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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.
Volume 2, No. 9
The Valley, September 2011
Complimentary
MADE IN PENNSYLVANIA
I’m Andrew Strube and I’m a lifelong resident of Lancaster County, Pa. I have been tinkering around with flying objects my whole life dating back to early childhood when my grandfather let me steer his airplanes around. In my 4th grade school scrap book I wrote, “when I grow up I want to be a pilot.” In my early 20s I decided I wanted to pursue this childhood dream so I landed a job at a local airport, which also gave flight lessons. I received my pilot’s license two years later and spent the next ten years honing my skills learning how to troubleshoot and repair aircraft. In 2009 as a result of the recession I ended up on the unemployment line for the first time in my life wondering what I was going to do with myself! Unable to keep up with the bills and three kids to take care of, I was forced to sell my house and move into a rental. I soon found out what the next chapter of my life was going to be. STINK BUGS! Never in
Owner Andy Strube adjusting one of the indoor traps
a zillion years did I think that the next flying object I would be troubleshooting was the brown marmorated stink bug. My family moved into the wooded rental in early October and we soon found ourselves completely inundated with stink bugs. They were everywhere! Tens of thousands of them descended upon our house! Thousands of them at a time were squeezing their way into the cracks and crevasses of our house. Soon every room of the house was crawling with stink bugs! I spent the next couple weeks and hundreds of dollars traveling from hardware store to hardware store looking for different bug sprays and pesticides to try and manage this problem. After failing to control the problem with sprays, pesticides and poisons, and the ever increasing heat from the lady of the house to address this problem, I broke down and called a well-known pest exterminator. The only positive outcome of this visit from the exterminator was the fact that he was honest with me and said there isn’t anything he could do for this size problem! He was nice enough to spray my entire house and a couple of the surrounding trees free of charge, but it had little to no affect! Before this guy got to the bottom of my driveway, thousands more flew from the trees onto our house! With stink bugs crawling everywhere, even under our covers the whole family was losing sleep over this! A couple days later, my cousin Nate partially ingested a stink bug at our dinner table and when he was done losing his lunch he looked at me and said “Cuz, you have got to do something about this.” So, I started gathering stink bugs by the hundreds and putting
them into aquariums and anything I could find! I used every container in the kitchen! This is when I began troubleshooting the stink bug! Just like an airplane, this flying object needs fuel to
fly. What does it eat? How does it fly? Why is it here? Where did it come from? How do I kill it? Can I trap it? These are just a few of the many questions I would later
learn! A couple months into this while searching the internet for answers, I came upon Penn State University’s website, which had a wealth of information about this bug. I emailed one of PSU’s entomologists, who later ended up at my house to collect thousands of stink bugs for laboratory tests. I picked his brain and spent many hours and sleepless nights learning all about the stink bug. I marked them with little dots of paint so I could keep track of which stink bug traveled to which food. I performed all types of food preference tests ranging from store bought fruit to fresh organic nuts and vegetables. I noticed Owner Andy Strube testing a they liked to have stink bug races new outdoor trap around our kitchen lights so I tested all different types of lights to trap the stink bug! This was no ranging from the simplest LED’s easy task! The first couple traps all the way up to 1500 watt metal were failures and I was about six halides and even ultraviolet lights. trap designs into it before I really I noticed that the warmer the stink started luring them in big numbug got, the faster and more active bers! The next big challenge was it became. I was searching for how to keep them trapped. All of their flaws and I was beginning to you who have stink bugs know realize that I had identified several that these little bugs can crawl of them. Before trying to make upside down on just about any any contraptions, I searched the surface so keeping them trapped entire internet for stink bug traps was a major challenge. I tried all of any kind. I found a couple that were being tested outdoors by universities, one looked like a pyramid with a clear plastic jar on top, the other made from wire mesh resembling a minnow fish trap. I could not find one stink bug trap available for purchase, A commercial outdoor trap eliminating let alone a stink bug the pest for this orchard owner trap for indoors, so I took what I learned and I started implementing different kinds of contraptions and they just formulas of scent and lights into kept getting out! What happened contraptions that I crafted to try Continued on page 3
The Valley, September 2011
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Editor’s Corner
In this Issue
Adventures in Homesteading --Dave and Ginger Striker Woods, Water and Wildlife --Bob Sleigh Roads Less Traveled --Lynn Persing Understanding the Constitution --Dave Molek Thots on... --Lydia Adventures on Our Nourishing Journey --Sue Burns Grosze Thal Nachbaren --Jeptha I. Yoder Looking Out My Back Door --Mary Anna Chenoweth The Mushroom Guy --Bob Sleigh Julie Mac’s, Wisdom from the Kitchen, Home and Garden --Julie MacConnell Modern Energy and Alternate Heating --Curt Bierly Recipes, Crafts and Gift Ideas --Debra Kulp Memories of a Dairy Princess --Macy Fisher Home-Grown --Mary Eck The Chicken AND the Egg! --Mike Flanagan Contentment Quest --Joanne Wills Virtual Reality --Sarah Hurlburt Frugal Living --Laurie Lowe
Wayne Stottlar
What an exciting, and tiring time of year here in The Valley. The Ag Fairs started coming fast and furious last month just about the same time the late start garden started producing heavy. The kitchen has been in a constant state of chaos with stainless stock pots, canners, canning jars and all the assorted parts and pieces that go with it, cluttering up the counters and island. We will be pretty much canning something every day from now until the frost starts slowing things down once again. Until that time, it makes no sense to put everything away only to haul it all back out the next day, so dinners will be prepared AROUND the canning stuff for the next month and a half at least, I hope. I still have to get the fall crops in the ground yet, but by the time you read this, it will have been accomplished, God willing. I spent several days at the Mifflin County Youth Fair last month. It was a delight to talk to the kids who are participating by showing their animals that they have painstakingly raised just for this event. The one thing that was glaringly evident to me was the huge contrast between those kids showing and those who were just there for the food, rides and entertainment. I happened upon a group of teens in the dairy barn, which included our “Life in the East End” columnist Rebecca Harrop. If I had been a parent
of one of those kids I would be swelling with pride. They were the most polite and obviously dedicated group of kids you could ever meet. Then I turned to leave and was struck by the obvious contrast between them, and the general fairgoers. There are future leaders being groomed, and the kids coming from these farms and the programs like 4-H are the places they will come from. I had three boys, no daughters, but if I had had one, I would wish she would have been like Rebecca, a better young person you couldn’t find. Great job mom and dad! This month we are very happy to have our “Dessert Rat,” Andy Weller back in our pages. Andy took last month off to help those not far from him who lost almost everything in the fires in Arizona. People like this, that are always willing to help others, are what make excellent writers. Great job Andy and family! Our resident backwoods hermit Rick Hanson has gone on walkabout, contact with him has mostly been lost, I am thinking probably computer problems or workload. At any rate, we hope he is back in the saddle again soon. We are extremely excited to welcome a new monthly columnist that will be covering local homeschooling issues. Mary Eck is a homeschooling mom of four from Mifflintown, has a wonderful
talent as a wordsmith and has graciously agreed to write a monthly column called “Home-Grown.” I know that once you get a taste of her first column this month, you will become as excited as we are to have her in our family. Also very important this month is guest columnist Mark Ostrowski’s article titled “Fiat vs Fungible.” Mark is president of The Stewardship Group in Belleville and his story is of major importance concerning our monetary system and how, now more than ever, it is essential to protect yourself from what appears to be imminent economic collapse. The talking heads on the television can talk all they want, but step back and use the principles you know to be true to sift through the numerous reports. One day you are told we are out of the recession, the next day we are double-dipping, then the stock market goes up and it’s all sunshine and lollipops again. The amount of conflicting information that crosses our airwaves on a daily basis is staggering and leaves you at first feeling confused, but once you apply your own life-learned truths, you can see that you are being manipulated and molded by what you watch and what you hear. A lazy person accepts what he is told and doesn’t put forth the effort to find his own answers. Part of our mission here at
The Horse Scoop --Traci Hanna Yoder & Julie Shultz Smith Frank about Business --Frank Cunningham Poor Will’s Valley Almanack --Bill Felker
The Valley is to give you information that you can either consume or reject. We believe there are much worse economic problems coming and the better prepared you are to take care of yourself, the less chance that you will have to become a slave to those of means or power. The fact of the matter is that never in our history in so short a time, has the Fed and our government printed so much money that there is absolutely no backing for. Every time the Fed prints more money that is not backed by anything of value, (Richard Nixon took us off the Gold standard in 1971, how is that working for ya?) the money in your wallet becomes worth less. It looks as if soon it will be just worthless. The value of your retirement decreases and the price you pay for items rises. Kind of a double whammy. I am sure all of you remember the pictures from world history that showed the man taking a wheelbarrow full of cash to the store to buy a loaf of bread—we are quickly going there. In closing this month, it is necessary for me to mention that I am supporting Dave Molek for District Attorney. I do not know Mr. Snook, I have only met him once and he seemed like a nice man. But, I have worked with Dave Molek now for almost a year and without a doubt, I will tell you a harder working, more honest and intelligent person you will not find. I’m voting Molek. a
Contact Info
Life in the East End --Rebecca Harrop
Editor/Publisher Wayne Stottlar
Mail Pouch Books --Carleen B Grossman
Ad Designer/Co-Publisher Lynn Persing
Chiropractic and Children --Dr. Joseph Kauffman
Associate Editor Colleen Swetland
Of Teachers and Teaching --Pastor Pat Roller
The Valley PO Box 41 Yeagertown, PA 17099 (717) 363-1550
Fiat vs Fungible --Mark Ostrowski
E-mail: thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com Web: www.thevalleynewspaper.com
Homeschooling on the Homestead --Andy Weller
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The Valley, September 2011 Stink Bug Traps from front page
Know What You’re Putting in the Compost Pile By Mary Anna Chenoweth
Those of us who purchase our hay or get manure from local farms for our gardens and compost piles, should be aware of an issue that has surfaced in recent years concerning the residue of an herbacide used by some farmers. A number of herbicides, all containing the active ingredient aminopyralid, are sometimes used to control the growth of perennial weeds, such as ragweed and thistle, on grasslands. Enough long lasting (we’re talking many, many months in some instances) residue remains on unaffected plants - like hay or grass - to affect susceptible vegetables if the hay or grass is used in compost or as a mulch. This active residue will also make it through any animal that eats the treated hay or grass, to
be deposited in the critters’ waste products and will end up in your garden or compost pile where there is a good chance it may cause problems with some of your crops before it finally breaks down and becomes, hopefully, inert. To protect yourself, your animals and your crops; 1) log on to the following website to get detailed information and a list of the herbicides that contain aminopyralid. The website is http://www.dowagro.com/range/ aminopyralid-stewardship.htm 2) Talk to your farmer and find out what, if anything, they might be using on their hay. An ounce of prevention..... a
next must have been fate. I was standing in the garage peeling tape from a roll and a stink bug came zooming over my shoulder and landed right on the sticky side of the tape. He hit it hard and was stuck good. Immediately the bug began to struggle and finally half an hour later wiggled its way to freedom but this was the first time I saw the stink bug put up a major struggle to get free! This is where my whole thought process changed, and this was the birth of the Strube’s stink bug traps for indoor use! Again, I found myself bouncing from hardware store to hardware store looking for that magic sticky that would hold these strong little stink bugs! I tried everything from industrial fly paper to cardboard coated with marshmallow fluff (ha ha). For a short while I applied contact cement to the back of tape and glued it to a cardboard cylinder. Some of the stink bugs got loose but it held a good 50% of them. I was on the right track, but once again, keeping the stink bug stuck was proving to be a challenge. One night while surfing the internet for hours, I stumbled upon some hardcore rodent glue
A Holiday of Our Own Goose Day!
that could be melted down then applied to anything to make your own rodent traps. I purchased a small portion of this glue, melted it down, and BINGO! This was it! This glue was the stickiest stuff I had ever laid my hands on. It wasn’t easy to apply, but I brushed it onto a cardboard tube that I engineered to fit overtop a light. The first night my new prototype trap with the new “goo” caught and held over 100 stink bugs! I spent the next couple of months fine tuning this trap until I was catching and holding over 300 stink bugs a night. On January 29th, 2010, I debuted our indoor stink bug traps to the world on our web site www.stinkbugtrapsonline.com and over the next couple months we sold and distributed thousands of traps all up and down the east coast from an 800 square foot garage. We knew there was a stink bug problem in parts of Pennsylvania, but we had at this point no clue the true size of this national problem. We’ve spent every moment and every dollar since then perfecting our indoor trap. Our indoor trap uses a killer combination of light, scent, and gooey glue to ensure no one escapes. The trap starts by using an enclosed light source to grab their attention. Once the stink bug flies into range, it picks up on our all natural secret scent. This special
Traditions and customs are what makes central Pennsylvania a very special place to live. Our roots here are deeply rooted in the land. As such, the tradition of celebrating Goose Day has endured in this area for 225 years! Goose Day is a relatively obscure and highly localized holiday observed in a very small area of central Pennsylvania. I remember the first time I heard the words “Goose Day” uttered by Lynn. I had just gotten used to the idea of the Bean Soup Festival and then heard this. I was beginning to seriously consider back-tracking to someplace a little more familiar, when it occurred to me that maybe the folks in the close knit communities here in the Valley might be prone to recognizing anything as an excuse to party! That was fine by me! After a little research though, I found that it is just one of those local traditions that outsiders might not understand, and it wasn’t imperative that they do. This was something that was ours. The history was somewhat interesting and a story that newcomers might find good reading. Goose Day is a holiday brought to this area by English immigrant Archibald Hunter. It was derived from the English holiday St. Michaelmas Day. The name came from recognition of the patron saint of soldiers, St. Michael who was the recognized protector of all “good people.” It was also said that eating goose on St. Michaelmas Day would bring good luck. Hunter, the English immigrant, had jumped his ship in Philadelphia and made his way west. Along the way he met up with Snyder County Farmer, Andrew Pontius who was looking to hire a tenant worker. He liked what he saw in Hunter and hired him. When the day finally came to settle their accounts, Hunter arrived with his accounts in one hand and a goose under his other arm. Hunter explained to Pontius the history of St. Michaelmas Day and from that point on, the Pontius family celebrated the tradition and it grew throughout our local valleys as other families became exposed to the tradition. Today Goose Day is recognized by many area restaurants, fire halls, churches and other community groups who serve Goose on Sept. 29th. Two hundred and twenty five years later, we are still observing the day here in central Pennsylvania originally started by two farmers from our area. What a great way to honor tradition. In recent years there has been a 5K race as well as a local road rally held in honor of Goose Day—a holiday just for those of us lucky enough to experience the simpler life of this area. a
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formula is gently heated by the light source to spread the aroma. Combined, these attractants pull the bug into landing on the traps super sticky non-toxic exterior, ensuring this is the stink bug’s last stop! A trifecta of stink bug stopping power! We recently debuted our agricultural trap that we developed for the farmer. This one trap has caught thousands of stink bugs from Cherry Hill Orchards here in Lancaster County and 12,000 more from various local farms. If you want more information about any of our traps, please visit our web site, which has a wealth of information as well as pictures and videos of all of our traps in action. There will be many companies who claim to be original, and there will be many companies to claim their trap to be the best, some will even try to alter our ideas with their own, but don’t be fooled by cheap gimmicks. If you have a serious stink bug problem, you need a serious trap! www. stinkbugtrapsonline.com Editors Note: With a background in entomology, when I first saw Andy’s trap, I thought instantly that this could be modified to rid our houses of those invasive Asian ladybeetles that also invade our houses in this area every fall. Call Andy and ask about your pest control needs. a
The Valley, September 2011
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Adventures in Homesteading One family’s journey from the city and modern living back to the land and self-reliance.
by Dave and Ginger Striker
GOATS!
A continuing series.
many stories about how stubborn they can be and how difficult they can be to raise. The other thing that concerned us was how everyone we talked to about goats mentioned how they have to have grain to thrive and need to be constantly medicated to keep the herd healthy. Ugh – here we go again! I am not sure most folks realize that goats are closely related to Hog panels attached to a 2 X 4 frame make deer in that they the foundation of our “Goat Tunnel” are both ruminants and browsers (they prefer to eat bushes and vegetamove on to our next challenge— tion above the ground). As we goats. To be 100% honest, I had start our research with animals we mixed feelings about goats to first ask the question, “How did begin with. It seems you read so In our previous column we discussed chickens and our current methods of raising them. In the theme of self-reliance, we
these animals survive before domestication or in the wild today?” In the wild, goats do not require grain or medication to thrive.
Our easily moved goat tunnel provides all the shelter needed in this area.
minants, spend most of their days moving and foraging for food. The key about this movement is their natural way of dealing with sanitation. By not eating where they excrement, they significantly reduce health issues. Like the chickens, we realized that the goats would have to be moved frequently. The back of the tunnel provides a spot for feeding Fortunately, When you look at deer in the wild, in recent years there have been they hardly eat in the same spot a significant number of new day after day, and like most ruproducts developed to cater to
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our needs of mobility. As we did with the chickens, we selected electrical netting as a solution for our requirements. The electrical netting we purchased is specifically designed to work with goats or sheep. This would allow us to easily set up new areas, move the goats, and then break down the old areas. By mimicking their movements in the wild, we would be able to provide fresh ground on a frequent basis. The other requirement for goats is shelter. Goats absolutely despise rain. For good health, especially if you are not medicating, they need a dry place to huddle up in rain or during the cool months. Goats do not need an air tight home, and are quite happy in the cold winter nights here in Florida. I am sure some might be laughing when I say cold, but we did get
Continued on page 11
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The Valley, September 2011
Looking out my Back Door Life on my Mifflin County Homestead by Mary Anna Chenoweth
Growing the Good Grains: Way Down Yonder in the Wheat Patch PART 1
“In the world we must live in from now on, to produce our own food is the beginning of independence and to accept that responsibility is the first step toward real freedom.” --Gene Logsdon from his book “Small-scale Grain Raising” For millennia, the successful growing of grains - wheat, corn, rice, rye, barley, etc. - has meant the possibility of security (food and otherwise) for our species. The moment when Homo sapiens finally cottoned on to the fact that the grass with lots of yummy seeds could be encouraged to grow where and how Homo sapiens wanted it to grow, was the moment we began our long trek towards the mixed
blessings of civilization. If you can grow enough food that will keep (as grain does) through the winter, and most of the rest of the year, you don’t need to go chasing about hunting (sling in hand) and gathering (with the baby strapped on your back). The growing of grain gave us the free time to invent better clothing, permanent shelter, language, politics, the printing press, reality television, space shuttles and (irony of ironies) seeds that are genetically modified to self destruct if they’re kept and planted the next season. Well, we’ve gotten some of it right anyway. No matter how far technology advances us, make no mistake, our continued existence still rests on the successful growing of grain. But history has shown
us, time and again, that becoming disconnected from your food source, putting the responsibility into too few hands, leads down the slippery slope to disaster for any culture. By growing our own food, including grain - especially grain, as much as possible, or trading directly with someone who does (neighbors, farmers, small locally supplied markets etc.), we have a better chance of surviving, or avoiding that slope altogether. It’s a complicated issue (read ‘A Nation of Farmers’ by Sharon Astyk and Aaron Newton) but, as always, the solutions are there. We just have ‘to put our hands to the plow,’ so to speak. Anyway, some of you may be thinking “Gardening, canning, root cellars - that’s one thing, but growing your own grain? Come
on now.” It’s not that radical an idea, folks. Do you grow winter cover crops in your garden? Just sow a section in wheat and let it mature. Sow a patch of spring wheat about the same time as you sow peas. It’s as simple as any other crop and if you garden at all you already have the necessary skills. To grow any amount of food, be it a hanging tomato or a quarter acre truck patch, is to step onto the path of self sufficiency. Add any type of grain to the mix,
our autumn planting and this year, hopefully, there will be other types planted in addition to the usual Hard Red Winter Wheat that’s been our standby. So, since my family’s unofficial motto seems to be the old adage “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime,” I’d like to share with you how we grow and harvest winter wheat in the hopes that those of you who haven’t taken the plunge yet might con-
You too can grow your own patch of wheat. Small scale grain raising is economical too.
particularly wheat in our culture, and you’re “walking the walk” in style. On our farm, wheat has been a garden crop, off and on, for about twenty five years. Lately it has become a regular part of
Benefactor Appreciation Event Saturday, September 10, 2011 9:30 am – 2:30 pm Polyface Farm, Swoope, VA
The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund helps farmers like Joel keep on farming. “As the push back strengthens, FTCLDF gives farmers like me some breathing room. And that value is incalculable.” – Joel Salatin, Polyface Farms
Donate $250 to the FTCLDF and join us at Polyface Farm for a intimate farm tour and lunch with Joel Salatin, his family and interns. To RSVP, call 703-208-FARM (3276) or send check to FTCLDF 8116 Arlington boulevard, #263 Falls Church, VA 22042
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sider adding some ‘amber wave of grain’ to your fall (or even spring) garden. By definition (Webster’s Sev-
Continued on page 19
Problems with Inspectors? Harassed About Raw Milk Sales? We’ve got your farmer’s back!
Helping farmers and their consumers to: • Expand Direct Farm Sales • Legalize Raw Milk Distribution • Keep the Government Off Our Farms!
JOIN NOW!
Gift Memberships Available 8116 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 263 Falls Church, VA 22042 703-208-FARM info@farmtoconsumer.org
WWW.FARMTOCONSUMER.ORG
The Valley, September 2011
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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 6.1-8 When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of the gods saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose…. The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of the gods went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown. The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. So the LORD said, ‘I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth…for I am grieved that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Some translations interpret the phrase in verse 2 as “sons of God”, but I think, rather, the correct translation is the one used in the NEB: the “sons of the gods”—
lower case. This passage has been interpreted in a number of ways. However, Jude 6-7 indicates that these “sons of the gods” were rebellious angels who committed fornication with the daughters of men and are now awaiting judgment. The result of these unions was a race called the Nephilim, or giants. The Bible says these were “men of renown, heroes of old.” Perhaps the legends of the Greek and Roman gods were based on the Nephilim. This perversion of what was once a perfect creation could not be allowed to continue, for because of this perversion, evil multiplied exponentially in the hearts of men until “every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” Finally, God, who had once pronounced his creation to be good, “was grieved that he had made man on the earth” and decided to wipe the slate clean and start again. “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” That one little phrase, “But Noah”, meant the continuation of mankind on earth. But for Noah’s righteousness, mankind would have been wiped off the face of the earth. The Lord looked upon the earth and saw so much evil that it grieved His heart. Jesus said, “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.” [Luke 17.26] and “It was the same in the days
of Lot.” [Luke 17.28] I don’t think it was an accident that Jesus referred to the two periods when evil abounded to the point where God could no longer stand to look upon it and made the decision, in the first case, to destroy all mankind except Noah and his family and, in the second case, to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In both examples, people were so self-involved and perverted that even though there were signs and warnings, they were oblivious to the destruction that was about to overtake them. “People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.” [Luke 27.27] Sin and immorality pervaded society, yet people went about their lives with no thought for their eternal souls. Isn’t our own society much the same today? Just as sexual perversion played a major role in the downfall of man both in the days of Noah and in the days of Lot, so sexual perversion is rife in our society. Today’s society sees sexual perversion as simply an “alternate lifestyle” and considers the constant bombardment of fornication and adultery on our TV screens and movie theaters as “entertainment”. Can you imagine how the LORD must grieve when he looks upon our world today? Is there a Noah in our gen-
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) Inter national market -paperback • Discovering the Parables: An Inspirational Guide for Every day 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) Inter- national 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
eration? When the LORD looks upon the earth today, does he see any righteousness? Or have we Christians allowed our light to become diluted with the world’s darkness? “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” We hear nothing at all of Noah until we read those words. Noah wasn’t out there making waves or doing great things. He wasn’t preaching to crowds of thousands or leading protest marches. He was simply
Of Teachers and Teaching by Pastor Pat Roller At this time of the year it seems everyone’s attention is drawn toward the beginning of school. Even those of us who do not have children or young people are somehow drawn to the memories of new crayons and lunch boxes. We begin, even in the heat of late August, to dream of the crispness of fall air and the change of leaves into beautiful colors. Many of our churches will have a Rally Day or Promotion
Day to mark the start of a new year of learning. We will encourage our children and young people to come to Sunday/Church School. The teachers and leaders are already getting excited about new curricula and planning activities so our children and youth will learn more about God. I would like to remind everyone that the way we know Jesus most through the New Testament is as a teacher, as Rabbi. Jesus was one who taught the crowds.
He taught the disciples. He taught what it meant to be part of the Kingdom of God. He taught how his followers are to live in the world, with other Christians, and with even our enemies. Jesus’ teaching on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7 lead the first century crowds and us to grow up in Christ, into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5: 1-12 says that Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after
he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they
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living his life, raising his sons, taking care of his family, and walking with the LORD. Yet his life made all the difference! If you ever wonder if your life really makes a difference, whether anything you’re doing is important, whether you’re having any impact at all, all you have to do is read the words, “But Noah “! Noah is proof positive that one man standing against evil can make a difference in the world. a will see God.” “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” These verses, commonly called the Beatitudes, are not just a creed but are a way of life. They are practical ways to walk in truth. Jesus taught the first century seekers and us how to live
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The Valley, September 2011
Adventures on Our Nourishing Journey by Sue Burns
Feeding Our Children During Their School Daze “ I know that young children will wander away from the table, and that family life is never smooth, and that life itself is full, not only of charm and warmth and comfort but of sorrow and tears. But whether we are happy or sad, we must be fed. Both happy and sad people can be cheered up by a nice meal” Laurie Colwin, Home Cooking School bells are ringing again! You can almost smell the excitement in the air. Without a doubt, this time of year transports me back to teaching pre-school. “First School Days equal School Daze,” I always said. Classrooms are traditionally bursting with eager anticipation and anxious wonderment in early September and I am certain this past week has been no exception. But the start of this school year is like none other for there has not been a time in the history of the Mifflin County School District that everyone on the payroll is experiencing school daze. I suspect that many are wearing the “where am I supposed to be and how do I get there?” expression on their faces. Why is that? Well, as you know, we are in the advent of “The Merger.” I am certain that the three operative words this month in our educational system are NEW, DIFFERENT, and CHANGE. Wouldn’t you love to have a quarter for every time they are uttered? We would not have to be concerned about the plummeting stock market if we did. SO….A NEW school is open, teachers have been moved into DIFFERENT classrooms, and bus routes have CHANGED. And what about the kids, yes let’s not forget to check in with the kids to see how they are doing. I predict that they will need nourishing like never before. Why? Because all day long their bodies and minds
are in alert mode gobbling up every gram of protein and milligram of vitamin C we can throw their way. Sure everything will settle down in a few weeks, but for now let’s look at how you as parents and caregivers can provide comfort, replenishment, and stability during the school daze. Without a doubt, all parents want their children to be healthy. School aged children go through remarkable physical changes of all kinds, thus their food intake creates a major impact on their growth and development. Recent research shows that nourishing food not only makes a child healthier, it makes him/ her emotionally more stable, and it improves school performance. Those are two key objectives for surviving the daze. It appears then that paying attention to our children’s diets pays out high
rewards. If only our children were in agreement! Ultimately, it is up to the parents to, first of all, be clever about supplying nutritious foods into the family menus and, secondly, take a reasonable but firm approach about what and why these food choices are made. Here is how: Honor Dinner Time—First and Foremost Miriam Weinstein, author of The Surprising Power of Family Meals, shares this amazing statement, “What if I told you that there was a magic bullet— something that would improve the quality of your daily life, your children’s chances of success in the world, your family’s health, and our values as a society? Something that is inexpensive, simple to produce and within the reach of pretty much everyone.” This phenomenon to which she is referring is none other than
THE FAMILY MEAL. Her book sites numerous research studies that prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that those families who eat supper together: • Position their kids to do better in school • Build on their kids literacy, vocabulary, and conversational skills • Teach their kids manners • Discourage smoking, drug use and teen pregnancy • Give their kids the skills they need to survive in today’s world. • Pass on their ethnic and religious heritage • Become more bonded as a family Wow, all of that, just by making sure your family sits down together several times a week. Do what ever you can to create this.
Plan Meals in Advance Yes, I know it takes time and yes, I understand how very busy you are, but what is more important than your child’s developing brain! Remember, if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Sunday afternoon is a great time to pause and cease from our hamster wheel of life. Think through the next week’s activities and see what is on your family’s schedule. Consult your family about menu choices. Children are more likely to try new foods if they are involved in menu planning. Busy working families do not have a lot of time for food buying and preparing so I have found it helpful to make a list of 5-10 “go to” family favorites. Keep ingredients on hand and you will not be as tempted to rely on take out meals. For example: Here is a 4 ingredient skillet supper that always hits the spot when I only have about 15 minutes to spare. Mexican Stew (I use all organic ingredients) 1 pound grass fed, ground organic turkey sausage 1 can corn (drained) 1 jar Salsa 1 can black beans (undrained) Directions: Brown turkey sausage in a large skillet. Add the next three ingredients. Heat through. Serve with corn chips and sour cream if you like. Include a large leafy green salad and some fresh fruit and you are good to go. Fast, Simple, Yum. Invite Kids into the Kitchen As a former preschool teacher, you do not have to tell me how goofy and messy this can get, but there is, in my opinion, no greater fun! Of course, safety must come first. Take all precautions with sharp tools and sources of heat. Also, continue to remind the kids about common sense hygiene that involves hand washing and keeping counters clean. The secret ingredient that is always in use when you allow kids into a food preparation space is called learning! Cooking involves
Continued on page 11
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The Valley, September 2011
Julie Mac’s
Wisdom from the Kitchen, Home and Garden Julie MacConnell
Taking On The Fall Chill
Wow-it’s September already! Where did the summer go? The mornings now are crisp and the song of the Canadian geese is in the air. There is a gentle breeze instead of wet wool blanket humidity. Thoughts go from Bar-b-q, to warming soups and stews. This is the time to bring out your pressure canner! Low acid foods can only be safely canned in a pressure canner, and if you haven’t gotten one yet, I would highly suggest a new purchase! There are many different sizes and price ranges. There are ones with gauges and ones without (they have “jigglers” instead). There are canners with a gasket, and ones that screw closed in what they call “metal to metal.” The only advice I can give you
about which one to purchase is do some research and buy the best one you can afford. Some canners are large enough that you can double stack your smaller jars inside provided there is a rack separating the new layers. You may have to purchase an additional rack, which are available at any store or online site that sells canning supplies, or you can make one. A cut up cookie sheet or cake rack that will fit in your pot will do just fine. You just don’t want the jars touching each other. Once you get your purchase unpacked, a whole new world will open up. You can move away from jams, jellies and salsa, to soups, stews, meats, vegetables and other items that will keep you warm and cozy when the snow is
falling outside your window. One of my family’s favorite recipes is vegetable soup. It’s a great use for your end of the season vegetables and has great flavor. This recipe is so tasty I will make it as a regular soup recipe and have it for dinner. Just make sure to cook the vegetables at a slow simmer until done. The following recipes can be halved and I have included those adjustments. You will need: 8 cups chopped, peeled, cored tomatoes (about 4 lb or 12 medium) 6 cups cubed and peeled potatoes (about 6 medium) 6 cups 3/4-inch sliced carrots (about 12 medium) 4 cups green lima beans (about 1-1/2 lb) 4 cups uncooked corn kernels
(about 9 ears) 2 cups 1-inch sliced celery (about 4 stalks) 2 cups chopped onions (about 2 medium) 6 cups water Salt, optional Pepper, optional 7 (32 oz) quart or 14 (16 oz) pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands Directions: 1.) PREPARE pressure canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside. 2.) COMBINE all vegetables in a large saucepot. Add water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. 3.) LADLE hot soup into hot jars leaving 1 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight. 4.) PROCESS filled jars in a pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure 1 hour for pints and 1 hour and 15 minutes for quarts, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed. Half Recipe Makes about 3 (32 oz) quarts or 7 (16 oz) pints You will need: 4 cups chopped, peeled, cored to-
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matoes (about 2 lb or 6 medium) 3 cups cubed and peeled potatoes (about 3 medium) 3 cups 3/4-inch sliced carrots (about 6 medium) 2 cups green lima beans (about 3/4 lb) 2 cups uncooked corn kernels (about 5 ears) 1 cup 1-inch sliced celery (about 2 stalks) 1 cup chopped onions (about 1 medium) 3 cups water Salt, optional Pepper, optional 3 (32 oz) quart or 7 (16 oz) pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands Directions: Follow directions for full recipe above. When it comes time to reheat your soups out of the jar, you can then add rice or pasta or additional seasonings to your liking. Just remember that these things are not always suitable for canning and should be added when it comes time to reheat your meal. Follow the recipes exactly for the canning process No one can forget chicken soup! There is nothing like a bowl of hot steamy chicken soup during the crisp evenings of fall of winter. We all know that it is the
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The Valley, September 2011
Homeschooling on the homestead with andy weller
Lessons Are Where You Find Them
In the Sonoran Desert of the American Southwest when the heat is over 100 degrees and the humidity is 50% or more, you know it’s the monsoon season. It’s also when you’re busy tending your garden, cultivating and weeding your garden, and harvesting from your garden. There’s one other thing that happens during monsoon season in the Sonoran Desert; the kids go back to school. Usually in early August, armed with a list of items from school that they have to buy, families are flooding into the local big box stores that markets all the goods made in China to fill the list items, buy school clothes, get all the folders and other items that kids think they need. Just so the kids can enter the public indoctrination centers known as school in mid-August. In my household, my wife has researched curriculums, we’ve talked over what we want to use, and they’ve been purchased. Jake, who is the only child we’re homeschooling now, is dreading the return to school. He’s starting slowly this year and will only be in full swing when his older sister goes back to nursing school. This suits him just fine, although he did do reading and math through the summer. The other thing he just started is journaling. This is proving to be a hurdle—you see Jake has a huge imagination; he is also a very active kid. Sitting and putting what’s in his head down on paper is like asking a bull to give birth. There’s another twist to this story as a week and a half ago we were out at a ranch in southeast Arizona and Jake was on a wall and decided to jump off. When he did, he landed in a hole and ended up breaking his leg through the growth plate near the ankle. So you have a kid with pent up energy starting school, which is
traumatizing enough, but he’s also doing something he doesn’t like. When his mother gave him instructions on journaling today, he bowed up like a bronc getting ready to buck and kick. He ended up having to talk to me on the phone while I was at work. When he has to call me, he knows he’s in trouble. The upshot of the whole conversation was he felt like he’d been zapped by a long yellow hot-shot, but he got the job done and did the journaling. The situation I just talked about can be discouraging if you let it. However, Trudy, my wife, and I look at it as an opportunity for training. Jake is twelve years old and while he is a long way from the job market, you learn to do what needs done at an early age. He learned he has to do what he’s asked to do whether he likes it or not, and if he’s got a problem with the task, he should do it, and then ask questions after the task is completed. Jake also learned that he is capable of putting his thoughts on paper, even when he doesn’t want to. What he’s going to learn over the next couple of weeks is that the more he writes, the easier it gets. He just has to formulate his thoughts and take the time to write. The other thing this situation did is allow his mother and I to parent. If this had happened at a public school, Jake would have gotten detention at school and maybe grounded at home (if the school chose to tell us about the situation), and he wouldn’t have learned anything of value. Because we got to parent him through the situation, Jake will face the consequences of his actions, and he learned about selfcontrol. The whole situation was a win. At this point at the end of the story, I’m just going to tip my hat and ride off into the sunset. a
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The Horse Scoop by Julie Shultz Smith and Traci Hanna Yoder
Scoring Body Condition
Here we are into September already. Where did this year go? How are your horses looking? This is the time of year we all need to walk out and look our horses over. Are they too fat, too thin or do they look ok? How many of you know how to body condition score your horses? The feed store girls think this is something every horse owner should know how to do. We also think this time of the year it is very important to look ahead as winter will be here before you know it. Are your horses ready for the cold and the snow to be flying? Usually if they go into the winter scoring well on the body condition scoring chart, they will hold up to the winter so much better and the cold is not so hard on them. If you look at the graphic, it will show you how to score your horse on the body condition scoring chart. One rule of thumb is if your horses ribs are showing, he or she is too thin. Or, if you run your hands over your horse’s sides and you can’t feel his or her ribs, they are too heavy. On this graphic you want your horse to be between a 5 to a 6 and a half. Maintaining an ideal body condition in your horse requires a balance between proper nutrition and exercise. Just like anything else, horses have many different body types that play a role as well. The kind of work your horse does or how it is housed also plays a role in the body condition of your horse. Stress will also play a factor in the body condition of your horse.
A. Along the neck B. Along the withers C. Crease down back D. Tailhead E. Ribs F. Behind the shoulder The Ideal Body Condition Score is between 5 and 6-1/2
1. Poor Animal extremely emaciated; spinous processes, ribs, tailhead, tuber coxae (hip joints), and ischia (lower pelvic bones) projecting prominently; bone structure of withers, shoulders, and neck easily noticeable; no fatty tissue can be felt. 2. Very Thin Animal emaciated; slight fat covering over base of spinous processes, transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae feel rounded; spinous processes, ribs, tailhead, tuber coxae (hip joints) and ischia (lower pelvic bones) prominent; withers, shoulders, and neck structure faintly discernable. 3. Thin Fat buildup about halfway on spinous processes; transverse processes cannot be felt; slight fat cover over ribs; spinous processes and ribs easily discernable; tailhead prominent, but individual vertebrae cannot be identified visually; tuber coxae (hip joints), appear rounded but easilydiscernable; tuber ischia (lower pelvic bones) not distinguishable; withers, shoulders and neck accentuated. 4. Moderately Thin Slight ridge along back; faint outline of ribs discernible; tailhead prominence depends on conformation, fat can be felt around it; tuber coxae (hip joints) not discernable; withPhone (717) 667-6556 141 Three Cent Lane ers, shoulders and Toll Free (888) 567-6556 Reedsville, PA 17084 neck not obviously thin. 5. Moderate Back is flat (no crease or ridge); ribs not visually More than just a feed store distinguishable but easily felt; fat around tailhead
beginning to feel spongy; withers appear rounded over spinous processes; shoulders and neck blend smoothly into body. 6. Moderately Fleshy May have slight crease down back; fat over ribs spongy; fat around tailhead soft; fat beginning to be deposited along the side of withers, behind shoulders, and along sides of neck. 7. Fleshy May have slight crease down back; individual ribs can be felt, but noticeable filling between ribs with fat; fat around tailhead soft; fat deposited along withers, behind shoulders,and along neck. 8. Fat Crease down back; difficult to feel ribs, fat around tailhead very soft; fat area along withers filled with fat, area behind shoulder filled with fat, noticeable thickening of neck; fat deposited along inner thighs. 9. Extremely Fat Obvious crease down back; patchy fat appearing over ribs, bulging fat around tailhead; along withers, behind shoulders and along neck, fat along inner thighs may rub together; flank filled with fat.
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If you happen to have a thin horse, you may want to check into what you are feeding them— because maybe for the type of work your horse is doing, it is not receiving proper nutrition. Have you had a fecal sample done lately? Worms can be a big issue on a thin horse. What about your horses teeth? Have you had them checked lately? If your horse has some issues with sharp points on their teeth, or if you have an older horse, they could even be missing some of their teeth. If this is the case, they most likely are not getting all the nutrients out of their feed. What about if you have a fat horse that is very unhealthy as well? Being over weight causes a strain on every body system as well. It may even cause the horse to founder or develop cushings disease. The extra weight will also cause a greater strain on the horses feet, joints, and limbs, which in time can cause arthritis. If you were to have an over weight mare, she may not breed for you and can also reduce reproductive efficiency. Your horse isn’t going to be able to work to its fullest carrying all that extra weight around either. So as you can see, to have a thin or over weight horse—either way is not healthy for them. A lot of what we have talked about can affect your horse the rest of their lives. It is so much easier to keep them at a healthy weight than to try to deal with the problems that come from having a thin or over weight horse. We really hope this has helped everyone on body condition scoring your horse. If you ever have questions on your horses scores, please don’t hesitate to call on us feed store girls—that’s what we are here for. Hope to see you all at some point out in the valley with your equine partners. a
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The Valley, September 2011 School Daze from page 7 reading and talking, as well as measuring and following step-bystep directions. Science happens when the food transforms through changes in temperature. Thinking and social skills are fostered. And last but not least, kids begin to understand the importance of good nutrition so they can make better decisions about the food they eat. Remember that young cooks need constant supervision. They have short attention spans so give them quick jobs that will give them a feeling of accomplishment. Expect spills and messes, this gives them an opportunity to learn about cleaning up! Bring Them Only the Best Read, think and learn. I know this takes a little time but aren’t your kids worth it? When was the last time you read what was is in that cereal box? When it comes to young kids, JUST SAY NO to poor quality food. They will not starve. Each day that we feed them high fructose corn syrup, MSG, (monosodium glutamate) and processed chemicals counts toward one more day of dazed thinking. Expect resistance, but do not give up. Explain to your kids, on a level they will understand, why you are making theses decisions. Figure out how to make healthier versions of some of their favorites. Emphasize the positive. Let your kids know that they will feel better and do better in school. Remember however, that you are up against a billion dollar industry so pick your battles, decide what comes into your home and let some of the other stuff go… School Daze Healthy Snacks Here are some ideas for quick grab-and-go snacks or mini meals. Never ending veggie and fruit plates. Keep a supply of washed and cut up vegetables and fruit in easy to handle containers in the fridge. Kids can then help themselves.
Goats from page 4 down to the single digits last year, if that is any indication of how cold. Since our goats were going to be moving on a frequent basis, we needed to build a mobile shelter. After a little thought, we ended up building a goat tunnel, or at least that is what we called it. We did not model our design after anything we had seen, so it might be somewhat unique; however, I am sure someone else has done it before. In short, we built a 2x4 frame with treated wood, and then took three hog panels and cut
• Rolled tortillas filled with meat, cheese, veggies or bean dip • Dried fruits • Popcorn (homemade stove top is best) • Cheese and Crackers • Celery, peanut butter and raisins or blueberries • Tuna and or Egg Salad • Mini Pizzas • Kid Kabobs—fruit, vegetables, meat, and cheese • Variety of Nut Butters (almond, peanut, and cashew) • Homemade applesauce (a great kid and parent project) • Granola Bars • Kid’s Choice – Place a different healthy snack in each section of a six cup cake tin. Allow the child to choose. How to Feed the Finicky Children are notoriously erratic and picky eaters. This is normal. I have found these tips helpful for making this process a little easier. • Do Not Panic! Your child will not starve or become ill • Always offer whole foods (not something that comes in a wrapper or box) • Offer a variety of choices • Set a good example by eating the foods yourself and prioritize mealtimes • Ask them to try new foods, but do not force them to eat anything. • Do not confuse food with love, nor should you use food to control behavior. Sometimes when kids are reluctant to eat, parents make a game out of it. Very soon, the kids are in charge of their food, not you. • Let your kids have some healthy dietary fat in the form of olive oil, butter, and coconut oil. Fat can make food more palatable. Here is what Dr. Thomas Cowan M.D., who writes the “Ask the Doctor” column in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, the quarterly publication of the Weston A. Price
Foundation, has to say about this. “During the years between age three and 14, there is not much difference between the optimal diet for the child and the adult. The main issue at this age is how to account for the child’s tastes. To this the answer is often that unwitting parents often try to encourage a diet that actually does not suit their children. Children need and often crave fat. They need fat for proper neurological development in the early years, healthy immune function in the school age years, and for sexual development in the teenage years. If they are not provided with adequate good fats in the diet, invariably they will end up like so many American children as carbohydrate cravers. The only solution to the child who will eat only a white diet of rice, pasta, white bread and candy is a vigorous outdoor life and food with a liberal amount of healthy fats. Bottom line—remember your long term and short term goals: Short Term: A well-nourished, happy child with sane, well-nourished parents! Long Term: A happy, healthy child with good eating habits for a lifetime; School Daze and beyond! Blessings to each and everyone associated with the Mifflin County School District for an outstanding and memorable NEW, DIFFERENT, and forever CHANGING year of firsts. May you be nourished with good food and good fortune. Go Huskies!! Resources: Emily Bender M.A., N.C. www.nourishingourchildren.com
them to a length of 12 feet. We simply bent the hog panels over creating a semi-circle and fastened each end to the 2x4 frame. We then fastened sheet metal around the whole structure and placed a set of wheels at one end. We also built a frame to hold hay off of the ground and mounted it to the end where the wheels were. Voilà; a mobile goat structure. If you have goats or are in the process of purchasing goats, you have to realize that there is a strong possibility they could have weak genetics making them prone to sickness, and potentially less
capable of thriving on just forage alone be it brush, green leaves, grass, or hay. You have to remember that like the chicken, the goats diets in many circumstances have changed from their natural diets. When looking for goats be sure to ask questions about the herd they are coming from. Are they fed grain? Are they frequently medicated? If they answer yes to either of those questions, there is a good chance you will have a die off of greater than 50% when switching them to the natural route. In our
Sue is a holistic nutrition consultant and holistic health educator. Her office is located at 54 Chestnut Street in Lewistown. To learn more about her business go to www.mynourishingjourney. com She can be reached by email at sue@mynourishingjourney.com or give her a call at 2423132. a
Continued on page 27
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The Valley, September 2011
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Roads Less Traveled... by Lynn Persing
I’m starting to have to dig pretty deep for material to write about in my Roads Less Traveled column. I’ve got to start off this month’s column with an apology to anyone who may have tried my homemade ice cream recipe last month. I left out the most important ingredient! 1 Pt. of HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM! You see, the night after I uploaded the paper to the printer, I was driving home from the grocery store and it hit me like a lightning bolt. I forgot an ingredient. ARRGGHHH! I rushed into the house, straight to the computer, added the ingredient, and “reuploaded” the paper to the printer’s server. But it was too late. The paper was already in production. It was really Murphy’s fault, so blame him (as long as no one is going to withhold his cookies, he doesn’t really care anyway!) I typed the recipe from memory because I’ve made it many times before, but all the same, I wanted to double-check my recipe card,
just in case I forgot something. I was headed downstairs to do just that, but Murphy started bugging me for a walk. So I took Murphy for a walk down the street and by the time I got back, checking the recipe was long gone from my memory bank. Amazing how that happens. Now that I’ve got my apology out of the way, on to my article. I’m cheating this month and posting some information that I received in an email chain letter from my aunt. It’s something that has traveled around the internet a couple times, but I found it interesting and there might be some of you that don’t get these sorts of things, so I thought I’d share it. There are some very useful tips here! All this time you’ve just been putting Bounce sheets in the dryer! Look at all of these other wonderful uses for Bounce dryer sheets. The email professed that plain generic brand sheets work equally as well.
1. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them.. It also repels mice. 2. Spread sheets around foundation areas, or in trailers, or cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle. 3. It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don’t get opened too often. 4. It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.
5. Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer) screen.
6. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling. 7. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce. 8. To freshen the air in your home - Place an individual sheet
kets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket. 15. Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the lose hairs. 16. Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.
of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet. 9. Put a Bounce sheet in the vacuum cleaner.
10. Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew. 11. Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.
12. To freshen the air in your car - Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat. 13. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food and the pan.. 14. Eliminate odors in wastebas-
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17. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth. 18. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper. 19. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight. 20. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away. 21. Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them. It will keep them smelling fresh. 22. Wet a Bounce sheet, hose down your car, and wipe lovebugs off easily with the wet Bounce. a
The Valley, September 2011
Understanding the Constitution by David Molek
Federal Preemption
For those regular readers of my column, you may have noticed that I have discussed the Ninth and Tenth Amendments and the Commerce Clause in my most recent offerings. You may wonder how a federal court case from Montana becomes the subject of discussion. This case involves not only a clash between federal and state law, but an effort of the federal government to quash an exercise of state sovereignty. I call it federal overreaching and consider their actions in violation of the separation of powers established by both the letter and spirit of our Constitution. On October 1, 2009, Montana passed the Montana Firearms Freedom Act. The purpose of this
state law is to regulate guns manufactured and kept within Montana state lines under a less restrictive regulatory regime than the federal law provides. Since then, seven other states have passed and twenty-plus states have introduced similar laws. The goal here is to reinforce state regulatory authority over commerce that is, by definition, intrastate (not interstate). It’s true goal is to take back some of the ground occupied by modern Commerce Clause court decisions and interpretations. It’s about time! This case is being heard in the Ninth Circuit of our Federal Court System. These are the same eccentric judges who declared unconstitutional the phrase “under God” in the pledge of allegiance and stopped Arizona from enforc-
ing its immigration laws. The federal government won the first round. This case is on appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and, hopefully, then to the U.S. Supreme Court. Our originalist arguments would suggest that federal power does not preempt Montana’s ability to exercise its sovereign police powers to facilitate the exercise of individual rights protected by the Second and Ninth Amendments. In order for the federal government to continue to win, the Obama administration claims that the Commerce Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause give it the power to regulate wholly INTRAstate activities. Federal preemption, in my opinion, would violate the letter and spirit of our Constitution.
Our federal government is invoking an implied (not enumerated) power to override state sovereignty. Montana has done nothing more than act consistently with its constitutional obligations by enacting the Firearms Freedom Act. This is because the right to keep and bear arms is now recognized as a fundamental right that is binding on the states under the Fourteenth Amendment by the McDonald case. This might very well be a case of first impression because the Federal District Court did not cite a case in its opinion which upholds federal preemption of state laws that facilitate the intrastate exercise of enumerated constitutional rights. It means this case may set forth a completely original issue of law interpreting our Constitution. Preemption means invalidation or overruling
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13 by the federal government of a state or local law. Federal law should not take precedence in all matters. The issue, to me, is assessing whether the federal government’s commerce power extends to activities that are completely outside interstate commerce. This is similar to the marijuana legislation and recognition of gay marriage cases where states were permitted to regulate such activities. Why would or should firearms be any different? Our federal government may not commandeer a state’s legislative or executive departments. Tyranny and abuse of power are threatened by federal laws that prohibit states from exercising their sovereign powers to protect constitutional liberty. Montana’s law facilitates the exercise of the individual right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment by enhancing the availability of firearms within the state of Montana. In addition, under the Ninth Amendment, rights created by state laws are protected. a
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The Valley, September 2011
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Frank About Business by Frank Cunningham Employer -Employee Communication
sales, good cash flow and a hard working owner? There can be many reasons why the foregoing client has As has been emphasized in developed “shrinking” income. the previous articles, proper hiring Poor collections, too much invenand retention is a major factor in tory, decreasing sales, high debt the growth of a company espeservice and higher cost of goods, cially in the start-up phase. The are just some of the areas that I common denominator in all hiring look into when I counsel in such a and retention has always been situation. communication, or the lack of. Changes can gradually occur In my many years of counwithin an organization and not be seling businesses, several cases noticeable until an organization’s are brought to mind regarding financial statements give evidence employer - employee communicato these changes. This , however, tion is only an indication of a more As an example, for the serious problem, which can be purpose of your edification, let us traced back to the period of the assume you made the decision to client’s expansion. start your business on January 1. Delegation and Communication 2005. It is now mid-January 2010 Methods and you have received your sum As a fledgling entrepreneur, mary financial statements from the tendency is to do everything your accountant. For the first time yourself. Steady and upward since you started operations, you growth, however, require the notice an operating loss for the hiring of personnel. This usually first quarter of 2010 . You also happens during the third year and notice that your “bottom-line” has is a decision that directly deterbeen getting smaller each quarter. mines the longevity of the enterprise for the next several years. It also requires from the small business owner the ability to delegate authority and responsibility. Remember your attributes? A recent client of mine expressed her concern over the failure of her company to grow. She employed 15 people including an office manager and field Cut split and seasoned 16” or 20” manager. The company’s sales $17.50 Per scoop (1/10th cord) volume had increased over $170 / Cord You are very concerned. You wonder whether it now time to call in an outside consultant to help you determine the cause of these decreasing profits and your increasing depression (remember S.E.P.S.). You say to yourself, “ I have been in business close to five years. I have built this business to the point of making a good income, hiring personnel, and being a credit to my community. Where did I go wrong?” The foregoing scenario is one of many that clients have brought to my attention. As previously stated the third to fifth year is a high point in business failure. Percentages of failure vary by the source, but percentages are not important if you are not one of them. We may be able to attribute the failure rate of start-up companies to the lack of experience or the lack of capital, but what causes the rate of failure in the third to fifth year, when in all probability there are sufficient
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a period of several years. Unfortunately, the sales volume did not grow in relation to the amount of employees hired. As a matter of fact, sales volume was no higher than when the company employed ten employees. By doing a financial analysis, I discovered that this company’s industry, ratios and percentages were in the accepted normal range. Ruling out poor financial management, I decided to review the organizational chart and a work flow chart. Not to my amazement, as with most small companies, this company did not have any. When I questioned the owner, her answer was, “I did not think we needed such sophisticated items. I have everything under control.” The last sentence, “I have everything under control,” gave me the clue I was searching for. At this point, the only way to find out if the owner “had everything under control” was to interview her employees. With her permission, an associate and I met with them on an individual basis. The overall consensus was that the owner did not delegate authority. She employed an office manager and a field manager, but she usurped their authority. Several problems developed as a result. The respect for and appreciation of the direct supervisors (office manager and field manager) were negated. The subordinated employees would bypass the immediate supervisors and go directly to the owner, thus creating a communication gap. The owner would not inform her managers of her decisions, which created a contradictory management decision. In effect, the field personnel and the management people became frustrated. The ultimate results were a poor flow of communication, a lack of respect for the immediate supervisors, a poor work flow and a down turn in productivity. By using appropriate delegation and communication methods, which in turn would have helped generate additional sales, this company for its size would have run much
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smoother and could have become a leader in its field. Another case that I recall was similar in composition, although the industry and sales volume were different from the previous scenario. The difference was in the structure of the company. Here a partnership existed and one middle manager reported to partners of this company. There was the usual owner’s unhappiness with the growth pattern of the company, the lack of income for the principals, and the normal depression of everyone concerned when a company is not succeeding. Based on a partnership could we call this depression a case of double SEPS? Again, the financial analysis revealed the normal ratios and percentages for the industry. Although the amount of field employees was approximately the same, the problem did not lie with the employees or manager, but with the partners. A partnership is a marriage and without effective communication in both relationships, chances for success are diminished. In the first scenario regarding the owner who did not delegate authority, the second scenario reflected delegated authority. To the dismay of the field manager, however, the delegated authority came to her in memos...from each partner. Needless to say, in many decisions they had delegated contradictory authority to the field manager. Again, this frustrated the employees, the manager, and the partners. Managing people is the art of communication. It is also a two way street. In addition to delegating authority and responsibility effectively, owners should also be open to suggestions and should act on those suggestions that improve employee relations, thereby benefiting the company. Too many employer’s egos swell during a sustained growth period. Unfortunately, they seem to have all the answers and are not excited when a employee or an outside the organization individual gives suggestions.
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The Valley, September 2011
The Mushroom Guy Tasty fungal morsels and other wild edibles. by Bob Sleigh
Behind Every Good Man...
Ok folks I have a treat for you this month. My wife Virginia, or Ginny as she likes to be called, is also a very accomplished mushroom hunter, contrary to what she would have you believe in the following piece. It is the time of year to start watching for the almighty Hen of the Woods, Sheepshead, Ramshead, Maitake or whatever name you give it. This is one of her favorite memories of stalking what I think is the most flavorful, nutritious and medically beneficial mushroom in Penns’ Woods. Now I present The Mushroom Guy’s wife. Bob and I are making plans for our annual sheepshead (Grifola frondosa to those who prefer to use Latin names) mushroom foray to Moshannon State Forest in Clearfield County. We have reserved a cabin at S.B. Elliot State Park and have invited some mushroom friends to join us. On a particularly successful trip there two years ago, I slowly but surely became frustrated and quite certain that I wouldn’t recognize a sheepshead if it jumped into my lap. With thousands of acres to explore, and more oak trees than a person could investigate in a lifetime, it seemed I was doomed to sit by and watch as my husband found one after another after another. He found the first one before we even left the cabin area – a
small one, but it started the day off right. Of course, then it should have been MY turn to find one. Yeah, right! Not long after we headed into the state forest for a day of road hunting, Bob hit the brakes, backed up and pulled off to the side of the road. Craning my neck
After about half an hour, I yelled “STOP.” There was no doubt in my mind that what was peeking out from behind another big old oak was my first find of the day. Well, all I can say is that from a moving car, with a little drizzle happening, that hunk of concrete sure looked like a sheepshead. Without so much as a smirk or a chuckle, Bob put the car in gear and headed back up the road. And as you can probably guess, it wasn’t long before he was once again stopping to inspect a suspicious lump on a stump. Yep, The delicious Hen-of-the-Woods. Grifola fronanother one. dosa, can be very plentiful in this area with the Three to zip on right weather conditions. the scoreboard. to try to get a glimpse of what Surely it was my turn now! NOT! he’d stopped to check out, excitement overcame my disappointment that it was not yours truly who had seen the huge sheepshead growing at the base of a big old dying oak tree about 20 feet off the road. Sigh. Ok, moving on. No pouting allowed.
It was like the Bill Murray movie “Groundhog Day.” Stop after stop throughout the day, Bob would slow down, back up and get out and pick one beautiful sheepshead after another. Of course these occurrences were equally interspersed with my calls to stop the car – only to discover that the sheepsheads I thought I saw, were either dried up ferns, rocks or some other non-mushroom formation. By lunchtime there were probably 10 or 12 sheepshead in the back of our car. Oh yeah, a great haul. Very cool. And I was not in the least bitter that I had not found a single one! No way. Not me. The afternoon was going to be all mine! Miles and miles of state forest roads were out there waiting for me to come along and harvest the bounty offered up alongside their gravel and dirt pathways. Hours later and with several more of those delectable mushrooms nestled in the back of the Subaru, my eyes had still not spotted any of my own. At one of the many stops
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we made that afternoon, we got out of the car and I couldn’t even see what had drawn my hubby’s attention. He pointed to a stump and said, “I can’t believe I even saw that.” The sad thing was, I STILL didn’t see what he was so surprised to have spied from the road. About 30 feet off the road, surrounded by numerous small trees, ferns and weeds was a smallish tree stump. Sticking out from behind it was maybe an inch or two of a sheepshead. But that wasn’t all – there were two others nestled in next to it, completely hidden from view until you got right up to it and circled around behind. Then it was time to head back to the cabin for dinner and an evening around the campfire. As
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The Valley, September 2011
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Through the Window: glimpses of nature from the Juniata Valley Random photos shot by amateur photographer, Doug Sabin, Sr. Pastor of Kish Valley Grace Brethren Church, Reedsville. Doug and his wife Barb live in Milroy.
Fall Places in the Valley
120th McClure Bean Soup Festival & Fair
gathered at Joseph Peters Blacksmith Shop in Bannerville PA, were trying to organize a Grand Army of the Republic post. The first actual session was held on October 20, 1883. Over the years many of the gatherings and meetings were anchored by a bean soup festival. During this time it was an event only attended by the members. In 1891 for the first time, the “Bean Soup Celebration” decided to invite the public for an authentic Civil War bean The sign that started my curiosity about the Bean Soup Encampment. soup dinner. The chairman at the but just like Murphy who takes time, Ner B. Middleswarth, was up residence in our house at successful in procuring “real hard times, (no, not tack” from the War Department our Weimaraner) to be served with the bean soup. every single year, Hard Tack was a very simple we have been out biscuit or cracker made with flour, of state during that water and sometimes salt, that time. Well, that was popular at encampments durisn’t going to haping the war due to its simplicity. pen this year. Member Henry Kahley, who Just the same, had been a cook during the Civil while doing some War, was in charge of making the reading about the soup and was assisted by another event I learned that member, Aaron Bickel. it was founded on In the early 1900s, as the July 23, 1883. A number of surviving members group of Civil War The Fairway featuring your favorite “fair dwindled, it was decided that the veterans who were
Bean Soup Encampment? Is that what that sign said? What the heck is that? Why would a sign be put up for something like Bean Soup? Am I hearing banjos? OK, the last one was thrown in for good measure. But the other questions were fired out without waiting for an answer at Lynn. It was our first trip to Bloomsburg to visit her parents after I moved to this area. She gave me a very general answer, which was absolutely correct, but not enough information for my over-inquiring mind. So, that started an off and on process of trying to learn what the heck this was all about. You would think that all I would have to do is just go to the festival myself. Well you would be right,
food” and your friends and neighbors.
members’ sons should carry on the celebration. Over the next several years the responsibility to present the celebration fell to Henry K. Ritter Camp #65 Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War and the citizens of McClure. Since 1937, the McClure Realty Corporation has held the event. Civil War re-enactors at the Bean Soup The soup is cooked Festival and fair. in sixteen large iron of the 117 State Fairs that take kettles over a wood fire with place each year in Pennsylvania volunteers working two hour and and promote our state’s number twenty minute shifts stirring the one industry, agriculture. soup in the kettles. The festival This year the festival and uses tons of beans, a ton of beef, fair is being held on September and a ton of biscuits. The week 10 -17th, so come on out and join long event is attended by over your neighbors. The bean soup is 60,000 people each year. served at noon each day and the There are many reasons concessions open at 4:00PM each besides the great soup for those day. a attending. There are concessions, rides, parades, amusements, displays and even Civil War re-enactments. The one thing that might be extra attractive during these times is the fact that the gate is FREE and the entertainment is FREE! Since 2008 the event has been recognized as one
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The Valley, September 2011
Curves of Mifflin County, a 30 minute fitness program designed for women, has just moved to a larger location at 101 S. Logan Blvd. in Burnham. It is on the opposite side of the building with Mattress World and The Little Cupcake Shoppe. “We needed more space as we continue to grow and add more services,” said Marge Delozier-Noss, owner. It’s the FUN but effective place to get healthy, lose weight, and be well. Gyke McCardle, owner of the building, has designed the most beautiful and inviting place for our ladies to work out. It’s gorgeous!
Curves of Mifflin County Grows Into New Modern Facility
We needed more space to offer additional services to our growing membership. Curves is a FUN, but effective place to get healthy, lose weight and be well. Our members describe it best: Naomi Barber: “My family bought me a membership back in 2003, shortly after Curves opened. It was the best gift they could have given me. My
attendance is over 1500 workouts and now its FREE with my insurance! I would not be able to do what I do each day without Curves!” Pam Tressler: “I’ve been a member for 3.5 years and I do the CurvesSmart workout. It increases the intensity of my workout! There is no slacking! I usually burn 600-700 calories each workout. I know that from the information I get from the computer after each workout. I’ve increased my strength, my flexibility and my muscles are toned!” Sherri Heller: “I joined right after Curves opened 8 years ago. I had not been able to lose 30
pounds or “baby fat” after trying everything. I joined Curves, lost the 30 pounds…and best of all I’VE KEPT IT OFF by attending 3 times a week. I now also teach Zumba/Curves classes 2 times a week. It’s a party…come try it!” Barb Houser: “I lost 25 pounds and have greatly improved a problem I had been having with my leg. I can’t believe how much better that is! I feel better having lost the weight, and I love the
The new, fresh, modern and welcoming workout area at the new location for Mifflin County Curves
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ladies at Curves and the staff. All are helpful and so supportive. I love going there.” Clair Flynn: “I am not the only one who has chosen to go to Curves to help give me the strength to get thru chemo and my recovery program. Many of us feel very welcomed and at home with our scarves and hats on our head…or nothing at all! Curves has given me not
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The Valley, September 2011
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Woods, Water and Wildlife with Bob Sleigh
Nature’s Vacuum
glider pilots are in awe of the way this commonly misunderstood bird can spend hours drifting along on thermal updrafts with very little wing flapping. An adult turkey vulture measures approximately 30 inches tall and is covered with brownish black feathers. The bird’s neck and head are featherless and covered with pink skin to promote cleanliness when feeding deeply into a carcass. The large deeply hooked beak, although A Turkey Vulture in flight, a familiar rather weak compared to sight to those who look skyward. other birds that feed on live prey, is very adept at tearing recycling machines. away rotting flesh. Gliding effortlessly on wings The Turkey Vulture’s scientifmeasuring up to six feet from tipic name, Cathartes aura, is derived to-tip the Turkey Vulture has been from the Latin word for pacifier frequently called the world’s most graceful soaring bird. Experienced or cleanser. The name results from Look up into the skies over Pennsylvania on any given day and you are likely to see one of Mother Nature’s most efficient
the vulture’s habit of scavenging on rotting carcasses thus removing possible disease sources from the land. Vultures can be found feeding on all kinds of carrion including fish, snakes, winter- and highway-killed mammals, domestic animals, and slaughterhouse refuse. Research has also found that the vultures regularly feed on vegetation such as grass, leaves, pumpkins and seeds. One of the most misunderstood aspects of turkey vultures is their ability to communicate the location of a food source to other flocks of vultures sometimes 30 or more miles away. A flock faced with several large carcasses to clean up will “call in” neighboring flocks to help with the chore. It is a well-documented fact that vultures are essentially voiceless, as they do not posses a syrinx, which is a bird’s voice box. Vultures are only capable of grunts and hisses. Scientists have begun studying the turkey vultures digestive system due to its remarkable abil-
ity to kill any virus and bacteria in the food the bird eats. Analyses of vulture bolus, small pellets of regurgitated indigestible material such as bones and hair, have found them to be clean and disease free. The findings are from a United States Department of Agriculture test performed during a hog cholera epidemic in the southern United States. Turkey vultures are active only during the daytime and like their game bird namesakes roost at night. Some roosts are known to be 100 or more years old and are still home to anywhere from 10 to 100 birds. They may remain on their roosts for several days when rainy weather makes soaring difficult. Individual birds will live in the same communal roost most of their life, and will usually sleep in the same roost in the same tree on their selected branch every night. Although many are year round residents of the Keystone state, others migrate to the southern states and South America during the winter months. Many will head south with the Autumnal Equinox and return in the spring quite often on the exact day of the Vernal Equinox. On one occasion in the spring, a returning roost of 75 birds was observed flying for two
days into a strong storm with rain, snow, and 40 mph head winds. They arrived at their roost on the exact day of the Vernal Equinox. With no known natural enemies, a vulture’s only means of defense when cornered or frightened is to swiftly regurgitate its last meal in the direction of the threat. Ironically, it may be man who is the greatest threat to vulture populations. The enactment of strict mandates in some areas to immediately bury animal carcasses found in the wild and the resultant loss of food supply has caused vulture communities in those areas to literally starve to death. The Cherokee Nation of the U.S. gave the bird the nickname “peace eagle,” because, unlike the eagle that it resembles from a distance, the Turkey Vulture does not kill. a
A face only a mother could love
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The Valley, September 2011 Good Grains from page 5 enth Collegiate Dictionary), wheat is “any of various grasses (genus Triticum) of wide climactic adaptability that are cultivated in most temperate areas for the wheat they yield; esp: an annual cereal grass (T. aestivum) called also ‘common wheat.’” Our present knowledge of the domestication of many grains, including wheat, places it sometime between nine to twelve thousand years ago, in an area in the Middle East known as the Fertile Crescent. The northern section of this area, which lies in the general vicinity of southwest Turkey and northern Syria, is still home to stands of wild einkorn, a form of ‘primitive’ wheat that grows thickly enough to be easily harvested. Physical appearance and DNA testing links these wild patches to cultivated einkorn that is still grown in those remote areas. In addition, more than a century of discoveries by intrepid plant hunters added to modern technological sleuthing has given us fairly accurate information on which to base our current understanding of the ancestry of wheat. Moreover, thanks to generations of industrious humans, there is a genetic treasure trove of hundreds of varieties of wheat grown worldwide by small farmers and gardeners just like us. Now THAT’S food security! Genetic distinctions divide wheat into three main categories and other traits, selectively bred into the grain over the centuries, along with planting times, separate them further. Here’s a (very) brief overview. Einkorn (Triticum monococcum) Winter. This ancient grain, usually grown in mountainous areas on ‘poorer’ ground, can get by with less water than some of its descendants and has good disease resistance. Like some other primal forms of grain, the hulls tend to stay wrapped around the grain making use a bit problematic. Emmer (T. dioccum) Winter. Another of our ancestor grains, often noted for its disease resistance. Durum Wheat, from which semolina flour and pasta are made, is a modern strain of emmer. Also be aware of a near relative of Durum wheat called Kamut. Common Wheat (T. aestivum Winter or Spring. Ninety percent of wheat grown worldwide is in this group. It includes all of the winter/spring, red/white, hard/soft combinations you’ll be running into. Also in the common wheat category are Spelt (T. spelta), another older form than can oc-
casionally be found growing in Mifflin County, and club wheat, which is particularly suited to cake and pastry flours. One more ‘wheat’ you may run across is a hybrid called Triticale, a cross between wheat and rye that was developed in the mid -1900s in an effort to combine the best traits of both plants for pasta vs. pastry vs. whatever. These are truly fascinating topics and, if you’re so inclined, you can get VERY specific as to what wheat you grow for what use. Just try not to get buried in the information. Up to now, we’ve mostly grown Hard Red Winter Wheat and it makes perfectly edible bread, pasta, pie crust, pancakes, and Bulger wheat. As they say, it all works. For many of us, the greatest advantage to growing our own wheat, as with any crop, is that it can be done quite successfully, and economically, using sustainable methods that embrace organic principles. That starts with the soil. Remember that one of the main tenets of sustainable agriculture is ‘Take care of the soil and the soil will take care of you.” Gardeners and farmers know that to have a good crop of anything, including wheat, we have to build up the soil, as nature does, with organic matter such as leaves or untreated lawn clippings or garden residue (till in those cornstalks!). Ask the neighbors for their leaves, etc (as long as they’re untreated, mind you) if they don’t use them. You may even pull some non-gardeners into the loop! Animal fertilizer, whatever you’ve got, will give you nitrogen plus a pretty good balance of trace minerals. No critters for fertilizer production? It’s a rare farmer who won’t help, or at least grin and point you towards the gold mine, if you ask politely and show up with containers and a pitchfork (check out the side bar, please on page 3). Other additions could be wood ashes if you’ve got ‘em or lime (wheat doesn’t like sour soil so check your ph), and any other goodies that you regularly feed your dirt. Soil testing is a good way to pinpoint exact needs. Rich, crumbly soil, full of worms and other good flora and fauna, means that diseases are rare, Knock wood, we’ve yet to lose any of our wheat to any disease. Wheat varieties with good disease resistance help. So does crop rotation, same as for all your garden plants. Healthy soil means healthy plants, which seems to discourage insects, so you won’t need pesticides. With winter wheat, one insect that you do have to consider
is the Hessian-fly which stops being a threat in our area around the end of September, according to Juniata County extension agent Greg Hostetter. So plan on sowing your winter wheat in the first weeks of October to avoid the bug and to give the seeds plenty of time to sprout, grow, and establish themselves before • Reliable Propane & Heating Oil Delivery winter hits. If a plague of locust, or • Budget Payment Plan Call today any other munchto • 24/7 Emergency Service le arn about our ing bugs, do show NE w CustOmER up next spring or • Heating Equipment Service Plans summer, a small sPECiAls! • Safety Trained Professionals patch means that you can easily • Over 80 Years Experience shield it with one of those new-fangled, lightweight covers that are on the market. Our Business is Customer Satisfaction Another “extra” you won’t be 717-248-5476 • 1-800-PROPANE (776-7263) needing are herbicides. If you keep your wheat patch narrow enough so these. You can also purchase certieither broadcasting it by hand or that you can reach to the center fied seed, which means it has been using a hand-cranked seeder on a from either side (that means not tested and certified free of weed larger area. On a ten by thirty foot much more than eight to ten feet), seed and disease, which is good, planting (the average wheat patch you can easily ‘weed’ by hand. especially if you’re in a growing size in our garden) we use about Now, NO WHINING! Pulling out an area with problems. Talk to one pound of seed. Try to get the occasional errant, unwanted local farmers and the folks at the about one seed per square inch. plant is no big deal when there mills; This does not mean you have to aren’t that many of them and there Big Valley Feed & Grain Complant your wheat with a ruler in are many strategies to encourpany: 37 Young Lane, Belleville your hand. It just means that you age all but ‘weedless’ growing. 935-2163 shouldn’t crowd the seed. In good Here’s one that we’ve used in Belleville Agway: 4408 East soil, more space encourages the some years with good results. Main Street, Belleville 935-2148 plant to tiller, or grow more of the Around mid-July, we till a East Gate Feed & Grain: 141 parts from which the stalks will bit of manure, a touch of lime and Three cent Lane, Reedsville 667grow. More stalks per plant will kelp into the area where the wheat 6556 mean more wheat heads per plant will go (if it’s where early crops If you want to try some of the and hence better yield. Till shalare finished, especially peas with many varieties of wheat available, lowly or rake in the seed and firm their nitrogen fixing roots, all the you can’t do better than; Seed down the seed bed (the back of a better). Then a heavy planting of Savers Exchange: 3094 North rake works well for that). If there buckwheat goes in, lets say two Winn Road, Decorah, Iowa 52101 doesn’t seem to be rain on the pounds or so to a ten by thirty (563) 382-5990 www.seedsavers. way for the next few days, water foot area (to help you judge your org in the seed and keep it moist until own patch). Buckwheat grows Here’s a book we ALL should it sprouts. Just remember that quickly and heavily, especially have on the shelf. wheat doesn’t care for wet feet. with some watering during those About two weeks should have Small-scale Grain Raising by mid-summer dry spells, which the wheat up and looking like a Gene Logsdon means it discourages the ‘weeds’ For practical guidance for from germinating. Once the wheat bright green lawn. Depending on the fall weather, you may have upwheat and just about any other comes up it will usually outgrow wards of six inches of wheat grass grain you’ll ever try to grow, the ‘weeds.’ growing before the killing frost this book is tailor-made for the We’ve not planted any yet, shuts things down for the winter. gardener, homesteader, and small but I’ve a suspicion that the same farmer alike. There you go. You’ve gotten idea, say after a winter cover crop your first wheat crop off to a great It’s available from Chelsea of clover, will work in a similar start. Now sit back, enjoy winter Green Publishing, 85 North Main way with spring wheat. and wait for spring. Street, Suite 120, White River Well drained soil and full sun Resources: Jct., Vermont 05001 1-800-639are two more of wheat’s requireWheat can be bought by the 4099 www.chelseagreen.com a ments. Have the soil worked pound at local feed mills such as up finely. Plant your wheat by
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Dairy Princess Memories by Macy Fisher Mifflin County Dairy Princess 2011-2012
Hi, I’m Macy Fisher, the Mifflin County Dairy Princess and I have been busy lately. In the month of August I was very busy with both the Huntingdon and Mifflin fairs. I had animals at the Huntingdon County Fair and I was Dairy Princess at Mifflin County Fair. I had to go back and forth between fairs since they were the same week. After the fairs were over, the month slowed down a lot. One of the other promotions I did in August was the Mifflin County Dairy Club’s dairy cattle sale. We had a milkshake booth at the sale where people could purchase milkshakes for three dollars. This was a fundraiser for the Promotion Committee so that we would have funds for things throughout the year. Some of my upcoming promotions in
September are the Bean Soup, which I will attend on the 14th. I will also be at the State Jr. Dairy Show and the All American Dairy Show, which are both held at the Harrisburg Farmshow Complex. Later in the month I will attend the State Pageant. The pageant is on the 24th and is also when the State Royalty will be chosen. That’s all that I know right now that I will be doing in September, but I am sure that there will be a few more events that pop up. I am back in school now though. I go to Mount Union High School where I am a senior. I am really happy with my classes, ironically. I know most kids would never say that they like anything about school, but I really enjoy it. My favorite classes are advanced biology, my vo ag classes, and college algebra. One of my favorite things about going back to school is that it is a sign of fall. Fall is my favorite season. I just love all the colors, the cool air, and of course, the food. Fall foods are just really comforting and enjoyable. Apples are very popular in fall. The recipes this month are showcasing the versatility of
apples. They can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Apples are also a great way to get a serving of dairy. I know what you’re thinking, apples aren’t a dairy product, and no they are not. However, apples are a great pair with cheese. This pair is also a great after school snack. By cutting up an apple and a few cheese cubes or cheese sticks, you are creating a snack that is extra nutritional. Fruits contain vitamins and nutrients, and when combined with dairy products’ nine essential nutrients, there are sure to be smiles. Apples can also be paired with other dairy products to make a great after school snack, or a festive appetizer at any fall party. By pairing them with cinnamon cream cheese, vanilla yogurt, or cottage cheese you are sure to be happy and healthy. Chunky Apple Cake ½ cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon honey 6 cups chopped peeled tart 1 small apple, chopped apples ½ cup halved fresh strawberries Butterscotch Sauce: ½ cups halved green grapes ½ cup packed brown sugar Drain fruit salad, reserving ¼ cup butter, cubed ¼ cup juice (discard remaining ½ cup heavy whipping cream juice). In a bowl, combine yogurt, In a large bowl, cream butter honey and reserved juice. Fold and sugar until light and fluffy. in fruit salad, apple, strawberries, Add eggs, one at a time, beating and grapes. Serve immediately. well after each addition. Beat in Yield: 4 servings Tips: Swap out vanilla. Combine the flour, cinthe yogurt for reduced fat or fatnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking free yogurt. a soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well (batter will be stiff). Stir in apples until well combined. Spread into a greased 13-in. X 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or ecome referred until top is lightly browned and springs back when ustomer odAy lightly touched. Cool for Join our FREE Preferred Customer 30 minutes before serving. Program* for exclusive sale events, Meanwhile in a small saucegreat decorating and how-to tips, pan, combine the brown sugar and butter. Cook over plus savings on paints and stains medium heat until butter is every time you shop. melted. Gradually add the cream. Bring to a slow boil 224 North Logan Boulevard over medium heat, stirring Burnham constantly. Remove from (717) 248 - 3909 the heat. Serve sauce with cake. Yield: 12-14 servings Tropical Fruit Salad 2 cans (8 ¼ ounces Ask Sherwin-Williams.™ each) tropical fruit salad *Visit a Sherwin-Williams retail paint store or sherwin-williams.com for program details. ©2010 The Sherwin-Williams Company. ½ cup pineapple or vanilla yogurt
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The Valley, September 2011
Modern Energy and Alternative Heating
with Curt Bierly
Go Ductless!
Last month we discussed the installation of a Ducted Heat Pump / Air Conditioning System with electric backup in a ranch home with an unfinished basement or in a two story home with an unfinished basement. Installation of a Ducted System in these style homes are simple and thus should be considered.
If your home is a bi-level, a cape cod or a split-level, a Ducted System becomes more challenging to install, and thus more expensive; therefore, you should consider the installation of a High Efficiency “Ductless” Heat Pump/ Air Conditioning System. These systems include one outside unit and up to four indoor units. The
A clean, sleek indoor unit sits up out of the way in space that is seldom used anyway.
outdoor unit contains an inverter driven variable speed compressor, which is the most advanced technology out there. The indoor unit uses an ultra quiet variable speed fan to warm or cool the area in which it is installed, and each has an easily accessible washable air filter. A wireless remote control is included with each indoor unit. A bundle of two insulated copper pipes and two electrical wires connects the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. These systems are used extensively in Europe and Asia – so – it is mature technology, which equates to “reliability and high efficiency.” Their use is growing rapidly in the US. The normal installation procedure is to mount the indoor units high on the wall (approximately 8” from the ceiling) in strategic locations throughout the home. As an example, if you have installed a four indoor unit system and you stand outside facing the front door of a typical 1-1/2 story cape cod home, you could mount indoor unit #1 high on the end wall of the second floor bedroom to the left side of the central stairway. Unit #2 could be mounted high on the end wall of the second floor bedroom to the right of the central stairway. Unit
#3 could be mounted high on the wall of a first floor room to the left of the central stairway. And finally, unit # 4 could be mounted high on the wall of a first floor room to the right of the central stairway. The remote control allows you to choose numerous parameters for the indoor unit including off/on, temperature setback, manual/automatic fan speed, the delivery damper position, the
degrees and zone #3 (first floor living room) at 75 degrees, using the remote, program the bedroom indoor unit to 70 degrees and the dining room indoor unit to 75 degrees. The remote can then be stored in the handy wall holder provided, or in another location (drawer, cupboard, closet, etc.). The indoor unit will maintain the set temperature without the presence of the remote. A ductless system requires your normal heating system as a backup; however, the high efficiency heat pump will save you “lots of money” on the cost to heat your home during the winter months; then, in the summer you will have air conditioning, which would have been very enjoyable during those hot months this summer! Many of these systems are Energy Star rated qualifying them for a federal tax credit and an electrical utility company rebate.
The typical outdoor component of a ductless system. Small, but very efficient and quiet.
temperature you want the area around that particular indoor unit, and whether you want the unit to heat/cool/dehumidify, or just circulate room air. If you have installed four indoor units and one outdoor unit, you will in fact have a four “zone” system; i.e. you can control each zone independently. As an example, during the summer months if you want zone #1 (second floor bedroom) at 70
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Curt Bierly is president of the bierly group incorporated of which Stanley C. Bierly (HVAC System Design and Installation) is a division. He graduated from Penn State with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and is a member of the Penn College HVAC Advisory Board. You can contact him at cbierly@bierlygroup.com. a
The Valley, September 2011
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Recipes-Crafts-Gifts With Debra Kulp Homemade Root-Beer 7 cups distilled water 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 tsp root beer concentrate Makes 2 liters Measure water and heat in a pan on the stove until luke warm. DO NOT OVERHEAT IT, it will deactivate the yeast. Add sugar, yeast and root beer concentrate to the water and stir slowly until sugar and yeast dissolve. Place a small plastic funnel in the mouth of a 2-liter plastic bottle. Fill the bottle, leaving 2-3 inches of air at top. Remove funnel and screw bottle cap on tightly. If air leaks out, root beer will not carbonate well. Lay filled bottle on its side in a warm place and leave undisturbed for 4 days. During this time, root beer will carbonate as sugar and yeast react to form tiny carbon dioxide bubbles that give soda its fizz. On the 5th day, place in refrigerator to chill. It’s ready to drink the following day. Serve in a frosted mug. As you unscrew the bottle top, listen for a soft whoosh sound as the pressurized air at the top of the bottle escapes. When you pour the root beer, you should see bubbles on the side of the glass and foam forming at the top. There will be a slightly yeasty flavor as well as a hint of anise and wintergreen. If it’s too strong, add a small amount of cold water. Great with ice cream to make floats. Sweet Cinnamon Zucchini Bread Makes 2 small 9” X 5” loaves, double recipe for large loaves.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees 3 cups flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 tbsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp baking powder Whisk dry ingredients until well blended. In a large bowl, beat with electric mixer: 6 egg whites, beat until light and foamy, add: 1/2 cup canola oil 1 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 cups grated unpeeled zucchini 2 tsp vanilla Add dry ingredients to wet with a few swift strokes by hand until blended. Pour batter into two nonstick pans sprayed with cooking oil. Bake 1 hour until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on racks. Tackle Box Salad 2 medium cucumbers (peeled, seeded, chopped) 2 medium carrots (chopped) 1 cup (canned) whole corn, strained 1 cup onion (chopped) 3/4 cup green and red pepper (chopped) 3/4 cup Italian salad dressing 2 tbsp vinegar 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp sugar Dressing 1/8 tsp pepper 2 tbsp vinegar 2 tbsp sugar or 3/4 cup lemon, garlic and herb dressing Combine all vegetables. In a jar combine dressing ingredients, shake well, pour over vegetables. a
Big Valley Bunk Beds And Mattress Sales 65 Stone Barn Lane, Belleville, PA 17004 from Belleville take Rt. 305 west, turn right at E. Back Mtn. Rd. 1/2 mile, then left at Stone Barn Lane 7 Styles in Stock L-Shape w/Dresser - Loft Beds - Stackable - Standard - Twin Over Full - Regular Bookcase - Captain’s Bed - Triple Stacker - Selection of stain on orders. A Bed For Everyone
Constitution from page 13
Teachers and Teaching from page 6
Our system of dual sovereignty simply cannot function as designed in our Constitution if our federal government has total power to bypass state sovereignty. Keep an eye on this case as it works its way to the Supreme Court. Think about what this case and this issue means and how it affects the direction in which the current federal administration has been proceeding.
but it is up to us to put them in practice. The teachings of Jesus are often ignored because his teachings are just the plain opposite of what we want to do. When someone wrongs us, we want to fight back. But, the Beatitudes can be seen as signposts to the blessed life which is God’s will for us. It is only when we recognize our own limitations that we can feel our own emptiness and weakness and turn to God. The person who finally recognizes that he or she can not make it or handle it alone is a very happy person. WE have then learned to depend on God’s wisdom and grow in the grace and stature of Christ. We can only come under God’s control when we realize that Jesus is teaching us bit by bit, day by ay, experience by experience to follow him and to be dependent on him. I encourage adults to look at their lives. Do
“The very definition of tyranny is when all powers are gathered under one place.” --Thomas Jefferson Frank from page 14 A recent client had been very successful for over twenty-two years in the construction industry. His concern was that he wanted to maintain his image within his geographic target market. He employed a part-time marketing person to represent his organization to the community including Chamber of Commerces, economic development groups and potential customers. It was suggested by the marketing person that due to uncertainty in the market place, a market study should be done to determine the potential for commercial construction in the near and long term future. The response to the advice was, “the banks do surveys and my instincts forecast a good construction year.” The client never had a market study made in the past and he felt that his reputation and his community involvement was sufficient to produce enough work. Well, the client’s instincts were wrong. There was a downturn in construction and the client’s reputation and community involvement did not bring forth the bids for construction. When push came to shove, his clients’ capital expenditures for construction came first. Where cost of construction was second or third on past client construction proposals, costs were now the main concern of his clients. The client’s clients were now only interested in the lowest bids.
A primary market study of the geographic areas geared directly to capital expenditures would have indicated this particular change in corporate policy. It would have also determined his direct and indirect competition, their pricing, economic development involvement and any variables connected to the construction industry. Most importantly, it would have changed the client’s attitude towards his approach to his business and his employees. Growth =Personnel =Crisis It is important to realize that as your business grows and gets more competitive each year, your need to hire and retain good employees will be become more acute. Most importantly, payroll normally takes up 25% of your monthly operating capital. At 25%, poor hiring and retention can quickly cause a crisis and put you out of business. There has been a vast change in employer - employee relations during the past decade. At this time in history unionism has lost some of its luster and power and there is desire in the free enterprise system to eliminate the union. I can recall during the ‘60s, when I would not cross union picket lines to meet with clients. These were not large corporations, but would have been considered small businesses. I do not recall any such picket lines during the past twenty years. Things have changed, especially for you, the potential employer.
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you know everything about living for Jesus? DO you know enough about God and his relationship to us? DO you even know enough about living with others to be wholly successful? Not likely! Adults need to think about a plan of study—a consistent plan to learn about God, about the world, and about the people around us. It is not just children and young people who need to stay in school—who need to attend Sunday school. All of us need to continue in life-long learning. Blessed are those who are pure in heart, meek, persecuted for righteousness sake, being a peacemaker. But, we have some responsibility in this situation. Jesus is not going to open our heads and pour information in us any more than God did with Moses. God promises that he will teach— guide—lead us as we go through this time in our lives. Join with your friends and church and even strangers in learning about God this fall. a
When unionism is not present, it does not represent employees in negotiation, and it also fails to represent the employees in grievance hearings. What has occurred is that there has developed a void between the employer and the employee and this void has been filled by state and federal human relations commissions, unemployment compensation boards, and the legal profession. Employees are now filing these grievances through various sources to the dismay of the employers. The grievances are usually in the area of personal prejudice, wrongful firing, etc. As you plan your business or happen to be operating a business at this time, it would be wise to start a policies procedure for your business. Consider what you would consider good company policy and either have someone or yourself write it out. Understand, that there are some laws that must be adhered to, and there is no time like the present time to understand these laws. It is imperative that you learn federal, state and local laws that impact your company. Among many personnel impact areas there are exempt, non-exempt, part-time employees who may or may not have, INSURANCE, PERSONAL TIME, MILITARY DUTY, JURY DUTY and LEAVE OF ABSENCE. What will be or is your employer -employee communications scenario? a
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The Valley, September 2011
Sausman Insurance Agency Relocates
state of Pennsylvania. ance Agency delivers strong an average length of service of 19 Sausman Insurance Agency In 1999 Ed officially retired evidence that Tim Burris is a man years who work together with 4 recently relocated to a brand new and Tim Burris (Ed’s son-in-law) all about relationships. He is comsupport people to offer the client free standing office building at and Rod Cook purchased the busimitted to long term commitments the best possible service while the intersection of Route 322 and ness. They immediately started to his employees and lifelong reinsuring total privacy. The design Route 35 in Mifflintown. The firm the search for a more visible lationships to clients. In hiring he of the net facility offers individual purchased one of the former location. Their quest took them rooms away from agent’s office strives for candidates who love to Leidy Dealership buildings and space where busicompletely reconness is conducted, structed it to suit always totally their business needs. private and free of Many antique any other client’s acquisitions were paperwork. The incorporated into property and casuthe tasteful design, alty insurer realizes from doors of charthat word of mouth acter to train station is their greatest lighting. form of advertis Lee E. “T ing and they take -bone” and Argreat pride in being lene K. Sausan independent man founded the agency, representinsurance agency in ing a wide field of Thompson in 1946. Their son Ed joined The brand new beautiful facade of Sausman Insurance. They are located at Route 35 and insurers, enabling them to find the the firm in 1968 and 322 in Mifflintown. very best match later, along with his for each client’s needs. Stop by to the Brenfer family dealership serve people, get along well with wife Bev, purchased the ever exand enjoy the beautiful facade, the owned Leidy Motors building in co-workers and have impeccable panding business. Ed was a diesel an excellent, high traffic location. inviting decor and experience, and integrity. On a tour, visitors are mechanic who had a mission to Following many months of the difference the Sauman Insurgreeted with smiles from staff provide insurance coverage for design and construction time, the ance Agency staff delivers to the members and mutual respect radismall trucking firms, many of new location officially opened its Juniata River Valley clientele. a ates between Tim, Rod and their whom he knew personally. Today doors for business. staff. the firm is one of the largest trac A visit to Sausman’s Insur The nine licensed agents have tor trailer insurers operating in the
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The Mushroom wife from page 15 exciting as it was to be heading back with about 50 pounds of mushrooms, it was still disheartening that none were my finds. On the way back, traveling through stands of pine trees, it seemed pointless to keep a vigilant eye around the bases of the trees, but I just couldn’t stop looking. Then the seemingly impossible happened. There amongst the pines was what looked like two choice sheepshead mushrooms. I calmly asked Bob to stop the car, all the while wondering what I would actually see once we got there. AT LAST! YES! There were several beauties snuggled around the base of the single oak tree that was surrounded by pines. Finally! Talk about excited. Oh yeah, it was very exciting, and a great way to end the day’s hunt. And, as in the past, we will also be celebrating Bob’s birthday during our weekend at S. B. Elliott, and one can only hope that this year’s foray along those same state forest roads will prove as bountiful as they have in the past – with one exception. It will be “The Mushroom Guy’s” wife with the eagle eye. a
The Valley, September 2011
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What’s with that answers. 1. House of Representatives 1827 and 1833 2. Fess Parker 3. The Battle of the Alamo, TX
Buckhorn Taxidermy and Sporting Goods has added a new addition of live pets and pet supplies to the store. We also have a line of live bait and live crickets year-round for the fishermen and pet lovers.
The Pen and Thread Custom Calligraphy and Weaving
Mary Anna Chenoweth Proprietor
717-248-6079 131 West Market Street Lewistown, Pennsylvania
Tropical Fish Birds Lizards Frogs Snakes Spiders S corpions Hamsters Gerbils Rats Mice
We are a full time taxidermy shop with over 50 years combined experience. Big game, game heads, small game, fish and exotic animals. 316 N. Logan Blvd. Burnham, PA 17009 Open 7 days a week (717) 242-4490
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mon & Fri. 10am - 7pm Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat - 10am 5pm Sun - 8am - noon
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The Valley, September 2011
Frugal Living with laurie lowe
My New Frugal Passion I have always enjoyed going to auctions, usually looking for the unusual. Well I have now been crowned the Auction QUEEN by my family and friends. When I moved into my apartment I had no furniture, the bulk of my belongings are in storage in ND. For the first month I slept on a cot and had a camp chair in the living room. Being my frugal self, I was bound and determined not to spend tons of money on furniture for my new place. As of last weekend, I have furnished my whole two bedroom apartment for $134. I now have in my new home
•
An antique love seat I have reupholstered • An antique Duncan Fyfe dining table and four chairs • A queen size bedroom set • A computer desk and office chair • Two small rockers • End tables • An oak entertainment center • An antique four poster bedroom set • A six piece patio set • Lamps • Kitchen items As you can see you can find good usable items at auctions. I set a limit on how much to pay for any item and I am very religious about not going over. To me it
is a thrill to get a bargain on an item. At most auctions you can get boxes of “stuff” for a couple of dollars. At my last auction, I won the bid on a big pile of boxes for $2, not knowing what was in them. I came away with 14 pairs of jeans and 13 shirts, all my size. A complete service for 10 of nice dishes, a working spot carpet shampooer—and the list goes on! I considered that a good bargain— what I can’t use or give to family, I donate to an abused woman’s shelter here in town. So look in the local paper, find an auction and go find your own good bargains. ~ Laurie a
Editors note: In response to Laurie’s money saving tips, one reader, Sharon Yoder of Belleville, sent us a note saying that she has been using the laundry soap featured in our very first issue and loves it! She also followed being frugal one step further and found a recipe for fabric softener that she shares here. 2 cups of your favorite conditioner 3 cups distilled vinegar 3 cups water Mix conditioner, vinegar and water together thoroughly. Use the same amount that you usually use for fabric softener. Store in airtight container. Makes 2 1/2 quarts. Thank you Sarah for sharing this recipe with our readers and taking the time to write—we love letters. Wayne
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A. J. Peachey’s—
The Valley, September 2011
New Cafe Replaces Restaurant From Staff Reports reach the finish line. With the financial markets changing on almost a daily basis during a long rebuild, the two quickly saw that in order to be able to complete The order area of the new A.J. Peachey’s Cafe. construction, they Things are happening out at were going to have to make some A. J. Peachey’s! changes. Last month we highlighted After their announcement acthe new strategy that Aaron and tivity quickly increased out at the Lewis have decided on in order site and one of the first changes to for the construction project to
come about was the morphing of the restaurant into a cafe. I know some folks are always going to be resistent to change in the beginning, but I believe this change is for the better. I too am sad about the full service restaurant going away. But the new cafe brings a lot of advan-
tages with it. The hours have changed, so those of us who sometimes don’t get hungry until 7:00 or 8:00 pm, will still be able to get Peachey’s great food. The new hours will allow this later crowd a chance to enjoy a nice burger, hoagie, salad or There is still plenty of seating available and ice cream up until the interior is bright and cheery!
Mail Pouch Books by Carleen B. Grossman
KENSUKE’S KINGDOM By Michael Morpurgo Copyright 2000-USA In line with the original mission of THE VALLEY newspaper to offer up information that would allow those willing to learn information that they could use to become more selfreliant, I absolutely have to recommend this quietly told story of emotion and great drama. This book is for ages 9 to 99+! Don’t be fooled by the fact it might be
Restaurant manager Donna Sheetz talks to Aaron Peachey and an employee before the start of another busy day at the Cafe.
catalogued as a children’s book. The modern day survival tale is ship, love and tenacity? packed with touching life lessons. Decisions have to be made And, it will keep you on the edge and you won’t know the exact of your seat from the moment the outcome until you read the surboy and his dog fall overboard prising postscript to the into the ocean during an book! If you like the concept around-the world voyage with his of a “Robinson Crusoe” type family, to his mysterious life on adventure or if you were fond of an island where he must use his the movie CASTAWAY, you are resourcefulness and learn to be going to love this book. self-reliant. SUPPLEMENTAL INFOR You will ask yourself many MATION: questions as you read this page In 1976, Michael Morpurgo, turner, among which are: a renowned British author, and 1. Has his dog disappeared forever? 2. Will he ever see his parents again? 3. How does the mysterious man on the island teach him lessons of City kids getting their first experience of “Farm friend- Life”
his family established the charity FARMS FOR CITY CHILDREN, with the primary aim of providing children from inner city areas with the experiences of the countryside. The program involves the children spending a week at a countryside farm, during which they take part in purposeful farmyard work. About 85,000 children have taken part in the scheme since it was set up, and the charity now has three farms in Devon,
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9:00 pm. Although breakfast is no longer an option, with the new hours of 10:00 am- 9:00 pm, there is still lots of time to stop by to enjoy an early lunch or a late dinner.
Restaurant manager Donna Sheetz has attended to every detail to make your experience at Peachey’s enjoyable. She says that as the new cafe staff learn the ropes, there will be additions to the menu; however, the menu already has enough options to keep me busy for quite a while. There is still plenty of sit down dining space available and you know the food will be GREAT! Come on out for lunch or dinner soon—you won’t be disappointed. a
Gloucestershire, and Wales. In 1999, Michael and his wife were created Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of these services to youth. He was later elevated to Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) on 17 June 2006 for his services to literature. [Wikipedia]. a
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The Valley, September 2011
Grosze Thal Nachbaren
(Big Valley Neighbors)
by Jeptha I. Yoder
Ein Grusz im Namen des Herren. Wir sing wieder gesegnet mit Regen und fruchtbarkeit zu Feldt, Garten, und Baumgarten. Der 31 Juli war der Gemein ans Jesse J. Hostetlers. von andere gegenden waren Isaack R. Hostetlers und Familie, Franey L. und Detura E. Yoder (Joel M.). Singen war ans Jesses abends. Amos Js’ und Eli Ss’ und Familien (alle Hostetlern) und ein wenig Junge waren dort fürs Abendessen. ost Lang Leen war ans Emanuel J. Yoders. Holzland Mittel war ans Gideon Hostetlers, Holzland West ans Noah J. A. Hostetlers, Locke Mills ans Yost N. Hostetlers und Nord Milroy ans Noah R. J. Hostetlers. Meine Eltern waren ans Johannes Z. Hostetlers nachmittages.
Der 8 August war Kirchengasse Gemein ans Soloman C. Hostetlers Jr. West Lang Leen war ans Rufus M. Yoders fürs erste mol. Unckel Ruben Ds, und Mose Rs, alle Hostetlern, waren hier fürs Mittag-essen. Der 15 ,waren unser Gemein ans Eli S. Hostetlers Von McKlur waren Eli Js und Familie und Esra Ss’, alle Hostetlern. Von Indiana County Gegend waren Sam Y. Hostetlers und Tochter Franey. von andere gegenden waren Sam Ns und Sohn Rudy und Christ E. (Sam I.) alle Yodern. Lang Leen Ost war ans Uria J. Yoders. Jesse J. und Mose R. Hostetlers und Familien waren dort von unser gegend. Christian Z. Speichers und Jesse J. Hostetlers und Familie waren ans
“Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated.” -Thomas Jefferson
Jesse S. Hostetlers fürs Abendessen. Der 22 war West Lang Leen gemein ans Mahlon C. Yoders. Kirchengasse war bei die (Emanuel B.) Franey N. Yoder. Meine Eltern waren ans Unckel Christ M. Yoders abends. Eli S. Zugen und Familie waren auch dort. Eli S. Hostetlers und Familie gingen in McClur morgens und wieder heim abends. Sie waren ans Johannes Z. Hostetlers. Greetings in our Creator’s Name. I can hear the cicadas humming as I sit here at my desk writing. Katy-dids and other night-time songsters kick in as dusk approaches in the evenings. We hear the Screech Owls a lot this summer. All this along with our cooler mornings with temper-
Goats from page 11 case we have been quite fortunate and have lost only 20%. Any goats that survived the first year have done very well considering they haven’t had an ounce of grain or a drop of medication. When I say very well, I mean fat and happy goats! As your herd grows and breeds, you are truly developing something of value. How many goat herds can thrive on just forage and no medication? Very few. In retrospect, I have come to like our goats quite a bit. Not
atures in the fifties are reminders that fall is approaching. And, yes, goldenrods are starting to appear. Schools opened on the 22nd. Miriam K. Hostetler (Jesses’) has started her seventh year of teaching at Back Mountain. The busy canning season is in full swing. Are we thankful for what is shared through the Grace of our Heavenly Father? Several recent new arrivals are a son, Rufus S., to Rudy J. and Elizabeth R. Grands are Rufus J. and Mary N.; Jonas A. and Franey V. (Speicher). Step-great grandmother is widow (Seth D.) Rachel L. All the above are Hostetlers. A daughter, Emma B., to Tobias M. and Betsy E. Speicher. Grands are Andy M. and Leach F. Hostetler. And Bish. Michael A. and Franey M. Speicher. Greatgrandmother is widow (John S.) Dena B. Yoder. Both babies claim July 20 as their birthdate. On August 11, a number of folks, including foreman Rufus J. Hostetler, from the east end were to the barn raising at Dan Swareys of Allensville, where the barn had burned several weeks before. It’s now a few days later–will try and scratch a few more lines of our doings. It’s “last minute”
writing, I guess, as this letter will be going out today, Lord Willing. Farmers are plowing for fall seedings. My last goat of the season freshened on August 10. I guess that would be a bit “off-season,” but I am hoping for a good supply of goat milk this fall and winter. Ever hear of a billy goat that does not stink? In the twenty years that we’ve had goats on this farm, I never had one that smells as little as the fourteen month old mixed breed buck that I have right now. Otherwise, he is all buck, and I will need to sell him in the near future. If you happen to be interested in obtaining such a goat, drop me a line, or stop by at 150 Red Lane, Milroy, PA 17063. I would like to give my late vegetables a dose of fish, kelp, and epsom salt water. Snowball peaches are in season and Rareripes will start in a few days. We are already drying our Sweet Pound Apples, although they will be bigger and better in a few more weeks. See you all next month, Lord Willing.
only are they perfect animals when it comes to self-reliance, they are quite entertaining to work with— especially the new born kids! Goats, in my opinion, are very likely one of the best animals to own for achieving self-reliance. Unlike the chicken, they do not
require grain, and typically will eat any type of forage you may have on your land and thrive. On your path to self-reliance be sure to include goats in your plan!
Jeptha I. Yoder
Take care, Dave & Ginger and Family a
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The Valley, September 2011
Answers in an ad in this issue
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The Jesse Owens Statue at his birthplace
in Oakville, Alabama 1. How many Olympic Gold Medals did Owens win? 2. His record for this event stood for over 25 years?
Quiz # 20019
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3. Ohio State University, his alma mater, gave Owens this nickname?
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is published the first Thursday of every month. Deadlines for ads and submissions is the 15th of the preceding month for inclusion in following month’s issue.
What’s With That Answers: 1. Four in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. 2. The long jump (26’ 8-1/4”) 3. The “Buckeye Bullet”
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The Valley, September 2011
The Chicken AND the Egg! by Mike Flanagan
The “Dominique” Chicken (America’s First Chicken Breed)
So, how many of you actually did your homework? How many of you actually went out and got your family hooked on real eggs instead of settling for those watery, tasteless things you buy in the supermarket. (Hoo-boy, there’s another rant just waiting to happen. What makes a supermarket so “super” anyway? But let’s not get sidetracked just yet.) I guarantee nobody in your family regrets it if you did. Hey, you know what? You can do the same experiment with chickens. About five years ago I returned to having chickens in the backyard, after a long hiatus. I’d say it was probably 30-35 years since I had tasted REAL chicken. I had gotten accustomed to that mushy, flavorless flesh the powers-that-be want you to believe is chicken. (Of course it’s flavorless. Why else would every
other meat with a flavor we can’t identify “taste like chicken”?) Well, it may look like chicken, but that’s where the similarity ends! Real chicken has a delicious flavor all its own. And the meat doesn’t just mash to mush in your mouth, its got texture. Real chicken is almost as satisfying to eat as a nice grass-fed steak, almost. So go to your local farmer’s market. I’ve been to four different ones over the course of this summer and there is at least one purveyor of natural free-range chickens and grass-fed LJ feeds two Barred Rocks and a Black Australorp, two of my Dominiques look beef at every one of on in the background. them. I’ll bet they are
at your local market too. Buy a couple of chicken halves and take them home. Now cook them up on the grill alongside some store-bought “chicken substitute.” You’ll understand why I call it that as soon as you start eating them both. Don’t ruin it with some heavy BBQ sauce. If you absolutely must adulterate it, just brush on some herbed olive oil. (1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp rosemary, 2 cloves minced garlic—nice and simple, won’t overpower your chicken) Now, nobody knows for sure what the first breed of chicken to set foot on American soil was. But all records appear to indicate that the first new breed of chicken to be created in America was the breed we call the Dominique. The exact origin of the breed is un-
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known, although their initial creation may have involved European chicken breeds and later in its refinement, some Asian varieties. The name of “Dominique” may have come from birds that were imported from the French colony of Saint-Domingue (today known as Haiti) and which are thought to have been used as part of the development of the Dominique breed. The Dominique was plentifully bred on American farms as early as the 1820s, where these birds were a popular dual-purpose fowl. The Dominique is a mediumsized, barred black-and-white bird similar in appearance to the Barred Plymouth Rock many of you may be familiar with. In fact, they were once both considered to be the same breed, but they were separated by breed standards in the early 1870s. What sets them apart is their comb. Dominiques
Continued on page 31
The Valley, September 2011
30 Curves from page 17 only strength and support, but I’ve met so many new friends at Curves. I love it!” Joann Ostrowski: “I finally did the Curves weight loss and management program (after trying so many other things) and I’ve lost 28 of my 30 pounds. I know I will complete my goal. I feel better, look better, and have so much more energy! My husband has lost too while doing the program with me!” With today’s economy, one might be tempted to give up a gym membership, but at Curves, with all the services they offer, women realize this is an investment in their health. Staying healthy and fit and trying to keep off medications is cheaper than allowing our health to break down…and much more FUN. It often costs less than one prescription and has no unpleasant side effects. 65% of all disease is preventable, but we need to do what it takes “to prevent” it. We need to exercise 30 minutes per day, drink lost of good quality water, eat a healthy diet, and control our stress. We have something to offer all women of all ages. For women not familiar with Curves, it is a fitness facility specifically designed for women. The Curves successful program combines cardio, strength training with hydraulic resistance equipment, and stretching in just 30 minutes. One of the upgraded services that we offer is the Curves Smart circuit. This is for the member
that really wants to kick up their workout for maximum benefit. CurvesSmart is customized to their workout, for each woman’s age, weight and goals. A computer tag is created and information stored specific to each woman’s goals and needs. At each station, the tag is scanned and individual workout plans and feedback are displayed. The CurvesSmart system allows each woman to have her own personal trainer at every workout. Afterwards the computer tells her how many calories she has burned and all the muscles she has worked and to what extent. At Curves, YOU choose which workout is best for you. We now also have extra cardio equipment for your workouts such as an elliptical, treadmill, and stationery bike. ZUMBA is also a feature in our circuit now. Members can have the fun of Zumba dancing, but also get the necessary benefits of strength training all in one 30 minute workout. We have added our second VIBE machine at Curves. The Vibe machine offers whole body vibration therapy. It helps to increase circulation, decreases cortisol, increase bone density and muscle mass—10 minutes equals 4 miles of jogging, and so much more. It’s a machine that is often used in medical rehabilitation. The body Vibe’s cutting edge vibration exercise technology opens up new opportunity for people suffering with conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and stroke victims. It allows them to gain the benefit of exercise while staying within their
personal physical capability. Everyone is not at Curves to lose weight. Many are there to just gather strength and be well. For those who do need/want to lose weight, they are offered a successful fitness/wellness and weight loss and management program, which requires a “treelegged stool” approach. Each leg is as important as the other, and without all three legs, the stool is not stable. Too many times you try to lose weight by just dieting, and you probably remember that you lose weight slowly—and up to half of the weight lost was likely in the form of metabolically active muscle mass. When you try to lose weight by just exercising, the weight loss usually plateaus quickly and you never quite reach your goal. When our members choose to lose weight and follow a comprehensive approach of exercise and weight loss management combined with the 3rd leg of “embracing change”... they dramatically improve and have long term and permanent success. More importantly, Curves provides a community of support where women can stick to their diet and exercise plans and reach their goals. So many friendships are created here. We have so many mother/daughter teams working out together. It’s fun to watch the smiles on faces when they’re exercising. You don’t see that when you work out alone. We have members from ages 14 -88. Many of our members over 65 are here FREE with their insurance.
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Marge says, “I love it when a non-member asks me ‘does it work?’” I quickly respond “YES,” and I also tell them that the Cleveland Clinic, one of the top four hospitals in the country, has chosen the Curves workout to be in their hospital for their own doctors and nurses to use for free for their own personal health care. The hospital also offers the new Curves weight loss and management program to their patients…. because it works…and its permanent weight loss. The Curves weight loss and management program is unique. We teach people how to eat healthy and how to lose the weight they need, but then to KEEP IT OFF permanently. No more yo-yo dieting – because we all know DIETS DON”T WORK! We need to learn to eat well and be able to do it for the rest of our lives. Nikki Santangelo, certified nutrition consultant, and Doctor of Naturopathy teaches the weight loss and weight mgmt classes. You don’t need to be a member of Curves to take advantage of these classes. Nikki also offers private consultations to men and women together in our private classroom. A lot of our women need to get their husbands on board with the program in order to be successful at home. Nikki also offers a Bio-Scan. This machine is another great preventative health tool. This technology measures the electrical changes in Galvanic Skin Response or GSR, the same technology used for over a century in equipment such as polygraph test. Using proprietary algorithms this technology is able to determine the body’s degree of positive and negative responses for each time being assessed. This information is extremely valuable, for example, in letting you know how your body is prioritizing different nutritional supplements or food choices. Another addition to our new larger facility is our Detoxing Room. With the larger space we are able to create a separate space so this allows men and women to use the sauna. (You do not need to be a Curves member to use the sauna!) The Far-infrared sauna has been a part of Curves even before Oprah Winfrey and Dr. OZ introduced it on their shows. The infrared sauna is different than a regular sauna. The sauna produces the same rays that come from the sun, but it filters out the UV radiation. The high temperatures in the sauna help to lower blood pressure and increase blood
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circulation while slightly raising metabolism. Due to the high temperatures in the sauna, individuals will also sweat out toxins. In just one sauna session, individuals can burn up to 700 calories. Two people can share the sauna together. Detoxing footbaths are also offered. In today’s toxic environment, tissue acid wastes, chemical and heavy metal residues build up in the body faster than ever before, resulting in a greater incidence of allergies and mental and physical incapacitation. The IonCLeanse footbath is a natural way of approaching disease through saturation of the blood, tissues, cells and organs with ions. These naturally stimulating and relaxing sessions are based on ionization of water and osmosis to draw toxins from the body. The footbaths have been known to: reduce pain, stimulate the immune system, promote weight loss, reduce inflammation, relieve tension, inactivate viruses, bacteria, yeast and fungus. Alkaline water is also available at Curves…to members and non-members. We have a lot of people coming in for the water Marge explained. This is not just a purified water. Alkaline water helps to reduce the acidity in our bodies. Removing acidity is more effective than diet sometimes. It helps to balance our PH and releases fat toxins…. thus weight reduction. The water is also an anti-oxidant. This helps to eliminate achy joints, arthritis, pre-mature aging, and it’s an anti-inflammatory. It also is micro clustering. This means it allows the water molecules to penetrate at the cellular level—it makes us more hydrated. Without enough water, our bodies become too acidic. Too often we’re not hungry…we’re thirsty. New this month is our Pilates machine. This is available at all times. We are also offering Yoga classes. Yoga will be starting September 26th on Mondays at 10:00 am and Tuesdays at 5:45 pm, Again, this too is available to members and non-members. Will we stop growing now? Absolutely not! Life is about learning, growing and having fun forever. We have a new amazing service to be unveiled in January…stay tuned..or better yet JOIN IN!. Not sure? We always offer a FREE WEEK for you to come try us out! a
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The Valley, September 2011
Virtual Reality
100 Stine Drive Lewistown, PA 17044
717-248-6400
Toll Free 877-248-6405 cshockey@StoneArchRealEstate.com
by Sarah Hurlburt
Beautiful 2 story in Shawnee Hills
I sometimes wonder if I’m the only one that feels a bit like an alien in the “virtual reality” that has consumed our society. I am actually shocked when I see a child in public that is not engrossed in texting while walking or sitting alongside their parents, or even worse, while riding their bikes down the sidewalk. (And yes I did see that!) Having friends over used to consist of running and playing outside for hours and coming in exhausted. Now I hear, “want to play Wii?” Or I find my kid and a friend sitting on a couch texting on their iPods or phones. This just about makes the capital crime list in my opinion. Cell phones, iPods, internet, TV and video games have become a source of great conflict in our home and it’s a battle I will fight to the bitter end, because to me it’s worth it. Being personal and real with people is becoming a thing of the past and I’m not on board with that. Don’t get me wrong, technology is an awesome thing in its right place, but outside of that it can be a very bad thing. Switching the “old fashioned” form of communication from real to virtual definitely hurt us as a society on many levels. It’s hurt marriages, it’s hurt parent/ kid communication, it’s allowed our young people to lack “people skills” and “communication skills” like sitting and chatting in an actual room with an actual person and looking at them in their actual eyes to experience the whole beauty of communication with a friend. We have gone without cable or dish for many years and a year ago decided to get it back to be able to watch news and a few other things we used to enjoy. But to our dismay, TV has gotten even more disgusting than it was when we had it several years before. Now we are in a contract and have
decided to ride it out, but choose for the most part to keep the TV watching very controlled and very minimal. As far as cell phones, other than my husband’s, which is used for his business, we have two track phones. One is mine and the other is one that our oldest uses when she is away from us. But since she only gets a certain amount of minutes, that has to last her 3 months—she has learned a lesson in “minute” management. (Because if she runs out before the 3 months are up, no more minutes will be added.) Video games are usually only allowed to be played when a timer is set because they only get so many brain frying minutes a day in my house. As far as computers go, I try to keep it turned off except for when I’m using it that way there is much less temptation for the kids to be “surfin” the web watching more brain frying YouTube videos. Now having said all of that, I do post things on my Facebook page and laugh at my friends “virtual” chats that we sometimes have. I do embrace this “virtual” society that we live in, and find it a great blessing to be able to keep in touch with friends and family I otherwise rarely get to see or connect with because of them living in other countries or states. But one rule I have about Facebook is that everyone on my friends list is my friend in “real” life, because who in the world can “stay connected” with the 875 friends on their “friends” list? I don’t write this article from some high and lofty parenting throne either, because as I type, my kids have some HGTV decorating show blaring in the background, iTunes is playing soft music for me here in the office, and the iPad is tucked safely into its charger for tomorrow. So, no I’m not the total crazy woman that my kids think I am, but I am much more plugged in to real life than I am virtual life and I plan on keeping it that way. a
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www.StoneArchRealEstate.com “Dominiques” from page 29 have a low “pebble textured” comb the “chickaholics” refer to as a rose comb. That rose comb and their smaller wattles are especially attractive features for free ranging birds here in our Central PA location. It is much less susceptible to frost bite than the high single comb of the of the Barred Plymouth Rock. And with our summers apparently heating up over the past few years, you might like to know that Dominiques also have a reputation for adapting well to heat and humidity. They are considered a dual-purpose breed, providing a good supply of eggs and meat. You can expect your Dominique hens to lay around 250 eggs per year for the first two years, and of course the numbers go down from there. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! (he shouts in his best infomercial voice) Dominiques were also recognized as producing great material for feather pillows and mattresses. Now there’s a real exercise in self-sufficiency; raise a flock of Dominiques for the eggs and meat, then turn the plumage
Fiat vs Fungible from page 32
coins, not numismatic coins that are purchased for their rarity in addition to their gold or silver content. If you have charitable intention (which we hope you do), get those dollars into the ministries that you support sooner than later, in order that they too may put it to solid use serving others and preparing accordingly.
into feather mattresses and pillows for everyone in your family. Ok, that last part may be a bit over the top, but it’s just one more of the “simple” survival skills rapidly becoming lost to generations of Americans who are probably going to need some of those skills in the not too distant future. They were a popular home flock bird until the 1920s and survived the Great Depression due to its hardiness and ease of up-keep. Hmm, sounds like another great attribute for our area. And then began the dark ages of American food production. Large scale industrial practices that were concerned only with production without any regard for what we were doing to the land, resulted in some of what were once the most fertile lands on our continent becoming labeled as “The Dust Bowl.” Big, ugly, industrial scale agriculture really began to take root and to despoil our food chain and lands after the end of WWII. The family farm and the backyard flocks began a steady decline. By the time someone finally sat up and took notice, specifically the American Livestock Breeds
Conservancy, there were only four known flocks of Dominiques to be found in the country. They were brought back from the very brink of extinction and were reported doing well until as recently as 2007. The current decline in numbers is attributed to the increasing age and deaths among breed fanciers. And that’s where we come in. I’ll grant you that on my current 1/4 acre I can’t do much to preserve the American Mammoth Jackstock ass or the Oberhasli goat, but perhaps my chicken order can keep some breeder of heritage breed chickens in the game until I buy my own 40 acre parcel. And, you can support breeders that ALBC recognizes as playing a role in preserving some of America’s endangered genetic stock. Next month, another of my favorite heritage breeds, the Chantecler. Until then, remember, support your local economy. Buy local, eat local, and live well. (Generous excerpts courtesy of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy website.) a
Yes, money is a powerful thing. A sound monetary system is even more powerful. This is something our founding fathers gave us, unfortunately, we have lost this good inheritance. We encourage you to consider this information as you plan in order to determine how these matters apply to you. C. Mark Ostrowski is founder and President of The Steward-
ship Group, Inc. He earned his Master’s Degree in Financial Services in 2007 from the American College, Bryn Mawr, PA. He may be reached at 717-935-5858, or mostrowski@thestewardshipgroup.org Sources for the above article include: The National Inflation Association , www.inflation.us; and Stansberry and Associates, www.stansberryresearch.com a
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The Valley, September 2011
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Fiat vs Fungible By Mark Ostrowski
Money is a powerful thing. But, just what is it? To function as money, an item must possess certain characteristics. First it must perform as a medium of exchange. Our currency does this. I take my paper dollars and give them to a farmer who gives me food in return. He then takes those same dollars and obtains shoes or some other item he needs, and so on it goes, those dollars circulating through the system. We understand this function of money very well. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, money should serve as a store of wealth. If I choose to not spend my money this week and save it for ten years from now, I ought to be able to obtain the same amount of goods and services I can today without any loss of my purchasing power! This definitely does not describe our money. Essentially, for an item to function as money, it should be liquid and easily tradable, easily transportable, and durable. It should be divisible into smaller units without destroying its value and should also be fungible; meaning one unit of equal weight
must be equivalent to another (which is why diamonds can’t be used as money). The item must also be a specific weight, measure, or size, so that it is easy to count. It must be long lasting, durable, and not perishable or subject to decay (which is why food items can’t be used as money). Money must be easily recognizable and most importantly, it must be difficult to counterfeit. The U.S. dollar simply isn’t real money because the government has been counterfeiting trillions of dollars out of thin air. Money shouldn’t require a mark or image to be valuable, but it should just be valuable based on weight and measure. Gold and silver are valuable based on their weight and measure, and fit all of these other qualities and characteristics as well. The truth is gold and silver have been accepted as money throughout all civilizations over periods of thousands of years. The sanctuary shekel referred to in the Bible, was a silver coin which weighed slightly less than one half ounce. The U.S. Constitution in Article 1 Sec. 10, defines
gold and silver as legal tender, and the current fiat currency system we have today is unconstitutional, immoral, and illegal. The U.S. dollar originally only had purchasing power because it was backed by gold. After World War II at the Bretton Woods Conference, where 730 delegates from all 44 allied nations met, the U.S. dollar became the world’s reserve currency. In exchange for placing the dollar at the center of the world’s economy, we vowed to always exchange our dollars for gold at $35 per ounce. That promise was broken in 1971 when the size of our government’s debts forced us to abandon the gold standard. Fiat money is money that has value only because of government regulation or law. The term derives from the Latin fiat, meaning “let it be done”; as such money is established by government decree. Where fiat money is used as currency, the term fiat currency is used. (Wikipedia) Today, the U.S. dollar is a fiat currency that is
backed by nothing. It is money without intrinsic value. What are we to make of this today? Certainly, it’s hard to comprehend a world in which our dollars are worthless. However consider this, no fiat currency has ever lasted more than 100 years, and our Federal Reserve Bank was authorized by congress in 1913. More than timing, we all know the fundamentals are bad. We have a public debt that’s too great to be repaid and a lack of will by congress, the president and
vary from one provided by the International Accounting Standards Board, which describes it as “a cumulative inflation rate over three years approaching 100% (26% per annum compounded for three years in a row),” to Cagan’s (1956) “inflation exceeding 50% a month.” (Wikipedia) An example of Hyperinflation would be Weimar Germany early last century as illustrated in the graph below. In 1915 a mark was roughly equivalent to the US dollar. There’s a proverb that says “a wise man sees danger and hides himself from it.” Strategically,
the public to do anything about it. Hyperinflation is inflation that is very high or “out of control”. The currency loses its real value very quickly, normally at an accelerating rate. Definitions used
from a financial standpoint, it would be wise to consider holding at least 10% of your liquid assets in precious metals. Buy bullion
Weimar Germany Gold & Silver Prices in Marks, per troy ounce.
Continued on page 31
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The Valley, September 2011
Chiropractic and Children by Dr. Joseph Kauffman
Chiropractic can help by removing any irritation that may be affecting the nerves that control bladder function. These nerves exit an area of the spine called the Sacrum. In adults, the sacrum is one large fused bone that is very resistant to injury. However, during childhood, the sacrum is separated into five individual segments. If these segments become misaligned, due to a fall or other type of trauma, they can compromise the nerves that are responsible for bladder function. While chiropractic is not typically a treatment for bedwetting, countless children have been helped by being adjusted. In fact, a number of clinical research studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care can help many children suffering from bedwetting. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively common condition that tends to emerge in children during their early school years. The most common signs of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, impulsive behavior and difficulty concentrating. It is not entirely certain what causes ADHD, but the current
thought is that it is a combination of an overactive nervous system, coupled with a decrease in the brain’s ability to filter out extraneous sights, sounds, thoughts and emotions. Although chiropractors don’t directly treat ADHD, there are a number of things that your chiropractor can do to help eliminate things that stress a child’s nervous system, such as: • Remove spinal subluxations that irritate the nervous system, • Suggest dietary changes to avoid common problem foods, • Test for allergies that may be stressing the nervous system, and • Suggest changes to the home to help reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is defined as a condition where a baby just stops breathing. Although a cause has not yet been defined, most studies relating to SIDS have explored and discovered a malfunction of the respiratory system in the infant. Why would a primary system like respiration just stop? Since it is the nerve system that controls respiration, what could have happened to affect nor-
mal nerve function responsible for respiration? Was there any potential injury or trauma to the nerve system causing interference to normal respiratory function? When you look at the amount of pulling and rotation done by most operators in the majority of births today, there is good reason to believe that this type of pulling has caused irritation and even injury to the cervical spine and therefore the nerves it protects. Even in what is considered to be “natural births” there is often undue pulling and stretching of the infant’s spine. Alleviating any spinal nerve stress early in life will have profound effects on your child’s overall health and well-being. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that narrows the airways, making it difficult for the affected person to breathe properly. It can be a frustrating and stressful condition for children and adults alike, and while there is no cure, many people achieve moments of relief with the help of inhalers, steroids and other types of prescription drugs. Still, there may be alternative treatment options available. While some asthma
sufferers report immediate results from chiropractic treatments, others may experience a more gradual recovery. Light spinal thrusts and cervical adjustments may help some people improve asthma symptoms and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. (Source: Chiroweb.com) While chiropractic treatment is often sought after for back pain, many medical professionals believe that chiropractic care can be used to improve symptoms related to various disorders and diseases. Improving nervous system functioning can help to increase overall well-being and promote healthy breathing. Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that causes stiffness and pain. It is called an idiopathic disease because the cause of it is unknown. Scoliosis is more common in females and begins in childhood. However, merely
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2 percent of the population is afflicted. If detected early, scoliosis treatment may prevent it from worsening over time. Some of the treatments for it include the surgical insertion of metal rods, wearing an external brace, or Chiropractic care. The ideal age to treat patients with scoliosis through chiropractic is pre-teen or early teenage years. Early detection may be the key to preventing surgery. Many childhood injuries and conditions can be treated without the use of medication or surgery. If you can think back to your own childhood, you can probably remember different things you might have done that could have created spinal problems, such as wrecking your bicycle, a sled riding accident, falling down the steps or falling off of playground equipment. Chiropractic is safe and effective and should be considered for all children. Because the spine is much smaller in size for babies and children and the muscles aren’t as tense as adults, the force needed to move the bones is much less than adults and the sound of the bones moving is much less. Babies are adjusted by the chiropractor’s fingers and in some cases pinkies rather than using the whole hand. So, contact us today to see how Chiropractic can help your son or daughter. a
The Valley, September 2011
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Joanne Wills’ Contentment Quest The Spirit of Aloha Part 2 The wedding took place midway through our stay on the North Shore. The ceremony was held at a breathtaking spot known as Ku ‘alo Ranch, Moli ‘ki Gardens. It was an outdoor venue complete with an elegant pavilion dressed up in navy & white, and drenched in Polynesian splendor. The ceremony beautifully joined two hearts, two families, and many friends into one big “O’hana (Hawaiian for family). I felt truly honored to witness the bride and grooms new beginning. Through their profession of deepest commitment to each other, they had also woven a new
The beautiful Hawaiian sunset, one of the many joys of our time in paradise!
family tapestry that included all who shared in their special day. In essence, we were all the threads that were woven together to form the bride and groom’s tapestry. Over the course of the two days following the wedding, I took honor and pleasure in quietly witnessing the power of love, the strong bonds of family, and the comfort of friends. I contemplated how “love” had summoned all of these people to make the journey from their homes – from many different longitudes and latitude of the globe – to share in the bride and groom’s special day. I contemplated the power
of the bonds of matrimony and how the spoken vows between two individuals create a palpable energy and new life in their relationship – as one. I prayed that ten, fifteen, and even twenty years from now the bride and groom would find the same magic in their relationship as they do now in the infancy of their marriage. I felt blessed to have the opportunity to share this journey and the magic of Hawaii with my sons as it had been many years since we traveled somewhere together. I tried to drink in every moment with them, to take mental snapshots of the good times we were sharing, and to bottle up some of the laughter. For some day, in the not so distant future, their lives may take a different path, far from me, and far from home. I spent my remaining time on the island silently attempting to experience the pacific heaven on earth through all of my senses. I did my best to break the shackles of my “East coast mindset.” I tried
grace. That glorious place, one island in a chain of many, situated remotely between the eastern and western hemispheres, truly is where heaven touches Earth. It is so very special for its landscapes, for its beautiful people who are so very full of love – so very full of the essence of Aloha, for the ancient traditions that are still held sacred, for the respect and honor of the land as well as humanity, and for the Hawaiian residents’ attitude of gratitude. Our time on the island went by far too quickly, and in what seemed like a blink of the eye, it was time for us to say our goodbyes. Leaving paradise and the company of Rick’s daughter is always an emotional time for me. I truly love Hawaii. When I am there it feels like a balm to my soul, and his daughter is like a kindred spirit, so leaving is tough – and each time it has gotten a bit more emotional. As we made our way back to the airport, driving along the
The start of another day in paradise. You feel like you are living in a postcard.
to disregard my watch and clocks as I wanted to bask in what was remaining of my “island time.” As I walked, for the last time, along the beach, at the edge of the foaming surf, I gazed out over the azure sea, far into the horizon, and I realized this is the place where heaven touches Earth. I felt as if I glimpsed eternity and unbounding
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coastline, I noticed my daughterin-law, seated beside me, was deep in thought. As I called out her name to see if “all was well,” she glanced my way, and I realized that she too had been touched by Hawaii deep within her soul. As I boarded the flight and
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The Valley, September 2011
Life in the East End by Rebecca Harrop
“From the Farm Gate, to the Dinner Plate” was this year’s theme for the Mifflin County Youth Fair. For a good portion of Mifflin County families the Youth Fair is the culmination of any-
addition, all 4-H and Open Show vegetable entries were donated to local food pantries after judging, one specimen was left on display while the rest were donated. The Mifflin County Youth Fair is a part of my life that I have looked forward to for as long as I can remember. Before my sister and I showed, our brothers were involved so fair week has always been a hectic time for our family. I can’t imagine not being involved with the fair, but at the same time, it makes me wonder what the fair means to non-participants. For me, the first day of the fair is busy getting animals settled in and making many trips home to make sure I have everything I need. For the non-participants they will see the lines for registration in the Green Building, people unloading animals in the barns, and maybe even the occasional animal getting loose. Although, for participants, the first day of the fair is Sunday—it doesn’t open to the public until Monday. Fair Monday is still a registration day, but Monday night is the first show
where from nine months to a year of the completion of a project. Whether it’s an animal project or one of the Green Building projects, hours of planning and practice are required to complete the project. If you have an animal project, you have to work with your animal and train it to do what you want. You also need to make sure your animal makes weight. If you have a Green Building project, you have to practice so what you enter is the best you can do. No matter what your project, it takes a lot of time and dedication. Using this year’s fair theme our county was able to highlight one of the major aspects of 4-H and FFA, community service. Part of 4-H’s motto is “I Pledge My Hands to Larger Service” and FFA’s is “Living to Serve.” Using that as the foundation, Mifflin County had a hunger garden this year where any community member Good wholesome family fun really brings out the could spend time crowds. helping to maintain the garden, which of the week. For me, Monday was used to feed the hungry of is spent entering my things in Mifflin County. 4-H and FFA the Green Building, then getting members were required to bring ready for the hog show. I always canned food items to pen set-up. try to bath my pigs early so I beat Also, a display area was set up in the Green Building throughout the the rush for the wash pens. Then I have to make sure my pigs stay fair week so community memclean the rest of the day. For bers could also donate items to local food banks and shelters. In
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The Valley, September 2011
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Home-Grown! A Homeschooler’s Perspective By Mary Eck It is probably the single biggest objection to homeschooling, and is parroted by critics and well-wishers alike. Rare, indeed, is the homeschooling mom or dad who has not been bombarded by the concerned chorus of friends, family and well-meaning acquaintances that “of course, the children seem to be learning and doing well, BUT…(in a more intense and hushed tone) what about socialization?” Deflecting this all-too-frequent objection to what is truly a personal freedom issue can be a drain on the most stalwart of homeschool parents. The insinuation is unmistakable: Any and all academic success is wholly compromised and duly suspect simply because a homeschooled student has not been subjected to the daily confines of a classroom of same-age peers. Huh?! When did that become the standard? Our nation built a proud heritage via the celebrated one-room schoolhouse, and the American population in those days boasted an academic standard grade levels above that of today’s average citizen. Undoubtedly, there is a fundamental contrast between the two camps as to what is meant by the term “socialization.” Does it include corralling an eight-year old and keeping him grouped only with other eight-year olds for the seven-plus hours-long school day? How exactly does that mimic real life and prepare the child for healthy interaction with individuals across the age spectrum?
The stereotypical, public- or private-schooled teen will usually not voluntarily engage an adult in conversation or take time to ask how a tween’s or toddler’s day is going; it just isn’t something they would do. On the flip side, though, many homeschoolers interact with fellow students on a regular basis, from the toddler stage up on up to high schoolers and beyond…and learn valuable social skills as a result. But, to be fair, there are homeschoolers who do not perform well socially, just as there are “socialized,” public- and privateschooled students who don’t fit that sullen, monosyllabic, self-absorbed teen stereotype. Arguably, there are just as many “well-socialized” public schoolers as there are “un-socialized” homeschoolers. And when all is said and done, socialization of children is fundamentally a parenting issue, not a public school vs. homeschool one. It really boils down to how important of a priority communication skills are to the parents of a child. Those who believe that healthy interaction skills are an essential element of their child(ren)’s character development, will certainly make it a focal point of day-today life. When I see a child that demonstrates unusual or exceptional socialization skills, I do not automatically presume he or she is homeschooled. That, honestly, doesn’t enter my mind. In fact, my first thought is something like, “Wow! His/her parents are on the right track, and deserve a pat on the back!” My second thought leads me to lament the fact that
CORRECTED RECIPE FROM AUGUST ISSUE! Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream This recipe is for a 6 qt ice cream freezer. In a mixer, slowly blend together the following ingredients until well blended. 1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk 1 15 oz. can evaporated milk 6 eggs 1 pint heavy whipping cream (this ingredient was missing in the August issue) 1 cup of sugar (use ½ cup of sugar if you are making chocolate ice cream) 1 serving spoon of imitation vanilla (careful, don’t use the pure
vanilla extract, it has a higher alcohol content and your ice cream won’t freeze! I learned this from experience). Approximately ¾ can chocolate syrup (If making chocolate. Use as much as you want depending on how dark you like your chocolate ice cream--I like a “light” chocolate). Milk (Get a half gallon to be sure you have enough—you won’t use it all). Pour mixture into the ice cream canister. Add milk to bring the level of the mixture to about the 3rd or 4th rung down (on your ice cream paddles) from the top of
Stereotype Spoilers!
not enough parents—regardless of schooling choice—are stepping up to the plate and teaching the value of just plain being considerate and conversationally adept. Public education is just as much a choice as homeschooling is, but because it is the default choice of our current culture, it is deemed somehow more respectable. That, however, is just as much a crock as arbitrarily assigning a child’s socialization quotient because of schooling method. Parenting alone is the defining factor, period. There; I said it. And I am fully aware that the politically-correct police may have a problem with that opinion, but truth is truth. Contrary to popular belief, the public school system is far from having the socialization market cornered, and it is high time that misconception was put to bed! Having said all that, I challenge homeschooling critics (you know who you are) to set aside unfounded biases and judge each child on individual academic results and socialization aptitude. Likewise, homeschool students, I challenge you to assess your own behavioral standards, and act accordingly so as not to contribute to the perception problem. And parents across the schoolingchoice spectrum, including myself, let’s get about the business of purposefully rearing youngsters that smash that teen stereotype to smithereens! “Mary Eck homeschools her four younger children, ages 10-15, in Mifflintown, PA. She can be contacted at maryeck@rocketmail. com. a
the canister. I use 2% milk, but if you want it richer, use whole milk. Give your paddles a few twists to blend the mixture and milk together. Note: Don’t fill the canister all the way to the top, or as it freezes, it will all leak out of the top. You need to give it room to expand as it freezes. Adding fruit: If you want to make peach, raspberry, strawberry or some other type of fruit, make sure it’s nice and soft and chopped up. Add it after the ice cream starts to freeze a bit or it will all be at the bottom. a
Julie Mac from page 8 best elixir for a cold. You will need: 16 cups chicken stock 3 cups diced chicken (about 1 3-lb chicken) 1-1/2 cups diced celery (about 2 stalks) 1-1/2 cups sliced carrots (about 3 medium) 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium) Salt, optional Pepper, optional 3 chicken bouillon cubes, optional 4 (32 oz) quart or 8 (16 oz) pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands Directions: 1.) PREPARE pressure canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside. 2.) COMBINE chicken stock, chicken, celery, carrots and onion in a large saucepot. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if desired. Add bouillon cubes, if desired. Cook until bouillon cubes are dissolved. 3.) LADLE hot soup into hot jars leaving 1 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight. 4.) PROCESS filled jars in a pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure 1 hour and 15 minutes for pints and 1 hour and 30 minutes for quarts, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed. Half Recipe Makes about 2 (32 oz) quarts or 4 (16 oz) pints You will need: 8 cups chicken stock 1-1/2 cups diced chicken (about 1/2 3-lb chicken) 3/4 cup diced celery (about 1 stalk) 3/4 cup sliced carrots (about 2 medium) 1/2 cup diced onion (about 1/2 medium) Salt, optional Pepper, optional 1 to 2 chicken bouillon cubes, optional 2 (32 oz) quart or 4 (16 oz) pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands Directions: Use same directions as full recipe. Another favorite recipe is beef stew. I do like to add other things to it once it comes out of the jar, (like sun dried tomatoes) and sometimes I will marinate the beef in red wine before I can the stew recipe. This is a great “starter” that will shave hours off
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of your meal preparation. You will need: 4 to 5 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 12 cups cubed and peeled potatoes (about 12 medium) 8 cups sliced carrots (about 16 small) 3 cups chopped celery (about 5 stalks) 3 cups chopped onion (about 4 small) 1-1/2 Tbsp salt 1 tsp thyme 1/2 tsp pepper Water 7 (32 oz) quart or 14 (16 oz) pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands Directions: 1.) PREPARE pressure canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside. 2.) BROWN meat in oil in a large saucepot. Add vegetables and seasonings to browned meat. Cover with boiling water. Bring stew to a boil. Remove from heat. 3.) LADLE hot stew into hot jars leaving 1 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight. 4.) PROCESS filled jars in the pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure 1 hour and 15 minutes for pints and 1 hour and 30 minutes for quarts, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed. Half Recipe Makes about 3 (32 oz) quarts or 7 (16 oz) pints Traditional beef stew with potatoes, carrots, celery and more. Preserved in your pressure canner for when you want a homemade meal fast. You will need: 2 to 2-1/2 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes 1-1/2 tsp vegetable oil 6 cups cubed and peeled potatoes (about 6 medium) 4 cups sliced carrots (about 8 small) 1-1/2 cups chopped celery (about 3 stalks) 1-1/2 cups chopped onion (about 2 small) 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp thyme 1/4 tsp pepper Water 3 (32 oz) quart or 7 (16 oz) pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands, process as for full recipe. Hope you enjoy all of these Fall warm me ups! a
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The Valley, September 2011 The Spirit of Aloha from page 34
at an airport near “home,” for the first time I realized that this place too is a place where heaven touches earth. I understood that took my seat for the long journey heaven could touch earth in my home a scripture passage came to living room, in my kitchen, in mind “I have learned, in whatsomy back yard or on my front ever state I am, therewith to be porch. Heaven could touch earth content.” ~ Philippians 4:11. I anywhere – not just in the pacific thought about how fast life seems to spin back home; how worry and islands – heaven could touch earth anywhere as long as we carried anxiety show up when we rush the – the palpable energy of love, honor, respect, and gratitude – the spirit of Aloha. I leave you with thoughts on Hawaii from some of Our accommodations made one feel totally spoiled the great by the surrounding beauty. thinkers… Mark Twain called Hawaii ahead into minutes that haven’t been fashioned yet. I realized that “The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.” society tells us we must manage Paul Theroux stated “Hathe future – our future – inside a waii is not a state of mind, but a time frame that doesn’t even exist state of grace.” yet, and we wonder why we feel David Lalakau said ‘The stressed and in a state of disease. hula is the heartbeat of the HaI also realized that God hands us waiian people.” the grace that we need for each And last but not least… minute as they come. He weaves Gilbert Grosvenor stated “As the a bit of eternity into each one of Hawaiians say, “Hele me Kahau our minutes, but it is up to us to ‘Oli” – go with joy.” a recognize it, to glimpse it – and therewith to be content. As I stepped off of the plane
Poor Will’s Valley Almanack from page 41 With those broad guidelines and a map, one can calculate temperatures almost anywhere east of the Mississippi, and estimate with some accuracy the location of the seasons at any time of year. From its birth along the Gulf Coast in January, spring comes north one hundred miles every week. Making the journey to my garden in about two months, it brings crocus by the first week of March, and into the country’s northern rim by the end of April or the first of May. With a little division and interpolation, one might, if he or she wished, estimate tulip or daffodil time for any village all along that path. In autumn, killing frosts move down from the Canadian border at about the same rate as spring warmth approaches from the Caribbean, striking near Winnipeg in the first weeks of September, reaching Pennsylvania toward the middle or the end of October, and arriving in southern Georgia by the end of November or the first weeks of December. Although conditions for a gardenkilling freeze can vary from yard to yard, to say nothing about from state to state, one position on the seasonal trajectory suggests the approximate positions of other locations as well. And although the leaf-turn cycle is as dependent upon the sun as upon the weather, fall colors typically follow the frost: aspens peak in the Rocky Mountains in
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early to mid September; a month later, the country’s midsection begins the best of its maple color, and most deciduous trees lose their leaves in the South by late November. Wherever a person may be during the fall or any other season of the year, he or she can use that knowledge to unlock the door of that movement elsewhere. Copyright 2011 – Bill Felker Bill Felker has been writing nature columns and almanacs for regional and national publications since 1984. His Poor Will’s Almanack has appeared as an annual publication since 2003, and his weekly radio essays are broadcast on National Public Radio’s WYSO from Yellow Springs, Ohio. Bill’s website, www.poorwillsalmanack.com, contains weekly updates and a sizable bank of information about nature. His organization of weather patterns and phenology (what happens when in nature) offers a unique structure for understanding the repeating rhythms of the year. Bill lives with his wife in Yellow Springs, Ohio. They have two daughters, Jeni, who is a psychologist in Portland, Oregon, and Neysa, a photographer in Spoleto, Italy.
Signs, Banners,Hats, T-Shirts, Striping, And Any Decal Needs
HAPPENINGS! Goose Day:
September 29, 2011
WWW.DsignsShop.com Rt. 22 7 Miles West Of McVeytown, Pa www.thevalleynewspaper.com
McClure Bean Soup Festival and Fair:
September 10-17, 2011
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The Valley, September 2011
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The Valley, September 2011
Notes Lewistown Hospital Announces Medical-Dental Staff Officers Lewistown Hospital announces its new Medical-Dental staff officers for 2011-2013. The new officers include: Ketankumar R. Sheth, MD, FACC, president; Edward H. Ridings, DO, FACOS, president-elect; and Gopalkrishna M. Trivedi, MD, treasurer.
Your Source For‌Farm, Auto, Home, & Life Insurance Year Round Tax Planning 4417 East Main Street, Belleville Dr. K. Sheth
935 935--5858
Dr. E. Ridings
Gopalkrishna Trivedi, MD
Diabetes Resource Center Offering Fall Diabetes Education Classes
The Diabetes Resource Center at Lewistown Hospital is offering Fall Diabetes Education Classes. Classes will be held weekly from 10am-12pm starting September 8, 2011 and will be held every Thursday at the Lewistown Hospital through October 6. Class location will be provided upon registration. The topics for the classes include: Intro to Diabetes & Healthy Eating, Carbohydrate Counting, Being Active and Monitoring, Medications, and Healthy Coping & Reducing Risks. Classes will be billed to the participants insurance. Contact your insurance provider with questions regarding coverage. Participants may bring a guest. Registration is required to attend. Please call Central Scheduling at (717) 242-7688 to register. The Diabetes Resource Center is recognized by the American Diabetes Association for meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Training. For more information, visit www.lewistownhospital.org/diabetes.
Family Health Associates Welcomes New Pulmonologist
Kennedy Eneh, MD, joins Family Health Associates (FHA). He is a board certified pulmonologist specializing in lung disease and will be working with Jose’ R. Acosta, MD, FCCP, at FHA Pulmonary Services located in Suite 140 at the LeMed Building in Lewistown. Dr. Eneh earned his medical degree from University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency and Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship at Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, and he completed his Critical Care Fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. He is a member of American College of Physicians, American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, and Society of Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Eneh is currently accepting new patients. For more information, call (717) 242-2711 or visit www.lewistownhospital.org/FHA .
Dr. Kennedy Eneh
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The Valley, September 2011
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POOR WILL’S VALLEY ALMANACK for September of 2011 How rich in color, before the big show of the tree foliage has commenced, our roadsides are in places in early autumn, -- rich to the eye that goes hurriedly by and does not look too closely, -- with the profusion of goldenrod and blue and purple asters dashed in upon here and there with the crimson leaves of the dwarf sumac. --John Burroughs THE STARS At midnight, the Milky Way runs from east to west across the sky. The stars of the Summer Triangle are setting in the far west, and Orion is climbing up from the eastern horizon. Hercules, which was overhead at 12:00 a.m. in the first week of June, is now setting in the northwest, and Castor and Pollux, the twins of Gemini, are coming up over the tree line in the northeast. By sunrise, Orion has shifted to the center of the heavens. January’s Leo and its brightest star, Regulus, have risen from the Atlantic Ocean, and the Great Square is following Hercules into the Pacific. THE PLANETS Venus moves into Virgo with Saturn during September, almost lost in the horizon and the dawn. Mars is in Cancer, high in the east before sunrise. Jupiter still in Aries, rises before sundown and moves across the sky throughout the night, shining bright in the far west before the sun comes up. THE SUN Throughout the northern hemisphere, the sun reaches equinox at 4:05 a.m. on September 23. Within several days of that moment, the night is about 12 hours long in the Northeast, in the Northwest, the Midwest, the Great Plains, the Middle Atlantic States, and the Deep South. Sunrise takes place between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. almost everywhere north of
Mexico City, sunset between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. THE SHOOTING STARS The Piscid meteors fall through Pisces, in the southern sky, an hour or two after midnight throughout the month. Plan to look for shooting stars when the moon is dark: the first week and the last week of this month. The Alpha Aurigid meteors pass through on or about the 23rd. THE MOON AND THE WEATHER SEPTEMBER - WEEK 1 THE FIFTH WEEK OF LATE SUMMER LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Monarch Butterfly Moon enters its second quarter at 12:39 on September 4. As the monarchs start their journey to Mexico, other insect activity increases, as well, and spiders weave more webs to capture the more abundant prey. Rising late in the morning and setting before midnight, the waxing crescent moon moves overhead in the afternoon, telling fish and dieters to bite at that time, especially when the cool front of September 2 approaches. The growing moon encourages growth on all kinds of plants. Consider sodding the lawn now. And get ready to put in winter rye as the moon waxes. WEATHER PATTERNS The first September weather system is typically a gentle one, and late summer continues throughout Pennsylvania for the next few days. Chances for precipitation are low both before and after this first September high, and they continue low until the approach of the next ridge of high pressure. In spite of the mild nature of this front, it does reflect the gradual transition to fall, and brings one chance in a hundred for a light frost. SEPTEMBER – WEEK 2 THE FINAL WEEK OF LATE SUMMER LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Monarch Butterfly Moon
waxes gibbous throughout the period, becoming completely full on September 12 at 4:27 a.m. Rising late in the day and setting after midnight, this second-quarter moon is overhead after dark. Fishing is favored (and dieting challenged) with the moon above you after supper this week, especially as the cool fronts of September 8 and 12 approach. Full moon on the 12th is expected to intensify the high-pressure system due to arrive that day, and frost is a distinct possibility. In the garden, get ready to transplant perennials as the moon wanes between September 13 and 27. WEATHER PATTERNS The likelihood of precipitation increases at the arrival of the September 8 cool front, and once this system goes through Pennyslvania, it almost always brings in Early Fall, a month-long period of Judas maples and the encroachment of chillier nights. Temperatures, which began to cool at the pivot time of August 10, decline more noticeably. A slightly stronger system often follows the September 8 high, making the 12th one of the two cloudiest and wettest days in September. The 12th also marks the beginning of a decline in percentage of daily sunshine, a downward shift that continues through December (the year’s darkest month). Chances for a light freeze increase on the 13th and 14th as this third high-pressure system of the month shows its full power. SEPTEMBER: WEEK 3 THE FIRST WEEK OF EARLY FALL LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Monarch Butterfly Moon, full on September 12, wanes throughout the upcoming week, entering its last quarter at 8:39 a.m. on September 20. This gibbous moon comes up in the evening and goes down in the morning, moving overhead – its most propitious position for fishing – after midnight. Lunar condi-
tions for hunting are expected to improve at the second-best lunar time, in the early afternoon. Cool fronts of September 15 and 20 should lower barometric pressure before their arrival, and that low pressure should increase feeding activity in livestock, game and dieters. The waning moon favors harvest throughout the remainder of the month. The transplanting of perennials and the setting in of shrubs and trees are also suggested during this lunar period. Trimming feet on livestock, shearing sheep, and all other kinds of animal maintenance are traditional activities for the darkening moon. WEATHER PATTERNS The fourth high of September, due in Pennsylvania on the 15th, is followed by one the greatest shifts so far in the season. As this weather system moves along the 40th Parallel, brisk afternoons in the 50s or 60s are four times as likely as during the first week of the month. The mornings are chilly, and the possibility of a light freeze grows steadily. Although the day before the September 20 front is one of autumn’s warmest, when the front actually arrives, the likelihood of days in the 90s disappears all across the northern half of the state. Even 80s will be gone there in only three weeks. The odds for an afternoon in the 50s or 60s this week doubles over those odds last week. The chances of a light freeze become a minimum of ten percent per night until the first week of October, when odds quickly increase. On the positive side, pollen season declines quickly after the passage of this weather system. SEPTEMBER: WEEK 4 THE SECOND WEEK OF EARLY FALL LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Monarch Butterfly Moon wanes throughout the period, becoming the new Leafturn Moon at 6:09 a.m. on September 27. When the first stage of leafturn
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occurs under this moon, Early Fall embraces the land; when leaves are in full color, the season becomes Middle Fall; after major leafdrop, but before the last shrubs and most stubborn trees lose their leaves comes the time of Late Fall. Rising in the morning and setting in the afternoon, the dark crescent moon is overhead near the middle of the day, making lunchtime the worst period this week for dieting but one of the best for angling and scouting the woods for game. The dark moon also favors harvest of all kinds and the seeding of green manure crops for the field and garden. New moon is, however, associated with higher-than-average tides, with frost in the North, and an increased possibility of a hurricane in the Gulf region. WEATHER PATTERNS Chances for precipitation increase as the September 24 front approaches Pennsylvania from the west, and after this high moves east, light frost occurs more often than at any other time up to this point in September. Although the day before the September 29 front’s arrival is usually dry and mild, this final high of September is the first to bring real danger of a hard frost to he North, Average temperatures now start to fall at the rate of four degrees per week. A DAYBOOK FOR SEPTEMBER Make haste to check the almanack anon To choose your kids and lambs for Ramadan! Breed the doe and then the ewe To have some meat for Easter too! September 1: As the winter months approach, the percentage of available sunlight declines. Since sunlight is an effective germicide, be alert for the gradual increase in the possibility of disease in the months ahead. When possible, keep barn doors open, so that
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The Valley, September 2011 the sunlight can come directly into the barn without passing through glass, helping to produce vitamin D and aiding in the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus in your herd and flock. September 2: The cool front that is due near this date should be milder than average because of the low power of the moon. September 3: The waxing moon should load potatoes, tomatoes, squash, beans, corn and every other field and garden vegetable to the very top with moisture during the first week of September. Wild plums and the last of the summer apples should be fat as can be as the first of the field corn matures and soybeans start to shed their leaves. September 4: The Monarch Butterfly Moon enters its gentle second quarter today. Take advantage of this favorable lunar time for working closely with livestock , children, clients, and significant others. September 5: Autumn grass may be lower in protein than its spring counterpart. Consider a protein supplement for your livestock as September progresses. Lush fall grasses have also been related to laminitis in horses; inspect hooves on a regular basis. September 6: Hickory nutting season opens as sweet-corn time winds down. Burrs from tick trefoil stick to your stockings when you wander off the trail. Lizard’s tail drops its leaves into the creeks and sloughs. Beside the deer paths of the forests, the undergrowth is tattered and cluttered with the remnants of the year. September 7: September and October are peak months for grasshoppers, crickets and katydids. But the nighttime chorus of insects diminishes in direct proportion to the drop in temperatures as fall advances. September 8: The cool front due around this date is the first of the autumn weather systems that carry the danger of significant snowfall at upper elevations in the West. The hottest weather of the year usually ends near this date throughout the East and Midwest. September 9: As you plan to serve the ethnic sheep and goat market, be prepared to process or ship your lambs and kids one to two weeks before the actual feast day celebration. Remember also that buyers from this market often prefer to slaughter their own animals, and many prefer to do it before taking them off your property. September 10: Squirrels are shredding Osage fruits in the woods. Rose of Sharon, which
was bright from here to the ocean a few weeks ago, has suddenly lost most of its flowers. Japanese knotweed petals darken and fall. White boneset begins to lose its brightness along the freeways. Ironweed is now deteriorating quickly, wingstem in its last week. Fawns born in the spring are now weaned and have lost their spots. September 11: The sweet potato harvest has begun in North Carolina, the potato harvest in Wisconsin, the peanut and sorghum harvest in South Carolina. Farmers are cutting corn for silage all across Pennsylvania, cutting spring oats and wheat in Wyoming, cutting spring barley in California, cutting hay in Alaska, bringing in tobacco throughout the Border States. September 12: The moon is full today, intensifying the effects of the September 12 cool front that often moves across Pennsylvania. After this front passes through, the average percentage of cloud cover gradually begins to increase and the chances for colder temperatures grow more quickly. September 13: This lunar week is favored for transplants and setting out bulbs. This should also be a superb lunar time for cutting tobacco and corn, for picking early grapes, for starting the fall apple harvest, and for digging potatoes. Also take advantage of this feeble, waning moon for animal transport and maintenance. September 14: If you fish as part of your self-sufficiency regimen, you may find that rainbow trout respond best to red or orange flies during the autumn months. Their visual response may be a biological adaptation to leaf turn, or may reflect a change in the way the sun strikes the water. Document all your fishing and hunting experiences in a journal. You should find that similar seasonal patterns occur as each season repeats. September 15: A few leaves are falling in the wood lots. Osage fruits and buckeyes tumble down. Wild cherries have disappeared from their trees. Slippery elm, catalpa, poplars and ash foliage pales, but the American mountain ash is golden with berries. September 16: As the foliage turns and the wildflowers die back, the body gets another round of autumn messages. Those messages began back in August with the lengthening nights, an occasional edge to a weather system, and the darkening of the leaves. The signals intensify as equinox approaches, alerting your nervous system to the challenges of the colder and more demanding time ahead. In many people, the
body responds with an increase in adrenaline and a higher activity level. This not only helps with the harvest but also with the broad spectrum of projects associated with winter survival. September 17: The whether market is typically strong in the fall; hobbyists and larger goat herders now move their neutered kids born in March and April to regional buyers. This is also the time of year that goat milk prices typically rise, remaining relatively high until the end of winter. Consider how you might take advantage of this favorable pricing period next year. September 18: Now trim hooves on livestock under the waning moon. Spray for fly-strikes and check for maggot infestations too. Worm ewes to be bred at the end of the month, then keep them in drylot for a few days. Shear around the dock. Continue to keep track of estrus cycling. Get rams and bucks up to date on all their shots, cleaned and shaved before breeding season. September 19: Nearly 200 species of birds have begun to fly south by equinox. Only about 60 migrating species remain in Pennsylvania, and those will be on their way at the close of October. By that time, the signs will be unmistakable. Insects will be disappearing, leaves will be falling, and most of the wildflowers will have gone to seed. September 20: The moon enters its final quarter today. Frame construction is favored at this time, since the moon’s fourth quarter is associated with a minimum of moisture in lumber. Lunar lore holds that moisture in grain also declines during the moon’s fourth quarter, favoring harvest. September 21: Consider adding solid sides and bedding to your hog shelters as the cold approaches, but keep ventilation adequate. Also think about insulation to reduce condensation. September 22: If you suffer from seasonal affective disorders, begin your S.A.D. journal now. The day’s length has fallen from approximately15 hours at summer solstice (depending on your location) to less than 12 hours. Although the transition to winter is gradual, a journal will record subtle differences in your outlook, just like a daily nature journal will reflect the steady changes in the landscape. And if you combine a personal diary with a farm and garden diary, you should get the clearest possible picture of how your moods follow the seasons. One important thing to remember: No detail is too small to men-
tion; you will see how things fit together in a year or two. September 23: Today is autumn equinox, and the season of light frosts deepens throughout Pennsylvania. The 24th and the 27th even carry a 25 percent chance of a mild freeze - the greatest chance since May 10. September 24: Throughout Pennsylvania, days in the 90s usually disappear after the 22nd of September. Even 80s will be gone by the middle of October. Highs only in the 50s or 60s become common in the North. September 25: Now, poison ivy, sumac and Virginia creeper turn the fencerows red and gold. The canopy of leaves is visibly thinning. Fallen leaves start to dominate the undergrowth. Canadian geese begin their migration season. Insects become less common; spiders weave fewer webs. Ruby-throated hummingbirds turn south. Rare autumn violets bloom. September 26: In Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington State, the cranberry harvest has begun as berries darken in the cooler weather. September 27: Leafturn Moon is new today, and the dark moon traditionally favors vaccinations and general livestock care. Changes in the season bring weather extremes as well as stress, so you will be managing routine health needs at the most important time of the year. The waxing moon in the week ahead will also favor all kinds of planting and transplanting. Put in winter grains after new moon in either September or October, depending on your location. September 28: The new moon brings excellent landscaping conditions, favorable for the setting out of shrubs and young trees, for dividing and transplanting perennials, for putting out flowering mums, as well as for seeding some late lettuce and radishes. This is also an excellent lunar week for soybean and corn harvests, for picking grapes and fall apples, too. September 29: End flushing ewes bred at the end of August, and put them on a good maintenance ration. And as the corn harvest is completed, be sure to vaccinate for entero-toxemia the lambs you let run in the cornfields. Select breeding bucks and rams for females to be bred in November. September 30: Throughout Pennyslvania, fallen leaves begin to cover the undergrowth, and the canopy is visibly thinning. Honey locusts are half yellow, buckeyes in the middle of full leafdrop. Hickories are gold, like the ashes.
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The first white mulberry, sycamore and cottonwood leaves have come down in the wind. THE SECRET RHYTHM The rhythmic passage of high-pressure systems across the United States can be tracked as well from one’s own home and microclimate as from any other location. Regional barometric fluctuations reflect a relationship between local weather and weather all across the country, and those variations create not only images of parochial natural history, but also portraits of the general climate. When the barometric pressure falls and rain or snow occurs in my home town of Yellow Springs, Ohio, I know that a cold wave is sweeping across Illinois and Indiana, will reach me in a few hours, and arrive in Pennsylvania within a day. Like swells in the ocean, atmospheric waves occur at relatively predictable intervals, and they are all connected to one another. Their progress through my garden can be, therefore, a guide to the extended environment. No satellite is needed to see them, no technology more recent than that of the 17th century. Since the general pivot times of seasonal change are dependent upon the regular patterns and predictable characteristics of these high and low pressure systems, the same key patterns that cause my weather to change usually bring about similar changes to the north and south. For example, although early spring comes to central Ohio in the third week of February and does not come to Minneapolis until April, a shift towards milder conditions does occur in Minnesota and throughout the country in the middle of the year’s second month—be it accompanied by blooming snowdrops and aconite or simply by a slight modification of temperatures from highs in the upper 20s to highs in the lower 30s. Since the rise and fall of temperatures in other parts of the North America keep pace with the temperatures in my village, a thermometer here can also be used to estimate the weather throughout the hemisphere. From the 40th Parallel—which lies just a few miles from Yellow Springs—the coldest months show temperatures about two to three degrees colder every one hundred miles north, two to three degrees warmer every hundred miles south. In the milder months of summer, the differences shrink to one degree per hundred miles.
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The Valley, September 2011
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A Forgotten Fruit The Medlar by Wayne Stottlar
As a person who always has an eye for the obscure or unusual, and not being a “follow the crowd” type of person, it only makes sense that the same would apply to my gardening practices. If one were to check out our gardens, you would find several items not found many other places. I also, because of my desire to learn the old ways and to get to a more natural and sustainable lifestyle, have discovered through research some long forgotten items that at one point in time were found everywhere. What is this obscure fruit I speak of? No, it isn’t the Russian Honeyberries we have in the side garden, nor is it the Norwegian Gooseberries we grow, and not the Persimmon trees we planted last year, or the Pawpaws we have carefully nurtured through their first two seasons. It is a way more unknown fruit than any of the aformentioned. It is the Medlar. Once grown on many early colonial homesteads, Medlar was brought here from Europe sometime in the 1600s. It has a far more distant history though than 15th century Europe. Medlars were cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans around the 2nd century BC. They spread from there but they are considered naturally occurring in southwest Asia, and southeastern Europe. They are still grown today in Turkey, Iran, and in small pockets throughout Europe where it still enjoys a faithful following. But what was once a great source of sugar and something sweet during the winter when it
An nice specimen just loaded with fruit in late summer. With frequent pruning you can keep the tree to a manageable height for easy harvest.
first became ripe enough to eat, has now been largely forgotten in the United States. It is a shame too, because the Medlar tree is one that tends to be on the small side anyway, so harvests are easy, and it also holds its fruit after the first frost has killed off the leaves, making picking the fruits even easier. But don’t think you are going to go out and pull a bunch of Medlars off the tree and gorge on them right there in the sunshine. Harvesting Medlars is just the beginning of a “process” that is required before you can eat them. Like I said, harvest The five petaled white spring flowers of the happens AFTER Medlar
the first heavy frost has knocked the majority of the leaves off. The fruit is plucked off the tree and then has to be bletted before eating. What?...bletted?...yeah, it is almost as bad as it sounds, but it produces a sweet, if not totally eye-appealing spoonful of fruit pulp that tastes similar to cinnamon spiced applesauce. Bletting is for all intents and purposes controlled rotting of the fruit to make it edible. After harvest, place the Medlar fruits in a single layer in a box or shallow crate and leave them alone for 3-5 weeks, perhaps turning them once during that time. When finished you are left with a brittle outer shell which can be cut or cracked open to expose the pulp inside. As with any fruit, there is a seed or two inside that can be expelled much like
watermelon seeds, by spitting. Medlars are related to the rose family and the fruits of the Medlar look very similar to oversized rose hips. The Medlar produces a white flower in the spring that is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by bees. The fruit is a 1-2 inch pome with an open end much like a pomegranate, which gives the appearance that the fruit is hollow. The trees themselves are extremely long lived with some specimens known to be several hundred years old. It is a very slow growing tree with maximum heights of 25 feet or so in some varieties, but the tree is just as happy being kept between 6-8 feet for ease of harvest. The Medlar is a densely leaved tree with individual leaves long and elliptical anywhere from 2 1/2 to 6 inches long and 1 - 2 inches wide. The tree is well adapted to zones 4-9 which includes a lot of the area in our country. Sadly, due to the fruits obscurity, Medlar is a hard item to locate in most places in the states. It does enjoy a wider popularity in Europe and is quite readily available there. Here in the US, the easiest places to get them are via the internet from “One Green World” in Oregon at www. onegreenworld.com and Rain Tree Nursery in Washington at www. raintreenursery.com. So after all of this you are asking why on earth would I want to go through the trouble of grow-
ing a Medlar? The reasons could be many, perhaps you remember some of Shakespeares work that mentioned the Medlar. Maybe you have heard of the delicate one of a kind flavor of Medlar Jam. Perhaps you want to try one of those British favorites, Medlar cheese. Since it is a pulp, I imagine you could make breads and pies with it as well. When my Medlar gets to fruit bearing age, which should be next year, I am going to experiment, dehydrating the pulp to make a semi crystalized candy like substance that could in hard times be used as a sweetner. Unless you grow sugar beets, and know how to process them, sugar sweetner in the form of cane sugar could become as rare as hens teeth in the event of an economic collapse. Me having a sweet tooth, I figure any way to grow and preserve sweet things will make me a much happier person if everything else in life has gone haywire. (Note from Lynn: Now if we could just grow coffee, we’d be all set!) I put a one foot Medlar twig in two years ago, I remember taking such care in planting the tree that was a lot harder to find than anything else I have planted so far. I hovered over it for the first two days trying to give it every possible chance of surviving. A week later it was leafing out splendidly and I was proud as
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Medlar fruit is easy to harvest as the first frost removes the leaves—the fruits hold fast.
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The Valley, September 2011 Life in the East End from page 35
Dairy Feeder and Lamb shows or enjoy the entertainment. Tuesday night is also the Open Show non-participants the Mid-way Baked Goods Auction, so if you and rides open Monday, so all want something homemade, the the vendors are open and there is baked goods sale is the pace to also entertainment. They can also be. Wednesday I spend getting watch the Hog show or the Horse ready for the Beef show. I usually & Pony Fun show. Tuesday is bath my steer in the morning, then I clean the pen so he stays clean. I spend my time between then and the show (l to r) Jenny Laughlin, Lilly Savitts and one of the on Yoder girls doing a fine job scrubbing off the dirt. “poop duty.” That way my steer doesn’t lay down in poop and get dirty again. Wednesday nonparticipants can watch the Rabbit show in the Almost finished! (l to r) Katie Laughlin, Kaylie mornFaulkner, Kelsey Kennedy and Carrie Stufft in the ing or backround. the Beef show in the evening. If you like ice cream, you can go to the Green Building and get a bowl from the Dairy Princess while she serves a (l to r) Jenny Laughlin, Lilly Savitts and one of the Giant Ice Yoder girls, (behind Lilly) surveying the next section Cream for a good scrubbing. Sundae. Thursday is a quite day for me another busy day for me with because I don’t have any shows. the Dairy Feeder show. I spend I usually watch part of the Goat the morning getting my Dairy show in the morning and the Feeder bathed and ready. After Dairy show in the evening, I’ll the show I can relax a little and hang out with friends also. For enjoy the fair. Non-participants non-participants, they can watch can see the winning entries in the the Goat, Poultry or Dairy shows. Green Building and watch the Friday is Children’s Day at the
fair. This year I helped with the children’s activities. Friday is also the Breeding Beef Heifer show and the Supreme Showmanship Contest. In the Supreme Showmanship Contest all the showmanship winners from the shows throughout the week will compete against each other for the title of Supreme Showman. Saturday is the final day of the fair and another busy day for me with the livestock sale. I get to the fair early because the sale starts at 10:00 am and I have to get my animals ready. After the sale I help get ready for the Open Show Auction that takes place in the Green Building. Saturday nonparticipants have an opportunity to buy prime livestock to fill their freezer or just support the kids. They can also help support the fair by buying something from the Open Show Auction. Local businesses donate items to be sold and some Open Show entries will also be donated to the Auction. All the money from the auction goes to help run the fair. This is just a brief overview of the fair. I hope I have been able to give you insight on many of the fair activities. Whether you are a participant or a nonparticipant, the Mifflin County Youth Fair is a great way to spend a week in August. a
Medlar from page 42
can be, but a couple days later I glanced at it and something didn’t seem quite right. I shook a little, and then I saw it, a floppy eared, cotton-tailed varmint! It had totally defoliated my Medlar! I was bummed big time. I thought it was a goner, but even still I fabricated an enclosure for it and hoped that it might survive. I then promptly forgot about it for several weeks. The next time I looked at it, it had fully recovered, although now it had a distinctly odd appearance as growing tips and branches were not in a normal symmetry. I decided to let it be and deal with it the following year, IF it made it through the winter. Well, that was three years ago, and my Medlar is over 8 feet tall, but is still quite odd looking due to the unlicensed pruning. At any rate, it does not seem to have any pests at least here in central Pennsylvania. It also seems to love the climate and the semi sheltered corner I have given it.
Next year will start our journey into the culinary delights of the Medlar as this is when our first fruits are expected. Like I said, I enjoy the obscure and unusual, in plants, and animals, but I also look at this as preserving an heirloom specimen that enjoyed wide appeal and notoriety at one point in history. While I am at it, I am also preserving a little bit of knowledge that I can pass on to those wanting it. There are many old A fully bletted Medlar ready to eat time novelties that are rarely grown anymore, Medlar is one of them, I am doing my part to preserve the past, want to lend a hand? a
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The Valley, September 2011
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