The Valley - September 2012

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Serving Mifflin County and the surrounding area.

The Valley A free newspaper dedicated to agriculture, self-reliance, frugal living, and modern homesteading.

Tomorrow’s Media - A Day Early Volume 3, No. 9

Complimentary

The Valley, September 2012

History Of The McClure Bean Soup History of the McClure Bean Soup by Cloyd William Wagner, Official Historian of the Bean Soup The present day Bean Soup is a far cry from its humble beginnings, the first Bean Soup Celebration of 1891. What began as a tribute to the memory of a Civil War staple, has blossomed into a tradition in the small Snyder County town of McClure.

Published copies of The Middleburgh Post tell of various encampments in the area that would be attended by Civil War veterans.

However, these accounts do not mention bean soup being served.

After the Captain Michael Smith Post #355 of the Grand Army of the Republic was established in Bannerville on July 23, 1883, they talked from time to time to have a bean soup. Finally one of these encampments was held in McClure in the former P.L. Hassinger woods. Organizers even hired a special train for those attending, paying $40 for the special train to bring visitors.

When plans for a 1891 encampment came up for discussion, the veterans reminisced of the old army style bean soup. This soup had been a staple during the war when they were not on the front-

An old Bean Soup poster, year unknown.

lines engaged in combat. (When they were in combat or in danger, their food was usually hardtack and dried jerky.) Off of the lines, food being scarce, it was easily made using a collection of the soldiers’ meat and dry beans allotments, and adding water to make the soup. They were also “safe” when it was prepared and served, so they could swap tales and relax and then have a good cooked meal of bean soup.

Ner Middleswarth was appointed chairman of a committee to arrange for the celebration.

Henry Kahley, who was a cook in the war, was appointed to be the chief cook and turned out a kettle of the soup, made with “hard tack” (large very hard crackers) that Ner Middleswarth acquired from the US Army Quartermaster Corps.

Painting depicting the first Bean Soup.

Story goes that

Middleswarth was so busy with the day’s activities that he never got a taste of it for himself. The affair was so successful that it was decided to hold a similar event the next year. That too was even better, so they decided to hold an event every year. It quickly became a community day, with friends and businesses wishing inclusion.

Families and children of area families who had moved out of the area would make annual visits home to Snyder County at Bean Soup time. As noted in the poster, it even became a “Homecoming” event.

When the first kettles of soup were made, the veterans paid all the expenses. Soon the cost became too great and they decided to charge five cents per bowl.

Later changed to 10 cents.

Soon, the affair grew too large for its location. A committee that had formed purchased land of Cold Springs Grove from C.A. Wagner. They cleared some of the the trees and fenced in the grove.

The dining pavilion and a cook shed were built in 1927 along with eight two-kettle furnaces.

In following years, in addition to the bean soup, beef dinners were served by the veterans and hot dog, hamburger, ice cream stands lined the grounds. War rationing later led to some of these stands not appearing some years. Free refreshments were served, it consisted of a tin cup tied to a chain next to the spring.

In later years, a parade was added and the theme of patriotism filled the atmosphere with the mock battles, civil war encampments, and speakers throughout the day.

Many towns-people would go

Donnie Wagner, of McClure, pours in dry navy beans in this photo from the 1970’s.

to the railway station to count the number of coaches and passengers arriving for the event.

As the years progressed, attendance climbed so that, by the 1930’s over a quarter million attended the event during that decade. In 1936, a new record of 52 kettles of soup were cooked for the crowds who enjoyed the carnival shows, band concerts, baseball games, and even tennis matches.

After that, the Henry K. Ritter Camp #65 Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War and citizens of McClure, and from 1937 on, the McClure Realty Corporation

The McClure Sons of Veterans Band was the official music organization for the annual McClure Bean Soup. It organized in 1904.

have put forth the effort to present the Bean Soup Celebration

Lighting Brush Fires in People’s Minds

Through the years, the event has gotten larger old rallies and invite famous (and infamous) politicians to come to the Bean Soup to rally the voters. Governors, Senators, and Congressmen would give Saturday afternoon speeches while all of the festivities proceeded on the grounds.

It began as a one day event on Saturday, then it went to 2, 3 5 and now 8 days. On its 117th year (2008) it became the 117th Fair in Pennsylvania.

The making of the soup in large iron kettles is still done over a wood-fired battery of furnaces capable of handling the sixteen large iron kettles at one time.

Each man stirs the kettles during their hours of shifts.

This year’s 121st Annual Bean Soup Celebration runs from September 8th to 15th. It is sure to bring out huge crowds again, bringing free stage entertainment, great food, and stirring memories of those who have faithfully attended the Bean Soup over the years. At the close of the 2011 Bean Soup Festival and Fair it had been held on 385 days with a total attendance of over 3,500,00 and had served a total of 5879.5 kettles of its famous Civil War recipe beef bean soup.

Should you want a much more expanded history, you can buy a book at the event for a very nominal cost. This book is full of information and photos.

There is a website devoted to the Bean Soup. On it, visitors will find a complete lineup of entertainment and fair activities throughout the week. Simply go to http://mcclurebeansoupfair. com/. See you at “the Soup!” a

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Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar

Well I thought that this Editor’s Corner would be just filled with information about the great time we had at “A Day of Community,” on August 18, but more important things first.

Many of you will probably remember our stories on making maple syrup with the guys out at “Valley Sugar House.” After spending the last two seasons covering the ins and outs of the business, I had become quite friendly with John and Bob. In fact, this year, after suffering serious injury in a tractor rollover, John was still on the mend during sugaring season, so it felt great to be able to pitch in and help the guys get the trees tapped, probably one of the more strenuous jobs of the process.

You can imagine then my utter shock when John’s wife called after our Day of Community and informed me that John had passed away on the same day as our event. It seems John had had a stroke on the Wednesday before and hung on till Saturday. I was seriously flattened to hear this news and immediately afterwards had to get out in the woods and think for a while. The woods are where I feel closest to God and where many answers have come to me.

Well after several hours, the sadness still lingered, but I had come to one conclusion. The day of our event was probably the most perfect weather wise that we had experienced for weeks before or since, and it is my belief that I have John to thank for that.

The town of Reedsville and the area in general has lost a great man. His knowledge of local lore and history was exemplary and I used to love to pick his brain about things while out at the sugar house. John was always willing to share his knowledge. I would ask all of you to send prayers for strength and comfort to John’s wife, Sharon. Also prayers for John as he will begin next sugar season tapping the Lord’s maples in heaven. R.I.P. my friend. Thank you for everything you taught me.

“A Day of Community in The Valley” was by all accounts a huge success in our first year. As I said, the weather was absolutely PERFECT! One of the vendors at the door said that he had counted 100 people through the door in the first half hour, and although it never seemed like we were getting overwhelmed, there was a nice steady stream of traffic. The laid back atmosphere seemed to touch everyone as the exhibitors and vendors did not have to worry

The Valley, September 2012

more for next year’s event.

The mix of music highlighted the “down home” feel of the event. Starting out the day my nephew’s kids got the ball rolling with an acapella Gospel song by Marina Nugent, and then a couple songs from Port Nugent played to perfection. Can you imagine being as young as these two and getting up on stage to perform in front of strangers?

Well, they did so, and did it perfectly.

The Brush Mountain Band played Bluegrass for the next two hours and feet A steady flow of people kept exhibitors busy, Angie and hands were Dysinger of Mifflin/Juniata Arts Council shown here clapping. with attendee. about covering their cost to be there, since there wasn’t any. No one HAD to turn a profit or risk losing money. This led to a LOT of conversation between attendees and exhibitors. I believe this approach will lead to many new connections down the road. Some of our exhibitors were so busy talking that they never got outside to see the music, which was appreciated by all. The Mifflin/ Juniata Arts Council helped round out our exhibitors and gave a real sense of “Community” to the day. We look forward here at The Valley to working with them even

Contact Info Editor/Publisher Wayne Stottlar Ad Designer/Co-Publisher Lynn Persing Associate Editor Colleen Swetland The Valley PO Box 41 Yeagertown, PA 17099 (717) 363-1550 E-mail: thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com Web: www.thevalleynewspaper.com ©The Valley. All Rights Reserved.

Bernie Rich followed with his laid back, James Taylor and Neil

Continued on page 26

The members of Mountain Minstrelsy wowed the crowd, twice coming down off stage to play on the grass amongst the spectators.

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The Valley, September 2012

Start Keeping Bees in Your Backyard!

Learn how, online at your own pace, with Penn State’s new course, Beekeeping 101.

$189 Individual Registration

Learn About: Bee Biology Bee Behavior Hive Mgmt.

Swarming Equipment Bee Products & Much More!

Register and start today at

http://beekeeping101.psu.edu

Lewistown’s Rec Park Farmers’ Market Now Accepts SNAP Transactions

Rec Park Farmer’s Market, Lewistown’s newest farmervendor market, announces a new service for local food shoppers.

The market will provide EBT (electronic benefit transfer) for use

by SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients.

Shoppers wishing to use debit and credit cards will also be able to utilize an electronic processing system as well.

There will be $1 tokens available for SNAP and $5 tokens for debit and credit usage. Debit and credit shoppers will be charged a $1 token fee. SNAP card users will not charged a fee. Tokens do not need to be used the day of purchase.

The tokens are available for buying fresh foods at the market. Market coordinators will be

available to explain the system and assist shoppers in utilizing the EBT system. “We are pleased to offer this service on a trial basis to our shoppers,” said Patty Neiner, market coordinator. “Our farm vendors provide locally-grown, nutritious foods that we are proud to share with all consumers in our area,” she added.

The farmers’ market, which is located at Lewistown’s Rec Park (Montgomery Avenue) and adjacent to the community center, opened in June and local farmervendors are there each week on Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. The market offers fresh local foods including dairy products, herbs, meats, vegetables, fruits, baked goods and grilled sandwiches.

In conjunction with the market, cooking classes are held each

week at the community center.

The market project was funded by USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program grant (2-25-G-1414) in cooperation with Community Partnerships RC&D and has received in-kind services through a number of Lewistown area community agencies.

Shoppers interested in using the SNAP/EBT system and shoppers who wish to use their credit or debit cards are welcome to meet with the coordinators at the market’s Welcome Booth or call 814-865-7031 for additional information. If you are interested in volunteering at the market or becoming a “Friend of the Rec Park Market,” please contact Patty Neiner at prn103@psu.edu. a

Fifty Years Ago September 1962

When schools opened for the 1963-63 school year, 9,626 students filled more that 30 schools across Mifflin County in new kindergartens, elementary and secondary levels. The total student population represents an increase of 379 more students than the same time in 1961.

Just two weeks prior to the start of school, an emergency was declared by school officials due to a lack of teachers to staff all the schools. By opening day, only an English class at Lewistown Senior High School remained unfilled.

The Chief Logan High School football team’s streak of wins continued to grow. The school boasted the longest winning streak in Pennsylvania. The school extended the list to 23 straight wins following the school opener that saw the Mount Union’s Captain Jack High School go down to defeat.

One Hundred Years ago September 1912

The Temple Theatre along South Main Street was the “Home of High Class Vaudeville and Latest and Best Motion Pictures.”

The “Picture Programme” offered two shows daily, at 7 and 8:30 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. Some of the films presented: “Rip Van Winkle – A Two Reel Feature,” “Nursie and the Knight,” “Hotel Honeymoon,” “Under Two Flags – A Two Reel Feature” and “Spifkin’s New Job.”

Mud was too much for a “big” truck, according to the Daily Sentinel. An auto ambulance from Standard Steel Works in Burnham became mired in a bog of seemingly depthless mud on Shaw Avenue, Lewistown.

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A hastily constructed pontoon bridge aided the rescue, bolstered with huge rocks, planks and other material. The ambulance became entrapped while delivering an injured worker, J. D. Cargill, who had his toes “mashed” in an accident at the steel plant earlier in the day, according to the newspaper report.

Civil War Echoes September 1862 From the Lewistown Gazette:

Military enlistments for Lewistown’s West Ward, McVeytown and Newton Hamilton had the best records for enrollments to date. A total of 2, 810 men have been signed up for military service in Mifflin County. Nine hundred are already in service, leaving 2,000 subject to the draft.

The newspaper estimated that 52 men would be required to fill the September quota.

A list of donations for the Ladies Soldiers Aid Association, including items to be given by residents of the Kishacoquillas Valley, Dry Valley and Reedsville, appeared in the newspaper. The association had just sent two more boxes of hospital supplies and two barrels of onions to the Pennsylvania Relief Association working in Washington City. The onions were needed to prevent and cure scurvy that had broken out in one of the military hospitals.

The alarm was raised by the news headline: “Invasion of Maryland. Frederick Occupied

by Confederate Forces.” A home guard of 70 members was organized. John Davis, Chief Burgess of Lewistown, called upon all businesses to close from 4:30 to 6 p. m. so that members of the home guard could drill, “until such time as the danger upon the border of our State shall have passed.” a

“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.”

--Samuel Adams

The Valley, September 2012

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Boalsburg October Ball and Festival to Celebrate Beginnings of Penn State, Boalsburg and America

“Bringing It Back Home for Penn State” will be the theme for the annual Boalsburg Birthday Heritage Celebration on the weekend of October 6 and 7. This year’s weekend of events are designed to bring to life Penn State’s local origins and to recognize the University’s many contributions to the community since then.

Penn State’s historic founders George Boal and Moses Thompson will be re-enacted by their descendants Christopher Lee and John Thompson Sunday afternoon at a colorful festival on the Boalsburg diamond and at an elegant ball at the Boal Mansion on Saturday evening. Sunday afternoon’s activities include an open house at the Boalsburg Fire Company and free wagon rides around the village and down to the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum.

“We’re inviting people to come to Boalsburg to see what we’re all about, what your Fire Company does and what the heritage is all about,” says Boalsburg Fire Chief Marlin Neff. Free

cookies and hot dogs will be served at Boal Hall, the home of the Fire Company, on East Pine Street, located a short walk away from the diamond.

Judge George Boal was the founding president of the Centre County Agricultural Society when they met at the Centre Furnace Mansion home of Moses Thompson in 1852 to petition the state to locate the Farmers High School, now Penn State University, in this area.

Re-enactors will also celebrate the beginnings of Boalsburg and America itself, portraying Boal family ancestors including the pioneer David Boal, signer of the Declaration of Independence Richard Henry Lee, the French emperor Napoleon and the famed explorer Christopher Columbus.

The free wagon rides will link the village with the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum, which will be open for guided tours special hours, Noon to 5 pm, on Sunday. On display will be David Boal’s Pennsylvania long rifle, Christopher Columbus’s Admi-

ral’s Desk, Richard Henry Lee’s portrait and original signature, a lock of hair of Napoleon and two pieces of the True Cross of Jesus.

The Boalsburg Ball takes place at the Boal Mansion at 7:30 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012, and features contra-dancing in the 1898 ballroom to the Bruce Young band, free portrait photography in the parlor, and champagne and fine food from over a dozen Centre Region restaurants in the dining room. Tickets are $100 and are available by contacting office@boalmuseum.com or calling 814-466-9266.

The Boalsburg Birthday Heritage Festival is all free, including the wagon rides, and takes place on the diamond in Boalsburg at Church and Main Streets on Sunday, October 7, 2012, from Noon to 4 pm. Music will be provided by local music masters including John “JT Blues” Thompson, traditionalist Bruce Young, harmonica expert Richard Sleigh and classic rocker Christopher Lee. There will also be food and crafts.

The weekend concludes on

Monday with a religious service in the centuries-old Columbus Chapel which was imported from

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Spain 100 years ago. Due to space constraints in the historic Chapel, the service is by invitation only.

For details, visit http://boalmuseum.com or contact (814) 466-9266 or office@boalmuseum. com or the Facebook.com page “Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum.”

Boalsburg will be “Bringing It Back Home for Penn State” as the historic village celebrates the origins of Penn State, Boalsburg and America itself at a free festival October 7 and an elegant ball on the weekend of October 6. Reenactors will portray Penn State founders George Boal (portrayed by his descendant Christopher Lee), Moses Thompson (portrayed by his descendant John I. Thompson IV), Christopher Columbus (portrayed by folklorist Bruce Young of State College) and the pioneer David Boal (portrayed by his descendant Alan Boal of Pittsburgh). For details, visit http://boalmuseum. com or contact (814) 4669266 or office@boalmuseum.com or the Facebook. com page “Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum.” a

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The Valley, September 2012

Looking out my Back Door Life on my Mifflin County Homestead

by Mary Anna Chenoweth

Growing the Good Grains: Corn Part Two: Hominy

Corn by Any Other Name Still Tastes as Good…

“The granne they boil 3 or 4 hours with water, which is an ordinary food they call uskatahomen.”

- Capt. John Smith in a letter written in 1612

Think about language for a moment, the verbal kind with nouns and verbs and syntax and nuance. Though most of us stop thinking about it once we leave school behind, language can be one of the most powerful of human tools, in part because it changes constantly. Sounds and meanings shift with time, place and usage in a way that’s almost organic. Which brings us to this month’s topic of corn… uhh, maize…well, okay, corn.

The word corn descends from an Indo-European word meaning

‘small nugget’. Through the millennia, it passed into the Germanic languages as korn, and into Latin as granum, both of which referred to any edible grass seed – grain

Eventually, korn became corn, passing through Anglo Saxon into English where it was used to refer to whatever grain happened to be the dominant crop in that particular English speaking area – such as wheat, oats or barley. When English and German speaking immigrants settled in the ‘New World,’ they were introduced to a new grain; a tall grass that bore long cobs covered with kernels of many sizes, shapes and colors. The settlers called it corn – or Indian corn to differentiate it from the wheat, oats or barley that they had brought with them from the ‘Old World’. Eventually, in areas where these northern Euro-

peans settled, the name corn stuck to the ‘New World’ grain and the others went back to being called wheat, oats or barley.

In more southern climes, other wandering Europeans had bumped into corn much earlier, when they sailed across the big blue sea on three little Spanish ships, guided (more or less) by their Italian captain. In 1492, when Columbus and his crews made landfall on the island they named San Salvador, the treasures they found included a new grain growing on a tall grass that bore long cobs covered with kernels of various sizes, shapes and colors.

The Taino people, who lived on islands north of San Salvador, called this amazing food mahis – “source of life”.

When these Europeans shipped the new grain home, the Taino name went with it. Over time, and filtered through other languages, mahis became maize, a name still used in many non-English speaking countries. Maize or corn, whatever we call it, it’s one

of the easiest grains to grow and can help to feed us and many of our critters year round.

The Taino had it right when they called corn the “source of life” since they and a goodly chunk of the people living in the Western Hemisphere got the majority of their daily calories from corn. However, here’s an interesting fact. While corn is an excellent source of carbohydrates, it is nutritionally deficient in two key areas.

Corn lacks two of the essential amino acids – those particular building blocks of protein that our bodies don’t synthesize– lysine and tryptophan. A diet heavy on corn, with little or no protein, can potentially lead to a disease called kwashiorkor, severe protein deficiency, which causes poor growth, mental impairment and muscle loss.

The second nutritional issue with corn is that the niacin - vitamin B3 – that it contains is not bioavailable; our bodies can’t absorb it. Since niacin is a water-soluable vitamin and must be ingested regularly, a diet heavy on corn can, in severe cases, lead to a disease called pellagra which progresses from loose bowels to

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dermatitis to dementia to death.

So how could relatively large populations survive for thousands of years on a diet centered on corn? Why didn’t they die out, early on, from kwashiorkor and pellagra?

Well, these two diseases are the result of extended periods of improper diet, they don’t develop short term. They don’t develop at all with a varied diet and the vast majority of so called “primitive” peoples usually had very, varied diets; and of course Nature has a way of balancing things out.

Take the protein issue. While our ancestors certainly didn’t tuck into the amount of animal protein that some of us do nowadays, they did have meat days (they ate things as a matter of course that we’d shudder to ingest). But even during those times when plants were the only bill-of-fare, Nature

Continued on page 11

The Valley, September 2012

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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 15.1

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.’

When I was young, our family attended a church whose pastor made much of rewards and which of us would receive lesser or greater rewards. The pastor taught that we needed to strive for rewards, that we needed to follow a certain set of religious rules in order to gain greater rewards; that we were, in fact, in a competition with the other saints to see who would get more and better rewards when we got to heaven.

Even then, I found this teaching about rewards confusing and, to be quite frank, not in agreement with Jesus’ teachings. Jesus taught that if anyone wants to be great, he needs to be a servant. [Matthew 20.26-27] Contrary to Jesus’ teaching, this system of rewards seemed to place us not in a race to the finish, as Paul described the Christian life [Hebrews 12.1], but in a contest with other Christians to see who would earn the greatest honor.

Is there some sort of heavenly pecking order? Will there be snobs in heaven? Will those who

followed all the rules, who had perfect attendance at church, look down their noses at the rest of us?

This notion would seem to fly in the face of Jesus’ teachings, as illustrated in the parables of the workers in a vineyard [Matthew 20.1-16] and the guests at a wedding feast. [Luke 14.7-11]

While it’s true that Jesus mentioned rewards, it was usually in the sense of the worthiness of our actions: “If you love only those who love you, what reward can you expect?” [Matthew 5.46 NEB] “Be careful not make a show of your religion before men; if you do, no reward awaits you in your Father’s house in heaven.”

[Matthew 6.1 NEB] “I tell you this: they [who brag about their good deeds] have their reward already.” [Matthew 6.2 NEB] “I tell you the truth, they [who pray aloud in public] have received their reward in full.” [Matthew 6.5] “So too when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites; they make their faces unsightly so that other men may see that they are fasting. I tell you this: they have their reward already.”

[Matthew 6.16 NEB]

What is Jesus trying to teach us here? He’s telling us that such religious posturing has no spiritual value. If we practice our religion in order to appear pious before men, then the good opinion of men is all we will gain. God prefers worship and service that springs from the heart, from a desire to please Him, rather than from a desire to impress men.

When Jesus said, “They have

received their reward in full,” He was telling us that public adulation is the only result of hypocritical piety. God is not impressed, nor will He respond to such hypocrisy.

“Whoever receives a prophet as a prophet will be given a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a good man because he is a good man will receive a good man’s reward. And if anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, because he is a disciple of mine, I tell you this: that man will assuredly not go unrewarded.”

[Matthew 10.41-42 NEB] What is Jesus saying?

To understand that, we must read the preceding verse: “He who receives you, receives me, and he who receives me receives the One who sent me.” [Matthew 10.40] Jesus was sending the twelve disciples out into the world with instructions to preach the gospel of the Kingdom, heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons. They were instructed to rely on those to whom they preached for their food and shelter, and those who accepted them as Jesus’ envoys would be blessed accordingly; whoever refused to welcome them or receive their message would be judged accordingly.

“Behold, I am coming soon!

My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” [Revelation 22.12] Jesus promises that He will give each man the payment he deserves, according to his deeds.

However, those who have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice as an atonement for their sins have been granted His righteousness. [Revelation 22.14; 1 Corinthians 1.30]

What other rewards does

Sound The Alarm on ADT! The USDA Takes Aim At Your Liberty...Again

by Paul Revere

Who didn’t see this coming?

Me! I thought when “We the People...” spoke back in 2009 on the issue of NAIS (National Animal Identification System) and forced the Federal government to kill the USDA led attempt to microchip every livestock animal in the country, amid torrid protests from the citizenry, that the government had learned their lesson and would forget about such drastic measures. Especially since there was no problem that existed to be fixed. But as we have come

to witness more and more these days, when the government can’t force the people to their thinking, they resort to underhanded (and sometimes criminal) measures to achieve their goals.

Who was behind the idea in the first place? This was the brain child of the NIAA ( National Institute for Animal Agriculture) that was comprised of...are you ready?....Digital Chip manufacturers that would gain rewards with implementation through sales of product. But, also involved was

the big corporate meat producers, who would benefit from easier exports of meat at the expense of every small to medium farmer, and EVERY homesteader in the country. Greedy Capitalism in all its ugliness, sponsored by the USDA. This effort would have caused every owner of even one livestock animal, which includes horses, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, pigs, bison, deer, elk and even some species of fish raised in aquaculture to be registered with the owner’s name, address,

Rev. Dr. Henry G. Covert

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

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

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

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

Jesus promise? “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life….” [Rev. 2.7] “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” [Rev. 2.10] “To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations….” [Rev. 2.26] “He who overcomes will… be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life….” [Rev. 3.5] Eternal life telephone number, and the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of each animal’s location.

This means that every animal would have to have an RFID chip implanted with a 15 digit number. The big agribusinesses, of course, could group their massive quantities of animals under one chip, but you small to medium operators, and ALL of you hobby farm and homesteading people have to do each animal individually. You also have to report to the government each time an animal leaves your property, if an animal escapes confinement, you have to file a report, and if you want to ride your own horse off of your property, you have to file a report, NO EXCEPTIONS!

So you are relieved that this was all headed off at the pass

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and a place in the Kingdom of God are the rewards for endurance, perseverance, and faithfulness, not for following a set of rules or making a public spectacle of our religion.

Finally, there’s Genesis 15.1: “Do not be afraid… I am your shield, your very great reward.” I AM your very great reward! What can we possibly desire more than God Himself a

way back in ‘09 right? Well guess what? Like that child who isn’t used to being told no, much less able to deal with what that means, the spoiled child that is the USDA has decided to change the name of the program to ADT and try to ram it through into law before anyone can cry out.

ADT is an attempt to pay off big food at the expense of ALL who raise livestock. The USDA should be ashamed, but like any other agency existing way past its usefulness, it is instead arrogantly ignoring the will of the people in favor of a few crony corporate buddies who line their pockets will ill-gotten cash. All the while, your Liberty is quietly strangled.

For more on the subject visit www.rural-revolution.com. a

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The Valley, September 2012

Adventures on Our Nourishing Journey

by Sue Burns

The Whey and The (Raw Milk) Truth

age child knows that milk must be pasteurized in order to be safe for consumption. Not to mention the high amounts of saturated fats in raw milk. And besides, isn’t it illegal to sell raw milk ? No sir, pasteurized, homogenized, skim

I am not sure exactly when it milk is the only way for me. But happened. What I am certain of as usually happens; those aforeis the involvement of divine intermentioned friends, family and vention and the loving guidance mentors made sure plenty of raw of family, friends and mentors in steering me onto a wondering path milk information made its way onto my desk. At first I glanced at of exploration with fresh, whole, it briefly, shook my head and set it traditional foods. Over many aside. Then, with a great amount years, that path has been become of persuasion, a trusted friend told a labyrinth of twists and turns me about a local “supplier” of raw marked with epiphanies and exits. milk. He was buying it right out Today, as I continue on my way, in the open! I decided to watch I pose questions, reflections and and observe his behavior. When doubts; believe me, there are still he still had a spring in his step and many head scratching moments. a smile on his face a few weeks Remember, I am a child of the 1950’s and Twinkies were my best later, I realized curiosity had the best of me and found myself face friends. It is extremely hard to let to glass with my first taste of go of what we know and trust and fresh raw milk. I only tried a few set out into unfamiliar territory. sips, certain that I would soon be

Over the past few years one doubled over with gastrointestinal of the biggest stretches of “new” distress. Much to my surprise food experimentation for me was discovering raw milk from pasture there was no distress at all, in fact I felt great, which lead to more fed cows. That’s right, milk delicious experimenting with this directly from the cow to my table. “new “ food. Okay, I admitted I bet some of you were raised on it, now it was time to get serious it, some of you still consume it about finding answers to my raw and some of you are just like I dairy distrust. Maybe you are was several years ago when I said ready to discover the whey and “okay, I eagerly embrace all the truth about raw milk too. If so, farm fresh fruits and vegetables, here are the highlights of what the grass fed meat and the free I learned and am still learning. range eggs, but RAW MILK?, But as always, don’t just take my that’s where I draw the line.” word for it. Reach out and do After all, isn’t milk fresh from the your own research. Let me know cow dirty, unsanitary, and full of what you think. harmful pathogens? Every school What Is Raw Milk?

Raw milk is milk that has not been heated above a cow’s (or goat’s) highest healthy body temperature, which is no more than 101 degrees F (38 degrees C), nor frozen, and has not been altered with additives, Using cheesecloth in a strainer to separate the curds chemicals, light or

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” Margaret Mead

from whey

homogenization.

The milk we buy in our local grocery store is either pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk usually harvested from conventional cows often kept in confinement.

These cows are engineered very differently from the cows of yesterday and the cows of today found on small local dairy farms that are producing licensed raw milk. As recently as a century ago, a cow produced an average of two or three gallons of milk per day. Today’s conventional industrial dairy cow gives up to three or four times as much milk!

What’s wrong with that, you ask.

If science has helped us produce more milk per cow, then that means we can give more people more milk for less money. That’s a good thing, right? Wrong. The increased milk yield comes at a cost. Not only does the milk produced from these cows contain an unnatural and disarmingly high amount of growth hormones, (which in some studies have been linked to excessive tumor growth and cancer), but the cow herself is weak and diseaseprone. Her milk is almost always laden with pus, and she is fed a steady stream of antibiotics to keep the sustained mastitis from overwhelming her system and killing her. The milk is so unhealthy for you, in fact, that milk manufacturers have to pasteurize it or ultra-pasteurize it to make it “safe” for human con-

sumption.

What is pasteurization?

Pasteurization is a quick heat process designed to kill unpleasant bacteria and protect us against infectious diseases. But, it is no guarantee of cleanliness. Every single outbreak of salmonella from contaminated milk in recent decades have occurred in pasteurized milk — milk that’s supposed to be “cleaned.”

At this point, I want to introduce you to Mark McAfee, a pivotal raw milk pioneer. Mr. McAfee is the founder of Organic Pastures Dairy located in California and, more importantly, one of the leaders in the raw milk movement.

McAfee created and published the first international raw milk safety standards. The State of California has set very good, high standards for raw milk producers, but as he traveled around the US and other countries to talk about raw milk, he realized that other areas were sorely lacking in such safety standards. In response to the requests from dairy farmers around the country, he published Raw USA as a guide to producing clean, safe raw milk.

Last year, the publication evolved into The Raw Milk Insti-

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tute, a non-profit organization (not affiliated with Organic Pastures Dairy), to help establish common standards that all farmers can embrace.

McAfee explains the early history of pasteurization, which began in the late 1800’s during the end of the Industrial Revolution when people had brought their cows with them as they settled into cities and the conditions under which the milk was produced were deplorable.

He states, “In 1812 there was a blockade against Jamaica. We couldn’t get rum in the United States and we wanted our rum. So these brewery/distillery dairies started to pop up in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

Distiller’s grains were fed to cows that had been brought into the city with the city dwellers. It was a cheap feed and the cows would produce milk, but the problem was that cows had never eaten distiller’s swill [mostly grains] before … It changed their gut physiology.

They didn’t have flushing toilets, no hot water, no chlorine…

The cows were milked by hand and [the people] were… carrying tuberculosis, brucellosis. Typhoid was rampant.

On a cold morning people

Continued on page 19

The Valley, September 2012

8

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

The Tide is (Re)Turning

Something very peculiar is happening. Something I really never expected. I know I have talked to you before about the residents here on the Cape, and the green movement, the pride in our farming heritage. But it still seemed as though very few were actually DOING it. It was lip service. “Yes, I know it’s great, but gosh, I’m just TOO busy” or “That’s really not for me.” Or “I have a brown thumb—YOU do it and I will buy stuff from you.”

All of a sudden the urban farming movement has absolutely exploded! Mind you, I’m not just talking bout a little tomato patch in the side yard—people are digging up their yards and planting impressive gardens! People are buying livestock! I am seeing it on every road. I was driving by one of our many local golf courses recently and there is a small house across the street. As I peeked in her side and back yard the words escaped me “Oh my gosh, she has horses back there!”

Not only horses, but geese, ducks and chickens. A vegetable garden to boot!

I have seen trucks being lettered with farm names. To me, when you do that, you are VERY serious. I can’t tell you how many times recently I have seen one go by and have had to laugh as my head whips around to read the names. Most I have never heard of before so I know they are brand new. People are starting Facebook accounts with their farm names and posting about what they are doing that day. I have seen so many photos from people who are canning, dehydrating and preserving their harvests.

Local businesses are getting in on the wave. There is a place not too far from me who sells high end prefab sheds and fancy wooden swing sets. Imagine my surprise when I drove by on my way to the grocery store and saw several nice chicken coops front and center in their parking lot.

I kept saying, (mind you I talk

to myself a lot) “Chicken coops? I can’t believe they are selling chicken coops!”

I have also seen an increase in print ads for businesses in the area that are beginning to cater to the urban farming market. You’re probably chuckling a bit since “The Valley” is published in farm country. You all see this type of thing every day—but Cape Cod?

You can tell I’m just tickled pink right? I don’t feel so alone any more and that feels just grand! Oh—and just a side note— I was thrilled on several different occasions lately. Strangers who have gotten into conversations with me when I’m out and they learn the name of our place have said “Three Suns Farm? Really?

I’ve heard of that place.” What?

Are you kidding me? I am still stunned. As we say in New England—THAT was wicked cool.

So what is new here at “Three Suns Farm?”

The little guy and I joined a local farm food co-op. We have gone several times to pick blueberries and other vegetables that either we didn’t have enough of, or that we weren’t growing ourselves. It is also a good opportunity for him to experience a large farm operation. They have a lot of animals including alpacas for their wool trade and they are raising turkeys. He has seen several different breeds of chickens that have tickled his fancy and now wants to find the

same for our flock.

He has befriended one of the Australian Shepherds there and looks forward to visiting him. I have also purchased the equipment and permits required to gather shellfish. It is a different kind of farming activity, but one that I think is important for him to learn. The The word “Quahog” comes from the Narragansett permit allows us Indians name “Poquauhock.” The shells were used to to harvest oysters, make beads which were used for money (wampum). scallops, little neck clams and a New England hard shell clam called the “Quohog.”

We are looking forward to our first trip of digging this weekend, and perhaps if we do well we’re going to share the bounty and have a good old fashioned clam boil. a The reward!

The equipment is simple, just add desire and dinner is a distinct possibility.

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The Valley, September 2012

New Store

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Lord Willing, we will be in our new building in October!

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Expanding Department

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Expanding Service

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4951 E. Main St, Belleville PA

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9

The Valley, September 2012

10

The Horse Scoop

by Traci Hanna Yoder

Equine Vital Signs

How do you know if your horse is not feeling well? Knowing how to check vital signs is important in evaluating equine health. As a responsible horse owner, it is a good idea to know a few key factors in determining whether you may need to call the veterinarian.

A horse’s normal temperature is 99-101 degrees F. A horse’s temperature can vary depending on weather, exercise, and stress level. However, a temperature over 102 may be an indication of infection. The most accurate way to take a horse’s temperature is with a rectal thermometer. A tip when taking your horse’s temperature is to tie a string on the thermometer and then tie the other end of the string to his tail. This will keep you from losing your thermometer.

Gut sounds should always be present in a healthy horse. Absence of gut sounds can indicate colic. Press your ear up against your horse’s barrel. You should be able to hear gurgling sounds on both sides of the horse.

A healthy horse drinks a minimum of five gallons of water per day. To determine if your horse is dehydrated, pinch the skin on his neck. When you let go, if it flattens out again that is normal.

If it doesn’t, he is dehydrated and needs to drink more water.

Once a horse goes off water for a long period of time for whatever reason, they will not easily rehydrate. During excessive heat and exercise, use electrolytes to help keep your horse hydrated. If your horse is picky about the water he drinks, try using some type of flavoring in the water.

The pulse rate of an adult horse at rest averages 30-40 beats per minute (bpm). A pulse rate for an adult horse of 50 bpm or higher may be an indication of distress.

Pulse rates for horses under two years old tend to be higher than an adult horse. Pulse rate will increase with excitement, exercise or sickness. The easiest way to find your horse’s pulse rate is by placing your forefinger on the major artery that sticks out slightly under the horse’s left jawbone.

Press on the artery for 15 seconds and then multiply the number of beats by four.

The average respiration rate of an adult horse at rest is 8-15 breaths per minute. A horse’s respiration may vary depending on weather, exercise, fever or pain.

To determine breaths per minute, watch or feel your horse’s ribcage for one minute. One exhale and one inhale equals one breath.

Capillary Refill Time (CRT) is the time it takes for blood to return the color in the gums. CRT determines blood circulation. This can help you determine if your horse is going into shock. Normal refill time is one to two seconds. Press your thumb firmly against your horse’s gums for two seconds, until you see a white mark. The white mark should return to a pink color within one to two seconds after you lift your thumb.

Mucus membranes are another indicator of blood circulation. Mucus membranes are found in the horse’s gums, nostrils and eye lids. If they are very pale, very red, grayish blue or yellow, you should call a veterinarian.

The color of mucus membranes is

a key indicator of what might be going on with your horse. Moist pink is normal healthy circulation. Very pale pink indicates fever, blood loss, or anemia with capillaries contracted. Bright red means capillaries are enlarged indicating toxicity or shock. Gray or blue is a sign of severe shock, depression or illness. Bright yellow can be associated with liver problems.

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It is very helpful to be able to give your veterinarian accurate vital signs when you call. This helps them to better evaluate your horse’s condition and is helpful in starting treatment. Hopefully you don’t need to call the veterinarian for more than routine maintenance and vaccinations. But if you do walk in the barn someday and see your horse looking distressed, stay calm and take his vital signs. a

Special Thanks To GP Audio

of State College 814-880-2892 For Providing Awesome Sound at “A Day of Community”

11

The Valley, September 2012

LIbrary Lines

It is hard to believe the hot summer is almost over and we are ready to transcend into autumn.

This is my favorite time of year!

Back–to-school, football games, marching bands and plenty of time for outdoor fun! We still have weekends to enjoy our great State of Pennsylvania. Traveling in Pennsylvania is a less expensive alternative to out-of-state travel, and it provides us with an opportunity to learn more about our rich history and heritage.

This summer the Mifflin County Library ordered quite a few books on travel destinations and points-of-interest in Pennsylvania. Here is a brief bibliography: Like hiking, canoeing try: Fun With the Family in Pennsylvania: hundreds of ideas for day trips with the kids by Emily and Faith Paulsen.

Hike America “Pennsylvania” by John Young.

Paddling Pennsylvania: canoeing and kayaking the Keystone State’s

rivers and lakes by Jeff Mitchell.

Keystone Canoeing: a guide to canoeable waters of eastern Pennsylvania by Edward Gertler.

Fifty Hikes in Eastern Pennsylvania: day hikes and backpacks from the Susquehanna to the Poconos by Carolyn Hoffman.

Pennsylvania: off the beaten path

by Susan Perloff.

Pennsylvania Overlooks: a guide for sightseers and outdoor people

by Art Michaels Pennsylvania Caves and Other Rocky Roadside Wonders by Kevin Patrick.

Want to learn more about famous Pennsylvanians and Places?: Guide to the Homes of Famous Pennsylvanians: houses, museums, and landmarks by Arthur P. Miller Jr. and Marjorie L. Miller.

Pennsylvania’s Historic Places

by Ruth Hoover Seitz ; photography by Blair Seitz.

Harrisburg Renaissance of a Capitol City by Blair Seitz.

Guide to the State Historical

Markers of Pennsylvania by George R. Beyer.

Pennsylvania Ghost Towns by Susan Tassin.

History of the Indian Villages and Place Names in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Battlefields & Military Landmarks by Arthur P. Miller, Jr. The Main Line of the Pennsylvania Canal through Mifflin County by Orren R. Wagner.

Enjoy railroad history: Pennsylvania Railroad by Mike Schafer & Brian Solomon.

Lewistown and the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Horseshoe Heritage: the story of a great railroad landmark by Dan Cupper.

The Wreck of the Red Arrow: an American train tragedy by Dennis P. McIlnay.

On the Main Line; the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 19th century by Edwin P. Alexander.

Are you interested in Fishing?

Hunting?

Trout Streams of Pennsylvania: an angler’s guide by Dwight Landis.

Flyfisher’s Guide to Pennsylvania by Dave Wolf.

A Guide to Hunting Pennsylvania Whitetails by Tom Fegely.

Hominy from page 5

of the alkaline treated corn slip off and the remaining kernels cook up to tender perfection.

We can speculate ‘til the cows come home on how or why this cooking technique developed (it’s been in use in Mexico for at least three thousand years); bottom line - it works nutritionally, it tastes good and it traveled along with corn as it spread across North America to become a staple food for generations of early Americans.

While Captain Smith obviously left out the detail of what else was in the water in which the Native Americans were boiling their corn, the Algonquian word uskatahomen, and the food it referred to, entered our language and our cuisine, as hominy, for which we should be truly grateful.

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, hominy is a good addition to any homestead larder and here are three key points to help you get started.

First, ‘traditional’ hominy is made from large kernel, white dent corn that has relatively high protein and low starch. But we’ve sometimes used a medium kernel, high starch, blue flour corn, so this would seem to be a flexible point. If you’re interested in growing your own corn

(highly recommended) you can’t go wrong with Hickory King, an open –pollinated (you can keep your own seed- highly recommended), large kernel, white field corn that cooks up into a great hominy. Just remember that any old fashioned field corn will work, as long as it’s mature and really dry. If you have the space where it will stay dry and uneaten, simply leave your corn hanging around ‘til needed; or shell it and store the grain in the freezer or in a cool dry place (preferably in glass jars with sealed lids).

Second, there are a number of substances with which you can make the alkaline solution – lye, wood ashes, hydrated lime. While commercial lye is great for making soap, and some folks do use it when making hominy, there’s no way that stuff gets near anything we eat. If available, clean wood ashes are a good, safe source for your cooking solution. Simply add a quart or so of sifted ashes to a gallon of water in an enamel or stainless steel pot, boil gently for ten to fifteen minutes, remove it from the heat, let it settle and then pour off the clear liquid. By far the quickest and easiest source of alkaline is pickling lime, found in the canning section of many grocery stores.

Your Mifflin County Library

had, and still has, it covered.

Plants are not all deficient in the same essential amino acids, which means one need only eat the right combination of plants and they work together to form the complete protein our bodies require. It’s no accident that most traditional cuisines are low on meat but heavy on great tasting ‘combined plant’ dishes: rice and legumes in India, rice, soy and vegetable in Asia, legumes and grains in the Middle East and Mediterranean, and in the Americas corn and legumes – any kind of bean with corn in a delicious variety combinations – succotash, tortillas and beans, tamales filled with beans, beans and cornbread, etc., etc.

The niacin solution is even more elegant – and another good example of how Nature has it covered whether we know it or not. If you cook dried corn in an alkaline solution, several things occur: the vitamin B3 changes form and becomes very bioavailable, thus solving the niacin deficiency, and the available calcium goes up as well as the iron, copper and zinc, thus boosting corn’s overall nutrition. As an added bonus, the hulls

Bow Hunting Pennsylvania Whitetails (videorecording] Hunting Whitetail Deer / cRobert E. Donovan.

Whitetail Country [DVD’s] each have 12 action packed episodes.

How about… Weird and Wacky fun?

The Big Book of Pennsylvania Ghost Stories by Mark Nesbitt and Patty A. Wilson.

Pennsylvania Curiosities: quirky characters, roadside oddities & other offbeat stuff by Clark DeLeon.

Weird Pennsylvania: your travel guide to Pennsylvania’s local legends and best kept secrets by Matt Lake.

UFOs in Pennsylvania; encounters with extraterrestrials in the Keystone State by Patty A. Wilson.

I moved back to Lewistown fifteen years ago from Arizona and I love it! Pennsylvania is a fantastic place to live; a person can hike, boat, swim, enjoy wildlife as well as find fun travel destinations. From bears to baseball, from beautiful birds to museums, we have it all. When I first moved back so many people asked me, “Why would you move to Lewistown?” In a tone that insinuated I was somewhat crazy!

My answer has changed through the years. I first came back to be around family, but found so much more. Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and I have lived all over including California, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Everyone thinks, “Wow! They must have been beautiful… remind me again why you moved to Lewistown!” The truth is, those states are beautiful and I hope you get to visit some of them. But, Pennsylvania is just as beautiful, in fact my friends now travel from all over just to enjoy the beauty and historical sites in Pennsylvania. They love Philadelphia, Gettysburg, the Poconos, and yes, Lewistown! Now, they just come to antique shop and visit the country stores and county fairs in Mifflin County.

So take time out to learn more about Pennsylvania! Begin at the library where you can check out fun, fact-filled books, read magazines, newspapers, or even surf the internet for information.

Come visit us at the library! Call 242-2391 for more information.

Third, use a stainless steel or unchipped enamel stock pot to cook in and a stainless steel or wooden spoon to stir with, a stainless steel colander to rinse and drain with and a glass bowl or jar to soak in. No aluminum, non-stick or iron pots or utensils (yes, I know that the Foxfire Book mentions an iron wash pot, but stainless steel or enamel is better so…).

There are many methods for making hominy so experiment ‘til you find the one that works best for you. Here is the method we use.

Basic Hominy • 1 ½ pound dry, shelled dent corn • 2 quarts water (plus more during cooking) • 1 ½ tablespoon pickling lime (that’s 1 tablespoon and 1 ½ teaspoon)

Rinse the corn well (some sources call for overnight soaking in plain water). In a gallon or larger stock pot, stir the lime into the water, add the corn and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally (sources say to skim off the kernels that rise to the surface –sometime we do, sometimes not). There will be a distinctive odor while this is cook-

ing and you probably shouldn’t hang you head over the pot when you stir. Have a kettle of boiled water standing by to replenish the cooking liquid when necessary.

After 30 minutes, test a kernel to see if the hulls are ‘slipping’. They should slide off easily, if not continue to cook. When the hulls do slip, remove the pot from the heat and allow the corn to soak, covered, in the hot lime water for 30 minutes more. If you soak it longer, as some recipes recommend, pour everything into a glass container and cover with a clean dish towel. Longer soaking gives it that distinctive lime taste common to tortillas.

After soaking, pour into a colander and rinse under cold running water, rubbing the corn between your palms, until the hulls are off and the kernels are no longer slippery. Pour everything back into the cleaned stock pot and add water, carefully pouring the water and any floating hulls off through a sieve so the hulls don’t clog up the sink. Repeat ‘til the water is clear.

To finish cooking the hominy, place it in the cleaned stock pot with plain water to cover, bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer,

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Betsy Tomasik Technical Services Librarian Mifflin County Library a

Continued on page 30

The Valley, September 2012

12

Roads Less Traveled

by Lynn Persing

Gadgets Worth Grabbing How often do you get sucked into the infomercials on TV that are promoting the next greatest product since sliced bread? ...“But wait, order in the next ten minutes and you’ll get not one Ginsu Knife, but two additional knives at no additional cost (just add shipping and handling). Well, I hate to admit it, but there have been some doo-dads over the years that I thought were brilliant and I got sucked in. But, like most of those things, they arrive at your doorstep and they aren’t quite as fantastic as they made them sound on TV or they are cool for about a week, and then they get shoved into the back of a cupboard or drawer to only be pulled out when you realize it’s time to purge a few things. Sound familiar?

Now it’s even worse. You can walk into CVS (and other stores as well) and they have a

whole section devoted to “As Seen on TV” products. Everything I ever wanted to try is right there in front of me screaming “buy me, buy me!” I’m left pondering....wonder if that thing really works? One product that I keep teetering on the edge of buying is the “Magic Jack.” Has anyone been snared by that one?

If so, drop me a line at thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com and let me know if it works before I waste my money!

In this month’s article, I thought I’d review a few gadgets and products I have bought over the years that REALLY DO WORK as advertised, or that I’m just generally a big fan of.

I’ll start with one of my favorites....the One Touch Can Opener. Love this thing! I’ve had it a couple years now and it’s just so easy. I’ve included a picture for those of you who aren’t

familiar with it. It’s just a little egg-shaped device that you simply set on top of your can to be opened and press a buttton.

That’s it, you don’t need to hold it or struggle to get it to fit on the can.

Again, just set it on top, press a button and then go on to do something else. It’s small enough to fit in a drawer so there’s no need to take up counter space with a large appliance. It saves your wrists from hand cranking. Some might say....wow, you are lazy, but hey...when you are trying to make a meal and time

is of the essence, this thing can’t be beat.

The only downside is that you do have to change the batteries every once in a while and they could have made the battery compartment a little easier to access.

Next up is the Ped Egg. WOW! I love this thing! It works great and is a must have for anyone with rough calloused feet. It works best right after you get out of the bath or shower when the skin on your feet is soft.

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to slough off those callouses.

Follow up with a good foot cream and you’re ready to go! You can even buy replacement “blades,” but I haven’t needed them yet and I’ve

owned this thing for several years.

Ladies, do you have some slippery tops or dresses that just won’t stay on hangers no matter how hard you try? Or what about a closet full of hangers of all different sizes and shapes where some get lost behind others or that you have to have a “certain hanger” to make sure a blouse won’t slide off? Well, the perfect solution is here—Huggable Hangers! This one isn’t a “made for TV” item—I first discovered it on HSN. Joy Mangano has a whole collection of these beauties that you can buy in any color.

She also has a set that includes clips for skirts, pants hangers and even hooks for belts, etc.

They are just sturdy hangers covered in a soft suede/velvety type material. You can even get them locally (different brand, but the same thing) in smaller packs. My first set was a large Joy Mangano

continued on page 21

Upcoming Events...



 

Sept 1 & Oct 6 - Farm Fresh Breakfast & Farm Market: Come enjoy a breakfast of our own eggs, meat and veggies! 8am-11am. No need to RSVP; just stop by!

Sept 22 - Show your support for Family Farms at the FarmAid Concert in Hershey!! info: www.farmaid.org Consider renting the FoodShed for your next event, party or meeting: A comfortable atmosphere at an affordable price. Catering available: we specialize in seasonal meals using organic produce & pastured meats from our farm. Consider our kitchen for your processing.

Hungry for fresh, local produce? Visit our website for information on our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program! Onfarm pick-up; State College, Lewisburg, Lewistown & Harrisburg.

Village Acres Farm & FoodShed

717-436-9477  info@villageacresfarm.com 229 Cuba Mills Road, Mifflintown www.VillageAcresFarm.com thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com

13

The Valley, September 2012

Understanding the Constitution

by David Molek

Repeal the 17th Amendment

In 1913, the 17th Amendment to our Constitution abrogated the state legislatures’ rights to appoint United States Senators in favor of popular election of those officials. In the original design by the Framers, there was an effective check on Congress through the state legislatures’ power to appoint and remove United States Senators.

Originally, each Senator was elected by his state legislature to represent that state in the US Senate. This was intended to protect each state’s power within the federation established by our Constitution by having its own direct representation in the Congress.

The Senate was, and would have been today, a bulwark for decentralized government. After all, US House Representatives are elected directly by the people.

The reason for the passage of the 17th Amendment was a procedural problem of frequent deadlocks when state legislatures were trying to select a Senator.

When deadlocked, a state would go without representation in the Senate.

As you probably already know, I am a student of our Constitution. I have read, researched and analyzed and have come to a difficult conclusion that I believe we should repeal the 17th Amendment. I do not believe repeal of the 17th would be a panacea for America’s constitutional ills.

However, our constitutional culture has been corrupted for decades, and much more significantly in the past 3 ½ years, by socialistic ideas, expediency and special interests. I do believe, however, that repeal would be a step toward

restoring constitutional government.

The 17th caused a failure in our federalist structure, federal deficit spending, far-reaching inappropriate federal mandates and federal control over state areas of responsibility. Repeal would reinstate the states’ linkage to the federal political process, elevate states’ legislatures from their present status as lobbyists to that of a partner in the federal political process. The existing relationship, combined with the effect of the Supremacy Clause, is guaranteed to continue to concentrate power into the hands of the federal government with little or no hope of return.

It is no coincidence that our federal government began its exponential growth following the passage of the 17th Amendment, just as soon as there was no longer a competing interest that could stop it. A fundamental problem with the 17th is that Senators no longer work for or represent their state governments, and therefore, the state governments no longer have a voice or meaningful political power in our federal government. The state governments were the most important check on the influence and scope of the federal government, and without this check, the federal government is truly unresponsive to the needs and wants of our citizens.

I realize that it is unlikely for Senators elected

by popular vote to back a change to the method that worked for them. The 17th restates the first paragraph of Article I, Section 3 of our Constitution, but replaces the phrase “chosen by the legislature” with “elected by the people thereof”. This Amendment has resulted in, as the Framers predicted, a federal government with influence, power and control unchecked by any political mechanism. This unlimited structure threatens the unique way of American life and the solvency of our federal government.

Our Congress was created to be a political venue for competition between state government interests and federal government interests. The Senate was to provide the state governments the necessary ability to restrict the natural inclination of the federal government to expand its power.

One of its fundamental purposes was to protect the sovereignty of the states against the encroachment of our federal government into the states’ interests in addressing their peoples’ needs. For example, questions in the areas of taxation, education, public safety, transportation, disaster relief, healthcare, marriage and property rights (to name a few), are now primarily mandated, regulated or directed out of Washington, DC, far away from the people being impacted by these policies.

This issue impacts directly when federal courts decline, as they frequently do, to interpret the

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10th Amendment as protecting the sovereignty of states. Without the original voice in the US Senate, states have no recourse.

Reading the debates of the Founding era, it is evident that the authors of the Federalist papers and others believed that election of the Senate by state legislatures would be both a necessary and sufficient condition for preserving federalism and limiting the federal government.

Our Constitution is fundamentally a rulebook for government. Its guiding principle is the idea that the federal government is a source of corruptive power and ultimate tyranny. In the realm of domestic affairs, the founders sought to guarantee that federal interference in the daily lives of citizens would be strictly limited. But, today, it seems just the opposite. No matter how long I search, it seems impossible to find in our Constitution any language that authorizes over 90% of the civilian programs that Congress crams into our federal budget today. The Founders did not create a Dept of Commerce, a Dept of Education or a Dept of Housing & Urban Development. This was no oversight. They did not believe that the federal government was authorized to establish such agencies.

In my opinion, the most severe wounds to our Constitution have been inflicted by precisely those who insist that they want to make it a “living” document.

When we argue and advocate that we return to the spirit and the true meaning of our Constitution, we seem to invite scorn and even malice from some people. If they want to accuse me of trying “to turn back the clock”, that is just fine with me. Turning back the clock in order to right grievous wrongs is precisely what we ought to do. a

The Valley, September 2012

14

Master Gardeners Help Educate

Competitive and Recreational Shooting in Juniata Valley

by Rosellen Frey

Educating fellow members of the community about horticulturerelated matters is the mission of the Juniata Valley Master Gardeners. These volunteers have an interest in gardening and a desire to help and support others who are interested in gardening.

What sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is the special training in horticulture and related topics that they receive from Penn State Extension, an integral part of the College of Agricultural Services. The thirty hours of training includes such topics as plant science, plant propagation, soil science, entomology, pest management, and many others. On-going training and education is required of each Master Gardener.

Upon completion of training, the certified Master Gardeners conduct a variety of programs.

They answer questions on gardening topics every Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Questions range from plant disease identification to organic weed control techniques. Community members with questions may call 248-9618 or stop by the extension office at 152 East Market Street.

For several years, the Master Gardeners had a demonstration garden at the Lewistown Waste Water Treatment Plant, but expansion of the plant required relocation of the garden. Lewistown Recreation Board and Lewistown Borough Council granted permission for the organization to develop a new garden at the site of the former Woodlawn playground, across from the Mifflin County Library. Reclaiming this site as a garden has presented multiple challenges for the group.

Although the new garden is in its infancy, an Open House including educational presentations and a plant sale will be held at the garden on September 8.

One of the most popular activities of the Master Gardeners is a Composting class. Participants learn to the techniques to convert yard waste and kitchen scraps into organic supplements to improve soil quality. Compost is available for sale on Thursday evenings at the garden at Woodlawn.

Other programs conducted by the Master Gardeners include speaker’s bureau, youth gardening programs, and educational displays.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Juniata Valley Master Gardeners is encouraged to call Penn State Extension at 248-9618. a

PA Cleanways Holds Successful Juniata River Clean-up 2012

By Pam Sechrist

Saturday August 11, 2012 had dawned grey and cool, which was a plus for a river cleanup. We wouldn’t have those extreme 90 degree temps we had all summer. During the week before, I had watched the weather daily.

It had called for severe thunderstorms for Thursday and Friday with high winds, which would no doubt have muddied the waters and made visibility poor for seeing trash in the water. On the way to Lewistown, I looked toward the river and saw that the fog was lifting. Arriving at the Victory Park Boat Access, the sun broke through as I unloaded the tub of gloves, safety vests, trash bags, drinks, and paperwork needed to sign up our volunteers and keep track of what was collected throughout the day. After everyone was signed up, they left to clean up along the banks and along the waterways throughout the length of Victory Park. As they began coming back with their bags of trash, they each gave an account of what was in their bag.

Some things like a television, broken boat, a child’s sand box, tarps, an air mattress, and a couple propane tanks were too big for a bag.

Throughout the day I had

been in contact with the Granville were the friendliest group of guys Fire Company crew who had put you would ever want to meet.

They brought 24 more tires and their rescue boat in the water at the siding of a camper they pulled the Granville access and worked out of the river left over from one to cleanup a mile or so of river of the many floods. It was 5:15 from there. I was also in contact with the Newton Hamilton Group. until I arrived in Newton Hamilton to find that they had a dumpWe just had a small glitch there ster three quarters of the way full. with the Newton Wayne Fire All in all, we had a great cleanup.

Company rescue boats who called Altogether there were 122 tires to say they couldn’t find our weighing 1.88 tons, and 1.23 tons cleanup boats there. After a few of trash. There was 1700 pounds phone calls, I found their location of trash between Victory Park and and gave the new contact number Granville and the rest was from to them to find the boats.

Newton Hamilton. I want to say

After lunch, the guys waded thanks to all the volunteers who in at Victory Park, crossed the came out to help and my Granriver, and started pulling tires out ville Fire Company friends have onto the banks. I wasn’t sure how already told us where we can do a we were going to get all the tires river cleanup next year. a since we didn’t have a boat to bring them across. Rick stood on the bridge keeping an eye on everyone and it wasn’t long before I realized that a couple of the trucks I thought had already gone came back loaded with tires—98 in all. I waited until 3:30 for the Granville Fire Company guys to bring in their load. I had only spoken to them on the phone and talked briefly to the fire chief that morning. Volunteers haul debris recovered from one section of the river.

When they came in they

by Bob White

Bulls-eye Pistol Shooting

NRA Conventional Pistol, more commonly known as Bulls-eye Pistol competition, is the granddaddy of all handgun shooting sports. Bulls-eye Pistol competition has been shot continuously since 1935, although there was not a national championship held during the years 1942 to 1945. The National Rifle Association and the Civilian Marksmanship Program are the sanctioning bodies for conventional pistol.

Locally, bulls-eye pistol matches can be shot at the Lewistown Pistol Club. The club shoots bulls-eye practice every Wednesday evening, 52 weeks a year. Security guards and other employees at the American Viscose Company started what is now known as the Lewistown Pistol Club. They did this mainly to compete at Bullseye Pistol competition. For well over 50 years, the residents of Central Pennsylvania have had a place to practice and a place to compete at conventional pistol. The cost to shoot Bulls-eye practice each Wednesday is $3.00 and the practice starts at 7:00 pm.

From approximately May through mid September the shooting is done outside, the rest of the year the shooting is done on Lewistown Pistol Club’s indoor range.

Other “sanctioned” matches are held a few times a year. The cost to participate in a sanctioned match is around $40.00.

Unlike IDPA or steel plate shooting, which emphasizes speed and accuracy, Bulls-eye pistol emphasizes accuracy and precision. Bulls-eye Pistol competition demands the shooter practice the seven fundamentals of handgun shooting. Grip, stance, breath, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control and follow through all matter greatly in this discipline. Bulls-eye shooting is shot standing using one hand at distances of 25 and 50 yards. The center rings (Bulls-eye) of the targets are 5.5 inches and 8 inches at 25 and 50 yards respectively.

A typical match is referred to as a 900, as there are 90 shots fired, with each shot earning a maximum 10 points. Competitors only load five rounds of ammunition in their handgun at a time for each string of fire. There are different time limits associated with the dif-

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ferent distances involved. At 50 yards, competitors shoot slow fire, shooting ten shots in ten minutes.

At 25 yards, competitors shoot timed fire and rapid fire. Timed fire consists of two five round strings, with twenty seconds for each string, while rapid fire has a ten second limit for each of the five round strings. Competitors usually shoot three strings of slow fire and six strings each string of timed and rapid fire, yielding ninety total shots fired.

The equipment for Bulls-eye usually consists of up to three handguns, a “shooters box” to carry and transport gear as well as a spotting scope. There are three classes of handguns in Conventional Pistol: rimfire, centerfire and .45 caliber pistol. Many shooters will choose to use their .45 in the centerfire portion of the match, but some opt for other calibers, as long as it is .32 caliber or greater. A match which utilizes all three handguns is referred to as a 2700, where the competitor shoots 90 rounds (a 900) which each handgun. A competitor can come to Wednesday night Bullseye practice at LPC and bring anything from a .22 caliber six shot revolver to a Model 1911 in .45 ACP (LPC’s indoor range only allows .22LR or centerfire ammunition that has a reduced velocity and a lead bullet – NO JACKETED AMMUNITION).

Like all NRA sanctioned sports, shooters are sorted or “classified” to their shooting ability. This allows shooters to compete against other shooters of like abilities. You can imagine how discouraging it would be to shoot an all time best score in a match only to be trounced by a shooter with a “high master” skill set.

Therefore, shooters are classified into one of the following categories: Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, Master and High Master.

Bulls-eye Pistol competition takes considerable training to achieve a high level of proficiency. Deceptively simple in appearance, yet vastly complex is the art of pistol shooting. Without question, its mechanics are simple. However, the mind’s influence makes the process a bit

Continued on page 45

15

The Valley, September 2012

Our Environment Our Culture The Taylor House A Brief History

by Sam Price

The late William Silverwood Taylor III (former owner of the IGA grocery store in Belleville, Pa.) and his wife Jane graciously donated half the cost of the building at 23 North Main Street in Lewistown to Community Partnerships RC&D Council in 2004.

Community Partnerships mortgaged the other half of the cost and moved to the building in 2004 making it our non-profit organiza-

tion’s headquarters. The Taylor House was built in 1908 by the Dr. William S. Taylor, DDS. After the construction was complete, he and his first wife moved into the new brick building where he had his dental office on one side of the first floor and the rest of the building was his residence. His dental practice thrived until his death in 1951.

Taylor and both his wives were active in many professional, civic and fraternal organizations during their lifetimes. His first wife (Florence) died in 1932.

She was

the mother of William S. Taylor Jr. He was remarried to his second wife (Esther) in 1934. Most notably, Dr. Taylor was a member of the Lewistown Borough Council and also on the Board of Directors for the Lewistown Municipal Authority. After Dr. Taylor passed away, his second wife lived at the residence until her death in the 1980s. She rented the office part of the building to different business and other physicians during the next 31 years.

After much renovation and restoration on the first floor by past and present staff and volunteers, the first floor of the building is now office space for Community Partnerships RC&D and the second floor is a large, luxurious apartment. The building has been visited by members of the Taylor Family on many occasions and the Taylor family donated the original dental certificate and license of Dr. Taylor to the Community Partnerships RC&D organization.

The certificate has been framed and is on display in the front office of the building. Along with the certificate, there is a large framed picture of Dr. Taylor and some other artifacts of his dental practice.

Community Partnerships RC&D Council’s home is located on 23 North Main Street, Lewistown at the Historic Taylor House. How did we get these digs? The late William S. Taylor III (former owner of IGA Belleville) and wife Jane graciously donated half the cost of the building before we moved in 8 years ago.

One major artifact of Dr. Taylor’s practice was found in the basement of the building. At the time it looked like a large block of cement under the cellar steps.

After inspecting the block, it was found to have been engraved on all 4 sides with Dr. Taylor’s name.

After struggling to get the 400 lb. block out of the basement, we at Community Partnerships were surprised to find that it was not cement and that after professional cleaning it turned out to be pure marble. It is on display outside the building on the front sidewalk for all to see as they go by the building. Historians think it may have been a carriage step. In 2011, Community Partnerships RC&D

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Council (the building’s owners) were presented with a plaque from the Downtown Historic Building Association as the property was added to the list of properties with historical significance to Mifflin County. The Staff and Officers of Community Partnerships RC&D are very proud of the building and look to the future to preserve and protect the heritage of the building and property. Stop by and see our Headquarters in downtown Lewistown and find out more about our programs in culture and the environment. * Special thanks to the Lewistown Sentinel, Forest Fisher and the Mifflin County Historical Society for information on the history of the Taylor House a

The Valley, September 2012

16

Splitting Hares

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

Back to School

As I reflect on the last few weeks, it’s difficult to believe that another summer has come and gone. September is already here and the first days of fall are upon us! By the time you read this article, most children will be headed back to school after a few well-deserved months of rest and relaxation. Of course, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been busy learning over their time off.

In early August, I had the opportunity to attend the rabbit show at the Mifflin County Youth Fair.

In addition to breed classes which judge the condition and conformation of each rabbit, the youth participated in showmanship classes. In these classes, the judge examines the ability of the participant to correctly handle their animal and tests their general and

breed specific rabbit knowledge of rabbits. The top showmen spend all year preparing for a chance at the Grand Champion title.

In light of the beginning of a new school year, we’re going “Back-to-School,” bunny style!

Here are some interesting facts about rabbits that every serious showman or rabbit raiser should know:

The American Rabbit Breeders Association Inc. has its roots in 1910 when Charles S. Gibson, of Michigan, with assistance from George Eckert, organized a meeting of rabbit enthusiasts on January 10, 1910. It was originally called the National Pet Stock Association. The association went through a series of name changes before finally adopting its current name in 1952.

According to the ARBA website, the organization currently has over 23,000 registered members from the United States, Canada and abroad.

Four fur types are currently recognized by the ARBA; wool, rex, satin and normal. Wool is typically 1 ½ to 5 inches long and may be course or silky. The four Angora breeds, Jersey Woolies and American Fuzzy Lops are the only breeds with wool coats. Rex fur belongs exclusively to the Rex and Mini Rex. It is very short and plush, measuring about 5/8 of an inch long. Satin fur is characteristic of the Satin, Mini Satin and Satin Angora. The fur shaft of satin breeds is translucent and gives a brilliant sheen to the coat.

All other breeds fall under the normal fur type.

A spotted color pattern on the fur is called “broken.” Many correctly patterned broken rabbits have a large marking covering the nose and whisker bed. This marking is referred to as a butterfly.

Harlequin rabbits carry more points on markings than any other recognized breed at this time. The breed is known for a checkerboard pattern of black and orange

or black and white markings. English Lops carry the most points on body type and come in a variety of colors.

The markings on Himalayan and Californian rabbits are temperature sensitive.

Their black points on Senior division exhibitors examine their rabbits durthe ears, nose, feet ing a showmanship competition Aug. 8 at the Mifflin and tail darken in County Youth Fair. Lance Hostetler won 2012 cooler temperatures Grand Champion Rabbit Showman and went on to and become lighter in represent the Bunnies R’ Us club in the Supreme warmer temperatures. Showmanship contest on Friday.

Most rabbit

If you breed two Ruby-Eyedbreeders in the United States White rabbits together, you can house their rabbits in wire-floored only produce kits of the same cages to make cleaning and color. maintenance more efficient, but

Netherland Dwarfs are solid flooring is more common in the smallest recognized breed, Europe. weighing only 2 ½ lbs at matu The “fat roll” or “pillow” you rity. Checkered Giants, Flemish may see under the chin of a rabbit Giants, French Lops and Giant is called a dewlap. They’re most Angoras are the largest and do not commonly seen on females. have a maxiumum weight listed in

Holland Lops, American their breed standards.

Fuzzy Lops, Mini Lops and

The ARBA recognizes five French Lops have a tall tuft of body types. Compact type infur that wraps from the base of cludes most of the smaller breeds one ear to the other. This area of of rabbits. Ideally, compact breeds cartilage and fur is what holds the have almost equal length, width ears down and is unique to the and height to the body. Commerpreviously mentioned lop-eared cial type rabbits have a similar breeds. English Lops do not have Continued on page 22 a crown.

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17

The Valley, September 2012

Sojourner Perspectives by Mark Ostrowski

Still Anointed by History

We have been examining Israel in this series of articles and have noted how this little nation has been anointed by history and history’s God to bear testimony to His interest in the affairs of men as well as to seek out a people devoted to Him. We noted that being anointed doesn’t necessarily mean easy. We’ve seen that this country was named after a man who was called Jacob, whom God renamed Israel, and how no other country has been conquered, subjugated, ceased to exist and yet after nearly 2000 years of extinction is again pre-eminent among the nations of the Earth.

Israel’s title deed to the land is the oldest title deed on record, the Bible. It gives account of the nation’s boundaries from the Nile in Egypt to the great river; The Euphrates. This, this author believes, will include the entire Arabian Peninsula, which means

there will be a massive land for peace settlement one day. However, it will be unlike any land for peace settlement we are used to, as it will be the Arabs giving up land to the Israelis’.

The Bible also recounts miracles on behalf of the nation as they settled the land God promised them, including the conquest of Jericho and Gideon’s triumph over the Midianites. Now, it’s easy to dismiss these, saying ‘that was ancient history, this is now.’

However, there are little known accounts of miraculous intervention on Israel’s behalf even in the modern era. Never mind the fact that Israel has overcome incredible odds in each of her four official wars, which had been provoked by and fought with her Arab neighbors. Out manned and out gunned each time, Israel still won huge swaths of land against all odds.

Amidst these conflicts are the individual stories that tell of a God who is still working in His chosen land and with His chosen people; the sons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A recently deceased, retired Israeli tank commander related how he found himself in a mine field surrounded by 600 Syrian tanks that were bent on destroying him and his men. The commander’s soldiers got out of their tanks and began to use bayonets to try to expose the mines so they could escape.

Suddenly, a strong wind came that lasted for only seconds. When it subsided, 30 inches of soil was blown off the ground, exposing all the mines in the field. He and his men were able to now proceed through the mine field and escape without harm!

In another event, during the 1973 Yom Kippur war, Syrian tanks should have been in Tiberias

Shopping at the Shuk

on the evening of the first day of the war. The story is told in the book Battle for Israel by Lance Lambert, that wave after wave of tanks bore down on Israel’s Golan Headquarters from Syria. Only ten men and two tanks defended the Israeli outpost. However, when the Syrians got within one mile of the headquarters, they halted. Another Israeli captain without any religious beliefs said that at the height of the fighting on

the Golan, he looked up into the sky and saw a great, grey hand pressing downwards as if it were holding something back.

Miraculous intervention? I’d say so.

Perhaps the greatest miracle is the continued existence of this vibrant little country amidst hostile neighbors all around who have continually promised to

Continued on page 35

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A hometown grocer you can trust.

The Valley, September 2012

18

Woods, Water and Wildlife

by Wayne Stottlar

All of us here at The Valley rejoice when we receive reader submissions that are suitable to print. For one, it gives our readers a different perspective than they might get from staff here and it also gives the lucky columnist a month off from writing while giving up the space. Well this month I am the lucky guy. Back in May I received a very nice letter from 15 year old Derick Weaver of Narvon Pennsylvania. He commented on the diverse topics in The Valley, and wondered if we might publish a hunting story as he and his family are avid hunters who travel to Mifflin County every year to hunt whitetails. His enthusiasm coupled with a good story will be a treat for everyone. ~ Wayne

A Mifflin County Shattered Antlers Buck

by Derick Weaver

The opening of rifle season for whitetail deer started off just as it always did for Duane Weaver and three of his hunting friends.

For the last fifteen years they had traveled from their home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to the

mountains of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania to hunt the mountain roaming whitetail. The only difference this season was that the four hunters, and hunters across the state, were still adjusting to new antler restrictions put in

place by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The new restrictions called for a buck to have at least three points on one side of its rack, and all had to be three inches or longer. Before the restrictions, there was seldom a year when no one from the camp pulled a buck off of Jack’s Mountain, whether it be a big one or a small one. But now, they could only wait and see what would happen.

After arriving at camp Sunday morning, the day before the season opener, Duane and the rest of the guys in camp hiked to the top of Jack’s Mountain to check out their ladder tree stands, which they had made and put there a few years before. They had strategic spots for the stands up on top of the mountain. The goal was for deer to be spooked by hunters walking below the top on either side of the mountain, and be forced to ascend to the top where three of the four hunters would be waiting, spaced about 300 yards from each other. Since there was no access road anywhere near them, they usually were the only ones who ventured to the top. A few hunters usually found spots near the bottom and some walked around on the bench of the mountain, which was exactly what Duane and his companions were looking for them to do.

After finding everything

well with their stands, the four went back to camp for supper and a good night’s rest for the next morning’s climb and hunt.

4:30 Monday morning found Duane at the bottom of the mountain ready for the 1 hour and 15 minute climb. Arriving at his tree stand around ten of six gave him plenty of time to get everything out of his backpack, put all of his hunting clothes on, load his gun, and get situated in the stand. Early on that morning Duane spotted six different deer, all either doe or small, ineligible buck. He had planned earlier to take a shot at the first legal buck that presented a shot, because he had no real good place to hunt back home and they were only staying at camp for the first two days of rifle season. He had also decided against purchasing a doe license that year, so the options were narrowed further. At 10:30 am, however, his luck changed as a deer started moving through the brush towards Duane. As it got closer, and came out of the brush, he could tell it was a buck.

At 65 yards he scoped it and found the deer to be a nice five point. Boom! Right after the shot, the buck took off. Surprisingly, it started running right toward Duane. He worked the bolt, but saw that it was hit good. At 8-10 yards away from him, the buck

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ran headlong into a tree, breaking its antlers and throwing the pieces in all directions. After walking up to the deer and finding it dead at the base of the tree, Duane realized that he had a bigger problem than just losing a rack of antlers.

With the new antler restrictions, he now had an illegal deer. The powerful crash into the tree had turned a decent five point into a little spike buck in a split second.

After field dressing it, he radioed to his cousin who was sitting in his stand 300 yards away. After telling him what had happened, the two of them started looking for the pieces of antler. It took 25 minutes of searching, but they were able to locate all five of the pieces which were broken off, the farthest being an amazing 15 feet away from the collision point, back in the direction the deer had come from.

After bringing the buck back home, Duane glued all of the pieces together the way they were and you could barely tell they were ever broken. That set of antlers now sits up on the wall of the camp in Mifflin, Pennsylvania along with about thirty others.

Each has a story about it, but the broken antlered buck has a story that won’t be forgotten too soon.

It just goes to show that you never can have a totally predictable hunt. a

19

The Valley, September 2012 The Whey and The Raw Milk Truth from page 7

would put their feet in the milk to keep warm when they milked the cow. Filthy conditions!… Fifty percent of the people who drank the swill milk died… In fact, it was called ‘the milk problem’ at the time.

Today, the milk from grainfed cows raised in large confined animal feeding operations (CAFO’s), sometimes referred to as factory farms, is rendered safe by heating, while the milk from grass-fed cows raised on smaller, clean farms can be safely consumed without being pasteurized.

A difference in safety between the two types of milk is due to the cow’s diet and the conditions under which they are raised.”

Mr. McAfee points out that there has not been a single death from drinking raw milk since collection of food safety data began in 1973. For comparison, there have been over 40 deaths from pasteurized milk during that time period, and another 50 deaths from pasteurized cheese.

Besides not being the failproof protector that we’re told it is, pasteurization does a lot to milk to rob it of its value to us as a source of good nutrition. Here is what author Sally Fallon has to say on the subject in her book, Nourishing Traditions.

Heat alters milk’s amino acids lysine and tyrosine, making the whole complex of proteins less available; it promotes rancidity of unsaturated fatty acids and destruction of vitamins. Vitamin C loss in pasteurization usually exceeds 50%; loss of other watersoluble vitamins can run as high as 80%; the Wulzen or anti-stiffness factor is totally destroyed as is vitamin B12, needed for healthy blood and a properly functioning nervous system. Pasteurization reduces the availability of milks mineral components, such as calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulfur, as well as many trace minerals. There is some evidence that pasteurization alters lactose, making it more readily absorbable. This, and the fact that pasteurized milk puts an unnecessary strain on the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, may explain why milk consumption in civilized societies has been linked with diabetes.

Last but not least, pasteurization destroys all the enzymes in milk — in fact, the test for successful pasteurization is absence of enzymes. These enzymes help the body assimilate all bodybuild-

ing factors, including calcium That is why those who drink pasteurized milk may suffer from osteoporosis. Lipase in raw milk helps the body digest and utilize butterfat.

After pasteurization, chemicals may be added to suppress odor and restore taste. Synthetic vitamin D2 or D3 is added — the former is toxic and his been linked to heart disease while the latter is difficult to absorb. The final indignity is homogenization, which has also been linked to heart disease.

Powdered skim milk is added to the most popular varieties of commercial milk — one percent and two percent milk. Commercial dehydration methods oxidize cholesterol in powdered milk, rendering it harmful to the arteries. High temperature drying also creates large quantities of cross-linked proteins and nitrate compounds, which are potent carcinogens, as well as free glutamic acid, which is toxic to the nervous system.

Modern pasteurized milk, devoid of its enzyme content, puts an enormous strain on the body’s digestive mechanism. In the elderly, and those with milk intolerance or inherited weaknesses of digestion, this milk passes through not fully digested and can build up around the tiny villi of the small intestine, preventing the absorption of vital nutrients and promoting the uptake of toxic substances.

The result is allergies, chronic fatigue and a host of degenerative diseases.

Is it legal to Purchase Raw Milk In Pennsylvania?

According to Rod Schmid N.D. author of The Untold Story of Milk, sales of raw milk and raw milk cheese aged over sixty days are legal in Pennsylvania both on the farm and in retail stores. Producers must have a permit and be subject to regular inspections. In 2008, over one hundred farms had permits to sell raw milk in Pennsylvania. I could not find data for more current statistics, but I feel certain that number has increased over the past four years. We are very fortunate to live in a state where raw milk is carefully monitored for safety and is readily available. In fact, there are only nine states in which raw milk can not be purchased at all.

“Most recently I get my raw milk from Sunset Valley Farm in Millerstown. The farm is owned and operated by Emanuel and Barbie Smucker. I met Mr. Smucker this summer at the Rec Park farmer’s market where he brings his raw milk, raw milk cheese, yogurt (pasteurized), and raw milk ice cream to the market each Tuesday

from 3-7 pm. In the near future I look forward to paying a visit to his farm to learn more about his production first hand. If you would like a sampling of Mr. Smucker’s delicious products, I encourage you to attend the Rec Park CookShop on Tuesday September 4th at 5:30.

I will be doing a presentation • Reliable Propane & Heating Oil Delivery on “Dairy Good • Budget Payment Plan Snacks For Kids.”

Call today The event is free to learn about our • 24/7 Emergency Service and open to the NEw CustOmER • Heating Equipment Service Plans community. For sPECiAls! more information • Safety Trained Professionals on the legal issues • Over 80 Years Experience surrounding raw milk and other artisan produced foods, go to www. farmtocosumer. org. This is a very Our Business is Customer Satisfaction revealing web site of the Farm to 717-248-5476 • 1-800-PROPANE (776-7263) Consumer Legal Defense Fund.

According to the site, its mission is to “defend the

Mark McAfee explains that it… [These beneficial bacteria] rights and broaden the freedoms colonize and become part of your raw grass-fed milk can even be of family farms and protect access tolerated by most that are lactose immune system.” to raw milk and nutrient dense intolerant. Naturally, if you have

Also, children who drink foods.” these health challenges, you raw milk have fewer allergic What is “A Campaign For would want to consult your health skin problems in addition to Real Milk?” care provider before consuming far less asthma than children

A Campaign For Real Milk raw milk. He sites several studies who drink pasteurized milk. is a project of the Weston A. to support his statement.

(Clinical&Experimental Allergy.

Price Foundation. Go to their

“… [T]wo huge studies were 2007 May; 35 (5) 627-630 website for a plethora of raw done in Europe – the PARSIFAL This is the WHEY milk information. Here is how study done in 2006, studying

Milk has two proteins. Casein they describe what they do. “A 15,000 kids, and the GABRIELA and whey protein. Whey, the Campaign for Real Milk recomstudy, which was just completed watery part of milk that separates mends Real Milk—that is, milk this year, done in Basel, Switfrom the curd, has been around that is full-fat, unprocessed, and zerland. Peer reviewed, intersince people started making from pasture-fed animals. We do nationally published, wonderful cheese in about 5000 BC. Often NOT recommend consumption documentation showing that whey it is discarded and that is unfortuof raw milk from conventional protein in raw milk stabilizes mast nate because a lot of nutrients are confinement dairies or dairies cells and actually makes asthma literally going down the drain. Dewhich produce milk intended get a lot better, and in some cases, spite its wishy-washy appearance, for pasteurization. Nor do we completely gone.” this liquid is far from nutritionally recommend the consumption of

“What we have is this polarworthless. low fat or skim raw milk—there ity, these polar opposites between

Whey protein contains all the are important protective factors pasteurized milk, which has lots essential amino acids and is more in the butterfat. Real Milk, that of dead bacteria… which actually soluble than casein and also has a is, raw whole milk from grasstrigger inflammation in your body higher quality rating. In its purest fed animals (fed pasture, hay and because your body doesn’t recogform, it contains little or no fat, silage), produced under clean con- nize these waste products… Your lactose or cholesterol. Whey proditions and promptly refrigerated, body then reacts by mast cells tein contains many components contains many anti-microbial and breaking open, histamines being found in human breast milk. immune-supporting components; released, and things like asthma

Whey contains potassium, but this protective system in raw and inflammation flaring like cracalcium, magnesium & phosphomilk can be overwhelmed, and the zy; mucus being laid down, which rous. The most important minerals milk contaminated, in situations causes ear infections. Raw milk for the body. Whey also makes a conducive to filth and disease. In does exactly the opposite… [T] great source of electrolytes and is other words, Know Your Farmer! he milk is alive [with beneficial] very hydrating. One of the prized What about milk induced bacteria and your body recognizes Continued on page 30 asthma and lactose intolerance?

Expect More from Your Fuel Supplier!

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The Valley, September 2012

20

Dairy Princess Memories

by Amanda Fisher

Mifflin County Dairy Princess 2012-2013

Hi I’m Amanda Fisher the Mifflin County Dairy Princess. I have been so busy with promotions and I have started back to school. Not only have I been in school, I have been preparing for state pageant. State pageant is where all the dairy princesses across the state come together to compete for a state title. It isn’t just about all of us competing, it is also where we get to see one another again since July. It has been a lot of fun getting to know these girls. Just a few weeks ago at the Central PA Championship Show at the Huntingdon County Fair, I got to hand out ribbons with Heather, Center County Dairy Princess, and Tiffany, Blair County Dairy Princess. We had a lot of fun handing out ribbons and just catching up on what has been going on. Speaking of the fair, I had an awesome week and I hope everyone else did as well. I was excited for one of my friends, Danielle, who got Supreme

Champion with her Ayrshire.

I was just as excited for her as I would have been for myself!

Macy and I both did really well with our animals too, first and second places, so I can’t complain at all. I also took two market lambs to the fair and they both got first place and one of them received light weight champion. So we all had a good time spending the week together. Also, right after fair I had a calf born. I was so excited to finally have one born that was a girl! I was not sure what to name her at first because when we name our animals we use the first letter of the mom’s name. For instance Maddie was the one who had a baby, so the calf’s name had to start with “M”; I finally came up with a name and it is Monica.

She has been growing like crazy so she will get to go to the fair next year. So now that I am back in school, I am a Junior at Mount Union Area High School. I cannot believe how fast my high

school career has gone already.

When I sit and think about it, I have just one more year to go and then I will be a graduate. I just cannot believe it. I can believe though that the Moms out there are going to need some help with these school nights and mornings.

So here are some recipes you can use to settle those hungry tummies.

Breakfast Bacon cheese Stromboli 1 (10 oz) tube refrigerates pizza dough ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled On an ungreased baking sheets, roll the dough into a 12in. circle On one half of the dough, sprinkle cheeses and bacon to ½ inch of edge Fold dough over filling; pinch edges to seal.

Bake at 400 degrees for about ten minutes or until golden. Serve with salsa Cut in pie slices.

Supper Southwest sausage bake 6 flour tortillas (10 inches), cut into ½ inch strips 4 cans (4 oz) chopped green chilies, drained 1 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained 2 cups (8 oz) shredded Monterey Jack Cheese 10 eggs ½ cup milk ½ teaspoon each salt, garlic salt, onion salt, pepper and ground cumin Paprika, to taste 2 medium tomatoes, sliced Sour cream and salsa In a greased 13x9 in baking dish.

Layer half of the tortilla strips, chilies, sausage and cheese. Repeat the layers In a bowl, beat the eggs, milking and seasonings, pour over the cheese. Sprinkle with paprika.

Cover and refrigerate of night.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Arrange sliced tomatoes

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over the top. Bake another 10-15 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

Dessert Cookies N’ Cream Pie 2 cups whole milk 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix 1 (8 oz) carton whipped topping, thawed 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies

In a mixing bowl, combine milk and pudding mixes. Beat one minute or until well blended. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Fold whipped topping and crushed cookies. Spoon into a prepared chocolate pie crust.

Refrigerate until firm. *Tip for Moms: you can always serve chocolate milk with a meal.

It has protein and carbohydrates to keep kids energized and healthy.

So be sure that your son or daughter is getting their chocolate milk. a

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21

The Valley, September 2012

Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly Is Your Wood Burner Ready for Winter?

It was certainly nice to talk with some of you on August 18 at the First Annual “Day of Community in The Valley” at the Reedsville 4-H Youth Park. It was a beautiful day with great music and there were a lot of good discussions at our booth. I discovered there is a lot of interest out there in Solar Thermo and PV which is very exciting. It’s nice to know that you are all working to rid yourself of that “Ball and Chain” better know as your “utility bill” and that you’re working to make your home, business or church more energy efficient and more comfortable. Thanks for attending and we’ll look forward to seeing you at next year’s event, if not before.

Grange Fair is over and Labor Day has passed, so we know winter is not far off. If

you heat with wood, it’s time to check your wood burner (stove, boiler, furnace, cook stove, etc.) and make a list of the things you need to accomplish to safely make it through winter. Check your smoke pipe. Is it 24 gage and is it secured with screws at each joint (minimum of two per joint 180 degrees apart). Has it been brushed clean of creosote? Is it securely attached to the stove and the chimney? Have you had the chimney cleaned and checked for structural integrity? Are your clearances to combustibles correct according to your instruction manual? If it’s a fireplace installation, is there adequate distance between the stove and a wooden mantle or wood trim around the fireplace opening? Check the wood burning fire box. Are there any firebricks cracked or broken

Gadgets Worth Grabbing from page 12

I can tell you that one of them has been in the same location outside for about three years and it’s still going. Cold and heat does not seem to affect its performance.

I have one more product that you can find locally at Olde Thyme Reflections next to Asher’s Chocolates. It’s the Luminara Candle. I don’t own this one yet, but I was amazed by it when I saw it on display at Olde Thyme Reflections’ booth at our “Day of Community” event last month in Reedsville. We’ve all seen the battery operated candles that flicker as if they are a real candle.

Well this thing is clearly a notch above! It’s got a flame that wavers back and forth, and honestly, you have to look very, very closely to tell that it isn’t a real flame. It’s amazingly authentic! Add to that a remote control to turn it on and off AND a timer, and you’ve got a real gem. Another bonus is that they come in a couple different heights as well. They are a little pricey, but I plan to be the proud owner of one very soon!

Gents, this makes a perfect birthday or Christmas gift (hint, hint). Stock up for Christmas Staci! a

collection, but I’ve been adding to it with small sets from the local stores. Eventually my whole closet will be made up of these hangers. (Actually it’s mostly just Wayne’s clothes that are lacking them right now.)

Stick ‘N Click Lights! This set of three LED lights are great for a dark storage closet, under the counter, or as in our case, near the back door where you need a little extra light at times to find your keys! Unfortunately, I cannot tell you how long the batteries last because we only use ours periodically and don’t leave it on for more than a few minutes at a time. But,

that need to be replaced or any cracked castings or broken welds?

If you have a masonry chimney and your draft was marginal last year, do you want to consider the installation of a stainless steel chimney liner to improve the draft? A magnetic flue thermometer is always a good idea so you can monitor the temperature the stove is burning. How about a humidifier for the stove top to add a little moister to that dry winter air?

By now you’ve cut or purchased your firewood for the winter and no doubt stored it under a roof or have it covered with a tarp. Perhaps you purchased a load of “poles” that were seasoned (dried) before you received them, which you will cut and split this winter as needed. Personally this is the route I choose (see picture).

A four cord load of seasoned poles ready to be cut and split into firewood

I count on this for exercise to help keep off those extra pounds I would normally gain during the winter months. To that end, my tools are a chain saw, a splitting maul and a sledge hammer for those stubborn pieces.

If you haven’t purchased your firewood to date, be sure you request “seasoned” hardwood like oak and maple as they produce long lasting, hot fires as opposed to soft woods like poplar, aspen, willow, spruce and pine, which burn quickly and don’t leave a good bed of coals. If you cut your own wood, be sure to cut and split dead wood for this year.

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With everything ready, you can look forward to a winter of warmth and saving on the “utility bill.” Then all the preliminary time you spent preparing for winter will seem worthwhile.

Curt Bierly is president of the bierly group incorporated of which Stanley C. Bierly is a division. He graduated from Penn State with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and is a member of the Penn College HVAC Advisory Board. You can contact him at cbierly@bierlygroup.com. a

The Valley, September 2012

22

Recipes-Crafts-Gifts With Debra Kulp Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade: 2 cups buttermilk 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.

Pinch of Cayenne pepper 6 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts halves Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonaise 1/4 honey 1/4 cup dijon mustard 1/4 tsp dried thyme Parsley for garnish Marinade

In a large plastic food bag, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken, turn to coat. Seal bag. Marinade in refrigerator for 2 hours. Heat grill to medium. Remove chicken from marinade and dry pat with paper towel, discard marinade.

Grill for 8 minutes turning chicken once.

Sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayonaise, honey, mustard, and thyme.

Place chicken on a plate and brush with honey mustard sauce.

Return to grill for 2-4 minutes.

Turn chicken once during grilling. Serve warm with remaining sauce.

Upside Down Rhubarb Cake 5 cups rhubarb, chopped

Back to School from page 16 look to the compact breeds, but are longer in body and considered to have ideal meat type. Full arch breeds stand up tall on the table and show an arch from the nape of the neck to the tail. An example of a full arch breed is the Belgian Hare or Rhinelander. Semi arch type rabbits are long in body.

Their arch begins at the back of low, flat shoulders and carries through the hips. The final type is cylindrical. Himalayans are the only recognized breed with cylindrical body type. They are posed long and flat on the table.

Each February, the Pennsylvania State Rabbit Breeders Association holds its annual convention. Exhibitors have attended from all over the United States and Canada and fill the entire Lebanon Expo Center with five halls in constant use. I have heard over the past year that what was once deemed the largest show on the East Coast has grown to

1 cup sugar 1 (3-oz) pkg strawberry gelatin 3 cups miniature marshmallows 1 (18-oz) pkg yellow cake mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl mix together the rhubarb, sugar, gelatin and marshmallows. Pour into a greased and floured 9” X 13” pan. Prepare the cake mix as directed on box; pour over the rhubarb mixture.

Bake for one hour, let cool for 10 minutes before turning out on a cake dish. When cool, store in refrigerator.

Note, amount of sugar depends on tartness of rhubarb.

Sour Cream Burgers...YUM! 2 lbs ground beef 1 cup sour cream 1 (1-oz) envelope dry onion soup mix 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1/8 tsp black pepper

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, sour cream, onion soup mix, bread crumbs and pepper using your hands. Refrigerate while you heat up the grill so the flavors have a chance to blend.

Preheat grill for medium heat, form the ground beef into 8 balls and flatten into patties. Grill the patties for 6-8 minutes per side or until well done. a be considered the largest show in the United States outside of the National ARBA Convention... right here in our own backyard!

I hope reading these little tidbits will encourage you to learn more about the hobby that so many people enjoy across the world! Pennsylvania has an active community of reputable, knowledgable rabbit breeders so there are endless resources for those wanting to find out more.

I also want to extend a big congratulations to the youth who showed at this year’s Mifflin County 4-H Youth Fair! You all did a wonderful job representing your breed and club.

Before I go, thank you to everyone who attended A Day of Community in The Valley, especially those who visited the rabbits! I had a great time meeting fellow writers and new friends and I hope to see everyone again next year. a

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23

The Valley, September 2012 simple yet active involvements will bring inspiration to any grandparent and help develop a closeness in heart!

Mail Pouch Books

by Carleen B. Grossman

The Month of September brings us Grandparents’ Day on September 9th of this year! Thus, I have selected books that tie in with my theme honoring grandparents!

LETTERS FOR EMILY

By Camron Wright Copyright 2002

This novel is filled with a treasure-trove of verses teaching about romance, compassion and hope. And, intertwined with these verses, which are written into several copies of beautiful “handmade” books for a granddaughter and her family members by a grandfather, are intricate messages with clues and riddles for the fam-

ily to discover---leading them all to the secrets of life!

Are these really the ramblings of a grandfather with Alzheimer’s? Sometimes even as we lose our grasp on life, for whatever reason, we still are able to convey priceless treasures to our loved ones. And that is just what this grandfather does in this wonderful family story!

This is a book that will delight you with tenderness, love and mystery all wrapped together to pass on great wisdom to you. It is almost like a game---it is such fun yet extremely meaningful.

GRANDPARENTING AT LONG DISTANCE:

Connecting with Grandchildren Across the Miles

By Selma Wassermann Copyright 2010

Do you feel separated from your grandchildren by the miles?

Sometimes distance doesn’t matter when you feel close in heart!

This book will show you how to build close relationships no matter how far away you live. Connecting through stories, photographs, written words and other relative

THE MODERN GRANDPARENT’S HANDBOOK The Ultimate Guide to the New Rules of Grandparenting

By Dr. Georgia Witkin Copyright 2012

Grandparents today are not like their predecessors from past years! This book will show you how to be the best grandparents in these active and modern times when health, youth and being young at heart are the goals. You will learn about on-line/off-line connections with your grandchildren, emotional and mental connections, stresses of grandparenting and things NOT TO DO! TOAD COTTAGES and SHOOTING STARS

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Grandma’s Bag of Tricks

By Sharon Lovejoy Copyright 2010

What a FUN book! Make all types of creative outdoor and indoor garden projects, cooking projects and even lots of rainy-day projects for times when nature is not feeling so chipper! This book is a perfect resource for grandparents to connect with their grandchildren through nature memories that will last forever! a

Arthrossage, Medical Massage for Arthritis from page 41

an Athlete and you want to stay limber between games or seasons, this is also very beneficial for you as well.

I am practicing out of Shade Mountain R&R, Lewistown and Curves/Simply Health Himalayan Salt Cave, Burnham. I am an independent contractor, so please call me to schedule your appointment.

You will notice a difference after your first session! Investing in Massage is an Investment in YOUR Health!

Call my cell@ 814-574-5019 or Email me at dlmartin@massagetherapy.com a

24

The Valley, September 2012

WWT: 1. Northern(Union) 2. “Sharpsburg” Maryland 3. Emancipation Proclamation Jan. 1, 1883

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25

The Valley, September 2012

Walking on the wild side by julie shultz smith

Fleas, Ticks And Flies, Oh My!

What is everyone going buggy about? Well if you have any pets, whether it be inside your house or inside your barn, I think you would agree that fleas, ticks and flies have been so bad this year. I know around our barn fly spray is more of a must have this year than in previous years. Have you all been having the same problems? At E & L Supplies our customers have been dealing with the same issues. So I thought I would take this time to give you some ideas of what has been helping our customers from going buggy.

Let’s start out with the pets that most people have in their household—dogs and cats. Here

at E & L Supplies there has been so much talk about how to keep our dogs and cats tick and flea free. We carry Frontline, Spectra Sure and Advantix II, and all three of them come both for dogs and cats. The nice part about the Spectra Sure is it starts working an hour after you apply it. Frontline not only kills fleas and ticks, but it also works on chewing lice and flea eggs. The Advantix II kills all of the above, but also kills mosquitoes. No matter what problems you have, we have a treatment for it. All three are liquid products that you apply to the base of the neck once a month.

It’s nice because the dosage is already measured out for you, so all

you do is open the pack and apply it. All of these products are also waterproof, so if your dogs like to swim, they are still protected. Or, if you need to bathe your dogs or cats, not to worry, they are still protected. The Frontline and the Spectra sure are a three month supply and the Advantix II comes in a four month supply. We also have a full pet spa at E & L Supplies. If your pet is in need of a flea bath, give us a call and we would be glad to do that for you.

Another thing we carry is the tick twister, which is a nice product to help you get a tick off of whatever pet you may have; you can also use it on yourself if you get a tick.

If you have pets in your house that have fleas, you more than likely have the fleas living in your house. I know that most of you don’t want to hear that, but it’s the truth. At this time you might as well start treating your house. We also carry different products that you can use to treat the house. We have powders, sprays, and fog products—we have it all. What about your yard? Not to worry, we have you

covered there as well. There are a couple different products that we carry for that. Some come in a powder and others come in a liquid form to use on your lawn.

As I said, we have you covered!

What about the animals out in the barn? E & L Supplies we carries a large variety of fly sprays for your horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or whatever else you may have in the barn. Worried about your horses with ticks or mosquitoes? No need to worry, we carry Equi-Spot, which is a spot on product just like for your dogs and cats. We also carry Centaura, which is an insect repellent for both horse and rider. How cool is that—one spray for you and your horse? No need to worry about keeping two different insect repellents at the barn, now it’s all in one bottle.

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What about people like myself that have animals that you just can’t get close enough to spray down for flies? Could you see Herb or I out there trying to spray the buffalo with fly spray?

Um, no I didn’t think so. We give the buffalo Purina Wind and Rain mineral with fly control. Wind and Rain minerals were designed to be fed to cattle, but they also work great for the buffalo. It’s so nice to kill two birds with one stone. Not only does the Wind and Rain mineral give the cattle, or in our case the buffalo, the daily minerals they need, the fly control also works on keeping the flies away. For us that is a life saver!

Continued on page 35 ®

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JOIN US: November 8 – 12, 2012 in Santa Clara, CA www.westonaprice.org or call (304) 724-3006

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26

Editor’s Corner from page 2

thoughts from the Bunker by jared kauffman

A Survival Cache Part 2

Using the cache storage tube design presented to you last month, I want to give a few suggestions on what, how, and why to cache.

WHAT TO CACHE

Some of the items you may want to consider placing in a survival cache as mentioned in Part 1: food, clothing, ammo, silver coins, miscellaneous supplies (such as batteries, tools, etc.), and yes, I will again suggest firearms.

Food items I will recommend include MREs, Mountain House Brand (my favorite) freeze-dried food pouches, and high-calorie food bars. Clothing could include socks, gloves, a fleece hat, and a light-weight synthetic jacket.

Ammo placed in cache should be for your personal sidearm and any common caliber that can be useful for use or barter. Silver coins such as one ounce American Eagles or a portion of your “junk” silver coin stash. A small tool kit placed in your cache could be a lifesaver.

Your Survival Cache should include items that will complement and supplement the contents of your Bug Out Bag (Read online the January 2012 issue for my

article on assembling your own.)

HOW TO CACHE

Your cache container must be waterproof and to a degree, crush resistant. Even though the design I used is waterproof I always pack the contents in plastic freezer bags. I also recommend the use of desiccant packets. These packets will help absorb moisture and are available online or save the packets found in those newly bought pair of shoes. All food should be left in original packaging.

Ammo should be left in cardboard boxes and vacuum sealed.

Clothing should be clean and dry before placing in cache. Extra caution should be taken when storing anything metal; tools, knives, and firearm parts must be WELL oiled and individually wrapped in waxed paper. There are a number of how-to videos on Youtube showing you the different methods on preparing these items for storage. If you choose to cache firearms, do so at YOUR OWN RISK! There are all kinds of safety precautions that must be adhered to. Use your head and make sure those caches are placed where they cannot be found by

children or idiots. Consider this a disclaimer!

WHY TO CACHE

There are many reasons why I maintain a cache and why I suggest you do the same. Take a look at the latest news headlines— natural disasters, home invasions, and forced evacuations take place daily. A cache of supplies could be a lifesaver should you be subjected to any one of these events.

Like I said before, this idea of a “Survival” cache does not have to be some extreme, crazy idea for use only by the tin-foil hat wearing crowd. Relax. It is a practical idea that should be considered.

I think I’ll save the burial of the cache tube for next month and give you a few weeks to really ponder this idea AND assemble your cache! a

Young style songs. A fan came up to me afterward and said that this was the first time he had heard someone “do Neil Young, better than Neil Young!”

Mountain Minstrelsy from Milheim was a last minute addition for us, after my good friend Jackie Lee from NH had to cancel at the last minute to deal with a family medical emergency.

Jackie will be here for next year’s event, but being able to get Mountain Minstrelsy on such short notice was a real blessing and gift. The project the band has undertaken is a story in itself, and it is rooted right here in Central Pennsylvania. Look for a story on the band in The Valley soon.

Twice during their performance Mountain Minstrelsy left the stage and came down on the grass and performed amongst the fans.

THAT was VERY cool. The fact that they have an 8 year old fiddle player who is VERY good, was the talk of the afternoon.

Tyranny, Like Hell, Is Not Easily Conquered; Yet We Have This Consolation With Us, That The Harder The Conflict, The More Glorious The Triumph” --Thomas Paine

Savvy Cents & Sensibility

by JoAnn Wills MBA

The Cost of Productivity

As we usher in August, we prepare to wave goodbye to lazy summer days and relaxing summer vacations under the sun. We tend to wear relaxation like a badge during our scheduled summer vacations. During routine day-to-day working times of the year, the words “relaxation” and “downtime” are almost taboo.

For many people, “Ordinary days” must be filled to the brim with work and busyness. I am a firm believer in a good work ethic and responsible use of time; however, I am also a proponent

of joy and restoration of body, mind, and spirit. I agree with Leo Babauta blog writer for Zenhabits: Breathe who said “Life is for living, not productivity.” So in the spirit of “productive living,” let’s take a few minutes to reassess the cost of our productivity. First, ask yourself the following questions: • Is your life a nonstop stream of productive tasks?

• Does life feel like a lifelong work day?

• Are you happy with the level of busyness in your life?

If you answered yes or maybe to

Chicken Tractor Deluxe closed out the festivities with two hours of fan favorites. Kai Shafft said the event was “huge fun” for the band, and that was evident from the audience reaction. I had dozens of people comment to me in the days following the event that they had never seen them play before, but were going to do so more in the future. I am sure many folks carried home with them a memory of the sun setting behind Seven Mountains as Chicken Tractor launched into an incendiary version of “The Cuckoo.” I noticed one elderly lady who I was told was 93 years old up out of her chair with her feet tapping and hands clapping, it don’t get much better than that.

Chicken Tractor Deluxe is a fun band to go watch, their laid back style and “American Rural” music is in everyone’s DNA. You have to try extremely hard not to like this style of music, I think Kai described it best saying, “Like ‘em or not, these are our roots” a

the first two and no to the third question, then read on…when was the last time you truly and deeply thought about what brings you joy? If it has been a while since you last considered joy, it is really overdue. I believe we must begin to ask ourselves how we can best enjoy our productivity. Bring out the SWOT analysis from last month’s article and examine how you might blend productivity and enjoyment in your life – NOW.

If upon examination you find that you are spending way more hours at work busyness than in

enjoyment at home/with loved ones/in activities that bring you joy, then it may be time to take a deeper look at the cost of your productivity. Our time cannot be bottled or stored for later; it is a precious commodity. A great way to examine your productivity is to keep an honest journal/ schedule of what you are doing with your time. For example, use a daily schedule broken down into fifteen minute increments and record everything you spend your time on for one week. Record how you spent your work time and downtime, and be as precise as possible. You may uncover patterns of lag times that appear

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to be productive, yet are merely busyness. In that case, you can maneuver your schedule to take advantage of true productivity while adding time for enjoyment to do more of what you want. On the other hand, you may uncover that you spend all of your time involved in heavy productivity and very little downtime for enjoyment. If that be the case, then it may prove fruitful to re-examine the cost of your time, whether you desire to change your current circumstances, and if so, how you plan to make the changes.

Maybe your changes will require employment changes or changes in hearth and home. Maybe your changes will require only slight adjustments to your current mode of living. In any event, take the time to honestly reflect on the cost of your productivity and move forward ready to welcome more joy in your life. a

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The Valley, September 2012

Grosze Thal Nachbaren

(Big Valley Neighbors)

by Jeptha I. Yoder

Ein Grusz in dem Namen Unsers Herren Jesu Christi. Wo ist der Sommer hin geflohen? Bald ist es Herbst! Es ist eine schöne fruchtbare zeit. Etliche Vögel gehen nach ihre Winter-heimat gegen Mittagwerts. Mir hen unsere Kartoffeln ausgegraben letzt woch, wiewohl es ziem lich nasz war. Die Schulen fingen an am Montag der Zwanzigst.

Am Neun und Zwanzigst Juli war die Gemein ans Jesse S. Hostetlers, Von andere gegenden waren ihre Kinder (und Kindeskinder) die Isaak Rs, Amos Js, Iddo Ms, und Esra Ss, alle Hostetlern. Auch Seine Schwestern die Christ Speichers und Jonathan Hostetlers. Es Jonathans unds Amos Js waren ans Mose R. Hostelers fürs Abendessen. Meine Eltern waren Unkel Christ M. Yoders abends. Eli S. Hostetlers waren auch dort. Ost Lang Leen Gemein war ans Mose J. Hostetlers.

Der Fünft August war Kirchengasse Gemein ans Salomon C. Hostetlers. West Lang Leen war ans Mahlon C. Yoders.

Meine Eltern waren bei die Au (Salomon) Mareily R. Hostetlers abends.

Der Zwelft waren wir in der

Gemein ans Esra B. Hostetlers.

Von andere Theilen waren: die (Sam R.) Malinda K. und Jacob Zs und Familie, alle Hostetlern, Uria Js und Mahlon Cs, und Familien, (Emanuel B.) Fräney N. und Vier Söhne, alle Yodern, und (Daniel M.) Leah E. Zug und zwei Jungste. So der Herr Will, ist die Gemein ans Mose C. Yoders, nächst mol. Ost Lang Leen war ans Jonathan Y. Hostetlers.

Nieder Milroy war ans Noah R.J. Hostetlers.

Der Neunzeht war Kirchengasse Gemein ans Samuel N. Yoders. West Lang Leen war ans Samuel N. Yoders. West Lang Leen war ans David R. Yoders.

Meine Eltern waren ans Noah D. Hostetlers fur Mittag-essen.

Eli S. Hostetlers und Familie waren auch dort. Nachmittages waren meine Eltern ans J. Yost Hostetlers. Ihr Sohn Rudys und Familie waren bei die (Sam R.) Malinda K. Hostetler fürs Mittagessen.

Greetings in our Creators Name on a lovely late summer day. It is the busy canning season.

We have peaches, pears, and some apples, though not the best quality. Here along the mountain

the fruit trees were, more or less, spared from the frosts that occured after their earlier-than-usual blooming. My blackberries were heavily loaded with berries (more than ever). Apparently there were too many for the plants to feed under the circumstances as some of them dried up before ripening.

Grapes are changing color and are a good crop. The figs in the unheated greenhouse have started ripening. The outdoor ones will probably start in early September.

Joining three sisters and one brother, on July 24, is a Yost A., to Moses D. and Dena N. Hostetler.

Grands are Samuel E. Jr. and Malinda F., widow (YostE.) Lydia E. (Zook), all Hostetlers.

We were saddened to hear of a tragic accident on Ulsh Gap Road (McClure) where Jake Fisher was killed. They were produce growers. His wheelchair-bound widow is a daughter of (Kish Valley Auction Barn) Sherman Glick.

Thursday August 2nd, the writer, among others, were to the (Vocational) school meeting at Benjamin Kanagy’s of Belleville.

Would desire to do better in being thankful we can have our schools the way we do. We were reminded

of the sacrifices that were made by those who worked to set up (with God’s help) the Parochial school system.

Saturday August 4th some folks were to a barn raising in Winfield of a valley native, and a former schoolmate, Christ E. Zooks.

Also on the 2nd was a small funeral in Winfield of an infant son of Eli C. (another schoolmate) and Rebecca A. (Hershberger) Hostetler. They also buried a yearold son Enos thirteen years ago this month. The grandparents are Joseph C. and Lydia M. Hershberger of Winfiled; Widow (Seth J.) Malinda A. (Zook) Hostetler of Milroy. Also one living Great-grand is widow (Rufus J.) Malinda S. Yoder of Winfield.

The days of the month (August) are exactly as they were in 2001 when Dear Grandmother Rebecca S. Yoder passed on Saturday the 11th, with the funeral being on Monday the 13th. Time does not necessarily erase memories as we grow older.

Migratory birds are heading south. Hawks are about, trying to get their meals, be it wild food or our late broods of chicks. This is routine around here on sunny fall days. My dog has learned to chase the hawks elsewhere.

We still have a variety of birds around, including the night feeding Screech Owls which seem to be plentiful. And no wonder, with an abundance of rodents and insects to dine on all summer.

A long time resident of this neighborhood, Anna M. Esh (101), died on July 26th. She was

born on September 1, 1910. This was probably the last obituary to be printed in our local paper of someone born in 1910. Dare we think?

Thanks! to all fellow writers (and attendees) for the hospitality and friendship shown at the gathering in Reedsville on Saturday August 18th.

Remembering the grieving.

God’s blessings wished to all!

Enjoy the last of summer.

Jeptha I. Yoder a

Time does not necessarily erase memories as we grow older.

--Jeptha I. Yoder

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Open Daylight Hours Mon thru Fri Open Saturday till 7oo pm

Stop by from 7am-8am 24 hour notice for orders Same Day pick-up possible with notice by 7am.

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The Valley, September 2012

Answers in an ad in this issue

28

Sept.17,1862 - Civil War Battle of Antietam - the highest casualty count for any one day of fighting in U.S. history.

1. Antietam - the first major Civil War battle fought on ________soil.

2. Confederates referred to the battle by the name of a nearby town?

3. Considered a Union victory the battle paved Quiz #

20024

Copyright Š 2012

the way for Pres. Lincoln to issue this document?

The Valley

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.

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29

The Valley, September 2012

The Chicken AND the Egg!

by Mike Flanagan

“We’re From The Government...”

“We’re from the government, and we’re here to help.” Those are, in my mind, the scariest words I hope never to hear. Does anybody out there honestly believe those words could be true? I mean, think about it. When was the last time the federal government (or state government for that matter) did ANYTHING that actually helped you? No. Big government isn’t about helping anybody but themselves; perpetuating your dependence upon them by selling you a boatload of hooey about how you aren’t able to make smart decisions for yourself, or make an intelligent choice about drinking raw milk, or ensure the safety of your own food sources.

Remember “The Wizard of Oz?” Well, there are a whole bunch of rich buggers hiding behind that curtain in our country’s halls of power. And they are paying off a whole bunch of crooked

buggers to write and pass a whole bunch of redundant and unnecessary laws to deny us our right to choose where we get our food and drink from. Those laws have only one real purpose, to restrict the small-time individual producer so severely that he can’t compete with those rich buggers.

The politicians are more than happy to take their money and play along because this ensures our dependency upon them and perpetuates the ever expanding bureaucracy. And the modern mass media doesn’t expose them, they do their best to help them and keep you looking the other way.

Think I’m kidding?

Well, “the old hippie” is going to scare the bejeebers out of you this time. Educate yourself.

Go to the website www.fsis.usda. gov/Fsis_Recalls/Open_Federal_ Cases/index.asp and start peeking behind the curtain. That page lists

all the open food safety recalls in the US during 2012. On the right hand side is a link to the Recall Case Archives. Click on that and you can find recalls from any year on record. For instance, in 2011 alone, there were eighty-seven (that’s 87!!) documented food safety recalls. Now, read down the list and tell me how many of those were caused by a smalltime local farmer raising crops or livestock in a humane and environmentally responsible manner?

Don’t have the time? Okay, I’ll give you the answer, NONE!

But remember, the government is here to help us. And to do that they have created this mega-agency called the U.S. Department of Agriculture and it’s subsidiary Food Safety and Inspection Service. Let’s see what their official mission statement says their job is. “The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health agency in the

U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged.” Did you catch that reference, the nation’s COMMERCIAL supply of meat, poultry, and egg products? So the guy who oversees this must really know his stuff when it comes to agriculture, right? Nope, ‘fraid not.

Secretary Tom Vilsack was raised in an orphanage in Pittsburgh and then grew up to become a lawyer and a politician. He hasn’t spent a working day on a farm in his entire life. But surely the Administrator of the FSIS knows agriculture inside and out. Um, nope, uh-uh. Mr Alfred Almanza is a 30 year civil servant who has never spent a day in agriculture either. He started as an inspector in those slaughterhouses that allow all that tainted food that cause the recalls in the first place. I feel safer already. (You know, they really need to invent a sarcasm font!)

Now for the good news.

There actually are some people out there who are trying to help us return sanity and safety to our food chain. For starters, there is the FTCLDF (Farm To Consumer Legal Defense Fund). Their mission is “defending the rights and

WWT Answers: 1) Nikola Telsa 2) Niagara Falls 3) Electricity

www.thevalleynewspaper.com

broadening the freedoms of family farms and protecting consumer access to raw milk and nutrient dense foods.” They receive no government funding and little or no corporate funding. Check them out at www.farmtoconsumer. org.

Locally, there is the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). Their website is www.pasafarming. org. Seriously, you really need to check their pages for yourself.

There is SO MUCH good information there that I could easily fill this entire newspaper with it.

The one thing I will point out to you from their website is the “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” page at www. buylocalpa.org. On that page you can search for local producers who are selling locally raised foods for you and your families.

I have had an idea kickin’ around in the dim recesses of my mind and recently I received a request for exactly that article.

So I have made contact with a local pastured poultry producer and hope next month to have a detailed article about what goes into that sort of an operation, just in case any of you are considering expanding beyond a small backyard flock.

In the meantime, remember, support your local economy. Buy local, eat local, and live well. a

The Valley, September 2012

30

Home-Grown!

A Homeschooler’s Perspective

By Mary Eck Young Love, So-Called

At the risk of stepping on more than a few toes this month, I have decided to tackle an issue that just riles me up, no matter how “cute” the story (ask any of my dear young’uns)! The inescapable fact that an overwhelming number of teens and pre-teens— our precious middle and high schoolers—are in what amount to “romantic relationships” just boggles my finite mind to its very core, and has my heart doing flips at the very mention of it.

If you have such a teen, please don’t count me as unbearably judgmental and tune me out just yet. My intention is to offer food for thought, nothing more.

The typical high school experience is fraught with endless anxiety, “weightier” course loads, a social dynamic that can be simultaneously exciting and oppressive, new pressure and

expectations from both others and self as the home-stretch to adulthood looms ever-closer, and those incessantly raging hormones that wreak havoc across the emotional and physiological spectrum each and every drama-filled day.

Seems like a jam-packed plate to me!

Our culture today saturates young minds with the message that fulfillment is linked to being “in a relationship,” and portrays that status as the ultimate “cool” factor. But that horrendous status quo is turning out millions of young people who are on their umpteenth relationship before they are old enough to legally vote, and struggle with their own identity and having healthy romantic relationships as adults.

How many times do we need to hear the immature rantings of teenagers and young adults about

The Whey and the Raw Milk Truth from page 19

would be delighted!)

(Recipe adapted from Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon)

Here is how to extract the whey from the curds. (The curds become what we call cream cheese) Ingredients: 2 quarts raw milk Preparation:

Place the milk in a clean glass container with a lid and allow it to stand at room temperature 1-4 days until it separates. For the raw milk to separate into curds and whey properly the air must be around 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, line a large strainer set over a bowl with cheesecloth or a clean dish towel. Pour in the separated milk, cover and let stand at room temperature for several hours. The whey will run into the bowl and the milk solids will stay in the strainer. Tie up the towel with the milk solids inside, being careful not to squeeze. Tie this little sack to a wooden spoon placed across the top of a container so that more whey can drip out.

When the bag stops dripping, the cheese is ready. Store the whey in a mason jar and the cream cheese in a covered glass container. Refrigerated, the cream cheese keeps

benefits of whey is that it can actually regenerate the intestinal flora, it feeds our gut microbes and nourishes the colon helping it to maintain the proper pH. Whey is like the adult version of breast milk because it contains all the nutrients necessary for the multiplication of colon acidophilus. Whey acts as a natural antiseptic, destroying or inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms while causing no harm to human tissues. (source: Acidophilus and Colon Health. The Natural Way to Prevent Disease. David Webster)

Whey is good for all ages. In fact, recently it has become popular for weight management, bone development, and general wellness in the form of whey protein powders used as the main ingredient in protein shakes. Some whey protein powders are derived from milk that comes from grass fed cows and contain all the components of fresh raw milk. Read the labels carefully to assure you are getting a quality product.

Making Curds and Whey at Home: (Little Miss Muffet

their significant other before we get that allowing these emotionally (and often physically) intimate relationships too soon is setting them up for sometimes years of heartache and floundering…both professionally and personally?

Adults are better able to cope with and look at relationships from a healthier perspective, whereas teens see things from a more juvenile, live-or-die standpoint that ranks pimples and perfect-hair at opposite extremes on an ever-fickle status spectrum.

Despite pubescent development that often has teens appearing outwardly very adult-like at younger ages, we must make special effort sometimes to remember that they are NOT yet adults because their knowledge, experience, exercise of good judgment, and selflessvs.-selfish tendencies are still underdeveloped.

Why, then, would we as parents want to allow a hormonesodden, girlfriend/boyfriend situfor about 1 month and the whey for up to 6 months.

If by chance, the above recipe goes by the “whey” side for you, this next one might be more “udderly” delicious. We still have lots of warm days left to enjoy homemade ice cream! Raw cream and milk is best, but you can substitute commercial products.

Simple Homemade No-Cook Ice Cream Yield: 1 quart 2 cups heavy raw cream 2 cups raw whole milk 1/2 – 3/4 cups of sugar 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract Pinch of sea salt 1 or 2 vanilla beans, open and scrape out the seeds (optional) Combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla beans (if using) in a blender. (or whisk together) Thoroughly blend. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until everything is combined.

Place it in your ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacture’s directions.

Serve immediately for soft-serve style, or place it in the freezer and allow it to harden for a while for a firmer result. Recipe from www.prairiehomestead.com

ation (no matter how innocent it appears or the teens profess) that plays on those very vulnerabilities, that virtually guarantees it a near-certainty that our dear sons and daughters will likely succumb to an assortment of ill-fated temptation? We all personally remember, to some degree, the hormonal pull that so dominates teenage life. Do we really think it wise, then, to support relationships that play to that weakness?

Factor in the academic consequences of the typical, romantically-preoccupied teenager, and the stakes grow exponentially higher.

High school is a time for selfdiscovery, for challenging oneself, and for nurturing ambition for a post-secondary life; not necessarily one that includes college, but certainly a plan that outlines a successful transition to adulthood. Thoughts of that Friday night’s date, notions of possessive jealousy, or even daydreams of eventual wedded bliss will significantly impact any algebraic homework, chemistry study session or SAT preparation. Why invite trouble?

Why have we as a nation allowed—encouraged, even— this insidious practice of juvenile coupling to so influence and affect the very children who have been

entrusted to us for safe-keeping and mentoring? The temptation to throw up our hands and give in to the proverbial current is powerful, no doubt. But innocence is, by its very nature, prone to destruction.

Do we value it enough to fight the good fight? To be the “bad guy” and not our child’s “best friend” where such relationships, and other issues, are concerned?

Group socializing is an excellent alternative that is typically far safer. Movie outings, sporting events, and even formal dances can be attended in groups, which make the occasion less about the boy/girl undercurrent and more about having fun in a safe social setting.

Remember, socializing in and of itself is NOT the goal; healthy relationships that underscore selfworth at this age are invaluable, and sometimes a fair amount of oversight by parents is necessary, given the extraordinary responsibility we take on as mom and dad.

Biologically-speaking, anyone can be a mother or father. But that hybrid noun/verb title of parent we took on so zealously from the newborn through pre-teen stage implores us to not “whimp out” in these few precious years before they legally leave our guardian-

Bottom-line

Food Choice is our right.

Know your food. Know your farmer. Know good health.

References and Resources

The following is a list of references that I used along with additional resources that can help you become better informed: • The RawMilkInstitute.org contains a lot of information about raw milk. To support raw dairy farmers everywhere, and the movement in general, consider becoming a member.

• Organizations like the Weston A. Price Foundation and the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund are working toward true freedom of choice for American consumers, and I urge you to get involved in their causes.

• Mark McAfee’s website, www.OrganicPastures.com is also an excellent resource.

• Consider reading The Raw Milk Revolution by health and business journalist David E. Gumpert, as well as watching his video about the history of pasteurization and its exaggerated health benefits.

• Finally, consider watching Farmageddon: The Unseen War on American Family Farms, a documentary by Kristin Canty .

• http://www.drrons.com/rawmilk-goes-to-harvard.htm- This site will explain a current (February 2012) raw milk debate at Harvard University. A you-tube video is provided.

• http://hartkeisonline.com/ raw-milk/pediatrician-validatesraw-milk-as-powerful-nutritionaltherapy/ A California M.D. specializing in children’s health, speaks out boldly in favor of raw milk and its benefits for her young patients.

• www.hartkeisonline.com – a great educational blog created by a publicists of the Weston A Price Foundation - a leading nutrition education non-profit which promotes sustainable agriculture and traditional foods.

• http://www.buylocalpa.org/ glossary • http://healthmad.com/ nutrition/health-benefits-ofwhey/#ixzz22tN3YTz1 • For more information on the history of raw milk, its use in traditional cultures as well as its safety and health benefits, see Dr. Ron Schmid’s book The Untold Story of Milk: The History, Politics, and Science of Nature’s Perfect Food: Raw Milk from Pasture-Fed Cows a

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Continued on page 31

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The Valley, September 2012

Schools of Thought

by Sarah Hurlburt

I am curious to know how many people actually think about their thoughts. Sounds weird, but whether we are school or college age or not we are being taught by the schools of media, internet, books, music and extreme thinkers who make sure their voices are heard above the rest. In turn, those things affect our thoughts and our thoughts determine what our life will be like on a day-to-day basis.

The Bible makes it clear who the ruler of this physical world is for right now. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. This scripture along with many others make it very clear that all sources of information that do not originate from the Bible, which is our core source of truth have originated from the ruler of darkness.

There are many that believe because of the increase in understanding of the human body and the created world around us through modern science that one shows a lack of intelligence if they believe in God and the Bible.

Just because there are things that cannot be proven by science or understood by our human minds, does not mean they are not real.

Satan is behind every teaching that does not come from the source of truth, which is God and His Word!

I’m throwing this out there as a reminder to everyone, but especially parents of school and college age children. Please, if you know the truth and you believe it for yourself, help your children do the same. Don’t just assume they know what they need to know because you take them to church once a week. Our education system has distorted things in an extreme way. We must be prepared to counteract what our kid’s minds are being fed through school, music, television and books and it is our job to make sure they know the TRUTH.

Harvard University’s early motto (1643) was this: “Truth for Christ and the church.” In a directive to its students, it laid out the purpose of all education.

“Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies, is to know

Young Love, So-Called from page 30

and too much freedom in the latter can be a recipe for disaster.

Why not help them channel that hunger for adventure and independence into achievements— whether academic, athletic, or entrepreneurial—that build confidence, encourage self-discovery and harness time in a positive way, leaving less time for raging hormones to trigger bad decisions and emotional turmoil to sabotage their futures; help them become young, healthy, successful adults with something of substance to offer to another in a meaningful relationship that involves mutual respect and love—neither of which is typical of high school romance?

The bottom line for me is that my children all have best friends. I am willing to wait and enjoy an authentic friendship with them as adults. Right now, they need their mother…and that is what they will get. a

ship and must call upon the foundation we’ve given them to stand completely on their own.

When that time comes, will they stand up tall, confident of who they are and where they come from? Or will they be less sure, battered and scarred by relationship experiences that were as traumatic as they were unnecessary?

I would just ask parents of all pre-teen and teen students to consider both the short- and longterm effects of allowing even the most supervised of boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. The critically formative six-year time frame between 12 and 18 years of age impacts one’s future in a profound way via both educational performance and social experience, and allowing young people too little ambition or focus in the former

God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.” Harvard University? Check it out for yourself , do some research on Wikipedia or just do a Google search about the history of Harvard University and you will find out Harvard was founded by ministers of the gospel to train other ministers to be well rounded and well educated so they could help train and teach others in the TRUTH!

I am just encouraging people to make sure your thoughts are your own, formed by your own understanding, and brought out of your own search for TRUTH! Don’t just assume everything you hear is truth, find out for yourself. If you are not sure if you believe the Bible, then start reading it with an open heart and mind and ask God to teach you and see what happens. Maybe you will be pleasantly surprised by the truth and its power to set you free. Maybe you will like learning more about who God is and what

He has done to provide us with the truth and offer us more than this life alone. Because whether or not we want to admit it, there is more than meets the human eye and mind. Just because something is above our comprehension doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist!

Stand for the TRUTH and help your kids do the same as they are immersed in our high tech society of constant media feeding their young minds, and as they head back into the doors of our schools and colleges. a

Hominy from page 11

a different method for making hominy. Have fun!

Seed: R. H. Shummway’s 334 West Stroud Street, Randolph, WI 53956 1-800-342-9461 www.rhshumway.com A great source for white (and other), open-pollinated dent corns. a

partly covered for 2 to 3 hours (depending on the corn), stirring and adding water as needed, until the corn is tender. The woodstove in winter is great for this. Hominy can also finish cooking in soups or stews, or in the broth as meat roasts – be inventive!

Plain hominy is tasty with a bit of butter and a grind of pepper.

You can dry cooked hominy then grind it to make that classic southern dish, grits.

To help jump start your hominy ideas, next month we’ll look at two ways to dress up this versatile food – a traditional stew called pozole (the Mexican original of hog and hominy) and crunchy corn chips made from that delectable building block of Aztec cuisine – nixtamal!

Books: The Craft of the Country Cook by Pat Katz Clear instructions and great recipes!

Websites: Start with www.whatscooking mexico.com and go from there. Seems like every site has

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Hostetler’s Naturals Quality Produce

No GMO’s - No Chemicals Farm Fresh Naturally Nutritious Come see us at the Lewistown Rec. Park Farmers Market every Tuesday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm

32

The Valley, September 2012

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33

The Valley, September 2012

Back Talk

by Dr. Joseph Kauffman

H I B

This month’s column is concerning the Hib Vaccine. It is given to protect against Haemophilus Influenza Type B. Upon researching this, I have learned that of all the vaccines given, this one seems to cause the least damage when adverse reactions are reported. With every vaccine, there are still ingredients that are used as preservatives that can have harmful effects to the body, such as Aluminum, Formaldehyde and in some instances, Mercury. No amounts of these chemicals are healthy for the body. However, the side effects to the Hib Vaccines pale in comparison to other vaccines that are administered. Being that it protects against illness such as Meningitis, the benefit/cost should be carefully considered.

Remember that it is up to you, the parent, to decide what is best for your child. In order to know what is best, you need to do your own research.

Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib) •Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) is a bacterial infection that can cause severe illnesses in children, including meningitis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, arthritis, and cellulitis.

•Meningitis caused by Hib is an infection of the membranes covering the brain.

•Hib is spread through personto-person transmission, mostly through the air. It’s often found in the respiratory tracts of adults with no symptoms or adverse effects. Hib has to get into the bloodstream for it to cause meningitis or severe infections of the bones and joints.

•Hib is mostly a disease of young children under the age of 5 years old. Before the vaccine was introduced in the U.S., children who became sick from Hib were usually under 2 years old, and mostly between 6 and 7 months old.

•In general, Hib disease is not considered very contagious.

Before the vaccine, most children acquired natural immunity to Hib by the time they were 5 or 6 years old.

Before Hib vaccine, Hib disease was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an

infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings, which can lead to lasting brain damage and deafness. Hib disease can also cause: pneumonia; severe swelling in the throat, making it hard to breathe; infections of the blood, joints, bones, and covering of the heart; and death. Before Hib vaccine, about 20,000 children in the United States under 5 years old got severe Hib disease each year and nearly 1,000 people died.

Children should get Hib vaccine at: 2 months of age, 4 months of age, 6 months of age, and 12-15 months of age.

Depending on what brand of Hib vaccine is used, your child might not need the dose at 6 months of age. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if this dose is needed. Children over 5 years old usually do not need Hib vaccine, but some older children or adults with special health conditions should get it. These conditions include sickle cell disease, HIV/ AIDS, removal of the spleen, bone marrow transplant, or cancer treatment with drugs.

Ask your doctor or nurse for details. http://www.cdc. gov/vaccines/pubs/ vis/downloads/vishib.pdf

There are six different Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines available in the U.S., including two for infants as young as 6 weeks old and one to be used only as the last dose for children ages 12 months and older.

The six vaccines are: ActHIB; Hiberix; PedvaxHIB; Comvax, Pentacel and Menhibrix.

While the

CDC reports that the risk of Hib vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small, as of May 2012 there have been a total of 12,140 adverse events reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). Most of these reports were in children under age 3 (11,252).

Health officials admit that it’s difficult to know from clinical trial results exactly what kind

adverse reactions to look for after your child gets a Hib vaccine because children in the clinical trials were given other vaccines at the same time they were given the experimental Hib vaccine. Administration of more than one vaccine at a time also makes it difficult to determine which vaccines might have been responsible for certain adverse reactions reported in the clinical studies and to VAERS. http://www.nvic.org/vaccines-anddiseases/HIB.aspx

According to the CDC, the most striking feature of Hib is that it is age-dependent and uncommon after the age of 5 years old.

Before the vaccine was introduced in the U.S., the age at which

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most children were stricken with invasive Hib was between 6 and 7 months old, and usually under the age of 2 years. Before the vaccine, most children acquired natural immunity to Hib by the time they were 5 or 6 years old through asymptomatic infection. Passive protection is also provided to infants by antibodies acquired from the mother through the placenta and by breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life. If a child is diagnosed with severe symptoms of Hib, hospitalization is usually required, and tests are administered to identify the bacteria and to determine what type it is, if it

Continued on page 35

The Valley, September 2012

34

Joanne Wills’ Contentment Quest

Chiaroscuro

The word chiaroscuro is Italian in origin, and means lightdark. It is used to describe a way of drawing and painting with high-contrast between light and shadow. It is an effect of contrasted light and shadow created by light falling unevenly, or from a particular direction on something. Leonardo da Vinci’s works of art demonstrated chiaroscuro.

Da Vinci used high contrast in his works. He was a master of using light in different angles and directions to intensify his work.

Over the next three issues of The Valley, Contentment Quest will be dedicated to exploring “chiaroscuro” in our everyday lives. Just as in art, the focus of the column’s content for October, November, and December will be to explore the high-contrast to facets of our lives such as home,

work, and money. I believe the fourth quarter of the year is a fabulous time for introspection because we can reflect and build preparations to move into the New Year with clarity and focus. Each month the column will focus on one of the three topics.

October’s column will focus on work. I selected the work topic for October because the days become shorter and cooler.

Sometimes, during October, people throw themselves into their work as organizations scramble to have a blockbuster end to the year. Other times, people scurry about cramming the month full of “projects” to complete – on both the home front and the work front – before cold weather sets in or the holidays roll around. We will contemplate the “hard” questions about work, and reflect on our

contentment with issues such as morale, income, and values. We will contrast the light-dark of the work that we currently do, and the work we aspire to do.

November’s column will spotlight home. In the months of November and December we often open our homes to welcome extended family and friends. We celebrate and give thanks in the company of those who mean the most to us. During November, we will explore the many definitions of “home,” and reflect on what collectively creates “home.” The column will encourage you to ask yourself the “hard” questions about home – the living space in which you reside physically and in your heart. The column will also persuade readers to search their hearts in reflection of the “home” or “welcome” that they offer to others – to fellow mankind.

December’s column will

examine finances and our relationship with money.

Money is merely a medium through which we trade our time in exchange for the receipt of money. The column will encourage you to ask yourself the “hard” questions about money, and to reflect on what measure of time you exchange to gain the medium of money. December’s column will provide information so the reader may create a highcontrast picture of their financial well-being and offer resources to assist ways to improve financial health.

I believe our lives are like art.

We have a hand in the life that we create. Our choices and thoughts are the brush that paints the picture of the life we help to create.

Why not take some time to step back and examine life from all angles – examine chiaroscuro?

What light-dark might you see if

Corn Maze

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Pumpkin Patch

September 15th — November 3th

Fridays 4 pm till Saturdays Noon till At Barnyard Blvd on Ferguson Valley Road Lewistown Pa 4 miles from Rt 322

Closing times vary see calendar on web or call

Call for group rates and special times

(717) 437-3648

Find us on facebook @ at the barnyard corn maze On the web www.atthebarnyard.com

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you speculate your life in terms of home, work, and finances? Are you ready and willing to examine contrast in your life? Join me in October to begin the process of drawing and painting the high contrast of life.

“The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of.” ~Leonardo da Vinci “All our knowledge has its origin in our perceptions.” ~Leonardo da Vinci “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” ~Leonardo da Vinci a

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The Valley, September 2012

Life in the East End

by Rebecca Harrop

Another fair year is over.

This was my last year showing and I want to thank everyone who has bought my animals over the years. I’m sad it was my last year showing, although fair week won’t be as hectic in the future.

I’m always exhausted by the end of fair week and most people who are involved with the fair are as well. I always feel like the end of the Youth Fair signals the beginning of Fall. After Fair there is only a couple weeks until school starts (boy am I glad I am done with that!). I hope all the kids returning to school have a great year and to all the little ones just starting out their school experience, I wish the best of luck. Did I mention that I’m so glad I am done with that phase of my life?

As Fall makes it’s appearance, we have a whole different set of work that needs to be done on the farm. Fall begins the Harvest season, finishing up the last cutting of hay, chopping corn silage, shelling or picking corn, and combining

soybeans. Cattle that have been on summer pasture need brought in, de-wormed and separated. We will also finish up the last of the vegetables from the garden. Dad said that we had enough sauerkraut left from last year that we didn’t need to make it this year, so we won’t be doing that this fall. I like making that—it is fun. Gram and Pap Goss come back and they help. Last year we made 4 crocks full. I think it was something like 160 pounds of cabbage we made into sauerkraut. I don’t eat it, but I like to help make it. I’m hoping to make some more Peach Jubilee yet. I made it last year and it was really good on toast. I even let Rachel take some to college with her. I had tons of zucchini this year so I’ve been giving it away. Gram Goss makes zucchini relish, but she said she has enough left so she doesn’t need more than a couple, so I still have some. I guess I’ll have to make some zucchini bread and freeze it.

I like it better after it is frozen.

Anointed by History from page 17

jellies that is very creative as well as tasty!

In Jerusalem, a trip to Mahane Yehuda, an open air marketplace known as “The Shook,” is must. Along with flavors for your palette, it will give you a flavor of the culture. Here vendors yell out their offerings to entice potential shoppers to visit their stand. We understood “Baannanaas!,” even though we bought bread, olives and cheese instead!

By the way, the only difference between a green and black olive is that one is picked sooner than the other. They both come from the same tree. Although, I might have been inclined to think otherwise, which is probably akin to thinking chocolate milk comes from a brown cow!

For a sweet delight, we visited Halva Kingdom where we enjoyed some of their wonderful sesame creation. They have over a hundred varieties of Halva, including pistachio, peanut, cherry and passion fruit. We, however, chose to indulge in the coffee flavored Halva which had ground coffee beans mixed throughout. Delicious! Everywhere in the Shook, you are enticed with aromas and sights that invite you

wipe her off the page of time.

When you visit the Holy Land today, you will be treated to a wonderful melding of the ancient with contemporary. In Jerusalem you can ride a brand new light rail rapid transit along ancient streets of cobblestone. Everywhere you’ll see signs of new construction with cranes dotting the sky.

Because of all this building and the proliferation of construction cranes, it is said that the “crane” is the Israeli national bird!

The land flourishes under Israel’s control. It appears that every home has its own olive tree and the growth of many varieties of fruit trees is amazing. Bigger fruit and greater selection than you will see elsewhere. Just as we have lemonade vendors here, in the park we walked through in Zichron Yakov, there was a vendor who would juice a fresh pomegranate for you. Vineyards that produce some exceptional wine mark the country from north to south. At Tishbi vineyards, you can actually refill your own bottles from their vat. They even produce a line of wine jams and

The Open Show Auction at the Fair was a big success this year.

I want to thank all the businesses and people who donated gift certificates and items to the auction. The Open Show exhibits were down this year, but I think it was because of all the hot weather and lack of rain we had earlier this summer.

Thanks to everyone who did enter exhibits in the Open Show.

I got one of my wishes granted last month. I’ve never ridden a horse and a friend of mine offered to teach me. I’ve been riding a couple times and I love it. Thanks Tyler! I think I owe him a few more whoopee pies though. Some day I want to own a horse, but I’m still working on Dad about that.

I told him I am going to change my steer pen into a horse pen now that I’m done showing animals in FFA. Mom keeps telling me I have to convince Dad—she has always wanted a horse.

It was nice getting to see everyone at the Valley Event.

Its always nice to hear from the readers and what they have to say about the paper and the articles.

I’d like to thank everyone who organized the event. A lot of time and energy went into making the event happen. Thanks everyone for your support. a

to dig in and fill your bag with vendor’s wares. Here you will see opened burlap bags of spices on display next to bins of olives and row upon row of incredibly sized fruits and vegetables, all creating a vibrant fusion of color that renders an artist’s palette impotent.

And, speaking of artists, Israel is lavish with outdoor artwork of all forms, from modern to classic, painting and sculptures in all types of medium, representing a love for life and nature. Truly, the desert has been made to blossom in more than one way.

Many people ask if we felt safe in The Land. Israel is well aware of the threats that loom just over her narrow borders and maintains a strong military presence throughout the country. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is “manned” by both men and women alike and consists of ground, air and naval forces. Service is mandatory for all citizens over the age of 18. Men serve three years, women, two. After their mandatory tour of duty, men serve as reservists and may be called up any time through the age of 45 to fight during a crisis. The standing military is designed to hold off aggression for 48 hours

while the reservists are called up.

Every home and building where people congregate is required to have a bomb shelter as part of its construction. These concrete structures typically have vault like doors that seal tightly to protect against chemical, biological and nuclear warfare. We stayed at a kibbutz (a collective community) that manufactures air filtration systems for these shelters. Therefore, our answer to the question is yes, we felt very safe in The Land.

By the way, I thought you’d like to know that a member of a kibbutz is called kibbutznik.

Israel is anointed by history.

Both present and future looks bright for this tenacious people in this land of promise. While scholars debate Eastern culture vs.

Western and which one will hold sway over the ideas of mankind, Israel will soon emerge as the eternal contemporary nation whose values will be preeminent worldwide as her monarch rules in peace and justice from Jerusalem.

C. Mark Ostrowski and his wife Joann spent three weeks in Israel this past autumn. This article concludes a three part series on the Holy Land. The previous two parts were published in The Valley’s June and July editions and may be accessed online at http:// thevalleynewspaper.com. Mark may be contacted at: MOSTROWSKI@THESTEWARDSHIPGROUP.ORG a

Fleas, Ticks and Flies from page 25

So as you can see here at E & L Supplies, we carry just about everything to keep you and your animals from going buggy. If you have any questions, stop in to see us or give us a call (814) 422-0370—that’s what we’re here for—to keep you and your pets as happy as can be! a

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HIB from page 33 is indeed Haemophilus Influenzae.

The child is then treated with an antimicrobial therapy for 10 days.

Mild side effects such as redness, warmth, or swelling where the shot was given have been reported in connection with administration of Hib vaccines. Fever over 101 degrees F may occur, and can last two to three days. Systemic reactions include irritability and lethargy. However, more severe reactions have also been reported in both clinical trials with all of the vaccines as well as to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). According to MedAlerts.org (a searchable VAERS database) as of June 2012, there have been 12,140 serious adverse events reported to VAERS in connection with all Hib vaccines combined. Most of this number was in children under age 3 (11,278). Serious reactions included deaths (471) and such things as anaphylactic reaction, asthma, pneumonia, convulsions, noninfectious encephalitis, acute pancreatitis, peripheral neuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, sepsis, seizures, and cerebral edema. http://www.nvic.org/vaccines-anddiseases/HIB.aspx Dr. Joseph Kauffman---KauffmanHummel Chiropractic Clinic a

The Valley, September 2012

36

Cave Echoes

by Marge Delozier-Noss and Nikki Santangelo

Detoxifying

In the Himalayan Salt Cave

Hopefully by now a lot of our readers know the benefits of our Himalayan Salt cave. But, one of the major benefits that are received from using the cave gets overlooked. When you are sitting in the 68-70 degree cave for your 45 minute session relaxing on the non-gravity lounge chair, your body is also detoxifying. This is very, very important.

People spend a lot of time keeping things clean. We bathe, wash dishes, vacuum our carpets, sweep our floors, take our cars to the carwash, and wash our clothes. However, very few people ever give thought to the idea of internal cleanliness. But, it isn’t just the outside of the body and our environment that must be kept clean. We need to pay attention to what’s going on inside as well. Today, we are exposed to

the greatest amount of toxic lead and other pollutants in the history of our planet. Our bodies do detox on their own, but with the amount of toxins our bodies are now subjected to, ongoing periodic detoxification is essential to maintain health and avoid disease.

Detoxification is one of the more widely used treatments in alternative medicine. It is based on the principle that illnesses can be caused by the accumulation of toxic substances (toxins) in the body. Eliminating existing toxins and avoiding new toxins are essential parts of the healing process.

Detoxification is helpful for those suffering from many chronic diseases and conditions, including allergies, anxiety, asthma, chronic infections, depression, diabetes, headaches, heart disease,

high cholesterol, low blood sugar levels, digestive disorders, and obesity. Detoxification is helpful for those with conditions that are influenced by environmental factors, such as cancer, as well as those who have been exposed to high levels of toxic materials due to accident or occupation.

Detoxification therapy is useful for those suffering from allergies or immune system problems that conventional medicine is unable to diagnose or treat, including chronic fatigue syndrome, environmental illness/multiple chemical sensitivity, and fibromyalgia. Symptoms for those suffering these conditions may include unexplained fatigue, increased allergies, hypersensitivity to common materials, intolerance to certain foods and digestion, aches and pains, low grade fever,

headaches, insomnia, depression, sore throats, sudden weight gain or loss, and lowered resistance to infection. Detoxification can be used as a beneficial preventative measure and as a tool to increase overall health, vitality, and resistance to disease.

The United States Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 80% of all illnesses have environmental and lifestyle causes. It is estimated that one in every four Americans suffers from some level of heavy metal poisoning. Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic are by-products of industry. Synthetic agriculture chemicals, many of which are known to cause health problems, are also found in food, air and water. DDT, a cancer-causing insecticide that has been banned for decades, is still regularly found in the fatty tissue of animals, birds, and fish, even

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in extremely remote regions such as the North Pole.

The problem of toxins in the environment is compounded because humans are at the top of the food chain and are more likely to be exposed to an accumulation of toxic substances in the food supply. For instance, pesticides and herbicides are sprayed on grains that are then fed to animals. Toxic substances are stored in the fatty tissue of those animals. In addition, those animals are then often injected with synthetic hormones, antibiotics, and other chemicals.

When people eat meat products, they are exposed to the full range of chemicals and additives used along the entire agricultural chain.

Detoxification specialists call this build up of toxins bioaccumulation. They assert that the bioaccumulation of toxic substances over time is responsible for many physical and mental disorders; especially ones that are increasing rapidly (like asthma, cancer, immune problems, and mental illness). As a result, detoxification therapies are increasing in importance and popularity.

At Simply Health we offer the Himalayan Salt cave as a

Continued on page 46

37

The Valley, September 2012

Caving Mifflin County with Todd Karschner

Hello again Valley readers!

Before I get started, I would like to thank all who attended the festivities at the Reedsville Youth Park for The Valley newspaper.

The music was great and so was the food. It was a pleasure to meet the other writers in person and having the chance to talk with some of them. They are very talented people that love what they do. I feel privileged to be a part of it all. And let’s not forget the advertisers. Another job well done! They offered lots of information on their services and wares. Personally, I cant wait until next year!

The one thing that really surprised me was the number of people who are interested in our local caves. I knew there would be some interest, but by the end of the day, I was so overwhelmed

that you could have knocked me over with a feather. By the time I made it home, I had all but lost my voice from talking with so many people. I am not complaining, trust me.

This month I would like to talk about a local cave that no longer exists. It was called Naginey Cave. It was located on the Naginey Farm two miles east of Milroy. This cave was well known locally in the 1800’s and was visited by many from near and far—especially on Sundays. More than once the Altoona Brass Band rode the train to Naginey to play inside the cave because of the way the sound resonated through the chambers. In 1838, Edgar Allan Poe visited the cave and was much impressed. In fact, Naginey cave was so intriguing that the cave display at Carnegie museum

of Pittsburgh is based on this cave In the early 1900’s, the Naginey Farm was sold to Bethlehem Mines Corporation who quarried its limestone for flux to use in the steel industry. It is at this point in time that Naginey Cave was almost completely destroyed. There were only a few fragments left until the late 1950’s. Around this point in time, the quarry operations increased, and the remaining fragments were then destroyed.

Naginey Cave was not the only cave obliterated by quarry operations. Many other unnamed caves were opened and destroyed as well.

This area is now known as Eastern Industries Naginey Quarry. The pond in the quarry is fed by the active water table be-

I was extremely satisfied with the number of readers who kept me at my table and talking the whole day during “A Day of Community.” I talked so much that by the end of the day, my voice was gone.

low. The water is moving into and through fast enough to tax three 10” pumps.

As I have mentioned before, all caves in Mifflin County are on private land. Do not trespass, especially this one. I can not stress enough about the dangers in a quarry, plus it could even land you

in jail. Is it really worth it?

Before I sign off for this month, I would like to say that we still have plenty of room for more who are interested in going caving with us. Call 717-348-6383 to sign up.

Cave Safe! Todd K. a

Homeschooling and Life on the Homestead with Andy Weller

Hunter Education

In Arizona in order to hunt big game under the age of 14, you have to complete a Hunter’s Education Course. The course focuses on safe gun handling and ethical shooting. The course itself can be completed online or in person. The hunter education course is important to Jake and he spent a lot of time studying the course, gun safety, and hunting.

Jake completed the online course

earlier in the year and today was his field day.

The day started out early in the morning with Jake making sure he had his equipment ready and, of course, his Mom needed to get a picture of him.

Once there, Jake filled out paperwork and we waited for the

Jake shooting in the kneeling position:

Jake, ready to go!

class to start. The class started at about 7:00AM and the instructors went over general gun handling safety, range safety and basic

Jake getting his certificate and patch and Hunter Education card.

Prone position:

hunting safety. Once that was done, the participants got to go to the range and fire from the kneeling, sitting and prone positions.

At the range the instructors fired various firearms at items to show the damage that firearms can and will do if they are used irresponsibly. Then the participants were able to do the live fire.

Jake started well, then let his feet slip out to far for good accuracy. We talked about the position and doing it the same 100% of the time.

Once the live fire was

complete, the class split into two groups. The first group went on a simulated hunt/blood trail search.

The second group cleaned half of the rifles shot during the day. Jake was on the simulated hunt. This presented the participants with Shoot/No Shoot situations and they identified hazards or other

Jake assembling the cleaning rod.

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things that might be encountered on a hunt.

Once the simulated hunt was complete for this group, they went in and cleaned their share of the guns.

Once the rifles were cleaned, the class reassembled and completed a written test. The test had 50 questions and covered safe gun handling, safety and ethical hunting. Once the test was completed and graded, the participants received a certificate, their education card and a patch.

I’m proud of what my boy did today and I look forward to hunting with him in the future. In fact we’re going to be applying for deer tags in the next few days. a

The Valley, September 2012

38

Ed’s Railroading News

by Ed Forsythe

Hello again, another month has chugged on by. Where has the time gone this summer? On August 13th and August 20th, thousands people in Mifflin and Juniata County, as well as all over the state, got to see a bit of history traveling through the area on the rail lines. A Nickel Plate Road Berkshire steam engine number 765 pulling an extra water tender, the Nickel Plate Road heritage engine, 13 passenger cars and 4 gondolas filled with coal and a loader. This special train came to Pennsylvania from the Fort Wayne Historical Society through the Norfolk Southern Railroad as an employee’s excursion 30th anniversary celebration.

The train ran excursions in the Pittsburgh area one weekend and then traveled to Harrisburg the following week to run excursions from the west side of the river, across the Rockville Bridge to Harrisburg and back. Many

of us tracked the train’s movements online through the Fort Wayne website and spent time waiting track-side to get about a one or two minute look at it as it came through the Lewistown and Mifflin stations. Of the 3 minute and 4 second footage of video I got, there is only 1 minute and 23 seconds of the steam engine itself.

The rest of the footage is of the rest of the train. To my surprise, there were quite large crowds at the stations and other areas along the tracks. This certainly shows that the old steam era has not been forgotten and people still have an interest in our nation’s history. It was indeed good to see our train stations having so many people at them at one time. It certainly reminded me of when trains were ridden by many people regularly and our stations were always busy with traffic.

Mifflin County’s very own

Mr. Railroading, Todd Treaster, was invited by Norfolk Southern to be the pilot on the steam engine from Altoona to Harrisburg and back.

Naturally, he didn’t protest this assignment. Actually, it was more like, “why ask, just tell me where to be and when.” This is the first time I’ve ever heard of the term, pilot, being used in association with an employee on a railroad. A pilot to me has always been the cow catcher on the front of an engine.

As it turns out, Todd and other Norfolk Southern employees were added to the engine crew since the Berkshire crew was new to the N/S rail lines and didn’t know the N/S rules, etc. Todd’s duties were to instruct as they traveled along the rails. Naturally, he also learned about this engine and took some time in the engineer’s seat.

Another reason to wish I were him on that day.

This Berkshire engine is a 14 wheeler, 2 front truck, 8 drive and 4 trailing truck wheels. It

Home Brew U

Adventures in Homebrewing

by Kevin Morgan

A Honey of a Brew

It’s that time of year when Pennsylvania’s smallest livestock starts to bring in their harvest.

That means the honey will be flowing soon. Honey is by far one of the most used ingredients in my arsenal. This month I am going to write about brewing beer with honey, and next month I will continue this discussion; but I will write about honey wine commonly referred to as mead.

First things first, you must find a reliable source of honey. If you go to the grocery store and pick some honey off the shelf, check the label. The honey market has been flooded from China (like every market) over the last 20 years with cheap lowgrade honey. Many times this honey has been mixed with high fructose corn syrup and it will not be mentioned on the label. So steer away from any honey that is not from a regional supplier and look for labeling that says “raw honey”—that is the good stuff. I buy my honey from Sam Alexan-

der (if you were at The Valley’s Community Day event on August 18 you may have met him). I also buy in bulk, usually a gallon at a time, because honey will never go bad. In fact, honey that was buried with the Egyptian Pharaohs was still edible; it just needed to be heated up.

Any honey will work in your favorite recipe or style. In the United States, we have over 300 types of honey with the colors ranging from water white to dark amber and the tastes ranging from delectably mild to distinctively bold. Each type of honey contributes something different in terms of your beer’s end-product color, aroma, rounding effect and flavor. For lighter lagers beers, use mild or neutral honey such as clover honey.

For those fuller or spicier beers, experiment with other floral sources such as wild flower, buckwheat, sage or citrus flower honey for a bolder flavor. I love to use wildflower honey—I get awesome results and the flavor

stands 15 feet high and weighs 404 TONS. I sure would not want to have to push it down the track.

It was built in 1944 by the Lima Locomotive Works and has been restored to its original condition as when it worked on the Nickel Plate Railroad lines traveling up to speeds of 60 miles per hour regularly. We all thought it was running very fast when we only saw it for a quick look, so just think how short a time we would have seen it if it was up to full speed like it ran so many years ago.

There are many pictures and videos online about this steam engine and train as it travels all around the U.S. doing excursions and goodwill trips. It can be

Continued on page 43

never overpowers the beer. Since honey is 95% fermentable, it will have a huge affect on the alcohol content of the beer. It also has the tendency to make the brew light in body and give it a crisp taste.

I have found that one pound of honey will increase a five gallon batch of beer’s alcohol by 1 unit, meaning that a lager that was 4% alcohol will be 5% alcohol with one pound of honey. So remember, just because you add honey do not think it will make the final product sweeter.

Typically brewers prefer to add honey towards the end of the boil (last five minutes) to prevent the loss of honey aromatics, which contribute to the final flavor of the beer. Honey may also be added to the secondary fermenter, but you may risk some infection. If you want to do this, you can pasteurize the honey if it has not already been done, by mixing it with water and holding it at a temperature of 145 degrees for 30 minutes. Then you can pitch it into the secondary. Raw honey is typically 15-21% water by weight.

The remaining 80% of the honey is a mixture of the nectar’s complex and simple sugars, with trace amounts of vitamins, amino acids, proteins, and other plant based nutrients. The average content of fructose in honey tends to be between 38-40% with glucose

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between 29-33%. If you remember, glucose is the smallest of the sugars and fructose is 3 glucoses linked together, so it is going to take some time to ferment the fructose. That is the reason that bottling with honey is not recommended as it will take too long for the remaining yeast to break down the fructose, which will lead to carbonation.

Brewing with honey can add a lot of interesting flavor and the possibilities are endless. I plan to brew a stout this winter with buckwheat honey—that will be a new one for me. Next week I will pick up this conversation with meads and I will provide a recipe for one that I brewed up. Until then may your cup runneth over and happy brewing. a

The Valley, September 2012

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The Valley, September 2012

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The Valley, September 2012

Notes

Arthrossage

Medical Massage for Arthritis

by Deborah Martin

Lewistown Hospital Hosts Pink Out Auction to Support the Pennsylvania Pink Zone The Breast Care Center at Lewistown Hospital is once again a beneficiary of the Pennsylvania Pink Zone, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit that hosts the annual WBCA Pink Zone Penn State Lady Lion’s Basketball game every February at the Bryce Jordan Center.

The Pennsylvania Pink Zone and Penn State Lady Lion Basketball are a unified force in the fight against breast cancer on the court, across campus, and within communities. The Pennsylvania Pink Zone promotes cancer awareness and empowers survivors through year-round efforts to raise funds critical in supporting vital breast cancer organizations, charities, and facilities that focus on breast cancer education, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

As one of the six beneficiaries, Lewistown Hospital and its Wellness 4 Women Group (W4W) are committed to supporting and raising funds for the Pennsylvania Pink Zone. Throughout the year, the Hospital and W4W Group will be hosting various fundraising events. The first fundraiser will be a “Pink Out” live auction and themed basket raffle on Friday, September 28, 2012.

The event will take place, rain or shine, in the visitor parking lot across from the Surgical Center at the Hospital. Beginning at 3:00 pm, there will be a pink ribbon cutting ceremony, pig roast, silent auction, themed basket raffle, and an opportunity to view the auction items. The live auction will begin at 5:00 pm. Auctioneer services are courtesy of Tammy A. Miller who is also an international speaker, author, speech coach as well as a breast cancer survivor.

For more information, call Community Relations at (717) 242-7226 or visit www.lewistownhospital.org/pinkzone or www.pennsylvaniapinkzone.com

Breastfeeding Basics Class

The Family Place at Lewistown Hospital is offering a Breastfeeding Basics class on September 10, 2012 from 6:30 - 8:30pm at Lewistown Hospital. Class is geared toward the pregnant woman and her partner.

Topics to be covered in the 2-hour class include the nutritional benefits of breast-feeding; the “how to’s” of getting you and your baby started with breastfeeding; and various position alternatives.

Time will be available to discuss any questions or concerns regarding breastfeeding. If you are currently enrolled in a Prepared Childbirth Class at Lewistown Hospital, there is no fee.

Registration is required. Call (717) 242-7110 or register online at www.lewistownhospital.org under Calendar or Health Education.

Lewistown Hospital Holds Fall Cancer Survivorship Program

Lewistown Hospital is offering a “Living Well” Program for cancer survivors. The classes will be held on September 5, 12, 19, 26, 2012, 6-7:30 pm at Lewistown Hospital’s Community Cancer Treatment Center. Classes are free and pre registration is required by calling (717) 242-7297 by August 29.

The Living Well Program will run each spring and fall and consist of four classes, a treatment plan and summary, and a support group. The classes are held each week for four weeks in March and then again in September. The purpose of the program is to allow cancer survivors to ask questions and to address areas of concern. The program also teaches them how to live a healthy lifestyle and to make necessary lifestyle modifications. Topics include: Health and Wellness, Treatment and Management, Resources and Follow up Care.

Classes are conducted by Melissa Knepp, RN, BSN, Nurse Navigator; Isabelle Felmlee, RN, OCN, Radiation Oncology; Jane Westover, RN, OCN, Radiation Oncology; and Terry McMinn, RN, BSN, OCN, Cancer Care Coordinator.

Arthrossage is a unique massage therapy technique designed

by Adrian D. Carr, Licensed Massage Therapist and a Certified Massage Therapy Instructor from Atlanta, Georgia. Adrian has over 35 years experience as a massage therapist. He has owned and operated six massage schools, serves on the Board for three schools, owned the Arthritis Rehabilitation Center, which coordinated physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, and currently works in medical massage in Atlanta, Georgia. Adrian’s work has been featured on ESPN, TBS, Arthritis Today, Men’s Fitness, Atlanta Today, Florida Business Journal and other local and national shows. Adrian has presented Arthritis and Massage Intervention at the AMTA National Convention, FSMTA Convention, for the Arthritis Foundation, Medical Schools, Whole Foods and over 300 workshops in and outside the U.S. His website is www.artizenstouch.com.

Arthrossage is a unique massage therapy technique specific to the treatment of arthritis. It specifically helps rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Arthrossage is also beneficial for athletes and anyone wanting to keep their joints from getting stiff. The use of arthrossage is complimentary and not an alternative.

Arthrossage is done with the clothes on, a plus to most clients.

The client lies on the table while the massage therapist puts the client through letha yoga moves.

Compression and rocking movements are used to work the body from the inside/out, CNS (Central Nervous System) / Core, and stretching yoga movements works the body from the outside in. It is very relaxing for the client and is easy on the client and therapist as well.

Arthrossage has many benefits. It improves the circulation and nutrition to the joints, improves range of movement and flexibility, reduces inflammation and swelling of the joints, which decreases pain and joint stiffness, relaxes muscle spasms and relieves tension, which helps the client sleep better, improves muscle tone and helps prevent or delay muscular atrophy resulting from forced inactivity and calms the nervous system. You can feel

the benefits after the first session.

Arthritis is a painful and disabling disease with many sufferers. Massage and hydrotherapy treatment can help ease the discomfort and degeneration.

With a health promoting lifestyle, encouraged by massage therapy, improvement and good health can be enjoyed by those with arthritis.

The limited function associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis lends itself to successful treatment with massage therapy.

The four primary causes of arthritis are overuse, underuse, misuse, and injury.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is also called Degenerative Joint Disease.

It is fraying, microscopic fissuring and breaking down of cartilage with late overgrowth of bone and cartilage. There are no general symptoms such as tiredness, fever or overall body aches, but joints affected are stiff the most after overuse and periods of inactivity.

The causes are injury to weightbearing joints—hips and knees (the most trouble), shoulders, spine, neck and lower back also are commonly affected areas. The characteristics of OA joints are the cartilage, which is the slowest healing tissue in the body. In OA, cartilage is primary, in rheumatoid it is secondarily involved. This is a fundamental point of difference in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) versus OA. Aching is a characteristic, but rarely intense. Usually no fluid accumulation is in the joint as with rheumatoid. OA is found more often in men. In women, it occurs more in the end joints of the fingers. OA is NOT a systemic disease. With early recognition, crippling is preventable.

Symptoms are uncommon below age 40 unless there is specific joint injury. Main symptoms are minor stiffness and pain on motion which is relieved by rest but is worse with prolonged activity.

Stiffness is relieved by limbering up exercises, such as arthrossage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is also called a disease of the connective tissues (a collagen disease), rheumatoid is a true inflammation of the joints. RA is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks the joints producing an inflammatory synovitis that often progresses to destruction of the

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articular cartilage and ankylosis (fusing together of the joints).

The symptoms and course of RA will vary from person to person.

Joint symptoms change day by day. They often become inflamed joints that are warm, swollen, tender, often pink and painful and difficult to move. The cause of RA is not yet known, although we do know that the body’s immune system plays an important role in the inflammation and joint damage that occurs. Stress plays an important role in RA. In RA, the body’s immune system mistakes cells found in the joints and other organs as foreign cells and it wants to attack them to protect the body. This causes fluid build-up in the joints and causes inflammation. The fluid and cells in the inflamed joint produce many substances, including enzymes, antibodies and cytokines that cause joint damage. The characteristics of RA are the greatest amount of pain in the joints, symmetrical joint involvement. It affects the wrist, MP (metacarpophalangeal joints), and PIP (proximal interphalangeal joints). Ankylosis also occurs. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of connective tissues and since connective tissue occurs throughout the body, the person must be treated as a whole; therapy should influence all connective tissue, including joints. Untreated rheumatoid arthritis may produce scarring of joints and permanent crippling. When pain and spasms decrease or disappear and the mobility of joints is temporarily increased, treatment can be much accelerated and losses recouped.

Maintenance of joint mobility is very important. Treatment includes relaxation, hydrotherapy, massage, and exercise.

My name is Deborah Martin, and I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified in Medical Massage for Arthritis (Arthrossage). I would like to encourage you to try this new technique if you have any signs of arthritis or if you would like to prevent arthritis from taking over your body.

This unique massage technique will prevent your joints from fusing together. If you are

Continued on page 23

The Valley, September 2012

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POOR WILL’S VALLEY ALMANACK for September of 2012

As we lay awake long before daybreak, listening to the rippling of the river and the rustling of the leaves ... we already suspected that there was a change in the weather, from a freshness as of autumn in these sounds. That night was the turning-point of the season. We had gone to bed in summer, and we awoke in autumn; for summer passes into autumn in some unimaginable point of time, like the turning of a leaf.

--Henry David Thoreau THE STARS Now the Big Dipper is low in the north an hour or so after dark.

The Milky Way dominates the night, Cygnus, Lyra, and Aquila, the constellations of the Summer Triangle, forming its brightest stars. In the east, the Great Square follows Delphinus. At dawn, Orion stands almost in the middle of the southern sky; bright Capella shines high above him. Regulus, the spring planting star, approaches from the east in Leo. THE METEORS The Alpha Aurigid meteors fly across the sky through between August 28 and September 5. The Piscids fall through Pisces, in the southern sky, on the night of September 21.

THE PLANETS Venus keeps moving retrograde, coming into Cancer during September, rising several hours before sunup and moving far up into the eastern sky by dawn. Mars, traveling retrograde into Libra, continues to shine as the red star of evening in the west. Jupiter in Taurus is visible in the east by midnight, and is overhead when Venus dominates the eastern horizon. Saturn in Virgo lingers for a while along the western horizon after sunset.

THE SUN From a declination of 8 degrees and 14 minutes on the first of the month, the sun continues to move toward fall at a little more than one degree every three days until it reaches equinox at 9:49 a.m. on September 22. The sun enters Libra at the same moment. Within several days of equinox, the night is 12 hours long throughout the country. Sunrise takes place between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. almost everywhere, sunset between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

in the morning, moving overhead in the middle of the night. Lunar position in Pisces from August 30 through September 2 will favor the setting out of bulbs and the seeding of greens for October salads. Angling should be most fruitful at night, especially at the end of August when the cool front of September 2 approaches from the west. Full moon on the 31st, of course, brings higher tides in the ocean and in the affairs of humans. Expect more problems at school and at work.

SEPTEMBER WEATHER OVERVIEW Weather history suggests that cold waves usually reach Pennsylvania on or about the following dates: September 2, 8, 12, 15, 20, 24 and 29. Storms can occur prior to the passage of each major front. The period between the 19th through the 25th of September historically brings an increased chance for dangerous weather. New moon on September 15 and full moon on September 29 increase the likelihood of a hurricane coming ashore along the East Coast or the Gulf, or for a strong frost-bearing cold wave to move across the Plains around those dates.

WEATHER PATTERNS The effects of the first September cold wave usually appear by the 2nd, which is the first day since June 4 that 90s become unlikely.

Then on the 3rd: a 55 percent chance for highs only in the 70s, and the chances for a dangerous frost suddenly become one in a hundred. September 4 is often cool, but warmer conditions typically return on the 5th and 6th.

Nevertheless, the second highpressure system of the month, which arrives between the 5th and 11th, has brought lows into the 30s one year in 20.

FROSTWATCH Chance for Light Frost and for Killing Frost at average elevations (about 1000 feet) along the 40th Parallel: September 1: 5%, 0% September 10: 10%, 1% September 15: 15%, 2% September 20: 30%, 3% September 25: 55%, 5% September 30: 80%, 8% SEPTEMBER - WEEK 1 THE TRANSITION WEEK TO EARLY FALL LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Hickory Horned Devil Moon becomes the only full Blue Moon of 2012 on August 31 at 8:58 a.m.

Waning through its third quarter for the rest of the period, this moon rises in the evening and sets

SEPTEMBER - WEEK 2 THE FIRST WEEK OF EARLY FALL LUNAR PHASE AND LORE Waning throughout the period, the Hickory Horned Devil Moon enters its final quarter at 8:15 a.m. on September 8.

Rising in the night and setting in the middle of the day, this moon moves overhead near dawn. Since most wild creatures feed more heavily with the moon above them, angling is favored in the morning this week, especially as the September 8 cool front approaches. Lunar position in Cancer on the 9th through the 11th will favor late seeding of radishes and greens, while the waning moon itself encourages root growth on newly planted shrubs and trees.

WEATHER PATTERNS Early Fall arrives in Pennsylvnia this week. Temperatures, which usually cool slightly at the pivot time of August 10, decline more noticeably. Chances for highs in the 90s hold at less than ten percent each day this week, the first time that has happened since the last days of May. Cold 60s occur another ten percent of the time (with the slight possibility of 50s for the first time since June 4), and 70s and 80s share the remaining 80 percent. The rainiest days are historically the 9th and the 12th, each having a 40 percent chance of showers. The other days of the period carry about half those odds. Frost is rare at this stage of September, but chances for a light freeze increase on the 13th and 14th as the third high-pressure system of the month comes across the country.

SEPTEMBER - WEEK 3 THE SECOND WEEK OF EARLY FALL LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Hickory Horned Devil Moon wanes throughout the period, becoming the new Cobweb Moon on September 15 at 9:11 p.m.

Named for the spider webs becoming more common now throughout the woods and fields, this moon presides over the peak of insect abundance that occurs as birds gather for migration. Rising before dawn and setting in the late afternoon or evening, the moon moves above you in the middle of the day. Since angling is often most productive with the moon overhead, expect an increase in bites and strikes near lunchtime, especially when the barometer falls as the cool fronts of September 12 and 15 approach. On the other hand, if you are trying to diet, the moon may make lunchtime especially fattening.

This week, the dark moon’s fourth quarter favors harvest, autumn mulching, and the clearing out of the summer flower garden.

Harvest silage and cut hay and

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tobacco under the dark moon.

Trim hooves on goats and sheep, too. Then cut the nails on all your pets. Remove warts and fight athlete’s foot. Tattoo animals and yourself. The slaughter of chickens is also recommended when the moon is dark, especially as the weather turns cool. New moon on the 15th will favor planting of winter grains and cover crops, but will also increase lunar stress for students.

WEATHER PATTERNS The September 12 cool front marks the beginning of a decline in percentage of daily sunshine, a downward shift that continues through December (the year’s darkest month), and the next high of September, due around the 15th, is followed by one the greatest shifts so far in the season.

As the sun moves to within a few degrees of equinox, late summer’s grip grows measurably weaker.

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. New moon on the 15th is expected to strengthen this front and accentuate the transition to Early Fall.

AUGUST - WEEK 4 THE THIRD WEEK OF EARLY FALL LUNAR PHASE AND LORE The Cobweb Moon waxes throughout the week, entering its second quarter at 2:41 p.m. on September 22, becoming full on September 29 at 10:19 p.m..

Rising in the morning and setting in the evening, this moon is overhead late in the afternoon and through the evening. Lunar position this week favors fishing later in the day, especially as the September 20, 24 and 29 cool fronts approach. Hunters could find those periods productive, as well. Lunar position in Capricorn on the 21st and 22nd and through

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The Valley, September 2012 Pisces on the 27th through the 29th nurtures fresh plantings for fall and spring.

WEATHER PATTERNS Although the day before the September 20 high-pressure system is often 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 nation. Even 80s will be gone there in only three weeks.

And the season of light frosts deepens all across the northern half of the country. On the positive side, pollen season declines quickly after the passage of this weather system. Chances for precipitation increase as the September 24 front approaches from the west, and after the September 24 high moves east, light frost occurs more often than at any other time up to this point in September. The 27th carries a 15 percent chance of a mild freeze—the greatest chance since May 10. On the 26th, chances for a high below 70 degrees are better than 50 percent, the first time that has happened since May 4. Average temperatures now start to fall at the rate of four degrees per week.

A DAYBOOK FOR SEPTEMBER September 1: Hickory nutting season opens as sweetcorn time winds down. Beside the deer paths of the forests, the is tattered and cluttered with the remnants of the year.

September 2: The landmarks of July and August are disappearing.

The purple teasel flowers have dried up. The late trefoils and wild cucumbers are already gone.

September 3: Burdock and ragweed are decaying. Joe Pye Weed has lost its color. Boneset is past its prime.

September 4: Seedpods of touch-me-nots shatter in the wind.

Japanese knotweed blossoms darken and fall. False white boneset becomes dull and gray. Field thistles go to seed.

September 5: Fertilize cool season pastures - as well as your lawn - as soon as possible to maximize their growth potential.

Feed the garden with organic matter that will break down over the winter and contribute to a bountiful crop in 2013.

September 6: When you see farmers planting wheat in northern fields, know that cotton growers are defoliating their cotton plants throughout the South, a process that increases fiber quality.

September 7: As the winter months approach, the percentage of available sunlight declines

throughout the nation, more in the northern states than in southern areas. Since sunlight is an effective germicide, be alert for the gradual increase in the possibility of disease in the months ahead.

Lower sunlight levels have also been linked to depression, one aspect of S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

September 8: When squirrels scatter buckeye hulls along the trails and locust pods fall beside them, then the first soybeans will be ready to harvest.

September 9: 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 the nation’s midsection, cutting spring oats and wheat in Wyoming, cutting spring barley in California, cutting hay in Alaska, bringing in tobacco throughout the Border States and the South.

September 10: Autumn grass may be lower in protein than its spring counterpart. Consider a protein supplement for your horses as September progresses.

Lush fall grasses have also been related to laminitis, a disease of the hooves; inspect your horses’ feet on a regular basis.

September 11: When doves stop calling in the mornings, then Fletcher scale attacks arborvitae; locust borers assault the locusts; pine root collar weevils move to the pine trees.

September 12: September and October are peak months for grasshoppers, crickets and katydids. The nighttime chorus of insects diminishes in direct proportion to the drop in temperatures and the reduced number of surviving species as fall advances.

September 13: Butterflies are everywhere as September deepens: coppers, blues, monarchs, swallowtails, skippers, fritillaries, checkerspots, whites. Squirrels are opening the fallen Osage fruits. In the fields, goldenrod is peaking.

September 14: Kingbirds, finches, ruddy ducks, herring gulls and yellow-bellied sapsuckers are moving toward the Gulf of Mexico. The last young grackles and hummingbirds leave their nests.

September 15: Fall is a favored time to plant or divide lilac bushes. Do it in the dark of the moon (now). Prune your privet hedges for the last time, too!

September 16: Today is new moon day, the beginning of the best two weeks in Early Fall for seeding late autumn and spring greens, for putting in bulbs, and for transplanting shrubs and trees.

September 17: This week often brings an end to the first period of leaf fall in Pennsylvania. By the end of the week, most of the black walnut trees will have lost their leaves. The next tier of foliage includes ashes, hickories, tulip trees and elms. Now the deciduous trees are almost bare in northern Canada. In New England and in the Rocky Mountains, colors are usually approaching their best.

September 18: In the woods, Middle Spring’s sedum is growing stronger. Henbit, mint, and catchweed revive as the canopy thins.

Waterleaf has fresh shoots. Snowon-the-mountain has recovered from its mid-summer slump and can be as thick and as beautiful as in early spring.

September 19: Sometimes forsythia even responds as though it were April violet time instead of autumn violet time, whole bushes breaking into bloom. Preying mantises make egg cases for their eggs.

September 20: In Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington State, the cranberry harvest begins as berries darken in the cooler weather.

September 21: Get ready to seed or re-seed spring pasture and the lawn. Spread manure on bare garden plots that will lie fallow until spring.

September 22: The pollen-gathering insects and the pond hunters continue to work until the cold ends their fall cycles. Caterpillars, however, continue to look for places to spend the winter even after a hard frost halts the activities of other insects.

September 23: When the day’s length falls below 12 hours along the 40th Parallel (along a line between New York City and Denver), then the sugar beet, pear, cabbage and cauliflower harvests are underway in the Great Lakes region.

September 24: Put in your viola and pansy seeds now for spring flowers. Sow the bachelor button seeds; the sprouts should overwinter and give you blue for May and June.

September 25: The shrill calls of crickets and katydids, which reached their peak in August and September, now bring us to frost time and peak leafturn time. The slowness of their pace as the nights grow colder reflects the weakening of the sun’s power.

September 26: Complete autumn culling now before supplements become necessary. Animals that can be kept at relatively low cost in the summer turn out to be much more expensive as pastures become dormant.

September 27: 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 to less than 12 hours.

No detail is too small to mention in this journal; you will see how things fit together in a year or two.

September 28: Except for the most precocious plants of Second Spring (species which blossom for a second time in the same year), the last plants which grow to maturity within the temporal limits of this place are in the process of bearing fruit.

September 29: Today’s full moon increases the chances for colder weather and light frost as September comes to a close.

September 30: Dogs and cats can spread their fleas to sheep, goats and other livestock. Keep your pets free of parasites throughout the fall to come, and that is especially important if you will have new lambs and kids in winter!

ALMANACK LITERATURE The Potato Bomb (the second entry in the Last Great Outhouse Story Contest)

By Pete Jones, Lynn, Indiana

Homer and Marie lived right across the street from us. He worked as a timekeeper for the railroad. He counted the hours that the railroad hands worked. They were paid by the hour. Most workers would have given up their paycheck if they could have just caught Homer in a mistake! He didn’t make mistakes. He could make beer out of raw potatoes, too.

He was also the best squaredance caller in the three-county area. He made more money calling square dances than the Big Four train company paid him.

Few houses had bathrooms on our street, and Homer relied on an outhouse. It was located between the house and the barn.

The date was October 31.

Homer never paid any attention to Halloween, but the kids on our block sure knew what day it was.

They put a potato in Homer’s tailpipe. Later, Homer’s wife, Marie, decided to start the engine to warm the car up.

It barely started. Gas built up in the tailpipe. The potato came blasting out! It flew across the yard and hit the outhouse door with a terrible force.

Homer yelled: “My God, Marie, I’m almost finished in here. You are pounding so hard on the door it about came down! Be patient!

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Listen to Bill Felker’s weekly

“Poor Will’s Almanack” on podcast any time at www.wyso. org. And Bill’s website, www. poorwillsalmanack.com, contains weekly updates and a sizable bank of information about nature. His organization of weather patterns and phenology (what happens when in nature) offers a unique 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.

POOR WILL ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF THE LAST GREAT OUTHOUSE STORY CONTEST!

Twenty years have passed since the first Almanack outhouse story contest, and people who have experienced the adventure of a real outdoor privy are not as plentiful as they used to be. So now is the time to talk to Granny and to Great-Uncle Leroy and get them to tell you the way it really was. Funny stories are best, and length should be less than 300 words. Chamber pot stories accepted! The grand prize winner will take home $50.00, and the top five runners up will receive $7.00 each. But hurry! This contest has been extended, but it will only last until September 30. Send your outhouse tales to Poor Will, P.O. Box 431, Yellow Springs, OH 45387. Or email them to wlfelker@gmail.com. Selected stories will appear in Poor Will’s Almanack for 2013 and may appear in other Poor Will columns.

Ed’s Railroad News from page 38

tracked through the Fort Wayne Historical Society’s website. After its trip to Pennsylvania, it returned home to be readied for its next assignment. Hopefully sometime it will return to this area, but more hopefully, maybe I’ll get to spend some time up-close to it and get to ride behind it some day. Who knows, perhaps I’ll even get to sit where Todd got to sit. hahahahaha

Just a couple reminders, the Rockhill Trolley Museum is still open and operating weekends and special events this fall. Take some time and ride back into history some weekend. Also, with the Christmas holiday coming sooner than we might be ready for, it’s now the time to get your trains out and have them serviced at Ed’s Train Repairs and Sales.

Don’t wait ‘till the last minute as it usually get very busy in the fall.

Happy Railroading, Ed a

The Valley, September 2012

44

Optimal Wellness

The Udder Truth

by He ather Wasson Centre Count y Dair y Princess

It’s Not All In Your Head You Are Not Going Crazy!

by Merry and Mike Matukonis

Goodbye Summer - Hello Fall

As summer comes to a close we look back at the memories of summer pool parties and days spent at the local county fair. Unfortunately this means fair season is coming to a close as well. I hope everyone had the opportunity to attend a fair. While at the fair I hope you were able to stop by the dairy barns and see with your own eyes how dairy farmers care for their cows. A cow’s health is to the upmost importance to a dairy farmer because proper animal care leads to the production of high quality milk. Dairy farmers’ commitment to providing high quality milk begins with top notch care of their cows. Each of these memories leaves us with

something to look forward to next summer, and thinking that it can’t come fast enough.

The end of summer means cool evenings and more presence of the coming fall. This is a sure sign that it is time to go back to school for many. As school is now back in session, Friday night football games and college game days are coming fast. This means tailgating season is taking off.

Why not add some delicious dairy dishes to your line-up this season. There is no better way to warm up after a cool night game than with a bowl of homemade soup. I hope you enjoy one of my family favorites that we eat after every high school football game.

Creamy Potato Soup 4 cups chicken broth 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes 1/4 cup minced onion 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cut into chunks

Combine broth, potatoes, onion, and spices. Boil on medium heat until potatoes are tender.

Smash a few of the potatoes to release their starch for thickening.

Reduce to low heat. Add cream cheese. Heat, stirring frequently, until cream cheese melts. For extra flavor sprinkle some cheddar cheese in each bowl. a

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slows down its function, other glands also slow their function.

Dysfunction and hormone imbalances are not Merry a disease.

The blood tests are accurate but not adequate.

They can show high levels of hormones, however, 99% of those hormones are bound to a protein molecule which renders it unavailable at the cellular level. Saliva tests are more adequate because they show the “active” level of hormone at the cellular level.

I have been studying restorative endocrinology for the last two years and have worked closely with doctors doing this work for the last ten to eighteen years. I am happy to say that I have restored normal balance and function to my endocrine system with changes in my diet and the use of organic whole food concentrates and herbal formulas. I have restored normal balance and endocrine system function to many of my women clients who have come to me with many of the following complaints: exhaustion, poor sleeping patterns, weight gain, heavy periods lasting more than 2 or 3 days, clotting, severe cramping, headaches, migraines, cold hands and feet, sugar cravings, salt cravings, feeling bloated, irritability, anxiety, inability to concentrate, short term memory impairment, low libido, and hot flashes.

Stop settling for feeling awful most of the time. Let me help you to heal yourself the way I did. You deserve to feel well! Be advised that the protocols I suggest are not intended as treatment for any disease. I do not diagnose or treat disease. The supplements I use are intended to support normal physiMerry Matukonis, RN, ACN ological processes of the body. Give Nutritional Therapy me a call today Phone: (814) 933-­9149 (814-933-9149) to E-­mail: matukonis@netscape.com P.O. Box 526 begin your path to Web site: www.optwell.com Centre Hall, PA 16828 Optimal Wellness. a

Well you’re going through menopause, that’s what you should expect. All too often, that’s what women hear from their doctor. Here’s an antidepressant. The problems associated with menopause come from hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies, and can cause numerous symptoms including; weight gain, depression, anxiety, poor memory, irritability, anger and headaches to name a few.

I counsel many women each month who have many hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Women do not have anti-depressant deficiencies we have a lot of nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances.

One way to accurately determine these imbalances and deficiencies at the cellular level is through saliva tests or hair analysis. If your monthly cycles are difficult and you are in a state of hormonal imbalance, your menopausal years become more difficult and severe.

This does not have to be so.

These imbalances and deficiencies can be addressed by focusing on normal female physiology. It is interesting to note that the chapter on female anatomy and physiology is always the last chapter in medical textbooks.

Obviously, the female endocrine system is not a priority topic, however at Optimal Wellness it is.

It is important to understand how specific nutrients affect normal female physiology and functioning of our glands and organs. The key concept here is NORMAL PHYSIOLOGY. Most of the symptoms my clients experience are due to hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies which are causing dysfunction of the gland, organ, or system. This also causes other organs within our endocrine system to dysfunction. Endocrine organs function and dysfunction together. If one gland or organ

Optimal Wellness

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The Valley, September 2012

Dave Wilson

Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That

The End is Near Part one

No, I am NOT referring to the end of the world, although, if you listen to numerous Bible enthusiasts, they may have a different opinion. I am speaking about what I believe to be the possible (probable) end of the U.S. Dollar as the accepted world’s reserve currency.

First we need to discuss how the DOLLAR became the world’s reserve currency in the first place.

Naturally, after World War II, the United States was unquestionably the most powerful and respected nation on the planet. While physical gold had been removed from circulation (in 1933), it still remained as a backing for the all-mighty buck. This continued until the early 1970’s when many foreign countries, most notably France, began to demand gold bullion in exchange for the dollars that they earned through international commerce.

President Nixon, recognizing that the U.S. was experiencing a sizable drain in its gold depository, decided to STOP exchanging dollars for gold, and in 1971, as they refer to it now, “Closed the gold window” for good. The U.S. would no longer exchange its gold for outstanding dollars. This left the U.S. with a sizable problem.

Who would want the U.S. dollar, now that it was no longer exchangeable for gold bullion.

The problem was solved when our state department made a (then) secret deal with Saudi Arabia, the largest oil producer in the world at that point. Military coups and regime changes occurred frequently in Middle Eastern nations, and the U.S. sought to use this to its own advantage.

They guaranteed to protect the Saudi royal family from such occurrences in exchange for one, very important consideration.

That condition was that from that point on, Saudia Arabia (and other smaller mid-East oil producing nations) would accept ONLY U.S. DOLLARS in exchange for the oil they sold.

It was a perfect plan. The Arab countries would remain unusually stable, and the U.S. would then have created a world-wide NEED for U.S. dollars. If France wanted to buy oil, they first had to exchange francs for dollars, THEN buy their oil. This, of course, gave the U.S. dollar the status as the world’s reserve currency, and nearly every country on the planet became desirous of having a good supply of U.S. dollars on hand. Tying its value to oil was a master stroke, and everyone was happy to add as many dollars to their cash reserves as they could get.

This plan worked flawlessly for decades. Then, beginning in

Bulls-eye Pistol Shooting from page 14

you certainly don’t need that level of equipment to come and shoot a practice session and try your hand at this discipline, or to be competitive for that matter. Bring your pistol and a hundred rounds of ammunition and try your hand at this challenging discipline. If you are like me and like to research a sport before you try it, a free version of the Army Marksmanship Manual can be found and downloaded here: http://www. bullseyepistol.com/amucover.htm.

This is often referred to as the “Bible” of bulls-eye pistol shooting. Also, while a spotting scope is nice (and you won’t see your bullet holes in the target at 50 yards without one), you certainly don’t need to run out and purchase one to come and shoot. Simply bring what you have and your ammunition and the friendly folks at the Lewistown Pistol Club will walk you through the courses of fire and what you need to do. If you have a chamber flag, please bring it, but there are usually extras available if you

don’t have one. A piece of weed trimmer line can serve as an expedient chamber flag.

In short, bulls-eye pistol is a challenging sport that emphasizes the fundamentals of pistol shooting and pushes competitors to develop these fundamentals by requiring challenging, one-handed shots at 50 and 25 yards distance. While one can certainly spend a fair deal of money in this pursuit, as with any other hobby or sports interest, you can try it out with very little equipment and develop and refine your marksmanship with little to no additional expenditure of money. If you are interested in learning more about this discipline, please feel free to e-mail me at president@lewistownpistolclub.com and I will be happy to find you more information. a

difficult. In bulls-eye shooting, you will learn more about yourself than any other sport. Bulls-eye pistol shooting is a sport that takes little to learn, but a lifetime to master.

Many of the club’s regular shooters have earned accolades at the National Matches held annually at Camp Perry in Ohio and are more than happy to offer suggestions on technique as well as discuss the pros and cons of various gear with anyone interested. A top shooter may easily spend upward of $2,500 dollars on a finely tuned Model 1911, but

the 1980’s, the United States began to BORROW. The national debt grew slowly at first and nobody in Washington seemed to be terribly concerned about whether or not the debt would ever be fully repaid. In fact, at that point, it really was NOT a serious problem, so the United States began to escalate its borrowing ways.

By 2000, the debt had begun to mushroom, and for the next twelve years, it can only be referred to as being “out-of-control.” Washington seems unable (and unwilling) to come to terms with how to tame the explosive debt numbers. In fact, one can safely say that while there is lots of TALK about the dangers of excessive Government debt, nobody seems terribly interested in doing anything about it.

To show you how quickly the U.S. National debt has grown, please look at the debt bullets below.

• September, 2000, 5.67 Trillion Dollars • September, 2005, 7.93 Trillion Dollars • September, 2010, 13.56 Trillion Dollars • September, 2012, 15.90 Trillion Dollars (Estimated)

The lack of a serious bi-partisan debt-reduction plan will soon, very likely, spell the end of the U.S. dollar’s world dominance.

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With the U.S. currently paying almost zero interest on U.S. dollars (bonds) owned by foreign nations, and with the dangerous creation of trillions of new dollars necessary to allow the U.S. Government to continue to operate, most former foreign “buyers” of U.S. debt have instead become net “sellers.”

If U.S. money creation becomes progressively worse, then what country (with any reasonably intelligent leadership) would be desirous of continuing to amass more U.S. debt?

The answer is simple, none of them.

Now, a new threat to the dollar’s reserve status has started to develop. A number of countries have begun to buy Iranian oil with gold. If this practice takes hold and other countries concerned with the shrinking purchasing power of the dollars they hold in their treasuries follow suit, then it will not be long before the dollar’s position is challenged. As the title of this article states, THE END IS NEAR.. ** In part two of this article, to appear in The Valley’s October issue, we will take a closer look at what consequences there may be, IF the dollar should lose its status as the world’s reserve currency. a

The Valley, September 2012

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Caution - Imminent Soap Box Moment

Is It REALLY Corn?

By Mary Anna Chenoweth

The catch phrase, “People Disconnected from the Source of their Food,” has been used for a number of years now, in various media formats, to describe a particularly important “hot topic.” This particular “topic” is “hot” due to decades of work all over the world by farmers, food activists, scientists, journalists, backyard gardeners, philosophers, bee keepers, writers, ranchers, city folk, country folk and – yes – even a few politicians.

While “hot topic” status can be a double-edged sword (here today – gone tomorrow), it can be an effective way to jump start public debate which, in turn, can (hopefully) lead to positive change. What’s good about this particular “hot topic” is that, especially in industrialized countries where large segments of the population could not have cared less how or why the food got to them as long as it got to them, people are asking questions, expecting solid answers, and reeducating themselves about what it takes to feed themselves and the rest of the human race. There’s a fundamental shift underway in the way many people are viewing the world, their place in it and the difference between abundance and the illusion of abundance. Take corn as a case in point.

If we ask most people whether or not they eat corn, the majority will probably say yes - in far more ways than they imagine and therein lies a problem.

The fact is, sometimes corn isn’t corn anymore, at least not so you would notice. Ingest any amount of processed foods or beverages, and you are ingesting corn over and over, albeit in some weirdly fractured, industrialized, derivative forms whose nutritive values are, at best, suspect and in some cases downright harmful – hence the problem.

You know those lists of ingredients on the packages of

most of the foods that are available in stores – the lists we’re often advised to read? Well, a good number of those ingredients derive from corn – a special kind of corn that’s been bred for lots of starch and not much else; a designer-made raw material that is processed into a bewildering array of additives that pop up nearly everywhere in grocery or convenience stores.

Moreover, the fact that these corn derivatives are found in so many processed foods is just part of even bigger problems.

There are related issues; the fact that cattle (built to eat grass) are fed—in the name of economics and efficiency—a large percentage of this high starch corn and its by-products, resulting in an array of unhealthy situations (bad), the varied risks of encouraging vast agricultural mono-cultures (really bad), the phenomenon of pollen from corn that has been genetically modified to contain genes from non-related species, crossing with non-transgenic corn (really, really bad) and soil degradation and plant and animal problems stemming from the use of the synthetic chemicals needed to prop up all of the preceding (unbelievably bad).

And that’s just corn. There are soybeans, vegetables, other grains, livestock, seafood—and even cotton—going through the same processes. Add in the fact that, ultimately, it’s just a few multinational companies controlling all of these situations, the fact that most of these same multinational companies have for decades bought up seed companies, pharmaceutical companies, and food processing companies, and that recently one of the biggest and most influential companies (they spend millions of dollars each year lobbying the federal government and occasionally harass/sue small farmers) bought a honeybee company (what are they up to now?) and one sees a pattern

whose direction would be obvious to a mole.

And before anyone brings it up, it’s not a ‘whacko’ conspiracy theory (or any other such nonsense) when the discernable pattern of behavior is so – well discernable. Do they really think we won’t notice? Do they think that we’re too stupid to put two and two together?

The purpose of this little mini-tirade is not to whack the hornet’s nest. Rather, it’s to (hopefully) encourage your curiosity.

Some of these books and DVDs may help to answer some questions, encourage you to ask others or help you to make informed choices. Maybe they’ll just get you angry – one way or the other, but at least you’ll be engaged in one of the most important issues our species has ever faced.

Thanks for your patience and I’ll get off of my soap box now.

Books: The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

by Michael Pollen A Nation of Farmers by Sharon Astyk & Aaron Newton The One-Straw Revolution by Mansanobu Fukuoka Everything I Want to do is Illegal: War Stories from the Local Food Front and other books by Joel Salatin Tomatoland by Barry Estabrook Food, Inc.: Mendel to Monsanto – The Promises and Perils of the Biotech Harvest by Peter Pringle Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply by Vandana Shiva DVDs: All of these should soon be available at the Mifflin County Library Fresh Food Inc. King Corn Farmageddon Queen of the Sun a

“We don’t need a law against McDonald’s or a law against slaughterhouse abuse--we ask for too much salvation by legislation. All we need to do is empower individuals with the right philosophy and the right information to opt out en masse.” ― Joel Salatin

Detoxifying In the Himalayan Salt Cave from page 36 wonderful (and easy) way to detoxify. Himalayan Salt is also anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. So many benefits are received when you are sitting in the cave for 45 minutes.

At Simply Health we also offer two other methods of detoxifying that can be in used in conjunction with your cave session or by itself.

THE ION-CLEANSE DETOXING FOOTBATH

How does Ion-Cleanse work?

In non-technical terms, toxins are excreted through your feet using osmosis and polarity. You will start by sitting in a chair with your feet in a container with warm, salty water for 30 minutes. As the process begins, the water will turn colors as the body works to remove waste and byproducts.

The different colors will demonstrate where the toxins are coming from in the body. For example; orange means it is coming from your joints, green is gall bladder, black can be heavy metals etc. Poor diet and high stress can cause our bodies to accumulate and store excessive amounts of waste products. This waste can attack joints, tissues, muscles, organs and glands causing minor to major dysfunction. The IonCleanse footbath is a natural and relaxing way to begin the healing process.

“After my first Ion-Cleanse, I noticed that my joints were not as achy. On the third session, my joints did not hurt at all. What a sight to see such dirty water.” ~ Sandy ”For the first time I have been able to lose weight and keep it off.

After trying every diet out there, I began doing the Ion-Cleanse at least once per month and weight began to come off and STAY OFF!” ~ Ruth THE INFRARED DETOXING HIMALAYAN SALT SAUNA

Far Infrared is a section of the natural band of light that is not visible to the human eye, but can be felt as heat. Unlike the high heat produced in traditional saunas, far infrared heat is able to penetrate the body to a depth of 1.5 to 2 inches. This stimulates the body’s cellular detoxification process more effectively than a traditional sauna.

The body, incapable of metabolizing and excreting all toxins it is exposed to, often times stores toxins in fat to protect the body.

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Our body’s tissues normally produce infrared energy, which is used by the body for a number of healing processes. By delivering penetrating warmth to the body, the far infrared sauna increases the body’s own infrared energy levels, encouraging a light rise in body temperature that boosts natural detoxification systems.

Stress Relief: High daily stress levels put constant strain on the body’s nervous system and can contribute to chronic disease.

The far infrared sauna helps to reduce physical stress by boosting circulation and triggering the production of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones.

Weight and Cellulite Control: Toxins can play a significant role in preventing us from losing weight as well as gaining weight.

Those wishing to lose weight should note that the cardiovascular effect from a single sauna burns as many as 600 calories.

The sauna is also quite effective at dealing with cellulite when combined with massage therapy and nutrition.

Other improvements are; improved cardiovascular conditioning, enhanced immune health, pain relief, and beautification of the skin to name just a few. There is no one on this planet with a body free from accumulated toxins.

How toxic are you?

1. Do you have low energy?

2. Do you experience depression?

3. Do you have high stress in your life?

4. Do you feel less alert than you used to?

5. Do you feel anxious and don’t know why?

6. Do you have trouble learning new things?

7. Do you get infections or headaches?

Next month we will be looking at INFLAMMATION and how it makes us all sick and what The Himalayan Salt Cave can do for that. Check our website for more information at www. simplyhealth-calm.com. Or call us at 248-2000. Stay well! a

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The Valley, September 2012

Penn State launches Accelerated RN to B.S. in Nursing at four sites

How are nutrition and diabetes prevention linked?

by Heather Harpster, MS, RD, LDN, CDE

What you eat is not only important for diabetes management, but your diet can also play a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including family history, race and age; however, a recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that being overweight (and in particular, obese) was the single most important risk factor contributing to the onset of type 2 diabetes. In fact, being obese makes you 20 to 40 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than someone with a healthy weight.

For the millions of Americans at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, there’s good news: simple dietary changes, along with increased physical activity, can decrease the risk of developing the disease. A study from the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) showed that reducing body weight by 5 - 10 percent through 30 minutes of moderate physical activity coupled with a diet low in fat and calories, reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. Lifestyle changes worked particularly well for participants aged 60 and older, reducing their risk by 71 percent.

Here are a few simple dietary changes you and your family can make to help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes: Choose whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates. The bran and fiber found in whole grains make it more difficult for the body to break the starches down into glucose (sugar), which results in a lower, slower rise in blood glucose following a meal or snack. To get more fiber in your diet, eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day; choose whole grain breads, cereals and pasta; and eat more beans, legumes and nuts.

Increase your intake of nonstarchy vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Add vegetables to your meals for both variety and nutrients; ideally, they should fill half your plate.

Try to limit your intake of starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn

and peas, as these vegetables are higher in calories and have a greater impact on blood glucose.

Reduce your consumption of high-fat foods. Cutting back on the amount of high-fat foods Heather Harpster you eat can help reduce body weight and insulin resistance.

Try to include heart-healthy fats of physical activity and maintainsuch as olive oil, canola oil, nuts, ing a healthy weight. By taking seeds and avocados in your diet. these positive steps, you can live a Try limiting the foods highest in healthier life that is diabetes-free. saturated and trans fat, includ Heather Harpster, MS, ing fried and/or greasy foods, red RD, LDN, CDE, is a registered meat, bacon, sausage, bologna, dietitian and certified diabetes sour cream, whole milk, high-fat educator with the Mount Nitcheeses, ice cream, potato chips, tany Diabetes Network, Mount packaged baked goods and any Nittany Medical Center, State product that lists “partially hyCollege, Pa. For more informadrogenated vegetable oil” on the tion on diabetes prevention and label. Choose lean cuts of meat diabetes education classes, please and fish and low-fat dairy. Try to visit mountnittany.org. a bake, broil, grill or steam foods rather than frying them.

Limit your intake of sugar and sweets.

Increased intake of sugar and sweets not only contributes to weight gain but can also cause sustained spikes in blood glucose and insulin levels, we I recommend eating less candy, desserts and pastries.

Avoid drinking fruit juices and sweetened beverages by choosing water and sugar-free beverages instead.

Eat at least three meals a day. Try to eat something every four to five hours throughout the day, and do not skip meals. This will help balance blood glucose levels throughout the day and help keep you from overeating in the late afternoon and evening.

You can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through such simple lifestyle changes as changing your diet, increasing your level

Program can be completed in 10.5 months, one day a week, through the Penn State Video Learning Network at Penn State Fayette, Greater Allegheny and DuBois campuses and Penn State Lewistown Center In 2010, the Institute of Medicine recommended 80 percent of the nursing workforce hold at least a bachelor’s degree by 2020 to meet the demands of an everchanging health care system. To help Pennsylvania nurses achieve this education goal, Penn State is offering an Accelerated RN to B.S. in Nursing program at four locations this fall.

“Many hospitals today are requiring nurses to have advanced degrees,” said Melissa Miner, campus coordinator for nursing programs at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, and director of the new program. “Finding time for education while working and caring for their families is a challenge. Our hybrid program has condensed content delivered on Fridays, with online out-ofclass assignments.”

The program, offered by Penn State’s School of Nursing, will originate from Penn State Fayette and will be broadcast live to students in Video Learning Network classrooms at Penn State Greater Allegheny, Penn State DuBois and Penn State Learning Center in Lewistown.

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“A bachelor’s degree in nursing is essential for RNs who want to be supervisors,” said Paula Milone-Nuzzo, dean and professor of the School of Nursing.

“Delivering our program through the Video Learning Network will make it easier for nurses to attain this important credential for career advancement.”

This is the first bachelor’s degree to be offered through the Penn State Video Learning Network, a network of 19 Penn State classrooms equipped with a videoconferencing system that enables real-time communication at multiple sites.

For professional RN Christina Kelley of Verona, Pa., taking classes at Penn State Greater Allegheny will be “convenient and close to home. I like that it’s an accelerated program, so I can maintain my full-time job status while I go to school,” said Kelley, a single mother of a teenage daughter who works at UPMC St. Margaret, a 249-bed acute care and teaching hospital in Pittsburgh. “My goal is to expand my knowledge of nursing so I can provide patients with the best quality of care.”

Classes start Aug. 31. Second session begins October 26th. To apply, visit the website www. outreach.psu.edu/rnbsnursing. a

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The Valley, September 2012

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