities like hospitals, the YMCA and public schools have bought into the marketing magic. Perhaps we have our Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, to thank for that. Mr. Vilsack is the former governor of Iowa and a staunch advocate for genetic engineering of crops, factory farming and, (wait for it), a cheerleader for the little company known as Monsanto. Now what can all that possibly have to do with a kid buying a diet soda on his way out of the gym? Well, Monsanto just happens to be the most powerful biotech company in the world and it’s the proud parent of the artificial sweetener called aspartame; you may know it by the name of Nutra Sweet.

Monsanto is as pleased as punch (or would it be more correct to say, as pleased as diet soda) to sell their billion dollar offspring to the soda industry. In turn, we as consumers have no problem locating the product and are led to believe that diet soda is harmless. Believe me; nothing could be further from the truth.

way. But have you also noticed that Americans are getting fatter and sicker. Now I am certainly not saying that soda is the sole culprit for all our maladies.

Yet I have witnessed amazing health transformations in people who have not made any other changes to their lifestyle and diet except for popping their soda habit. When I worked at Curves Fitness Center, I watched a woman drop 12 pounds (quickly) and regain her energy by just saying no to soda. Very impressive indeed.

4. Soda quenches our thirst. Or at least that is what we think. Keep in mind that sugar and caffeine are actually dehydrating. Also, when we are dehydrated, we have less saliva which means we have less ability to neutralize acidic foods and soda is one of the most acidic foods available. That is rough on our tooth enamel.

5. By the looks of the contents of just about every grocery cart, soda consumption is a habit. I am not sure if that is because of the yummy sweet taste, the caffeine buzz or the uplifting fizz, but lumped together they seem to be an almost irresistible trilogy.

3. Compared with other beverages, such as bottled water, 100% fruit juice and milk, soda is less expensive. Heck, just about any fast food establishment across our great land (except for those in New York City) will allow you to supersize your big gulp and they will be happy to throw in some fries on the side! That’s the American

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I say “almost” because even with all of the above-mentioned soda seductions, I am confident that we can kick this can down the road. Trust me, your body will thank you for years to come!

Here is the reasoning behind my pitch: •

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One can of soda has about 10 tsp of sugar. Dump that amount into a glass of water and see how appealing that is. That equals 160 calories.

A 20 ounce bottle has 16 tsp of sugar. Most of this is in the form of high fructose corn syrup, which is a rapidly absorbed carbohydrate. This places more demand on the pancreas which in turn has a hard time keeping up with the amount of insulin needed.

Just one extra can of soda a day can add as much as 15 pounds to our weight in one year.

Needless to say, the overconsumption of sodas is one of the leading causes of our nation’s obesity epidemics.

Any food or beverage that increases weight gain also increases the risk of diabetes. Having a soda habit puts stress on our body’s ability

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The Valley, March 2013

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lasted for that is always an option, it made those one-pound propane tanks. about 24 These are the little green ones that it so much easier to have a power hours. source. My parents regained you find in the camping section As for their power way before we did, of most major retailers. We went lighting, so we went to their house and through about one tank every day we found borrowed their generator for the and a half of high use. Not bad ourselves when you think about it. The only remaining time that our house living like was out. What a difference! Once thing that you have to be careful the old of is that these lanterns do get we figured out the weird wiring times. We hot so make sure you put them in in our panel, we got it hooked did what a safe location. I put a wooden up and ran the heat, the fridges, we could cutting board in the middle of the freezer, a lamp and one outlet that during the table and it was perfectly fine. On gave us an opportunity to charge daylight the plus side, it did help to heat cell phones and the iPad (which hours. Once the that end of the house. Good light helped the little one a lot). Of sun went down can make a bad situation feel so course, there are many safety our activities were much more normal. I also found issues with having a generaseverely limited. that they smelled less than other tor. We heard of someone down It was a total reorganization to propane products I have seen.

Cape putting their generator in our day. Dinner and dishes were

One preparedness purchase the basement of their house with also completed before the sun that we were not so happy with a makeshift exhaust pipe leadwent down. At this time of year, were two Buddy* propane heating out of the basement window. that’s about 5:15 p.m., so when you’re used to eating at 7:00 p.m., it was difficult to really be hungry.

After we ate, we had to find activities that we could do by candlelight. When you have young ones, you really need to find some board games and books to read. What did help the lighting situation was the prior purchase of two Coleman Northstar* Propane lanterns. Let me recommend them right now to everyone. They are very Winter Nor’easter Nemo dumped up to 40” of snow in some parts of New England bright and have a push button ignition. You can adjust the ers. The heat that these heaters lumens output with a simple dial Needless to say, the three ocwere billed as outputting was, in on the front. An added bonus is cupants of the house had to be our opinion, not up to snuff. It the glass globe that protects the taken to the hospital for Carbon seemed like these little heaters ate hot mantle. These lanterns run on Monoxide poisoning. The other through the one-pound propane thing that we are hearing stories tanks much faster than what the about is that people are running description claimed. I suppose their generators without shutting that they would be useful if we their main breaker off. This leads had nothing else, but I will have to to back feeding of the electrical consider whether I will keep them grid and endangers the life of the or put them on Craigslist. We utility workers working to repair used them in our mudroom and the lines. Please stay safe and in our garage because although if you haven’t used a generator the advertisement says that they before, get someone who knows are indoor safe, once you read the what they are doing to help you.

We did have the car phone insert, it explicitly says do not use chargers, but it was really cold them in the house. I will say that and windy outside. It was much they probably helped in preventnicer to have the ability to do it ing the pipes in those two places inside. Although it sounds like a from freezing; although they luxury, staying in touch with the really did not warm them to our outside world was really imporliking.

One last thing that I feel is re- tant. Checking in with friends and ally important. If you can afford family members is very important it, purchase a generator. During in stressful times. the storm we used the commercial

With all of that said, they are power inverter in my husband’s saying we might get another blizwork truck. We plugged two zard this weekend. refrigerators and a chest freezer

Winter in New England! in and kept them running a few Here’s hoping that all of us here hours at a time. I didn’t have learned some important lessons to worry about packing my two from Nemo. Let’s just hope this fridges with snow or unloadtime they don’t pick another silly ing the contents into coolers and name for a storm. a putting them outside. Although

Lessons From Nemo

The original article I had planned for the Easter issue of The Valley was scrapped. I had another gardening-type lesson planned, but thought it was better that I share our experiences during the blizzard. From a preparedness point of view there were several things that we learned from that I thought I would pass on.

Even though we have been through power outages of greater length (Hurricane Bob in 1991 gave us a period of 9 days without power), dealing with such an occurrence during the winter was a whole other situation completely!

Even though I consider us pretty prepared for almost any emergency, there were several areas that we found out we need to improve on. I have several thoughts to pass on.

Four days without power and a few more without phone and cable may not sound like a big deal

to many people. I have to admit that by the last day the inconveniences were beginning to wear on us. We were pretty lucky actually, although it didn’t feel like it at the time. Since we have natural gas service, we were blessed with hot water and a way to cook our food. We have a wood stove, so warmth for the most part was not an issue, although I must say without the power of a circulating fan, the warm air didn’t reach the parts of the house the way it normally does. The bedrooms up stairs began to get cold after about a day, especially with high winds. We do have two eco-type fans on top of the stove, but they really are not powerful enough to push the warm air very far. Yes, they are better than nothing, but we will definitely discuss a way to improve that. I did have a batterypowered fan that we used for a day, but eight D size batteries only

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The Valley, March 2013

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The Valley, March 2013

10

The Horse Scoop

by Traci Hanna Yoder

Rocky Ridge Ranch

Want to chase cows or run barrels with your horse this year?

Or do you just want to watch a local horse event? Whether you are a seasoned competitor or just starting out with some of these events, Rocky Ridge Ranch on Ferguson Valley Road in McVeytown is a place to check out.

Rocky Ridge has grown to be a favorite of many of the local horse people for cattle sorting, team roping and barrel racing.

If you have never tried Team Sorting with cattle, the gang at

Rocky Ridge Ranch

Rocky Ridge is more than willing to help you with a practice run before the competition. The Jackpot or the Mixed Events follow the Practice. Sorting evolved from the common ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring, or transport. Sorting is a timed event where a team of two riders on horses move cattle from one pen to another. Riders must work together to cut out the correct cattle and drive them to the pen while keeping the wrong numbered cattle back. Rocky Ridge uses several groups of their longhorn cattle for their sorting events.

The 2013 Rocky Ridge Ranch Sorting and Games Schedule for the rest of this season includes-

Sat., March 9, Sun., March 24, Sat., April 13, Sun., April 28, Sun., May 19, Sun., June 23, Sun., July 28, and Sun., Aug 25.

Rocky Ridge also holds a Game Show in the outdoor arena, weather permitting, from April – November. Classes for that event include Keyhole, 50 Yard Dash, Poles, Exhibition Barrels, and Jackpot Barrels. The game shows start at 3pm on scheduled Saturdays followed by Sorting at 4pm in the indoor arena. On scheduled Sundays the Game Show starts at 11am followed by the Sorting at 1pm. Sorting is able to be held almost monthly throughout the year in the indoor arena.

The Pa Timed Event Association also holds regularly scheduled events at Rocky Ridge that include Team Roping, Breakaway and Tiedown Roping, Barrels and Poles. Event dates for the 2013 Pa Timed Event Association Events at Rocky Ridge are Sat., May 18, Sat., Jun 15, Sun., July 2, Sun., Aug. 18, Sun., Sept 15, and Sat., Oct 19. These events start at 11am.

There are bleachers and a

food stand on grounds.

Rocky Ridge is located at 4357 Ferguson Valley Rd. McVeytown, PA. If you have any questions about events held at Rocky Ridge Ranch or want to confirm the date of an event contact Mike Smith at 717994-0462. You can also check them out on Facebook at Rocky Ridge Ranch.

Hope to see you at a Rocky Ridge Ranch event this year.. I will be there in the saddle for several events!!

Load up the horses and the family, and head on over to Rocky Ridge this summer for Rocky Ridge Polebending some horse fun!! a

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Rocky Ridge Team Roping (photo by Horsetography)

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The Valley, March 2013

LIbrary Lines

Pop The Soda Habit from page 7

Your Mifflin County Library

learned together the different

by Susan Miriello colors and laughed together by the Everybody knows that I love silly turkey’s antics! story time. It is the BEST part of

Of course with anything new, my day and people (outside of the there is some controversy. “Digilibrary, of course) never believe tal storytime is part of a larger, name when I tell that them that I tionwide shift toward using apps have storytime EVERY DAY. in children’s library programs Every day. And so when I hear for education, entertainment, and of new trends in story time and involving parents in the learning storytelling, I get excited. Each process.” One librarian in favor time I tell a story, it is always different; the children never react the of digital storytime says that it “offer[s] levels of complexity that same way twice to the same story. work for different age groups.

Even so, nineteen years is a long They’re also very useful… for time to do story time. new-to-English families who need

So when a very generous to teach their children.” donation came to the children’s

One librarian against iPads department, I was elated! and apps in storytime suggests

Gil Rodgers, a fantastic that “relying on apps for storytelllibrary supporter, has donated ing dilutes the key ingredient in money and the children’s departa child’s development: human ment has purchased an iPad. You interaction, and possible risks, are might be reading this thinking, not yet well known.”

“Oh? An iPad?”

My “app up storytime” goals

“Digital storytime” is becomwere met: I wanted the children ing a major trend in storytime serto feel free to tap the screen, to vices at libraries around the USA sit close by me and interact with and I’m excited to announce that me, and to tell me what was going the Mifflin County Library has on in the story.

So, the children already been part of this exciting were taught print awareness, the new trend. The library has had a children communicated with me YouTube channel for well over (dialogic awareness), the children a year and children can watch helped me turn the “pages” of me do storytime from any digital the app (which is called “book device. Now we have an iPad and directionality”), and the children so far, I’ve tried it out on a small learned the names of the animals scale at Toddler Time and Baby and the names of the different artiStory Time and was surprised by cles of clothing, plus the colors of how well “App up storytime” was the clothes. received.

All in all, a great success!

For our purposes, an app is a What librarians and educators book that is interactive. In the app need to realize is that the digital “Blue Hat Green Hat” by Sandra technology is here to stay; to be Boynton, the children touch the current and up-to-date and part elephant and his blue hat moves. of the public’s overall awareness, There is a choice between a narlibraries must be right there, in rator reading the story out loud, the thick of things, to educate our but I chose to read the app to the young children.

Libraries are still kids. The point of an app is that “books on the shelves” kind of the characters move, there may places and because of generous be music or funny sounds. When the turkey’s “oops” turns red, then patrons like Gil Rogers we are also so much more! a funny things happen in the story when a child taps the screen.

We had so much fun reading “Blue Hat Green Hat” at storytime! When I announced that we were reading a special story at Toddler Time, all of the children came to sit around me just as always. When I opened the iPad and started the app, they gasped and were thrilled! I didn’t Susan Miriello, Chelsea Noerr, age 2, and need to tell them to tap the Brody Basom, age 2, reading “Blue Hat screen, they knew! We Green Hat” by Sandra Boynton

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to metabolize sugar. Since 1980, the number of Americans with type 2 diabetes has tripled from 6.6 million to 20.8 million today. It is certain that an increase in soda consumption has contributed to this. Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and Harvard Medical School, analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, a trial tracking the health of more than 51,000 women. None of the participants had diabetes at the onset of the study in 1991.

Over the following 8 years, 741 women were diagnosed with the disease. Researchers found that women who drank one or more sugary drinks a day gained more weight and were 83% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who imbibed less than once a month.

Women who drink more that two sugar sweetened beverages per day have a 40% higher risk of heart disease.

Believe it or not, 13% of teen’s calorie intake come from soda. That means that the generation of the future is currently malnourished.

Scary.

Up to 70% of children between the ages of 2-5 drink a sugar sweetened soda daily.

Listen to me very carefully; children should never, ever be given soda. NEVER. Call me whatever you like, but I won’t back down on this one.

Every additional daily serving of soda increases a child’s risk for obesity by 60%.

The phosphoric acid in cola sodas can allow for calcium to be pulled from bones and teeth in order to neutralize it.

This is extremely dangerous for growing children and can increase the risk of osteoporosis in adults.

Drinking soda may cause an increased risk of kidney challenges. Researches found that large quantities of cola result in enhanced kidney stone formation. Once again, this has to do with the acidic nature of soda creating a mineral imbalance. As I mentioned above, our body has to buffer the acidity of soft drinks by pulling calcium from our bones. As this calcium is eliminated through our urine, it slowly forms kidney stones. In a study published

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in the journal Epidemiology, the (research) team compared the dietary habits of 465 people with chronic kidney disease and 467 healthy people.

After controlling for various factors, the team found that drinking two or more colas a day (whether artificially sweetened or regular) was linked to a twofold risk of chronic kidney disease.

No doubt, soda is THE most acidic beverage available. It has a pH of about 2.5, which is close to that of vinegar, but the mammoth sugar disguises this. Keep in mind that a pH below 4 will kill most fish and few animals can live in an environment with a pH below 3. Leave it to us humans to try to defy laws of nature. What does all this pH stuff have to do with anything? Well, in humans only the stomach can tolerate an acidic environment up to pH 2.0. So no problem, right? Well, not so fast. You see, we don’t mainline soda directly into our stomachs so all the other linings of organs involved in the digestive system on the way to the stomach such as the mouth, pharynx and esophagus are highly sensitive to acids. Also the acid in the soda competes with the hydrochloric acid of the stomach and begins to affect its functions. This may cause the stomach to be less effective, allowing for some food to remain undigested.

Heartburn anyone?

Recent research from the University of Bangor and Bristol suggests that drinking soda can actually trigger sweet cravings by dulling our sensitivity to sweet tastes, sparking a vicious cycle of eating sweet foods and drinks. “As taste satisfaction levels drop; the more sweet foods are consumed,” explains Dr. Hans-Peter Kubis from Bangor University’s School of Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences, who led the study.

Soda contains a preservative called sodium benzoate.

When guzzled all day, this contributes to excess sodium in the diet and in so doing competes with the availability of potassium. Potassium is necessary for optimal nerve and muscle functioning. Remember, our heart is a muscle too. In addition to potassium depletion, reported reactions to sodium benzoate include

•

asthma and eczema.

I could go on and on but I will end, yet not on a sweet note. You may be thinking, “Well at least I drink diet soda.” If you think diet soda is better for you, think again. The poison in diet soda comes from that well know artificial sweetener by Monsanto known as aspartame. Aspartame is made up of three chemicals: aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. It is used because it’s about 200 times sweeter than table sugar. Despite US FDA approval as a “safe” food additive, aspartame is one of the most dangerous substances added to foods.

After you drink an aspartamesweetened product, aspartame breaks down into its starting components: phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol (that further converts to formaldehyde and formic acid, which are known carcinogens.). There are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame consumption. Here is one that may surprise you. Waistlines of those who consume diet sodas were shown to expand 70% faster than those who did not consume diet drinks.

Okay, the gloom and doom is over. So what is a soda loving, health conscious person to do?

When water just does not cut it, here are a few suggestions that are sure to please even the orange soda-loving kid in you.

1. Make your own soda. No, I do not mean using that recently advertised gadget called “soda stream” and its accompanying plethora of powdered flavor additives. Do advertisers think we are truly that desperate and unknowing? What I do mean is to simply combine seltzer water with your favorite fruit juice in a 3:1 ratio. Sometimes I squeeze in a little fresh lemon or lime for an added bit of refreshment.

Super simple. Very tasty. If it is not sweet enough, a few drops of liquid stevia will do the trick. If you really get into this you can even research and purchase a soda siphon to carbonate your own water. That way, if you drink filtered water you will also have clean and pure carbonated water.

2. Give Kombucha a try. Kombucha is a slightly tart and sweet, fizzy, probiotic beverage that is

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The Valley, March 2013

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Roads Less Traveled

Olde Thyme Reflections

by Lynn Persing

Re-purposes Pennsylvania History

Let’s all eat Mexican and beautify Yeagertown!

Do you see the size of the space I was given this month? It sure doesn’t leave me room to ramble on, so I better get right to the point.

I love living in Mifflin County. I like the small town atmosphere and the many small businesses and specialty shops we have. I especially like it that we don’t have much traffic on the roads (compared to places like State College or Harrisburg), which keeps my road rage at bay. I like seeing the Amish out and about and I like the farms and mountains. I just plain like it here. But, of course, there is always room for improvement wherever you go. I’ve got two suggestions for improvement in our little quiet community.

The first appeals to my tummy. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have an authentic Mexican restaurant in town? We have most of the other cuisine covered; we really don’t need another family restaurant, Chinese, or pizza place. We need Mexican—yes we do! I know there are a couple places that have some Mexican items on their menu. I know they may be pretty good, but I’m looking for an El Rodeo (Harrisburg) or Rey Azteca (State College) to locate here! Who can bring it? I don’t want an American trying

to make Mexican food...I want authentic Mexican. I guess I better add that I don’t want Taco Bell either (although that would be better than nothing I suppose).

Ok, that’s suggestion number one.

Suggestion number two might strike a few nerves, but it needs to be said. Have you made the drive from Burnham to Yeagertown lately? You know, past Ollies and CVS and right into the heart of Yeagertown? As a resident of Yeagertown, I make this drive daily. Have you looked to your right at Kovalchick’s pile of scrap metal? It’s HUGE! I’m not complaining about the scrap metal. What I am complaining about is the rusted, bent, ugly fencing and the overgrown weeds that separate the road from the piles of scrap metal. What an eyesore! Wouldn’t a nice vinyl fence look so nice along there? I don’t know the Kovalchick’s at all, but it seems they have quite an investment there. Is there any possibility they can install modern fencing in the spirit of making this area look A LOT more appealing? Yes, I realize a solid fence might block the view to the large piles of metal, which might mean business for them, but is it really necessary to have that view for a mile or more? Let’s beautify our area. I’m not asking for im-

By Staci Deamer

mediate action either. If money is an issue, maybe it can be done sections at a time over a couple of years. But, can’t we try to make Burnham and Yeagertown a little more eye-appealing? Do we have a local group dedicated to increasing the eye appeal of our area? It doesn’t seem like this should be a huge deal. I’m not looking for major renovations or an overhaul of a business, just a bit of updating! Heck, they could even put an additional sign for advertising on this fence.

Well, although it may not be well-received, I’ve said my peace.

If anyone has insight into either of these suggestions, we’d be happy to hear them at thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com.

Two last points before I go.

Yes, Sue Burns, you are the food police, even if you don't want to believe you are, but I know you just care about our health, so it's ok, I’ll just continue to slink around the grocery store hoping you never see what’s in my cart. J And lastly, Dutch Pantry Gifts in Milroy and the First United Methodist Church in Lewistown make the best peanut butter eggs on the planet. Trust me, I’m an expert on this issue. a

proud to offer reclaimed barn board furniture. Each piece is

Our name, Olde Thyme handcrafted in PA, using boards Reflections came from our love of that have been carefully removed old-looking items & handmades from old barns & mills that are that look like they are from a past between 100 to 200 years old. time. We believe a little bit of

American settlers first tim“old” ads character to any home, bered this land & hand-pegged whatever the style. together shelters for livestock and

Jayne & I are especially crops. These barns & mills are rapidly disappearing and have been the backbone of our country. They deserve the respect to be saved and re-used.

Each piece of handcrafted furniture has unique characteristics and imperfections that make it a oneof-a-kind. We like to think the old structures will be loved in pieces of heirloom quality furniture that you will cherish in your own home, and a little bit of history will live on.

So, if you are looking for a unique looking farm table or a piece of furniture, stop in at Olde Thyme Reflections, next to Asher A Milk Cupboard constructed of 100-200 year Chocolates in Lewistown old barn boards from PA. and check them out!

A one-of-a-kind Farm Table made with PA barn board that’s 100+ years old.

A close up of the table top showing the old square nail holes that have been carefully treated and make each piece unique and one of a kind.

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The Valley, March 2013

Understanding the Constitution

by David Molek

The Silent 9th Amendment

Everyone is familiar with the 2nd Amendment’s right to bear arms because of what the Obama administration is attempting to do to us with executive orders, regulations and legislation. What part of “shall not be infringed” do they not understand? Everyone knows about the 1st Amendment’s right of free speech and the 5th Amendment’s right to avoid selfincrimination. But few people know about the 9th Amendment which is one of the least referred to Amendments in decisions of the United States Supreme Court. It seems to fly under the radar when it comes to legal precedent in court cases.

The 9th Amendment reads like this: “The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people”. The purpose of the 9th

Amendment is clear. It is one key to understanding how our founding fathers thought about the liberties they expected Americans to enjoy under our Constitution.

They did not believe that they were creating these liberties in the Bill of Rights. Instead, they were merely acknowledging some of the rights that no government could properly deny. The 9th Amendment says that any right not enumerated, or listed, in our Constitution is still retained by the people. So, in plain language, it means that there are other rights that people have that are not listed in our Constitution.

Remember that our federal government was intended to only have limited, enumerated powers. If the power was not listed, it was left to individuals and to their state governments. The 9th Amendment was never intended

to be a vast source of individual rights. Rather, it was meant to protect the peoples’ rights to make value judgments in their respective states, under the principle of federalism shared by the 10th Amendment.

From its adoption, the 9th Amendment was intended to prevent such a large expansion of federal power like the Obama administration is pursuing. The 9th Amendment should be viewed with a presumption of liberty.

This would then place a burden of justification on the federal government. Many actions of our federal government infringe upon the rightful liberties of the people and should be called into question. But where is our legislative branch – Congress? It seems Congress (both political parties included) is letting the Executive branch run wild and is also ignoring our God-given natural rights.

What are they doing down there in Washington?

My belief has always been that our Constitution did not give the government the right to do anything that was not specifically stated in it (period – end of story).

The question now appears to be who determines what those rights are that are not listed in our Constitution that deserve protection from the government.

We have all heard people claim something as their “right”. Many people believe it is not the job of our courts to decide what those rights are.

It is the people, through our legislatures, who are

to determine what our rights are.

Our Bill of Rights only lists rights that are not to be violated by the federal government, not the state governments. The government of the United States is designed as a two-part system where the federal government had certain powers that were specifically listed in our Constitution.

All other powers not given to the federal government were left to the states. I know I seem repetitive, but the basic concept is so important and a concept we need to embrace and return to before it is too late.

I follow the constitutional theory of originalism – exactly the opposite of our President. This means that I would advocate that the 9th Amendment stands for the proposition that such issues as abortion, gay rights, marijuana legalization and end-of-life decisions should be left to the people and the political process and not the courts. I continue to look at what our framers believed and how they saw the world.

One of the most important explanations of these rights and powers is contained in James

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Madison’s Federalist 45: “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the state governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce…The powers reserved to the several states will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement and prosperity of the State.”

It is easy to see how far afield our federal government has wandered in its interpretation of the “living” Constitution, as they describe it. We need to return the right to the people to make these decisions. Proper interpretations of our Constitution require an examination of the original text, the intention of the Framers and the public understanding of the text during ratification.

This originalist view provides an objective version of our Constitution, consistent with the wishes of our Founders.

I recently heard a state legislator refer to the real 3 branches of American government as: We the People, the state and the federal government. In my opinion, our federal government has reached way too far into the retained dominion of our states and We the People. a

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The Valley, March 2013

14 Poor Will’s Valley Almanack from page 19 and Arkansas, laying eggs all along the way, eggs that produce the adults of late summer in Pennsylvania.

March 31: Seven weeks until the most tender vegetables and flowers can be put in the ground. May apple spears are usually up in the woods. The first buckeyes, apple and peach trees leaf out.

ALMANACK LITERATURE “Bear” Naked in the Ozarks Another Entry in the Great Outhouse Story Contest

by Bob Greene, Spring Mills, PA

It all began when I returned to graduate school at Colorado State University to pursue a degree in recreation resource administration. The time had come for a dissertation project, and having had considerable experience in behaviour modification research as a psychologist, it seemed logical to apply this expertise to the problem of nuisance bears.

I thought it would be relatively easy to train a bear to avoid a loud ultrasonic sound (which could not be heard by campers) by pairing it repeatedly with a stimulus that bears would find aversive.

Eventually, it all worked and I got my data, but this is not a tale of scientific discovery but a great American outhouse story. I must get to the point.

Very few campers stayed at White Rock Campground (in the Arkansas Ozarks where the data on bears was accumulated), and I found myself with more than enough time to observe features that I had previously overlooked.

I was impressed by the progress which had been made in developing waterless composting latrines, but I noted one definite disadvantage: the base of the toilet was so wide that you had to remove your pants in order to perch upon the seat.

At that time of year, this was no problem since the proper attire was merely bathing trunks. So one day when I was the only one in the campground, I left the privy door open and climbed upon the mighty throne, bathing trunks in hand. With the door completely ajar, I had a perfect view of my entire campsite.

My musings were suddenly interrupted, however, by the sight of “my” bear (the one on which the experiments were done) advancing toward my van. Realizing that the vehicle was wide open

Pop The Soda Habit from

Okay, that’s it. I am certainly you may skip the word without page 11 not the food police and, for the penalty. Since this sckrambler is most part, albeit New York City, one in which many of the words packed with energy boosting B rhyme, once you get a few of vitamins. Personally I have found this is a free country when it comes to our food choices. Thank them, the rest just might fall into Kombucha to be helpful in reducgoodness for that. Most of you place. ing sugar cravings. You can find will continue to drink soda. I

There should be no typos it at our local health food store, get that. And I am sure you have in this puzzle, and no typo prize Nature’s Harmony, and in larger heard most of this information will be awarded. If you happen grocery stores such as Wegmans. before. But humor me just a little to find a typo, however, you may Experiment with the many delibit (and be kind to your body). simply skip that word without cious flavors.

Every now and then, will you conpenalty. Send your entries by sider popping your soda habit? If postcard only to Poor Will’s Val3. Stock up on flavored seltzer not, just be careful if you happen ley Almanack at P.O. Box 431, water. Watch out for artificial to sit next me in a restaurant!

Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. The ingredients. unscrambled words and the names If the fizz is not all that important Blessings on your journey! of the winners will appear in the to you: next issue of The Valley Newspa3. Try infused water. I am sure per. you do this when you go out to eat References: www.huffingtonpost.com WEP UECSRE and have a lemon with your water www.emedexpert.com EPSW VERIEW but have you tried a strawberry, www.undergroundhealthreporter.

OMO OHOP WIEVERP slice of orange, watermelon or com GTRWEOU even a cucumber? Cut up any ANSWERS TO THE FEBRUOUSLGH favorite fruit or veggie and put it Sue is a holistic nutrition ARY SCKRAMBLER POMOHSA WENIS TSTEUA into a pitcher of water for at least consultant and holistic health IOUSX three hours. Throw in a splash educator. Her office is located at IIGNHSF OEPL EWST of fresh mint or other herbs for a 54 Chestnut Street in Lewistown.

FISHING POLE NSAFU refreshing addition.

To learn more about her services OUNGTHS HHEWGROU ORED HRUNE go to www.mynourishingjourney.

SHOTGUN OISDM 4. Experiment with a variety of com. She can be reached by EEILCTRC EEAORTRNG WEN BOLCSK iced teas and coffees. email at sue@mynourishing ELECTRIC GENERATOR LOCCSK journey.com or give her a call at ESEB XOPWOC

I realize all of the above 242-3132. a BEES OOONBCDKS suggestions are not always going STEKCUB ORF AELPM YUPRS CODS CKOSRC to be “grab and go “friendly. For BUCKETS FOR MAPLE SYRUP NTILFSKCOL OAXBTH times on the run, water or green GLO LITRETSP FOX DEALHOCKS tea in a thermos are still the best

LOG SPLITTER

refreshers around.

OOOEVTSKC COOKSTOVE Listen to Bill UOSODRGUH EEIPCR Felker’s weekly

SOURDOUGH RECIPE “Poor Will’s ABLEGEVT EADRGN Almanack” on

VEGETABLE GARDEN podcast any time OTOR ELCLRA at www.wyso.

ROOT CELLAR org. And Bill’s LITREL website, www.

TILLER poorwillsalACIHN AWS manack.com,

CHAIN SAW contains weekly ODOF HYEDRDTARO updates and a

FOOD DEHYDRATOR sizable bank EOIEKRSN SPAML of information

KEROSINE LAMPS about nature. His ITRUF ERETS organization of

FRUIT TREES weather patterns REDIC SERSP and phenology

CIDER PRESS (what happens • Reliable Propane & Heating Oil Delivery ORPAPEN FERRGERR OTAI when in nature) • Budget Payment Plan PROPANE REFRIGERATOR offers a unique Call today RALSO OCOKRE structure for to learn about our • 24/7 Emergency Service SOLAR COOKER understanding NEw CustOmER • Heating Equipment Service Plans LILMDINW the repeating sPECiAls! WINDMILL rhythms of the • Safety Trained Professionals UTN KERRACC year.

• Over 80 Years Experience

NUT CRACKER Bill lives in Yellow THE VALLEY Springs, Ohio. He “SCKRAMBLER” FOR has two daughMARCH ters, Jeni, who is a psychologist in

If you are the 1st or the 5th Our Business is Customer Satisfaction person to respond with the correct Portland, Oregon, answers, you’ll receive a $5.00 and Neysa, a 717-248-5476 • 1-800-PROPANE (776-7263) prize. There should by no typos in photographer in this puzzle, but if you do find one, Spoleto, Italy. and that my food and equipment were at risk, I bolted from the privy at top speed, yelling and waving my trunks at the intruder.

Needless to say, he took off. And I was caught “bear” naked in the Ozarks.

For a more technical but less entertaining account of this tale, see my article in the Psychological Record, 1982, 32, 501-11.

WINNERS OF THE JANUARY VALLEY SCKRAMBLER SCRAMBLE A prize of $5.00 was promised to the 10th and 20th person to correctly unscramble all the words in last month’s Valley Sckrambler.

But only one person responded!

So, of course, that person (Daniel Yoder of Belleville Pensylvania) got the prize!

Expect More from Your Fuel Supplier!

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15

The Valley, March 2013

Our Environment Our Culture Soil Organic Matter: What can it do for me?

by Kevin Morgan

What is soil organic matter and what can it do for me? These are two simple questions that have two fairly complex answers.

Soil organic matter (sometimes referred to as humus) is matter composed of organic compounds that has come from the remains of once-living organisms such as plants and animals and their waste products in the environment. In a forest, the organic matter basically consists of the leaf litter that falls from the trees every year. As the litter accumulates on the forest floor, fungi and microbes break it down into its main parts cellulose, lignin, and other various proteins and lipids. This releases nutrients that are taken up by the tree to produce more leaves the following summer.

All plants need water, carbon dioxide, and nutrients to grow.

The three main nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium commonly referred to as N, P, and K. Nitrogen makes its way down to the roots of the plant by hitching a ride with water. But P & K

need something to bind to because they have a positive charge. This is where soil organic matter really comes into play. Clay soils bind these nutrients much better than sandy soils with soils high in organic matter beating out clay.

This is referred to as cationexchange capacity or CEC. The higher the amounts of soil organic matter present, the greater the ability for the soil to hold these positive charged ions that are vital for the plant to grow. It is usually recommended that the soil be 5 to 6 percent organic matter.

Another benefit of soil organic matter is its incredible water retention ability. Organic matter behaves somewhat like a sponge, with the ability to absorb and hold up to 90 percent of its weight in water. A great advantage of the water-holding capacity of organic matter is that the matter will release most of the water that it absorbs to plants. In contrast, clay holds great quantities of water, but much of it is unavailable to plants.

Organic matter causes soil to

clump and form soil aggregates, which improves soil structure.

With better soil structure, permeability (infiltration of water through the soil) improves, in turn improving the soil’s ability to take up and hold even more water. The greater the amount of soil organic matter present the more stable the formation of the aggregate.

This prevents erosion and loss of soil particles. Phosphorus and potassium are bound to these soil particles and as water drains from a field these vital nutrients also leave. This can be clearly seen in the picture included with this article. The jar on the left is an aggregate with higher amounts of organic matter opposed to the jar of the right. Recent studies suggest increased soil organic matter from 1 to 3 percent can reduce erosion 20 to 33 percent because of increased water infiltration and stable soil aggregate formation caused by organic matter.

So what causes a decrease in soil organic matter? Tillage is one of the main culprits. Some-

times tillage has to occur but the more the soil is tilled, the quicker soil microbes breakdown organic matter. Removing corn residue (stover) will have a negative impact on maintaining or improving soil organic matter. The stover is what one day will be your organic matter. Removing it will have consequences down the road.

Synthetic fertilizers will increase available nutrient levels, but they also kill beneficial microorganisms in the soil that convert plant remains into nutrient-rich organic matter. You would be much better off using an organic fertilizer (animal waste, compost, etc.) if you want to increase organic matter in your fields. So if you are interested in building soil organic matter, minimize all of the techniques mentioned above.

Another way to improve organic matter in your soil is to plant a

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winter cover crop. Besides preventing erosion, it has the added benefit of increasing the biomass available to be turned into organic matter. Even if you till it under, the microbes in the soil will break it down into organic matter. This is often referred to as a green manure.

A good supply of soil organic matter is beneficial in crop or forage production. Consider the benefits of this valuable resource and how you can manage your operation to build, or at least maintain, the organic matter in your soil. If you have any questions on how you can build soil organic matter, please contact your local county conservation district or NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) representative. a

The Valley, March 2013

16

Splitting Hares

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

A Perfect Crown

One of the proudest moments for any rabbit hobbyist is a class win, breed win or show win with a rabbit you’ve worked hard to produce. For lop enthusiasts, a perfect crown is one step closer to that crowning moment.

There are five lop-eared breeds currently recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders’ Association. Four of them (American Fuzzy Lop, French Lop, Holland Lop and Mini Lop) have a ridge of cartilage and fur between the ears called the crown. This is the area that determines placement and carriage of the ears.

The quality of a crown is best seen when viewing the side profile of the rabbit. A correct crown sits high on the head and shows a wide spread of fur beginning right above the eye, then tapers off toward the neck. An ideal crown

is obvious from a front view of the rabbit too, where the ridge of fur appears as a horseshoe shape, literally “crowning” the head.

Crowns and ears work handin-hand. A correctly placed, wide crown holds the ears flat against the head, directly behind the eye.

Ideally, the ears are thick and well-furred.

However, perfect crowns are more easily identified than created. Crowns and ears present some of the most common faults in the lop breeds. Sometimes it’s because those faults are just difficult to correct. Other times, they may be kept in the herd as a compromise – maybe a rabbit has great body type that simply isn’t worth overlooking just because of a poor crown. Nevertheless, the crown and ear are pieces we should constantly strive to

improve. They are, after all, the hallmark trait of lop breeds.

The number one most common fault to watch out for is the infamous slipped crown, which refers to a crown placed too far back on the head. In this case, the ridge of fur sits farther back on the head, rather than right on top, and the ears fall one or more finger lengths behind the eye.

Generally speaking, one finger length is “okay.” Two or more is a bit too far.

Aside from placement, width can be a problem. The crown should be wide from front to back (think side view – eye to neck.) If this area is too narrow, it causes the ears to fold. Rather than laying flat and open against the side of the head, the ears may crease in the middle, or appear to fold and roll back toward the body.

Likewise, the crown should have good side to side width (front view.) A crown lacking side to side width is typically referred to as a tight crown. In that case, the crown pulls the ears off the cheek. Some people refer to this fault as “airplane ears” because the ears often stick out almost horizontally. There are varying degrees to this fault. A bit of ear

control can be tolerated if the rabbit has other positive points, but the ARBA Standard of Perfection lists a general disqualification for ears carried above horizontal on all lop breeds.

Finally, the depth or “definition” of the crown. A great crown is bold, poofy and stands out on the head. The greater the definition, the stronger the crown.

When a great crown is accompanied by great ears, you finally have the total package. Ideal length of ear varies among the lop breeds, but they should always balance well with the body. Long, “donkey” ears is a fault on any breed, and thin or narrow ears can detract from appearance as well.

A well-furred ear with a rounded shape that hangs vertically against the cheek is the goal.

So how do you make that happen? In my experience, two average crowns produce more average crowns. Improvement happens only by introducing a correct crown and selecting offspring for the same trait. It takes awhile – sometimes years – to see consistent improvement. Until then, you may only find that one kit here or there develops a stronger crown than his or her parents. Keep those kits! Linebreed them back to the parent with best crown.

Even as the trait begins to

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improve and gains consistency, average or poor crowns and ears will still pop up from time to time.

When that happens, you’ll have to decide whether the individual’s strengths outweigh the weakness, and whether those strengths redeem them as a member of the production herd – or whether they will be removed from the breeding herd.

Crowns take time to develop, so be patient. Young babies have virtually no crown definition, and their ears may seem particularly long during the 2 to 4 month old growth spurt. Most crowns begin to show their full potential around 6 to 8 months and can continue to develop until the rabbit is 2 to 3 years old. When they’re young, the best trait to watch for is correct placement. If the crown is correctly placed, the other traits will likely come.

Editors Note: This is the last entry for “Splitting Hares” by Julianne. The demands of her real job have grown to the point where something had to give.

Departing to dedicate more time to her career, we wish her the absolute best! Julianne has been a pleasure to work with and a lot of fun to communicate with. Be well Julianne, conquer the world!

Wa

17

The Valley, March 2013

Sojourner Perspectives by Mark Ostrowski

Exposing Easter

Pagan Fertility Rights Practiced In The Modern Era

Bunnies, colored eggs, jelly beans and chocolate; lots of chocolate, new clothes and sunrise services are the apex of the easter tradition for many. May I ask; what does all this have to do with the Resurrection of The Messiah? A look into these customs proves only one thing; all pagan.

If you are a follower of the True God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, once you understand the truth of this matter then you are by necessity required to lay aside these pagan observances as The Almighty instructs. Please be warned, move onto the next article now if you do not want to have your world view challenged regarding this observance.

Easter; the prehistoric West Germanic name of a pagan spring festival (Websters). Dictionary.

com notes it’s the name of a goddess and her festival. Putting it together, Easter is the name of a pagan fertility goddess and the observance of her festival.

Depending on the culture, she is also known as Astarte, Athena, Diana, Ostara, Asherah, Isis and many others. Venerable Bede, the seventh century theologian noted that Easter is just another name for Beltis or Ishtar of the Babylonians. Worship of the fertility goddess can be traced back to Hathor, the cow goddess of Egypt. Bede goes on to note “The heathen Anglo-Saxons called the fourth month Esturmonath after their goddess Eostra.” The name of the festival was transferred to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection when Anglo-Saxon and German heathens converted

to Christianity. We see here that the observance of easter was one of two big celebrations long before Christianity came along. It involved the rights of spring when the pagans believed mother earth was impregnated by the sun. To the Norse, Eostre was goddess of the dawn and sunrise was thought to be the time of impregnation, thus the observance of services at that time. Symbols of fertility were used such as eggs and rabbits. Brightly colored eggs where rolled in the fields hoping to imbue fertility.

Catholic Cardinal John Henry Newman wrote in The Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, published in 1878; “The rulers of the church from early times were prepared, should the occasion arise, to adopt, to imitate, or to sanctify the existing rites and customs of the population...The use of trees,...holy water, holy days and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings

on the fields, the ring in marriage, chants-are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by adoption into the church.

How’s that for putting a scriptural spin on pagan customs? I used to think the enemy of our souls wanted to get us to worship him. Not so.

He’s is very satisfied to get us to practice idolatry, mixing it in with our worship of the Almighty because he (satan) knows God hates this. We are told in the word of God that we are not to worship the Lord our God in Statue of Eostra/Diana at the Vatican Museum, the way the pagans Rome. worship their gods for Photo by M. Ostrowski. See Acts 19:28-34 every abominable act was the sign He was Messiah, the which the LORD hates “sign of Jonah,” yet from Good they have done for their gods.

Friday to Easter Sunday, no mat It was at the Nicaean Council ter how you slice it or dice it, you in 325 which was presided over can’t get to three days and three

by Constantine when the date for nights...72 hours! That should be the observance of Passover and the first red flag that something is thus the crucifixion was offiwrong here. This is the same Concially changed from the Biblically stantine who a scant four years prescribed time to what is now earlier changed observance of the Easter. Isn’t it interesting how Sabbath from the seventh day to we’ve grown up in a world that the first day of the week to can explain away how to accurately count? Messiah was to be in Continued on page 47 the tomb three days and nights, it

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18

POOR WILL’S VALLEY ALMANACK for March of 2013

by Bill Felker

I prefer to take ‘landscape’ as a collective term for the temperature and pressure of the air, the fall of light and its rebounds, the textures and surfaces of rock, soil and building, the sounds (cricket screech, bird cry, wind through trees), the scents (pine resin, hot stone, crushed thyme) and the uncountable other transitory phenomena and atmospheres that together comprise the bristling presence of a particular place at a particular moment.

--Robert Macfarlane, The Old Ways THE STARS

Early in the month, Deep Winter’s Orion has moved off to the west by 10:00 p.m., and Corvus, May’s corn and soybean planting constellation, appears

on the horizon. Spica, which will be centered in the southern sky as peak planting ends this spring, emerges from the east. June’s corona borealis follows it.

Before dawn, all the constellations that ride the Milky Way into summer lie in the east. To the far north, Cassiopeia zig-zags towards Cepheus, the house-like constellation just east of the North Star. Following the Milky Way to the south, find Cygnus, the Northern Cross, shining above you. Below Cygnus, is Aquila, with its bright star Altair. Below that, summer’s Sagittarius.

THE SUN

Even though the day lengthens at different rates at different locations throughout the country, equinox is still equinox on March 20 at 6:02 a.m. (EST) and brings equal day and night everywhere in North America – just as the sun comes into Aries.

Daylight Savings Time Set clocks ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 10 THE PLANETS

Venus is lost in the daylight throughout the year’s third month. Mars, in Pisces, comes up after sunrise and precedes Jupiter in Taurus low in the west near sundown. Saturn still moves across the pre-dawn southern sky throughout March in Libra.

THE S.A.D. STRESS INDEX

The likelihood of seasonal stress begins to fall steadily throughout March. Even though clouds usually continue to deprive the human brain of the benefits of sunlight, the length of the day complements the slowly improving temperatures, and the S.A.D. Index dips more frequently into the moderate (but still troubling) 50s and 60s when the moon lies in its weaker phases.

Key for Interpreting the S.A.D. Index: Totals of: 75 - 65: S.A.D. Alert: Severe Stress for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorders; 64 - 50: Severe to moderate stress; 49 - 35: Moderate stress; 34 - 25: Light to moderate stress; 24 and below: Only people with extreme sensitivity to S.A.D. experience seasonal affective disorders below an Index reading of 24.

Day Clouds Weather Dayl Totals 1: 21 11 17 56 l0: 20 16 15 51 l5: 19 15 14 48 25: 18 13 12 43 31: 17 12 10 39 BEST FEEDING TIMES

Fish, game, livestock and people tend to feed more and are more active as the barometer is falling one to three days before the weather systems that arrive near the following dates on which cold fronts normally cross the Mississippi River: March 3, 6, 9, 14, 19, 24 & 29.

Fishing and hunting are most rewarding and dieting is 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.

MARCH - WEEK 1 THE THIRD WEEK OF EARLY SPRING Lunar Phase & Lore The Lenten Rose Moon wanes throughout the period, entering its last phase at 4:53 p.m. on March 4. Rising at night and setting after daylight, this moon will be overhead between midnight and dawn.

The period of the waning moon offers some of the very best lunar seed starting of the entire year for flowers and root crops as well as all for landscape plantings. And the best lunar time for spring vaccinating of pets and livestock, for trimming feet on goats and sheep, shearing sheep, tattooing, and clipping wattles on the young goats is this week and next week while the moon darkens. According to traditional lore, the moon’s phase also favors surgery, cutting hair to retard growth, and visits to the dentist.

Night-time fishing may be the most productive this week.

The moon will be overhead after dark, and fish should be especially eager to eat at the approach of the February 27 and March 3 cold fronts. Lunar position in Scorpio on March 1 – 3 and in Capricorn on March 5 – 7 and will encourage all your sprouts to grow big and strong (according to moon lore).

Weather Trends

Dates for the arrival of the March weather systems are the 2nd, the 5th (usually the most severe front of the month), the 9th (ordinarily followed by quite mild temperatures), the 14th, the 19th (frequently the second-coldest front of March), the 24th (typically followed by the best weather so far in the year), and the 29th.

These fronts are all accompanied by shifts in temperature and barometric pressure that affect the behavior of livestock, pets and people.

MARCH - WEEK 2 THE FOURTH WEEK OF EARLY SPRING Lunar Phase & Lore

The Lenten Rose Moon becomes the new Maple Blossom Moon at 2:51 p.m. on March 11. When the maple trees flower, then the best of sap tapping time is over, and the land is deep into early spring.

Rising before dawn and setting in the afternoon, this moon moves overhead near midday.

Lunar position favors lunch-time fishing throughout the week, especially as the cold fronts of March 5 and 9 push down the barometer before them.

The most favourable time for starting seeds under lights or directly in the garden will be with the moon in Pisces on March 11 – 12, but the new moon often causes a spike in behavioural problems with children and the very old.

Weather Trends

Although March is the most unpredictable month of spring, certain weather patterns are visible in the majority of years. The first ten days of the period are usually they coldest, and new moon on the 11th is likely to extend the chill. A second major cool spell is often experienced between the 15th and the 22nd.

Milder south winds normally prevail during the second and especially the fourth week. But

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full moon on the 27th is likely to strengthen the ordinarily mild end-of-the-month weather system.

MARCH - WEEK 3 THE FIFTH WEEK OF EARLY SPRING Lunar Phase & Lore

The Maple Blossom Moon waxes throughout the week, entering its second quarter at 13:27 p.m. on March 19. Rising in the morning and setting in the evening, this crescent moon lies overhead in the afternoon.

Lunar position should improve fishing after lunch, especially as the cold fronts of March 14 and 19 approach. When the moon passes through Taurus on the 14th to the 17th, and through Cancer between the 19th and the 22nd, lunar conditions for planting all of your flower seeds in flats or hardy vegetables in the ground – including St. Patrick Day peas - will be ideal.

Weather Trends

Throughout March, average temperatures climb almost a dozen degrees, the world warming twice as fast as it did in February.

Starting in the lower 30s on the first of the month, normal averages rise one degree every 50 hours, reaching the middle 40s by the beginning of April. Typical lows swell from the 20s to well above freezing, and highs climb from the lower 40s up to near 55.

A typical temperature distribution for this month includes up to two days in the 70s, five days in the 60s, six days in the 50s, nine days in the 40s, eight days in the 30s, and one day in the 20s. Frost occurs on about a dozen of the 31 mornings in March, but the last hard freeze of the season frequently takes place prior to April 1.

MARCH - WEEK 4 THE SIXTH WEEK OF EARLY SPRING Lunar Phase & Lore

The Maple Blossom Moon becomes completely full at 4:27

19

The Valley, March 2013 a.m. on March 27. Rising in the late afternoon or evening, and setting in the morning, this moon moves overhead in the middle of the night. Lunar position enhances nighttime fishing this week, and seeds may be a little more eager to sprout if placed in the soil when the moon is in wet Scorpio on March 28 – 30.

Take care of difficult family and business matters well before full moon in order to minimize stress. The same applies to doctor appointments and veterinary appointments. Does the full moon really make a difference? Ask the tides.

Weather Trends On March 21, there is a 65 percent chance for frost, but then, by the 23rd, a major shift takes place in the frequency of freezing mornings. On that date, the chances drop suddenly to about 45 percent per day, then drop again on the 28th to 30 percent per day. There’s more good news about this week: the 21st carries a 20 percent chance for a high in the 60s or 70s. Then on the 23rd, those chances jump to 40 percent. On the 24th, the chances are 30 percent, on the 25th and 26th: 35 percent, and on the 27th and 28th: 55 percent.

A DAYBOOK FOR MARCH March 1: Maple syrup season continues throughout the period, and Snowdrop Season, Aconite Season and Snow Crocus Season always accompany the movement of the tree sap. Daffodil Budding Season advances as the sap recedes. Along the Little Miami, Nest Scouting Season has opened for ducks and geese, and Migration Season is underway for killdeer, woodcocks and canvasback ducks.

March 2: Muskie, Bass, Carp, and Crappie Feeding Seasons are now underway. Earthworm Mating Season starts in the warming rains. Junco Season ends at the bird feeder as Foliage Growing Season expands with leaves of the wild violet joining purple deadnettle and henbit by the 6th of March.

March 3: This is the earliest date for planting most hardy vegetables directly in the garden. Oats, spring wheat, and ryegrass can also be put in for quick vegetative cover. Only eleven weeks remain before the most delicate flowers and vegetables can be planted outside, four weeks until most hardy varieties can be set out. Fertilizer spread on lawn and field will have a month to dissolve in the ground

before April or May planting.

March 4: Day lily spears are strong. Chipmunks are out. The rivers are high, and carp mate in the shallows. Flocks of robins continue to move north even in the coldest springs. Red-winged blackbirds sing in the swamps.

Red-tailed hawks, the horned grebe, the common snipe, all types of gulls, and black ducks are migrating across the Midwest.

March 5: Snowdrops, aconites and snow crocuses have reached the peak of their seasons all about town; their time will be over in just a few days – marking the end of maple sugaring. Pussy willows are now completely emerged. The first deadnettle and ground ivy flowers have opened in the sunniest microclimates.

March 6: This is the earliest week that forsythia flowers (once in 15 years). The first bluebells press through the mulch, no matter what the weather. Some bleeding hearts come too, along with foliage of April violets.

March 7: Leaves of the April primroses and tansy ragwort have started to unfold. Dock is beginning to unravel, blushed from the frost and snow. The buds of the quince have become deep red. The buds of the lilac are losing their beige winter coats. Forsythia buds are becoming brighter, anticipating their flowers, which will be out two weeks from today.

March 8: Bluebell Growing Season begins as the first bluebell foliage emerges from the hillsides of Glen Helen. Daffodil, Chickweed, Purple deadnettle, and Dandelion Blooming Seasons unfold as Nettle- Shepherd’s Purse-Cress-Clover-and- Lamb’s Quarter-Picking-for-Greens Season spreads through town. RedWinged Blackbird March 9: Red-Winged Blackbird Migration Season peaks as pussy willows come out all the way.

Indoors in flats under lights, it is Tomato Seeding Season, Green Pepper Seeding Season, Eggplant Seeding Season and Annual Flower Seeding Season.

March 10: Woodchucks are digging up the hillsides, making new dens. Ducks scout the rivers for nesting sites. Red maples flower.

Crocus bloom, beginning the countdown to the last hard frost seven weeks away. Day lily spears are strong. Chipmunks are out.

The rivers are high, and carp mate in the shallows. Flocks of robins continue to move north even in the coldest spring. Red-winged blackbirds sing in the swamps.

Red-tailed hawks, the horned grebe, the common snipe, all types of gulls, and black ducks are

migrating across the Midwest.

March 11: Sunrise parallels its mid-October schedule; sundown paces mid-September’s setting.

Salamanders are breeding in ponds and sloughs. Honeybees, moths, houseflies, craneflies, and the first hornets are out in sunny afternoons. Newborn wolf spiders run in the field grass.

March 12: buckeye buds are swelling and wild onions are getting lanky in a typical year. Everything is growing back: Jacob’s ladder, ragwort, leafcup, spring beauties, wood mint, henbit, catchweed, moneywort, waterleaf, rockets, hemlock, parsnip. Pods of last summer’s dogbane open.

Small flocks of local geese have begun their spring flights over town. Grackles and red-winged blackbirds have arrived in the village, and bobwhites call along the Little Miami. The sharp whinny of the robins joins the cardinal calls at sunrise. White tundra swans land at Lake Erie. Asian ladybeetles mate when they emerge from hibernation.

March 13: In the pasture, nettle tops may be ready to pick for greens. Chickweed, bittercress, blue-eyes and dandelions, some of the first wildflowers of the year, are often open by today. Onions seeds and sets, potatoes, radishes, beets, carrots, and turnips can be sown directly in the ground as soon as the soil is ready.

March 14: Parsnip, horseradish, dock, and dandelion root are dug at this time, when foliage just begins to emerge; root quality is usually at its best before the soil begins to warm, and leaves are more tender for salads. Flats of pansies are set out on milder days to harden them for late March planting.

March 15: All of the seasons of the first half of March continue as Periwinkle Budding Season moves through the undergrowth and Violet Cress Budding Season starts in the warmer corners of the Little Miami wetlands. In the woods, Turkey Gobbling Season is announced, of course, by gobbling turkeys. In milder years, it is March 16: In milder years, it is Honeysuckle Leafing Out Season, at least on the lower branches.

On higher branches of shrubs and trees, buds are cracking in Bud Cracking Season. And now it’s Pussy Willow Pollen Season and the earliest possible time for Butterfly Season.

March 17: In the warmest years, the first head lettuce and sweet corn can be planted for an early harvest. Along the southeastern seacoast, live oak trees shed their leaves as new growth appears.

March 18: Mock orange leafs out, pacing the new honeysuckle foliage and the boxwood, the Japanese honeysuckle, lilac, black raspberry, multiflora rose and coralberry. In the greenhouse, tropical mother-of-millions blossom time ends just as day and night grow equal.

March 19: In the wetlands, ragwort is budding, and weeping willows glow -green. In the woods, toad trillium has pushed up through the leaves, and turkeys start to gobble. Bittercress and blue-eyes are opening in the sun.

March 20: Clematis leaves emerge beside new growth of the dodder. Comfrey leaves reach two inches long. Motherwort swells into clumps, and purple deadnettle is in full bloom. Lamb’s quarter, beggarticks, pigweed, and amaranth sprout, and the first periwinkle flower petals unfold.

March 21: This is the time of year that early spring’s first butterflies - the question marks, the blues, the tortoise shells and the cabbage whites - almost always emerge. When the butterflies appear, the catfish are getting ready to feed. Pollen forms on about half the pussy willow catkins.

Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are here. Gold finches turn gold.

March 22: By the 23rd of March, the cardinals are singing just a few minutes after 6:00 a.m. Half an hour earlier come the first notes of the great predawn chorus of robins. Later in the day, flickers and pileated woodpeckers call along the river. Termites are migrating then, and the first green-bottle flies are hatching. Garter snakes lie out sunning. In the woods, foliage of wild geranium, clover, and columbine is growing. September’s zigzag goldenrod is two inches long. Leaves of the golden Alexander are an inch across.

Scarlet cup mushrooms swell in the dark.

March 23: The final week of March brings May Apple and Toad Trillium Emerging Season on sunny slopes, and the first days of Leafing Out Season for willows, mock orange, and buckeyes.

Forsythia Blossom Season starts at scattered locations throughout the village this week. Field Corn Planting Season and Oats Planting Season get underway in Valley fields by the end of the month.

Sweet Corn Planting Season March 24: Sweet Corn Planting Season and Lettuce Planting Season are open in the garden.

If temperatures rise to the 60s for a few days, Middle Spring Wildflower Season arrives in Glen Helen with bluebells, twinleaf, bloodroot, small-flowered bit-

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tercress and hepatica budding and then bursting into bloom. And American Toad Calling Season coincides by the 31st with the first days of Duckling and Gosling Hatching Season.

March 25: Touch-me-nots have sprouted in the swamps. The first blue periwinkles open among last year’s fallen leaves. Summer’s lizard’s tail is sprouting in the river mud. Day lily foliage is at least four to five inches high now. Burdock leaves are two inches long, comfrey three inches. Forsythia is flowering in years that are normal or a little above normal. The sky brightens near 6:00 a.m.

March 26: Hops vines twine around the honeysuckle. Japanese knotweed catches up with the rhubarb (just about big enough for a small pie). Water rushes and purple loosestrife, water lilies and pickerel plants have suddenly produced foliage in the ponds and streams where small diving water beetles hunt for food.

March 27: Maple Syrup Season, Snowdrop and Aconite Season, and Pussy Willow Season continue. Daffodil Budding Season and Crocus Blooming Season commence. Migration Season begins for woodcocks, reaches its apex for Canadian geese. Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye, Muskie, Bass and Crappie Feeding Season gets underway. Earthworm Mating Season starts in the warming rains. Junco Season usually ends at the bird feeder. Foliage Growing Season begins with leaves of the wild violet appearing by the 5th of March.

March 28: Gall mites start working in the ash trees; pine weevils and moths can be moving in the evergreens. Bluegrass billbugs generally become active at this time, laying eggs when temperatures warm at the end of March.

March 29: If the land is dry enough, the first field corn is seeded in southern Pennsylvania counties. Commercial potato, sugar beet, carrot, and red beet planting is underway in the north along the Great Lakes. Approximately a fourth of all the tobacco beds along the Ohio River have been planted, and some beds are sprouting. The first winter wheat is jointing in a mild spring, and oats seeding has begun. In Washington, D.C., the cherry blossoms often come out at the end of March and the beginning of April.

March 30: Monarch butterflies have reached the Deep South, moving across Texas, then to Louisiana and Georgia. Some have flown north to Oklahoma

Continued on page 14

The Valley, March 2013

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Fifty Years Ago From the pages of The Sentinel (Lewistown, PA), founded in 1903: March 1963

Frank L. Campbell announces his decision to forego another race for County Commissioner. The 80-year-old politician, five-time Commissioner, plans to retire at the end of his current term.

The high temperature of 78 degrees touched the all-time-high record for Lewistown on the 26th, a stark contrast to the sub-zero temperatures of the past winter.

In local high school sports, Kishacoquillas and Rothrock lead the Tri-Valley League All-Star voting, Jon Zimmerman of Kish is named basketball’s MVP; Lewistown YMCA honors county athletes at the annual father son banquet; Bob DeLauretis, Jon Zimmerman, Russ Quay, Jim

Allgyer, Merle Schlegel, Larry Leister and Bill Logan named to the AP’s honorable mention cage (basketball) list.

One Hundred Years Ago From the pages of the Democrat & Sentinel (Lewistown, PA), founded in 1832: March 1913

“Joseph Dreese Injured While Cranking Auto – Engine Backfires and Right Arm is Snapped Above the write – Second Such Injury” It seems Dreese was hastening to drive his nephew to the rail station to catch the 2:35 afternoon train.

Standing in front of his Parry Roadster, he gave the engine a turn with the crank, it backfired and sent the handle in reverse, breaking his arm. After taking his relative to meet the train, Dreese went to Dr. J.R. Hunter, who set and splint the injury

John P. Gro, County School Truant Officer, arrested seven parents of school children for violating the truancy provisions of the new school code. At a hearing held in the Lewistown office of Justice of the Peace R. W. Patton six of the defendants were found guilty of the charge, the other being unable to attend due to illness.

Two parents, one a woman, were taken to the County Jail to serve a five-day sentence because they failed to pay the fine and court costs totaling $5.15 each. The woman made strong resistance, which resulted in a lively tussle with Officer Gro who trundled her off to her cell in the women’s department of the county jail. Later that evening, her daughter came to pay the $2 fine and $3.15 in costs.

Civil War Echoes - One Hundred Fifty Years ago

From the pages of the Lewistown Gazette (Lewistown, PA), founded in 1811 March 1863

The African American citizens of Mifflin County held a meeting in Lewistown’s AME Church. Those attending, stating adopted a resolution: “Resolved – That we offer the services of the colored population to sustain the government even at the sacrifice of life… and imploring the protection of God on the President and friends of freedom everywhere.” The meeting resulted from Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation issued on January 1, 1863.

The young men of the community were called to meet in the Town Hall (where the Lewistown Municipal Building is today) for the purpose of inaugurating the first Young Men’s Christian Association or YMCA in Mifflin County. A constitution was considered at another meeting.

The canal viaduct that carried canal boats over Kishacoquillas Creek at Lewistown was moved to accommodate the new Mifflin and Centre County Railroad to follow the right-of-way from Lewistown to Milroy. a

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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 717-2421022 or info@mifflincountyhistoricalsociety.org a

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The Valley, March 2013

Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly

Home Show Time

Spring is just around the corner and so is the season for Home Shows. If you have a project that you want to accomplish this year, a home show is a great opportunity to begin to educate yourself relative to cost, current technologies and to meet the professionals that would be available to assist you with the project. To provide additional information, seminars are usually offered. There is a nominal admission charge to enter, but the show can save you lots of time and money rounding up the facts. For example, if you are interested in moving from an oil furnace or boiler to a natural gas or propane unit to heat your house and/or your domestic hot water (DHW), or you want to consider an Air to Air/Geo Heat Pump, I encourage you to meet with those people and ask the questions that

are on your mind. If they are busy when you pass their booth and you don’t want to wait, consider stopping back or leave your cell number on the back of their business card (usually available in the booth) and have them call you when they have a moment. Once you have their attention, you can ask questions and/or sign up for a site visit and a quotation on your project.

We will be attending the State College Home Show again this year, which is scheduled for March 15, 16 and 17, 2013.

Hours are Friday 3 to 8pm, Saturday 10 to 8pm and Sunday noon to 4. It will be located at the Bryce Jordon Center on University Drive. Posted within this article are the seminars that are being offered at the show. Our seminar will be on Solar DHW and Elec-

tric. Check for additional information at www.centralpabuilders. com. Hope you can attend. We look forward to speaking to you!

The Harrisburg Home Show is scheduled for March 2 to 10, 2013 (two weekends and the weekdays between). The hours are Monday thru Thurs 12 to 6, Friday 12 to 8, Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm. It is held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Building in Harrisburg. Check for additional information at www.pahomeshow.com and click on “Visitors.” Although this is most likely too far to reach for a “local” professional to “do the work” it is a good place to educate yourself on that project you want to accomplish. To learn of the seminars being offered, click on “Schedule of Events.” I know we always have a few people stop by our booth at the State College Home Show to discuss equipment they saw or seminars they

attended at the Harrisburg Home provement projects, correctly Show. done, reduce your energy costs,

The Williamsport Home improve the value of your home, Show is scheduled for March 8, add to your quality of life and pro9 and 10, 2013. The hours are vide great personal satisfaction.

Friday 3 to 9pm, Saturday 10am Go talk to the professional people to 8pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm. that can help make this possible.

It is held at the Lycoming College

Recreation Center. Check for adCurt Bierly is president of the ditional information at www.west- bierly group incorporated of branchbuilders.org and click on which Stanley C. Bierly is a divi“Home Show” (watch for it to pop sion. He graduated from Penn up along the right hand border.)

State with a BS in Mechanical They don’t offer any seminars; Engineering and is a member of however, it is a full show with the Penn College HVAC Advisory plenty of educational displays. As Board. You can contact him at with the Harrisburg Show, this is cbierly@bierlygroup.com. a most likely too far to reach for a “local” State College Home Show “List of Seminars”. profesFriday, March 15 sional 4:00 pm – Heating and Cooling Solution for Older Homes – presented by to “do Goodco Mechanical (Arena D 6,13) 5:30 pm – Designer Tips: Mixing Old and New to Maximize Your New Look– the presented by Wolf Furniture (Concourse 22, 23) work;” howev- Saturday, March 16 er, it is 11:00 am – Going Green With Solar! – presented by The Bierly Group (Arena a good W 46, 47, 48) pm – How To Use an Interior Designer– presented by Wolf Furniture place to 12:30 (Concourse 22, 23) educate 2:00 pm – Choosing the Right Floor for Your Home – presented by America’s Carpet Outlet (Arena C 6, 13) yourself 3:30 pm – Home Comfort, Energy, and Economics – presented by Envinity (Arena W 40) on that 5:00 pm – Green Building and Remodeling – presented by Wise Construction (Concourse C, D, 36, 37) project 6:30 pm – Affordable Geothermal– presented by Sunteq Ltd (Arena W 8) you want to Sunday, March 17 accom11:00 am – Choosing a Composite Material for Your Deck – presented by plish.

Timbertech (Arena B 2) Home im-

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12:30 pm – Customized House Plans – Easier Than You Think! – presented

by Crawford Drafting (Concourse 43) 2:00 pm – Green Energy: Not Just for Your Home: presented by Fleet Energy America (Arena D 11, 12)

The Valley, March 2013

22

Recipes-Crafts-Gifts With Debra Kulp Chocolate Heart Cookies Makes 3 dozen 2 ¼ all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ c unsweetened cocoa powder 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened 1 c packed brown sugar 1 large egg ½ tsp vanilla extract Confectioner’s sugar 1. Stir together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then add egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Add flour mixture in two parts mixing gently and scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Transfer dough to a large zip-lock bag and flatten into a disk. Refrigerate for two hours.

2. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and roll to ½ inch thick.

Cut with a small heart cookie cutter and place cookies on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.

3. Place a stenciled letter on each cookie and dust with confectioner’s sugar. Remove stencil.

Repeat to spell out valentine phrases such as “Love You”, “Be Mine,” “Kiss Me” SOUPS FOR THE SLOW COOKER Beet and Dill Soup In a 6-qt slow cooker, combine

3 lbs. beets, peeled & quartered, 1 large quartered onion. 3/1/4 c. each, low sodium chicken broth & water. 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt, cover and cook 8 hours on low. In a blender, puree soup in batches, stir in 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tbsp. chopped dill and ¼ tsp. ground black pepper. Top with chopped hard-boiled egg whites, if desired.

Makes 8 cups.

Carrot – Sweet Potato Soup

In a 6-qt slow cooker, combine 1 ½ lbs. carrots, cut into large pieces, 6 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into large pieces, 1 small quartered onion, 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups water, 1 tsp. kosher salt, 1 tbsp. honey, and 1 bay leaf. Cover & cook for 8 hours on low. Remove bay leaf and in a blender puree soup in batches. Stir in ¼ tsp. black pepper & top with parsley.

Makes 8 cups.

HELPFUL KITCHEN TIPS

Instead of throwing away the cookie crumbs that fell through the rack while cookies cool, store them for toppings on ice cream, pudding, and fruit.

HELPFUL HEALTH HINTS

Garlic, onions, and leeks might prevent osteoarthritis of the hip in women. Researchers have discovered that garlic contains a compound, diallyl disulphide that limits cartilage damaging enzymes.

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The Valley, March 2013 poker games into friendships with Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, various hookers and life in this outlaw town, which was famous for the Boot Hill cemetery.

In this fictional account, the author presents facts, compassion, humor and respect for characters along with a look at the dentistry profession during the wild West’s late 1800’s!

Mail Pouch Books

by Carleen B. Grossman

The month of March brings us a special day to celebrate the doctors of this world. March 30th is NATIONAL DOCTORS’ DAY and on that day, we can all take part in giving our thanks to the doctors of our nation who contribute to making our lives better. I hope you will enjoy these special books in my column that will help to give you a greater respect and appreciation for the different kinds of doctors.

DOC

By Mary Doria Russell Copyright 2011

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a dentist in the old-time, wild West? That is exactly what this extraordinary novel is about. Why a dentist?

Because this book is about Dr. John Henry Holliday, a.k.a. “Doc Holliday,” who was not only a notorious gambler known in Dodge City, Kansas, but also a real dentist for that town filled with liquored-up cowboys and young Irish hookers and other various “mixed breeds”!

In a time when violence and racism played an even bigger role in the lives of people across our nation, it is fascinating to learn how the dentistry profession worked.

John Henry had an excellent education from his roots in Georgia [his uncle a medical doctor and his mother a highly educated woman]. Yet, he was born with a cleft palate and stricken with consumption, just like his mother

who died from it when he was only 15. At 22, he moved west to a drier climate to help combat his already severe consumptive disease.

He set up a dentistry practice in Dodge City, but with the economic crash of our nation during the 1870’s, he had little choice but to supplement his income by gambling in the town’s saloons.

He also became friends with and a lover to a well-educated whore named Kate.

This book segues high stakes

HOW DOCTORS THINK

By Jerome Groopman Copyright 2008

Why do some doctors succeed and others don’t? This author shows us how we can help our doctors succeed; yes, they need good communication from us and we need to be aware of certain things that will help that relationship and open a window into our minds. There are stories about patients in this book that are told carefully and emotionally, and these stories will help us to better understand the two-way communication skills needed to help us, help our doctors!

SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN

By Paul Austin Copyright 2008

This book is an excellent look into medicine in the emergency room. Amid chaos and drama of

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medical emergency scenarios we learn to better understand the workings of our present day doctors in modern hospital settings. This memoir is honest and inspirational!

BETTER: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance

By Atul Gawande Copyright 2007

Both medical triumph and medical failure are presented in this book of essays. You will take a journey with this surgeon into a world as simple as practicing things learned from classroom lectures to the complexities of malpractice and even further into the resourcefulness needed to fulfill a doctor’s duties. a

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The Valley, March 2013

The Pen and Thread Custom Calligraphy and Weaving

Mary Anna Chenoweth Proprietor

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

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

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The Valley, March 2013

Dutch Pantry Gifts Brings You More Of The Local Connection!

The Advantages Of Buying Handmade Jewelry

by Scott Keys

If you’re looking to convey a message of importance or show appreciation to someone you hold near and dear, you can’t go wrong with a meaningful piece of handmade jewelry. Available in a variety of bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and more, handmade jewelry has some great advantages.

Originality and Style

Jewelry made by hand is always unique, hence no two pieces will ever be the same. You’re not constrained by recent trends or fashions because you’re not wearing the same jewelry everyone else is wearing. Handcrafted jewelry can also be personalized to suit your style or personality, which allows you to stand out in a crowd.

Quality Craftsmanship

When you buy handcrafted jewelry you are helping to patronize hardworking artisans who have put their heart and soul into every piece they create.

What could be better than unique one of a kind locally Jewelry artisans made jewelry that is timeless and will never go out of love what they do style. and it shows in

their designs.

Therefore, they produce only high quality jewelry for their customers. You are also helping to encourage good quality craftsmanship worldwide.

there are fewer overhead expenses to make jewelry by hand. The cost of handmade jewelry is typically lower in comparison to items you’d find in larger jewelry stores.

The time taken to produce a beautifully handcrafted piece may take longer, but you will end up with something you can cherish for years to come.

That in itself, is well worth the cost of any handmade jewelry item you acquire.

Cost & Affordability

Trust & Understanding

Most artisans create and A beautiful display of just one of the local run their jewelry businesses artisans themselves, which enables you to communicate one-on-one Availability & Selection with them to develop trust and understanding.

Dutch Pantry Gifts, located You will also in Milroy across from Tom’s and have a better next to Subway and Dollar Genappreciation for eral, has made the availability of the use of high such jewelry so much easier. quality materials

We are highlighting three and techniques.

Jewelry Artisans.

Pennsylvania Many artisans Copper, Drops of Pennsylvania will also work and Anju. Three very different with you to crestyles and all are very affordable. ate a customized As an introductory to these new piece of handlines we will be running 25% made jewelry off all handmade jewelry for the specifically to entire month of March. a Pennsylvania Copper uses simple packaging which allows your personal taste and style. for fantastic pricing!

You’d surprised to find that jewelry made entirely by hand is affordable. This is mainly because

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The Valley, March 2013

26

Savvy Cents & Sensibility

by JoAnn Wills-Kline MBA

Equation for Change

In past articles I have discussed the topic of change, and the importance of uncovering what factors keep us “stuck” in patterns that are resistant to change. Over the next few months the article will focus on methods and strategies to enact change. The strategies and methods have roots in documented research, and have been developed by great business and thought leaders such as Jim Collins, John Kotter, Richard Beckhard, and David Gleicher. The strategies are often utilized for workplace organizational change; however they can also be utilized for personal financial management and home management.

This month I offer up a great troubleshooting tool that is use-

ful when organizations plan a major change – it is also useful for personal change matters. The method is called “The Equation for Change” which was developed by researchers Richard Beckhard and David Gleicher (1987).

The technique can be adapted to reflect insight for workplace organizations, home management operations, professional work life situations, and personal life circumstances. The equation is C = DxVxFx>R. You may be asking…What the heck does that mean?! Well, the answer is actually quite simple. The “C” represents the change that you or a company wishes to see. The “D” represents the dissatisfaction with the present state. The “V” represents the vision – create a

clear and compelling vision for what the “new improved way/situation should look like.” A helpful suggestion is to “paint” the vision with words. Describe your vision with a few words or one short sentence. The “F” represents the future – identify the steps for getting to the future vision. The “R” represents resistance to change.

You will want to consider what resistance might look like, how it would be combated or mitigated.

I find the best way to develop the equation is to create a table.

You can simply draw a table on a piece of tablet paper or create one in a computerized document – create a table with the best method for YOU. My table resembles the following: (see table at bottom of page)

After your table has been completed, list five steps you could take to create the change you wish to see. Refer to your table and create your steps based in the insights your table has provided. Make sure your five steps to change are fairly simple and reality based. Do not set goals that are drenched in failure from the get go. Make sure your goals are all sealed with a “K.I.S.S.” an acronym for “Keep It Short & Simple” which helps to keep you mindful of easy ways to achieve your goal in the short-term.

A few months ago, I wrote an article that focused on creating a S.W.O.T. analysis to assist in reaching your personal and financial goals. The analysis would be

a great complement to your table because the analysis could lend additional insight.

The S.W.O.T. analysis stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In a prior article, I detailed how to create a S.W.O.T. analysis and how you could benefit from conducting the analysis. In a nutshell, grab another piece of paper and list your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the change you wish to achieve.

Compare your “change equation” table to your S.W.O.T. analysis.

Note initial similarities and differences; then as you work towards instituting the change, revisit the change table and the S.W.OT. analysis to review the evolving similarities and differences. Over the next month, work towards instituting the change you wish to see. Make it a point to refer to your change table and S.W.OT. analysis throughout the month as you move toward achieving the change. Next month we will discuss a few more strategies to keep you on the newfound path of achieved change. Good Luck!!

I leave you with a quote by Jim Collins author of “Good to Great:

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Why Some Companies Make the Leap… And Others Don’t”. I highly recommend the book – it is an excellent read that will likely produce many “AHA!” moments.

If you’d like to read it, please check out your local library for a copy!

Jim Collins quotes…

“When [what you are deeply passionate about, what you can be best in the world at, and what drives your economic engine] come together, not only does your work move toward greatness, but so does your life. For, in the end, it is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life. And it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work. Perhaps, then, you might gain that rare tranquility that comes from knowing that you’ve had a hand in creating something of intrinsic excellence that makes a contribution. Indeed, you might even gain that deepest of all satisfactions: knowing that your short time here on this earth has been well spent, and that it mattered.” ~Jim Collins a

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The Valley, March 2013

Grosze Thal Nachbaren

(Big Valley Neighbors)

by Jeptha I. Yoder

Ein Grusz in dem Namen des Herren. Das letzte Theil von Januar und anfang von Februar waren noch die kältste zeiten in diesem Winter. Es war doch nicht sehr viel Schnee. Die Vögel thun gerne kommen für Futter in dies rauh, kalt wetter.

Der Sieben und zwanzigst war unser Gemein ans Mose C. Yoders. Es waren etliche Junge dort von andere Theilen. Ost Lang Leen Gemein war ans Jonathan Y. Hostetlers. Nieder Milroy war ans Joshua J. Hostetlers fürs Michael U. Yoders.

Der Dritt Hornung war Kirchengasse Gemein ans Samuel B. Hostetlers. Lang Leen West war ans Isaack Y. Hostetlers.

Der Zeht waren wir in der Gemein ans Manasse J. Yoders.

Von Kirchengasse waren Samuel Ns, Von McClur waren Johannes E., alle Yodern. Vier von die Jesse S. Hostetler Familie waren in Ost Lang Leen Gemein ans Isaack R. Hostetlers.

Der Zieben-zeht war Kirchengasse Gemein ans Noah C. Speichers. Unkel Reuben D. Hostetlers gingen in Lang Leen West Gemein ans Menno R.

Hostetlers. Ost Milroy war ans Esle M. Hostetlers.

Der Dreizeht gingen Etlische von Grosze Thal ans Henry M. und Elisabeth B. Speichers für ihre Tochter Lene E. mitt Aaron J. und Lydia Y. Speichers ihr Sohn Ervin J. (von McClur). Gemein war ans Johannes J. Yoders. Diese Hochzeit war bestellt für den Zwelft (Dienstag) aber war abbestellt bis Mittwoch für die Leiche des Emma S. Hostetler, Alphie J’s weib.

Christian greetings in our Lord’s Name. This finds it a snowy day. I am trying to catch up on some writing. We’ve had some real winter weather since my last lines for this column. But spring must be on the way, as maple trees are being tapped.

A correction from last month’s writing: Pallbearers at Hosea Betsy’s funeral were Noah M. Zook, Jacob B. and Andrew C. Yoder and Noah E. Hostetler.

Hauled by Korie E. Zook, all nephews. Sorry about the mistake!

February 4, at 9:00 was the funeral of Katie J. Zook (72 years, 6 months, 29 days), wife of Menno J. In house with relatives by

Min. Joshua J. Hostetler. In other house by Bish. Jacob M. Yoder.

Pallbearers were: Jonathan D. and Eli J., both Hostetlers, Joseph S. Yoder and Noah Y. Zook. Hauled

by Joseph C. Hostetler. Freundschaft attended from numerous communities. Will not attempt to name them all. Born June 3, 1940 she was a dau. of the late Jonathan C. and Lydia B. (Yoder) Byler.

Surviving are two sons and one Dau., Josie B. married to Malinda Y. (Hostetler) of Belleville; Lydia K. married to Noah S. Hostetler living with Mennos, Jacob J. married to Dena N. (Hostetler) of Reedsville. A dau.-in-law Leah E. (Hostetler) Zook of Milroy. Four sisters, widow (Joseph C.) Leah J., Mary Y. married to Christ J., all Yoders and of Andover, Ohio.

Mattie J. married to John E. and Franey J. married to Daniel E., both Hostetlers- and of Reedsville. One brother Joseph J. married to Betsy R. (Yoder) of Penns Valley; 24 grandchildren; preceded by two sisters, one brother, a son Daniel, and a grandaughter.

The family’s home address is 10674 Back Mountain Road, Milroy, PA 17063. Katie passed on Feb. 2nd. It was a year ago on the day that Annie dau. of Joshua J. and Salina A. Hostetler died with the funeral also being on the forth.

Emma S. Hostetler (67) wife of Alphie J. of 143 Cider Alley, Aaronsburg, PA 16820 died Feb. 10th, with the funeral on the 12th.

Born Sept. 30, 1945, she was a dau. of the late Noah Y. Sr. and Anna Y. Hostetler. Survivng, beside her husband, three daus. and one son, Salina E. married to Simeon Y. Hostetler; Stephen S. married to Lydia R. (Host.) both of Aaronsburg. Anna M. married to Noah A. J. Hostetler of Reedsville. Esther F. married to Michael N. Yoder of Milroy. Twenty one grandchildren. Four brothers and two sisters; Eli N. married to Anna (Yoder) of Montour County; Franey married to Manass A. Yoder of Maryland; Stephen N. married to Elizabeth M. (Yoder); David N. married to Elizabeth Y. (Zook) both of Woodward; Noah Y. Jr. married to Elizabeth N. (Speicher) of Aaronsburg; Nancy A. married to Menno B. Yoder of Hammondsport, New York.

Preceded by one brother.

Feb. 5th marks the birthdate of Sieber to cousin Joel E. and Salina L. Yoder, joining four sisters. Grands are David H. Sr. and Elizabeth S. Yoder; Noah D. and Fronie K. (Yoder) Hostetler and the late Leah Z.; Greats are Moses I. and Elizabeth L. Hostetler; Moses M. and Esther S. Yoder.

On the 14th the Rufus M. and Lena M. (Zook) Yoder family moved to Hammondsport, New York. We will miss them.

Rudy S. Hostetler (wheelchair) was to urgent care and diagnosed as having pneumonia.

In the meantime their son Noah R. (next door) is in Geisinger (Danville) Hospital with a heart condition. If I understand right they plan to close a vein (or veins) by going in through an artery in his leg. It is the same time that he was laid up and hospitalized last year. He is married to Lydia B. dau. of Christ M. Sr. and Barbara A. (Yoder) Zook. They have a family of seven, ages 1 to 18.

Both Rudy’s and Noah’s address is 260 Hoffman Lane, Milroy.

The above-mentioned Christ M. Sr. (Noah Lydia’s Dad) is in State College Hospital with heart/fluid problems. Their address is 9539 Back Mountain Road, Milroy.

Eli J. Yoder (82) died Feb. 19th. Funeral on the 20th at 10:00.

Born Dec. 7, 1930, he was a son of the late Bish Samuel S. and Anna Z. Yoder. He is survived by his wife Barbara Y. (Hostetler) of 640 Church Lane, Reedsville, PA 17084. He was handicapped by a stroke since Dec., 2006. Also surviving are three sons and five daus: John E, married to Barbara K.; Emma N.; and Lydia A. mar-

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ried to Emanuel C., all Yoders and of McClure; Anna Z. married to Samuel B. Hostetler; Franey A. married to S. Christ Hostetler; widow (Manasses J. Jr.) Barbara M. Yoder and Hannes M. (on the home place) married to Katie E. Yoder, all of Reedsville. Numerous grands and great-grands. Two sisters, Lydia B. Yoder married to Rudy S. of Reedsville; widow (Rufus) Malinda S. Yoder of Winfield. Preceded by one son Samuel S. late husband of Fronie K., now married to Noah D. Hostetler.

Two grandchildren and 3 greatgrand-children. Four brothers and four sisters including a twin sister.

Friends and relatives are looking forward to attending the farm auction of Christ G. Yoders on Sat. Feb 23rd. They plan to move into the small house while newlyweds (niece), Isaac S. and Lydia B. Yoder take over the farm.

A last bit of news is that Noah R. is now home from the hospital.

Until next time - Will the daffodils be blooming? God’s Blessings wished for the Easter Holidays. Remembering the sick and sorrowing.

Jeptha I. Yoder a

28

The Valley, March 2013

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The Valley, March 2013

Mutual Funds

by Judy L. Loy, ChFC®

For individuals that invest in 401(k)s or through any monthly contribution, mutual funds are the investment of choice. According to the Investment Company Institute, 52.3 million households own mutual funds and there are an estimated 7,000 mutual funds available. With so many people investing in mutual funds, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this type of investment.

Mutual Funds are also called “open-end investment companies.” They are considered open-ended because there are an unlimited amount of shares.

These shares can only be bought or sold directly from the investment company which manages the mutual fund. In essence, the investment company pools money from investors and invests in securities inside the mutual fund, which could be stocks, bonds, or even money market instruments.

Because mutual funds invest in assets that fluctuate in value, the funds also fluctuate in value.

Mutual Funds are not guaranteed or insured.

There are some key advantages to investing in mutual funds or open-end investment companies. The first is the ability to pool assets. Pooling your money with other investors permits you a level of diversification that you may not be able to achieve on your own. You can invest a relatively small amount, say $50, into a mutual fund and within the fund you would be purchasing as many as 100 different securities. This diversification can help decrease risk. An old saying goes, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Because you can cash in the shares you own, the funds are considered relatively liquid.

A major disadvantage of mutual funds is the investor’s inability to control capital gains. The gains that are made within the fund are typically passed along to the fund’s investors near the end of the year. Unless the fund is held inside of a retirement account (tax-deferred), the gains paid out will be taxable in the year in which they are paid. This amount, if reinvested into more shares,

becomes part of the cost basis for the investor. The fact that the mutual fund management controls when the gains are paid and thus taxed, can be a negative for some investors.

Mutual Funds can be confusing to purchase since the fees assessed are not always clear and it may be difficult to assess the quality of the stocks and bonds in each mutual fund. For instance, load funds (those in which investors pay a commission) have different share classes that designate the way an investor pays their commission or payment to the advisor. There are typically three ways of paying: Upfront Load (usually designated by a class called A shares), a Back-end Load (Usually shown as B shares) and a Level Load (typically designated

by C shares).

On an upfront load fund, an investor would pay a certain percentage on any new money going into the fund. For instance, a client that invested $100 with a

5% load on A shares would pay $5 to the advisor and invest a net amount of $95 into the mutual fund investment. Back End Load funds are being phased out in most fund companies due to their typically higher underlying fees which may not be a good deal for investors. Finally, level-load funds will not charge an upfront cost but the underlying fees, which are deducted from your returns annually, are higher and deplete returns over the long-haul.

If you want to know which type of investment class is best in your situation (i.e. how long you will be invested,) FINRA has a calculator which will show what class is least expensive for your plans. It can be found at: http//

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apps.finra.org/fundanalyzer. Your financial advisor can also give you the details on expenses involved in any investment or fund recommended.

This explanation barely scratches the surface on the complexities of mutual funds, one of the most used investment tools in the world. There are many online sources to read up about mutual funds, their risks and costs.

Judy L. Loy, ChFC® , is CEO of Nestlerode & Loy, Inc., an comprehensive investment firm located in State College, Pa. Please contact Judy for a no obligation review of your financial situation by calling 814-238-6249. More info at www.nestlerode.com. a

The Valley, March 2013

30

Home-Grown!

A Homeschooler’s Perspective

By Mary Eck

A (Shockingly-True) History Lesson Part 2

Hopefully, you, dear reader, have returned to pick up where we left off last month, having adequately established that the modern homeschooling movement is built upon a rather remarkable success record that dates back to the original colonies, and is capably carrying on that tradition of academic excellence. Interesting stuff, definitely, but more than a tad shy of “shocking,” you say?

Then let’s get to the more contentious of my assertions— that the public school model is nothing more than a purposeful and methodical manipulation of young minds for economic and political ends. Just remember that, denial is not just a river in Egypt.

Read on, if you dare...

The unequivocal fact of the matter is that pre-20th century America was forged by and comprised of a hardy, educated and independent-minded people that valued the precious liberties guaranteed it by the founding documents, and was quick to pounce upon and snuff out any threat to that precious, blood-bought freedom. A freedom-loving, educated citizenry, such as America boasted, would never knowingly surrender its matchless sovereignty for some hapless existence akin to Europe’s apathetic and insolvent socialist democracies.

Rife with resolve and unscrupulous to its very core , the American socialist movement is all about control and knew that toppling this entrenched, uniquely-American characteristic of “rugged individualism” would be key to bringing its pompous vision of America as a neutered nation of subservient citizens— beholden to their arrogant elitist schemes and whims—to fruition.

Yes, the educated elite was far better equipped to decide what values and viewpoints were best for future generations. The average American citizen just doesn’t know how inept he is!

Hmmm, how DO you squelch the spirit of an entire nation, and figuratively bring it to its knees, where it will gratefully feed upon

whatever propaganda dung you choose to serve up, no questions asked? Remove children from the environment (home) that teaches best, of course!

Rulers of the fledgling state of Prussia had figured that one out nearly one and a half centuries earlier when, in 1806, Napoleon’s army of amateur soldiers routed Prussia’s professional soldiers at the Battle of Jena. The German nation’s embarrassment was severe, and its reputation as a “seller of soldiers” was on the line. Following the advice of his advisors, King Frederick William I and his son Frederick the Great advanced the concept of forced schooling for the distinct purpose of basically making intellectual slaves of the lower classes so they would be easily manipulated, no longer willing, let alone capable, of thinking for themselves. And by 1819, Prussia prided itself on its pliable-yet-proficient army, obedient workers, and citizens who were remarkably in agreement when it came to the big political issues. To the elite socialist groupies of the 1840s America, the Prussian model was “all that”…the answer to their warped Utopian dreams.

And so, Horace Mann, Massachusetts’ very ambitious Secretary of Education, got busy bringing it stateside. Other states took swiftly to the concept with enthusiasm, embracing compulsory, state-sponsored education as the perfect vehicle for social engineering. Imagine the vile giddiness of these conceited socialist traitors, eager for the chance to extinguish the “can-do” attitude of children and fellow Americans!

Prussia’s proven educational tactics included isolating students from each other at an early age by seating them in precise rows where they could be easily silenced, controlled by voice command, and assigned rote tasks for the sole purpose of instilling the trait of obedience to arbitrary commands. Whole cross-curricular concepts and ideas were broken into smaller subjects, and

those subjects were taught in an intentional, fragmented style that provided little context and effectively stunted the development of higher thinking. These hort periods of study were also punctuated by a loud horn to impede selfstudy motivation due to incessant and unnecessary interruptions.

Teachers were no longer free to share their passion for knowledge. The role was redefined as one beholden to a rigid bureaucracy, stripped of any significant power and positioned at the lowly end of an elaborate hierarchy of educrats. Micromanaged and scrutinized to the nth degree, then held to unreasonable performance objectives, a teacher could no longer function as the wise elder or inspiring mentor to his or her students. In the name of self-preservation, teachers were relegated to nothing more than standardized, expendable facilitators.

It’s a classic, dominoe-effect fear pattern; it’s also incredibly effective. The students are taught to fear the teacher who, in turn, fears the school principal who, in turn, fears the superintendent…all the way to the supreme head of state.

In short, the legacy of the Prussian model is that it systematically disempowers both children and adults, thereby conditioning them to obey, without protest, those in command.

Hard to tell whether I’m still on the Prussian model or our very own, modern, Americanized one?

You bet! If you were skeptical at the outset, I hope by now you’ve tossed aside any notion of coincidence. The purposeful design is unmistakable.

No longer is school about learning and intellectual development, or about teaching students to become responsible, self-reliant adults. Nope. In order to optimize society, individual growth must be surrendered for the greater good (or some such nonsense). School is now all about churning out automatons sufficiently conditioned for life in the industrial machine. Students’ creative spirit is squelched; mediocrity lauded.

Planting by the Moon from page 5 activity of rural (or urban) life.

Factor in the additional variations of ethnic traditions and it can get downright complicated - if you let it.

The books and charts are all well and good and admittedly the stars and the sun are part of the equation. But the moon is there for all to see, waxing and waning as regular as clock work so most of us keep it simple. We choose those things of most importance to our particular situation – planting, harvesting, butchering, fence posts, intestinal worms – and stick with the “how” that we can handle easily.

The “why” is another matter.

The “why” is all about the unifying and interacting forces of the universe and for some reason this makes a lot of people intellectually nervous. The people who have the most problem accepting that the moon can assert an influence over the growing of plants (let alone, among other things, the occasional “lunacy” of our own species) seem to be the ones who have gotten away from our ancient and inherent understanding of a simple universal truth - that EVERYTHING is connected to EVERYTHING.

Come on, people. At the very least, if the magnetic pull of the moon can move the oceans of our planet (hello – the tides), do you really think that same magnetism has no effect on anything else down here?

At this point there are probably a good chunk of you saying, “Yes, okay but I’ve never paid attention to the moon, my gardens And a highly-scripted classroom culture breeds submission, boredom, and apathy; in that order.

Remember, the original purpose of public schooling was socialization in obedience and conformity. Boy, that sure throws a monkey wrench in the whole “socialization” argument critics throw at homeschoolers, huh?!

Schooling via the Prussian example teaches students to wait for someone to tell them what to do, and then wait for an opinion as to how well they did it. It renders obsolete a student’s mind, and his will. The once-prevalent traits of American initiative and ingenuity have been sacrificed at the altar of order and obedience. And a mere fifty years after its arrival on the eastern seaboard, compulsory, state-sponsored education had made enough “progress,” ac-

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are productive, my root cellar is full and my animals get wormed by the vet whenever she can get here. What do you say to that?”

Well, without getting into synchronicity, serendipity and the time- space continuum (try bringing THAT one up at a dinner party and be prepared to duck), I’d say, “There are some pretty strict guidelines in the grand scheme of things but within those guidelines there’s a lot of wiggle room. Ain’t the universe great?”

That’s no evasion of the question either, just a reminder that there are some things that aren’t as “either/or, black- or-white, right or wrong” as some of us would like to think.

So whether you’re like Ruby – believing that everything is categorically controlled in specific ways, or Ada – believing that a respectful approach to the possibility of a wider reality is as acceptable as unquestioning belief, planting by the moon is a tradition as old as the human race and deserves our respect as well as our serious consideration.

As for the total non-believers, don’t worry. Eventually, science will catch up with the universe and you’ll see your way clear to rejoin the rest of us – we can always use the help with spring planting!

To tap into someone who really knows the ins and outs of planting by the moon, check out the publisher of the “Planting by the Moon” calendar.

Sue’s Salves 143 Crystal Beach Road Mill Hall, PA 17751 sue@suesalves.com a

cording to U.S. Commissioner of Education William Torrey Harris, that the schools were now “scientifically designed” to prevent “over-education” from happening again, and that the average American will now be content with his humble place in society because he will no longer be tempted to consider any other role.

It was also about this time that the famous John Dewey disparaged the traditional method of making reading and writing the priority of early schoolwork. He regarded people who read too well or too early “dangerous” because they are empowered from within, know too much, and know how to go about finding out what they don’t know, all without the help of experts. The audacity of some

Continued on page 6

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The Valley, March 2013

Time Marches On

by Sarah Hurlburt

Did you ever wake up one morning and look at your children and think “where in the world did that teenager come from, I just had a two-year-old yesterday.”

Depending on what stage of life you are in, this may or may not be something you can relate to. You may be waking up saying “is my two-year-old still two?” Or maybe you are waking up and looking in the mirror and saying “who is that old person looking back at me?” Life has a way of slipping right through our fingers as minutes turn into years and we barely

notice.

As 2013 rushes into March and sweeps us along with it, will you take some time to be quiet and thoughtful as to how you are spending your time? Are you going to bed at night with a smile on your face or are you lying awake with feelings of anxiety wondering if you did enough or did it right? In John 14:27 it says,

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Time is a gift and it really does matter what we do with it.

Worrying is definitely a bad use of time and it won’t change a thing except the expression on your face and believe me it won’t be for the better. Not one person’s life is a mistake, which means everyone one of us has a purpose and is given time to share what we have to bring to this world, our gift.

What are you sharing? Could it be that it’s time to re-examine how you spend your time?

How important is it that you spend time with your spouse, your children, a close friend, or a lonely neighbor? How much do they matter? Enough to give up something else so that you can spend more time with them? We live in a very “cluttered” society where busyness is next to Godliness and it is hurting us and our relationships deeply. Sometimes I wonder if people are all so busy because they aren’t sure who they are and it scares them, so they just stay busy enough to not have to think about it.

Here’s a challenge, slow down—as spring approaches, think about some new ways you

can spend your time as nicer days are just around the corner. Could less be more? Could sipping a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade by your garden be a new pastime? Could listening to your kids share their dreams be better than

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“unwinding” in front of the TV? Remember no matter how you spend your time, once a moment has passed, you can’t get it back.

Make every moment count and let the minutes that make up your life really matter. Happy Spring. a

The Valley, March 2013

32

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The Valley, March 2013 ficials and medical doctors all recommend 49 doses of 14 vaccines before the age of 6? Before you take a risk on vaccinating your child, become informed on each vaccine, its dosage, ingredients, risks and side effects. Here are the big 5 to avoid.

Back Talk

by Dr. Joseph Kauffman

Five Vaccines You Should Never Give A Child

Upon doing research for working on article topics, I found a very interesting article I thought all of my readers might like to read. Vaccinating your child/ children should be a personal choice and never be mandated by the doctor or some government agency. Many occasions, parents feel bullied by the medical doctor or even school official or perhaps a nurse. What is the biggest tactic used? Fear, by making the parent afraid or even doubt any decision that goes against what the medical doctor or nurse thinks is best. Just remember to think about what is their motivation behind such tactics. Most of the time it is, unfortunately, money. If a vaccine or a flu shot has been proven to have harmful effects, why are they so rigorously pushed at all of us? It all comes down to money.

But, this article really drives home many of my points that I have been trying to get across. Do your

own research and study every angle behind the things you put into your body and your children’s bodies. This article sums it up a bit. It is titled “Five Vaccines to Never Give a Child.” I am not sure if this article was published in a magazine, but it has some very good points to consider.

By Dave Mihalovic, Prevent Disease.com and Waking Times.com (http://preventdisease.com/ news/13/022013_5-Vaccines-ToNever-Give-A-Child.shtml)

“All vaccines should be avoided, but for those on the fence and still deciding whether to vaccinate your child, please review the following information on these 5 vaccines before blindly following the advice of any medical doctor. Knowledge is power and when you understand the uselessness of specific vaccines, the decision to vaccinate or not becomes a very easy one. When it comes to

vaccines, there are three levels of understanding: 1) The first group understands that all vaccines are useless; 2) The second group is still partially affected by medical propaganda from the last century and insists there are at least some ‘good’ vaccines; and 3) The last group has a total blind loyalty to what has been erroneously declared as ‘vaccine science’ and will defend all vaccines regardless of any resources or evidence that presents the contrary. This article is specifically for groups 2) and 3). I am not a fan of those that sit on the fence when it comes to vaccination, so my goal is always to increase awareness and bring those in level 3) back to level 2) and eventually those in level 2) back to level 1). For some it takes three days and others three years, but regardless of the information presented, any advancement in understanding does not occur until each person is ready to openly receive and embrace the information.

The CDC, public health of-

1. Flu Vaccine

Despite assurances by the FDA to remove thimerosal from vaccines it remains in several influenza vaccines, year after year. Thimerosal is a mercury based neurotoxin which has been proven through many scientific publications and reports to adversely affect the human body and brain. The 2012/2013 season offered three out of six flu vaccines which contained thimerosal and all are were FDA approved.

No flu vaccine is ever tested for carcinogenic or mutagenic potential, or for impairment of fertility. This means that none of the carcinogenic excipients (inside every vaccine) are ever studied and their effects on the human body are unknown. This declaration also indicates that there is no responsible authority that can state to a parent, that their son or daughter will not become infertile as a consequence of receiving the influenza vaccine. Another remarkable fact is that although all pregnant women are encour-

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aged to receive the flu vaccine by health and medical authorities, the safety and effectiveness for pregnant women or nursing mothers has also not been established.

Perhaps this is why studies show many spontaneous abortions and stillbirths after pregnant women are vaccinated. Moreover, they estimate the probable flu strains meaning that 100 percent of influenza vaccines are a crap shoot in terms of effectiveness for any given population. With more than 200 viruses known to cause influenza-like illness (ILI), a person can get a flu shot and still become sick with what is described as “the flu”. According to CDC data, in the past 11 years, 86% of all influenza-type illnesses were NOT caused by the influenza virus, thus influenza viruses are ONLY active 14% of the time.

The proportion of ILI caused by influenza viruses varies by year, and even varies within a specific year over the course of the winter.

A recent report which was highlighted by the alternative media is a remarkable study published in the Cochrane Library which found no evidence of benefit for influenza vaccinations and also noted that the vast majority of trials were inadequate.

As of July 2012, there have been

Continued on page 35

The Valley, March 2013

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Joanne Wills-Kline Contentment Quest

Veriditas...

“March stands at the cusp of winter and spring” a quote by Angeles Arrien as written in her book Living in Gratitude: A Journey That Will Change Your Life.

March twenty-first is known as the vernal equinox, and has long been hailed for the calendar acknowledgement of when winter’s starkness gave way to the budding of exuberant new life. Hildegard von Bingen, a German writer, composer, Benedictine abbess, visionary, and polymath; referred to this time of new life as “Veriditas” – the true greening of ourselves and nature. Spring reveals those things that have been gestating and incubating in winter. Angeles Arrien describes spring well. In her book she states “…during this bourgeoning time, nature mirrors back to us new possibilities and the exaltation of life.” (Arrien,

2011, p. 64).

Spring is often referred to as the season of hope; a time to grow and create. Spring is a season of opportunity to realign with the inherent abundance and beauty that surrounds us. Sometimes qualities such as beauty and goodness go dormant – or beyond the range of attention – in the human spirit, but spring has a way of refocusing us all. The Irish holiday St. Patrick’s Day on March seventeenth nudges us to awaken our hopes and dreams from winter’s slumber. The Irish shamrock has long been a symbol of hope and possibility. St. Patty’s Day celebrations help to remind us that “luck” is simply the intersection of opportunity and preparedness.

Spring presents the ultimate opportunity to restore ourselves and grow as a better person.

One of the best practices enroute to becoming a better person is through cultivating compassionate service. When we couple the season of “Veriditas” with compassionate service, our experience of gratitude is magnified, and thus we experience a greening of ourselves – a deep rejuvenation. Sociologist Georg Simmel conducted a study and determined that society would fall apart if every grateful action based on beliefs received in the past were suddenly eliminated. Simmel stated “Gratitude not only creates and smoothens interpersonal relationships; it also fulfills important cohesive functions for society and culture as such.” (Arrien, 2011 p. 69). What wise actions of generosity and thankfulness do you wish to extend to yourself and others this month?

For starters, consider commit-

Progress At The Embassy

by Patricia Lawson

We would like welcome our newest Friend Of The EmbassyBarb Corcelius! Please consider becoming a Friend Of The Embassy Theatre. Your commitment of time is entirely up to you. It could be anything from selling tickets at “The Fair”, handing out treats on “Safe Night”, to greeting people at an “Open House” at the theatre. We are also in need of a Recording Secretary. So, if you are interested in either option, please call 717-248-0321 or contact us by email at embassytheatre@verizon.net.

Mark your calendars! Another fund-raiser is coming up, and this time it’s at J.P. Edward’s at 291 S. Logan Blvd. in Burnham: www.jpedwardsgrillandbar.com.

Please plan on treating yourself to a fun time out on Sunday, March 10th. What a great way to celebrate Daylight Saving Time! On that date, a portion of the proceeds will help with the restoration of The Embassy Theatre. Just present the coupon below or you can pick one up at The Mifflin County Historical Society that is located 1 West Market Street in Lewistown at the Historic Courthouse. Please note: Their hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00 to 4:00. The Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Bureau which is also located at the Historic Courthouse will have them as well, and their hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30-4:30.

Another option is to email me at: lawsonlodge@centurylink.net

and I will email a coupon to you.

Please put “J.P. Edward’s Coupon” on the subject line. Thank you in advance for your support!

Last month, we were discussing the grand opening of The Embassy Theatre on October 17, 1928, and remember, the films of the time were still silent and black and white. A movie was made in Lewistown in 1928 that featured the Embassy -- “For the Love of Ruth” -- and starred all local talent. Ruth Brown, Ned Freed, and Clyde Kemp were the lead players. This movie was made by Cudia, a film director that traveled around the country making local films to promote motion pictures.

The film is lost, and may be laying in a dusty attic somewhere.

Embassy Theatre Community Night Sunday March 10, 2013- 11am to close J.P. Edward’s will be donating 15% of your purchase to your organization. *Donation not applicable for purchase of alcohol. *Coupons not to be distributed on premises.

ting to performing a compassionate act everyday this month. The act doesn’t have to be grandiose.

It could simply be letting a shopper go ahead of you in the check out line. It might be smiling and offering a compliment to someone each day. Perhaps the compassionate act is simply offering yourself a bit of compassion – maybe take a ten minute breather with your eyes shut relaxing on the recliner. Maybe this month is a good time to begin to offer

gratitude to yourself – for who you are, and who you are becoming. Consider starting a “Daily 5” memoir. Each day, write down five things you are most grateful for, including things that have changed within your own nature this month – proof of your personal re-greening. One of my personal favorite ways to express gratitude is to reflect on the following:

Let us know if you find it!

Vaudeville was still around, however it was losing popularity as movies gained momentum.

Many of Hollywood’s famous stars appeared on the Embassy Stage -- Rudy Vallee Rudy Vallee and his Connecticut Yankees (August 29, 1933), Ken Maynard (August 17 & 18, 1937), Tex Ritter & Co. (June 30, 1937), The Great Lester (July 12 &13, 1937), Roy Rogers and Trigger (June 16, 1941), and others.

Did you know that Trigger was preserved with taxidermy and mounted rearing on its hind legs in 1965, and sold at auction in 2010 for $266,500 to a cable TV company?

As you know, The Embassy Theatre now had competition.

The Pastime was located at 26 E. Market Street and now, The Rialto Theatre was at 7 E. Monument Square. Lewistown was alive with cultural entertainment in the 1920’s and 30’s, as the three

theatres were in fierce competition, each one trying to outdo the other.

Trigger and Roy Rodgers And when sound pictures arrived in the late 1920’s, these so overtook the public’s fascination that on December 31, 1928, at 12:01 a.m. the Embassy, and at the same instant the Rialto, debuted “talkies.”

However, the Embassy was using permanently installed Vitaphone - Movietone sound equipment, while the Rialto was using portable RCA Photophone equipment.

The Pastime debuted talkies the next morning, again with temporary RCA equipment. It would be a couple months before these theatres installed permanent equipment. Ultimately, each of the theatre found a niche market to target. We’ll talk more about that next month, so stay tuned!

Happy Easter from The Friends Of The Embassy Theatre!

A Memory with a Future, a Future Full of Memories! a

thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com

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The Valley, March 2013

Life in the East End

by Rebecca Harrop

As I’m sitting here writing my article, it is snowing. The snowflakes are the big, fat fluffy ones that look like goose down.

They are so pretty. This is the kind of snow where I love to run outside and catch snowflakes on my tongue. Mom even does that, but she probably won’t admit it.

Something about snow brings out the kid in all of us I think. It is so white and pure when it falls out of the sky. If it is really cold it looks like diamonds sparkling. I love going to the barn real early in the morning after a snow. It always sparkles in the headlights of Ben’s truck. A couple weeks ago, the snow was really sparkly and it was so brilliant in the headlights.

I imagine that is what the streets of Heaven must look like. I like to think God is giving us a glimpse of what is to come.

We are getting ready to butcher hogs this week. Dad finally found hogs! Actually one of our milk truck drivers raises them, so we got them from him. We are butchering three for ourselves and then in two weeks we will butcher five for Pap Goss and some for Mom’s family. I told Mom she has to make beef stew for Butcher Day. Its always nice coming in on a cold day to a good hot meal.

I love beef stew, especially when Mom makes homemade rolls with it. I really like her crescent rolls. It always smells so good in the kitchen when she has bread raising. Then when it goes in the oven to bake, your mouth starts watering. There is absolutely nothing like warm bread fresh out of the oven with real butter melting into it. You don’t know what you’re missing if you’ve never had homemade bread with butter or apple butter. I bet the Peach Jubilee I made would be good on it too. We definitely need homemade bread for Butcher Day. Dad wanted to get Mom one of those bread makers to make homemade bread, but she doesn’t want one because she likes to knead bread and you don’t knead it with that.

She said kneading bread is relaxing. I guess I can see that.

On the farm Uncle Dave is hauling manure from the heifer and steer pens. Uncle Bob is going over the machinery for Spring.

Dad and Uncle Dan are busy

tending the milk cows. I took a really cute picture the other day of Dad, Dave, and Ben standing at the pen watching the cows in the free stall pens. I teased them about that being how they milk cows now. Although, milking is only a small part of what is involved with milking cows. A large part is feeding them. You also need to check them to make sure they are well, which sometimes just means being with them and observing how they act. All our cows are friendly, but we have a couple that will come up to you and rub their heads on you. They are like a dog that wants to be petted. The one will start licking you and if you don’t watch her, she will rip your shirt off. You get to know a cows personality so when she isn’t acting like usual you know something is wrong. You also need to watch for signs of heat, which means she is ready to breed.

There is still lots keep us all busy besides just milking cows.

Now that we have had a few snowfalls, I’m ready for the weather to start warming up. I love watching everything turn green in the spring and watching flowers grow. When I was little I never liked helping in the garden, but now I enjoy it. Soon I’ll be getting ready to start some seeds in the house. I want to start watermelons, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, and peppers. My family teases me because I grow vegetables, but I won’t eat them.

I’m not the biggest vegetable fan.

I’m more of a meat and potatoes kinda person. I get that from my Dad. I started helping Mom can some vegetables a couple years ago and I liked that. My sister and I always helped her freeze corn, but I didn’t really do much with canning. I found a recipe for a Peach Jubilee that I made. It was the first recipe that I made that Mom didn’t make first. It was really good. It is nice knowing that you can grow and preserve your own food. It is another reason I love living on a farm. We have the space to grow our own food and raise our own meats. Although I don’t like chickens! Mom loves them. I like to eat them, but I don’t like being around them at all. I blame my Mom for that.

When I was in grade school, Mom

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and her sister Paula raised meat chickens and then they would butcher them. Rachel and I had to help pluck them and gut them. It was gross! I don’t mind helping do all that stuff when we butcher pigs, but I don’t like the chickens. Till next month that’s it from the East End.a

Five Vaccinations You Should Never Give A Child from page 33 more than 84,000 reports of reactions, hospitalizations, injuries and deaths following influenza vaccinations made to the federal Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), including over 1,000 related deaths and over 1,600 cases of GBS (GuillainBarre Syndrome, an inflammatory disease of the nerves outside the brain & spinal cord in which the body attacks itself and characterized by numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face

and can affect all ages).

2. Chicken Pox Vaccine

A five-year-old girl, vaccinated against chicken pox (varicellazoster virus (VZV)) recently presented with clinical symptoms of the disease. Therefore the diagnosis of a breakthrough varicella disease with the vaccine strain was established. An immunodeficiency was ruled out. This case demonstrates that a child vaccinated against chicken pox does not exclude an infection with the vaccine strain.

A county in the western part of Indiana is the site of the nation’s largest current chickenpox outbreak, according to news reports. An epidemiologist has confirmed that out of the cases analyzed, 97 percent of the children were vaccinated. To cover-up the wild increase for the disease, public health officials are blaming one unvaccinated child as the cause despite 97 percent of vaccinated children contracting

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chicken pox. More than 85 percent of those vaccinated received full vaccinations. The claim by public health officials is that 90% of children who are not vaccinated for chickenpox will get it by the time they are twelve. However, studies have demonstrated that the virus remains dormant in the body of those who are vaccinated and can become active again later on. Other studies show that the frequency and incidence are regardless of vaccination rates as those vaccinated still contract the virus and all its symptoms.

A report from The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that an outbreak of chickenpox among a group of children in New Hampshire showed that the virus that causes chickenpox can be highly infectious even among those who have been vaccinated.

Mass use of chickenpox vaccine by children in the U.S. since 1995 has limited natural boosting of Varicella Zoster immunity in

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The Valley, March 2013

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I get hot, things happen FAST. Usually my “S” is nowhere to be seen. (You’ll get that one tomorrow, it’s a creeper). I grabbed that 40 pound behemoth and out the door it went, landing about 30 feet away. If there were a middle-aged owimpic event for TV removal, I think I may have gotten the bronze—maybe even the copper.

The next morning on the way to the outhouse, I walked past this Electronic Waste Of Time and vowed Never Again. After taking care of business and whatnot, I grabbed my old .20 single shot, placed the Doomed Device on a stump, and put three number 6’s through its propaganda spewing guts. That’s right. I assaulted my TV with a single shot weapon.

Call the media, quick.

Now, the next part I feel bad about. Wayne kindly sent me a previously owned laptop. It was slow, lazy and bulky. We got along very well, TYVM (Thank You Very Much).

On that particular day, we had quite a lot going on. I’ll spare you the details, but my fuse was nearing an unsafe length.

Now, don’t ass- u- me that I’m some fly- offthe-handle lunatic.

It takes a lot to get me wound up, unless some idiot messes with my family or my place.

The last ‘person’ that stole from me found himself wishing that he’d chosen Depends undergarments the last time he changed. He didn’t smell real good BEFORE I tapped on his truck window with my .45, inches from his face.

We buy LOTS of chicken when it is cheap, and can it Some may say up for those long cold winter nights—suppah!

I over-reacted. To those, I say this: I

Hey! To those of you that ‘membah me...howaya? And to all those that have yet to experience my.... unique spastic mental flatulance....prepare to be totally underwhelmed.

I took a little hiatus from civilized society for a bit. Still on the lunatic fringe, but I’m dug in and here I’ll stay. Everyone knows me here.

To clarify a couple of things, yes, I shot my TV (The Idiot Box), but I did take it outside first.

This camp has enough unintentional ventilation without “swiss cheesing” it anymore. This happened right after TV ‘went digital’. Up here in the williwags and puckerbrush, reception is terrible unless you buy a Chicom-made ‘antenna booster’ or ‘amplifier.’

Not to mention that my old Idiot Box also required a ‘converter box.’ So, I watched a show for 58 minutes one night, about a week after we plugged in all that “progress.” Little squares were showing up, and it would just freeze for a few seconds. All of a sudden, NO SIGNAL. Really?

I’ll show YOU no signal. When

have very little left in my life, as far as tangible things of monetary value. If some lazy, thieving scumbag tries to take what I worked my butt off for, he will be taught that if you want something that’s mine, you need to buy a quieter muffler on your truck.

Hard to be in Stealth Mode with glass packs.

Where was I? Oh, yeah. The Craptop. I didn’t use a firearm to dispatch this one. I simply dropped it on the floor. Nothing real violent, right? Then I did a little Boot Stompin’ Boogie. I’m a pretty big boy, and on the day technology died, I was wearing my size 12 EEEE logger boots.

Rick- 2, Electronics- 0.

About a year later I pulled the fridge out to clean, and I started laughing so hard there were tears rolling down my face.

There, on the floor, was the CNTL (control) key, staring me in the face.

I took this as a sign from above.

It’s been about 15 months or so without a laptop, and life has been great.

I had found myself spending more time online than I ever did watching the Idiot Box.

I’ve made a set of rules for myself to follow, even on this here ChIphone. No more than an hour or two a day, unless it’s nasty out. In that case, go for it.

So, here at No Manors Homestead, we do things differently than 99% of other Americans. I call it Living Almost Homeless.

We live in a 3 room camp on 10 acres. Its a woodlot, really. We cleared 2 acres and jumped in with both feet. Logger boots optional. We have 29 strip gardens, with 4 more planned for this year.

We raise whatever edible animals I can get my big hands on, as long as their small. I don’t have the pasture for bovine’s yet, probably never will. That’s okay, because the family farm is right next door, 500 feet away.

Last year we just raised meat rabbits. I learned a lot, and man I will tell you, it is the best meat I’ve ever had. I smoked the meat with apple wood for a few hours, as I do with most meats.

We also can our food. Almost anything you can buy in the store,

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we preserve here. I save all manner of things while I’m cooking.

All the liquids from our veggie preserves? Why dump all that goodness down the drain? We freeze it until we have enough to bother with. Reduce it down, add some canned meat, veggies, whatever. Soup stock added to chicken broth, stews, chowders, anything.

I can potatoes in lobster and clam broth. I can now make a chowder in about 15 minutes if I have to.

So basically, I’m a reclusive homesteader that greatly admires the Amish. I still lack some much needed skills and knowledge, and a Bison Deep Well Pump. But, if TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It) happens tomorrow, I’m ahead of the curve by a long shot.

Thanks for reading my ramblings—until next time, and if you liked it, tell all your friends. If THEY like it, get new friends ;-) a

37

The Valley, March 2013

Caving Mifflin County with Todd Karschner

Winter Caving

Hello again Valley readers!

Hope everyone is keepin’ warm.

Just remember, warm weather is on its way sooner or later.

This month I will be taking you to a small cave in the Milroy area, and also some winter pictures of some snowy cave entrances.

This time of year it is not real easy finding caves to visit that don’t have a few bats hanging around. Not that I am afraid of them, but I just don’t want to disturb them. With the White Nose Syndrome (WNS) spreading and killing bats, every one of the noninfected little guys need every little bit of help to survive.

This month we received a tip

about a small cave in the lower end of Milroy. After a 15 minute walk, we found it. At first glance it looks like a rock slide, but after getting closer, an opening could be seen down between the boulders. A few minutes later we had a rope down to the bottom and we were on our way in.

Once inside, the first thing I noticed was that it wasn’t an allnatural cave. The room we were standing in was blasted open.

There were a few drill marks in the wall and the floor was covered in small pieces of limestone.

The hole that was blasted did open up a few naturally formed cave passages, but are way too small for a human to pass through.

After a 15 minute hike, we finally located the cave entrance amongst the boulders. With signs of drills, we determined that for the most part, this cave was man-made.

In the crevices that ran across the ceiling, were home for thousands of insects that are hiding from old man winter. If you do not like spiders, large crickets and a handful of other kinds of crawling insects, this would not be a place for you.

Among all the bugs, there was one little bat. It didn’t show any signs of WNS. Good.

After getting a few pix, we packed up and started the climb out. While climbing, we were talking about how lucky that single bat was to have all of those bugs in there with him. He wasn’t going hungry come spring!

A few days later we visited Milroy 1 and 2 again. These are the caves that stirred my interest in caving many years ago. I refer to them as my “home cave.”

The only thing different from our last visit was that it was a bit dryer. We were still covered in mud when we came back to the surface, but it just didn’t seem quite as bad.

We had a few problems on this visit. Just after climbing down to the bottom of the entrance, one of our lights quit. New light and batteries, dead. Oh well, I got more. Off we go. Not more than a half hour later, two of us carrying cameras decide to get a few pix.

I get mine out and turn it on. Batteries are good, and I have plenty of room on the memory card. All of a sudden, it slips from my hand and falls into a pool of mud the consistency of cake mix—dead.

Out comes camera #2. Dead batteries. So I open a new pack of batteries and switch them out.

The one lone Little Brown Bat that we noticed looked healthy with no signs of White Nose Syndrome.

Cave Crickets? The new cave was loaded with insects—the bat pictured above will eat well come spring.

The entrance to Limesinks Cave in the winter is flooded and frozen. The amount of water that the cave holds this summer will dictate whether we can get a visit or not.

Take one picture—dead.

By this time I’m thinking that luck is not in our back pocket today. So I go through my pack and check all extra lights just to be sure everything is ok. We finished our trip through the caves and then headed for the entrance.

One thing we did forget about. We had to go back outside in freezing weather covered in wet mud and walk through snow

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drifted fields to get back to the cars. Crap!

I am still taking caving stories from readers. If you would like to add your experience for all of us to read, email me at toddkarschnercave44@gmail.com. Until next time, CAVE SAFE Todd K. a

The Valley, March 2013

38

Ed’s Railroading News

by Ed Forsythe

Well, yet again this article is late, but this time it is a good thing. After the article was due I received information about the Nickel Plate Road #765 Berkshire steam engine coming to Lewistown in May. On May 25, 26 and 27 at approximately 8:00 a.m. each day, the train will be departing Lewistown for a ride to Altoona and the Horseshoe Curve and will be returning to Lewistown at approximately 6:00 p.m. Tickets will be available for the ride beginning February 26th.

Anyone interested can checkout the information at fwrhs.org or by calling 260-493-0765. This is the same train that came through Lewistown last summer, so even if you’re not interested in riding behind this fantastic engine, make sure you mark your calendars to enjoy seeing it as a reminder of the many steam trains that came through here before diesels.

This month at the Lewistown Railroad Station there was an Open House held with over 100 people attending and learning about the history of the station.

In case you didn’t know, “The

Lewistown station is the oldest surviving structure known to have been built by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The station was constructed in 1848-49 as a freight handling warehouse. On September 1, 1849, this was the scene of a banquet celebrating the opening of the railroad to Lewistown.

The building was renovated and converted into a passenger station in 1868.”

This is just a bit of the information disseminated to us at the Open House, but now I’ll tell you, I did not write the above paragraph. It’s almost word-for-word what can be read on the historical plaque near the station. There were historical artifacts available to see as well as blueprints of track plans from the Pennsy Railroad, once know as Standard Railroad of the World. We also were able to go upstairs to the tower, where at one time, control of the trackage of trains that came through the junction happened.

Although the tower that is there now isn’t the original tower, one gets a nice feel for the view the railroading employees had many

years ago. Meeting many of the history buffs and friends provided a really nice afternoon. Unfortunately I didn’t know about this event in time to incorporate it in my previous article, but hopefully next time I will.

I would like to mention a big Thank You to the volunteers who carried one of the visitors up the steps in his chair due to his being unable to walk up by himself. He had a really great time and still talks about it.

The Mifflin County Model Railroad Club is busy working on the layouts to be ready for the Open House weekend on March 23 and 24. We will be open from 1:00 to 4:00 for you to enjoy the running of vintage, antique and other trains from the 1920’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Although “HO” trains were not in existence that many years ago, the “HO” layout will feature engines and cars representing these eras.

Home Brew U

Adventures in Homebrewing

by Kevin Morgan

There Is A Little Irish In All Of Us!

Another winter is winding down. That means the longer days are starting to become more prevalent, daffodils are starting to bloom, and the famous drinking holiday of Saint Patrick’s Day is upon us. There is this image in the American consciousness of an Irish bar with men that are weathered and worn drinking stouts that are blacker than a moonless night. I am here to say that I have not done a tremendous amount of traveling in my life, but I have been to Ireland. I traveled the country for nearly three weeks with my wife and my mom. My Irish roots go very deep and so do my wife’s. So we decided to rent a car and travel the entire island and I am happy to say that the image is true. There are communities and bars in Ireland that felt

like one was stepping back into time. Where a stew was roast-

Main Street, Doolin, Ireland

ing on an open fire and the locals were asking if anyone was missing a sheep from their flock. Beer and Ireland go hand-in-hand, but what is the real history regarding this drink on the island.

We will be running Lionel, Marx and American Flyer “O” gauge trains and possibly others including some Standard gauge and “S” gauge trains. Many will be on display also for you to see.

Admission is FREE. but we will accept donations to help us offset our yearly expenses. The club is located at 3 West Monument Square in downtown Lewistown, just two doors to the left of the old Mifflin County Court House. Just look for the big sign on the sidewalk and come on in. We are located in the basement and there is an elevator for anyone who needs it. For further information please feel free to contact me at 717 248 4862 or at ed@edstrainstore.com.

Hope to see you all there. Happy railroading to everyone, Ed. a

The first recorded mention of the concoction know as beer in Ireland occurs in 60 AD by the Roman writer Pliny. He stated that the Celtic Gauls consumed a barley drink referred to as cuirm. As the romans adopted the drinking of ale, the “m” in cuirm changed to a “v” and became the Latin word cervesia. This later became the basis for the Spanish word cerveza.

Patrick Weston Joyce, in A Social History of Ancient Ireland, said that old Irish ale was reddish in color suggesting that Irish red ale has a very deep history. The techniques of brewing ale were understood everywhere in Ireland.

Joyce goes on to state that ale was the common man’s drink and mead, made from fermented diluted honey, was a noble preference.

In fact, a law tract from the eighth century said that every farmer was expected to own “a vat in which a measure of ale may be brewed” and supplies to make it. Among the buildings on his farm should be a kiln for drying grain, and he also needed to have a share in a mill that would grind grain for his household. He should

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have bacon, milk and ale always available to entertain “a king or a bishop or a scholar or a brehon from the road.” The brehons were the traditional travelling judges of old Ireland who ruled on everything, including the quantity of ale allowed at dinner: six pints to a layman and three to a priest, so that the priests “may not be drunk.” Now those are some weird laws right there. You must have beer ready for passing peoples of importance.

So when did the famous Irish stout come into play? One cannot discuss Irish beers without mentioning Guinness. In the Eighteenth Century, Arthur Guinness opened a brewery producing

Continued on page 43

The Valley, March 2013

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39

The Valley, March 2013

40

Rehabilitation and the Right Attitude Help a Farmer Persevere Through Illness

By Suzanne Irwin, Marketing Liaison, HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital

A strong work ethic and a quiet strength describe Leo Corl, 60, a farmer who has been through more health challenges in the last few years than many of us experience in 20. “He also has a great sense of humor,” adds Rose Corl, his wife of 35 years. “Our farm veterinarian always says, ‘it doesn’t matter what kind of situation I go into at the Corls’; I know that I’ll leave there laughing!’

That really describes Leo.”

In early in October, doctors discovered a mass in Leo’s brain, with swelling and bleeding, and he needed emergency surgery.

Leo had brain surgery at Mount Nittany Medical Center. The doctors determined that the cancer in Leo’s brain mass was the same as the cancer he had battled in his colon and spleen in 2010.

As a result of the brain tumor, Leo had no feeling in his left arm and leg. “After surgery, Leo’s neurosurgeon told us that Leo needed rehabilitation,” explains Rose. “He recommended HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Pleasant Gap for therapy. My mother went to HealthSouth for stroke rehabilitation and she did so well there.

We felt good about our doctor’s choice.”

Leo arrived at HealthSouth in a wheelchair on October 10, unable to move his left arm or his left leg. He spent 17 days at the hospital, working hard in physical and occupational therapy for three hours a day. Leo progressed to using a walker. He could also open and close his left fist, and move his wrist. Rose adds, “Dur-

ing therapy, I learned so much about how I was going to care for him when we got home. The therapists taught me how to help Leo walk, and how to safely transfer him in and out of the wheelchair, and in and out of the bed. When Leo was discharged, I was confident that I could care for him safely. “

When Leo went home, he transitioned to outpatient therapy at HealthSouth’s Pleasant Gap Clinic, which is connected to the inpatient hospital. He progressed from using a walker to a four point cane, and he can do more for himself at home now. “I could not have asked for better care,” says Leo. “The nurses and therapists went out of their way to help us.”

Leo’s mantra about cancer is, “It’s Going Down.” “That’s the kind of attitude he has,” says Rose. “He’s going to beat it.”

Leo’s recent test results show that he is cancer-free. His goal is to be back on a farm tractor by Spring.

Technology Gives Hope to People with Brain Injury, Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury

When stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury occur, a person’s neurological abilities, like grasping, can be greatly impaired, leading to frustration, solitude and hopelessness. HealthSouth is changing patients’ outlook with the innovative NESS H200 Neuroprosthetic and Rehabilitation System from Bioness, Inc.™ This technology helps patients improve hand function and voluntary movement, helping them return to daily activities with confidence. The therapeutic benefits include: improved hand function and voluntary movement; facilitated muscular re-education; reduced spasticity; prevention of Leo Corl and HealthSouth’s Occupational Therapy Asatrophy; and sistant Holly Montarsi share a laugh during outpatient increased therapy. Leo and Holly are using Bioness™ technology to help improve Leo’s hand and arm function at HealthSouth’s range of mo-

tion and blood circulation. Call HealthSouth to see if the NESS H200™ is right for you.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

According to the Brian Injury Association of America, 1.7 million people, including 475,000 children, sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the U.S. each year.

3.1 million individuals live with life-long disability as a result of TBI. About 75% of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild traumatic brain injury.

HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital is honoring Brain Injury Awareness Month

(March) by raising awareness of traumatic brain injury. The rehabilitation hospital has a brain injury program that is certified by the Joint Commission, and provides both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for patients with TBI. HealthSouth also holds a monthly brain injury support group for patients, families and caregivers. For more information, call (814) 359-3421 or visit www. nittanyvalleyrehab.com. a

During National Brain Injury Awareness Month, HealthSouth highlights brain injury prevention, rehabilitation and the remarkable recoveries patients experience after head trauma, stroke and other brain injuries.

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month HealthSouth Nittany Valley is the only brain injury-certified rehabilitation hospital in the Centre Region. Our experience, knowledge, personalized programs and technology help patients and their families successfully reach rehabilitation goals, returning home for a higher quality of life.

Choose HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital.

Celebrating Top 10 Clinical Rank among all HealthSouth Hospitals – 3 consecutive years.

550 West College Avenue • Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 • 814 359-3421 NittanyValleyRehab.com

Pleasant Gap outpatient clinic.

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The Valley, March 2013

Notes Lewistown Hospital Goes Red for Heart Month

Employees at Lewistown Hospital wore red on February 15, 2013 in support of National Heart Month. For a $3.00 donation to the American Heart Association, employees could wear red and jeans to show their support.

Friends Organization Hosts Breakfast with Easter Bunny

Friends of Lewistown Hospital will host a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Lewistown Country Club.

Two seating choices are available from 8:30 - 10:00 AM or 10:30 – 12:00 PM. Tickets are $5 per child (12 and under), $10 per adult, and free for children 3 and under. Ticket includes breakfast buffet, photo with Easter Bunny, craft, games, and prizes. Ticket deadline is March 8, or until tickets are sold out. Call (717) 242-7464 for ticket information, or visit www.lewistownhospital.org. a

Lewistown Hospital’s Diabetes Program Receives ADA Recognition The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Certificate for quality diabetes self-management education program was recently awarded to Lewistown Hospital’s Diabetes Program.

ADA believes that this Program offers high-quality education that is essential component of effective diabetes treatment and meets the National Standards for Diabetes SelfManagement Education Programs.

Programs apply for recognition voluntarily. Programs that achieve recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management.

(L-R): Julie Fisher, RD, LDN, CDE, and Pat Wolf, For more inforRN, CDE, both diabetes educators at the Diabetes mation, visit www.

Resource Center at Lewistown Hospital. lewistownhospital. org/diabetes. a

Five Vaccinations You Should Never Give A Child from page 35 the adult population and there has been a significant increase in cases of Herpes zoster among adults.

3. MMR Vaccine More than 1,000 people in New Jersey and New York were sickened with mumps in the summer of 2010. Health officials linked the outbreak to an 11-year-old boy at the camp. The boy had been fully vaccinated against the mumps, as had 77 percent of the patients in New Jersey. In the United States, children typically receive their mumps vaccination as part of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises children to receive their first dose between 12 and 18 months, and their second between the ages of 4 and 6. Mumps used to be a routine childhood disease. Many of you reading this likely had your turn, the virus ran its course while you stayed at home in bed, and you’ve been rewarded with lifelong immunity. In most cases mumps, like many of the childhood diseases we’re now vaccinating our children against, is not a serious disease.

In rare cases, serious complications can develop, but you must weigh this risk against that of the vaccine, which, for one, definitely contains substances with known toxic properties such as aluminum. The other aspect to the equation is that even if you get the vaccine, you may still get the mumps, which means you’ve accepted the risk of the vaccine itself with no benefit whatsoever. As of March 1, 2012, there have been 898 claims filed in the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) for injuries and deaths following MMR vaccination, including 56 deaths and 842 serious injuries.

Using the MedAlerts search engine, as of July 9, 2012 there have been 6,058 serious adverse events reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) in connection with measles vaccine since 1990, with over half of those occurring in children 3 and under. Evidence has been published in the medical literature that vaccinated persons can get measles because either they do not respond to the vaccine or the vaccine’s efficacy wanes over time and vaccinated mothers do not transfer long lasting maternal antibodies to their infants to protect them in the first few months of life.

4. DTaP Vaccine

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is spreading across the entire US at rates at least twice as high as those recorded in 2011 and epidemiologists and health officials are even admitting that the vaccines may be the cause. The cause could very well be due to multiple loads of toxins delivered through the DTaP vaccine which include, (but not limited to): formaldehyde, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, thimerosal, and polysorbate 80. That means that every DTaP vaccine contains carcinogenic, neurotoxic, immunotoxic and sterility agents just like many of this year’s flu vaccines. These chemicals then bio accumulate in the child with each successive vaccine, further introducing an additional load of toxins with each injection.

Dangerous new strains of whooping cough bacteria are now evading Australia’s vaccine against the disease and entrenching a four-year epidemic that could soon spread overseas, Sydney scientists have found in research that raises questions about the national vaccine program. The dangerous new strains of whooping cough bacteria were reported in March 2012. The vaccine, researchers said, was responsible.

The reason for this is because, while whooping cough is primarily attributed to Bordetella pertussis infection, it is also caused by another closely related pathogen called B. parapertussis, which the vaccine does NOT protect against.

Two years earlier, scientists at Penn State had already reported that the pertussis vaccine significantly enhanced the colonization of B. parapertussis, thereby promoting vaccine-resistant whooping cough outbreaks.

According to the authors: “... Vaccination led to a 40-fold enhancement of B. parapertussis colonization in the lungs of mice.

Though the mechanism behind this increased colonization was not specifically elucidated, it is speculated to involve specific immune responses skewed or dampened by the acellular vaccine, including cytokine and antibody production during infection. Despite this vaccine being hugely effective against B. pertussis, which was once the primary childhood killer, these data suggest that the vaccine may be contributing to the observed rise in whooping cough incidence over the last decade by promoting B. parapertussis infection.”

Pertussis whooping cough is a cyclical disease with natural increases that tend to occur every 4-5 years, no matter how high the

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vaccination rate is in a population using DPT/DTaP or Tdap vaccines on a widespread basis.

Whole cell DPT vaccines used in the U.S. from the 1950’s until the late 1990’s were estimated to be 63 to 94 percent effective and studies showed that vaccine-acquired immunity fell to about 40 percent after seven years. In the study cited above, the researchers noted the vaccine’s effectiveness was only 41 percent among 2- to 7-year-olds and a dismal 24 percent among those aged 8-12. The fact that many vaccines are ineffective is becoming increasingly apparent. Merck has recently been slapped with two separate class action lawsuits contending they lied about the effectiveness of the mumps vaccine in their combination MMR shot, and fabricated efficacy studies to maintain the illusion for the past two decades that the vaccine is highly protective.

5. HPV Vaccine

A closer look at research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (August, 2007), entitled, “Effect of Human Papillomavirus 16/18 L1 Virus-like Particle Vaccine Among Young Women With Preexisting Infection” sought to determine the usefulness of the HPV vaccine among women who already carry HPV (which includes virtually all women who are sexually active, regardless of their age). This document revealed startling information about the ineffectiveness of the Gardasil vaccine. It revealed that the HPV vaccine often caused an increase in the presence of HPV strains while utterly failing to clear the viruses in most women.

Merck’s Gardasil vaccine was studied for less than 3 years in about 12,000 healthy girls and 14000 healthy boys under age 16 before it was licensed in 2006.

Gardasil was not studied in children with health problems or in combination with all other vaccines routinely given to American adolescents. Clinical trials did not use a true placebo to study safety but compared Gardasil against the reactive aluminum adjuvant in Gardasil.

After Gardasil was licensed and three doses recommended for 11-12 year old girls and teenagers, there were thousands of reports of sudden collapse with unconsciousness within 24 hours, seizures, muscle pain and weakness, disabling fatigue, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), facial paralysis, brain inflammation, rheuma-

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The Valley, March 2013

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Millheim - A Creative Hub

Why do we human beings find joy and meaning in the arts – in music, paintings, dance, poetry? Why is it that the arts flourish more in some times and places than in others? How can we best enjoy and support the arts here in central Pennsylvania?

This monthly column will explore these questions, as well as keep you updated on opportunities to appreciate the arts in one part of our region where they are indeed flourishing. Millheim and the surrounding area known as Penns Valley are located in the scenic eastern end of Centre County. One reason for focusing on this particular area is

that I’m integrally involved in the arts here. I’m a lifelong resident, professional visual artist and amateur musician, and the managing partner of the Green Drake Gallery and Arts Center in downtown Millheim. The other reason is that the arts are alive and well here, as Millheim is in the midst of a revitalization that has the arts and cultural appreciation at its core. Eastern Penns Valley has been situated in a quiet agricultural area midway between two major universities for well over 100 years, and this has led to a unique blend of rural sensibilities and worldly diversity. Since the late 1960s, when you might find a

peace sign decorated VW microbus parked at the gas station next to an old pickup truck hauling hay bales, the area has been attracting creative people and unique personalities. For the most part, this diverse combination of people and backgrounds has gotten along well and learned to work together for the common good, and this is part of what visitors to our region sense. A phrase that was mentioned within our recently formed Millheim Business Community group sums it up pretty well; “Where history meets hip.”

One of the keys to the current revitalization of Millheim over the last ten years or so was the opening of the Elk Creek Café + Aleworks, first as the Equinox Café and then, after a major expansion, as the current micro-brewery, restaurant, and music venue.

General partner Tim Bowser’s vision of a place to enjoy handcrafted beer and locally produced cuisine, often while listening to any of a wide variety of live music, has proven very successful. From the start, Elk Creek has also featured revolving shows of original art on the walls.

Music ranges from bluegrass to blues, jazz to singer/songwriter, and plenty of Americana roots music. There is music nearly every Thursday and Saturday evening as well as many Sunday afternoons.

With the success of the Elk Creek Café +

Aleworks, and the steady influx of many new visitors from State College, Lewisburg, Lewistown, and beyond, other ventures aimed at a similar demographic of people have sprung up. Directly across Main Street, the Green Drake Gallery and Arts Center opened nearly two years ago.

General partners Gary Gyekis and I, working with a diverse group of advisors, put together a business plan that would create a gallery for mostly regional artists and craftsmen, art education opportunities that include classes by local

to the energy behind the blossoming of the arts in Millheim is the cross-pollination among different art forms, as many of the artists here know each other well and are sometimes personally involved in both visual and performance art. In my own work, along with painting a lot of local landscapes and events like the Centre County Grange Fair, I love to do paintings of my fellow local musicians, like the one of Erin Condo that accompanies this column.

Several other venues are currently being developed in the

“Erin Condo” original acrylic painting by Karl Eric Leitzel

artists as well as workshops by visiting artists, and live music on our small stage. While the Green Drake serves many of the functions you would expect from an art non-profit, we are actually a for-profit limited partnership, with many friends and supporters from near and far invested as part owners. We do still have room for a few more investors, for those who might be interested.

The Green Drake has several local musicians giving lessons and a large shared studio area upstairs for our membership-based Arts Community. Several musicians, including jazz trombonist Jay Vonada, use our stage area for practices on days when the gallery is closed. Jay is also helping lead a new Jazz Jam/Workshop on a monthly basis. In support of poetry and the art of the written word, we have just started a 4th Friday Poetry series at the Green Drake, starting at 8 p.m. on the fourth Friday of every month.

This is being hosted by poet Margie Gaffron and her husband Carl, a recently retired Penns Valley English teacher. A key ingredient

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downtown, particularly in support of live music and musicians. St. Luke’s Cultural Center, on Penn Street one block south of the main square, is housed in a beautiful, large old former church, purchased recently by Gary Gyekis and his wife, Loanne. The main sanctuary space and auxiliary social hall of St. Luke’s are already being used periodically for music performances, and other parts of the building have been turned into a retro analog recording studio and music lesson rooms. The recording studio and many of the music lessons at St. Luke’s are projects of David Bielanko and Christine Smith, core members of the rock group Marah, which has toured Europe and recently returned from a tour across the south including New Orleans.

Dave and Christine are also putting the finishing touches on their Mountain Minstrelsy project, something very different from their usual rock orientation, recreating and recording a collection of old folk songs from the Penn-

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The Valley, March 2013

Dairy Princess Memories

by Amanda Fisher

Mifflin County Dairy Princess 2012-2013

Hi, I’m Amanda Fisher, the Mifflin County Dairy Princess. I am sorry to all of my readers; the last few months have been very busy! The next month is going to very busy as well. March is when all my school promotions take place. I will be going to visit the third graders here in Mifflin County and we will be expanding on what they learned in the fall at the Third Grade Ag Tour. I am really excited to do these promotions. When I asked my sister Macy, last year’s Dairy Princess, what some of her favorite promotions were, both the Third Grade Ag Tour and her third grade visits were on her list. I can’t wait to hear some of their questions and find out how much they have learned throughout the year.

March is also when I start to get excited for warm weather! I love it when spring arrives and everything starts to grow. I love seeing all of the flowers and green grass!

Easter this year is also in March.

That means peanut butter eggs! I think most everyone loves peanut butter eggs and eating them in March is a great idea since March is National Peanut Month! That

is what this month’s recipes are starring—peanuts. Actually, the main ingredient is peanut butter, but we all know that peanut butter is made of peanuts. I hope you all enjoy these recipes that are packed full of nine essential nutrients and peanuts!

There is a Little Irish in All of Us from page 38

blending still occurs. I have to say one thing, Guinness in Ireland is much different than Guinness in the U.S.A.; it has a sharper fresher taste in Ireland. One last thing about Guinness. If you ever get to Dublin, visit the brewery—it is totally worth the money. The bar is the highest point in Dublin and has a 360 degree panoramic view.

It is awesome.

Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in America is almost as old as America itself, so crack one, dance a jig, and kiss someone because they are wearing green.

It is a day when we celebrate the fact that this country has a tremendous Irish tradition and these people are truly the salt of the earth. I have been there and seen it. From a small tavern in Doolin, where people just showed up with musical instruments and began playing, to a pub in Waterford where older gentlemen played chess while they enjoyed a pint—the fact cannot be mistaken.

These people are of the land as we all should be. So until next month, Slainte. a

a porter, a typical style brewed in England at the time. But to avoid a tax on malted barley, the Guinness brewery used unmalted barley, producing a drier variety, now known more commonly as stout.

The stout is an important part of Irish history as it was the principal beverage for the ordinary citizen during the time. The stout was like a loaf of bread in a glass and actually had a low alcohol level— around 4 percent. The drink was served at room temperature, and when I went to Ireland there were two draft pours at most bars for Guinness—room temp and chilled. I toured the Guinness Brewery while I was in Dublin.

Rumors abound with this beer.

Probably, the most famous is that for many years a portion of aged brew was blended with freshly brewed beer to give a sharp lactic flavor. Although the Guinness palate still features a characteristic “tang,” the company has refused to confirm whether this type of

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Crust • 1 cup All Purpose Flour • ¼ cup packed brown sugar • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder • ½ teaspoon salt • 1/3 cup All-Vegetable Shortening • 3 tablespoons cold water • 2 tablespoon All Purpose Flour • 2/3 cup granulated sugar • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • ¼ teaspoon salt • 2 ½ cups milk • 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten • 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • ½ cup semi-sweet baking chocolate, cut in small pieces • ½ cup heavy cream • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar • ¼ cup chopped peanuts

Heat oven to 450°F. Combine flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder and salt. Cut in shortening with pastry cutter or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add water one tablespoon at a time. Toss with fork. Repeat just until mixture is moistened and can be formed into a ball. (The dough should hold together when picked up and pressed, and should not crack.) Flatten ball; chill 30 minutes. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle.

Transfer dough to 9-inch pie plate by loosely rolling around rolling pin. Center rolling pin over pie plate; unroll, easing dough into pie plate. Trim excess pastry from edges, leaving a 3/4-inch overhang. Fold edge under. Pinch between thumb and forefinger to shape. Prick bottom and sides with a fork. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Combine flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch and salt in heavy saucepan. Gradually stir in milk.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir about one-fourth of hot mixture gradually into beaten egg yolks. Add egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan; cook,

stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until melted. Remove from heat. Stir chocolate pieces into mixture, leaving some chunks unmelted. Pour hot mixture into baked crust. Let stand 1 minute; swirl melted chocolate chunks using knife. Cool completely. Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over top of pie; garnish with chopped peanuts.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake No-Stick Cooking Spray 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 3 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons butter, melted 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar ½ cup Creamy Peanut Butter 3 tablespoons All Purpose Flour 4 large eggs ½ cup milk ½ cup Smucker’s® Seedless Strawberry Jam, or any Smucker’s® Jam or Jelly of your choice

Heat oven to 325ºF. Spray 9-inch springform pan with no-stick cooking spray. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter in small bowl. Press the mixture evenly in the

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bottom of prepared springform pan. Bake 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. Increase oven temperature to 350ºF. Beat cream cheese in large bowl 1 minute or until soft. Gradually beat sugar, peanut butter and flour into cream cheese.

Beat until mixture is completely blended and smooth. Gently beat in eggs, just until blended; gently blend in milk. Pour mixture into baked crust. Bake 45 to 50 minutes. Cool. Carefully loosen outside edge of cheesecake; gently unspring and remove pan rim. Heat jelly in saucepan over medium heat, just until melted.

Spoon jelly over cake. Refrigerate at least three hours. a

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Five Vaccines You Should Never Give a Child from page 41

The Udder Truth

by He ather Wasson

Pennsylvania Alternate Dair y Princess and Centre Count y Dair y Princess

February is past, but before we move on to March I would like to look back at the Super Bowl.

There were some great commercials this year like always. My favorites were the “Got Milk?” commercial and Dodge’s “So God Made a Farmer.” What a commercial, it was all the buzz for days after. A dairy farmer’s commitment to providing highquality milk beginning with topnotch care of their cows was on display in this commercial as was all farmers’ commitment to their livelihood. This is one we will remember. I personally would like to thank Dodge for showcasing the American farmer.

Now spring is in the air.

March is a month when the weather can be unpredictable. We all look forward to the sunshine and warmer weather, but may have some cold, windy, even snowy days still.

Spring is the time when everything comes to life. Plants come out of dormancy, and seeds are planted for the coming year’s harvest. The newest offspring of goats, sheep, pigs, and other animals will be arriving soon. A farmer starts tilling and planting with new optimism for the year to come. We have a whole new look on life. The cold, snowy winter is behind us for another year. We have two holidays to celebrate this month. St. Patrick’s Day is the 17th and Easter Sunday is on the 31st. St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious day on the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick, who is the most recognized patron saint of Ireland.

Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Both days are religious holidays and celebrated in different ways.

When you think of St. Patrick’s Day you think of the color green, leprechauns, four leaf clovers, and Ireland. On Easter we have pastel colors, Easter eggs, a bunny, candy, and sunrise church services. However you celebrate these days, it is usually with family. Families and traditions are important to all. I have included some recipes for you to share with your families on the holidays.

Enjoy!

Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake premade chocolate crust 2 packages (8-oz each) cream cheese, softened 1/2 c sugar 2 eggs 1/2 tsp mint extract few drops green food coloring 1 c chocolate chips

for the ganache

1/2 c cream

1 c chocolate chips Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat together the softened cream cheese and the sugar. Your cheesecake will cook better if the cream cheese is completely softened.

Beat until it is smooth. Add the eggs and mix them in well. Add food coloring and mint extract. (make sure it is mint and not peppermint. Of course you could do the same thing at Christmas with peppermint extract and pink food coloring). Blend in well until it is all green. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour into already made chocolate crust. Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly. If you miss that point, then take it out when you see it start to get a little golden on the edges. Don’t worry if it cracks. We are going to cover it with chocolate ganache anyway.

Completely cool the cheesecake on a wire rack. This may

Let it cool a little bit and spread over the cheesecake evenly to the edges. Put cheesecake in refrigerator overnight or for at least 2 hours. You may not use all of the ganache.

Cheesy Potatoes 1 stick butter (melted) 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup 1 1/2-2 C. sour cream 3 C. grated cheese 4 green onions diced (or regular onions) salt + pepper (plenty) 1 bag frozen cubed hashbrowns Melt butter. Mix together butter, Cream of Chicken, sour cream, 2+ cups cheese, green onions, and salt + pepper together in large bowl. stir in hashbrowns. sprinkle 1+ cups cheese on top. Bake uncovered @ 350 degrees for 40 minutes. a

toid arthritis, lupus, blood clots, optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, strokes, heart and other serious health problems, including death, following receipt of Gardasil vaccine.

The authors also found no evidence that the vaccine worked at all. This observation led the authors to offer this convicting conclusion that appears to render Gardasil nothing more than a grand medical hoax. A 2011 publication in the Annals of Medicine exposed the fraudulent nature of Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix. Key messages the researchers report include a lack of evidence for any HPV vaccines in preventing cervical cancer and lack of evaluation of health risks.

The authors concluded by summing up their evidence and stating that the presentation of partial and non-factual information regarding cervical cancer risks and the usefulness of HPV vaccines, as cited above, is neither scientific nor ethical. None of these practices serve public health interests, nor are they likely to reduce the levels of cervical cancer. As of August 2012, there have been a total of 26,304 reports made to the federal Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) associated with Gardasil or Cervarix vaccines, including 118 deaths.”

I agree with most of the article quoted here, as I do also feel that these five are very dangerous,

take an hour or so. Meanwhile, make your ganache. For the Chocolate ganache, add the cream to a small pan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally because you don’t want the milk to stick or burn on the bottom.

When it reaches a simmer, remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir in the chocolate chips until it is completely smooth. If desired, you could add a tablespoon of butter to help have that glossy look, but it isn’t necessary.

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but I disagree with the number.

I would include the Hepatitis B vaccine to the list. There is absolutely no reason to vaccinate a newborn for Hepatitis B if his/ her mother does not have it and if there was not a blood transfusion.

I always thought that the blood donated was screened for something as serious as Hepatitis B. So, why blindly accept the opinion of the obstetrician or pediatrician or nurses that it needs to be administered to a healthy newborn? Also, remember in last month’s column regarding the flu shot, that with each shot given, you are injected with FIVE times the amount of Mercury than is safe for the body, which then accumulates each year that a shot is given. Not much was discussed about the MMR vaccine, thankfully. That is going to be an upcoming column and may occupy at least two months’ worth of information. I do like that much of what was quoted backed up many of my previous points to review. If you want to see the author’s sources, search the listed source and you will find his sources. The author is a Naturopathic Doctor. I encourage you, the reader, to check things out for yourself and see that there is another side to vaccinations.

You, the parent, are responsible for your own children. Their future health depends on you. I welcome any and all questions and/or feedback. a

Dr. Joseph Kauffman Kauffman-Hummel

Chiropractic Clinic drjosephkauffman@comcast.net

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The Valley, March 2013

Dave Wilson

Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That

Forget “Income”!

It’s Time To Save Your Savings

If you have eyes, a functioning brain, and leave the house at least a few times each year, then you are probably aware of what has been happening to the PRICE of almost EVERYTHING you buy!

Government statistics maintain that the US inflation rate is still locked in at 2% annually.

Naturally, any time a specific sector of the economy rises MORE than 2%, they find some reason to NOT INCLUDE those items in the CPI (Consumer Price Index), or, to downplay their significance.

Many financial analysts put the REAL annual inflation rate at somewhere between 9% and 14%.

Unfortunately, they also suggest that those numbers are about to get much worse.

The United States has been in a period of “stagflation” for at least the past 4-5 years. The definition of “stagflation” is “an inflationary period accompanied by rising unemployment and lack of growth in consumer demand and business activity.” In other

words, there is no part of stagflation that is any fun, PERIOD. Right now, the US economy is on a collision course with what will very likely be the worst period of stagflation in history. Suggesting that it “will not be fun,” is as much of an understatement as telling George Custer, as he rode towards the little Big Horn, that there “might be a few Indians down there.”

Believing the 9-14% annual inflation numbers is not at all hard to do. Food prices have been heading north at increasingly uncomfortable levels. Health care is nearly off the charts. Gasoline is jumping again, and just about every form of taxation is being raised to the max. The expectation of even HIGHER costs in these areas is also cause for great concern.

Years ago (perhaps 8-12), people who were preparing for retirement, in an era of REAL 2% inflation, had a much easier time of making those arrangements.

Inflation was low, savings and

CD rates were providing “real” returns (i.e. several percentage points of interest OVER current inflation rates), and Social Security was offering a reasonable supplement to what other savings they had. Planning for one’s “Golden Years” was an easier, almost enjoyable task. Not so today.

With the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates at near zero percent, interest on CD’s and bank savings accounts is practically nothing! This is not the fault of your local bank, as they have little choice but to respond to those near zero rates, with low rates of their own. Added to that loss of interest income, is the fact that Social Security has not kept pace with REAL inflation, making retirement planning a most unpleasant (if not impossible) task.

If there was an easy answer to how best to navigate these choppy waters, we would be very happy to offer it. Sadly, there are NO simple solutions, and only a few possible “considerations.”

Yes you knew it was coming, so as to not disappoint you we’ll

Ruminations of an Obsessive Artist from page 42

of Millheim. (How North Street got that name is a whole ‘nother story.) They’ve just started a new choir group there for those look-

ing for an outlet for their singing aspirations.

In addition to these downtown Millheim art venues, there

sylvania mountains in collaboration with some of our best local musicians. Most of the practices and recording for the upcoming album have been done right at St. Luke’s. Mountain Minstrelsy often performs at St. Luke’s, as does Gary’s group, Sterling Moon.

A few doors east of the Green Drake, local musician Erin Condo McCracken and her husband Josh have been turning a former tavern into the Bremen Town Hall, an events hall for receptions and music, as well as the home of their Ecovents, an environmentally-friendly catering business. Josh and Erin have also purchased another former church a block up North Street as another music stage. The UpTexas Chapel takes the long-time nickname for the North Street area

jump right into it. People are receiving almost no interest on their lifetime savings. Worse, they are likely losing a net of 10% per year on the “purchasing power” their savings represents. This is an intolerable situation likely soon to be made even nastier by even higher inflation rates brought on by worsening stagflation.

Are there any 100% guaranteed answers? Of course not.

However there are hundreds of people in this (Mifflin, Centre, Juniata, Huntingdon and Snyder County) area that have begun to amass serious “positions” in gold, silver and other precious metals. With the Federal Reserve continuing to purchase 85 billiondollars of (toxic) mortgagebacked securities monthly (over one trillion annually) and the expected 2013 budget deficit of 1.1 trillion added to hundreds of billions of dollars worth of offbudget expenses, then JUST THIS YEAR there will be in the neighborhood of 2.5 trillion “NEW,” non-backed “dollars” created from nothing! To put those numbers into perspective, that amount is “25 HUNDRED THOUSANDMILLION dollars.” Likely the numbers will be even larger than that, but those are enough to make our point. The US Dollar has every possibility of being seriously devalued. If and when that occurs, those almost non-interest bearing CD’s and savings accounts will have been stripped of much of their purchasing power rendering many people’s retirement savings worthless.

In early February of this year,

are many individual artists and craftsmen working out of their studios and homes in eastern Penns Valley as well as other parts of our region. During the summer months, there are also many outdoor venues that feature both performance and visual art.

Now that I’ve set the stage with an overview of some of the exciting things happening in Penns Valley, I’ll use future columns to explore the arts and what they mean in our lives, as well as report on upcoming events in the Millheim area. I would welcome your feedback and ideas for the column.

E-mail me at karlericleitzel@gmail.com. a A busy recent art reception at the Green Drake Gallery. (photo by Karl Leitzel)

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Venezuela devalued it’s currency, overnight, by slightly more than 46%. The Venezuelan people awoke the next morning and found that the purchasing power of their lifetime savings was now about HALF of what it had been the evening before. It can happen THAT FAST!

Buying precious metals as an inflation hedge is NOT for everyone. Those that are terribly uncomfortable with the (many times) volatile Gold and Silver markets should probably look elsewhere for their own personal solution to this current (and worsening) problem. Short term prices are being “managed” by the bigger players, but the physical (non paper) markets are as strong and solid as ever. Central banks around the world bought MORE GOLD in 2012 than they had in any single year since 1963. Seems that the big money players are preparing for something B-I-G on the horizon. Mid- to long-term, most professional analysts see a very bright future for gold and silver as they have been REAL MONEY for thousands of years.

We always ask new customers one question. If you were given a large metal box and asked to fill it with something that your descendents could use 100 years from now, would you fill it with $100 Federal Reserve notes? Or, would you fill it with the current, equivalent amount of gold and silver coins and bullion? What would YOUR answer be? a

The Common mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.

--George Washington

The Valley, March 2013

46

Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby from front page television, kitchenettes and bunk beds.

Although the idea of winning the Great Rotary Fishing Derby is a goal of most fishermen, never once has that goal come true for me or one of my friends. Much like any day fishing on the ice

with my friends and family, great food and conversation are the memories you walk away with. The outdoors has provided me with some of my best experiences and memories.

Regardless of where you fish, hunt or hike, get outdoors and introduce a kid to everything nature has to offer! a

Introducing Allyson Carl

I am extremely excited to share my experience and love in the agricultural background to all of the readers of The Valley Newspaper!

Let me start by telling you all a little bit about myself. I reside nearby in the small town of Halifax, PA (about 30 minutes north of Harrisburg) on a small farm you could consider as a “Funny Farm” with my parents, Sharon and Bruce. We have a variety of animals, including the typical dogs and cats, with a mixture of ducks, chickens, rabbits, horses, sheep, and goats.

I am currently a student at

Harrisburg Area Community College in Harrisburg, PA majoring in Agribusiness and Food Systems Management. I will be graduating in May of this year and am looking forward to sharing my expertise and passion in an agricultural field. When I’m not in class working hard for that “A,” I am currently employed at Tractor Supply Co. in Elizabethville, PA, where I always look forward to answering any customer’s questions they have regarding livestock and pet care.

I am also busy helping a local goat breeder in the area with their market goats, and once lambing

season rolls around, you’ll find me in the barn, helping my boyfriend Carl with his club lamb business.

I am a strong supporter of PA 4-H, and now that I am too old to be a 4-H member, I am a volunteer for our local horse and livestock clubs of Dauphin County. 4-H has had an incredible impact on the person that I am today and who I want to be in the future. Even though I might not be able to show livestock in 4-H any longer, I attend many jackpot shows across Pennsylvania, directed by the Pennsylvania Club Livestock Association. I enjoy showing market lambs and goats, and participating and testing my knowledge in livestock skill-athons.

Well, this pretty much sums my life up in a nutshell! I am looking forward to giving you all some information on two species that I have had experience with for many years—sheep and goats. I’ll also give you any fun facts and pictures throughout lambing, show, and fair season.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at arc4890@ hawkmail.hacc. edu or brcarl@ frontier.com. a

Nate Luce, one of my fishing buddies, with a nice Crappie. When these guys show up, action can be fast and furious tending flags on the tip-ups and re-baiting lines, not to mention thoughts of a delicious fish fry later that evening. Many a fishing trip has been salvaged by the willingness of these voracious feeders to bite and they can be taken using a tip-up or by jigging from the warmth of a cozy bobhouse.

Another fishing buddy, Nick Rowe, with one of many White Perch that we caught during the derby.

It was one of this species that won a $15,000 cash prize for a lucky angler. When schools of white perch come through your set-up you can fill a 5 gallon bucket with these delectable pan fish, some of which go better than 3 lbs. This fish is so tasty some fisherman target this species specifically.

Even though we didn’t catch a fish that won us a cash prize, we did have a great weekend outdoors in the company of lifelong friends—who could ask for any more? Marry that to a multi-species fish fry later that evening and you will know that you have lived.

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Author Jason Lonergan is an avid outdoorsman. If he isn’t working or sleeping, you can find him out on the ice, out on the open water during warmer months, or deep in the woods of New Hampshire’s vast forests and isolated mountains hunting whatever may be in season.

The Valley, March 2013 Veriditas from page 34 •

Major blessings given and received • Major learnings given and received • Major mercies given and received • Major protections given and received

Deep reflection upon those four topics always seem to revive my spirit and restore my being.

Join me in the month of March and partake in Veriditas. Let’s all partake in the “wear’n of the green.” Let us all re-green our-

Exposing Easter from page 17

honor the Invincible sun god. “All judges and city people, and the craftsman shall rest on the venerable day of the sun.” What we see here is that Constantine while calling himself a Christian was really a sun worshiper. Ultimately, we have inherited nothing but falsehood, futility and things of no profit.

I used to believe that we worshiped on Sunday because “that’s the day Jesus rose from the dead.”

Not true, as we now know. Jesus never taught anyone to break the fourth commandment, or any of the commandments. Neither did He abolish the feasts. In fact, observance of the feasts and in particular the Sabbath, which is the first Feast noted among them, is of utmost importance to the Almighty. He tells us; “Sanctify My Sabbaths and they shall be a sign between Me and you.” Sabbath (Saturday) rest is the sign of our fidelity to Him, not Constantine’s Sunday worship. Regarding His feasts The Almighty tells us that observing them shall be a perpetual statute throughout all our generations. Notice, it does not say until Messiah comes, but rather throughout our generations we shall observe the appointed times of The LORD. The Feasts are all shadow pictures of good

selves as nature does. Let us all be grateful for another opportunity to grow and renew ourselves.

In closing, I leave you with a statement from Mohandas Gandhi (1869 – 1948): “Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him… Will it restore him to a control over his own life and destiny? Will it lead to self-rule for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?

Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away.” a

things to come; they represent the redemption plan the Almighty has put in place for His people and we lack understanding by not observing them.

The Passover Seder initiates the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

For one full week we are commanded to eat unleavened bread.

Leavening in scripture represents sin. This year the pagan spring fertility easter festival will fall on day six of unleavened bread. This is a sign that we need to remove the leavening of our pagan practices and conform to true worship in spirit and truth as The Almighty wants.

Let me encourage you to be strong and act, for our world was invented long ago by men who for their own power and glory usurped the decrees and proclamations of The Almighty for their own vanity and power, and it continues today. If indeed you are a follower of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, then consider choosing to opt out and no longer participate in these useless rituals and instead find fulfillment and true meaning in Feasts of The LORD.

For more information see the following resource material: Time is the Ally of Deceit by Richard Rives,www.toolong.com Walk in the Light Series by Todd Bennett, www..shemayisrael.net. a

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service located in Mifflintown, Juniata County is looking for Earth Team Volunteers to serve in 2013.

NRCS, formerly the Soil Conservation Service, is a federal agency that emerged from the dust bowl era as America’s leading organization to help private landowners with the conservation and wise use of their land. There are NRCS field offices in almost every county, in every state, in the United States.

The Earth Team is the volunteer arm of NRCS. As a member of the Earth Team in the Mifflintown Field Office, you will work side-by-side with NRCS employees who are committed to helping local farmers and landowners protect and conserve the natural resources in Juniata County. There are over 20 different volunteer position descriptions, so that whatever your talents or interests, there is a volunteer opportunity for you. Specifically in Juniata County, there is a need for technical assistance to help plan, lay-out and design conservation practices; assist in conservation planning, write articles, take photographs and speak to community groups about NRCS programs and conservation. In addition, office support needs include computer data entry, filing and mailings.

While assisting to get conservation on the ground in Juniata County, the Earth Team can be the place for high school or college students looking for opportunities to gain professional experience in the natural resources field, receive training, earn academic credit and fulfill service learning requirements. The Earth Team will give you an opportunity to discover aspects of various professional directions you may want to take after high school or college. As a retired or more seasoned worker, the Earth Team can be a place for you to be involved in your local community and expand the services your local NRCS office can provide by donating your time, talent and energy.

Anyone 14 years of age or older can volunteer. You can work part-time or full-time, evenings or weekends, outdoors or in a local NRCS office. You can volunteer as an individual or form/join a group.

Ultimately, we need your help in reducing soil erosion, conserving our water and improving its quality in Juniata County.

The NRCS Mifflintown Field Office is conveniently located just off of the Arch Rock Road exit of 322. For more information on the Earth Team Volunteer Program in Juniata County, please contact Melissa Erdman at 717-436-8953 x 111 or melissa.erdman@pa.usda.gov.

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.

Make Yourselves Sheep, and the Wolves will eat you!

-- Benjamin Franklin www.thevalleynewspaper.com

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The Valley, March 2013

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