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The Valley, December 2015
Goin’ Postal
For The Holidays Your Friendly Neighborhood Shipping Center Christmas is still several weeks off, plenty of time to finish up your shopping, bake holiday treats, make the rounds of Christmas parties, plan your holiday meal, and finish decorating your home, all while still managing to do the work you are responsible for year round. No sweat right? Did you remember the gifts that have to make it to far away places in time for Christmas, and, in good condition? Do you know which shipper gives you the best rate on any particular package? Are you sure about the proper procedure to pack and ship an item to arrive at its destination in the same shape as when it left? Do you have an odd shaped item, or are you without boxes and packing material? Now that you have made a list of everything that you do not have, but will need to pick up, do you realize the time and hassle you are about to undergo to get your gifts to the final destination? Relax! There are people for that! Lucky for all of us on either side of Seven Mountains, Goin’ Postal has a location in Lewistown at 129 South Main Street and in State College at 1341 South Atherton Street. Becca and Denny Brittain know the shipping business, which carrier will give you the best deal, how items need to be
packed—they Goin’ Postal will put your has many different shipping constandard-size boxes cerns at ease. in stock, but they The young entreare happy to make peneurs were recustom boxes for centl recognized those odd-shaped items. They will by the Lewiseven custom crate town Chamber your freight shipof Commerce ments for you. for “Excellent Goin’ Postal Service” at their is more than just Lewistown locaa shipping store tion. Goin’ Postal too! They sell ink uses all of the and toner supplies, major carriers which is another such as FedEx, area where they Becca and Denny Brittain with their daughter Gracie at their Lewistown United States will be sure to save location where you will often see their son Cooper as well. They are always Postal Service you both time and happy to serve you at either location, Lewistown or State College. (USPS), UPS, money. They sell handle all the paperwork for you, DHL and they even do freight. quality ink and toner supplies and Goin’ Postal also does internation- a priceless service if you have each refill or new purchase comes ever had the pleasure of trying to al as well as domestic shipments. with a guarantee, so there is no navigate the different shipping International shipments can be risk to their customers. regulations for foreign countries. tricky, but Denny and Becca will Goin’ Postal State College
is conveniently located on South Atherton Street with an easy-in and easy-out parking lot with spaces close to the door, which is something rare in the hustle and bustle of State College. The convenient location also plays well as being a great spot to rent a mailbox, send and receive faxes, and to have copies made. Goin’ Postal offers a great line of office supplies as well. With all of these services, students should find it very easy to ship items home before the winter break, and not have to try to carry or transport it all home themselves. Goin’ Postal is a family run business. When you ship with them, you are supporting a neighbor, the profits stay right in the community and help fuel the local economy. You will find Becca and Denny extremely pleasant and friendly, and you will realize right away that they care about doing a good job for you. So do yourself a favor and let Goin’ Postal save you time and aggravation this gift giving season. Happy Holidays from our Family to yours! Goin’ Postal State College 814-235-9997
Now also on Atherton Street in State College! Veritas vos Liberabit
Goin’ Postal Lewistown 717-248-9997 Becca Brittain Denny Brittain
The Valley, December 2015
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Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar Merry Christmas everyone! This can be a very hectic, troubling and sad time for some folks, and I am as guilty as the next guy of dwelling in the political tug of war that takes place on social media and in public conversation. I don’t despise it, and I actually sometimes even enjoy it, as bad as I know that it is for one’s well-being. This month however, because so many may be suffering what we cannot see, I am making an attempt to douse some of the flames. No politics this month, at least no party squabbling. I am still a work in progress having switched to the Libertarian party back in ‘05 after 30 years as a “party Republican.” Some of those deep-seated triggers are still present. As much as I try to live by my new ideal of Libertarianism, I often still find myself
reacting to those “dogwhistles” placed there years ago. It is hard work putting that in the proper perspective, but I feel better for it. At this time of year we often hear those heart-warming stories of enemies on the battlefield laying down their arms on Christmas Eve and rejoicing together, just that one night. Or the stories of miracles that surround us at this time. I have been blessed during my life to be able to become friends with people from all over the world. Russians, Chinese, Iranians, Turks, French, and many, many others, but these here are important. As I said, they all became great friends and brought me to the realization many moons ago that “people” all generally want the same things out of life. To be happy and healthy and love their family, very basic desires
and ideals, that left to our own devices, we could accomplish ourselves. The problem, the reason this is never achieved is governments, governments are about control, not Freedom and Liberty. Governments are also responsible for wars, such as is going on right now in Syria, Iraq and Iran. Our news broadcasts are just theatrical productions made to exact a response from you that our government desires; you are more apt to believe their lies that way. The reason I bring this up is because I was pondering everyone talking about their Christmas gifts and what they hoped they would receive. Now I realize that as you get to be an old man like me, material things aren’t as important anymore as you have had the time to acquire those things. Now I find myself sometimes wishing I could get a new back or a 20 year moratorium on arthritis. I am beginning to think old age may be a test to see how much pain you can stand on a daily basis. The cost of an active life I guess. My reason is tht this Christmas I would love to give a gift that I have no idea how to bring about. Due to the beauty of the internet and enjoying some
Continued on page 3
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.
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The Valley, December 2015
Back Talk by Dr. Joseph Kauffman
Less IS More Another holiday season is upon us. The sales are starting earlier and earlier each year. I just saw a store opening up at 4pm on Thanksgiving Day to start “earlybird specials” for Black Friday sales that should at least start on Black Friday. I also saw that KMart had sale as early as 8am on Thanksgiving. Pretty soon, there will be no closing of the stores for Thanksgiving at all. It’s all about who has the best deals and lowest prices on the best things that are on everyone’s lists. While many “good deals” are obtained by shopping this way, is the savings, monetarily, really worth the cost of missing out on what truly matters most? Many people like Thanksgiving more than any other holiday due to family time shared. This is what makes the day before and the day after the busiest traveling days every year, more so than any day around Christ-
mas. It’s hard to enjoy the family time that many people treasure so much when certain family members are preoccupied with getting the best deals at the right stores. While the big corporations certainly shoulder some of the blame with being open and having these huge sales on a day that is centered on family, most of the blame goes to the people who are committing these acts just to save money. I do understand getting the best deals is a good idea to save money, but the money saved is going to buy material things that hold no real value anyway. Most great people (who accomplish a lot in their life) admit that their biggest regret is not spending enough time with their family. If you get the chance to experience your last few days and imagine that time is now, reflecting back on your life, what will you wish you would have done differently.
Editors Corner from page 2
of thousands of unvetted Syrians, my friend can’t come here because our government bows to the wishes of Turkey, a country that IS NOT our friend. So my friend lives and is persecuted in a place where his homeland is claimed by another country exactly like what the Palestinian activists want you to believe about them. Where are the protests? I haven’t seen any Hollywood celebrities speaking up about support for the Kurdish people, or the media talking about the situation in a truthful manner. My wish would be to find a way to bring my friend and his family here. I have personally vetted him and would gladly take responsibility for him. Do any of the Syrians or the people arguing for their admittance have any knowledge of the people coming in? No, they do not, and they aren’t taking them into their homes either—that will be someone else’s problem to deal with. They have their good deed pin for this crisis and will be on to something else next week, while there are people like my friend Mosab, who would make our country better and become a productive member of our melt-
rather out-of-the-mainstream pasttimes, I have enjoyed meeting others in our small hobby communities from all over the world. One such friend is in northern Iran. He is a Kurdish Beekeeper, and that is how we met a couple years ago. I have no idea how he manages to keep as good an attitude and vision of hope as he does. He has never complained to me although I always question him as to what is going on outside of our beekeeping conversation. He has to be very careful as all correspondence is filtered and watched by the Iranian government. This man is a good man, and I really want to find a way to get him out of there. The Turks bombed the next town over from him, and the Turkish government has been trying to eliminate them for decades. The Iranian government oppresses them because they want to have a Free Kurdistan on the land they have inhabited forever. The Kurds are the ONLY group over there that love the US and have been loyal to America despite us breaking our promises in the past to them. At a time when our government wants to bring in tens
As my kids are growing like weeds, I wish I could go back to that first year when they were babies—and they are only six years old now. Life was so hectic then and it is now. If we don’t slow things down and re-prioritize our lives, we’re going to end up working so much to accumulate material things that mean nothing to us compared to what we value the most. When I think of this happening to me, when I lose focus on what my priorities are, I am reminded of the song, “The Cat’s In the Cradle,” by Harry Chapin. I’m sure some of you know it, but if you don’t here are the lyrics: “My child arrived just the other day. He came to the world in the usual way, but there were planes to catch, and bills to pay. He learned to walk while I was away, and he was talking ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew he’d say, ‘I’m gonna be like you, dad. You know I’m gonna be like you.’ And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon, ing pot the way it was intended, instead of more dependents for our already stretchedthin working force to support. I believe in charity and helping my fellow humans every chance I get, but it is lunacy to help people who have been infiltrated by those who would do you and your family harm. I hope every one of you a blessed Christmas, and a safe and Happy New Year, surrounded by family and friends. I look forward to 2016 and our chance at a brighter future as a people. Maybe, just maybe, instead of attacking each other, we can strive to cooperate where we can? a
The Truth Has No Agenda
little boy blue and the man in the moon. ‘When you coming home, dad?’ ‘I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then. You know we’ll have a good time then’ My son turned ten just the other day He said, ‘Thanks for the ball, dad; come on, let’s play. Can you teach me to throw?’ I said, ‘Not today, I got a lot to do.’ He said, ‘That’s okay.’ And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed, and said, ‘I’m gonna be like him, yeah, you know I’m gonna be like him.’ And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon ‘When you coming home, dad?’ ‘I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then. You know we’ll have a good time then.’ Well, he came from college just the other day, so much like a man; I just had to say ‘Son, I’m proud of you. Can you sit for a while?’ He shook his head, and he said with a smile ‘What I’d really like, dad is to borrow the car keys. See you later; can I have them please?’ And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon, little boy blue and the man in the moon ‘When you coming home, son?’ ‘I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then, dad. You know we’ll have a good time then.’ I’ve long since retired, and my son’s moved away. I called him up just the other day I said, ‘I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.’ He
said, ‘I’d love to, dad, if I could find the time. You see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kid’s got the flu, but it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad—it’s been sure nice talking to you.’ And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me, he’d grown up just like me. My boy was just like me.” If we let the stress of the holidays get to us with all of the hustle and bustle and forget that the time spent with those who were treasure the most is the real reason for the holidays, before we know it, it’ll all be gone and we’ll be left wishing for the time that was and living with regret. And, in the meantime, what are we teaching our kids, who look up to us and watch what we are doing even when we are not aware? I am as guilty of this as the next person. Perhaps, that is a good resolution of the new year. Slow down, spend more time with those who matter the most to you, remember that material value is limited, but time spent is invaluable and that “less” truly is “more” when it comes to distractions. Merry Christmas and may God bless you all with a happy, healthy new year! Dr. Joseph Kauffman Kauffman-Hummel Chiropractic Clinic drjosephkauffman@comcast.net
The Valley, December 2015
Our
PENNSYLV A HE
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A New Era
Season
Yaniv Attar, Music Director
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Our 2015 - 2016 Season
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The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra presents
Handel’s “Messiah”
in two very special all-professional holiday performances with the Orpheus Singers and soloists. Sunday, December 13, 7:30 pm Schwab Auditorium
E. Pollock Road, Penn State’s University Park Campus
Wednesday, December 16, 7:30 pm
Faith United Methodist Church, Bellefonte 512 Hughes St, Bellefonte, PA 16823
Christopher Kiver Conductor
Tickets $20 in advance ($25 at the door) $5 for children 16 and under
Tickets are available on our website at www.CentreOrchestra.org or by calling the PCO office at 814-234-8313
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”
The Valley, December 2015
Doug’s Rug Care Get’s UP UP and Away at National Rug Summit Albuquerque, New Mexico was the location for Rug Summit #9 and the A.R.C.S (Association of Rug Care Specialists) B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Boots) Seminar. Albuquerque, NM is best known for its annual balloon festival, was the host city for the unprecedented “double feature” rug care event. A.R.C.S had a special one day meeting on September 30, 2015 aptly entitled “B.Y.O.B.” (Bring Your Own Boots) held at Serafian’s Oriental Rugs (http://www.serafians.com). In case you were scratching your head and wondering what B.Y.O.B. is all about; it is because we, rug washers, need to wear rubber boots to keep our feet dry when we are washing rugs on the wash floor. The following day on October 1-2, 2015, Rug Summit #9, the 9th annual gathering of rug washers from the across the
United States and overseas took place. Both events featured live hands on rug washing, repair demonstrations, and continuing rug education seminars. October 3, 2015 was the beginning of the week long hot air balloon festival. What an amazing sight getting to see over a thousand hot air balloons in one place! Doug and Amanda Moerschbacher, owners of Doug’s Rug Care, were in attendance for both events. Doug’s Rug Care located at 105 N. Main St., Pleasant Gap is a full service oriental and area rug facility, specializing in hand washing and repair of all types of rugs. Doug’s Rug Care also buys and sells new and used oriental and area rugs. For more information please visit our website at http://www.dougsrugcare.com/ or call 814-808-5071. See ad page 17. a
Doug and Amanda Moerschbacher mixing business with pleasure in New Mexico
The Truth Has No Agenda
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The Valley, December 2015
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Encouragement from the Book of Revelation by Pastor J. C. Reese
As we draw near to another Christmas, it’s easy to lament the current state of affairs. Christmas has been so commercialized and secularized that many people often have no clue what it’s truly about and how very special this holiday truly is for us all—no matter what our belief system. As I end these articles explaining and encouraging you with the book of Revelation, let me leave you with a special uplifting Christmas gift from the final part of our Bible! First, we see a great note of HOPE given by the angel speaking to John in God’s message in verses 6-7, “. . . Behold, I AM coming QUICKLY. Blessed is he who HEEDS the words of the prophecy of THIS BOOK.” Our world is becoming a nastier place and even during a time of year when you would think people would be more jolly, there are the annual tug of wars that get worse each Black Friday for the latest gadgets. But, we’re told here to take hope in that Jesus will pierce the clouds soon and take His people to heaven. And speaking of hope, Paul calls this next event on the prophetic calendar, the “blessed hope” in Titus 2:13. This hope bespeaks an expectation producing joy beyond mere happiness. A child may greatly anticipate the longed-for toy on Christmas morning, only to become bored with it by day’s end. But the hope spoken of here, will translate to YOUR eternal joy if you are truly saved! You really don’t have to live by the notion that tomorrow will be the same ole, same old because Jesus IS coming! And when He does, great things will be seen and enjoyed by each believer. The message here then is also if you HEED the words of THIS Book, you will realize this hope. Have you HEEDED the gospel? Have you
truly believed you are unworthy despite your morals and good deeds to go to heaven and you have asked the Lord to forgive you for being a sinner and asked Him to save you? This salvation accepted will INSURE this hope for you and that’s a great comfort in a bad world! Second, John is overwhelmed with the sights and sounds of heavenly things and bows before this angel, but is rebuked by the heavenly messenger that angels are not to be worshipped. Only God deserves this! In fact, the angel puts John on notice that they are on equal footing when it comes to their relationship to God, saying he is a “fellow servant” and he reminds John to “worship God” (vs.9). We all, at times, struggle with just how to do this right, but at the heart of any true worship of God is to be our genuine humility before Him and our heeding His Word in our worship. It’s why Jesus in speaking to the woman at the well in John 4 admonished her that authentic, God pleasing worship is to be done “in spirit and in truth.” He meant where your spirit is affected by God’s Word as opposed to the look at me, putting on a front type, or the kind that goes with the flow of how I want things to operate (I like it this way). We get caught up in the feeling and “what I want” rather than what God has taught us it should be. When we won’t worship until things fit our criteria (I want a church with this program, these kind of people,
this distance to my home, etc.) ,we’re not really humble. It’s not to be about us feeling good (though good worship will do this), it’s more about making Him feel good. Right worship says “I will humble myself to how you wish me to worship, for You Lord have died for me.” This is an encouraging part of this passage, for when we get a handle on worshipping well, our life becomes more stable and we truly connect with the Lord Who loves us so. Last, John is told to NOT seal up the words of this Book, but to instead proclaim its message. Why? Because the time is short! There is no time to waste because every day people are dying and entering eternity—unbelievers to eternal judgment, believers to eternal joy. And we who know the Christmas Savior need to tell of why He came (to save us from our sin and eternal damnation). He says, “Behold, I AM coming quickly and My reward is with Me” (vs12) and “Blessed are those who have washed their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life” (vs14). Have you let Jesus wash your sins away by accepting His free gift of salvation? Or are you proudly trusting in yourself and what you have done? Be ready, for He desires you experience what Christmas is truly about and that your loved ones do too. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is highly encouraging for those who HEED its glorious message! Though this concludes our articles on Revelation, feel free to join us any Sunday at Nittany Baptist Church for more exposition of God’s Word. For more info see our website at nittanybaptist.org or visit the church at the corner of Rt.322 & Mountainback Rd, Spring Mills, PA at 10:45 am. a
Handel’s Messiah (see ad on Page 4)
The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra of State College, PA, will be presenting two all-professional performances of Handel’s Messiah featuring the orchestra, Orpheus Singers, and vocal soloists under the direction of Christopher Kiver. The first performance will be on Sunday, December 13th at 7:30 pm at Schwab Auditorium on the campus of Penn State University Park, and the second will be on Wed., December 16th at 7:30 pm at Faith United Methodist Church, Bellefonte. These traditional holiday performances have been priced to encourage families to attend, with adult ticket prices at $20 if purchased in advance, $25 at the door, and $5 for children aged 16 and under. The featured soloists will be Lisa Rogali, soprano, Amanda Silliker, mezzo-soprano, Richard Kennedy, tenor, and Ted Christopher, bass-baritone, of whom are accomplished professional vocalists in the Centre Region. For more information and to purchase tickets please call the PCO office at 814-234-8313, or online at www.centreorchestra.org.
Next Issue of The Valley: January 6th “Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”
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The Valley, December 2015 denominations) disappeared from circulation as people feared that their new, recessed designs, could carry the influenza germ. Very few people were willing to even have them anywhere in their homes. Finally, and surprisingly (at least to me) it is assumed that less than 2% of the total US popula-
Dave Wilson
Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That
tion owns even one silver or gold coin, and that less than 1/2-of-1% own more than a total of ten (10) ounces of any form of gold or silver. (This is why there will be widespread financial devastation should severe inflation cripple our economy and destroy the value of our currency.) a
Did You Know... While there are many (more serious) topics we could discuss, regarding the current status of Gold, Silver and the continuing drama of massive money-printing by the Federal Reserve, we decided, at least for December, to lighten up a bit, and have some fun with the lighter side of coins and currency. For example, did you know that the Federal Reserve is an independent entity, as it is not part of the Executive or Legislative branches of our Government? It was “created” by an “Act of Congress,” but functions without specific direction from ANY branch of government! Our currency, according to the Constitution, is supposed to be issued by the US Treasury, but the privately controlled Federal Reserve took over this responsibility in December of 1913. (Since then, the “value” of the US Dollar has depreciated nearly 98%!) Did you know that the “ink” on genuine US currency never dries? See for yourself. Fold even a well worn US note and rub
it on a white piece of paper. The ink will smear the page! This is an excellent and easy test to confirm if a note is genuine or not. While it is probably not always the case, I’ll bet you have never seen a ripped (then taped together) piece of US currency with different serial numbers. This would be an easy trick to play, but, people have such respect for cash, and a fear of getting caught defacing it, it is almost never done. I’ve never seen it done, have you? Did you know that it is illegal to melt US pennies and nickels? This is one piece of legislation that actually makes sense, as it costs the mint far more to make pennies and nickels than their respective face values. Most Americans (with any knowledge of coinage at all) usually believe that silver was withdrawn from US circulating coinage in 1964. While that is mostly true, the half-dollars from 1965 to 1970 were made with a 40% silver content. As a result, many Americans turn these coins
into the bank for just 50-cents, and savvy collectors will scoop them up for a hefty profit. Did you know that with the exception of trade dollars minted between 1873 and 1885, every coin or currency unit, minted or printed from 1792 to date, are still legal tender, and must be accepted for the payment of all debts? While we have no specific answer as to why, older US Silver Dollars contain 5% more net silver than $1.00 face of any other US silver coin combination. The first US coin to carry our nation’s motto “In God We Trust” was the 2-Cent Piece, first minted in 1864. The longest running obverse (front) design of any US coin, is the Lincoln head cent, which made its debut in 1909, and is still being minted today. During the horrific influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 (that killed approximately 21 million people), the newly minted Indian gold coins (in the $2.50 and $5.00
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The Stewardship Group Protecting What Matters Most to You
Call or visit today!
866-935-5858 4417 East Main Street Belleville, PA 17004-0911
www.TheStewardshipGroup.org
The Truth Has No Agenda
The Valley, December 2015
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LIBERTY LIVES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE! The FSP is growing faster than ever before! We are up to 17,800 movers, or 89% of our goal of getting 20,000 signers. This 1% gain happened in less than a month! This is the direct result of the new Facebook ad campaigns. Please support our efforts, and donate today. Almost 2,000 early movers
are paving the way to make your upcoming move as comfortable as possible. The thriving liberty community of New Hampshire can’t wait to welcome you home! OVERHEARD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE “When I signed on to facebook this morning, I had 17 notifications, most of which were pertaining to an event that I am organizing to help a family in
need. It is heart warming, inspirational, emotional in a wonderful way to see the outpouring of support. It makes me happy to be part of such a wonderful community of loving, caring individuals. I love seeing people come together for GOOD, to make an actual difference. I believe this is what life is truly all about. As I scroll through my feed, I see a lot of anger, prejudice, and hatred. It saddens me. It is not productive in any way. It is
in fact, very destructive. Being angry, spreading hatred and prejudice just makes for MORE hatred, anger and prejudice. It solves nothing. We have the power to choose what we focus on. We can choose to be angry and hate filled, with the only change coming from that being a more angry hate-filled world - or we can choose to direct our time and energy on making an actual difference - here, in our own communities, our impact leaving a positive impression, making for a better, more kind, more loving, more helpful, more productive community. Each one of us has the choice. Every minute, of every day.” ~ Sarah Levesque, Early Mover “Society used to identify people based on where they were born and who they were born to (family). In my world people are identified based on where they move to, and who they choose to change the world with. The barrier to moving is greatly reduced with technology. Even though moving long distance is still a challenge to a lot of people, it is getting easier every day by my observation.” ~ Merav Yaakov, Early Mover “A Hillary For President campaigner came to my door today looking for the previous
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”
owner. Imagine my satisfaction when I told the campaigner that the previous owner had moved and was replaced by a Libertarian. Of course you have to move here to experience this, so why not get over here and enjoy the fun”. ~ Edward Smith, Early Mover Liberty Forum 2016 Speaker announcements are coming soon, and rest assured, Liberty Forum is shaping up to be an historic event. Fascinating topics are covered and hands-on breakout sessions will be offered. Meet the community; lots of FSP movers and shakers, and many groups of fun folks to connect with who are living liberty. Identify your passions. Listen to thought leaders explain how they are promoting liberty. See where you can help, or perhaps
Continued on page 11
The Valley, December 2015
Local Gift Giving Guide November has been a bit rough on us. Wayne fell a few weeks ago and broke some ribs and so he’s not been able to stick to his normal routine, which is painful...for both of us. I’m not sure who it’s hurting more—me, who has to listen to him complain about all the things that need to be done that he can’t do right now, or him because things left undone drive him completely crazy and make him miserable. In addition to that, he fell AGAIN, on Thanksgiving Day and re-injured the ribs, which he felt were just starting to feel a little better. Oh well, back to square one! Just before the first fall, his metal detector died, and since this warm fall weather offers the last chance for him to “go searching for history” before the ground freezes, that also bummed him out. He begrudgingly shipped it off to a repair shop for a week or two of diagnosis. Then he took the “digger” and broke the ribs. At least the detector wasn’t in the house to whisper to him that he was wasting precious hunting time while he’s been healing—a blessing in disguise I guess. With the coming of Christmas, so does the scrambling out to the stores to get that perfect gift for everyone on your list. At this time of year, I always like to share a few of my favorite small businesses and some of the unique things they offer, just in case there’s a reader out there that has never visited their establishments. Shade Mt. Naturals (ad to the right of this article), is one special place to do your Christmas shopping! There aren’t many women (and they do have scents and things for men too), that don’t like all the different scents of the natural soaps and cremes that Tamela Hetrick offers at Shade Mt. I recently tried one of her “higher end” lip balms with special essential oils (EOs), and it is fabulous! Tamela once wrote a column about all the nasty ingredients that are in most commerical lip blams, and after trying hers, and especially the one with the more luxurious EOs, I don’t ever need to go back to Blistex! If you can’t find a “product” that
you think your lady would like, there’s always a gift certificate for services. Guys, you can’t go wrong with a product or service from Shade Mt. Naturals or Shade Mt. R&R Spa—trust me! Another favorite is Jeannie Bushmen’s “Bushmen at Home” gift shop located near Tractor Supply. Oh, what a selection of wonderful things for the home and “her.” I could browse in there for hours (and spend LOTS of money if I allowed myself). If you happen to find yourself at the other end of town, stop by her second location in downtown Reedsville, which is connected to Toot’s Place. Again, if you can’t find something for your lady in either of these two locations, you just don’t like parting with your money, and that’s all there is to it! Let’s move on to Dutch Pantry Gifts in Milroy (ad on p. 31) Love that place! Food, jewelry, scarves, alpaca socks, wreaths, candles, lotions, etc. The Nugz jewelry and their line of stacking bracelets are the perfect gifts! Start them with a bracelet or necklace, a few Nugz, and tell them where to get more. The best part about it is that you can interchange the Nugz with Gingersnaps that are a similar product and sold at Bushmen at Home. And think of this, now you have a gift idea for the future. You can always give a few Nugz each birthday so that they have options to change out their jewelry. The same concept applies to the stacking bracelets. You can’t have just ONE! You have to have many that you can mix and match to go with each outfit. Want to get someone a gift made from nature? How about one of the Christmas candles made from beeswax in the ad on page 5? It will burn for many hours and smell nice too! How about a gift for him? Ron’s Fruit Market (ad on p. 29) has a fantastic selection of fresh cut meats and a good selection of tools and “guy gifts.” A gift certificate or a “guy gift” is easy to find at Ron’s. Ron is a terrific guy and serves the community of Reedsville and Milroy so well! Support small business and help keep money in our local economy.
continued on page 30 The Truth Has No Agenda
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The Valley, December 2015
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Scented Products For Sensitive Skin?
If you have very sensitive skin (or are buying a gift for someone who does) or are allergic to air-borne chemicals, you should be concerned about the use of fragrances in your products. Research has established that fragrances in skin-care products are among the most common cause of irritation and allergic reactions; whether that be from Fragrance Oils (FO), Essential Oils (EO) or interesting enough, unscented. Irritation and inflammation are bad for skin—really, really bad. Daily assaults such as unprotected sun exposure, hot water, and applying skin-care products that contain irritating ingredients generate an irritant response. The result? Skin’s repair process becomes faulty, collagen breaks down, and the skin’s surface is weakened. The irritant reaction is hurting your skin’s ability to reduce wrinkles, firm skin, or look younger! For those with sensitive skin, especially when the problem is rosacea or acne, fragrance can be seriously irritating. For those
with oily skin, irritation triggers nerve endings in the pore that activate hormones, which increase oil production, leading to enlarged pores! Basically, there are three alternatives for cosmetic products• unscented products • products scented with fragrance oils • products scented with essential oils Let’s go over each one’s advantages and disadvantages! Unscented products Interesting enough, unscented products can be very irritating to the skin. When I started this article, I thought I would be covering products scented with fragrance oil and essential oil. I mean who would have thought that NO scent would be an issue? Well, in my research, I found this interesting fact out—unscented products may not necessary mean there is NO FO or EO, but just that there is NO scent….WOW! That doesn’t make sense because one
would think that the FO or EO is what makes the scent (and that is exactly what I thought.) What I did not know is that there are certain chemicals that will give an unpleasant scent when used in manufacturing a product. BUT… then there are other chemicals that will mask that scent. These chemicals can be highly irritating to the skin. More disturbing is that these are NOT required to be on label. WHAT!?!?! That is just sneaky. So, if you want unscented, truly unscented, meaning NO chemicals, FO or EO, buy from a company that you trust.
types of phthalates, and/or other carcinogenic chemicals. There are over 3500 materials (aroma chemicals, essential oils and essential oil components) that are approved for use in fragrance oils. Fragrance oils can be irritating to some people. However, their are types of fragrance oils that are of higher quality—Phthalate-free and formaldehyde-free. AND AGAIN, choose a company you can trust. It is important to know that synthetic fragrances work completely different on the human body than natural essential oils. A great example of the differences between essential and fragrance oils can best be described by a comparison of a real slice of an orange to a piece of orange candy. The real orange has health benefits for the body and
comes directly from nature. The color, shape, flavor, scent, taste, vitamins, along with the psychological and physiological benefits, come directly from nature. It was designed to nourish our body as well as provide vitamin C for health benefits. On the other hand, a piece of orange candy gets its sweetness from refined sugar, shape from gums, is artificially flavored and colored, has no health benefits whatsoever, and actually can be bad for our bodies. There are some benefits to using products with FOs, such as there are many combinations of fragrance oils so that you can purchase just about any scent you want and they are generally cheaper than products with EOs. Fragrance oils will also often last
Continued on page 14
Fragrance Oils Fragrance oils can and usually do contain many different components ranging from natural essential oils to purely synthetic compounds. Many fragrance oils contain more than 100 components. The problem, for those who are sensitive is that there is no requirement to list on a label the compounds contained in a fragrance oil. Many of the compounds are known skin irritants such as DPG (Di Propelyne Glycol), Di Ethyl Phthalate, isopropyl myristate, other Life, Home, Auto, Business & Ministry Insurance Programs Available Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Preparation Services L i f ti
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“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”
Traditional Values Rooted in Faith
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The Valley, December 2015
PACleanways of Mifflin County Keep PA Beautiful Each year local affiliates honor outstanding volunteers. This year’s volunteer of the year for Mifflin County is Earl Tabb. Earl has been a volunteer with the local affiliate during many of their Illegal Dump Cleanups and Tire Recycle Events. Earl has helped during the last four
Volunteer of the Year Earl Tabb
river cleanups offering his truck and trailer to help haul tires and trash in to where our dumpster or Mahantangos tractor trailer was to load them to be taken in to be recycled. He comes to our monthly meetings to help plan for future cleanups. We are thankful
for volunteers like Earl that care enough to help cleanup in Mifflin County. TV dumping on the Rise Mifflin County Solid Waste Authority has a recycling drop off for electronics. The state chapter of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB) is seeing an increase in electronics dumping across the state. Our adoptees are pulling them up from hillsides and public works crews are finding them dumped at recycling drop-offs. The electronics drop off is free and it’s sad that people will go along the road to dump them when it only takes a few minutes to go to the Solid Waste to drop them off. Most of the recycling drop-offs throughout the county are for mixed paper, newspaper, cardboard, metal and aluminum and 1 & 2 plastic. They ask that you empty your bags in the bins and not put bags in them.
KPB Leads Judicial Training In partnership with the Minor Judiciary Education Board, KPB us training magisterial district judges across the state about the impacts of illegal dumping on our communities. To date, they have reached 250 judges through this program. Dumpsters Busted Through KPB’s Illegal Dump Free PA program, launched this year, 30 individuals have been convicted of illegal dumping. Visit illegaldumpfree.org to learn more about community resources available to fight illegal dumping. If you would like to become involved with the local chapter in Mifflin County, we meet the second Tuesday at 12 noon at Downtown OIP starting in February 2016. We do not meet in December and January. You can also go to the www.keeppabeautiful.org for contact information for Mifflin County. Pam Sechrist Affiliate Coordinator a
PASA Scholarship & WorkShare Applications Open for 2016 Farming for the Future Conference PASA Dedicated to Making Conference Accessible to All The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is once again offering various ways to help everyone attend the 2016 Farming for the Future Conference, to be held February 3-6 in State College, PA. Funding is available through three programs. Applications are due by January 4, 2016 at 5:00pm. Last year, over 170 people were provided support to attend the conference. To learn more or apply, visit pasafarming.org/conference. PASA is excited to once again have two scholarship programs available. The Arias M. Brownback Memorial Fund was created in 2001 to support young and/ or developing farmers through financial assistance to attend the conference. The PASAbilities Fund, now in its second year, assists established farmers who are seeking to learn about and incorporate new sustainable practices into their current operations. For individuals not currently farming, PASA proudly offers the WorkShare program. Applicants
earn a reduction in conference registration fees in exchange for help with conference work. WorkShare hours can be completed before, during and after the conference. There are also limited hours available to be done remotely, or from either our Headquarters in Millheim, PA (Centre County) or our Western Region office in Gibsonia, PA (Allegheny County). “There is a lot of work to be done for our biggest event of the year, and we couldn’t do it without these WorkShare volunteers,” says Kristin Hoy, Conference Manager for PASA. One application, available on the conference website, is used to apply for either scholarship fund or WorkShare program. PASA wants to ensure everyone can take advantage of the programs and networking opportunities available at the 25th Annual Farming for the Future Conference, regardless of financial ability. The Brownback Scholarship Fund, the PASAbilities Scholarship Fund, and the
WorkShare Program all make that possible. Complete details regarding PASA’s annual conference; including featured speakers, educational programming, trade show participants, and more are available at pasafarming.org/conference. About PASA The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is one of the largest and most active sustainable agriculture organizations in the U.S. Through educational programs and regional marketing assistance for farmers, advocacy, and public outreach, PASA seeks to promote profitable farms that produce healthy food for all people while respecting the natural environment. PASA’s hallmark event, the Farming for the Future Conference, draws thousands of participants from more than 30 states and six countries each February. For more information, visit pasafarming.org. a
The Truth Has No Agenda
Penn State to Discontinue Credit Courses at Lewistown Center in 2017 Penn State will discontinue credit courses at the Lewistown Center following the spring 2017 semester. The decision to end credit courses at this location, 52 E. Market St., Suite 100, in Lewistown, was based on decreasing enrollment and declining revenue. The Lewistown Center will remain open as it continues to serve as a community resource for Penn State Cooperative Extension programs and consulting services from the Penn State Small Business Development Center. The students currently enrolled in courses at the Lewistown Center will receive assistance from Penn State to help them with potential paths to degree completion. In addition, current students will be counseled on their options for continuing their education at other Penn State locations if they desire, including online through Penn State World Campus or at the University Park campus. Students will continue to have access to support services, including academic advising, career counseling and financial aid assistance. In July 2011, Penn State’s Academic Program and Administra-
tive Services Core Council asked Outreach and Online Education (OOE) to carefully review the cost effectiveness of offering courses in Lewistown. The goal of the council was to identify new ways to maintain academic excellence while helping Penn State become a more efficient and effective institution. OOE leadership gave the center additional time to increase enrollments. Since that time, enrollments steadily declined and course offerings were routinely canceled, causing further disruption to students seeking to complete their degrees. With enrollments remaining low, the decision was made to implement the council’s recommendation and discontinue credit courses at the Lewistown Center.
Free State Project from page 8
2016 at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Manchester. Go to www.freestateproject.org to sign up! Amazon Smile Do you shop at Amazon? Supporting the FSP has never been easier! Every time you direct your Amazon purchases through AmazonSmile, 0.5% of the price of your eligible items will be donated to the FSP on your behalf, at no extra cost to you. Simply visit Amazon Smile, log in using your Amazon account, and select “Free State Project, Inc” as your charity of choice. Thanks for your support! - See more at: https://freestateproject.org/#sthash.5gG49VjC.dpuf a
decide to spearhead a new endeavor yourself. Network. Life isn’t just about activism. Meet New Hampshire’s business people, tastemakers and influencers. You might even leave with a job! Explore New Hampshire’s winter wonderland. Go skiing, snowshoeing, or just lounge about in front of a toasty fire. Meet libertarian luminaries and celebritarians. Rub shoulders with the people who inspire us all. Upgrade to a VIP Ticket, for special perks, secure in the knowledge that you are supporting the FSP as well. Build the liberty movement. Meet your future friends and neighbors. Be part of history, and grow the cause! Come claim your place in history! February 18-21,
Current Lewistown Center students can call 717-248-9618 for further assistance. Contacts: Christie Black, Penn State Outreach, 814-863-2778, cxb81@ psu.edu Dave Aneckstein, Penn State Outreach, 814-865-7600, dxa141@ psu.edu a
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AN ARCHITECTURAL SHOWPLACE IN REEDSVILLE by Kim Rickert A unique home designed and built by architect John Haughwout is nestled in a wooded parcel just off of East Back Mountain Road in Reedsville. Haughwout was a resident of the area in the 50’s and 60’s and built the wood and stone house on the side of Stone Mountain on 12.85 acres, naming it Highwood (the Old Dutch meaning of Hauhgwout). Mr. Haughwout had deep roots in
the area as his Dutch ancestors moved to Belleville in 1791 and established a farm that remained in the family for many years. He apprenticed under several of the Modern movement’s seminal designers, including a past student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and described himself as an organic architect influenced by Wright’s style. Mr. Haughwout designed many hospitals, schools factories
and houses in the area, and also lived and worked in Harrisburg and later in Pittsburgh where he passed away in 2004. The Mid-Century Modern home was built in 1960 and featured in House Beautiful magazine in 1964. The home features one level living, with endless views from the windows built without a frame interrupting the view. The cantilevered living room is reminiscent of the Frank Lloyd Wright style, and the home includes mahogany wood paneling and built-in feature such as sofas and china cabinets unique to the home. On the drive to the home, one is surrounded by gorgeous views of Big Valley, Amish farms and mountains; the driveway itself winds up to the home amongst Reminiscent of the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, Highwood is a one of a kind treasure nestled the fall leaves or into Stone Mountain in Reedsville full trees depend-
A Mahogany paneled dining room features a mirrored built-in china cabinet
ing on the time of year. square feet, and has ceramic A separate heated and cooled quarry tile flooring throughout. outbuilding (approx. 1500 sq ft) is Honduran mahogany wood panelcurrently used as a pottery studio, ing is featured and solid wood but had been a four car garage in doors, built-in furniture, shelving the past. The studio has a high efand storage is one of the unique ficiency propane furnace, split air advantages to the home. The galconditioning unit, electric water ley style kitchen has been updated heater, plumbing, dedicated well with granite countertops and and septic system. The second floor of the building has a full bath with shower and open space for an office or showroom. There is an A family room is located just off the kitchen, making for easy additional entertaining or food preparation while staying engaged in conversation. utility shed build to store lawn equipment and stainless steel appliances, but still gardening tools, with electric and includes an antique cook stove plenty of shelving. An open sided and an open fireplace that warms wood-framed pavilion currently the kitchen and family room area. houses an 80 cubic foot wood The family room is at one corner of the home and has windows around both sides, a built-in sofa and shelving, plus the entrance door which The sunken living room with a hand cast fireplace for staying was recozy on those cold winter nights. designed with inkiln. A two-tiered bonsai display sulated glass. A first floor laundry area is located at the top of the and mudroom are adjacent to the lawn adjacent to the parking area. kitchen/family room. A sunken living room at The entryway pergola and display the front of the home shows off tables were custom made from a hand cast stone fireplace and Alaskan Yellow Cedar and have aged to a natural gray. Continued on page 16 The home consists of 2696
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”
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The Valley, December 2015
R. O. F. F.
Rescue Our Furry Friends by Patricia Lawson
Merry Christmas from all of us at ROFF! Let’s start off the month with greetings from two furry friends who are looking for a home with humans. First is Cotton Ball, who could pass for a snowball! Cotton Ball’s story goes like this: “I was all alone just strolling along one day and someone did find me, but they couldn’t take me into their home. So they called ROFF and they saved me. Now I have warmth, food and good company. I hear it’s rare to find a cat that is declawed and I am, so I need to be a house cat. I am a young female and I am also spayed. Do you have room in your heart and home for me?” And now let me introduce to you, Bingo!” “Hi, I’m Bingo! You
know, like the song, B I N G O and Bingo is my name-o! Well enough of that. I’m about a one year old male yellow lab, and ROFF has given me a great start to my life. I have been neutered, chipped and vaccinated for rabies, distemper and kennel cough. I’m also crate trained and housebroken. So, I’m all ready for my “fur”ever home. I’m a peppy puppy right now, I love other dogs and people and I just want to run and have fun. Won’t you join me? Oh yeah, by the way, I’m quite handsome too!” Please visit this web site www.roffrescue.com to fill out an application and to see more furry companions. If you don’t have access to the internet call 877933-7633. ROFF has events and fundraisers galore to announce too: December 6, 1-4pm: Alternative Gift Fair at the East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church in Reedsville; December 6, 2pm: Annual Dog Walk at Kish Park and 2-4pm: Santa Pictures for only $5, photo frames will be provided
while supplies last and Rescue food and supplies can be donated at this time; location: old bumper car building. And finally: BISSELL will donate $1 to help fund spay/neuter efforts for every new like on the BPF Facebook Page plus one lucky winner will receive a free BISSELL product! Look for BISSELL Pet Foundation on Facebook. Be sure to “LIKE” us on Facebook. Then you’ll be in the loop with participating in fun auctions and events. And, as always, your donations are crucial to our mission. Contributions can be made via PayPal or checks may be mailed to: 133 North Walnut Street, Burnham, PA 17009. Thank you! a
Until they all have homes… www.roffrescue.com rescueourfurryfriends@ya-
hoo.com 1-877-933-ROFF (7633)
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, December 2015
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appears in the library minutes identifying Annie Clark and Delia Thomas as the first librarians.)
DECEMBER 2015 Mifflin County Trivia When Susan B. Anthony Came to Town In 1880, Susan B. Anthony delivered a two-hour lecture titled, “Woman Wants Bread, Not the Ballot” before a capacity crowd in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse in Lewistown. The Democrat & Sentinel reported, “ Miss Anthony has been maligned and ridiculed, but in spite of this she has shown such moral courage, with an individuality and strength of purpose, in behalf of her convictions as to command admiration...she has exhibited a degree of honesty not often found in the ranks of the sterner sex...” Anthony was a trailblazer in the suffrage movement, delivering 75 to 100 lectures every year during her 45-year crusade for the women right to vote. This month’s questions come from Mifflin County women trailblazers, firsts in their own right. 1. Annie Clark and Delia Thomas are credited with being the firsts in their field, locally. Minute books of an area board of directors indicate the pair were Mifflin County’s first ... [a] nurses [b] teachers [c] librarians [d] secretaries
Essential Oils from page 10 longer, and the scent will be stronger, than with essential oils. We at Shade Mountain do use some FOs to achieve certain scents. For example: we make a Mint Chocolate line. There is no EO that we can use to achieve a chocolate scent, so we use a chocolate FO with peppermint EO. One of our Christmas scents is Cranberry Crush. There is no cranberry EO, so we have to use a FO. We are careful about the quality of FOs we use. The disturbing part for me about the use of FOs is that FOs are not policed by the FDA and we do not know exactly what is in it. Fragrance oils are protected by the FDA as “trade secrets” – meaning that companies do not have to disclose all of
2. In 1878, local newspapers advertised Kate A. Hawlh’s prowess and proficiency as Mifflin County’s first ... [a] dental assistant [b] hair dresser [c] female printer [d] female blacksmith 3. In 1910, Jeanette Bingaman Snyder was the first woman in Mifflin County to hold a license to... [a] hunt [b] practice law [c] cut hair [d] perform marriages 4. For a service rendered during World War II, Esther Miller Elcock is believed to be the only woman from Mifflin County to... [a] be granted honorary British citizenship [b] receive the Bronze Star [c] have a warship named for her [d] have her image on a French stamp ANSWERS: 1.C (In 1842 local businessmen met to plan for establishing a paid lending library with stock shares to fund the project. October 15, 1869 is the first record of a public meeting to push the project. On March 5, 1875, the first notation the ingredients in the fragrance oil. We always check with our distributor to make sure that we are selling high quality FOs. We always tell customers which products contain FOs. Here is what one company says about their FOs: “Our fragrance oils are 100% synthetic, created in a lab to mimic scents not found in nature. The ingredients in both the flavoring oils and fragrance oils is proprietary information and are considered ‘trade secrets.’ Fragrance oils are protected under the ‘Trade Secret’ laws and even the vendors do not give out that information.” So basically – they can’t or won’t tell. Frankly, I think that is unacceptable. If we want to know what is in our food, why shouldn’t we want to know EXACTLY what
2.B 3.A 4.B In 1934, Esther Miller married Charles Elcock, a wealthy English architect whom she met at an international conference in Vienna, Austria in 1932. Mrs. Elcock was a nurse at the time of her marriage and her husband gave her a tiny cross set with black garnets. This keepsake belonged to nursing heroine Florence Nightingale. After her marriage, Mrs. Elcock lived in London, next to the American Embassy. During World War II, she moved out of her house and General Eisenhower used it as his headquarters. Her husband died during the war, but she stayed on with the Harvard Unit of the American Red Cross, establishing service clubs in London, Paris and Wiesbaden, Germany. For this she was decorated with the Bronze Star. It is believed that Mrs. Elcock is the only woman from Mifflin County to have received the decoration. After returning to the United States, she later became director of the F. W. Black Community Hospital in Lewistown, retiring in 1970. SOURCES: Mifflin County Historical Society newspaper archives; Women in the History of Mifflin County, American Association of University Women, Lewistown Branch, 1989. a
we are putting on our skin? In my opinion: a company that uses fragrance oils instead of essential oils doesn’t necessarily sell inferior quality products. There are high quality FOs out there! Essential Oils As you all know from my other articles: EOs are 100% natural and come from leaves, stems, flowers, roots, and fruits of plants. EOs have natural therapeutic properties that can be utilized in skin care products. Unlike FOs, essential oils are researched, documented, and often come with a list of which organic compounds they contain (GC/MS data sheets). We know exactly what we are using when we choose EOs. Essential oils are great for those whose
Sara’s Dairy Journey by Sara Lucas
What a special time of the year. As the holiday season quickly approaches, children all over the world anticipate ripping open that one present they have been begging Mom, Dad and Santa for, for weeks upon weeks. There is something we should all remember—the true reason for the season the birth of Jesus. While gathered with family and friends, the tendency to feel nostalgic hits you along with a flood of other emotions, such as the desire to help others and sympathy for the families who cannot be together and share every memorable moment of the holiday season. In a dairy farmer’s family, they do not get holidays off, yet have to work through Christmas morning and New Year’s Eve. My mom always used to tell me back when she was a little girl, they didn’t have a huge mountain of gifts underneath the Christmas tree. What few things she did have, she and her brothers and sister would always wake up extra early that morning and go milk the cows as quickly and cautiously as they were trained. She would tell me how milking near the holidays was never her favorite. She would miss parties because they occurred during milking or arrive late after all the cousins had eaten the delicious goodies. I can only imagine, but now she tells me as an adult she tended to be a bit selfish back then. Those were moments with her siblings she couldn’t or wouldn’t trade for the world. My point is that many, many families around the world are left with other responsibilities on the holidays. We should do our best to thank those families for helping ours. Whether it’s a dairy farmer and his/her family striving to give a high quality product to help fill your home with the wonderful smell of your favorite recipe, or a
member of the military who is overseas protecting their homeland wondering what the next holiday will be like for them. I have included a couple of my favorite recipes that help represent my dairy farmer, my grandfather, the best by using the products that he worked to help produce ever since he was a little boy. I hope you all enjoy them just as much as I do and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Moo Year!
skin would normally be irritated by products containing FOs. The downside of buying products with EOs is that they tend to be more pricey and can evaporate more quickly in products than FOs. I love essential oils. I also like fragrance oils to achieve certain scents that cannot be attained using EOs. I use both of them in my soaps and products. I do not believe that either one is
inherently better than the other. They both have their proper uses, cautions and advantages. Also, some people can be more sensitive to certain essential oils than some high quality fragrance oils and visa versa. What it boils down to is making informed choices and doing what’s best for you! Have any more questions? Come on in to Shade Mountain and we can chat—we love company! a
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”
Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Ingredients: 1 ½ cups of heavy cream 1 (14oz) can of sweetened condensed milk 2 ¼ cups of chocolate chips 6 cups of milk 1 tsp vanilla extract. Directions: Mix ingredients into crock pot and stir together. Heat on low heat until ready to drink. Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients: 1 8 oz. container of cream cheese 1/3 Cup of ranch dressing 1 13 oz. can of chunked chicken 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese Hot sauce Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Strain water out of the canned chicken and mix together with the 8 oz of cream cheese and 1/3 cup ranch. Add in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and your desired amount of hot sauce. Bake in oven for about 20-25 minutes. a
The Valley, December 2015
Blazes When hiking in Pennsylvania and other states, trails are typically marked with various signs and painted patches on trees and posts, called blazes. In Pennsylvania, there are standards for the size and color of these blazes, indicating the use and character of the trail. The Pennsylvania DCNR has set guidelines for marking trails on state forest land. These guidelines are typically followed on state gamelands as well as within state parks. Pennsylvania DCNR has guidelines for both motorized and non-motorized trails. Motorized trail blazes are in the shape of diamonds while blazes for nonmotorized trails are in the shape of rectangles, measuring 2” x 6”. The standard blaze colors set forth by DCNR are red, yellow, blue, and orange. Red blazes are used to mark shared-use trails. Shared-use trails are open to horseback, mountain bike and foot travel. Trails designated as state forest hiking trails are blazed in orange. These trails are intended to be for foot travel only. Crosscountry ski trails are marked with blue blazes. These trails are also typically marked with the international symbol of a white skier on a brown background, posted at the trailhed. Finally, local hiking trails are blazed in yellow. Trailheads and major intersections may be marked with the international symbol of a hiker on a brown trailhead, indicating the trail to be used for foot travel only. There are exceptions to the blaze color scheme to a number of trails found in Pennsylvania. The trails are designated to be for foot travel only, regardless of the color of their blazes. These exceptions are: • The Tuscarora Trail, part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, is marked with blue blazes. • The Appalachian Trail, a National Scenic Trail, is marked with white blazes, and blue blazes are used on Appalachian Trail side and connecting trails.
• The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a National Scenic Trail, and the Horseshoe Trail, connecting Valley Forge to the Appalachian Trail, are marked with yellow blazes. • The Loyalsock Trail, a State Forest Hiking Trail, is marked with red and yellow blazes. • The Baker Trail, a State Forest Hiking Trail, the North Country Trail, a National Scenic Trail, and the Mason Dixon Trail, connecting the Appalachian Trail to the Brandywine Trail, are marked with blue blazes. • The Standing Stone Trail in south Central PA is marked with orange blazes. • The Lost Turkey Trail is marked with red blazes. Most blazes will be painted on trees or sign posts. On occasions blazes can be painted onto rocks. When crossing large talus slopes or fields, rock cairns can also be used to mark the route of the trail. It is important not to build rock cairns along trails, or disassemble exiting cairns, as this may cause confusion to those hiking the trail. Outside of Pennsylvania, cairns are used quite frequently to mark trails, especially on trails that follow ridge lines and mountain tops above the tree line. When hiking a blazed trail you may encounter a double blaze. This means “caution” or “heads up”. You will typically find these double blazes 20 to 50 feet prior to an abrupt turn in the trail or a trail junction. These double blazes are painted one above another on a tree. The direction of a turn can be indicated when the top blaze is offset to one side or the other of the bottom blaze. When the top blaze is positioned to the left of the bottom blaze, then look for the trail to make a sharp or abrupt turn to the left. And if the top blaze is offset to the right of the bottom blaze, then a turn to the right can be expected. You may also encounter what appears to be a double blaze, only being the size of a single blaze (2” x 6”)
and comprised of two different colors. This style of blaze is used to indicate trails that briefly share the same path or corridor. Prior to 2008, side trails and local foot paths were marked with blue blazes. With the guidance published by DCNR, these trails are now marked with yellow blazes. This is an on-going and methodical
Continued on page 22
The Truth Has No Agenda
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The Valley, December 2015
16 An Architectural showplace in Reedsville from page 12 built-in storage areas, built-in sofa, and recessed lighting. An area for displaying art pieces is visible as one walks into the living room, and a patio can be accessed from the living room doors. Adjacent to the living room is the dining room, panelled in mahogany and featuring a mirrored, built-in china cabinet and drawers for display of special pieces. The home has four bedrooms, all with built-in desks, shelving and dressers and all very generous in size. The master bedroom is unusual with an updated vanity and sink area in the room, an adjoining
master bathroom, and an interesting headboard that includes drawers, two night stands and shelving. A built-in sofa area allows the owners an area to relax and watch the wildlife from the windows. A french door leads to a patio area with a hot tub. This home has many original features, but also some important updates such as the ethernet-wired internet system, updated electric and a UV water filtration system. All utilities are run underground and the windows and doors have been replaced with insulated glass or thermal panes. For a buyer who appreciates the architectural style of this home and craves privacy, this is the
The 1500 square foot, heated, shop was once a 4 car garage.
Built-in shelving throughout the home can display all of your treasures for visitors to see, making this home uniquely yours. This is a one-of-a-kind home built by a local architect that is just waiting to bring you peace and quiet on your 12.85 acres surrounded by Amish farms and mountains.
perfect home! It’s location close to Route 322 makes it an easy commute to State College and local shopping, schools and events. Buyers who are pre-qualified are invited to contact the listing agent, Kim Rickert, to schedule a tour of this beautiful property! a
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces�
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people Luke 2:11
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The Valley, December 2015
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The Truth Has No Agenda
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The Valley, December 2015
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The Valley, December 2015
Plain Talk
Joanne Wills-Kline Contentment Quest
Cozy & Calm
The calendar affirms that we are in the midst of the holiday season. Thanksgiving recently passed; Christmas and Hanukkah are fast approaching. Neighborhoods are beginning to glow with holiday lights, and the bustle of holiday shoppers is becoming more apparent with each passing day. Radio stations and shopping PA systems are playing Christmas carols; traffic is increasing in the streets, and in the retail stores, as shoppers converge on bargain hunting. Over the next few weeks, holiday parties will be in full swing, and people’s calendars will be crammed with lots to do. All in all, everywhere you look there is movement – a sense of hurry and busyness – with one exception… nature. During the season of lights and hurry, nature is quiet and still. In the northeast, the trees are bare of leaves; days are shorter and nights are longer; heavy snow blankets some regions; and in oth-
ers, snowflakes dance in the winds and swirl slowly to the ground with barely a notice. As people move with a sense of hurry and busyness, nature enters the season of slow – the season of calm and quiet – winter. Norwegians experience a very long winter, yet researchers have determined that they don’t seem to be bothered negatively by the long, dark winters of Norway. Instead the Norwegians embrace their long, dark, cold winters. In the midst of a Norwegian winter, the sun only skims across the horizon – never rising to shine brightly, but rather just offering a dim glow from the horizon for months. The people of Norway have learned to welcome the season of winter along with its quiet stillness. They lovingly refer to winter as the season of “Koselig” – the Norwegian term for coziness. In Norway, long dark winters are welcomed as quiet time for restoration and reflection.
Solar Explained by S. Yoder
I am realizing that winter has much to teach me. In years past, I dreaded winter – because I welcomed the busy and the hurry. I lived in a season of bustle. Seasons pass, as does time, and things change. Over the years, I have learned to welcome stillness, quiet, cozy, and calm. I have learned that “busy” is a physical state and that “hurry” is a soul state; and that in combination, “busy and hurry” can be lethal. So, after years of living with the infirmity of busy and hurry, I chose to slow down and life became so much sweeter… and stayed sweeter for years. Until one day, when I had to enter another season of busy and hurry. I didn’t welcome returning to that season. In fact, I fought it kicking and screaming, but I fell into the second season of busy and hurry nonetheless. Most recently, I’ve commuted long hours, and seemed only experience the sun as it was on the horizon – morning and night. I found myself among many business gurus encouraging me to push my limits, work faster, work longer, and to rise to new heights. I worked diligently to implement smarter systems, improved my speed in everything (busy and hurry were made priority again), and I let my work spill into everything in my life… as there is always one more little thing at work to do. After a very long season of pushing myself at such a pace, I hit a wall. My health suffered, and my soul ached, as the infirmity of busy and hurry dominated my life – again. After a season of treating my work as my most significant investment, I’ve learned that caring for my soul, and what brings joy to my heart, is actually top on my list. I need space to create, grow, read, love, and pray. I need to take small steps every single day again to be creative, cozy, happy, joyful, peaceful, and still. I need calm and quiet. I need simple. I don’t want to apologize anymore for what I need. I want to return to being fully present where I am, instead of missing things because I’m moving too fast, or running to the next thing. I want to return to a slower pace of life. So during this blessed season of light, I am going to slow my pace of life again.
The Truth Has No Agenda
Hello to all of The Valley readers. As I write this letter, it is the 24th of November and as of yet, no snow! It may just be a mild winter coming, or at least it has been so far. So let’s see how important it is that you ground that $2,000 solar system you just bought. Well, it diverts lightning strike surges to the ground rod. N.E.C. states that two ground rods shall be installed within a “reasonable distance.” We tell our customers to take it one step further and install at least two more ground rods in a wet spot in the yard. Remember, the best ground rod in your system will be the well casing if it is at all suitable to use, as it has the most contact with the earth. But don’t stop there yet—your system is still not yet fully protected. Without grounding, nothing is going to function correctly; even the best lightening arrestor will not work without grounding because it has no place to divert the current to except through the main panel and its branches. Our system is less likely to ever have issues with the ground system from lightening and surges. I suggest that grounding take place at the solar panels at the inverter at the stand-by generator. Also, I recommend one Delta DC arrestor at the PV junction box, one MidNite DC at the input, one AC at the inverter, one Delta AC at the breaker panel, and if you have a long wire run between the inverter and, for example, your shop breaker panel, place one there to get rid of any strikes before or after the inverter. If you install a well pump like most country folk have, you will want to install a MidNite AC rated for 300 volts or 120 volts if your pump is only 120 volts. This should help to protect any house system, solar or grid, because lightening and power surges have many ways of entering. But, we are not done yet, let’s also include point of use protection, which is a power strip. Many power strips
come with surge protection in them. Everyone already uses these strips, so wouldn’t common sense tell you that using strips with built-in protection make sense? Some of these strips even come with thousands of dollars worth of protection insurance even for telephones, fax machines and more. The higher the joules number, the more protection for your accessories. But all of this is no good as soon as you use cheater plugs, those with the ground prong removed. Polarity is altered if you use cords without the ground, and the higher the resistance in your grounding wire, the less protection you have regardless of how good of an arrestor you use. No ground, no good! Remember, ground rods work better if your ground is moist or wet, so take your time to think it through before you do it. Also, do not try to cheat on rods—if you hit a rock or drive it in four feet and it feels loose, pull it out and find another spot. Usually the best place for ground rods are on the north side of the house because it does not dry out as fast there due to lack of sunshine. If you have no other choice for the last few rods, you may cut them since most inverters are made to use with a four foot rod; but install the other rod somewhere else, at least eight feet apart. If your system ever has had a hard hit once, you know all of this. Remember also anything that is metal can shock. Let’s talk about how to design a solar system next month. See you later. S. Yoder a
I’m going to approach life in an unhurried and deliberate manner. I’m going to capture all that makes my heart sing during the holiday season and well beyond. I invite you to join me in approaching life in a slow and deliberate manner this December and be-
yond. As nature slumbers through the season of lights, let’s make efforts to live calm, cozy and quiet lives. Let’s welcome quiet time for restoration and reflection. Let’s open the door for joy, love, and peace to reside in our hearts. Merry Christmas to all… a
The Valley, December 2015
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to help them find the answers, like where they died and how,” Murrell says. He has friends all over the world, and he enjoys keeping in touch through email and the internet. Murrell has written and published six books about the history of The 80th Infantry Division in WWII, and has appeared on Good Morning America to talk about D-Day. He is a highly decorated veteran, holding many honors, including the honorary military title of Colonel for the 80th Division. Murrell is also the recipient of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, the highest decoration in France, with the highest distinction of Chevalier (Knight). This
Lewistown Veteran, Age 99, Gets Back to Living After Rehabilitation by Suzanne Irwin
He’ll tell you that he’s “just Bob,” but spend some time with 99-year-old Robert (Bob) T. Murrell, and you’ll have an even deeper appreciation for the men and women who serve our country. Murrell, of Lewistown, served in The 80th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945. He spent 274 days in heavy front line combat. In his first days at war, he had his pistol belt shot off of him, and a bullet went through his helmet. As he tried to move under barbed wire using his clippers, several rounds from enemy machine guns clipped the wire for him. The officer from Murrell’s platoon, along with two of his sergeants, were killed three feet away from him. Through it all, Murrell was unscathed. “I was taught that after you fire your gun, you roll to the side,” Murrell explains. “There were many times when I would look to the side from which I rolled and see the marks of the enemy’s bullets.” He adds, “I fought through D-Day, and until the end of the war, and came out without a scratch.” A Lewistown for six years, Murrell lived and worked in Pittsburgh for 45 years, and held the position of plant superintendent at a print shop. He and his wife, Doris, were married for over 70 years. He is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Mifflintown. Murrell was a recent inpatient at HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Pleasant Gap. After a hip fracture, he needed to get strong again. “When I was in the hospital, I was told that I needed rehabilitation, and I knew that I wanted more than what a nursing home could offer,” Murrell says. “Many years ago, I had some positive experiences at a HealthSouth outpatient clinic in Pittsburgh, so I chose HealthSouth Nittany Valley for my inpatient rehabilitation. Murrell is a member of The 80th Infantry Division of the Veterans Association, which was first organized in 1917 and headquartered at what’s now Fort Lee in Virginia. It originally consisted of men mostly from Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, and was nicknamed the “Blue Ridge
Division.” According to Murrell, there are seven men from his company who are still living. Their division motto is “only move forward,” which says a lot about Murrell, even at age 99. “At HealthSouth, with three hours of therapy a day, I was getting around so well that I asked my doctor if I could go home early, and I did!” Murrell is grateful to be at home. He is still active in helping people whose family members were killed in action during the war. “People who never knew a parent because they died during the war have questions, and I like
award is given for excellence in civil or military conduct. It was an honor to have Bob at HealthSouth Nittany Valley, and to learn about his service during WW II. The HealthSouth family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Bob Murrell, and all our veterans, for their service to our country. a
Robert T. “Bob” Murrell of Lewistown, Pennsylvania served in The 80th Division of the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945. At age 99, after a hip fracture, Murrell chose rehabilitation at HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital. Murrell gained his strength and stability so quickly that he was able to return to his home earlier than his planned discharge date. Murrell is a highly decorated veteran, published author and active member of The 80th Infantry Division of the Veterans Association.
Regain Strength and Be Home for the Holidays
The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification in Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Heart Failure, Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation and Stroke Rehabilitation
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with activities of daily living, call HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital for a no-cost rehabilitation assessment. Our
A Higher Level of Care
®
rehabilitation nurse liaison comes to you in your home, physician’s office or the hospital to determine if rehabilitation may be right for you. Let us help you get home for the holidays with greater independence. Call 800 842-6026 and ask for a rehabilitation nurse liaison to assess your rehabilitation needs, while coordinating with your physician and caregiving team.
550 West College Avenue Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 814 359-3421 NittanyValleyRehab.com
©2015:HealthSouth Corporation:1166849-05
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The Valley, December 2015
Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly Are you Planning to Purchase an Alternative Heating Appliance for this Winter?
Want the ultimate in an alternative energy fuel? Have you considered burning anthracite coal? If you’re looking for convenience and want to save lots of money on your heating bill, this is the fuel of choice. I would recommend white ash anthracite coal and a heavy duty, non-electric Saey hopper-fed cast iron coal stove for long burning time, ease of operation and maximum cleanliness. We have 50000 btu/hr and 60000 btu/hr Saey coal stoves in stock in our store in Millheim. Also, we burn one in our show-
room window all winter. Check out the logic on my recommendation presented below; then, plan a visit to our Store in Millheim and check them out! Lots of Btu’s in a ton of coal 25,000,000 in fact. All those btu’s for about $230 per ton delivered to your home or business. That is less then one penny per 1000 btus ($230 / 25,000,000) compared to heating oil @ $.18 per 1000 btus ($2.50 / 145,000), propane @ $.15 per 1000 btus ($1.40 / 92,000), wood pellets @
$.15 per 1000 btus ($240 / 16,400,000) and electricity @ $.32 per 100 btus ($.11/ 3415). Most people burn three tons of coal during a heating season. That’s $690 per year for lots of continuous warm heat. Nice!! Coal is clean to burn Hopper-fed, an enclosed grate shaker system and an enclosed ash pan to collect the ash. In the old days. heating with coal was firty! Not any more when burned in a Saey coal stove. Coal is easy to store Coal occupies 32 cubic feet per ton. If you build a coal bin 4’ H x 4’ W X 8’ L it will easily hold 3 tons of coal. It can be stored outside as long as it doesn’t get wet and freeze into one big chunk. It can be as simple as laying a tarp on the ground that is twice as long as wide. Dump the coal on half of the tarp and fold it back on itself to keep the rain off of the coal pile.
to 16 hours unattended. So, if you take care of the stove in the morning at 7am, you needn’t tend it again until right before you go to bed. In the morning, all you do is shake the internal shifter grates. In the evening you shake it, take
out the ashes and reload the hopper with coal. Regardless of what fuel you burn, be sure to check your carbon monoxide detector and if you use propane or natural gas, your gas detector. If you don’t have a detector, most certainly you need to purchase one quickly. Don’t operate your appliance without a detector nearby installed in accordance with the manufacturer recommendations. Many thanks for your readership of The Valley newspaper and these articles in 2015. Be safe and have a great Holiday Season. We’ll see you in 2016. a Curt Bierly is president of the bierly group incorporated of which Stanley C. Bierly in Millheim is a division. He is chair of the Penn College HVAC Advisory Board. You can contact him at 814-3493000 or cbierly@bierlygroup.com.
Coal is long burning A hopper load of coal burns at the same heat output for 12
4 offices to serve you!
1-877-643-4327
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The Valley, December 2015
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LIbrary Lines Your Mifflin County Library
Where Have All The Yearbooks Gone? If you are a regular patron at the Mifflin County Library, you might have noticed that all the yearbooks are missing from the shelves. We were lucky to be part of a project offered by Oklahoma Correctional Industries (OCI). OCI was given a grant to digitize yearbooks available at public libraries. So, partnering with the Mifflin County Historical Society, we sent 17 boxes of yearbooks to Oklahoma to be digitized and saved onto DVDs; all at no cost to either organization. Soon our yearbooks will be returned to us, along with 96 DVDs totaling 451 gigabytes of picture files. We surely wish we had every yearbook published by the Mifflin County school districts. Unfortunately we have gaps in the collection. If anyone has a yearbook not available at the library, we would very much appreciate borrowing a copy to digitize in-house. This
process could take up to three weeks and your yearbook would be returned to you upon completion. In the near future, the library will offer the option to purchase a copy of a specific yearbook(s) for a fee, on a DVD or flash drive. Think of us when you are having your next class reunion; a digital yearbook would make a nice favor. Of course, when our yearbooks are returned, you will again be able to look at, turn the pages, and turn back time. And you can always see if your yearbook is available here at the library by looking in our online card catalog available on our website. (www. mifflincountylibrary.org)
Central PAHikes from page 15
impossible to follow with all of the trees being marked with blue blazes. This prompted DCNR to modify the guidelines and to mark side trails and local footpaths with yellow blazes. Of course, this confusion can still exist for those trails that are indicated for cross-country skiing use (as these trails are still marked with blue blazes) and also the fact that logging companies have now taken to using yellow paint to mark trees in harvest areas as well. When hiking in areas marked for timber harvesting, remember to have a map with you and take your time following the route of the trail: don’t rely on blazes alone. a
process and you may still find blue-blazed local footpaths when out hiking. One of the catalyst to make this change was confusion occurring on trails that were routed through areas of the forest that were to be harvested for timber. Trees in harvest areas that were supposed to remain standing and not cut down were typically marked with blue marking paint. In many cases this paint was applied to the trees in a vertical orientation. When a trail, blazed in blue, crossed one of these areas, the route of the trail was nearly
Kindly submitted, Marsha Shilling Mifflin County Library a
The Light in the Darkness by Rev. Robert Zorn Visitation Minister Lewistown Presbyterian Church
pointing the light at our big old For me, one of the greatest Our farmhouse had been elm tree, the tallest tree on the joys of the rapidly approachwired for electricity the same year farm. The shaft of light penetrated ing Christmas season will be the that I was born. Other buildings, the darkness and illuminated the watching again, and again, the such as the barn, the chicken and tree to the highest branches. I annual classic entitled “A Christpig houses were not wired. To knew then and there that I would mas Story.” It is based on a book visit those facilities to carry feed have to prove the inestimable written by Jean Shepherd and tells and water in the early morning or value of such a light. I believe of a little boy’s quest for the most evening darkness, it was necesthat in the years that followed, it wonderful Christmas gift that sary to carry a kerosene lantern. fulfilled my greatest expectations. any boy could ever desire: a Red I casually mentioned that if I had Ryder, lever action, one thousand the flashlight clipped to my belt, I kept the light hanging on a shot carbine air rifle. (B. B. gun) with my hands free, I could carry nail behind our kitchen door and with a compass in the stock. I feel both the feed and the water in the never went out in the darkness a very close affinity with Ralsame trip. Also, nocturnal visits to without it. It accompanied me to phie and his wish. Actually, we the little necessary building in our do the feeding, to chase raccoons were very much alike in both era back yard could be made more and rats away from the corn crib, and environment. My childhood safely with a light. Then, there and to go out to the woods to was also peopled with bullies was the safety factor. A battery see what our old dog had treed. and braggers and loving mothpowered flashlight was not likely As winter faded into spring and ers and compassionate teachers. to be tipped over and start a fire. I began to travel by bicycle, I I can even remember riding in a (Remember Mrs. O’Leary’s cow). clipped the light to the basket at big Oldsmobile like the one that Or if some varmint should sneak the front of the bike and safely Ralphie’s family owned. Abaninto the hen house with villainous navigated the rough country lanes doned cars and broken wooden intent; the flashlight and our old where we lived. Several years fences were in view every time “.22” could quickly discourage later, as I acquired my first car, I we walked to town. Coal fired the raider. carried that light. If one or both furnaces and marauding neighbor Imagine my joy on a Christof the headlights would go out, I hood dogs were also a part of our mas morning as I opened the could see which fuse to wrap with experience. tightly wrapped cylinder and chewing gum foil to restore the Now, Miss Wiggins, our found the prize – the flashlight circuit. Then there were flat tires. one room, eighth grade,school with the angled head and the belt The light could be set upright and teacher wisely never encouraged clip. To this day I can remember would shine on the wheel that us to announce and compare what running out the front door and had to be changed. Again, the we wished to receive for ubiquitous flashlight came to Christmas. In our own famthe rescue and the task was ily of seven kids, “hinting” safely completed. I kept and was definitely discourused that flashlight for many aged. Santa, aka Mamma years. It continued to dispel and Daddy, knew what we darkness and guide my way. needed and what was good Locations and situations for us. However, one year change but in every age and I audaciously broke the place there are fearsome “no hinting” rule and made shadows. my heart’s desire known In our personal lives, in several ways. I had seen there may be perplexing on one of the pages of the problems which seem to Boys Life magazine a most darken our future. And we wonderful prospective gift. are certainly aware of the It was a khaki-colored, many world wide conflicts two-cell flashlight with the and disasters which cloud the lens attached at a 90 degree way ahead for all humanity. angle and a belt clip on the But Christmas gives us hope. back. Like Ralphie, who It is as if we all have received needed the air rifle to fend a magnificent gift. It is a off the terrible Black Bart, I light to guide us through the began to build the case that days and years ahead; a light I should be blessed with which can shine to the top such a magnificent gift. I of the highest mountain and took what I thought was a across the widest ocean. reasonable course of action. I started early and made “In him was life, and the life many not so subtle inferwas the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, ences as to how it would My own Red Ryder BB gun came in the form of a and the darkness has not be good for me to have this battery powered flashlight, with the lens at a 90 degree overcome it.” John 1: 4,5 flashlight. angle. Everyone needs one... a
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”
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The Valley, December 2015
Are you taking some prescriptive medications? Have you been taking them a long time? Are you feeling 100%? Are you taking more than one medication? Ever wonder why you are feeling sluggish, sick, bloated, constipated, have acid reflux, or many other constant nagging illnesses? Have you ever checked your body’s pH? What is the body’s pH? Water is the most abundant compound in the human body, comprising 70% of the body. The body therefore contains a wide range of solutions, which may be more or less acid. pH (potential of Hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution—the ratio between positively charged ions (acid- forming) and negatively charged ions (alkaline-forming). The pH of any solution is the measure of its hydrogen-ion concentration. The higher the pH reading, the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is. The lower the pH reading, the more acid and oxygenated deprived the fluid is. The pH range is from 0-14, with 7.0 being neutral. Anything above 7 is alkaline, anything below is considered acidic. Research shows that unless the body’s pH level is slightly
alkaline, the body has a difficult time healing itself. So no matter what means you choose to take care of your health, it will be more effective when the pH is balanced. If your body’s pH is not balanced, for example, you cannot effectively assimilate vitamins, minerals and food supplements. Your body’s pH affects everything. How you fuel your body is a major factor in creating acid-forming or alkaline-forming cells. It’s easy to test your pH. Purchase pH test strips at most health food stores and test your saliva and urine first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Since we are 70% water, one of the easier ways to start to balance your pH is by drinking oxygenated alkaline water. Almost all bottled water is already acidic. After much research about 8 years ago, (and some personal health challenges that weren’t being addressed in the medical arena), we purchased a machine that oxygenates the water. Alkaline water is available for sale at Simply Health for $1.00 a gallon. Bring your own container, or we have containers for purchase. We also have machines for your home as well. This is just one major step
you can take towards improving your health! Why don’t we hear more about this from our medical industry? The BIGGEST carrot I believe to balancing your pH is that cancer can’t live in a balanced or slightly alkaline body! You can read more about this from these books if interested: “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water” by F. Batmanghelidgj, M.D “Your not Sick, You’re Thirsty” by F Batmanghelidgj, M.D. At Simply Health we are all about preventative health care and wellness. From our Salt Rooms to our detoxing services. We offer many choices for you to start to improve your health, or keep the great health that you hopefully have. Check out all our services at www.simplyhealth- calm.com or call us at 814-954-7731. We are located at 1760 S. Atherton Street in State College. Join us in December for one of our Spa Specials each priced at $49. Holiday Bliss (90 minutes) 5-10 minutes of our Whole Body Vibration to get your circulation moving, your lymphatics stimulated, and your muscles relaxed. 30 minute Detox Footbath to pull toxins out of the body and identify where the body is releasing the toxins. This naturally stimulating and relaxing session is based on ionization of water and osmosis to draw toxins from the body. 45 minutes in a Himalayan Salt Room in which negative ions are absorbed into the body by breathing the saturated air into the lungs. The salt is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. You will be breathing air that is saturated with 84 minerals and trace elements. Hot Butter Hand Treatment during the 30 minute detox Footbath. This treatment begins with a salt scrub
The Truth Has No Agenda
exfoliation to remove dead cells and open pores before the warm melted butters are drawn into the skin. The hands are then tucked into warm Himalayan salt mitts until butters are delivered deep into skin layers. Stress & Pain Reliever (60 minutes) 5-10 minutes of our Whole Body Vibration to get your circulation moving, your lymphatics stimulated, and your muscles relaxed. 45 minutes in a Himalayan Salt Room in which negative ions are absorbed into the body by breathing the saturated air into the lungs. The salt is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. You will be breathing air that is saturated with 84 minerals and trace elements. XLarge Himalayan Salt Lamp to take home and continue therapy in your home. Himalayan Salt Lamps produce negative ions naturally. These negative ions are known to help alleviate symptoms caused by allergies, sleep disorders, migraine headaches and depression. They also help to eliminate common indoor air pollutants such as dust, mildew, electromagnetic fields from TV’s, computers and other electronic devices OR Large Himalayan Salt Lamp and a 4oz salt scrub to take home Just For Me (45 minutes) 5-10 minutes of our Whole Body Vibration to get your circulation moving, your lymphatics stimulated, and your muscles relaxed. 30 minutes on the Jade Infrared Massage Bed OR 30 minutes on the Amethyst BioMat with the Jewelry Belt. You will wear the Jewelry Belt around your waist, arms, legs or lay it on top of yourself as you lay on the larger Amythest BioMat. Our
“center” is important to our overall health more so than other parts of the body. The belt is excellent to help with digestion, back pain, stomach aches, cramping as well as hundreds of other ailments. Weight loss around the abdomen is something a lot of people have problems with and the Jewelry Belt helps to focus on this problem. Hot Butter Foot Treatment during the 30 minute Jade Infrared Massage or Amythest BioMat session. This treatment begins with a salt scrub exfoliation to remove dead cell and open pores before the warm melted butters are drawn into the skin. The feet are then tucked into warm Himalayan salt mitts until butters are delivered deep into skin layers. 4oz salt scrub, lip balm & salt soap to take home for yourself! Definitely come sit in a Himalayan Salt room for 45 minutes and start to shrink the inflammation (that we all have). It’s great for everyone....children and babies! It’s all natural and the benefits are cumulative. Why not end the year with a step toward better health naturally. Don’t forget, we sell AUTHENTIC salt lamps (don’t be fooled by some on the market that aren’t), soaps, scrubs, inhalers, bath salts, and many other gift ideas. Not sure what to buy....a gift certificate is the perfect gift! Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring you much health! a
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The Valley, December 2015
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces�
The Valley, December 2015
PENNSYLVANIA PROUD Builders across Northwest Pennsylvania are showcasing their construction skills with more energy efficient homes. The Keystone State is built on innovation. Look no further than the advanced energy efficient techniques that are saving homeowners 30 percent or more on their energy bills. Builders of high-quality homes benefit through the Pennsylvania Energy Efficient New Homes Program. Eligible builders can receive thousands of dollars in financial incentives. To receive incentives for innovative home building practices, visit BuildersSaveEnergy.com
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The Valley, December 2015
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And Now For Some Music That’s a Little Different Millheim has more music opportunities than you can shake a stick at. The Elk Creek Café and Aleworks usually has a couple of performances every week, and the Bremen Town Ballroom, one block down the street, has
music (and sometimes dance) on a regular basis. The first weekend in December is Merry Millheim, and there a several music performances to choose from, including some that are out of usual genres. On Friday evening, December 4, the Green Drake Gallery will have informal acoustic music and refreshments starting at 7 p.m. as part of an Open House to show off their huge selection of arts and crafts available for gift-giving. Then, at 9 p.m., the UpTexas Chapel (117 North Trombonist and Composer Jay Vonada will perform Street) will feature at the Green Drake on Friday December 11th. The Songs of Emmet
to put the proceeds toward scholarship opportunities for her summer harp workshop. At 8 p.m., the Elk Creek Café, right Harpist Anne Sullivan will perform at the Green Drake on Satur- across day evening December 5th at 7pm the street, Otter’s Jugband Christmas. will feature neo-hillbillies Frog Then, on Saturday evening Holler. Tickets are available at at 7 p.m., the Green Drake will http://www.elkcreekcafe.com/. again present professional harpist Anne Sullivan for a Holiday Harp Concert, this time accompanied by two of her harp students. Anne always gives a beautiful harp concert, and the acoustics of the Green Drake stage are perfect for this kind of music. The harp concert is $10, and Anne plans
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”
Finally, the next weekend, on Friday, December 11, the Jay Vonada Trio will present a jazz concert at the Green Drake, led by professional trombonist and composer Jay Vonada. This great concert will be followed at 8 p.m. by the monthly Poetry Night. Poetry Night is normally on 4th Fridays, but has been moved because of the Christmas holiday. This month’s poetry will focus on Holiday Haikus, and all are invited to bring something to share if you like. Both events are free with donations encouraged! We invite you to spend some time in Millheim over the next few weeks. It’s a small town with a big presence! a
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The Valley, December 2015 his lifetime! This book will teach you that it is never too late to start over...it is a grand adventure story!
Mail Pouch Books by Carleen B. Grossman HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you all! I hope you have some reading time during this busy and festive season. If you are wondering what might be enjoyable to read, I have provided 3 special books for your pleasure. THE HIRED GIRL By Laura Amy Schlitz Copyright September 2015 387 pages What a fantastic book to read! The book takes place in 1911 and is about a 14 year old girl who lives with her father and brothers on a poor man’s farm in Pennsylvania! Their work NEVER ends and she is “slave labor” to them. Her only solace is a diary and a few keepsakes that her Mother left her upon her death. The girl has high aspirations for education and culture within her life in spite of the tragic situation in which she lives. This book is filled with facts and humor (even with the horrifying conditions that the characters live). The book explores femi-
nism of the times, religion and literature as the young girl has an excellent foundation in literature. But as a “big, ugly ox of a girl,” she is condemned to a life of drudgery on a hard scrabble farm, and greatly unappreciated. Thus, she runs away from home to become, as the title states, THE HIRED GIRL. She ends up in Baltimore and luckily is taken in by a prosperous Jewish family, and the real story of her education and personal growth
begins! She encounters a number of conflicts. The ultimate results are happy ones and she learns from each event. THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED By Jonas Jonasson Copyright 2009 400 pages
In this non-fiction book, the author, a young journalist, meets the medical doctor who did the autopsy on Albert Einstein in 1955 and who removed the brain and took it home with him where he kept it for over forty years! This author becomes friends with
This novel was both funny and educational! Its premise is about a man who is turning 100 years old in a nursing home. All the things he dislikes about the nursing home are the things that we have all contemplated about such facilities.... he just plainly wants more control over his life! Thus, he escapes out the window to take a journey filled, literally, with adventures and memories of
Ed’s Railroading News by Ed Forsythe
Woo-Woo-Woooooo, It’s finally here again. Christmas season, that special time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, my personal savior. Who else could have preached love to all, survived dying on a cross and still be living for more than 2000 years? How does this tie into trains and railroading? Well you can thank Mr. Joshua “Lionel” Cowen for this tie in. Shortly after Mr. Cowen started his toy train venture, he tied trains under the Christmas tree with the Christmas season and a new tradition was started. So along those lines I say, “Enjoy your train, but please remember the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ.’’ Along these lines is the fantastic project called, “Shining Light Through the Darkness” being held at Kish Park beginning and continuing nightly December 5th from 5:00 to 10:00. This
DRIVING MR. ALBERT: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain! By Michael Paterniti Copyright 2000 207 pages
the, now, 84 year-old doctor and the two of them set out from New Jersey in a Buick Skylark to transport the brain to California where Einstein’s granddaughter awaits to become a part of this story! This book is part travelogue (good descriptions of traveling Interstates and back roads of the U.S); it’s part memoir and history and biography! This is a unique and often quirky road trip. You will travel with the two men, one young and one old, and Einstein’s brain! You will also discover how the FBI has a small part in this doctor’s life. The author writes the song of America and sings how we live, hope, believe, and how we make a home. a
is a really great walking tour of the park, with Christmas lights, lighting the way all through the park. For those who may need a ride, there are carts available and on select nights there will be free carriage rides also. Everything is FREE to enjoy including food, entertainment, a beautiful Victorian village and a toy train layout. For anyone wishing to assist with this project, there are always ways to volunteer even though the event has already begun. So just let someone at the park know, and we will find somewhere to add your services. Another good way to enjoy trains is to attend the Mifflin County Model Railroad Club Open Houses that are in progress now. As you read this new edition of The Valley, our club’s Open House dates are December 3 & 4 from 5:00 to 9:00, in conjunction with the Ice Festival in downtown Lewistown, December 5th, from
10:00 to 3:00, with the Christmas parade beginning at 1:00, and December 6, 12, 13, and 27, from 1:00 to 4:00. These events are FREE, but we would appreciate donations to help us offset our yearly expenses of rent, equipment purchases, etc. The club is located at 3 West Monument Square, Lewistown. For more information, you can contact me at 717 248 4862 or at ed@edstrainstore.com. Speaking of edstrainstore. com, Cathy and I wish to say again “THANK YOU” to all who helped us get through this past year after all the problems that came to us from the burglary back in February. Ed’s Train Repairs and Sales is back up and running full speed, or at least as fast as we can go at our age. The old legs and hands don’t seem to want to move as fast or for as long a time as they once did, but we are still at it serving all who need repairs and service or for those who need additional track, cars or accessories to go with their present trains. We also provide a good selection of new train sets in Lionel, MTH and Bachmann “O”, “HO” “N”, or “G” gauge. Some of the more popular Lionel trains lately have
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been the POLAR EXPRESS, and we have many to choose from. There’s always something for everyone to have fun with under the Christmas tree or to add to your present layout. Ed’s Trains is open 10 to 8 Monday through Saturday beginning December 7th
until Christmas. OK-OK, enough advertisements. We wish all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a really great and prosperous 2016. Happy Railroading to all, Ed & Cathy a
Alpaca Wool Socks from page 31
products that are making your clothes more flammable and less breathable. They are coating your clothes and dryer with chemicals and petroleum. An average box of dryer sheets range from $3-$6 for a 50 load box compared to 1 dryer ball at a cost for $7 and is good for several years. See Dutch Pantry Gifts Ad on page 27. Stop by Dutch Pantry Gifts and see the great selection of Alpaca items.a
Dryer Balls. Hand felted in Pennsylvania, Dryer balls are a natural green alternative to dryer sheets. Made from hypo-allergenic alpaca wool, dryer balls have no dyes, dry clothes faster, and reduce static and wrinkling while softening. Dryer sheets and fabric softener are petroleum based
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
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The Valley, December 2015
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces�
The Valley, December 2015
The Truth Has No Agenda
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The Valley, December 2015
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Fifth Annual Merry Millheim Launches the Holiday Season, December 4-5, 2015 Buy local and join the Millheim Business Community on December 4 & 5, for “Merry Millheim,” an event-filled weekend celebrating the renaissance of one of the most interesting small towns in Central Pennsylvania. In its 5th annual holiday celebration, “Merry Millheim” returns with even more shopping, live music, and children’s activities. Support the Penns Valley Community Action Center Merry Millheim and its many events are working this year to benefit the Penns Valley Community Action Center, which is struggling to keep its doors open in the face of budget crisis in Harrisburg. Known locally as “Millheim Outreach, the Center supports many families with both food and clothing, and is a vital piece of the community’s infrastructure. Many local business members will be donating 5% of the weekend’s proceeds to keeping the Community Action Center open.
Shop Locally, Buy Unique Millheim is home to a de-
lightful and diverse set of independent, local retail shops where you can find all the gifts on your Christmas list. Be sure to visit Penns Valley Jewelers and Cottage Rose Gifts, Lizzie Belle’s, Hosterman & Stover’s Hardware and Variety Store, Millheim Small Engine, The Green Drake Gallery & Arts Center, and Burkholder’s Market. Many of these retailers will have extended hours and holiday sales during the Merry Millheim weekend. Bremen Town Ballroom (formerly Brownie’s Tavern) hosts its 5th Annual Handmade Holiday Market featuring local and independent artisans specializing in jewelry, glass, paper, and wood arts that make unique gifts. On Saturday, the market will be joined by farmers market vendors as well. The Handmade Holiday market takes place on Friday 5-9pm and again on Saturday from 10am-4pm. Hark! Sing! Dance! Live music and other holiday entertainment abound as usual this Merry Millheim!
Friday night, the 4th, the Green Drake Art Gallery will sponsor a Special Art Opening & Reception from 7-9. The Songs of Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas will be then be featured at UpTexas Chapel (117 North St) starting at 9:00 p.m. Saturday from 10am-1pm, the Millheim Hotel will have Christmas Carols & Holiday Music with a Live Nativity (as part of Christmas in Millheim). Saturday night, the Green Drake Art Gallery has harpist Anne Sullivan returning for one of her superb annual holiday concerts. Seating is limited, and tickets are $10, so stop by earlier in the day and pick them up. The show will start at 7:00 Later Saturday night, Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks has Frog Holler; “Neo-hillbillies with a twist, Frog Holler plays mountain blues and country as accessible and modern as the most hummable pop” — The Washington Post. Show starts at 8:00, $12 advance, $16 at the door.
Bring the Whole Family to Play Millheim is the family-friendly place to be this holiday season, located in the heart of Penns Valley. We take special pride in providing lots of Merry Millheim hands-on activities for children of all ages. The Inglebean Coffee House will have special evening hours Friday night, and tasty treats all day Saturday. Friday night from 5-8 • Reliable Propane & Heating Oil Delivery pm, and Saturday from 12-8 pm, • Budget Payment Plan Call today the Millheim to learn about our • 24/7 Emergency Service Theatre is holding its 2nd Annual NE w CustOmER • Heating Equipment Service Plans Festival of Trees: sPECiAls! • Safety Trained Professionals the Three Kings. This year featur• Over 80 Years Experience ing wreaths for sale decorated by the many nonprofits of Penns Valley. AdditionOur Business is Customer Satisfaction ally, Boy Scout Troop 88 will have its Corn 717-248-5476 • 1-800-PROPANE (776-7263) Chowder Soup Sale at the same
Expect More from Your Fuel Supplier!
times. Children can meet Santa at the Bryant & Catorna Law Offices, Saturday from 10am-1pm as part of Christmas in Millheim. The Green Drake Gallery will have a kids’ Holiday Crafts station open to children and families on Saturday from 12am-2pm. . Hosterman & Stover Hardware Store will have Santa’s Workshop on Saturday from 1-3pm -- Christmas arts & Crafts for all ages. And St. John’s Lutheran Church will have a Cookie Walk to benefit St. John’s Playground from 10am4pm that day. After the event, stay overnight in nearby Rebersburg at the picturesque Centre Mills B & B, offering 10% off! Merry Millheim is hosted by the Millheim Business Community (MBC), a non-profit organization that works to foster healthy economic and cultural development of Millheim and the Penns Valley region through community cooperation, entrepreneurial innovation, and local governance. There is plenty of parking for this weekend. Please check the Facebook page, and our website for updates on the complete event schedule and the participating businesses. Schedules and maps will be available at merchants throughout town. Complete Event & Special Sale Schedule Friday December 4th 5-8pm- 2nd Annual Festival of Trees: The 3 Kings, Boy Scout
Local Gift Giving from page 9 I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Simply Health Salt Spa (ad on p. 23), which houses the Himalayan Salt Cave (remember when it was in Mifflin County?) Simply Health now includes many smaller salt rooms and has new opportunities for health and relaxation that you just must check out. The salt lamps provide a warm, relaxing glow and promote health all year long. Get one for the office, bedroom, or living room. Simply Health offers gift certificates for the salt room or other services for that couple on your list that has everything already. Another favorite is Burnham Hardware and Gifts (ad on p. 29). Yes, they have guy gifts (hardware), but did you know that they also have a full gift shop that appeals mostly to the ladies? Yes, they do! You better get in there before all the good stuff is gone! Yoder’s Tees (ad on p. 13) is the perfect shop to get everything you need from gifts to home to decor. Never been there? What
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces”
Corn Chowder - Millheim Theatre 5-9pm- Handmade Holiday Market- Bremen Town Ballroom 7-9pm- Special Art Opening & Reception - Green Drake Gallery 9pm- Live Music – The Music of Emmet Otter’s Jugband, UpTexas Chapel Choir - UpTexas Chapel Overnight- Centre Mills B & B offering 10% off! - Rebersburg Saturday December 5th 10am-4pm- Handmade Holiday Market and Farmer’s MarketBremen Town Ballroom 10am-4pm- Cookie Walk at St. John’s Lutheran Church & Childhood Center 10am-1pm- Meet Santa! with Christmas in Millheim - Bryant & Catorna Law Offices 10am-1pm- Christmas Carols & Holiday Music w. Live Nativity Millheim Hotel 12-2pm- Holiday Crafts for KidsGreen Drake Gallery and Art Center 12-8pm- 2nd Annual Festival of Trees: The 3 Kings, Boy Scout Corn Chowder- Millheim Theatre 1-3pm- Santa’s Workshop- Christmas Arts and Crafts for all ages, Hosterman and Stovers 7pm- Live Music - Harp ConcertGreen Drake Art Gallery 8pm- Live Music – Frog Holler - Tickets at elkcreekcafe.net- Elk Creek Cafe Overnight- Centre Mills B & B offering 10% off! - Rebersburg Contact: Erin Condo McCracken ecovents@gmail.com 512/576-4831 a are you waiting for? They have handcrafted furniture, vines and greenery, santas, jewelry and oh so much more. Need something for the little ones (or a big one who is a train enthusiast)? Then Ed’s Trains (ad on p. 4) is the place to go. He knows his stuff and can set you up with train pieces, train repair, or a whole train set. Have a health nut on your list, or how about someone who has special health concerns? Then visit Nature’s Harmony (ad on p. 29) near the Waterfront Tavern in Lewistown. Rose will help you find whatever you may be looking for. Olde Thyme Reflections (ad p. 10) next to Asher’s Chocolate in Lewistown—oh such a beautiful place for the person on your list who loves country primitive decor or who you just need an extra special gift for. Staci and Jayne are great! Be sure to peruse all the ads in the paper. There is a gift for everyone, from restaurant certificates to orchestra tickets! a
The Valley, December 2015
calf. The gathered band at center foot holds the sock in its place. They feel thick to the touch, but yet they are light and breathable. The inside in the foot, the arthritis sufferer THE PERUVIAN LINK AT resembles terry cloth. DUTCH PANTRY GIFTS feels more aches and pains. FEATURES Alpaca fibers are especially Something Special for * Plush Comfort yet good for making warm socks for Hunters. Our ultimate outdoor breathable winter, but they also are great for socks are a huge hit with the local * Alpaca Naturally making cozy summer socks and hunters and people that are outWicks away perspiration athletic socks too. doors in the cold for long periods * Retains warmth even Diabetics know how imof time. These socks are absoportant it is to find a good pair of lutely the ultimate in comfort with when wet * Solid Best Seller Sock socks, and socks using alpaca fitheir super versatility combined for Ladies & Men bers are sometimes made especial- with their super soft texture. The Alpaca socks are ly for diabetics. In fact Peruvian high ribbed cuff extends to midmachine washable and do not require special care. They are ideal for Alpaca scarves are rugged, soft and warm, they also come in enough colors to match any outfit, people who are you can now be warm every day! We now carry a bigger variety allergic of alpaca clothing such as hats, to sheep’s wool. scarves and gloves. Products made If you are a consumer looking from alpaca fiber for good quality alpaca socks, are long lasting, in you will want to check out Dutch fact, a well made Pantry Gifts. They are located at pair of alpaca 15 Commerce Drive, Milroy, Pa, socks will last for next to Best Western. They ship many years. Althroughout the USA, and will ship paca fiber is often internationally if requested. said to be stronger Also available are the Alpaca and longer lasting Dutch Pantry Gifts has all of your Alpaca clothing, shop early for best selection. than most wools. Continued on page 27
The Benefits of Alpaca Wool Socks by Scott Keys
The odds are good you’ve never heard of alpaca fleece before. Indeed, it’s quite possible that you haven’t the faintest idea what on earth an Alpaca even is. So I am writing this story to take some of the mystery out of Alpaca’s and alpaca fleece. An Alpaca is a domesticated species of the South American Camelid. It resembles a Llama in appearance. Alpaca’s are known for their very gentle demeanor. Indeed, Alpaca’s are frequently purchased for pets, as they are very friendly and calm around young children. Today, many ranches/farms in the United States raise Alpacas. These ranches raise the Alpacas for their soft, warm fleece which is sheered off (cut-off) about once a year. No Alpacas are killed or injured in obtaining their fleece. Instead, they simply get a haircut once a year — not so different than normal sheep, which are sheered once a year for their wool. So what makes Alpaca fleece different than normal wool? The softness. Alpaca fleece is significantly softer than normal wool. The best comparison for Alpaca fleece is that it is roughly equivalent in softness and insulating abilities to Merino wool, which is used in Ugg Boots, smart wool socks and other products from New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, Alpaca fleece, similar to Merino wool, does not have the “scratchy” feeling that normal wool has. Similar to other wool, the fleece from Alpacas are very warm — actually warmer than normal sheep wool. The fleece has hollow air-fibers that provide superb insulation — even when wet. Alpaca fleece is a lustrous and silky natural fiber. While similar to sheep’s wool, it is warmer, not prickly, and bears no lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic.
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Link makes some socks especially for sufferers of diabetes. Their Therapeutic Terry Lined socks are doctor approved and said to improve circulation for diabetics. They are made from the soft fibers of baby alpacas. Finding good socks is very important for people who suffer from diabetes because if their circulation is cut off, they could suffer from gangrene. People who suffer from arthritis may also find alpaca socks beneficial to helping relieve the aches and pains in their feet. The socks provide warmth, but are not so tight that they reduce circulation. When circulation is reduced
The ultimate gift to your feet! Warmth and Comfort second to none!
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The Valley, December 2015
“Liberty and Government are Opposing Forces�