Thevalley april 2016online

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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 7, No. 4

by Stephanie Bates

The majority of the population today does not realize how important the wooden covered bridges were to the developing United States 150 years ago. During the nineteenth century at the height of covered bridge building, around 1870, there were well over 10,000 covered bridges in America. During those days, wood was abundant and inexpensive. The techniques used to build them were handed down through the generations. The bridges reflect a quiet time in our history when many people depended on the land as a way of life.

The bridges were covered to protect the wood timbers from the elements as well as insects and falling branches. Keeping them dry meant the bridges would last much longer. Also, the bridges resembled a barn, which made it easier to coax cattle and horses to enter and kept them from being spooked by the running waters underneath. Folklore suggests the bridges were covered so courting lovers had a secret place to kiss without being seen, which is why they are also known as “kissing bridges.” Although they were really constructed for function versus romance, I think it is one reason why people everywhere have a sentimental attachment to covered bridges. For many, they bring back childhood memories

Complimentary

The Valley, April 2016

of carefree days when the bridge made a wonderful place to play and cool down from the hot summer sun amid its shade.

Of the all the thousands of covered bridges built by our early-American ancestors, only a fraction of them remain today.

The number was reduced to under

1,500 by the 1950’s. There are about 200 of them currently in Pennsylvania – the most of any state. Pennsylvania’s covered bridges are scenic gems, each built with a specific purpose, and each adding charm and romance to the countryside.

The Dimmsville Bridge in

Greenwood Township, Juniata County spans the quiet Cocolamus Creek. Built in 1902, it’s tucked away on a country road which has been abandoned and unnecessary for the convenience of the traveling public. The bridge was bypassed a short distance upstream in 1960 and in

Volunteers on the Dimmsville Bridge Preservation Project are in dire need of help to save what remains of the bridge before it falls into the creek which is the first step toward restoration.

Photo courtesy: Stephanie Bates

Veritas vos Liberabit

1979 it was listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Over time it has been neglected and forgotten, the bridge leans dramatically to the left as the flood damaged abutments fail at both ends. Once, this old covered bridge saw its fair share of traffic as it allowed travelers a safe passage across the creek between the general store and the grist mill in the heart of Dimmsville.

The Dimmsville Bridge Preservation Project is a grassroots, non-profit, organization that started February 9, 2016 by a small group of Greenwood Township residents, joined by history lovers and covered bridge preservation activists from around the Susquehanna Valley and beyond.

This dedicated group is desperately advocating to save their beloved bridge. The Project is creating public awareness to those in the community who lack an understanding of its architectural beauty, and reaching out to those who lack affection and love for this irreplaceable piece of history.

Through education, perhaps one will gain a new understanding of its importance and instill a desire to appreciate and preserve the Dimmsville Bridge, one of only four remaining covered bridges in Juniata County. You can find the Dimmsville Bridge Preservation

Continued on page 14

The Valley, April 2016

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Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar

Thank God I declared my independence from the GOP back in 2005, I am now a proud Libertarian and try to live by my beliefs.

I wasn’t shy about the fact that I supported Rand Paul for president, and I supported his father, Ron Paul, in the two previous elections. The problem with being Libertarian is that the two major parties (two wings of the same bird) and the media want things to remain just as they are. They are dependent on the status quo maintaining, as this is how their cycles are managed and manipulated to control YOU and what you think.

Now we even have video testimony by Clinton Eugene Curtis, a computer programer who testified under oath that he was paid to rig elections! DID YOU READ THAT? He rigged elections, the people’s voice was never heard or mattered.

Then we have a Neanderthalic senior GOP delegate, Curly Haugland, coming out and actually saying, “The party chooses the nominee NOT the primary voters,” and then when asked why we even have a primary, he said, “Good question.” Do you now think for a second that those involved in the party give a rats rear end what you think or want? Our elections have been corrupt on an unsurmountable scale since the introduction of electronic ballots.

Did you hear the media jumping on the story about elections being fixed? Did they run 24 hour investigative reporting of Haugland saying the people’s vote doesn’t matter? Nope! They are invested in keeping things the way they are, and that is...controlling YOU.

Fox’s hysterical assassination attempts on Trump, (which coincidentally is also happening

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on the networks that admit their liberal bias) are a slap in the face to anyone that actually thinks for themselves rather than fall for the indignant and in-your-face reporting of Meghyn Kelly, who actually refused to correct herself during the debates when she made an erroneous statement about Trump University. Trump handed her the fact sheet during a break and she refused a correction, that tells you something about her character. But, it is, of course, encouraged by Roger Ails who they all cherish like some religious figure, all the while lying to the viewers. As I look around, it appears that bowing to the king who signs your paycheck “Trumps” (see what I did there) the truth as people understand if your job makes you lie, it is overlooked for certain instances. These networks are all manipulating the viewers to promote their particular agendas.

The real shock is that people allow it. This is, of course, by design.

II As for the attacks against Trump by the media, the Democrats AND the Republicans, it seems to me that if all those invested in keeping the status quo, keeping the people controlled and manipulated, are those who are attacking Trump, then maybe he is, or should be, my guy.

The more I listen to those aligned against him, distort, lie, manufacture and obscure the truth, the more I am inclined to throw my support his way. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t like his reported authoritarian and aggressive stance, but is that even the truth? I mean, the truth went out the window with reporters as soon as Trump started winning.

For those in the White Top (no not my Amish friends) club, and who are old enough to look back over a good period of time, I see a lot of similarities to times past.

The previous holder of worst president of all time, Jimmy Carter, also had a weak foreign policy, much like our current president.

The US was looked at as weak, like now. Along came a guy that didn’t fit the GOP mold, and the moderate republicans and the liberal democrats fought fiercely against him. The media called him a Cowboy, antagonistic, aggressive, sure to end the world by starting WWIII. It all looked very similar to the shameless attempts by today’s R.I.N.O.s and Liberals aligned against Trump. The media is frantically pushing every social hot button it can, accusing Trump of being the devil himself.

Now stop for just a minute and realize that TV is about ratings, not the truth—truth to those kind of people is green.

It also seems that the attacks are indeed coming from those lovable little Socialists supporting Bernie. Hillary supporters, (those with morals) aren’t saying much of anything as they hold their

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

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

breath waiting for her perp walk.

A recent video by Joey Salads (joeysalads.com) showed the reactions he got from the public while displaying either a Trump sign or a Bernie sign. While he was holding the Bernie sign at several different spots, he was pretty much ignored, but for a few thumbs up by other Bernie supporters. When he held the Trump sign, he was flipped off, cursed at, had items thrown from vehicles and actually physically attacked by Bernie supporters—you know, those tolerant, peace loving Socialists.

And all of their spouted reasons for disgust, came right from the media talking points uttered by some nit-wit news anchor. For the most part, Liberals don’t do their own research, but rely rather on some trusted elder in their clique.

Research is tiresome and may lead them to uncomfortable places.

So, the overwhelming choice of the voters is being systematically attacked on all fronts, which can only mean that the two parties and the media do not give a hoot about YOUR choice—it makes them angry when their manipulation fails. As it did with Reagan, I am hoping that a Trump win will result in him handling the media much the same way. Use the office to bring the issues to the people, then the media just looks foolish when they lie. And come to think of it, none of the dire warnings by the same type of elitist manipulators in the press back then about Reagan came to pass, in fact, it was a time of incredible success, despite the media. President Trump? Ok with me. a

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The Valley, April 2016

Back Talk

by Dr. Joseph Kauffman

Riders on the Storm

A few months back, I wrote about a topic that didn’t really get too much attention, or at least if it did, I didn’t hear about it. So, it must not be too controversial.

My topic was more of a musing about how certain bacteria that has caused diseases has the ability to mutate to become resistant to the medical treatment of choice, which is the administration of an

antibiotic. This particular bacterium that I was questioning was Staphylococcus Aureus, which in that case had caused MRSA. MRSA is an acronym for Minocycline Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Minocycline would be the antibiotic given to treat that strain of a staph infection. This strain evolved and mutated to become resistant to the antibiotic. So, I

asked a few medical professionals how they treated MRSA and the unanimous answer was to administer a different antibiotic.

So, by deductive reasoning, I questioned whether the bacteria could evolve again and mutate to become resistant to the new, different antibiotic. And, again, the answer was unanimous in that it’s possible. So, upon further deduction, one tends to wonder if, down the road, a “super bacteria” is a possible evolutionary outcome that becomes resistant to all of the known antibiotics.

Is that thinking “outside the box” or “conspiracythinking”??!! I have raised that question to the same professionals and again, the unanimous answer was that it is a most likely possibility, but probably not in our lifetime, maybe not even in my kids’ lifetime. However, just this past weekend, which was Easter weekend, a prayer request came through our house from our church about a man who has been diagnosed with “bacterial pneumonia” that is resistant to all known antibiotics.

Read that again. This man has a pneumonia caused by bacteria.

And, this strain of bacteria is resistant to every antibiotic they have given this man! I go to church in Lewistown, so, I assume this is a local guy, but I’m not certain.

My next question then is what can they

The Truth Has No Agenda

do for this man? If every antibiotic is worthless in fighting this bacterium, what can be done?

How about looking to the body?

My job as a chiropractor is not to be a medical doctor, nor do I pretend to be. I don’t diagnose any condition, nor do I treat the symptoms. My answer is always to make sure that there is a proper connection between the brain and the body, so that the body can function as close to 100% as possible. The body’s immune system is designed to fight off conditions.

Strengthen the immune system and let the body work its magic.

But, if there’s not a proper connection between the brain and the body’s immune system, it cannot and will not function at 100%. If your immune system is working properly, the name of the disease doesn’t matter, from Ebola to Zika to bacterial pneumonia, the body can and will fight it off. Some tips to verify that you’re doing what you can include: • Proper Sleep of 6-8 hours each night to ensure the body is resting and recuperating • Proper Exercise each day, which is about an hour of fitness • Proper Nutrition of putting good things in your body to get good things out • Proper Mental Attitude of thinking and focusing on good, positive things • Proper Functioning Nervous

System by eliminating the interferences between the brain and the body

Most of these you can figure out on your own, but if you need advice on each topic, I highly encourage you to seek a professional in each field to assist you. There are nutritionists and dietitians to guide you with proper nutrition. There are personal trainers and fitness centers to aid you in proper fitness. There are massage therapists to help relax your muscles and help your body rest, repair and recuperate. There are counselors and life coaches to help you with anything mentally or emotionally that you might need help with. And, you need a chiropractor to eliminate the interferences between the brain and the body. These interferences are the bones of the spine that misalign and pinch on nerves and are called subluxations. My only job as a chiropractor is to find and to fix your subluxations. Please seek a chiropractor that only does that.

And, seek each professional above for each specified field. Professionals in those areas know their fields better than anyone else.

If you can ensure your body is functioning at as close to 100% as possible, you don’t have to live in fear about what is being spread

Continued on page 19

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Dr. John Mainiero

Eating Well

compounds and three hydroxycinnamic acids, which can help keep cholesterol levels within

Kale has a very impresthe normal range and scavenge sive number of flavonoids, each harmful free radicals in your body with its own healthy job to do in [2]. Two of the most important your body, including 32 phenolic flavonoids kale has in abundance are kaempferol and quercetin.

It should be noted that the effectiveness of several antioxidants and vitamins in kale are diminished when cooked [3].

Now let’s eat some green foods: What do you do with two large organic heads of fresh kale?

Well I will tell you. We had our first delivery of the organic co-op on Monday A mouth-watering healthy way to eat burger! and I went

Dr. John’s Mean Green Burger

We are rapidly approaching spring and the kale will be out in full force. I love May when we start getting our organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) deliveries here at the office.

The first thing we do is rinse off the dirt and peel the veins out of the middle; then we blanch the leaves for freezing.

The fresh leaves, we chop up and sauté in olive oil and garlic.

Studies Done on Kale from Dr. Mercola’s article:

According to one study [1], among all the foods involved in the research, kale was shown to have the highest protective effect against bladder cancer, the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.

to town.

• Start with 2 lbs. of 80/20 ground beef.

• 1 container of baby bella mushrooms chopped.

• 2 heads of kale chopped.

• 15 cloves of fresh garlic chopped.

• 1 container of soft goat cheese about 4 oz.

Sauté the kale, mushrooms and garlic in olive oil until just

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

about wilted, not soft. Add salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.

Add the sauté mix and the 4 oz of soft goat cheese to the ground beef and mix well. Form into 1 cup patties and grill to perfection.

Don’t forget to use some garlic salt or Adobo on the burgers

Continued on page 22

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The Valley, April 2016

New Year Greetings, Trumpification of the GOP and Scalia’s Mysterious Death

Happy New Year. That’s right, Happy New year, and I am not four issues late on my greeting! You see, sunset April eighth marks the commencement of the new year according to The Almighty as noted in Exodus 12 when He says “this month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year for you.” I have a calendar from Israel and this date is noted as the Biblical New Year’s day. I contend this makes a lot of sense.

Israel, the nation that has been called out by the Almighty, is in the Northern Hemisphere, as are we. Springtime commences for us at this time in our hemisphere.

Isn’t it logical that the beginning of the seasons also marks the beginning of the New Year rather than some dark day in the middle of winter? It’s also interesting to note that in the Hebrew reckoning of time that the day starts at sunset and not at some arbitrary point in the middle of the night.

This too is ordained by The Almighty. In the creation account as recorded for us in Genesis, at the completion of each of the days of creation week, the days are noted as starting with evening and then morning. This makes sense. Consider all mankind’s years without time pieces. No way to tell when it’s midnight, but when you see two to three stars appear in the night sky, you know the next day has commenced.

There is great prophetic meaning in all of this, much more than we can dig into at this point, however, know that The Almighty’s calendar is set much differently than ours, and He will execute His judgement in His time. He outlines all of this for us in His word.

Yet, in the book of Daniel, we are told that the fourth end time kingdom will produce a king who will speak great words against

the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws (v: 24-25). This is already the case as we do not observe the annual cycles as He has instructed us.

There’s much happening in our day and understanding His times and laws helps us to make sense of the season in which we find ourselves.

Regarding seasons, its presidential election season. Donald Trump is chewing up the competition in the Republican Primaries, much to the dismay of the “donor class.” Think of these folks as the kingmakers or party elites. These people comprise the “establishment” of the Grand Old Party, the ones who think they know better than you what you need. They have continually promised alternatives to the Commu-social-progressive agenda of the Democratic Party and have never delivered, because the truth is they are part of the same party. Republicans are actually Democrat Light and really not all that light. They talk big, but nothing ever changes. We no longer have statesmen, but politicians who are more interested in themselves and serving their own selfish desires than the constituency who elects them to office.

Step into this vacuum, the Donald.

He is voicing the sentiments of a vast amount of Americans. Stop illegal immigration, shut down the borders and deport those who are already here illegally.

From an interesting article by Bill Bennett entitled, “What I See Happening in a Trump Presidency” he notes the following:

“It’s no coincidence that everyone has gotten together to destroy The Donald. It’s because most of the other politicians are part of the good old boys club.

They talk big, but they won’t change a thing. They are all

beholden to big-money donors.

They are all owned by lobbyists, unions, lawyers, gigantic environmental organizations, and multinational corporations – like Big Pharmacy or Big Oil. Or they are owned lock, stock, and barrel by foreigners like George Soros owns Obama or foreign governments own Hillary and their Clinton Foundation donations.

These run-of-the-mill establishment politicians are all

The Truth Has No Agenda

puppets owned by big money.

But there’s one man who isn’t beholden to anyone. There’s one man who doesn’t need foreigners, or foreign governments, or George Soros, or the United Auto Workers, or the teacher’s union, or the Service Employees International Union, or the Bar Association to fund his campaign.

Billionaire tycoon and maverick Donald Trump doesn’t need anyone’s help. That means he doesn’t care what the media says.

He doesn’t care what the corporate elites think. That makes him very dangerous to the entrenched interests. That makes Trump a huge threat to those people.

Trump can ruin everything for the bribed politicians and their spoiled slave masters.

Don’t you ever wonder why the GOP has never tried to impeach Obama? Don’t you wonder

why John Boehner and Mitch McConnell talk a big game, but never actually try to stop Obama?

Don’t you wonder why Congress holds the purse strings, yet has never tried to de-fund Obamacare or Obama’s clearly illegal executive action on amnesty for illegal aliens? Bizarre, right? It defies logic, right?

First, I’d guess many key Republicans are being bribed.

Secondly, I believe many key Republicans are being blackmailed. Whether they are having affairs, or secretly gay, or stealing taxpayer money, the National Security Agency knows everything. The NSA, the SEC, the IRS, and all the other three-letter government agencies are watching every Republican political leader. They surveil everything.

Continued on page 6

The Valley, April 2016

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Home Nursing Agency Offers Free Grief Support Group in Lewistown

About Faith

by Rev. Robert Zorn, Visitation Minister, Lewistown Presbyterian Church The Resurrection of the Tree

When we first began to build our seasonal A-frame in 1964 on the Aitkins’ farm out here in Treaster Valley, we found some trees which were in the way of our construction. Among them was a little cedar tree, perhaps five feet tall and nicely filled out on all sides.

Although it was somewhat inconveniently located, we decided to let it remain and grow. It was, after all, the only native cedar tree on the lot.

As the years passed, the tree grew rapidly. Each year we would marvel at its growth and wonder what beautiful things that could be built from the lumber it would provide sometime in the distant future. Because of its location among much taller trees, it grew perfectly straight and tall. As it grew, the side branches died off so that it began to look like a gigantic paintbrush with green foliage on the top eight feet of the

tree. The diameter of the trunk at ground level was still only about six inches.

When we moved back to our new log home here in 1993, the cedar tree was still growing and had attained the height of perhaps twenty-five or thirty feet. Then, during the next winter, a heavy wet snow accumulated in the topmost branches of the cedar and brought it crashing down to the ground, and I waited for the inevitable sings of its demise … brown needles and bare branches.

At least, I figured, it is not a total loss. I could whittle thousands of pretty wooden flowers from it over the next few years.

It did not die. In fact, it continued to grow, albeit horizontally, so I decided to try to raise it to an upright position again. I found two long ropes and tied them to two taller trees in the vicinity. I then began to raise the cedar tree, first by hand and then with forked

sticks. I raised it only a few feet at a time, shortening the ropes, so that it would not snap off the few remaining roots. It was then hanging at about a forty five degree angle to the ground.

When it would be finally raised to a vertical position again, it would be securely guyed with ropes to three or four other trees until it could regenerate a new set of roots, and continue to grow.

When we come to think about it, this is a sort of parable of what happens to us in life.

Sometimes we too become overcome with troubles and burdened with bad situations, and we too come crashing down. It is then that the one who died upon a tree can lift us up. With the help of our congregational friends and other neighbors to assist us and stand by us, we can regain our strength and vitality and stand tall again.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 a

The Sojourning Steward from page 5

with Mexico; he’s questioning why the border is wide open; he’s questioning why no wall has been built across the border; he’s questioning if allowing millions of illegal aliens into America is in our best interests; he’s questioning why so many illegal aliens commit violent crimes, yet are not deported; and he’s questioning why our trade deals with Mexico, Russia and China are so bad.”

Bennett hits the nail on the head and in the end we see that the Republican Party has destroyed itself by not sticking to principles. The party of Lincoln has become the party that has become petrified to speak up for what is right and has capitulated to self-interest.

I think Trump’s appeal rests in the fact that he ridicules the political dysfunction in Washington. I do question his candidacy, however. For instance, what does the phrase “Make America Great Again,” mean? It sounds strangely similar to Obama’s “Hope and Change,” and look where that got us. Ultimately, these slogans mean nothing, and

yet everything, as they can mean a hundred different things when interpreted by the person hearing the phrase. It seems to me that as a society we have lost our bearing and want a king, someone to solve our problems and take care of us. This is not at all how this country was founded, which was on the strength of community and commensurate individual effort and sacrifice on behalf of one’s community.

Regardless of who the nominees are, and in the end, whoever wins this election, we must remember one thing; “The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes” (Daniel 4:25). Even the most despicable advance His cause. Doesn’t mean we necessarily will like it.

On a final note, I’d like to state that I am very sad about the death of an honorable American, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Justice Scalia was found dead at a ranch in West Texas last month where he had gone to engage in a quail and pheasant hunt.

I find the circumstances surrounding his “natural” passing a bit

Thirdly, many Republicans are petrified of being called racists, so they are scared to ever criticize Obama or call out his crimes, let alone demand his impeachment.

Fourth, why rock the boat? After defeat or retirement, if you’re a good old boy, you’ve got a $5 million-per-year lobbying job waiting. The big-money interests have the system gamed. Win or lose, they win.

But Trump doesn’t play by any of these rules. Trump breaks up this nice, cozy relationship between big government, big media, and big business. All the rules are out the window if Trump wins the Presidency. The other politicians will protect Obama and his aides, but not Trump.

Remember: Trump is the guy who publicly questioned Obama’s birth certificate. He questioned Obama’s college records and how a mediocre student got into an Ivy League university. Now, he’s doing something no Republican has the chutzpah to do. He’s questioning our relationship

Home Nursing Agency is offering a free Grief Support Group on Thursday afternoons from April 14 to May 19 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Agency’s Mifflin County office, 129 S. Main St., Lewistown.

Facilitated by hospice spiritual counselor Pastor Chris Thomas and social worker Judy Lankes, this support group is open to all members of the community grieving the loss of a loved one. Grief can be very painful and difficult at times, so those grieving are invited to come and share their thoughts, express their feelings and discuss how to work through the grieving process.

For more information on grief support, please contact Thomas or Lankes at Home Nursing Agency at 1-800-445-6262. disturbing. Scalia was, as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott noted, “a man of God, a patriot and an unwavering defender of the written Constitution and the Rule of Law.” He championed the philosophy of “originalism,” meaning he interpreted the Constitution according to what he believed the original authors intended. Scalia held the line in many Supreme Court cases, defending and maintaining our constitutional freedoms.

There is now a huge vacuum where there was once a great mind and a staunch conservative standing guard for our freedoms.

Senate majority leader, Republican Mitch McConnell, stated that his party will not confirm any Supreme Court nominee put forward by Barack Obama and will instead observe what he called the “Biden rule” of delaying to allow the next president, due to be elected in November, to make the decision as to whom they would like to appoint.

The rule McConnell references recalls the time that Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in June 1992, suggested Democrats should “seriously consider” not holding confirmation hearings for a Supreme Court nominee put forward by President George H.W. Bush if a justice were to retire in the final months of the presidential election year. Additionally, Sen. Chuck Schumer (Democrat, NY) in July 2007 stated that no George W. Bush nominee to the Supreme Court should be approved, except in extraordinary circumstances, 19 months before a new president

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

was set to be inaugurated. Yet, in a stunning but not surprising double standard, we are now told that the Senate must consider an Obama appointee by these very same men. It’s their constitutional duty we are informed. The goal is to get a liberal judge appointed who will continue to carry out policies and executive edicts that cannot withstand the scrutiny of the Constitution and the electorate. As of this writing, Obama has nominated Merrick Garland to replace Justice Scalia. I would like to see McConnell and the Republicans hold true to their word and not confirm this appointment.

However, if past performance is any indicator of future results, I expect they will cave because, as I said earlier, the Republicans are nothing more than Democrat Light. It’s too bad they can’t be the loyal opposition. You want a good Supreme Court nominee? I would argue that Ted Cruz would make a good replacement for Justice Scalia. Regardless of how this plays out, in the end, “The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.”

Founder and President of The Stewardship Group in Belleville, Mr. Ostrowski earned his Master of Science in Financial Services from The American College in Bry Mawr, Pa in 2007. His articles ponder various contemporary topics evaluating them from a political, economic and scriptural point of view. He can be reached by visiting www. thesojourningsteward.com a

The Valley, April 2016

Dave Wilson

Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That

Those Who Fail to Learn from History are Doomed to Repeat it

I suspect that many of you have heard this very old Aphorism, and, probably, many, many times. Still, it is one of those famous quotes that simply makes a huge amount of sense. I have personally benefited multitudinous times by paying attention to its message. Being an enthusiastic history buff has also been of great personal value.

If you will indulge me, I would like to share a personal experience with you that has been responsible for how I presently view the business world, and the world financial climate in general.

While I have never been much of a “Stock Market Guy,” about 15 years ago, a good friend recommended a Gold stock that he felt was a sure winner. I eventually bought 10,000 shares (for about $1 each), and sure enough, the stock rose to almost $3 per share. I sold it immediately.

(That same stock rose to nearly $6 per share within a few weeks.)

Still, I had profited handsomely.. so I had no complaints. About a year later, the stock dropped to $3.50, so I thought I saw an

opportunity, and jumped back in. Shortly thereafter, I received a call from a “gentleman” who asked if he could vote MY shares to allow the company to issue several million NEW shares, to be used to incentivize both the company’s management and labor force. When I politely refused, he became somewhat combative, and finally hung up on me.

The next morning, I “should” have sold every share of that stock I had. I didn’t, and within three months, it had dropped a whopping 80%. Those extra shares had, in fact, diluted the stock’s value as I had suspected they might.

My reason for sharing this “less than pleasant” experience, is to relate it to what is happening now to the value of the US Dollar.

Nobody knows for certain how many trillions of new, backed by nothing, Dollars have been created since the 2008 financial panic, but many guess it is between 20 and 25 TRILLION, if not more!

My question is this. Why would anyone want to have the vast majority of his lifetime

savings tied up in something that has zero tangible backing, and, that we know for certain, is being horribly diluted to the tune of trillions of new Dollars annually?

Gold and Silver (Platinum, too) have been “managed” and “manipulated” down to almost ridiculous low prices. Their upside potential is breath-taking, while their real downside risk (in our opinion) is practically nothing.

Dollar dilution continues unabated every single day. Less than 3% of Americans own even one single ounce of anything.

We are not far away from another financial panic. What will happen when even 1% more people awaken and see what they must do to protect their lifetime savings?

All those “Dollars” you have can disappear in the blink of an eye. Be assured that with what we know is happening right now, only real money (Gold and Silver) will have real value when the Fiat Currency dust settles. a

Attention Property Owners Of Mifflin County

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Bureau of Forestry in an effort to control gypsy moth caterpillars this spring will be conducting a spray program in certain public lands within the county. The areas scheduled for treatment are located in Armagh, Brown, Union, Decatur, Derry, Granville, Bratton, Wayne, and Menno Townships. These treatment areas were selected on the basis of surveys of gypsy moth egg mass counts.

A biological insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt), which only affects leafeating caterpillars, will be used.

Also, an insect growth regulator insecticide, Tebufenozide (Mimic), will be used on select State Forest blocks. However, these

products may not kill all of the gypsy moth caterpillars. In severe infestations the percentage of surviving caterpillars may still be sufficient to cause some defoliation and also be a nuisance to the homeowner. Because of this and the variability in control caused by the weather, the results cannot be guaranteed.

The spraying is scheduled to occur sometime from late April to early June depending upon caterpillar and leaf development.

Local news media will carry information on more specific dates. Spraying will be done by aircraft starting daily at daybreak and continue as long as wind and other conditions are acceptable.

Evening, weekend, and holiday spraying will also be conducted when conditions permit. Nor-

mally, only one treatment will be applied to any particular property.

Neither Bt or Mimic have been shown to be harmful to humans, pets, livestock, or gardens. However, it is recommended that you observe normal precautions and remain under cover during spraying. If exposed to the spray, wash with soap and water.

Any additional questions regarding the gypsy moth, the insecticide, the spray program, or to review detailed maps of the treatment areas are available by contacting William Devore at (717) 536-3191, or by visiting the district office at 4455 Big Spring Rd Blain, PA 17006; office hours are 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Monday through Friday. a

The Truth Has No Agenda

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The Valley, April 2016

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Today, the Free State Project announced that it has joined a class action lawsuit against the IRS for illegally targeting libertarian-leaning nonprofit organizations seeking tax-exempt status. Last week, after a unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the Cincinnati-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit “slammed” the IRS in a “blistering rebuke,” the agency was forced to turn over a list of organizations it unfairly targeted.

The Free State Project received a court notice that it is a member of that class.

“The NorCal Tea Party Patriots sued the IRS in 2013 after a Treasury inspector general concluded the IRS had unfairly singled out for extra scrutiny conservative groups applying for tax-exempt status,” reported Fox News. But since then “the lawsuit has progressed as slowly as the underlying applications themselves: at every turn the IRS has

resisted the plaintiffs’ requests for information regarding the IRS’s treatment of the plaintiff class, eventually to the open frustration of the district court,” the judges claimed in court documents.

The court’s angry reprimand is in response to the IRS’s writ of mandamus: “The district court ordered production of those lists, and did so again over an IRS

motion to reconsider. Yet, almost a year later, the IRS still has not complied with the court’s orders.

Instead the IRS now seeks from this court a writ of mandamus, an extraordinary remedy reserved to correct only the clearest abuses of power by a district court,” Judge Raymond Kethledge wrote. “We deny the petition.”

The Washington Post de-

scribed it as an “unusually severe tongue-lashing,” while the Wall Street Journal said the judges “excoriated” the IRS with statements like: “Among the most serious allegations a federal court can address are that an Executive agency has targeted citizens for mistreatment based on their political views. No citizen — Republican or Democrat, socialist or libertarian — should be targeted or even have to fear being targeted on those grounds. Yet those are the grounds on which the plaintiffs allege they were mistreated by the IRS here. The allegations are substantial: most are drawn from findings made by the Treasury Department’s own Inspector General for Tax Administration.”

The Free State Project received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in 2014.

Porcupine Freedom Festival

The Porcupine Freedom Festival, commonly known as PorcFest, is the Free State Project’s flagship annual summer gathering in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Having grown in size and scope since its inception in 2004, PorcFest now typically draws up to 2,000 of the liberty movement’s finest freedom-lovers from across the globe. This safe,

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

fun, and friendly week-long event is packed with parties, panels, classes, delicious food, children’s activities, and much more.

The Free State Project is an agreement among 20,000 participants to move to New Hampshire, where they will work together to create a society in which the maximum role of government is the protection of individuals’ rights to life, liberty, and property.

PorcFest is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase New Hampshire’s offerings, and for you to reunite with old friends and make plenty of new ones. Whether you have lived in New Hampshire for years or are visiting for the first time, we hope you’ll join us at PorcFest.

PorcFest XIII will take place June 19-26, 2016 at Roger’s Campground in Lancaster, NH. Check out PorcFest.com for details coming soon! a

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The Valley, April 2016

Nature’s Remedy

If you read my column last month, you know that I broke my ankle about six weeks ago. I wrote about the irony that surrounds temporary handicapped parking. It turns out getting a temporary handicapped parking pass, which I needed just mainly for work, is a 3-4 week process.

Mine took about 3.5 weeks, about the time my ankle was starting to feel slightly more stable and I could walk pretty well in the walking boot. Talk about bureaucratic systems that need to be fixed. But, I do have it now and have been using it for work, even though I feel a bit guilty because my boot is now finally off. The ankle still hurts a bit and if I hit uneven ground—that is not a good situation. It’s also still a bit stiff and I’m still limping. Today I decided to try the gym for the first time in many years and I wasn’t sure how the ankle would do on a treadmill or a recumbent bike.

The treadmill seemed to bother it the most, so I kept that to a mile and quarter. The recumbent and regular bike did not bother it at all. I guess I can go back.

So spring has sprung in Mifflin County and my daffodils have been out for a few weeks and the hyacinths are just starting to bloom. But....what’s with the wind? I thought March was

supposed to come in like a lion, but so far it’s been going out like one and April is still roaring. I’ve been lying awake all night listening to the winds howl and wreak havoc on the neighborhood. If these are only 35-45 mph wind gusts (not sustained winds), then I’ve decided I never want to live where hurricanes are a possibility. I can’t imagine 80-100+ mph sustained winds. No wonder there’s so much destruction from a hurricane.

Wayne and I have a trip to NH planned for the middle of this month. I don’t expect it to be particularly warm or beautiful, but the thought of getting away from the daily grind has me pretty excited. Our last trip up was in September and even though in reality that wasn’t too long ago, it seems like forever! One of the reasons I like NH so much is that it’s so forested like much of PA. I saw a quote a week or so ago under a picture of the NH White Mountains and it spoke to me.

“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” ~ Albert Einstein

When I’m upset or having a bad day, I often wish I could just go for a walk or drive through the woods. There’s something about nature and the stillness of the woods that has a calming affect over me. Wayne and I sometimes go mushroom hunting and even if

we don’t find anything, an afternoon in the woods is always what the doctor ordered. I think Albert Einstein had something there.

To end my column this month, and to keep in tune with our front page story, I’m sharing a picture from Jackson, NH that also depicts one of nature’s amazing creatures—the bald eagle. It may be hard to tell from the picture, but that is a live bald eagle landing on the top of the Jackson, NH covered bridge.

Jackson is one of our favorite places to visit on trips to NH because Jackson Falls is the perfect spot to nap amongst the waterfalls, with water flowing over your toes. PERFECT! a

for up to four

The Truth Has No Agenda

Photo from the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, Jackson, NH

The Valley, April 2016

10

• Is antifungal, antibacterial,

and antiviral • Great for improving memory

and alertness • Is anti-spasmodic; and de

creases inflammation • Another perk about this che

motype is that it works well

as a skin penetration enhancer • Grown in Morocco and Tunisia

Sniffing Rosemary

Can Increase My Memory up to 75% ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

Rosemary, Rosmarinus Officinalis L., is a woody, perennial herb and is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae. The name rosemary is derived from the Latin name ‘rosmarinus,’ which means “dew of the sea.” Rosemary is very popular as a culinary herb. Rosemary essential oil is mostly extracted from the leaves.

CHEMOTYPES

Rosemary is highly adaptive to its environment, and for that reason the essential oil is very different from region to region.

The Rosemary plant creates different levels of the same chemical constituents to survive, and thrive, in its growing environment. This can be quite confusing when you’re just getting involved in Aromatherapy. Before I go over the different chemotypes of Rosemary, let me first explain what a chemotype is and why they can produce different therapeutic

results.

A chemotype is a different chemical type (ct) of the same genus and species of a plant, which has the genetic ability to generate different chemical constituents due to the environment in which it resides. Rosemary is an example of a plant that can provide different therapeutic properties depending on both the growing conditions and the country it is growing in.

To distinguish different chemotypes, the shortened form of “chemotype” is written as “ct.,” and then the name of the chemotype is presented at the end of the name. For example, the “camphor” chemotype is written as “Rosemary ct. camphor,” or when using the Latin name it is shown as, Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor.

This is extremely important information. Because of their different chemical make up, there are some differences as to how the

oils would be used and where they might be more effective.

There are many varieties, but there are three major chemotypes of Rosemary available on the market today and each one has a different chemical breakdown.

Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor • This chemotype is high in camphor • Good choice for muscle aches

and pains • Provides rheumatism relief • Is a circulatory stimulant • Is considered a powerful

energy supporter • Grown in Spain and Croatia Rosmarinus officinalis ct.

1,8-cineole • This chemotype is high in oxides • The best choice out of all

three for respiratory issues

due to its ability to reduce mucous

Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone • This chemotype is high in

ketones as well as monoter penes • Verbenone is the best choice

for skin: it is the most gentle

and it is an excellent cell regenerator • Is anti-spasmodic, and is

good at combating respiratory

issues at the same time • Since it is less “stimulating”

than the other two types,

verbenone is your chemotype

of choice for night-time • Grown in Corsica HOW DO I KNOW WHICH IS WHICH???

When purchasing Rosemary essential oil, it may just be labeled as Rosmarinus Officinalis L – (L for the family name Lamiaceae). So if you are looking for a chemotype that provides a specific therapeutic property, be sure you check the label carefully to see if the chemotype is identified. If not, find the website of the brand you purchased, and see if you can find it there. Reputable companies always provide this information, as they realize the value of knowing the difference between chemotypes. Buy from a company that is interested in education and not just selling you an oil. Here are a few great resources: www. aromaweb.com, National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy at www.naha.com, on Facebook:

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

Essential Oil University and my favorite, www.roberttisserand. com!

Although the therapeutic properties of Rosemary essential oil may be different, the aroma is the same: fresh, herbaceous, and camphoraceaous!

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Rosemary is generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. As it is highly stimulating, do not use when you need to sleep. Use with caution with epilepsy, high blood pressure and pregnancy.

Both the chemotype verbonone and chemotype camphor should be avoided with small children and during pregnancy due to their high ketone content. As with ALL essential oils: do not put on your skin without diluting and NEVER take internally. The International Federation of Aromatherapists, The Alliance on International Aromatherapists and the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy all have statements warning against internal use of EOs. If you have any questions on this, please do not hesitate to call and chat!

SNIFFING ROSEMARY CAN INCREASE MY MEMORY UP TO 75%

This is a VERY interesting study on Rosemary! Has research found that the essential oil from rosemary helps long-term memory and alertness? Was Shakespeare right in saying rosemary can improve your memory? In a series of tests, rosemary essential oil from the herb increased the chances of remembering to do things in the future by 60-75 per cent compared with people who had not been exposed to the oil. Other studies have shown that the oil increases

Continued on page 25

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The Valley, April 2016

Plain Talk

Solar Explained

by S. Yoder

Hello to all Valley readers.

Well, so April is here, which means spring is also here at last!

Solar will be in full swing soon and everybody will soon have more power than they know what to do with. What is more self-sufficient than solar power, which neither relies on the utility or oil companies. If this statement is untrue, call and let me know so I know for next time.

Even though it might not necessarily be quite as powerful as previously mentioned, it will not hand you a monthly bill and is totally self-sufficient if designed and installed properly.

It will occasionally run for up to seven years or so with minimal maintenance. With the addition of water and anti-corrosion inhibitor or Vaseline on the terminals, auto equalization, and also battery watering system, maintenance is very limited to about once a month. With industrial individual 2 volt cells you receive an even better battery life and warranty.

Individual 2 volt cells may reach a life of up to 15 years.

Most of the best panels are rated at 80% power output in 25

years, which I think is very good for something that is running for 9100 days straight. I for myself have always been amazed that solar has been allowed on the open market because the things that are actually helpful to the people of any country, always seem to get oppressed, which makes it so much harder to educate people wanting to learn.

I’ve got more news for you folks that use Dewalt lights.

We now have something to use instead of Dewalt. We now have a 16” x 16” cabinet with a 12 volt deep cycle battery inside to run your LEDs. The unit is optimal for 2 LED lights on the top with casters and piano hinge on the top cover to make easy access to change batteries. They are also available with direct hookup to any small panel during the day to keep the battery full charge. One benefit of owning one of these is that you can pull your light battery and easily charge your buggy battery and this process only needs a quick connect that works just like plugging into your ac outlet on the generator or inverter. The only difference is that this is designed

for more amps at low volts and as an added bonus, it includes a digital voltmeter.

Did any of you guys check out the new corn or corncob LEDs, which are very bright? For this reason, they are very suitable for the large outdoor areas such as at camp parties—these will light up your path.

And the best part is, they are mostly flood lights so as to not disturb your best and closest neighbors. They will still sleep and you cause less long range light pollution and draw very little power.

Another newbie for this year is the improved tracer, which was really to stay current with the advancing solar industry.

One more item is that we can be your full volt meter supplier with prices unheard of before.

Even though we do not stock each and every one, we can get any one you can ever need in the solar field in a few days. Hoping to be your full line solar supplier now and in the future, we really understand what you need in off- grid solar power.

R. O. F. F.

Rescue Our Furry Friends

by Patricia Lawson

Wow, can you believe that our ROFF fearless leader, Cindy McClellan, has over a dozen rescued dogs to take care of? Please read this important message from Cindy: “With all the rescues we have done the last couple of days and it seems like we are getting bombarded, we are in need of monetary donations to help with the vet bills! If anyone can help out, that would be great! You can send it directly to Pleasant View Vet Clinic, 110 Electric Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044; Attn: ROFF. We also have a PayPal account.

Thank you very much in advance for helping and supporting our homeless fur babies!”

And, speaking of fur babies, check out this adorable young one

See ya later.

Steven Yoder is salesman at Elk Creek Solar Sales and also provides service and sometimes installation and emergency service 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. a

20th Annual Embassy Fair At Kish Park Burnham

Are you ready for some fun?

It’s that time of year to come out to the fair!

It’s the 20th Annual Embassy Fair at Kish Park in Burnham.

This year the fair will run for 10 days starting Thursday, April 21st and ending Saturday, April 30th. Here is a great opportunity to support the Embassy and have loads of fun including riding the rides, playing the games, eating yummy food and enjoying the entertainment. Please visit our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/embassyltwn for details. And, while you’re there, be sure to LIKE us.

We currently have 824 Likes so let’s try to get to 900 by the end of April!

Attention vendors: If you are interested in participating at the fair please go to our website www.embassytheatre.org to access the required forms Embassy Vendor Agreement FAIR 16.

And any bands that are interested

in appearing at the fair, please contact us. There is more exciting news: The semi-finals for the Juniata River Valley Idol auditions, led by our local favorite, Chris Ruble, will take place once again.

Can you help? We need

volunteers to sell ride tickets at the fair. The shifts are only approximately 3 hours long, and you can contact Kim Fagley at: kim. fagley@yahoo.com for a time slot to suit your schedule. Please note: Volunteers do not receive pay for their time.

Sponsors would be greatly appreciated as well. Please visit our website and take a look at all the possibilities of Embassy Level of Support 2016. Starting at only $25 your business will get

recognition at several locations including our website and Facebook Page.

Our spring fair event is just the beginning of exciting activities to come. The Embassy will be hosting Movie Nights and our second Arts and Music Festival. The highlight of the summer will be our July 4th event and this year it will be expanded to two days. On the evening of Friday, July 1st the Lewistown Community Band will give their annual performance. Then on Saturday the 2nd there will be more festivities including music, vendors and the finals for the Juniata River Valley Idol. Stay tuned for more information.

See you at the fair, and thank you for your support! www.embassytheatre.org www.facebook.com/embassyltwn A Memory with a Future, a Future Full of Memories! a

The Truth Has No Agenda

“Hi, I’m Amy, a Pitt Bull and I’m only around one year old. I’m told I’m really sweet. That’s probably because I’m so thankful for ROFF’s help. I arrived here so thin and hungry that my bones were showing and I was missing an eye! My eye socket was infected, but that’s all better now.

You see, I was living outside with no supervision and I’ve already been a Mommy! Now I’m spayed and up to date on all my shots.

I’m also crate-trained and boy do I love people; especially those little ones, I think they’re called children. I’m so ready for a place to call home. Won’t you please visit me and I’ll show you how well we’ll get along. Thanks!”

I know it’s only April, but take a look at June!

“I am June and I’m not even a year old yet. I have been spayed and I have all my shots.

As you might be able to see in my picture, I’m am missing part of a back foot. I was born this way

so it’s no problem at all for me to get around. I like to chat and play and I get along great with my other feline roommates. I’ve never been around dogs, but we could give it a try. Stop by and let’s have a meet and greet, OK? I would love to be your ‘fur’ever friend.”

We invite you to open up your hearts and home and rescue these and other precious future companions. Just go to our web site www.roffrescue.com and fill out an online application or call 1-877-933-ROFF (7633).

Mark your calendars: ROFF has an exciting new fundraiser coming up on Sunday, April 24th at “Wags Grooming Salon” on Ort Valley Road in Lewistown from 1pm to approximately 3pm. It’s a Paint Party with Angela Dysinger and this is the painting that will be done.

Not only do you get to keep

the painting that you have created, but a wine and cheese table will be offered. Only 40 tickets at the cost of $50 each will be sold, so contact ROFF today!

Until they all have homes…

www.roffrescue.com; rescueourfurryfriends@yahoo.com; 1-877-933-ROFF (7633) a

The Valley, April 2016

12

Home Seller’s Seminar

by Kim Rickert

Thinking about selling your home, but not sure where to start?

Afraid to invite people to see your home because of the clutter?

Need help staging your home for the best look?

We can help! Stone Arch Real Estate is planning a Home Seller Seminar to be held on two dates; Saturday, April 23rd from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, and Monday, April 25th from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM. Both seminars will be held at the Blossom Hill Sales Center at 104 Exeter Lane, Lewistown.

As professionals in the real estate business, we understand that putting your house on the market is a daunting prospect. Not only do you feel the need to have your house looking “perfect,” as if no one has ever lived in it; but you also need to be informed about the market and the market value of your home. Getting the price right is a very important factor when listing your home for sale. Stone Arch Real Estate is teaming up

with Cherie Miller, owner of CDH Designs and Kim Bingaman, owner of A Place for Everything Home and Business Solutions to help address your questions and concerns.

Cherie is an interior designer and stager, and Kim is a professional organizer and stager.

Together, they will talk about the most important things to consider when preparing your home for market. “Curb Appeal” is not just the name of a television show, it is a real factor when a buyer is considering a purchase. Many buyers will take one look at a home from the outside and never even look at the interior photos; the outside of a home is a true reflection of what to expect on the inside.

Maintenance of the landscaping and home should be a priority for anyone hoping to entice buyers to come inside for a tour. During the spring and summer months, landscaping can be punched up with colorful plantings to add some sparkle to an otherwise dull

exterior, and never underestimate the power of a freshly painted front door in contrasting (but not TOO crazy!) color.

The pros will talk about the importance of eliminating clutter and creative ways to hide your stuff. A neat and tidy home will help the buyer imagine their belongings in the house, and will make the rooms appear larger.

Organizing closets and pantries should be high on your list if you plan to invite people into your home they will definitely open closets and cupboards!

When it comes to knowing the local market, the agents at Stone Arch Real Estate have the knowledge and statistics to help you decide where to position your house in the market. Anyone can throw a sign in your yard and call the house “listed,” but Stone Arch takes the time to understand the features of your home, why you loved the home and what may attract buyers to the home. In addition, our professional marketing flyers and website will show your home to the best advantage.

We will be there with you every step of the way to negotiate offers, make sure that inspections and contingencies are met, and to do whatever it takes to make sure that your house “closes” on time.

But it doesn’t stop there! After the sale, while other agencies put your file away and forget about you, we keep in touch with our clients through informative newsletters and emails, client appreciation events and resources for homeowners. We want to be your “Realtor for Life,” so we will treat

Curb appeal is extremely important, some buyers may not venture in to see the good part if the outside turns them away.

you the way you deserve to be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, treated.

OR April 25th, 6:00 PM to 8:00

Who should attend the PM. Both presentations will cover upcoming Home Seller Semithe same material. Come and meet nar? Anyone who is considering the experts, and find out how we selling their home now, or in the can help YOU! a future. We want to help you as you prepare your home for sale, and the sooner you know what to do and what NOT to do, the better it will be for you! We have limited seating available, so we ask that adults only attend.

You can RSVP with your choice of dates to Kim@StoneArchRealEstate.com Once again, the The kitchen is another area that buyers focus on. A winning dates for the formula is a kitchen that is modern and functional as well seminar are: as a place where the buyer can see themselves spending time happily.

April 23rd

The keeping of bees is like the direction of sunbeams Henry David Thoreau

One of the top three areas that buyers focus on, the bathroom should be up to date, and inviting, as well as clean, in some instances, they can make or break a sale.

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

13

The Valley, April 2016

I gained 50 pounds ...and love it! www.families4kids.org 800-568-6449

foster parent or adopt...you’ll love it too!

The Truth Has No Agenda

The Valley, April 2016

14

Sara’s Dairy Journey

by Sara Lucas

APRIL 2016 Mifflin County History Trivia Seeing the Light – Electricity ] Arrives in Town

In April 5, 1939 a fiftieth anniversary was marked in Lewistown. In 1889, the gaslights of the county seat were replaced by that “wonder of the age” - electricity. The Lewistown Gas Company began production of municipal gas in 1855 in a generating plant near the courtyard of the old county jail, where the Mifflin County Correctional Facility is today. Incandescent electric lights, the type invented

by Thomas Edison, illuminated Lewistown’s main thoroughfares when the switch was thrown on April 5, 1889, replacing the former gaslights. That night, people walked the streets to marvel at the bright, steady light cast upon the walkways, without fear of stumbling in darkness. Many homes and businesses were also wired for electricity. The newspapers of the day, true to form and abhorring change, did not go wild over the innovation. The weekly Democrat and Sentinel buried the story in the middle of page seven under “Local News Notes” column. The newspaper did note that the brick power plant was built for the purpose, and that the dynamo was powered by a steam boiler and engine. “The dynamo now in use

Dimmsville Bridge Preservation Project from front page

is only a temporary one. The one for regular use is now being built and will be of larger construction,” according to the newspaper.

Reports also indicated the final cost of the electric generating facility was $9,258. The cost was passed along to customers at a flat rate, with a 10% discount on bills for May, June, July and August, as it was anticipated less power would be generated during those months.

1. How many of Lewistown’s streets lights were electrified when the switch was thrown on April 5, 1889? [a] 25 [b] 36 [c] 45 [d] 60 2. What was the name of Mifflin County’s first electric company? [a] Pennsylvania Edison Company [b] Mifflin County Power and Light Company [c] Lewistown Light, Heat and Power Company [d] Lewistown Edison Company

4. When first installed, it was anticipated that the streetlights would be illuminated... [a] 12 hours each night. [b] from dusk to dawn. [c] only on moonless nights. [d] 25 nights per month at the discretion of borough council.

5. After the system was in place, the electric company charged Lewistown Borough... [a] $25 per light annually. [b] $24 per light per month [c] $100 per year for all lights. [d] 2 cents per hour of illumination per light.

6. The first street lights were rated in candle power. What was the candle power rating of each light in 1889? [a] 25 [b] 40 [c] 50 [d] 100 (Not to get too scientific, but a modern 100 watt incandescent bulb = 1700 lumens. One source cites 1 candle power = 12.57 lumens.)

3. The generating station or power plant for the first electric company was located... [a] at Lewistown Junction. [b] at Mann Edge Axe Factory [c] on Depot Street. [d] in the Mifflin County Jail courtyard.

ANSWERS: 1.D 2.A 3.C 4.C 5.A 6.D

Project on Facebook. Join the cause by volunteering or donate to

the campaign at www.gofundme. com/upnx5tk4 or make checks payable to Dimmsville Bridge Preservation Project c/o The First National Bank of Mifflintown, Delaware Office, 24021 State Route 333, Thompsontown, PA 17094. a

The Dimmsville Bridge as it appeared in 1961.

Photo courtesy: Juniata County Historical Society.

SOURCES: MCHS Newspaper Archive, Lewistown Sentinel a

The past is not the property of historians; it is a public possession. It belongs to anyone who is aware of it, and it grows by being shared. It sustains the whole society, which always needs the identity that only the past can give.

William J. Murtagh

Children are always taught to be nice and share with their brothers or sisters. Sometimes that isn’t always how it works.

Little brothers will always find joy in tormenting their older sister (talking from experience), and big sisters will always be proud when the successfully boss their little siblings without Mom or Dad finding out. April 10th is National Siblings Day, where for one day, you try to put the fighting aside and really see how much you need each other.

My mom grew up on a dairy farm with a little sister and two little brothers. She reminds me every day that the countless hours spent bailing hay in the hot summer sun, washing milkers with numb fingers in the dead of the winter, and birthing calves when they could be having a sleepover with one of their many cousins, brought them closer than she could have ever imagined. Having those four sassy teenagers working in such close quarters for a many hours two or more times a day was never easy, but the stories that live on are worth a million bucks.

The next generation of children and teens to help on the farm was my brother, myself and our eight other cousins. Together we don’t see ourselves as four separate groups of siblings, but one large herd of siblings. We all made memories together, like the time the cows decided they were too cool to stay in the pasture and

Pappy and Grandma sent four 6 year olds to go catch them. But as soon as we left, Pappy took the little boys up to the barn and the cows had wandered their own way back into the fence.

There are so many other fun memories the ten of us have at the farm. In my heart, I believe everybody needs to experience life on a dairy farm. It may not be the best day of your life, but it will open your eyes to see what the backbone of country looks like and what a dairy farmer and his family does day in, and day out to help make sure you receive a safe, wholesome and nutritious product at the grocery store. A day spent on a farm may smell a little funky, but that day will always leave a lasting memory, just as it has done to many others. Next time you enjoy an ice cream cone with your sibling as the spring and summer sunshine begins to shine upon us, remember the dairy farmer, and try to think of the memories made as Molly the cow was being milked.

Lastly, try your best to be nice or tolerate your sibling(s), they are your childhood partner and are the only other people who understand your parents the same way as you do. a

Although twisted and hanging precariously at the abutments, the sturdy construction is evident and the need to preserve this structure even more important as only one of four covered bridges left in Juniata County Photo courtesy: Stephanie Bates

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

15

The Valley, April 2016

Muttersbaugh Gap

This circuit hike follows a section of the Mid State Trail in Mifflin County. On this hike, you will have the opportunity to take in a couple views looking towards Penns Valley. This hike starts and finishes at Muttersbaugh Gap, just off route US 322 near the Laurel Creek Reservoir. You can reach the trailhead from State College by following route US 322 east toward Lewistown. If traveling from Lewistown, you will need to drive to the top of Seven Mountains where you can cross over to the east bound lanes. As route US 322 begins its descent from the Seven Mountains, Laurel Creek Reservoir will be on your left. As you near the bottom of the descent, the road bears to your left. On the curve, Stone Creek Road approaches from your right just past the emergency truck ramp. There is plenty of room to park here and this is the start of the hike.

Leaving the parking area, head down Stone Creek Road.

Stone Creek Road is paved and runs through Rothrock State Forest to meet up with route PA 26 in Huntingdon County. Hike about 0.15 miles and make a sharp right, still following Stone Creek Road.

After another 0.2 miles, you will come upon a gated dirt road on your right. Turn off Stone Creek Road and follow the gated dirt road.

After a half mile, you will come upon an old cabin and the end of the dirt road. To the left of the cabin is an unblazed trail leading north towards a small stream. This is the Muttersbaugh Trail. The trail is easy to follow in some places, but other times it is a little difficult to make out where the trail goes. After 0.9 miles, the trail will seem to disappear. However, since you are in the gap with steep rock-strewn mountainsides to your left and right, just continue to follow the small stream uphill.

At 1 mile, you will come

across Ben Jacobs Trail. This is a camp access road. The road fords the small stream at this point where a cabin once stood. There is also a metal foot bridge that can be used to cross the stream.

Hike around the northern side of this clearing where you will once again pick up the Muttersbaugh Trail.

As the Muttersbaugh Trail ascends to the top of Bald Mountain, the trail becomes very

The Truth Has No Agenda

difficult to follow at times. During the summer months, this trail can be obscured by the encroaching brush. A map or GPS is recommended so that you can make your way through this tough section of trail.

After a half mile of hiking and a 400-foot ascent, the trail intersects with the orange-blazed, and well maintained, Mid State Trail. Turn right here on the Mid State Trail and enjoy a nice leisurely stroll across the ridge top.

Your first vista is about 2.2 miles into the hike. The view is towards the north and you can see Boal Gap in the foreground with

Penns Valley and Mount Nittany beyond that. The second vista is in another 0.2 miles. This vista looks a little more towards the north where the first is more towards the northwest. Again you’ll have a nice view of Penns Valley below.

At 2.8 miles the trail begins a descent from the top of Bald Mountain. On this section of the trail you will encounter two switch backs. After a quarter mile, you’ll find yourself back on level ground. The trail makes a sharp right at 3.1 miles at the border of the state forest land.

Continued on page 19

The Valley, April 2016

16 What is a Swarm from page 24

if you have been chased and stung before, it was probably one of these bad actors and not a honey bees buzzing around an area—the bee. Now don’t get me wrong, if air can become absolutely filled you are walking through the grass with bees, sometimes 10,000 or barefooted, as I often do, and you more. When the queen lights on catch a piece of Dutch Clover bea branch or other object, the bees tween your toes and a honeybee is flying will quickly land on the there feeding, you may get stung, same spot and soon you can have the act of them stinging ensures a ball of solid bees that are as big their own death and they know as a basketball, all clinging to one that, so they sting judiciously. It another. They are probably the is a good idea anyway to know most docile and non-aggressive if you have to be on guard or as they ever can be at this time, not when you see a flying insect, and honeybees are never really quickly identifying its type. To aggressive anyway. be honest, the only mix-up I can

This brings up another point, even begin to understand is that many people use the term bee to between yellow jacket and hondescribe a lot of insects that ARE eybee, but once you really know NOT bees. Yellow Jackets, Wasps how to tell, you will be puzzled and Hornets ARE NOT bees, and that it took so long to know, it is rather easy.

As Beekeepers, we answer swarm calls for several months in the spring. With the extreme pressure placed on our honeybee populations by pesticide use, it is imperative that we save as many of these swarms as we can.

Once you really study the differences, it is easy to Sure, nature will

take its course and the scouts may find a suitable location for a new home for the colony, whether it be a hollow tree, in the wall of a home or barn, or other rarely used structure. But, will it be a safe place for them? Are the fields and food sources nearby subject to pesticide use that will spell doom for them at some point down the road? That is where we come in as beekeepers. (See ad page 26) You folks help in the process too, by seeing and reporting swarms to us. If we can, we will make an attempt to capture the swarm and hive it in one of our Apiarys. We place our colonies in areas a good distance from known pesticide spraying. Once we verify a spot as

safe for a beeyard, we might also seed the surrounding area with native plants that are preferred nectar sources for bees, such as White and Yellow Sweet Clover, and we also try to take advantage of tree and flowers already in an area, such as Locust trees or Basswood trees. With the public’s help, we are slowly winning and keeping bees alive year to year, looking to that one day when specific pesticides are banned as in Europe where a honeybee population explosion is taking place due to the banning of pesticides that are still legal here.

Sometimes we just can’t answer a call, and in that case unless the swarm poses a specific

make a proper identification.

Take a step back in time along the highways and byways of Mifflin County, founded in 1789. Through historic photographs and commentary, the Mifflin County Historical Society presents a brief look at how the county has changed. Photographic images are paired to compare past with present. Contemporary photographs approximated the same site or location as seen in vintage views from Mifflin County’s past unique history. Narration highlights

Based on the companion books, Mifflin County Then & Now and More Mifflin County Then & Now, published by the Mifflin County Historical Society, author Forest K. Fisher and photographer Nathaniel Thierwechter have teamed for this nostalgic look back to see a changing community through the camera’s lens, and to remember... Mifflin County - Then & Now. Bonus Audio Feature: “History is Our Story” - Listen to the exciting tale of the Logan Guards of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, first militia company to respond to President Lincoln’s call for volunteers in April 1861. In this two-part audio bonus feature, the early days of the Civil War, from a local perspective, are recalled by Mifflin County Historical Society author Forest K. Fisher.

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

threat or inconvenience to people, they can be left alone and admired from a distance. The bees will likely remain for only a few days at most, and then suddenly fly away to establish their new home. a

17

The Valley, April 2016

Recoupling Crops and Livestock Offers Energy Savings to Northeast Dairy Farmers

by Kristen Devlin

Story courtesy of Penn State Pulic Information.

For Pennsylvania dairy farmers, producing feed grain on-farm requires significantly less

energy than importing it from the Midwest, according to Penn State researchers whose findings may help dairy farmers save energy and money in the face of rising

feed costs.

Historically, it made economic sense for many dairy farmers in the Northeast to import feed from the Midwest, where yields are higher and subsidies contribute to

The dairy cropping-systems trial was designed as part of a larger multi-year study to evaluate strategies to meet the forage, feed, and fuel needs of a 65cow, 240-acre dairy farm. Conducted at 1/20th scale, the cropping-systems trial is situated on 12 acres at Penn State’s Agronomy Research Farm in Rock Springs, PA. Image: Heather Karsten / Penn State

The Truth Has No Agenda

a relatively cheap and abundant supply. However, this separation of cows -- and their manure -from feed-crop production results in a regional nutrient imbalance with important energy implications. Grain prices can also be volatile, with much higher costs in some years.

“If you think about the Midwestern practices for growing feed crops, largely it’s done with synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which are extremely energy-intensive to produce,” said Glenna Malcolm, former research associate in plant

sciences now a lecturer in biology. “We wanted to understand the energy use that this approach requires compared to growing feed on-farm, where that fertilizer requirement can be met, in part, with manure and through diversifying crop rotations to include perennial legume crops that convert atmospheric nitrogen to a usable form for plants.”

Malcolm and her colleagues compared the energy use of three farming systems. On the low-

Continued on page 20

18

The Valley, April 2016

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19

The Valley, April 2016

Joanne Wills-Kline “Contentment Quest”

The Unexpected

“To what happy accident is it that we owe so unexpected a visit?” The quote belongs to Oliver Goldsmith; although recently, the quote has resided front and center in my mind. As summer was waving her last goodbye and the trees were ablaze in their autumn glory, something unexpected occurred in our lives. A stray calico feline friend showed up on our property. She watched us for days, too timid to come too close. Perhaps she had been mistreated in her little lifetime.

She seemed so timid and watchful of our moves, and most comfortable to remain several feet away from us at all times. At the time, her aloofness was fine for us. We didn’t wish to commit to being responsible for her. Our soft hearts for felines did quickly soften even more, so we decided to keep her well nourished and offer a safe, comfortable, quiet place for her to rest outdoors. Days turned into

weeks, and still she remained.

“No one is ever so brave that he is not disturbed by something unexpected” ~ Julius Cesar. We began to expect to see her at our door every morning. As night fell, we began to seek her along the property. We wanted to know she was well, and nestled in safe and sound. As time passed, she made residence in our hearts, and we committed to compassionately caring for her. She began to trust us more with each passing day.

We responsibly built her a shelter to weather the winter, and she seemed most grateful… as grateful as one could expect a feline to be. We began to build a bond with her, and her unexpected arrival no longer seemed unexpected. Her arrival transformed into relevance within our daily lives.

“There is always going to be the circumstances you can’t plan for. There’s always the unexpected relevance and serendipity” ~

Originals by “U” You’re Artist Within by lindsey r. holtzman

Jason Silva. One Saturday morning, in mid March, when winter’s grasp had been relinquished to spring’s emergence, the unexpected met us once more. We found that Tinker-bell (as we so fondly named her), had passed away. We found her unharmed, and in her safe place. It appeared that she had passed peacefully during the night.

Perhaps she was old. Perhaps she had a condition unbeknownst to us that took a toll on her little body. Just as quickly and unexpectedly that she had arrived, so had she passed. No warning signs, no inkling that something was wrong, no warning that our time was about to end. The evening before her passing, she met us in the driveway as Rick brought me home from work. She was happy to see us, and receive our attention. If I had known what a difference twelve hours would make, I would have petted her just a bit longer. Thankfully, we know in our hearts, that we offered her a comfy safe place for her to live out the last of her days.

“If you so choose, even the unexpected setbacks can bring new and positive possibilities. If you so choose, you can find value and fulfillment in every circumstance” ~ Ralph Marston. Tinker imparted a reminder lesson on us. She taught us to be open to the unexpected. She taught us to welcome it, and to leave margin in our schedules to do so. She reminded us to grab hold of and enjoy the moment, for the moment is all we really have. She reminded us that all things have a beginning and an ending… and that the middle can be made most memorable. a

Muttersbaugh Gap from page 15

The Mid State Trail intersects with the dirt road known as Ben Jacobs Trail at 3.3 miles. The Mid State Trail continues straight ahead, but you’ll turn right. Ben Jacobs Trail is typically clear of obstacles and provides a nice flat and wide trail to hike. Follow the Ben Jacobs Trail for the next 1.5 miles where you’ll end up back at Muttersbaugh Gap.

At 4.8 miles, turn left onto

The Truth Has No Agenda

After over 30 years of producing paintings in her private art studio, Daphne Marthouse is going public with her creativity in a new venture called Originals by “U.” This concept provides the opportunity for attendees to participate in a new art project each month. Although each person in the class will start with the same materials, the freedom to express individual creativity will result in an original and unique work of art.

For each monthly class, Daphne will introduce a three dimensional art project that is intended to ignite an artistic energy that she believes lies within every one of us. Daphne states, “One of my goals in developing these projects is to provide an enjoyable and fun atmosphere where each person can experience the good benefits of making art, hands on.

Creativity helps to reduce stress and increases positive emotions.”

Originals by “U” is a collaborative effort between Daphne Marthouse and Jeannie Bush of Café Medora (18 East Market Street, Lewistown). “Jeannie is an accomplished artist and shares the same vision and broad creative thinking that I do. Combining her desire to provide the community with a location for friendly gatherings and my vision to create happiness through art is a good fit. In addition to its wonderful atmosphere, Café Medora also Muttersbaugh Trail where it intersects Ben Jacobs Trail. Retrace your steps heading back down through the gap. Watch your footing as this section of the trail can get a bit slippery at times. Once you are at the end of Muttersbaugh Trail, follow the dirt road down from the cabin and at the gate, turn left onto Stone Creek Road. In about 0.35 miles, you will be back at the parking area.

This hike is about 5.8 miles in length and should take about three and a half hours to complete. Because some sections of the trails on this hike are not well maintained, a hike in the early spring or late fall is suggested.

During the summer months, foliage and undergrowth will prob-

provides hot tea and dessert for every class,” Marthouse stated.

The first class was held on March 10. The project was a stained glass hummingbird feeder, which included a repurposed cobalt blue bottle, stained glass and copper wire. The results were as varied as the ages of the attendees.

The freedom to use imagination and to stray from the original design was not only welcomed, but encouraged.

“I loved being a part of the creative journey that each person was experiencing. Every hummingbird feeder turned out wonderfully!”

The next Originals by “U” event will be held on April 7th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Café Medora. Are you ready to play in the dirt? The project for the evening will be creating a beautiful living wreath. This moss covered, flower filled wreath is just in time for spring! Coming in May, Originals by “U” will feature a mosaic covered clay pot.

Various china patterns and colored glass will be used to create an amazing, decorative piece of art for your garden.

Information about upcoming projects may be viewed on Café Medora’s Facebook page.

To reserve your space at the next Originals by “U” event, led by Daphne Marthouse, please contact Café Medora at 717.953.9512. a

Riders on the Storm from page 3 across town. There’s always something going around, from bronchitis to the flu to pneumonia to mumps. So, utilize the above tips and remember that in order for your body to be well, it has to function well. If you need any suggestions of professionals in the mentioned categories, please feel free to contact me at my email that I always provide. If you have any other questions or comments, please also send them to me.

Thank you.

Dr. Joseph Kauffman Kauffman-Hummel Chiropractic Clinic drjosephkauffman@comcast.net a

20 Recoupling crops and livestock from page 17 import end was a dairy cropping systems designed to meet the forage, feed and fuel needs of a 65-cow, 240-acre dairy farm.

Computer models simulated the milk production based on actual crop yields and quality analyses.

The researchers reported their results in a recent issue of Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment.

Using farm-scale equipment and manure from a neighboring dairy farm, the researchers grew feed grains -- corn and soybean -- and forage crops -- alfalfa, corn silage, rye silage, red clover and rye -- on 12 acres, one 20th the scale of a 240-acre farm. They also grew canola, which they processed into fuel for the farm’s vegetable-oil-powered tractor.

They fed the canola meal byproduct to the virtual dairy herd.

They imported some diesel fuel for custom farm operations, as well as some grain to make up for a slight shortage in their on-farm production.

For comparison purposes, the researchers then simulated two additional farms that represent different Pennsylvania dairy farming approaches. Both simulated farms used the exact same rations for the same number of cows as the research farm’s virtual dairy herd, and therefore produced the same amount of milk. Both used diesel fuel for all tractor operations, and were assumed to be practicing no-till agriculture. Both farms also used nitrogen from animal manure and alfalfa, and so had lower nitrogen fertilizer needs than Midwestern grain farms.

However, even though the Pennsylvania farms achieved the same yields per acre, they differed in their size and how much feed they imported. One grew only forage crops on 120 acres, importing all of its feed grain. The other grew all of its forage crops and the majority of its feed, including corn grain and soybeans, on 160 acres.

With this range of farms, the researchers quantified and compared how much fossil energy it took to produce the feed for the farms’ cows. They used an opensource computer model, the Farm Energy Analysis Tool, developed by then-master’s student, Gustavo Camargo. The researchers accounted for fertilizer, lime, seed, pesticides, on-farm diesel consumption, grain drying and off-farm diesel used to transport inputs to the farm and grains to an off-site storage facility.

“When we looked at the

The Valley, April 2016 crop,” she said. “So, just growing results, our most notable observation is that the smallest Pennsylyour own feed on-farm makes a vania farm -- the one producing big difference.” only forage and importing every In addition to revealing the thing else -- has a large fossilenergy savings that can come energy input compared to the from growing more feed onother two,” Malcolm said. “Now, farm, these findings can have that’s on a per Pennsylvania farm important economic implications, acre basis. When you consider said Heather Karsten, associthe different sizes of the farms ate professor of crop production and adjust the results to a milkand the director of the long-term produced basis, the difference is cropping-systems trial. not as big, but you can still see

“The reality is that in some that the two larger farms are using years feed costs have gone up, about 15 percent less fossil energy especially in years with high fuel than the small farm to produce the costs and demand for grains from same amount of milk.” the biofuel sector,” she said. “One

The largest source of fossil of the take-home messages from energy inputs for the small forage- our study is that, in addition to The dairy cropping-systems trial uses injected manure to supply nitrogen to only farm was the production and saving energy, this strategy of the forage, feed, and fuel crops raised on the farm. shipping of Midwestern grain, fol- growing more of your feed onImage: Robert Meinen / Penn State lowed by on-farm diesel and nifarm can reduce off-farm nutrient Agriculture Research and Educaspecialist and Thomas Richard, trogen fertilizer use. In fact, nitroimports and the economic risk of tion program and USDA Agriculprofessor of agricultural and biogen inputs were four times greater fluctuating feed costs.” tural Research Service supported logical engineering. for imported corn grain than

Other members of the Penn this work. a

The U.S. Department of for that grown on the trial farm, State research team include Agriculture Northeast Sustainable where injected animal manure and Virginia Ishler, dairy extension nitrogen-fixing legumes were used ® to meet a significant portion of the crop’s nitrogen requirements.

Malcolm said that while growing the HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital offers Lee Silverman canola fuel Voice Treatment (LSVT ) BIG and LOUD as a versatile treatment for crop onParkinson’s disease. This program is an intensive movement and farm may voice program. have other environLSVT BIG helps patients learn how to avoid inactivity mental benand keep movements alive from day to day. It efits, it did adheres to the principles of practice in exercise, not result promoting strength and motor learning, while in signifiLSVT LOUD focuses on speech therapy to cant energy increase volume and clarity. savings, considering Contact one of HealthSouth Nittany Valley’s tradeoffs outpatient centers in Lewistown or Pleasant like the adGap to learn more. ditional land Parkinson’s patients receiving inpatient required services are evaluated for appropriateness to to grow canola and participate in LSVT BIG and LOUD programs the energy in outpatient. required to press and process it.

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“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

21

The Valley, April 2016

Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly Geothermal Heat Pumps Federal Energy Tax Credits End December 31, 2016

It is apparent the Feds are high on Geothermal Heat Pumps (GEO) as they are offering a substantial tax credit (30%) if you install one. Ok you say, I’ve heard people talk about GEO Systems, but how do they function, how efficient are they and how much do they cost?

To understand a GEO Heat Pump System, you first need to understand how a Heat Pump System operates and why it is very efficient. As opposed to using electric resistance heaters (electric baseboard heat, electric ceiling cable heat, electric fan unit heaters, etc) a Heat Pump uses a compressor much like

that in your refrigerator, freezer or window air conditioner. You can understand the effect of this compressor system by feeling the heat your window air conditioner (AC) blows outside on a hot, summer day. Yes, it is cooling the inside of your house, but it is also heating the outside space around your house. Ok, take that window air conditioner, reverse it in the window and let it blow (pump) the heat inside and the cold air outside. I know you don’t want to heat your house in the summer, but the fact is that a window air conditioner will pump heat into your house summer or winter; thus the name Heat Pump. In

summary, a heat pump will cool your house in the summer and heat your house in the winter. The nice thing is you don’t need to physically “turn the unit around” in the winter to have it blow heat into your house. It is done automatically with a “reversing valve.” The other advantage is when you are heating your house with the compressor system (Heat Pump), you are using about 1/3 of the energy that you would use to heat your house with electric baseboard or ceiling cable heat; thus, the unit is about 300% efficient. Amazing!!

Now for the GEO part. Your window AC is an “air to air” system. As the outside temperature drops, the reversed window AC System becomes less efficient and thus is pumping less heat into your house for every kilowatt of electricity used by the compressor. A GEO is an “air to ground” system. As the outside temperature drops, the ground temperature (55F plus or minus) below four feet remains nearly the same. In fact, the wells for GEO Systems are drilled about 230’ deep where the ground is a very constant temperature. As a result, GEO systems don’t lose their efficiency when the outside temperature drops. This means big savings for you!

There are two common ways to “bury” pipe in the ground for a closed loop Geo System. You can drill several vertical wells (235 feet deep) or dig a trench. Which method you choose depends on what area you have available on your property. You can also choose to use a pump and dump system where you pump water out of a well, run it thru the Geo unit and dump it down another well.

There is some concern with the open system that the water may contain sulfur or may be acidic or hard, which could compromise the integrity of the GEO Heat Exchanger.

So what does a Geo System cost?

For a whole house system from scratch $25,000 to $35,000; however, the 30% tax credit with no cap is a great incentive ($7500 to $10,500).

Read more about all the tax credits at www.energystar.gov/ about/federal_tax_credits.

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 currently is the chair of the Penn College HVAC Advisory Board. You can contact him at cbierly@bierlygroup.com a

1-877-643-4327

Free Hearing Aid Cleaning 1st Fri of the Month @ 1130 W 4th St., Lewistown

Free Hearing Aid Cleaning 1st Tues of the Month @ 6678 Towne Ctr., Huntingdon

The Truth Has No Agenda

The Valley, April 2016

22

PACleanways of Mifflin County Keep PA Beautiful

On March 2nd, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB) held a roundtable in Harrisburg for the states Affiliates to cover the roll out of the KPB new web site concerning the states recycling program at eWastePA.org. The purpose of the new program is for everyone to have an easier understanding of the state’s laws on electronic recycling. While there, Mifflin, Juniata, Huntingdon and Perry county affiliates received national recognition from Keep America Beautiful for first place in the America Recyclers Day Program Award category for the 10th Annual Tire War, a friendly competition between the four counties. The collections provided a convenient and affordable venue for residents who dropped off more than 3,800 tires for collection this year. The Tire Wars are sponsored in part by the Department of Environmental Protection’s HHW/Small Business Hazardous Waste Collection Program. They have gathered and recycled nearly 30,000 tires from local residents since 2006.

What happens if the law is not fixed?

The negative impact

The current law had unintended consequences.

Unfortunately, the impact of Act 108 has created a supply and demand imbalance that makes it cost-prohibitive for electronics recycling vendors to operate in Pennsylvania. According to a let-

ter from the Electronics Recyclers Association of PA (ERAP), “The Pennsylvania E-Scrap Recycling industry is shrinking, not growing” because there is not enough financial support from electronics manufacturers to cover collection transportation and recycling. As a result, electronics processors are closing sites or opting out of service.

Some examples of this industry on decline in Pennsylvania include: • Over 20 regional recycling sites are closing in western Pennsylvania; • Two counties in south central Pennsylvania have lost service; • Under-served counties include the (5) county area surrounding Philadelphia; • Collection locations are absent from majority of the Route 79 corridor from Butler County to Erie County, and many of the rural counties throughout the Commonwealth.

Bottom line—without resources to recycle electronic devices conveniently, you the consumer, are put at a disadvantage – and stuck with e-waste in your home that you do not want.

Forecast: The worst is yet to come.

In communities across the state, a growing number of desperate (and irresponsible) residents are resorting to illegal

dumping of e-waste. KPB has noted in particular an increase in TVs and computer monitors dumped along roadsides, in forested areas and in vacant lots.

Illegal dumping of any waste is harmful to the environment and costly to surrounding communities, with the average community cleanup costing around $3,000.

To make matters worse, electronic devices contain lead, cadmium and mercury that, if not properly managed or contained, may become hazardous waste and pose a threat to human health and the environment.

KPB is taking action on behalf of all Pennsylvania citizens.

If you’re like most Pennsylvanians, you want to do the right thing and dispose of e-waste properly. But act 108 needs to change.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful [http://keeppabeautiful.org] is calling on our legislators, original equipment manufacturers electronic processors and government agencies to work together to ensure every Pennsylvania resident has access to convenient and affordable waste disposal and recycling options. Go online to read more of this information.

Thankfully, Mifflin County Solid Waste is still taking electronics.

Pam Sechrist Affiliate Coordinator a

Funding Available for Home Repairs through USDA Rural Development 504 Loans

Homeowners in rural areas who need repairs to their homes, but can’t afford regular loans may be eligible for participation in USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants Program.

Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants, also known as the Section 504 Home Repair Program, aims to provide loans for very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. A 504

loan can reach a maximum of $20,000 at a fixed interest rate of 1%. The 504 Program also provides grants, which can be worth a maximum of $7,500 and may only be issued to eligible seniors aged 62 and older, and may only be used for the removal of health and safety hazards.

In order to qualify for a 504 loan, an applicant must be the homeowner and occupy the house, be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere, and have a

family income below 50% of the area’s median income. For grants, the only qualification is that an applicant must be 62 years of age or older and must be unable to repay a repair loan.

Applications for this program are taken year-round. For more information on the 504 Home Repair Program call (717) 237-2266.

For more information on the other programs Rural Development has to offer in Pennsylvania visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/pa. a

LIbrary Lines Your Mifflin County Library

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.” — Andrew Carnegie.

Friends of the Mifflin County Library is a non-profit group that believes in the importance of our public library as a social and intellectual center in our community.

As the newly elected President, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to discuss our events and activities and to invite you to join us.

On March 5th, we joined with the children of our community to celebrate the grand reopening of the Children’s Room. This festive gathering included story time, presentations, refreshments and a local celebrity. Thanks to the staff for all their hard work and providing a time to show off the beautiful new furnishings. Bright and cheerful, the new tables, chairs and circulation desk were badly needed. Thanks to the generosity of the members of the Friends of the Library, our local businesses and other donations, the Friends were able to meet our goal and give the library $12,000 towards the purchase of the new furnishings. If you haven’t seen the newly designed room, please go and visit the children’s room at the library. The chairs are comfy and will make you laugh, and the new colors are perfect to enliven the area. If you are feeling nostalgic for the old furniture, the children’s chairs are available for sale at a bargain price of $10 a chair or $15 for a table—ask any staff member for more information. A special thank you goes to Bob Long, former President of our organization, who spearheaded the funding drive and made this redo possible.

Right now we are eagerly anticipating the annual spring band concert. The concert is being held on April 28th at the Lewistown Middle School at 7PM. We are so lucky to have the Lewistown Community Band, under the direction Peter Marsh and assistant director Terri Lee Lewis, start their 2016 season with a benefit concert for us. The Lewistown Community Band is a concert band comprised of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments played by musicians from the surrounding communities. There is no fee for the concert, but we will happily accept donations! This is a wonderful, fun event and a great way to kick off spring. There is something to please everyone and to get your toes tapping. We are so fortunate in this community to have so many talented musicians and we would love to fill the auditorium with not only music, but people. So please come, you are in for a real treat!

So what is next for our group? We have decided that the next project should be the community room. Just like the children’s room, the furniture has not been replaced in about 40-50 years and some storage and updating is badly needed. We haven’t set a target date or amount yet, but look for more information about that project to come. If you are interested in helping us, the Friends would love to have new members and new ideas. Please visit and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Friends of MCK for up to dated happenings or on our web pages located on the Mifflin County Library’s website at www.mifflincountylibrary. org. a

Eating Well from page 4

of human low-density lipoprotein oxidation by caffeic acid and other hydroxycinnamicacid derivatives [3] http://www.healthyfoodtreatment.com/amazing-kale-factsand-health-benefits/, Composition and antioxidant activity of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) raw and cooked, Composition and antioxidant activity of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) raw and cooked, Aug. 2012 a

when grilling. This recipe yields about 6 large honkers!

Enjoy and Live Well, Dr. John [1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pubmed/16142557, Diet and bladder cancer: a case-control study, Aug. 2012 [2] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/ pii/089158499500052Y Inhibition

Next Issue of The Valley May 4th “Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

23

The Valley, April 2016

Ed’s Railroading News

by Ed Forsythe

Hello and a big welcome to Spring. I’ve been working on a tunnel mountain for a friends train layout. The tunnel needed to be wide enough to handle two “O” gauge Lionel size tracks, side-byside, about 30 inches long and 18 inches high. Well, I started making the tunnel section at the model railroad club and then finished it back at my train shop. After several setbacks along the way, the inside of the tunnel turned out to look very much like the inside of a mountain tunnel or cave.

Next I tackled the top part that had to have several flat areas in order to hold 3 cabins of different sizes. After I had this piece close to completion, I tackled the front

of the mountain using several different foam products that produced a mountain range that looked like a bunch of foam bubbles packed together. Even Cathy saw that this would not make it as a good mountain front without being carved back and covered with other mountain making material. So, next I dug into the foam and changed the terrain to make it look more natural. Next came all the rocks, brush, trees, etc. to get the desired effects.

On one end, there is a cave opening that goes under the cabin on top, and on the other end there’s another cave with

be blended in so that the completed project looked like one unit.

This started out to be just a simple idea that seemed to grow on its own. After all detail work was complete, we ran the first engine through the tunnel and it cleared the sides. Next we ran the second engine with it clearing also. Now it was time for both trains to travel

a bear coming out. Lots of little details to look at. After having the mountain pieces sitting around the shop drying for about a week, the finished product was delivered to the layout in Centre County and installed. Naturally the three pieces didn’t just sit together. There were seams that had to be covered and areas around the cabins had to

though the mountain at the same time, and somehow everything cleared without any trouble. After cleaning up all the detail material that Cathy & I took with us, the new owners of the mountain began to set up their town around it. The layout is a ‘50’s type with several vintage trains running around on 4 different lines and many, many older Plasticville type buildings and accessories being incorporated to make up this really neat layout. The size of the mountain was supposed to be just about what it turned out to be, with the exception that it is around twenty inches wide instead of just sixteen. Considering that this project was an experiment and learning experience from start to finish, we all think it turned out quite good. Hope you all like the pictures and Happy Railroading, —Ed & Cathy a

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The Valley, April 2016

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My dad’s favorite saying was “a honeybee swarm in May is worth a load of hay. A swarm in July isn’t worth the time of day.”

Swarming is the reproduction of a honey bee colony. It is a normal and natural phenomenon that happens when a colony becomes crowded inside their home (a hive, hollow tree, inside a wall of your home)—they will raise a new queen and the old queen will leave with half of the hive. This action ensures that hives are constantly infused with new genetics and keeps the gene pool diversified as the newly hatched queen will mate with different drones than that of the previous queen.

The process of swarming starts long before the actual date of the swarming. First, the queen through use of pheromones, will trigger the news that swarming is

initiated. New “queen cells” will be built in the hive so as to leave the old hive with a newly hatched

queen. Usually, more than one queen cell is constructed so the colony will be assured of having at least one new queen hatch in 16 days from the egg being placed. The nurse bees that get the signal from the queen will feed the chosen egg with royal jelly rather than the normal bee bread that workers get.

Sometime close to the time of emergence, the old queen will send out a In some instances, we can clip off the branch they have signal and those landed on and successfully transfer the whole swarm into workers going a new hive.

with her will gorge themselves on honey to take with them.

Swarm season takes place naturally during a time when nectar is flowing from all the new flowers and buds, so honey is quickly replaced.

The swarm needs this honey load to keep the swarm fed until a new home is found, and then to produce honeycomb so the queen can resume laying eggs. It is said that it takes five pounds of honey to produce a pound of wax to make comb, so you can see how timing is everything. The swarm may leave the hive and land on a branch or other object nearby and may have to stay there a day or two before the scouts have a new home lined up, so honey stores are very important. When the swarm has built the needed comb, they quickly have to start producing honey to keep the colony going and as a sign to the queen that newly laid eggs will have the needed honey to support the growing colony.

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

While the sudden appearance of a large number of honey bees may appear frightening to some people, they are usually quite harmless because they do not have any brood or honey to protect. The bees fill themselves with honey to carry to the new home making them unlikely to sting. When honeybees swarm, it is unlike anything you may have seen before. It isn’t just 20 or so

Continued on page 16

The Valley, April 2016 Sniffing Rosemary from page 10 alertness and enhances long-term memory. The aroma of rosemary essential oil may improve prospective memory in healthy adults – say Northumbria researchers.

Jemma McCready and Dr. Mark Moss presented their findings at the Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society in April 2013. Their study, conducted at Northumbria University, suggests that this essential oil may enhance the ability to remember events and to remember to complete tasks at particular times in the future. Dr. Mark Moss, Head of Psychology, said, “We wanted to build on our previous research that indicated rosemary aroma improved long-term memory and mental arithmetic. In this study we focused on prospective memory, which involves the ability to remember events that will occur in the future and to remember to complete tasks at particular times, which is critical for everyday functioning. For example, when someone needs to remember to post a birthday card or to take medication at a particular time.”

The test went like this: Rosemary essential oil was diffused into a testing room by placing four drops on an aroma stream fan

diffuser and switching this on five minutes before the participants entered the room. Sixty-six people took part in the study and were randomly allocated to either the rosemary-scented room or another room with no scent.

In each room participants completed a test designed to assess their prospective memory functions. This included tasks such as hiding objects and asking participants to find them at the end of the test and instructing them to pass a specified object to the researcher at a particular time.

All the tasks had to be done with no prompting. If the task was not performed then different degrees of prompting were used. The more prompting that was used the lower the score.

Participants completed questionnaires assessing their mood and their blood was analyzed to see if performance levels and changes in mood following exposure to the rosemary aroma were related to concentrations of a compound (1,8-cineole) present in the blood. The compound is also found in the essential oil of rosemary and has previously been shown to act on the biochemical systems that underpin memory.

The results showed that participants in the rosemary-scented room performed better on the

25

prospective memory tasks than the participants in the room with no scent.

This was the case for remembering events and remembering to complete tasks at particular times.

Jemma McCready explained, “There was no link between the participants’ mood and memory. This suggests performance is not influenced Herb lore: William Shakespeare referred to rosemary’s power to enhance the memory in as a consequence of Ophelia’s line in Hamlet changes in alertness or arousal.” ture. rosemary oil during an exam,

The results from the blood

“Remembering when and displayed significantly higher analysis found that significantly where to go and for what reasons cognitive function. This is why greater amounts of 1,8-cineole underpins everything we do, and some researchers are beginning to were present in the plasma of we all suffer minor failings that explore the options for using rosethose in the rosemary scented can be frustrating and sometimes mary oil as an alternative treatroom, suggesting that the infludangerous. Further research is ment for slowing down the onset ence of aroma was mediated needed to investigate if this treatof Alzheimer’s disease in certain pharmacologically. ment is useful for older adults patients because of this apparent

Jemma added, “These findwho have experienced memory connection between boosted neuings may have implications for decline.” ral activity and the essential oil. treating individuals with memory

What is the Genus And Speimpairments. It supports our precies used in this study? RosmariHOW CAN THIS BE?!?! vious research indicating that the nus officinalis ct. cineol!

It turns out that there are aroma of rosemary essential oil

Another interesting study compounds in rosemary oil that can enhance cognitive functioning done in 2003, “Alzheimer’s may be responsible for changes in healthy adults, here extending Disease: A Botanical Treatment in memory performance. One of to the ability to remember events Plan.” Researchers found that of Continued on page 30 and to complete tasks in the fu144 test participants who inhaled

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The Valley, April 2016

26

Music as Personal Therapy For some people, painting, which is what I mainly do to make a living as well as express myself to the world, is a recreational pursuit and perhaps even a form of personal therapy to bring calm in a troubled world. For me, that role is played more by making music. There is something about creating music and/or singing that is like taking a big breath and slowly exhaling with eyes closed, chasing out tension and replacing it with a more positive attitude and renewed energy.

I started playing guitar when I was sixteen or so and harmonica soon after, as well as singing.

Over the years I’ve added, in vari-

ous degrees, recorder and Native American flute, saxophone, hand drums, and ukulele. The different instruments open up all sorts of music, but playing any instrument can bring this kind of healing and reenergizing to your life. I especially like the instruments that are small enough to easily take along, maybe to visit friends, or to a campfire, or just a walk in the woods or the park. Harmonicas and flute-like instruments are the ultimate in portability, and ukuleles are nearly as compact. A uke is basically a little guitar, and if you can play one, you can quickly learn the other. Guitars are versatile accompaniment instruments

for vocals or just about any other instrument. Playing music with other people is like sharing in good conversation with the added therapeutic effect of the music itself.

I don’t know exactly what it is about making music that calms the soul the way it does. I think it is partly the associations with one’s own memories and times spent with other people around the same music. But there is something else that I think involves the creating of sound waves and patterns that ties us into the bigger patterns and rhythms of ourselves and the universe. The percussive nature of music, especially any kind of drum or even the guitar or uke, connects with our own heartbeat and breathing.

The author playing his guitar along a mountain stream in the Penns Valley area.

And then, there are the perfectly choreographed movements of the planets, solar systems, and galaxies, and at the other end of the scale, the same kinds of movements on an atomic level, and somehow, the waves and cycles of repetition in most music imitates and ties in with all of that.

If you know how to play an instrument, but have left it on a back shelf for too long, maybe it’s time to dust it off and make it a part of your life again. Or,

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

if you’ve always been drawn to wanting to learn a particular instrument, get a hold of one and start now. Find a friend who plays or takes some lessons to get started. I teach guitar, ukulele, and beginning harmonica at the Green Drake, and other instructors teach keyboard, violin, and drums.

There are usually instructors in almost any area, but a friend willing to spend some consistent time can be just as helpful. Music should be in everyone’s life! a

27

The Valley, April 2016

Mail Pouch Books

by Carleen B. Grossman

April 15 is the date for turning in our income taxes and has often been associated with painful experiences for many. However, pain can be experienced in a variety of different and often more distressing ways! My books for this month show some of the ways that people and animals experience it. I found these 3 books fascinating and memorable reads.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

extension of this classic literature! http://www.wuthering-heights. co.uk/summary.php The ‘new’ book is great storytelling! It is the story of a woman who has to bear the pain of a family that she is unable to leave, and yet unable to save.

Nelly Dean’s story deals with understanding the life of a woman in 19th century England’s working class; a woman in a society where survival was a daily challenge.

BUSTER: The Military Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives

By Will Barrow as told to Isabel George Copyright 2015 256 pages

NELLY DEAN: A Return to Wuthering Heights

By Alison Case Copyright 2016 400 pages

for his pet fox, “Pax,” for five years. Orphaned as a kit, the fox is now domesticated.

During a wartime (unidentified country during an unspecified time) the boy and his fox are taken to live with his grandfather and the boy is told to release the fox back into the wild. A realization – by both boy and fox –that each must be true to his own nature creates an emotional story that will touch your heart. It is a story of friendship, kindness, sacrifice, and it has a wonderful message about the importance of friends in our lives. It’s a great lesson for ages 8 to 99+. a

PAX

By Sara Pennypacker Copyright 2016 288 pages

This novel re-imagines life at Wuthering Heights through the eyes of the Earnshaws’ loyal servant, Nelly Dean (called Ellen Dean in the Bronte book). If you have not read Wuthering Heights, there is no need to do so; here is a website that provides an excellent summary of the book and it will fill in the information that you need to begin reading this 2016

This is a book that reminds readers, children or adults, that war and destruction may affect anyone – or anything. In this story, a 12 year old boy has cared

April Is Grange Month

by Patricia Bird

April is the time with usually lots of showers that bring May’s flowers. However did you know that April is also Grange Month?

The first National Grange was founded in 1867 and was formed as a national family organization that has its roots deeply in agriculture. Grange members have the opportunity to learn and grow citizens and leaders in their community. The Grange is a family where full membership begins at age 14. However, there is the opportunity of joining a Junior Grange program, which includes children ages 5 to 14. This program teaches even the youngest members family values and good citizenship and has been doing so for over 100 years. Also part of the Grange family is the Grange Youth program (ages 14-23), which helps to develop leadership skills in younger adult members and the Younger Adult/Young Married couples (ages 23-35).

Local community Granges

This non-fiction book tells the story of Buster (a military search dog) and RAF Police Sergeant, Will Barrow, who are partners. Buster has traveled on several active war tours in various countries—five tours total, although not all were with Will.

These two partners face danger in many different search scenarios.

The book is about the true bond between man and dog.. The story is strong in descriptions of their bases and desert dwellings and provides heartwarming images of Buster’s friendly personality.

The book clearly illuminates that Buster, and dogs like him, provide strength and courage to their partners and to other troop members who are grateful for the skills and talents the dogs bring to the arena.

We often think of military or search dogs as German Shepherds or maybe Labradors. But, Buster is a springer spaniel search dog.

are the foundation of the Grange organization. Centre County has 12 local community Granges.

Neighboring counties of Huntingdon with five, Blair with four, Juniata with seven, Clinton with one, Clearfield with six, and Lycoming with seven. The oldest Community Grange is Grange #0001, Eagle Grange in Montgomery, PA.

The new National Grange Master is Pennsylvania’s own Betsy Huber. Master Huber also served as the PA State Grange Master from 2002-2010. In recent years, she served as the Pennsylvania State Legislative Director for the PA State Grange. Betsy is the not only the first woman National Master, but also the first woman Master of the PA State Grange. The current PA State Grange Master is Elizabeth Downey of Muncy in Lycoming County. The PA State Grange was chartered in 1873. The county level of Grange is called Pomona

and the Master of Centre County #13 is Barbara Gates. Barbara has served for the past four years.

Centre County Pomona Grange was chartered in 1875 with one of its founding fathers being the Honorable Leonard Rhone who went on to become a PA State Master. Each Community

Grange also has a master; information about them can be found on the PA State Grange website (http: www.pagrange.org).

Joining a community Grange is as easy as filling out a form and

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going through the application process and installation. Proceeding up the organizational level ladder can be just as easy as participating in county, state and national level obligation ceremonies. There is a yearly membership fee the same as many other organizations, which is used to keep the organization functioning. Grange members participate in many service projects along with educational programs, nonpartisan legislative advocacy and social interaction and networking.

Grange members are given the opportunity to participate in the annual summer Grange Family Festival held every July at Grange Park in Centre Hall, PA. The Community Grange members are welcome at the quarterly meeting of the Pomona Grange.

The PA State session is open to all grangers with the State Level 6th Degree and members are also welcome to attend the National Session held each year in November where they can participate in the degree program to get their 7th degree and be eligible to be elected as a National voting representative. There are camps held each year at Camp Sylvan Hills in Centre County for both the Junior

Grangers and Youth Grangers.

There are also other outings that are planned for members throughout the year.

The Grange is a family organization where members participate in good wholesome activities while serving their communities.

You will find members volunteering at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, Ag Progress Days and numerous other events. If you are looking for good food, watch for signs of dinners being prepared by the local granges. As far as home cooked food, granges make some of the best.

So if you have the time and would like some fulfillment in your life, think about joining the Grange (Patrons of Husbandry).

It just might bring a you a more fulfilled way of life through this fraternal family organization dedicated to bettering the American way of life by serving your community, fighting for government legislation, working on the education of today’s youth and fellowship by all. Become one of the 9,000 Pennsylvania members and one of the 200,000 National Grange members. a

The Valley, April 2016

28

“Growing” Demand for Native Plants brings Festival to New Location Boalsburg Military Museum Grounds

by Betsy Whitman

Looking for a great way to celebrate spring and get ready for Mother’s Day? Come to the 2016 Central Pennsylvania Native Plant Festival and Sale, Saturday, May 7, at the Festival’s new location—the grounds of the Boalsburg Military Museum. The new, expansive location will offer more native plant vendors with more native ferns, perennials, shrubs, and trees than ever before. It will also provide much more parking and easier access.

If you’re new to native plants, you might be wondering, “What’s all the buzz about?” Native plants are adapted to local conditions and often easier to grow and less susceptible to challenging conditions than non-native plants.

Easier can mean less watering, less fertilizing, fewer pests and weeds (so less pesticides and herbicides!) and—when you trade a spot of grass for a native ground cover—less mowing and leafblowing. All in all, natives can be less demanding of resources— Mother Earth’s and yours!

Native plants are also essential links in the life cycle of many insects, birds, and other animals. The more native plants in your yard, neighborhood, and community,

the healthier your ecosystem, and the more likely you’ll attract birds and wildlife to your yard.

As an example, take a close look at golden ragwort, the feature plant of this year’s Festival. It grows easily in full sun to part shade, in moist to medium soils.

It tolerates wet soil so it’s a great plant around ponds, along streams, and in rain gardens. The nectar and pollen of the flow-

ers are attractive to butterflies, small native flies and bees such as carpenter bees and cuckoo bees, all important pollinators for other natives as well as many agricultural crops. Golden ragwort is also a host plant for the gem moth whose caterpillars are important food for nesting birds.

When you throw in the good looks of golden ragwort--long and profuse blooms of golden,

daisy-like flowers in early spring and heart-shaped basal leaves creating 3- to 4-season dark green groundcover—you get an idea of the growing excitement about native plants in our landscapes.

So, come discover a native plant your yard can’t live without. “Golden ragwort is a great pollinator plant for many small native bees.”

If you’re thinking joying a snack—or a meal—from big, visit infora local organic food vendor. mation booths to get ideas on gardening for birds, planting a Betsy Whitman is a retired writer, pollinator garden, or putting in a rain garden. Take a guided walk— editor and teacher. She now divides her time between gardening or two--along Spring Creek to with natives, volunteering as a identify local plants and/or learn Master Gardener, recruiting and about stream restoration with natives. You can also take in a raptor training citizens to run for local office, and performing traditional show (courtesy of Shaver’s Creek folktales. a Environmental Center) or simply sit back and soak up the rays, en-

“Golden ragwort, an early-blooming native perennial, grows easily in full sun to part shade, in moist to medium soils.”

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

The Valley, April 2016

The Truth Has No Agenda

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The Valley, April 2016

30

Seed Libraries in Pennsylvania Allowed to Engage in Free Seed Exchange PA Department of Agriculture Clarifies that Seed Act of 2004 Does Not Apply to Non-commercial Seed Libraries

Thanks to a statewide coalition of concerned advocates, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has clarified that seed libraries and other non-commercial seed exchanges are not subject to the cost-prohibitive licensing, labeling and testing requirements required of commercial seed distributors in the Seed Act of 2004 (Seed Act). In providing this clarification, Pennsylvania sets a precedent to protect and encourage seed libraries throughout the Commonwealth.

The statewide coalition, led by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), Grow Pittsburgh (GP), the Public Interest Law Center, and members of the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council (PFPC), as well as individual growers and organizations, worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) to clarify protocol about the Seed Act. The Act was originally applied to a seed library at the Joseph T. Simpson Library in Mechanicsburg, PA, which

severely limited its operations as a result.

Seed libraries are nonprofit, community-based organizations.

Through seed libraries, growers maintain and increase biodiversity, as they save seeds from season to season, and share seeds with one another. The number of seed libraries has surged in recent years; there are an estimated 26 seed libraries across the Commonwealth, with more than 350 nationwide. Concern about the compliance with the Seed Act has been a deterrent to seed library operations in Pennsylvania.

In 2015, the coalition sent a letter to Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, Russell C. Redding, urging that PDA make clear its position. In the letter, the coalition argued the licensing, labeling, and testing requirements under the Seed Act were being misapplied to seed exchanges like the one proposed by the Simpson Library.

Because seed exchanges “operate on a noncommercial basis and do not sell, offer for sale, expose for

sale, or transport seeds,” the letter’s cosigners contend, nonprofit seed exchanges are not subject to these sections of the law.

Upon review of the letter, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture “determined the Simpson Library does not meet the definition of a ‘distributor’ as defined in the Seed Law because, “they are not selling, offering for sale or exposing seed for sale,” concluding that the “edicts of the Seed Law do not apply.” In addition to clarifying their earlier decision, the department has invited a representative from Grow Pittsburgh to participate with a PDA staff member in a non-commercial seed-sharing work group organized by the Association of American Seed Control Officials (AASCO). The working group is drafting a proposal for the Recommended Uniform State Seed Law (RUSSL) that formally exempts “Non-commercial Seed Sharing” from the cost-prohibitive licensing, labeling, and testing required of commercial seed exchanges.

Sue Erdman, Director of the Simpson Library, is “pleased that the Department of Agriculture officials worked with us to clarify the rules governing seed libraries. This means that we can continue working with the community to promote home gardening and preservation of heirloom seed varieties.”

PASA Execu• Reliable Propane & Heating Oil Delivery tive Director Brian Snyder issued the • Budget Payment Plan Call today following stateto learn about our • 24/7 Emergency Service ment: “We need NEw CustOmER regulation in the • Heating Equipment Service Plans sPECiAls! seed industry to • Safety Trained Professionals protect farmers and • Over 80 Years Experience other, more casual consumers. But we also need communities working together to make our food systems Our Business is Customer Satisfaction more accessible to all people. Seeds 717-248-5476 • 1-800-PROPANE (776-7263) are a basic element of human life

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and wellbeing. Without this kind of informal cooperation among neighbors, that wellbeing is very much at risk.”

In addition to PASA, representatives and/or members of the following organizations cosigned the letter to PDA: Chester County Sierra Club Sustainable Agriculture Committee; Churchview Farm; Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF); Eastern Pennsylvania Permaculture Guild; Experimental Farm Network; Food Revolution Pittsburgh Cooking Club; Garfield Community Farm; GMO Free PA; Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; Hazelwood Urban Farm; Lawrenceville United; Olde Allegheny Community Garden; Pennsylvania Farmers Union; Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; Philadelphia Food Policy Advisory Council; Pittsburgh Public Market; Rodale Institute; Simpson Seed Library; Soil Generation; and The Greenhouse Project.

org, 267-546-1306

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) seeks to promote profitable farms that produce healthy food for all people while respecting the natural environment. For more information, visit pasafarming.org.

For more information, please contact: Michele Spencer, PASA, michele@pasafarming.org, 814-3499856 x17 Marisa Manheim, Grow Pittsburgh, marisa@growpittsburgh. org, 412-362-4769 x103 Amy Laura Cahn, Public Interest Law Center, acahn@pubintlaw.

The Public Interest Law Center (pubintlaw.org) uses high-impact legal strategies to improve the well-being and life prospects of the Philadelphia region’s most vulnerable populations by assuring that they have access to the resources and services that all of us need to lead our lives. a

Sniffing Rosemary from page 25

other ways for inhaling “on the go!” At Shade Mountain, we have several different diffusers. Pocket diffusers, ones you hang in your car, ones you sit on your work space and my favorite: jewelry!

After reading this study, I put a few drops of Rosemary EO in my diffusing necklace and I was able to reap the benefits of this precious oil all day, and I really notice a difference in my level of alertness and energy!

them is called 1,8-cineole - as well as smelling wonderful, it may act in the same way as the drugs licensed to treat dementia, causing an increase in a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.

These compounds do this by preventing the breakdown of the neurotransmitter by an enzyme.

And this is highly plausible inhalation is one of the best ways of getting drugs into the brain.

When you eat a drug, it may be broken down in the liver, which processes everything absorbed by the gut, but with inhalation small molecules can pass into the bloodstream and from there to the brain without being broken down by the liver.

WAYS OF INHALING ROSEMARY EO SO, “this is great” you say, and “I would like to try this” you are thinking, and “I may look funny walking around sniffing a bottle of EO” you are pondering? Well, no worries! There are plenty of ways to diffuse EOs! You may purchase a room diffuser—these mist the EO into the air you breathe while at home. There are also many

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”

Grow Pittsburgh (growpittsburgh.org) teaches people how to grow food and promotes the benefits gardens bring to our neighborhoods. We believe access to locally-grown, chemical-free fruits and vegetables is a right, not a privilege.

The Pittsburgh Food Policy Council (pittsburghfoodpolicy. org) convenes over 100 members representing over 65 stakeholders to build a food system that benefits our communities, our economy and our environment in ways that are equitable and sustainable.

IN CLOSING! Also, as always: I would like to thank you for reading my articles and personally invite you into Shade Mountain Naturals. We are a small, family-owned business who LOVES company! We create all our products on site: FRESH!!!

Soaps, crèmes, lip balms, bath bombs, facial products, and more.

We will give you a free sample and, of course—smells are un limited and encouraged! At last count: we had over 70 EOs and we love to share information. Our hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9-4, Thursdays and Fridays 9-6 and every Saturday 10-2. We are located at 45 Serenity Lane (off Jack’s Creek Road) in Lewistown. Hope to see you soon! a

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The Valley, April 2016

Wind chimes are popular decorations throughout the world.

They have a long and varied history that spans cultures, continents and uses. Historically, it is also one of the earliest musical instruments. Their unique soothing, meditative sound brings harmony and balance to life. For all within hearing distance of wind chimes, their melodic sound provides a calming effect. They make wonderful home and garden accents.

People have enjoyed wind chime music since the earliest days of civilization. Archeologists unearthed evidence of ancient wind chimes made of shells and bone at dig sites in Southeast Asia. Various forms of wind chimes were also discovered in ancient Greece and Egypt.

The Chinese perfected the tonal precision of their bronze wind

chime bells around 1100 BC. The Chinese connected the chimes to the ancient art of feng shui--the arrangement of objects to achieve peace and harmony. The Chinese believed that wind chimes connect people with nature and the body, creating a greater awareness of living in the moment that leads to a sense of well-being.

Our customers at DP Gifts in Milroy, Pa have been asking us for two years to get a quality wind chime and they were very specific what they were looking for.

1. Handmade in the U.S.A.

2. Something that will

last years through our ex-

treme weather changes 3. Affordable

We have taken that challenge and believe we have made the best choice with bringing QMT Wind Chimes from Manassas,

Each chime is hand tuned for a sound that is soothing.

Virginia. You may have heard of these wonderful handmade wind chimes, the company is over 30 years old. This year they have come out with their latest model, the Arabesque Wind Chime, which is now their top of the line model. Each wind chime is handmade and hand-tuned then powder-coated so it will hold up in almost any weather condition for many years.

QMT Wind chimes originated in the Florida craft show circuit in the early 80’s. Mike Throne camped in the back of his van and traveled to craft shows selling different products, including wind chimes from a local producer.

When his source for chimes dried up, Mike began to build his own handmade wind chimes, with an eye toward quality and continually improving his designs.

Working during the week in a 10’ x 20’ warehouse, he produced the chimes that would be sold on the weekend. Mike was determined to offer the buying public a chime that was as beautiful to see as it was to hear.

And it worked; the demand for his wind chimes soon overwhelmed his ability to

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make them himself. So he took a deep breath and became a young entrepreneur following the American dream. He hired his first employees, found our facility in Manassas Park and set down roots in the community to produce quality handmade wind chimes for wholesale trade shows.

Arias was the first line of wind chimes he created, soon followed by Weatherland. QMT Wind chimes continued to grow in numbers of chimes produced and in the number of lines offered.

The introduction of Corinthian Bells, the first in the next generation of wind chimes, created an astonishing excitement among retailers in the gift and garden industries. Now, the Arabesque wind chimes are the ultimate wind chimes on the market today; the

exceptional tones and resonances and the contemporary design stay true to Mike’s original desire to offer quality chimes that were pleasing to all the senses.

Every wind chime comes with a warranty and “QMT Wind chimes has been manufacturing hand-tuned wind chimes in America for over 30 years.

They manufacture their chimes in Manassas Park, Virginia and use raw materials from American lumber and aluminum suppliers.”

From April 6th through the 16th, DP Gifts will be running an introduction sale of 25% off wind chimes. It’s never been a better time to stop by and hear these chimes for yourself. We are located at 15 Commerce Drive, Milroy, Pa 17063. See our ad on this page for store hours. a

Sizes and colors available to match any theme.

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The Valley, April 2016

“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces�