The Valley - February 2012

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Serving Mifflin County and the surrounding area.

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

Tomorrow’s Media - A Day Early Volume 3, No. 2

The Valley, February 2012

Complimentary

Mifflin County Meltdown

Mifflin County is about to embark on its 3rd county wide effort to raise awareness of the need for each individual to take responsibility for their own health. What exactly does that mean? Why should one be responsible for their own health? One big reason is because 65-75% of all disease is PREVENTABLE…but we must do what it takes to accomplish that. What can we do? There are four basic things that we need to do and can do quite easily and without much cost. But it does take persistence, intention, motivation and sometimes education.

The Mifflin County Meltdown is here to help you with all four.

We need to exercise, drink lots of good clean water, eat a healthy diet, and control our stress.

The Mifflin County Meltdown will begin its 3rd year on Tuesday Feb 21st at 6:00PM at the beautiful new Mifflin County High School. Meetings will be held every Tuesday evening for 6 weeks from 6-7PM at the Mifflin County High School.

We will kick-off this year’s Meltdown with our featured speaker Abby Rike. Abby is a motivational speaker, educator, and an amazing 2009 “Biggest Loser” success story with appearances on the Today Show, the Ellen Show and Jay Leno. In 2006, Abby was living the life she delighted in: two wonderful children; a loving husband; a job she excelled in. It all added up to one indisputable fact: Abby Rike considered herself one blessed woman! Then one horrific evening, the life she knew and loved ended abruptly when her husband and two children were killed in a car crash. But in May of 2009,

deciding there was more living to as well. age, weight, and other tests will do in this life, Abby embarked on

Feb 28th we will have Tristan be available FREE at the High a very public journey of healing Lawson, Chef-Raystown Resorts, School. Also that evening, there and wellness when she went on He will be doing a presentation will be Open Houses at Curves/ Season 8 of the NBC hit reality on healthy meal preparation. The Simply Health Wellness Center series “The Biggest Loser.” She Recipe that Tristan will be making (including the new Himalayan continues her healthy lifestyle that night is a Vegetable Pasta Salt Cave) in Burnham, Taz Fitand vigor for life and is a living Pomodoro with Whole Wheat ness, and the YMCA. Anyone example that even in your darkest Pasta. Pasta Pomodoro is an may visit these three places to hours, there is always hope. The “easy and light pasta with tomaobserve and learn about their hope she shares in her recentlytoes and garlic. Cooked chicken programs for fitness and wellness. released book, “Working It Out, breast chunks or shrimp can also

March 13th will be Joyce A Journey of Love, Loss, and be added to the sauce for a great Whitford, RD LDN,CDEHope.”

Geisinger Dietition,

At the MeltGeisinger-Lewisdown kickoff, Abtown. Spend an by’s newly released evening with a Regbook will be availistered Dietitian and able to purchase. learn about the basic Cost of the book will principles of healthy be twenty dollars, eating. Her topic: cash and carry. Indi“Quick, Healthy & viduals that purchase Inexpensive Meals the book will also for Busy People (eat receive one FREE in, eat healthy and eat week at CURVES, cheap) a FREE session at

March 20th TAZ Fitness, and be will be an evening of eligible to have their personal testimonies. book autographed by We all like to hear Abby. someone else’s story,

Tickets are on what motivated them, sale NOW for this what helped them to spectacular event. keep it off and how Tickets will be five they did it. Come get dollars and are availsuccessful tips from able at the Juniata local people who may Valley Chamber have had the same of Commerce/Hisstruggles as you have toric Courthouse in but have discovered Lewistown; Curves/ steps to be successMotivational speaker Abby Rike will kick-off this years Meltdown.

Simply Health ful.

Abby is the 2009 Biggest Loser success story.

Wellness Center in

March 27th the Burnham; Corvette topic is Lifestyle America in Milroy; Going Postal main dish!”

Changes…MakingThem and in Lewistown; and TAZ Fitness in

March 6th will be KNOW Keeping Them. Now that you’re Burnham.

YOUR NUMBERS night. Blood on the right path…learn how to

The next five weeks are pressure, Blood sugar, Body stay there and keep on the road to FREE and have amazing speakers Mass index, Body Fat Percentsuccess for ever.

Lighting Brush Fires in People’s Minds

EVERYONE is invited to come hear Abby’s story. There is a cost of $5.00 for the first evening ONLY. All other nights are FREE. Please bring the entire family to hear her amazing return to health and receive the motivation and knowledge that will give your family the ability to jump start your own personal program to better health.

It is not a requirement to attend the Tuesday meetings to be a part of the Meltdown. Each team needs to appoint a captain or someone to report their teams losses for the week. Also, many things besides weight loss are accomplished during the Meltdown.

Many people see their blood pressure improve, the cholesterol come down, their stress level reduced, learn how to get more energy, and so many other health benefits. But weight is the one thing that is easy to measure so for the sake of a “contest”…that will be what we measure.

Interested participants are asked to form teams of approx five people (can be more or less but not more than 15), who are interested in improving their health.

The teams can consist of friends, family members, co-workers or members of community organizations. If you do not have a team, come the first night and you will be matched up with others looking for a team. Participants must be 18 years or older. Please check with your doctor before taking on any exercise program.

Please try and register your team before Feb 21st. You may still sign up that night but the 21st is our official kick-off date and night for beginning weights. For

Continued on page 16

The Valley, February 2012

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In this Issue Woods, Water and Wildlife --Wayne Stottlar Roads Less Traveled --Lynn Persing Understanding the Constitution --Dave Molek Thots on... --Lydia Adventures on Our Nourishing Journey --Sue Burns Grosze Thal Nachbaren --Jeptha I. Yoder Looking Out My Back Door --Mary Anna Chenoweth Julie Mac’s, Wisdom from the Kitchen, Home and Garden --Julie MacConnell Modern Energy and Alternative Heating --Curt Bierly Recipes, Crafts and Gift Ideas --Debra Kulp Memories of a Dairy Princess --Macy Fisher Home-Grown --Mary Eck The Chicken AND the Egg! --Mike Flanagan Contentment Quest --Joanne Wills Stand up men of Valor --Sarah Hurlburt Jared’s thought’s from the Bunker --Jared Kauffman The Horse Scoop --Traci Hanna Yoder

Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar

You sure can tell it is February around here. The seed catalogs are strewn all over the house and subconcious thoughts are already months ahead of the calender planning this year’s gardens. It is always around this time of year that I get the itch to get my hands into the dirt and start something growing. Perhaps this is a long forgotten need that goes back to times when planning ahead was a necessity rather than just an admirable trait.

A few years ago, I gave into this urge, and got almost everything started in the first couple weeks of February. There were plants occupying every possible flat surface where they could be both warm and get light. This of course led to a LOT of extra effort to keep those plants needs fufilled while waiting for the outside temperatures to cooperate. In short, I was about a month too early in my planting and it cost me a lot of extra effort for very little actual gain.

Last year I set out to remedy that, and I surely did, in fact, I ended up waiting too long and then other chores occupied me when I needed to be planting. This year I will get it right...maybe.

At any rate, I know I am planting more potatoes, less carrots, about the same for tomatoes, and whatever else strikes my fancy.

A quick check of the pantry to see what’s left of the canned goods will finish out the list. I am no longer going to baby certain species when I could grow loads of another crop without much trouble. I think right now, the name of the game is grow what grows easily and abundantly and then preserve as much of the crop as you can. Either by canning, dehydrating or freezing. Just remember, once veggies are canned or dehydrated, they need no other power source to keep them in tiptop shape.

New this month in The Valley please help us welcome Kevin Morgan who contributes twice this month. First as part of a new column brought to us by Community Partnerships R C & D who will contribute with “Our Environment, Our Culture” and will feature several writers from the organization. Kevin leads off with “The Buzz about Food” this month, dealing with our native pollinators and their importance.

Kevin also will stay on each month from here on out with his own column, Home Brew U, adventures in homebrewing. Kevin’s column will be informative as well as fun on a subject most self-reliant folks would like to be able to master, if not for personal consumption, possibly for use in bartering in a worst case scenario

dealing with our fragile economy and potential disruption or collapse. Join Kevin each month and maybe you can try to craft your own special brew.

Dave Wilson also starts his regular column this month with a very timely subject, “When is the right time to sell?” Dave’s wisdom and honesty will help folks who are listening avoid potential pitfalls in the coin, jewelry, or precious metal business.

Be sure to check out our website as we add a “writers Bio” page where you can find out more about your favorite writer for The Valley and in some cases even converse directly via e-mail. Also visit our page titled “Where can I get The Valley.” If your favorite store isn’t listed, and they would like to carry The Valley, just drop us an email and we will make every effort to get them supplied.

While you are there, if you own a business, and would like to get your word out without having to take a mortgage to do it, check out our VERY impressive ad rates.

Once you recover from the shock, give us a call. We always enjoy welcoming new folks to our family of neighbors. Our readers are some of the most loyal anywhere, our advertisers tell us that the readers are supporting them and that is a win for everyone, GO YOU!

Poor Will’s Valley Almanack --Bill Felker Life in the East End --Rebecca Harrop Mail Pouch Books --Carleen B Grossman

It isn’t often a new business comes to town that they remember to thank their new customers. Billy’s BBQ is breaking that perception. Doing business in the old fashioned mode of customer service and superior product, they have taken the valley by storm.

Family Food, Cooked Slow and Served Fast is who they are. Spotlessly clean, bright and cheery—a trip to Billy’s will be the start of something new for you and your family. Check out his fantastic menu on the first section back cover, and then call and place an order. The tip of the day is...don’t be afraid to try the catfish, WOW! Finally an alternative to burgers, now all we need is a GOOD Authentic Mexican Restaurant and we will be all set.

You would think someone involved with such things for the city or county would be enticing people running profitable restaurants elsewhere to come to this area. With all of the empty space, a tax break for someone like El Rodeo in Harrisburg to bring a location to this area, might be a good idea if one were looking for economic development for the area. Isn’t there people being paid from our tax dollars that are supposed to be doing that? Are they doing their job? Are they competent? Inquiring minds want to know. Alrighty then, new seed catalogs just arrived....Later! a

Contact Info

Back Talk --Dr. Joseph Kauffman

Editor/Publisher Wayne Stottlar

2012 A Perspective --Pastor Pat Roller

Ad Designer/Co-Publisher Lynn Persing

Coins, Precious Metal --Dave Wilson

Associate Editor Colleen Swetland

Splitting Hares --Julianne Cahill

The Valley PO Box 41 Yeagertown, PA 17099 (717) 363-1550

Walking on the Wild Side --Julie Shultz Smith Model Railroading News --Ed Forsythe

E-mail: thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com Web: www.thevalleynewspaper.com

Home Brew U --Kevin Morgan

©The Valley. All Rights Reserved.

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The Valley, February 2012

Thanks Ya’ll!!!

Billy’s BBQ has been open for just over three months and we have had a great time serving our authentic southern BBQ to much of Mifflin County and the surrounding areas. “Thank You” may be a bit of an understatement, but the response has been overwhelming and much appreciated.

Our followers on Facebook have had so many good things to say about the food, the service, and the atmosphere that we begin to blush just thinkin’ about it!

So what is the fuss all about, you ask? If you have not been yet, what are you waiting for?

For starters, food is available for take-out or dine in, and our dining room could not be more inviting and is most definitely kid-friendly.

You can be sure to be greeted by a friendly, hospitable guy or gal dressed in the most eye catching red hat and shirt, with a smiling pig on ‘em, of course. Plus, you get to enjoy the HUGE 18-foot mural done by a local artist. You will get a kick out of discovering something new on it every time you visit. Did we mention the aroma? Mmmm…warm smoky yumminess fills the air from the moment you walk in. So what to order? Of course there is pork BBQ, smoked and seasoned, and served with your choice of homemade sauces. Speaking of homemade, all the sauces, rubs, sides, even desserts are made from

scratch! And there is beef brisket and fried catfish. This is truly southern style food crafted by Billy himself who was raised in Louisiana. The most recent addition to the menu is smoked, fried, sauced, and then baked wings!!!

Just in time for a little football or race gathering perhaps?!

Also available are some delicious side dishes and desserts made right here in our kitchen.

There is the outstanding “cheesy corn,” scrumptious, creamy coleslaw, and to-die-for hushpuppies.

Finally, to finish off the southern experience, there is banana pudding or a peach pocket a la mode!

YUM! For a tantalizing look at the complete menu, check us out on line at billysbbq.com. If you have any questions, or want us to be extra speedy with your order, call ahead at (717) 6671111. Otherwise, your wait might be five minutes; ten minutes for wings.

From all of us at Billy’s BBQ, thanks again for the amazing support and all the hungry bellies to feed! And if you have not come in to check us out, don’t worry, we won’t bite! There are free tastes and lots of free smiles to make you feel at home. Come any day, 11 am to 8 pm, Sundays, 12 pm – 6 pm. See ya soon! a Billy’s BBQ ~~ Family Food ~~ Cooked Slow ~~ Served Fast

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 – Transitioning to Organic Vegetable Production Workshop Village Acres Farms, 229 Cuba Mills Road, Mifflintown, PA 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Many producers in the Central PA region have been requesting information about transitioning to organic vegetable production. This workshop answers the basic questions about how transition begins and outlines the best practices for successful production and marketing. The farming staff at Village Acres will share their organic production story while conservation, soil biology, natural resources, marketing and other topic speakers will offer the latest research and information on organic operations and technical and financial assistance.

You will also learn how to create natural pollinator habitats to benefit your crops and overall production outcomes. Cost of the workshop is $10 which includes a local foods lunch and workshop materials. Attendance is limited to first 30 paid registrations. Request a brochure at workshops@cpartnerships.com or by phone message at 717-248-4901 Ext. 303. Sponsored by Community Partnerships RC&D, PA Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) and Pennsylvania Women in Agriculture Network (PAWAgN).

Be A Superhero for a Cancer Patient

Real superheroes are not measured by the strength of their arm, but by the strength of their heart. Become a superhero to a cancer patient by being an American Cancer Society Road to Recovery or Daffodil Days driver.

The Road to Recovery program provides free volunteer transportation for cancer patients to and from their cancer treatments. Drivers are an important part of a patient’s recovery, providing moral support and a sympathetic ear.

There will be a Road to Recovery® training on Feb. 8, at 2 p.m., at the American Cancer Society Office on S Logan Blvd in Burnham. This training is open to volunteers in Mifflin, Juniata, and Huntingdon Counties. Please call 800-227-2345 to register for the training or for more information.

The Daffodil Days program is your chance to help fight back against cancer by volunteering to deliver pre-ordered daffodils to your community members the week of March 19th – 23rd, 2012. The Daffodil Days program is about more than just giving beautiful flowers - it is everyone’s opportunity to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays, where cancer never steals another year from anyone’s life. If you are interested in being a Daffodil Days driver, please call 888-227-5445 or 814-234-1023 to learn more information.

Volunteers can be retirees, students, homemakers, or someone with some time to spare. The main requirements are the desire to help others and to meet people.

Interested volunteers can call the American Cancer Society at 888-227-5445 for more information. Cancer patients interested in Road to Recovery should call 800-227-2345 for more information. a

2012 A Perspective from page 6

Roads Less Traveled continued from page 12

Only the father know “ when the world that we know will end.

Tim McGraw sings a country song that instructs us to live as if we are going to die. Being a disciple of Christ means we can live our lives to the fullest. We can love one another with a love beyond the understanding of this world. We can experience peace that makes no sense in a world at war. We can find joy even in the midst of pain and suffering.

We can give up the worry and concerns about tomorrow and rest in the love and care of God. Living in Christ means we leave the condition of the world and the future to God who is more capable of handling all the problems, predictions and actual events than we are. A Southern gospel songs sums life in Christ up by saysing, “I don’t know about tomorrow...but I know who holds my hand. a

the stress and grief that JoePa was obviously enduring as a result of everything that had happened over the last few months.

So then came the news of Joe’s passing, and once again the Penn State community and all who followed Penn State football, grieved. More somber days at Penn State.

I started this story with a

quote, and I think Joe Paterno embodies that quote. JoePa gave his life to something bigger than himself. He gave his life to college football, Penn State the institution, and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. I think Phil Knight, chairman of Nike, put it best during Joe Paterno’s memorial service when he said, “Who’s going to be my hero now?” Many of us at Penn State are wondering the same... a

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The Valley, February 2012

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Adventures in Homesteading One family’s journey from the city and modern living back to the land and self-reliance.

by Dave and Ginger Striker

A continuing series.

Projects and more Projects

Now that we are through the holidays and spring is nearly upon us (at least here in the South) the proverbial list of projects is becoming more and more the center of attention. Some days I have a creeping feeling of anxiety when I look around at all of the started projects, planned projects, and of course, unplanned projects that need to be addressed immediately.

I suspect no matter your current situation, regardless if you live in the middle of an urban metropolis or rural countryside, that this holds true; however, the projects are naturally different. For example, let me share a little that is on our list. We are currently in the middle of building a perimeter fence. Fortunately the neighbors to our south and east already have fencing in place, so we only have approximately 3,000 feet of fence to complete. We have a mostly completed kitchen pantry that is

in need of some finishing touches.

We have railing and stairs that need to be built on the deck we constructed last summer. We are planning a large barn project to help house the many things we wish to keep out of the weather.

We will be drilling a new well for our hand pump as a backup water supply, which leads in to over a half mile of trenches to dig for water line and power conduit.

We need a new metal roof for our home and the list goes on and on!

I guess the point I am trying to make is there is no such thing as a homestead without projects.

There likely will never be a day when I can drink a cold beverage on the back deck looking out upon our farm without projects to complete or ponder. Ironically, I honestly hope a day like that never comes. Needless to say, the biggest struggle we have is of course deciding which project

we will focus our time on. Often enough there are many small projects that may only take a day or two to complete, but it is all of the unexpected tasks that seem to clog the works. Since we move many of our animals in small rotating paddock areas using electrical fencing, we are in desperate need of adding more water spigots so we can eliminate the thousands of feet of hose running all about, especially as we start pressing our herds further away from our home.

When trying to prioritize our projects, often times we have to resist the urge to do what we rather do given a choice verses going with what will either save the most time, money, or headache. For example, I am not at all looking forward to re-roofing our home with a white metal roof, BUT I know for a fact that it combined with radiant reflect-

ing sheeting, will significantly reduce the effects of the summer heat in our home, which will likely translate in to real savings.

I suspect we will pay for the roof in just 4 years of energy savings, if not sooner. We used white metal roofing on our back deck and I was amazed at how well it reflects heat. On 100+ degree days I could still place and hold the palm of my hand directly on the metal roof without significant discomfort.

Additional money saving projects include replacing our appliances with LP gas versus electric for several reasons. Since we have an eventual goal of going off grid, obviously converting to gas appliances is important. Additionally, I like the shelf life of LP gas in general especially when powering devices like generators to augment solar and battery systems.

Naturally, this goal is quite a ways off and doesn’t meet our more

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pressing and immediate needs, but it’s on the list nonetheless.

At the end of the day we have to decide which project is more pressing and will best aid our overall goals. Of course there is the caveat of whether or not it is something we can budget assuming it requires money to purchase materials, equipment, or hire man power. This may seem very straight forward, but I can assure you that when you and your spouse are trying to make these decisions, you will not always see eye-to-eye. But, it is important that you explain your reasons and ultimately make the final decision together.

In upcoming columns I will definitely share many of these projects with you. I will always make the disclaimer I am no expert, but like in everything in life there is always more than one approach; however, I will gladly share our triumphs and failures for your benefit. As I mentioned earlier we are currently working on our fence, but have already had many delays and other issues take priority. Such is life on our homestead and from our point of view often times this is what keeps it interesting and exciting. Once you learn to embrace and profit from the unplanned, you will find much fulfillment.

Until next time, Dave & Ginger and Family a

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The Valley, February 2012

Looking out my Back Door Life on my Mifflin County Homestead

by Mary Anna Chenoweth

Beyond Sustainable Agriculture: What’s in Your Closet?

Part One

“Three slender things that best support the world: the slender stream of milk from a cows udder to the pail, the slender blade of green grain on the ground, the slender thread over the hand of a skilled woman.”

From the ‘Irish Triads’ found scattered throughout ancient Irish manuscripts

Okay folks, here’s your popquiz for the month of February.

How many of you know how to knit?

Now hold on. If any of you are thinking of sneaking out to the next article you may want to hold up a bit; and no eye rolling, ‘cause you’re just going to make yourselves dizzy and you might miss something that could turn out to prove useful.

After all, this is a legitimate

question. When we make a commitment to living well and lightly on the earth, when we strive for abundance without negatively impacting the environment and our pocket books, we obviously have to think about more than just what we eat and where we get it.

For most of us, clothing is a close second to food when it comes to potential environmental impact and monetary outlay. For some, it may even top the list, so please read on.

It’s also a simple question: do you know how to knit? If the answer is yes then, by all means, skip on if you like and enjoy the rest of this months paper! If the answer is no, the next question is why not? Barring physical challenges that would preclude the use of your hands, (and knitting, by the way, is good exercise for keeping the hands and mind sup-

ple as we age gracefully) this most simple of life skills should be in everyone’s bag of survival tricks.

Lack of interest is no excuse for inability, it just means you learn the necessary minimum; few of us WANT to change car tires, but we learn HOW to do it just in case we ever NEED to do it. One’s gender has nothing to do with it, either, so don’t even go there. Self sufficiency and a sense of frugality need to encompass most, if not all, aspects of our lives. So this month we’ll begin to take a look at how local, homemade clothing might fit into our local, homegrown lifestyles.

Please keep in mind that this is not an article about how to knit, but rather one that gives a quick overview of what knitting involves and why you should give some serious consideration to learning the craft.

To begin with, why start

Just a few low cost implements and some practice, and you too can make beautiful sweaters like this.

with knitting? Why not sewing or weaving? Why not spinning, for that matter? The yarn has to come from somewhere, right?

Three reasons.

One: just about everyone, even people who have never made a thing in their lives, probably knows someone within their ‘comfort zone’ (and yes, it’s usually some other female connection) who knits, so it is a relatively familiar skill to most of us - not true of weaving or spinning which are crafts often, and MISTAKENLY, considered ‘lost arts’ by the average person.

Two: knitting is a fairly inexpensive craft to take up - thirty dollars will purchase a decent set of needles and a skein or two of

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good yarn. Yes, a needle, thread and a bit of cloth may be cheaper than that, but few are willing to tackle sewing without a machine and even a treadle model costs at least several hundred dollars.

Spinning wheels start out around four hundred dollars and looms around seven hundred, so you see the point.

Three: simple knitting projects, usually scarves, can be VERY easy to do and VERY quick to finish. This is a good thing with young, beginning knitters since it will encourage them to develop the desire, concentration and patience for the next

Continued on page 14

The Valley, February 2012

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Thots on...Genesis

A Bible Study for the Lay Christian

by Lydia

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

Genesis 12.1-3

The LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.

“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Abram was descended from Noah’s son, Shem. We can read the genealogy in chapter 11, which ends with, “Terah was 70 years old when he begot Abram, Nahor and Haran.” [Genesis 11.26 NEB] Abram, too, was a triplet, an interesting fact but not especially significant, except perhaps to illustrate God’s grace. As triplets, Abram and his brothers would have had the same upbringing and the same opportunities.

Haran died sometime after the birth of Lot. (The Scripture isn’t more specific than that.) Nahor married and settled in Ur. Abram, his wife Sarai and nephew Lot accompanied Abram’s father when he set out for Canaan. However,

they never arrived at their destination, for they stopped at a place called Haran and settled there.

[Genesis 11.31]

Abram was 75 years old [Genesis 12.4] when God called him to leave his country, to leave all that he knew, all that was familiar to him, and to travel to a place that God would show him.

Abram did not question God, but packed up his household and, with his wife and his nephew Lot, hit the road with no specific destination in mind. He knew only that God had commanded him to leave and that he needed to obey.

Why did Abram take along his nephew Lot? Lot’s father had died in Ur and when the rest of the family set out for Canaan, his uncle Nahor had stayed behind.

Lot’s grandfather, Abram’s father, had died in Haran. Therefore, Abram would have been Lot’s only living relative and it would have been natural for Abram to include him in his plans.

God commanded Abram to go, but he didn’t tell him where or why. When God tells us to do something, he doesn’t always tell us the reason why, and who are we to demand an explanation from our Creator?! “Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground.

Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’” [Isaiah 45.9] If we love and trust God, we will obey Him. If we have truly

placed our life in God’s hands, then it matters not why God commands us to do a particular thing, it only matters that we obey him!

Attached to Abram’s obedience were several promises. God told Abram that he would make of his descendants a great nation and would make his name great. Now remember that up to now, Abram’s wife, Sarai, had been barren.

However, today, the descendants of Abram are spread over the earth and, throughout the generations, they have managed to maintain a sense of identity that is unique in all the world.

God also told Abram, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.”

[Genesis 12.3] It is important to understand that God’s promises do not have expiration dates, and so this spiritual law still holds true today. Who are Abram’s descendants—his lawful descendants?

The Jewish people. And so God’s law of blessing and cursing applies to the Jewish people and to modern-day Israel.

I think one of the reasons God has been slow to punish this nation for the perversion and moral depravity that afflicts our land today is because, despite the appalling condition of our society, we have supported Israel. If we were to withdraw our support from the descendants of Abraham, I shudder to think of the judgment that might fall upon this nation.

The last part of the promise is that all people on earth will be blessed

2012 A Perspective

by Pastor Pat Roller

With the turn of the calendar to January, 2012, we have been inundated with the usual predictions about what will and will not happen this year. Perhaps the most notable is the prediction of the world ending on December 21, 2012. The Mayans used their calendar wheels to sketch out the time of one lifetime (they didn’t live as long then as we do now) and for time beyond one lifetime they used another set of wheels. that ran 5,126 years. This longterm calendar apparently started in 3114 B.C. That would make

2012 the memorable year when the calendar ran out. So, some would predict that these Mayans who created a calendar they even didn’t understand were also saying that all time would end when their 5,126 year calendar ended.

Others have come out with other predictions that are not quite as dire, but significant but still important. Some who get paid for making predictions have already made their living for the year.. But this year, like every other year, we also have the flurry of anti-prediction predictions.

The basic understanding of these anti-prediction predictions is that even if the Mayan calendar ended in 2012, we are probably misunderstanding their message and probably have the date wrong anyway. These anti-prediction predictions also indicate that everything forecasted is wrong. The rules of logic say that at least a few of these predictions will happen, perhaps not in the manner or timing given.

All of these writings –these predictions--say more about our world, our uncertainty than it says

Rev. Dr. Henry G. Covert

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

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

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

• Ministry to the Incarcerated (ISBN 0-8294-0860-6) International market -paperback • Discovering the Parables: An Inspirational Guide for Everyday Life (ISBN 978-0-313-34962-1 ) International market – hard cover & e-book • Spiritual Reflections: A Journey Through the Scriptures (ISBN 978-0-313-35901-9) International market - hardcover & e-book • Christian Beliefs and Prayers (ISBN 978-0-692-01101-0) International market – paperback, e-book & Amazon Kindle • The Crucifixion of Jesus (ISBN 978-0-9833359-0-0) International market – paperback, e-book & Amazon Kindle • The True Church of Jesus Christ (ISBN 978-0-9833359-4-8) International market – Paperback, e-book & Amazon Kindle Lowest Prices: bookfinder.com, bookfinder4U.com, alldiscountbooks.net, cheapbooks.com, Amazon.com Please Visit: https://sites.google.com/site/christianbooksbyhenrycovert through Abram. How is this possible? How could all people everywhere be blessed through one man? In the fullness of time, the Messiah, the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world, would be born of Abram’s descendants.

So many promises—but they all hinged on one thing: Abram’s willingness to obey God. We have a tendency to lift God’s

blessings and promises out of context and place them on our little “promise cards”. We pray for the blessing but conveniently ignore the condition attached to it.

However, throughout the Bible, we will see that first comes obedience, and then comes blessing. In order to receive these blessings, Abram had to step out in faith and obey God. And so it is with us, for blessing follows obedience. a

about ancient history or ancient civilization’s view of the future.

In 2012, people are concerned about our global economy, high unemployment and elections. We listen to news from around the world and live in fear because of how people treat other people.

Some, looking at the state of national and international politics worry about the breakdown of governments and the coming of anarchy. There is plenty happening in our world to make us take stock and wonder about the condition of our world.

So, even without the Mayan calendar, 2012 promises to be full of uncertainty, fear, and possibly even worry, if we pay attention only to the news and predictions of people. If we live totally in this

world, there is sufficient for us to be concerned about. If we pay attention to these writing, is likely we will find ourselves stockpiling food and fuel and water.

But, we who are disciples of Christ, live in the abundance of the life he promised us. We don’t need to be overly concerned about one event or another happening, or even the end of this world because we are promised a place in heaven…a home in the very presence of God. Living as a disciple of Christ means we don’t need to spend our time and lives worrying about tomorrow. Matthew 24 assures us that “no one knows the day or the hour—not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.

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7

The Valley, February 2012

Adventures on Our Nourishing Journey

by Sue Burns

Eat, Leap, Compete

Happy Leap month! I am sure you have checked your 2012 calendars by now and have discovered we have an “extra” day tacked onto February this year. As you know, this added day is part of our time keeping so that our calendar stays in alignment with the earth’s revolutions around the sun. This way, the seasons of the year remain true to form. That is a good thing.

What will you do to keep yourself in “alignment” on the final day of this month and all year long?

For me, I have decided to use this month as a time to align with you, the readers of The Valley, by expressing my thanks. It appears that my column is provoking thoughts; that is great! It is also great and much appreciated that you take the time to share with me what you think. I am grateful for your comments and feedback.

This alignment between us is very important to me as it helps me stay connected to each of you. An ounce of dialog is always much better than a pound of monologue!

This month I have decided to align to a specific reader. Several weeks ago I received a call from a gentleman. He ask if I would consider addressing the nutritional needs of teen athletes. A great topic I thought, but I must admit I questioned how my advice would compete with the influence of peers and puberty! We all know that teenagers make many more choices for themselves than they did as children. They are not fed, they eat; they are not told in what physical activities to participate, they choose for themselves. At the same time, social pressures are thrown at them. Their interest in nutrition, both valid information and misinformation, comes from personal experience. Most teens are concerned with how their diet can “improve” their lives. I put the words “improve” in quotes because I suggest that some teens engage in fad dieting or eating “junk” foods to fit in with their peers, thus they see

this way of eating as an improvement when in fact it is anything

but. For example, if their friends say drinking water is boring, then soda will prevail. If it is “cool” to skip lunch then that is what they may do, despite feeling foggy in the head all afternoon. Teens like the freedom to come and go as they choose.

Often they eat what they want if it is convenient, tastes great and if they have the time. With a large array of after school, social, and job activities they can easily fall into irregular eating habits. That is a lot of hurdles to overcome!

On average, most teens eat about one third of their meals away from home.

Their nutritional welfare and athletic performance is enhanced or hindered by the choices they make. However the good news

is that teens who frequently eat meals with their families on

average eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains and calcium rich foods. They drink fewer

soft drinks and are less likely to smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. As you can see, families still have powerfully positive influence on their teens so parents and grandparents, do not give up!

Teen Growth and Development

We know that the nutritional needs of teens are not just about their athletic performance; it is about their proper growth too.

I do not need to tell any parent of a teen that their child is growing at a rapid rate. The grocery bill is certainly a prime indication of this fact. Although their weight and muscle mass is distributed differently, teen males on average grow 8 inches or more and gain 45 pounds during adolescence, while females grow 6 inches taller and gain approximately 35 pounds.

Energy and nutrient needs are greater during adolescence than at any other time of life, except pregnancy and lactation. These needs can vary greatly however

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depending upon the teen’s gender, body composition and physical activity. I suspect that teens may be getting the calories they need to maintain weight, yet like the rest of us, they could use a boost in good nutrition.

Energy Needs: Total Calorie Breakdown- One of the first things I talk to my clients about is an overview of their energy needs and their best fuel ratio to keep them running at their best.

No doubt, teen athletes have unique nutrition needs. Because athletes work out more than their less-active peers, they generally need extra calories to fuel both their sports performance and their growth. Depending on how active they are, teen athletes may need anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 total calories per day to meet their energy needs.

Athletes who don’t take in enough calories every day won’t be as fast and as strong as they could be and may not be able to maintain their weight. And keep in mind that extreme calorie restriction could lead to growth problems and other serious health risks for both girls and guys

Of course each student athlete is different too depending on their genetic composition and specific sport in which they participate, but a general rule of thumb regarding their recommended nutrient breakdown includes: 60-70 percent of total calories from carbohydrates, 20-30 percent from healthy fats 12-15 percent from protein.

Carbohydrates and Fats

The main source of energy for all forms of activity are carbohydrates and fats, so it is essential that the teen athlete eat a wide variety of foods that contain both of these nutrients. Examples of carbohydrate rich foods include whole wheat breads, brown rice and pasta, crackers, fruits, potatoes, cooked beans, peas, corn, juice and honey. When it comes to fat consumption, a basic rule

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8

The Valley, February 2012

Julie Mac’s

Wisdom from the Kitchen, Home, and Garden Julie MacConnell

Cooking is for the Dogs

So I’ve entered into the world of making my own dog food. Last month I mentioned my displeasure about the skyrocketing price of commercial dog food. I talked about the fillers and by-products that are in many brands. My dogs who suffer from crazy allergies and skin issues never were fully cured of their ills with any commercial dog food that I had tried.

And I had tried them all.

I must say—I am totally happy with my new venture! My dogs seem much happier too as they are getting two warm meals per day. It’s been a few weeks now and I must say I have noticed some things right away. For those

of you who know the Boxer breed you know that they are known for their...um…flatulence. My fawn boy Bruschi is famous for this.

I have noticed a huge decrease in his “tootieness.” His stomach doesn’t growl the way it used to and his constant trips outside have been cut in half. My eleven year old brindle has been slower in this turn around. But, I have seen positive steps. He has stopped his head shaking—which on several occasions no matter what drops we put in his ears developed a large hematoma on his ear. He finally had to have surgery to repair his ear, which was a scary proposition in a dog that old. He

is still chewing his feet but they are showing signs of improvement. I will say that for both of them their coats have become luxurious—even just a few weeks in. The dry skin seems to be gone too.

I had originally looked for recipes for homemade dog food to can, but I discovered that it was just as easy to make their meals fresh every day. They are very pleased with their new diets, as both of them dance and pace when they know I am making their dinner. Bruschi honks like a Canada goose and Tigger just stares at me with pools of drool puddling at my feet. Good stuff. I am still

doing research on different things I can give them, but I don’t want to get away from what works for them, so for now I am sticking with the three different meals that I have settled into.

The base of their meal is either rice or quick oats. I throw in a doggie vitamin with each meal, as their weight demands two per day. With the base, I include either canned salmon, chicken or ground meat. Even though I drain the well-cooked hamburger, I don’t want to go overboard giving it to them as too much fat can give them fatty liver disease. With the salmon, I don’t dress it as the skin has essential fatty oils, and the soft edible bones are full of calcium.

Next I include some kind of vegetable or fruit. They really like sweet potato, so a lot of times I will mash up a bunch to add to their bowls. I also will add a teaspoon of powdered whey (for more protein) and a teaspoon of flaxseed meal (for their coats).

I then add enough hot water to make a nice tasty mash.

That is basically it. They don’t need anything fancier than that and sometimes too much variety can upset their tummies.

I did find some recipes for dog food online so I thought I would share them with you so that

WWT Answers: 1. The Heisman Trophy 2.

Rutgers over Princeton 3. Studebaker

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you could get ideas. Since this has been a topic of conversation lately, I am finding that a bunch more people that I know are doing the same thing. You can make crunchy type kibble also, but I haven’t gone that route yet.

Here are some of the basic recipes that I have found. I hope you find some inspiration. They are a little fancier than what I have been doing, but they sound yummy enough for people to eat. I am sure your dogs will love them too!

Kit’s Krunchy Kibble Recipe type: Kibble Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 45 mins Total time: 1 hour 5 mins Serves: 20-30

This is my basic kibble recipe. I keep the first 8 cups in a sealed container in the refrigerator and freeze the rest in vacuumsealed food storage bags. With the vacuum-sealed food storage system, you can take out only what you need and then reseal the bag. The kibble will keep in an airtight container for 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

Ingredients 4 cups whole wheat flour 2 cups rye flour

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The Valley, February 2012

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The Valley, February 2012

10

The Horse Scoop

by Traci Hanna Yoder

Life with Dynamite

I am often asked “How is life with Dynamite?” Well it’s Fan-tASS-tic” Hahaha. Once you get a donkey, you can be ASSured you will get a lot of jokes.

If you don’t already know about Dynamite, he is a 3 yr old small fuzzy gray standard donkey.

I am not sure I knew what I was getting into when I decided to bring him home over a year ago.

He was to be a project to help me learn how to heel steers. But Dynamite has become much more than that. He has taken over the place!

Dynamite had not had much

handling when he arrived. Luckily he was small enough to push into the trailer. He was nervous but curious when he arrived. The horses were terrified! Horses that have not been around donkeys tend to be either curious or scared to death of the long eared creatures. Dynamite was not scared of them. He just pushed his way into the herd. That’s what donkeys seemed to like to do; push their way where they want to go whether it’s into the hay feeder, into the barn or into your heart.

I have had horses for years, but a donkey is a little bit differ-

ent. So if you think you want add a donkey to your herd, there are a few things you should know.

Donkeys are herd animals.

They are happiest with a companion, even if that companion is you.

Dynamite is probably more like a dog than a horse. He wants, actually he NEEDS attention. He is smart and learns quickly but he is also stubborn and can be resistant until he knows what you want.

Donkeys don’t seem to forget or forgive very quickly. Therefore you want to be on the good side of your donkey. When they have learned to trust you, they want to please you.

Dynamite displayed much Phone (717) 667-6556 141 Three Cent Lane drama over Toll Free (888) 567-6556 Reedsville, PA 17084 handling his feet and tying when he first arrived. Once I learned that he enjoyed being More than just a feed store rubbed and scratched, that was the key to

handling the ornery lil donkey.

He is just as happy to work for a scratch on his butt as he is for a treat.

Donkeys LOVE food, but donkeys cannot eat a lot of horse feed. Corn, oats, textured feeds or even pellets should be fed with caution to donkeys. Yes they need to eat, but a donkey can be easily overfed and develop a fat neck roll or other fat pockets on their body. Once they get an unattractive fat roll, it’s usually there to stay. Donkeys do best when fed lots of good quality hay.

Since donkeys were originally desert animals they can gain weight easily so even pasture should be regulated. Dynamite LOVES his hay and grass! Since our pasture has been eaten down, Dynamite gets some extra time out in front of the barn. Shhh… don’t let the horses hear that! When Dynamite feels it is time to go out, he starts to stutter or “rev up his hee haw engine”. If he doesn’t get out for some attention, he sounds like he is going to have a seizure. He has also shown this type of “tantrum” when he wants in the arena for a dust bath.

Donkeys love to roll and wallow around in dust and dry sand during warmer weather.

One thing Dynamite does not love is a dog.

He absolutely hates dogs. The

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dogs on the farm have learned to respect him and keep their distance. Donkey hooves can be a deadly weapon against a dog. He does seem to tolerate the cats though. One particularly cat named Spooky was his buddy and he allowed Spooky to crawl on his back to rest on his rump.

However pushy and frustrating he can be when he wants his own way, he is sure to bring a smile to your face when you are around him. Whether it’s picking on the horses, rolling up a dust storm, rolling his eyes and twitching his ears as he revs up to “heee haww” Dynamite is definately the center of attention.

Donkeys usually live longer than horses, and average approximately 30-40 years. So I guess Dynamite is going to be bringing entertainment to my pasture for a long time! I ASS-olutely love my lil donkey! a

11

The Valley, February 2012 Eat, Leap, Compete from page 7 of thumb is to take your body weight and multiple by 0.5 grams per pound or 1.0 for kilograms.

This amount is the minimum you should consume daily. If you are 150 lbs, you should have at least 75 grams of fat each day. Athletes need to remember that fat is necessary for cell growth and for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. It also adds that “yum” factor when it comes to taste and satiety. Stay away from damaged fats like trans fats, but be sure to include real butter, olive oil, nut butters, avacado, seeds and nuts, ground flaxseeds, salmon and full fat dairy products in the diet.

Carbohydrate Loading

If the athlete competes in a long distance endurance sport, (90 minutes or more at a time), it may be helpful to load up on carbohydrates three days prior to the athletic event. This means eating roughly 70 percent of total calories (that may mean 400-700 grams of carbohydrates depending on body weight). The theory behind carb loading is that the muscles become saturated in something called glycogen, which is extra glucose that becomes stored in the muscles. This extra glycogen helps to slow the onset of muscle fatigue during the event. It is recommended that a high carbohydrate meal should be eaten 15 hours prior to competition and a small carbohydrate meal such as orange juice, toast and jelly, should be eaten 3-4 hours before competition. It is also important to replace the glycogen after strenuous workouts by eating a high carbohydrate meal.

What about Protein?

The role of protein is to build and repair tissue. It is not a prime energy source. In order to continue to build and strengthen muscle, athletes do need slightly more protein. Amounts vary depending on the type of exercise. Resistance and strength-training athletes need up to 1.6-1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Endurance athletes should get 1.2-1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight. In order to factor weight in kilograms multiply 0.454 by weight in pounds. For example, a young man at 165 pounds weighs 74.9 kilograms. If he is involved in strength competition such as wrestling, his protein requirement is 127 grams of protein per day. The best sources of protein are from meat, eggs, nuts, milk, cheese, soy, and dried beans.

Protein supplements made up of amino acids may prove to be an added benefit though they are expensive. Keep in mind that there are approximately 7 grams of protein per ounce. That means that a 6 ounce steak has 42 grams of protein and a 4 ounce hamburger has 28 grams.

Don’t Forget Fluids

According to Bruce W. Dixon M.D., director of the Allegheny County Healthy Department., drinking water is just as important as eating proper foods.

Water is essential to controlling body temperature and if it is not replenished after exercising, heat exhaustion can occur. Drinking adequate amounts of water before, during and after an event can easily prevent dehydration. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, muscle cramping, mental confusion and seizures. Dr. Dixon recommends that the athlete should try to drink 16 ounces of water 2 hours prior to the event, 4 ounces of water 10 minutes before the event, and then 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes during the event. The flow of water needs to continue after the event as well.

Sixteen ounces for every pound lost or at least 24 ounces.

What about Sports Drinks?

Since the 1990’s sports drinks have become very trendy. I am not an expert in sports nutrition so I will leave the decision to partake in them up to you yet I do have some information to share about them:

Studies have shown that the loss of electrolytes is not extremely prevalent unless you are sweating profusely for over 60 minutes. Until that time, water is able to replenish what the body loses in sweat.

A 12-ounce bottle of Gatorade Rain contains 75 calories, 21 grams of sugar and 165 milligrams of sodium. A report from the University of California at Berkeley‘s Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Center for Weight and Health warned that students who drink one 20-ounce sports drink every day for a year may gain about 13 pounds.

One thing many people don’t think about while drinking is their teeth. A study done at the University of Iowa shows that the common sports drink, Gatorade, erodes teeth faster than Coke. On the enamel, Gatorade was significantly more corrosive than Red Bull and Coke.

The three main ingredients in sports drinks are water, high fructose corn syrup, and salt.

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

is the number one source of calories in the US. It is the most prevalent sweetener used in foods and beverages today, and has been clearly linked to the rise in obesity and metabolic syndrome.

In addition, a 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade contains approximately 275 milligrams of sodium, almost 12 percent of the recommended daily allowance for people ages 14 to 18. Already, more than 75 percent of children consume more than the recommended 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day, according to the Institute of Medicine.

If you are going to drink a sports drink, remember For extended periods of exercise or for physical exertion lasting 1 hour or more: • Sports drinks containing carbohydrates and electrolytes help prevent dehydration and restore important minerals lost through perspiration, and they produce better hydration than water.

Consider a Natural Sports Drink Alternative

Instead of buying a sports drink made with industrial sodium chloride, refined white sugar, and artificial colors, try this natural recipe. Remember that both sugar and salt help your body absorb and retain the water to prevent dehydration, as well as replenish the salt to prevent hyponatremia (that’s low blood sodium). Both of these conditions can send you to the hospital.

The ideal proportions for a sports drink are 1/3 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt to 1 quart water, plus flavoring to taste. Once made, it should be kept refrigerated.

Different sweeteners are made up of different kinds of sugars. Since sucrose is recommended, Debra Dadd, author of Home Safe Home , suggests maple syrup, or fresh sugar cane juice (this is available in some areas of the country, and contains all the nutrients and enzymes present in raw foods). Lemon, lime or any juice can be used for flavoring (if you use a sweet juice, reduce the amount of sweetener just a bit to keep the balance).

Refrigerate until you are ready to drink it.

dren, at least nine hours per night, (maybe a little more).

The Meal Before the Event

The size, timing, and composition of a teen athlete’s pre-game meal can enhance performance.

Below are a few guidelines to follow: • Eat 3 to 4 hours prior to the event to give the stomach time to empty.

• Eat a meal (about 500-l000 calories) high in complex carbohydrates as they are digested faster than foods high in fat (fried foods) or protein (steak). Complex carbohydrates also supply a steady flow of energy to the muscles.

• Avoid gas producing foods (broccoli, cabbage, corn, dried beans, and peas) or foods high in fiber (seeds, raw fruits with skin, raw vegetables, dried beans and peas).

• Include plenty of fluid - 3 to 4 cups.

• Avoid concentrated sweets (candy, soft drinks) prior to competition as their consumption may result in bloating and nausea.

Catch Plenty of Shut Eye

Because of rapid growth, teens need about the same amount of sleep as pre-school age chil-

Take a Leap of Faith

February is a great month for families to challenge their teens to become aligned with the best foods possible. Although teen athletes have many hurdles to overcome, maintaining a healthy diet will assure a smoother journey. Stay the course, your body and your team will thank you.

Eat, Sleep, Leap and Compete.

Best of luck on your athletic endeavors.

References: A Dietitian’s Toolkit for the Teen Athlete By: Jenna A. Bell, PhD, RD Registered Dietitian & Board Certified Specialist www.kidshealth.com www.ironman.com www.mylife’svital.com Journal of The American Dietetic Association 102 (2002):469

“Natural” SPORTS DRINK – recipe by Debra Dadd • 1 quart good quality water • 1/3 cup maple syrup (or fresh sugar cane juice) • 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan or sea salt • Juice of one lemon, or more to taste Mix all the ingredients together.

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Sue is a holistic nutrition consultant and holistic health educator. Her office is located at 54 Chestnut Street in Lewistown.

To learn more about her business go to www.mynourishingjourney. com She can be reached by email at sue@mynourishingjourney.com or give her a call at 2423132. a

Mifflintown

717-436-7555 • 800-242-4050 www.sausman.com

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The Valley, February 2012

12

Roads Less Traveled...

by Lynn Persing

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” ~ Joseph Campbell Last Saturday, January 21, 2012 was a sad day for the Penn State community and football fans in general. We lost a hero that day, beloved Joe Paterno. What made this man so special to everyone?

Was it because he was at Penn State so long that he was thought of as an “institution?” Or was it because of his strong moral values and ethics? Or, was it because he was a great football coach? How about a great father and husband? A great philanthropist? Let’s just go with all of the above.

I thought I’d write about what the last few months have been like at Penn State from my perspective as a Penn State employee.

Shock and disgust filled our hearts a few months ago when we first learned of the details of

the Jerry Sandusky allegations.

When we heard that Joe Paterno had been fired, disbelief that a man so revered and with such integrity could have possibly been involved in this cover up filled our hearts. Penn Staters everywhere love, and quite frankly, worship JoePa. This couldn’t be the way his career would end. We all thought that when JoePa decided to hang it up, he would announce

his retirement humbly (as he did everything) and a celebration of his career would ensue before a new coach took the field. We never could have dreamed that a man who had given so much to Penn State, would be taken out in one fell swoop.

For most of us, being fired after such a long, dedicated career would have stripped us of

all our dignity. But let’s face it, JoePa showed more respect for Penn State and dignity in those final months than maybe all the years before. I can’t help but wonder if under those circumstances anyone else would have had as much poise and grace?

This is exactly why everyone respected Joe Paterno so much.

Students and alumni alike were concerned about the mood at Penn State and how this would impact everything from student recruitment, donations which support student scholarship and other activities, and of course, the sports programs at Penn State.

Alumni had mixed feelings.

Some blamed the upper administration outright, some recognized that they didn’t have all the facts to pass judgement, but most all of

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them remained solidly Penn State proud in the midst of the crisis.

Students were encouraged to talk about the situation in their classes to try to work through their emotions in a healthy way. Overall though, there was a somber, sullen mood across campus the first few weeks after the allegations were announced. Of course, the news media created its usual frenzy, which made it difficult for us to move on.

As the media frenzy started to wane a bit, more bad news rocked Penn State—JoePa was diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer. Ok we thought, treatable is not as bad as it could be. Joe would fight through this.

I even held out hope that maybe the Board of Trustees would reverse their decision to fire Coach Paterno.

I never expected to hear the news that came next. JoePa was in serious condition and his family had been called to his side. It seemed like only a Hail Mary could help him now. We’re always told that attitude and keeping stress under control plays a critical part in battling cancer.

So, I can’t help but wonder if this illness was exacerbated due to

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The Valley, February 2012

Understanding the Constitution

13

by David Molek

Recess Appointments

To anyone who knows anything about the 100-plus years of precedent on the recess appointment power or the separation of powers, President Obama’s recent action appears to be a tyrannical abuse of power. It appears, to me at least, to be a total and utter disregard of our Constitution.

Let me outline why I believe the President finds himself outside constitutional bounds. Regarding the power of the President, Article II, section 2 of our Constitution states the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors and other officers of the United States.

Under clause 2, the President has the power to fill vacancies that may happen during Senate re-

cesses without any action, advice or consent of the Senate. This is called a recess appointment.

Our Constitution requires that the most senior federal officers must be confirmed by the Senate before assuming office. But while the Senate is in recess, the President can act alone by making a recess appointment. This one and only exception to the Congressional power occurs when the Senate is in recess. Despite the fact that, according to the Senate, the Senate is most emphatically not in recess, President Obama has declared that the Senate is in fact in recess and has made recess appointments to the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the National

Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

That, to me at least, certainly short circuits the entire constitutional process for Senate confirmation of constitutional officers.

Such a recess appointment represents a sharp departure from a long-standing precedent that has limited the President to recess appointments only when the Senate is in recess ten (10) days or longer. Such presidential action threatens the usual confirmation process and fundamentally endangers the Congress’s role in providing a check on the excesses of the Executive branch.

Article I, section 5 plainly states that neither house of Congress can recess for more than 3 days without the consent of the other house.

The House of Representatives did not consent to a Senate recess of more than 3 days at the end of 2011, and so the Senate, consistent with the Constitution, is having sessions every few days. In short, Congress is still in session. It does not matter that most members are not even in town.

(As a side note, I believe we the people are much better off when Congress is out of town so they are doing less to or for us).

Ending a session of Congress requires passage of a formal resolution, which never occurred.

On January 4, 2012, President

Obama made 4 recess appointments: Richard Cordray to serve as head of the CFPB and appointed 3 new members to the NLRB. The House of Representatives had refused to recess for the winter break specifically to block Cordray’s appointment as head of the CFPB. This is constitutional abuse of a high order.

Cordray is a long-time Democratic activist and is scheduled to head one of the least accountable and most powerful agencies in federal government. The CFPB is not subject to any of the checks that independent agencies normally operate under and will have an unprecedented reach and control over individual consumer decisions.

The President says he cannot wait for Congress to act on behalf of the American people. The truth is that Obama is hell bent on ramming through his agenda by legislative/executive fiat time and time again. The President’s purported recess appointments would render the Senate’s advice and consent role to normal appointments almost meaningless. It is a grave constitutional wrong, but it fits a pattern of extra-constitutional abuse by the White House under President Obama.

Congress must vigorously

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defend our Constitution and resist. The separation of powers was not to protect government officials’ power for their sake, but as a vital check on behalf of individual liberty. These recess appointments serve no purpose other than Obama telling the Senate that he will do whatever he darn well pleases.

Such action gives the appearance that the President is entirely unwilling to work with the duly elected representatives who sit in the Senate and the House. Obama is trying to ensure that his big-government regulatory agenda is enacted without the reforms that Congress is demanding. These are not the only examples of the President’s wanton, unilateral actions. Consider and recall the environmental regulations, internet regulations, auto bailout and immigration law as similar actions.

The President has no executive authority to make these latest, illegal, unconstitutional appointments. He is trampling upon our Constitution. It is time for Congress and the American people to take a stand against President Obama’s abuse of power. a

The Valley, February 2012

14 Knitting from page 5 levels. It is also good for adult beginners so they can rediscover the fact they can, indeed, make something useful and enjoy the process! We need reminding, sometimes, that we have opposite thumbs for better reasons than reaching for our wallets to pay for something that we can make for ourselves for less cost and infinitely more satisfaction.

Knitting is, by definition, “... the interlacing of yarn or thread, in a series of connected loops, using needles...” Current research suggests that the technique of knitting, as we know it, is at least one thousand years old (which actually makes it a fairly recent development when it comes to fabric construction), so we’ve been at it a while and there are probably at least one thousand variations on the theme. You can get as intricately involved as you wish, but, for the purposes of our discussion, it’s important to remember that the absolute basics can go far in keeping you clothed and warm.

There is a book about knitting entitled “Two Sticks and a String” and that, in a nut shell, is all you really need to start to knit.

Of course, the ‘two sticks’ can run a wide and varied gamut.

They can be simple and hand made from a dowel purchased for pocket change at the local hardware store, as my mother was fond of doing for special projects. Cut to the required length, sharpened at one end (or both, depending on the use) in a pencil sharpener, sanded to the correct diameter and polished with use they will last for generations.

Commercial needles present more choices. Some are made from exotic woods such as walnut, ebony and bamboo; others are plastic or metal, such as aluminum, nickle or steel. Needles can come as pairs or in sets of five (usually) and are called straight needles, either single or double pointed. Then there are pairs connected with a flexible cable, referred to as circular needles that are sometimes used rather than the sets of double pointed needles for knitting in the round. Oh, and let’s not forget all of the doo-dads like cable needles, holding needles, needle holders, brightly colored o-rings that go on the needle to mark your place, needle tip protectors and needle tubes.

To mix it up further, knitting needles are sized using three different systems - US, metric which uses millimeters (mm) and UK. They range from metal lace needles (yes, you can knit

lace) which are designated as size 0000/1.25mm (look at a ruler, it’s amazing how small these are) up to 35/19.0mm which are considerably larger. UK sizing is, dare we say predictably, opposite to US - a 0 US needle is a 14UK, a 13 US is a 00 UK.

Goodness gracious, enough already!

While this avalanche of unfamiliar information may seem overwhelming at first, be assured that it all sorts itself out sooner than you’d think. More importantly, you don’t need to know it all to knit useful, everyday garments.

Simple is the best place to start and sometimes a very good place to stay.

Having pointed out that you can easily make your own knitting needles, it follows that you obviously can spin your own yarn. This is a wonderful and satisfying path to take if you feel it’s the right one for you. If the fleece or fibers come from your own critters or plants, well done.

If it’s from a neighbor’s flock or field, well done too; maybe you can barter some finished yarn or warm, wooly barn caps for the fibers you spin.

Of course, not all of us have the luxury of time, or circumstance, to spin our own yarns.

Since none of us can do everything, and no one is suggesting that you should, keep on the lookout for local spinners ands see what’s available close to home. Even if you do your own spinning, be open to trying yarns you may not have a chance to make, such as cottons and linens for summer wear. As you branch out, do a bit of research on the companies that sell the yarns you’re interested in. You will be pleased to find that many of them are committed to environmental stewardship. Many support and sell products of cottage industries and small mills that are, in turn, committed to environmental responsibility as a necessary part of producing high quality products and a healthy profit margin. Ethical, and healthy capitalism - ain’t it great to know that sometimes we get it right.

If you thought the choices for needles were varied, commercial yarns will give you even more decision making opportunities. Here the variations seem endless, absolutely endless. There are, litterally, thousands of mills around the world that spin up more variations of color, fiber and texture than you could imagine in a lifetime of knitting. There are skeins of acrylic yarns that can be had for a few dollars and skeins of designer

yarns that bring out the pictures of Ulysses S. Grant. There are fuzzy cotton chenilles and shimmery, loopy silk boucle and sparkly wool/nylon mixes. There are yarns space dyed a dozen wild colors and yarns of soft, muted heathers. You’ll find yarns spun from dozens of different breeds of sheep and from lama, alpaca, vicuna, goat (mohair), camel, yak and musk ox (qivet). Try tough, long lasting hemp or naturally colored cotton. You can even knit with yarn made from bamboo or soybeans! It’s an adventure, that’s for certain.

Let’s say that you’ve gotten your needles, your yarn, you’re starting to learn all the knitting lingo and secret codes; you’ve cast on are are ready to knit. it won’t take you long to get comfortable with the basics. One of the really great things about knitting is that there are only two stitches to learn (sort of like binary code in computer - speak) to knit, where the loop goes away from you and purl, where the loop comes toward you. Everything in knitting, from the most delicate, elaborate lace work to the intricacies of entwined cables to Scandinavian or Turkish pattern work, is aome variation, or combination, of knit and purl. Add stitches, drop stitches, pick up stitches, combine, twist or slip stitches it’s all about knit and purl. Simple as can be.

So what are you waiting for?

Well, this all sounds easy enough and maybe it’s even piqued your interest a bit, but WHY should anyone in this day and age start knitting their own socks and sweaters?

Okay, fair question and here are a few answers to consider.

Knitting is the ultimate in portable, practical projects. If you use television you can knit during commercials - or the program, if it’s boring. You can knit during car trips, waiting in airports, during breaks at work or in the garden. Any time you’ve got some free moments, you can knit a few rows. Remember - idle hands and all that.

Hand knit garments - socks, hats, sweaters, etc. - are well made, easily repairable and they last with good care. They also carry something of the knitter inside of all those loops. admittedly, that’s getting a bit more metaphysical than most folks like, but we’re just saying. There’s more to clothing yourself and the people you love than just the garment itself. It’s the same with growing food, keeping a home and earning a living. There’s the spirit of the

thing to consider.

Knitting is a great way to donate time and useful items. Caps for newborns at the local hospital, hat-mitten-scarf sets to local charities; most communities have any number of projects going on that can use your knitting expertise. For those who aren’t much into working with groups, just knit a few things up every so often and quietly drop them off at, say, the Salvation Army where they will get to where they’re needed.

Doing your own knitting allows you to take control of what you wear and will often save you money in the process. Like designer clothing but can’t afford it?

Make it yourself! Many designers publish knitting pattern collections just as they do for sewing patterns and even if you choose to splurge on the yarn it still isn’t going to cost an arm and a leg, as it might off the shelf. Doing it yourself also gives you the freedom to change a pattern to suit yourself or invent one of your own. It’s a bit like learning the alphabet and going on to write poetry. Creativity is very liberating.

Where do you sign up for this empowering journey? Books aren’t the worst way to start and there are DVDs out there that teach the basics and much more.

Lessons can usually be arranged at shops that sell yarns, some of them offer tuition on a regular basis. Look around for knitting groups in your town. Poll your friends to see if any of them can give you a hand. Start calling the family. If crazy Aunt Bertha or weird Uncle Louie are still knitting those funky cardigans - the ones that looked stupid when you were in high school but are looking pretty fashionable now - bake ‘em a lasagna and go talk ‘em into teaching you. Importantly, if you have children, include them in the process. Ignore the groans (if there are any) and make it fun for them (which should make it fun for you).

A child should learn, when they are knee high to a grasshopper, that productive work is honorable and a pleasure. They should see adults in their lives creating and constantly engaged in useful occupations that feed, clothe and exercise the body, mind and spirit. If they are given this kind of upbringing, the odds are better than good that they will grow up to be mentally and socially well rounded, curious and humbly self-confidant, which will give them an edge when it comes to living a good life and creating a stable and healthy society.

It’s amazing how seemingly little

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things can be essential to encouraging such a profound process.

Now that’s a pretty good reason to learn to knit, don’t you think?

Out of hundreds of books, three that immediately come to mind are: “Knitting without Tears” by Elizabeth Zimmerman Actually, any book by Mrs. Zimmerman would be about the best thing you could add to your home library for knitting references.

“Knitting in the Old Way” by Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts Another author to add to your collection.

“No Sheep for You” by Amy R. Singer An extremely useful book, especially if you’re allergic to wool.

And if you REALLY start to get into the groove, try; “The History of Handknitting” by Richard Rutt “Two Sticks and a String” Knitting Designs Inspired by Nature”

by Kerry Ferguson If they are not available at your local library, all of these books are available at amazon.com For books, magazines, CDs and DVDs your first stop should be: Interweave, 201 East Forth Street, Loveland, CO 80537-5655, (866) 949-1646 As for those companies that are such a great source of everything you need to knit (and more), there are many out there but, off the top of my head I’d say: The Mannings Handweaving School and Supply Center, 1132 Green Ridge Road, P.O. Box 687, East Berlin, PA 17316, 1-800-2337166 www.themannings.com Halcyon Yarn, 12 School Street, Bath, Maine 04530 1-800-3410282 halcyonyarn.com Their catalog is an education in and of itself, their web site is easy to use, their products are fantastic and the people are great. a

15

The Valley, February 2012

Our Environment Our Culture Pollinator Report

live out their lives in a solitary lifestyle. You’ll be glad to know these loners are unlikely to sting.

These bees dig holes in exposed sandy loam soil, nest in tunMorgan nels dug into trees by beetles, or hollow out the pithy centers of their mind but the United States certain shrubs. The life cycles is home to roughly about 4,000 of these different species of bees native species that range in size are very similar. The female bee from less than one eighth of an breeds with males. Then she will inch to more than one inch. Most either dig a nest in the ground or of these indigenous insects live locate a nesting area in a tunnel of a tree, depending on the species. She will collect pollen and form tiny balls upon which she lays a larva. She then seals the chamber and repeats this process throughout the summer months. The larva feeds on the pollen ball throughout the summer and pupates during the fall/winter months.

One of many pollinators in Pennsylvania, the The following spring a Bumblebee plays an important part in our food new bee emerges from supply. the chamber and the process is renewed.

The bumble bee’s life cycle is a much more different life style a little different. A queen bumble than the European honeybee with bee awakens from winter hiberits socialized hierarchy of worker nation and locates a nest. The bees, drones, and the queen. In preferred location for her would fact, over 90% of all native bees

The Buzz About Food

by Kevin

As the warmth of spring causes flowers to bloom on trees, shrubs, and other perennials, a small friend also begins to reappear, the bee. In today’s chaotic world, how often have you stopped to watch the flowers, yet alone stop to smell them? Watching a bee float from one flower to the next can be quite mesmerizing. As this elegant dance takes place, I cannot help but think of a mother racing around town after work. She has to pick up the kids at school, get them to the game, dinner for the family is needed, the game is over, and time to head home. What is actually taking place is a fundamental necessity that is required for one out of every three bites of food you consume every year.

Bees are the most important pollinator throughout the world.

Other insects including butterflies, beetles and flies pollinate flowers, but bees have mastered this occupation. When most people think of bees, the honeybee pops into

be an abandoned mouse den. She then begins to lay eggs that hatch into a larva. She gathers pollen to feed to the larva and they become the worker bees that gather the pollen to feed the hatching larva.

As the end of summer approaches, the hive produces new queens and males that leave the nest to breed.

The queens dig a small chamber to hibernate and the following spring the process continues.

The populations of solitary and bumble bees have declined over recent decades. This is attributed to loss of habitat due to extensive monocultures and urban sprawl.

However, there are many simple things landowners can do to increase the number of pollinators on their properties. From planting native flowering plants to not cutting down old snag trees, each little step will help revive these species’ abundance.

We can help. Community Partnerships RC&D, in a partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, is offering the chance for landowners to apply for evaluation and

Take a weekend to invest in each other and learn to love...like you mean it.

We would like to invite you to attend FamilyLife’s

Weekend to Remember marriage getaway.

We are offering a special group rate that will save you and your spouse $159 per couple on the Weekend to Remember registration.

To join my group and receive the special group registration rate, go to the website listed below and select a getaway location to start the registration process.

Closest Locations: Hershey Lodge: 02/24/2012 thru 02/26/2012 Poconos: 03/16/2012 thru 03/18/2012 and 03/23/2012 thru 03/25/2012 But, there are also other locations throughout the US for different dates.

Regular Price is $318/couple, but if you register with our Group, you can attend any conference for $159!

My Group Link is: http://www.familylife.com/groups/happyvalley www.thevalleynewspaper.com

Honeybees are in grave danger due to many factors. They are responsible for a large portion of our food production.

have enhancements put in place to increase the abundance and diversity of pollinators on their properties. So please call the office at (717) 248-4901 ex. 305 for details. Here’s something to remember the next time you see a bee. Without that bee’s help, you would not have some of the ingredients needed to enjoy that family meal after the game. a

The Valley, February 2012

16

Splitting Hares

by Julianne Cahill http://oakridgerabbitry.weebly.com With the holidays behind us, we can finally start looking forward to spring! The six inches of snow outside my window is a reminder that spring is still a few months down the road, but this is the perfect time to start planning your rabbit projects for the year.

As I mentioned in a previous article, rabbits are a multipurpose animal. Although they make wonderful family pets and fun show animals, they were originally domesticated for fur and meat.

This month, I thought it would be fun to highlight the wool breeds that are used in fiber production.

There are four angora breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association: English Angora, French Angora, Giant Angora, and Satin Angora. Each of these breeds is chosen and used for specific wool qualities.

Melissa Deitrich of Fuzzibutt’s Rabbitry raises all four breeds at her rabbitry in Delaware. She said that as far as grooming goes, the English Angoras are more difficult to maintain, whereas the French and Giant Angoras tie as the lowest maintenance angora breeds. As Deitrich suggested, the

most important consideration when choosing a breed is your own preference.

After choosing a breed to work with, the next step is looking for quality starting stock. One of the things I look for with my Jersey Woolies is a specific density and texture to the coat. Even though I don’t raise them for their wool, if these characteristics are good, the rabbit’s coat is of higher quality and easier to maintain. The importance of density and texture carries over to the angora breeds, which require significantly more attention to the coat than other breeds do. I asked Deitrich what kind of grooming routine she recommends for an angora coat. She explained that the coats of fiber animals are generally kept shorter, around 3-5 inches, whereas an angora kept for show may have a coat that reaches 10+ inches in length. Therefore, fiber rabbits require less grooming. Their coats are blown out weekly with a force dryer, which blows air into the coat to open it up and separate the fibers to prevent matting. Deitrich

Mifflin County Meltdown from front page

articles, she invited others in her Northern California community to join the fun. Inspired by her example, more than 1,000 people teamed up to lose nearly four tons of fat in two months during the Nevada County Meltdown. Her book is a real inspiration and a suggested read for anyone who needs a little motivation or thinks “they couldn’t do that.” She did it along with everything else life hands us…like taking care of others, personal illness, jobs and life in general.

Delozier-Noss felt the event was a great fit for Mifflin County and assembled a group of community members to organize the Meltdown. That group has grown and is still guided by wonderful volunteers. Major contributors have allowed us to bring some amazing speakers to Mifflin County. A big thanks to: LEWISTOWN HOSPITAL GEISINGER MIFFLIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT CURVES

more information, check us out on www.mifflincountymeltdown. com. Forms are also available at the Historic Courthouse in Lewistown as well.

There are no organized fitness routines to follow. Team members can workout individually or however they choose, whenever they choose. Exercise can include walking, strength training, weight lifting, biking, dancing, whatever interests you. Getting 30 minutes per day is a great healthy idea.

The original Meltdown three years ago was the idea of Marge Delozier-Noss, co-owner of Curves/Simply Health Wellness Center in Burnham. While attending a Curves Convention, one of the speakers was Carole Carson, author of the book “From Fat to Fit” Turn Yourself Into a Weapon of Mass Reduction.” Carson decided to reinvent herself at age 60 by getting fit. After discussing her success in weekly newspaper

also suggested combing over the coat with a slicker brush and comb. The whole process takes about 20 minutes per rabbit each week.

Luckily, you can expect a return on all of your hard work! Angora wool can be harvested about 2-4 times a year, depending on how long you’d like to grow the coat. When it reaches at least three inches in length, the coat can either be hand harvested or sheared. Most angora owners prefer to hand harvest the wool, by plucking it from the coat. This doesn’t hurt the rabbit because it is done when the rabbit is already molting its coat and the wool is easily shed from the body.

Angora wool can also be harvested using shears. This should be done with caution because rabbit skin is very thin and can be easily clipped.

After harvesting, wool can be spun and used at home or marketed (either raw or spun) at local fiber festivals, farmers markets, or spinning groups. Price depends mainly on the breed and color of the wool, as well as the length of wool. Because hand plucked

fiber tends to be longer and more uniform in length, it is always in high demand.

Raising angoras for fiber is great hobby for rabbit raisers with a limited amount of land because they require little space compared

For those of you who may be considering a project like this, I hope some of this general information will help your decision. I would like to send a huge thank you to Melissa Deitrich for sharing a little bit more about her

All 4 Angora Breeds (L-R): Satin Angora, English Angora, French Angora, Giant Angora. to larger fiber animals. They are also a “no-kill” investment since the wool is harvested from a live animal. These two characteristics of angora rabbits make them a popular choice for small hobby farms or even individual rabbitries who want to begin a small and relatively inexpensive fiber project.

CORVETTE AMERICA YMCA GE INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES STANDARD STEEL WAL-MART THE INK GARAGE EMB MONOGRAMMING KISH BANK GIANT FOODS MUDDY RUN CONSTRUCTION WMRF/WIEZ WCHX/WKVA/Star Country FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MIFFLINTOWN MIFFLIN COUNTY SAVINGS BANK TAZ FITNESS THE LEWISTOWN SENTINEL

Make a difference in YOUR life. Join the Mifflin County Meltdown TODAY. The need to improve one’s health and fitness is great in Mifflin County and all around. The figures are staggering with the numbers of people who are over weight and obese.

This is bringing the health in this country dangerously low. The rise in diabetes over the past few years is staggering and is expected to rise even higher in the future.

The time is NOW to take control of your destiny. What’s weighing you down? Lighten up, have some fun, come join the Mifflin County Meltdown! a

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angoras with us this month, and would also like to invite you to contact her with further questions about angoras. As I mentioned earlier, she works with all four breeds and has a wealth of knowledge to share! You may view her website at http://melynn.webs. com. a

17

The Valley, February 2012 Forest Service.

The foundation believes the sixth-generation plant material has a large measure of blight resistance and exhibits almost entirely American chestnut characteristics, and traits is close to fruition. The Fitzsimmons noted.

American Chestnut Foundation

“Now, we have started a new has been spearheading the effort paradigm, a new phase of research,” she said.

“After 28 years of breeding and a little bit of testing, we have started large-scale testing and reintroThe American chestnut once ranked as the most important duction at wildlife plant in the eastern United States. A large chestnut tree the same could produce 10 bushels or more of nuts annually. time.”

Unlike since the early 1980s. previous, smaller trials, in which

To date, the American foundation scientists inoculated Chestnut Foundation, which has the young chestnut trees with the approximately 6,000 members blight to see early on which ones (about 1,000 in Pennsylvania), has would prove resistant, Fitzsimproduced 25,000 to 30,000 one- to mons explained that in the current two-year-old, sixth-generation phase, natural infection mostly seed and seedlings that should be will eliminate trees that are not blight resistant. These seedlings blight resistant. But it will take have been planted by the group’s time. members, partners and the U.S

Effort to establish blight-free American chestnut tree switches gears

Story courtesy of Penn State Public Information.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The three-decades-old initiative to restore American chestnut trees back into forests in the eastern United States has entered a new phase, according to an expert in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

The primary focus of the project has transitioned from cross-breeding to testing and reintroduction into forests, noted Sara Fitzsimmons, northcentral region science coordinator for the American Chestnut Foundation and a research support technologist in Penn State’s School of Forest Resources.

It may take centuries until American chestnut again grows wild across its original range -from Maine to Georgia and west to Indiana and Michigan, she said.

Still, Fitzsimmons envisions a day when the huge trees again will dominate the forests of Pennsylvania and other states.

“We are continuing a sixgeneration breeding program that we think has produced trees with

both full American character and blight resistance,” Fitzsimmons said. “Now that our latest plant material has been introduced into the forests, we know that some of the trees will survive -- but it is the percentage of trees that will survive that is in question.

“We can’t know until we get through this testing phase. And the crossbreeding will go on, to strengthen the blight resistance.”

The demise of the American chestnut is one of the great ecological disasters of our time, Fitzsimmons pointed out. Through the first half of the 20th century, the species (Castanea dentata) -- which was by far the dominant forest tree species in Pennsylvania and the East -- was virtually eliminated from the landscape by an Asian blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) carried on exotic plant materials imported by plant explorers in the late 1800s.

The slow process of introducing blight resistance by crossbreeding Chinese chestnut trees with American chestnuts, and then backcrossing the hybrids with American chestnuts to select for desirable American chestnut form

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In the forest, Fitzsimmons pointed out, it can take more than a decade for an American chestnut tree to be infected by the blight and die. “So it is going to take 10 to 15 years to find out how our sixth-generation plant material is doing,” she said. “We will see what survives in the forests and learn if we have solved the resistance puzzle.

“The results will show us what lines are truly blight resistant and which lines we should discard.”

Fizsimmons said she frequently is asked where people can get a blight-resistant chestnut tree.

“We currently provide our latest blight-resistant material to members and partners, but we won’t be offering our material to garden stores until we are confident that we have a very high level of blight resistance. And that won’t be for another 10 or 12 years.”

The public doesn’t grasp the enormity of the chestnut-restoration project, Fitzsimmons suggested. But she said it would be difficult to exaggerate the historical importance of the American chestnut in Eastern forests. By around 1900, it comprised up to 25 percent of hardwoods in its huge range.

Continued on page 30

The Valley, February 2012

18

Woods, Water and Wildlife

by Wayne Stottlar

The Caves of Mifflin County

Long before I ever became a resident of Mifflin County I was all too well aware that in the next county over there was a famous grotto. “Penns Cave Water Cavern.” “See it by boat!” was plastered on billboards on every main road, and quite a few side roads...well this is Central PA, so the roads may have been side roads and the “main” road at the same time. Anyway, about an hour away in any direction on these roads you would start seeing the all too soon familiar signs announcing this can’t miss wonder of central Pennsylvania. The advertising campaign for Penn’s Cave was so effective in fact, that I never even considered that other caves were nearby. Even though a few other Pennsylvania caves

were seen on billboards, they were all a good bit away from here.

Woodward Caves, Indian Caverns and Lincoln Caverns were also “commercialized” caves and were well advertised. And so was the extent of my caving knowledge.

The first time over to Penn’s Cave was exciting and left me wanting more. Penn’s Cave became a ritual whenever any member of the family visited. By the 6th time in a year or so, I began to lose my appreciation for it. I mean, it was still cool and all, but it was too regulated, too restrictive, too sterile for someone who had to be able to explore without some Indiana Jones wannabee type reminding me not to touch this, hands inside the boat, yada yada yada.

Happily I have not been through

that routine for many years now.

That does not mean that my curiosity about caves has diminished any however. Recently while talking to some other outdoor enthusiasts about metal detecting, the subject of caves came up when someone suggested searching for stashed treasure.

One guy involved in the conversation spoke of a “cave book” he had seen that was published by the State of Pennsylvania, documenting the states’ apparent numerous cave systems.

My interest was now focused like a laser on seeing this book, so I started searching for it. Apparently, this book was no longer in print—dang! Then I happened upon some info on a treasure hunters forum, and bingo! The title, a picture of the cover and all the information I needed for a more thorough search appeared.

A few clicks later the book was on its way to me via USPS from a “hard-to-find and rare book store.”

Admittedly the lure of treasure sparked an interest, for about two minutes, then the desire to just know more about these caves and possibly get inside and document them for the future became my main focus.

This interest took on even more of a meaning when it seemed to appear from my research, that there was a deliberate

One of the massive rooms in Alexander Caverns, showing the magnificent formations most will never get to see. At one time a tourist cave, it now sits on private property slowly fading from memories.

attempt by the state, PGC, and other well meaning do-gooder type groups to systematically erase these caves from our history, so only a few people control them and except for the very local neighbors of the cave, they aren’t talked about.

The book arrived and I was immediately stunned when I went to the Mifflin County section and saw listed: AITKIN, ALEXANDER, ALLENSVILLE, BARRVILLE, MILROY, NAGINEY, REEDSVILLE, RUPERT AND SEAWRA CAVES for Mifflin County!

Further research produced names such as BIG RIDGE, BRU-

BAKER, DIAMOND, GOSS, JOHNSON, MOUNT ROCK, SMITH, AND ZOOK’S PIT. Some of these may be local names for some of the aforementioned caves, we are still learning, and that is part of the purpose for this story. If you know something, give us a hollar, there are way more caves than just those I have listed. From talking to just half a dozen or so folks in the valley I have learned much.

One source told me of a nearby village that sits atop a very large cavern that he knows the entrance to. He said you know when you are under main street

Continued on page 39

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A hometown grocer you can trust.

19

The Valley, February 2012 Walking on the Wild Side from page 25 two is the Leopard Gecko does not get near as big when full grown. When picking out your Bearded Dragon or your Leopard Gecko’s cage, a glass aquarium works best and sand for bedding is about the best thing to use so when you feed your Bearded Dragon or your Gecko they can find the crickets you have just fed them. Don’t forget that they both like to stay warm, so you should have an under-the-tank heater for them all the time. You would also want a UVB light on top of their cage to avoid them getting metabolic bone disease. You need to clean their cages daily and remove any of the crickets that have not been consumed. Both the Bearded Dragons and the Leopard Geckos make an excellent first reptile for any age. They both are very easy to care for. Stop by E & L Supplies today to pick out your Bearded Dragon or your Leopard Gecko. We also have everything you need for them from cages to tank heaters, and even crickets.

Probably one of my favorites here at E & L Supplies would be the birds. BO BO the Macaw is my favorite of all. When buying a bird, there is no true way to determine the sex of a bird unless someone has done DNA testing.

Birds are not a pet for everyone as they tend to be a little on the messy side. They also can be loud at times. Most birds will pick one person from a family that they feel comfortable with. But then on the other hand, birds to me are worth the mess they give and the noise they make because

Cooking for the Dogs from page 8

2 cups nonfat milk powder 2 teaspoons bone meal 1 cup plain wheat germ 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh parsley, or 22⁄3 tablespoons parsley flakes 1 teaspoon kosher salt 4 eggs 1 cup safflower, olive, or corn oil 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 3 cups water 4 cups cooked ground beef, pork, lamb, duck, chicken, or turkey 2 cups cooked and puréed sweet potatoes 11⁄2 cups chopped dried apples 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained Instructions Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Spray two large cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

I feel they brighten the store with their personalities. When picking out your new feathered friend’s cage, make sure you get one that is going to fit the bird you are bringing home. At E & L Supplies we have three different types of birds.

We have parakeets, cockatiels and a blue and gold macaw. I would have to say the Parakeet is probably the best first bird. They are more of a family type bird and don’t tend to be as noisy as some birds can be. They are not birds that will talk very easily, but some have been known to say a word or two. The Parakeets are excellent whistlers and sometimes will mimic speech and sounds. The Parakeet can live to be 10-20 years old and they range in size from 7-10 inches. Parakeets can be blue to green in color. The next bird we have here at the E & L Supplies is the Cockatiel. They also are a very good first bird and are a good bird for people that work outside of the home for they require less time than the larger parrots. The males are more of the talkers or whistlers in this breed of bird. The males are also more independent than the females, but the females are more affectionate and are often more acrobatic. The Cockatiels are white or grey in color with little yellow spikes on the top of their heads.

They can live anywhere from 1525 years and are about 12 inches in length. Now on to my favorite of all, and that is the Macaw. These birds are not for everyone! They are large and require a lot more space than the other birds I have talked about earlier. They can be very loud, bold and impatient. The Macaw is a bird that can learn to talk and even say phrases. They

love to play with toys and water.

They also should have a lot of social interaction because they become bored very easily. That is something you don’t want to happen because then they become very distressed, anti-social, and destructive. Some types of macaws can even be very demanding and have a tendency to • Reliable Propane & Heating Oil Delivery become aggressive and even pluck • Budget Payment Plan Call today themselves (pullto • 24/7 Emergency Service learn about our ing their feathers NE w CustOmER out). Macaws • Heating Equipment Service Plans sPECiAls! can live to be in • Safety Trained Professionals their 80s or older.

Yes, it’s a bird • Over 80 Years Experience most people even have to put in their wills because the bird out lives their human. They can Our Business is Customer Satisfaction range anywhere from 13-36 inches 717-248-5476 • 1-800-PROPANE (776-7263) depending on the macaw you have.

BO BO the Macaw here at E & L Supplies is what is called a blue does. When owning a pet rat or cies if I could. and gold macaw. She is so pretty; hamster, there are no accidents on

At E & L Supplies, we have you all should stop by sometime the floor if no one is home all day all the animals I have mentioned to see her. If you are looking into with them. No need to wake up in above and others as well. We also getting a macaw, stop by E & L the middle of the night to let them have all the supplies you would Supplies. Bo Bo is also for sale to out to do their business. Their need to take care of them. When the right home. also isn’t hair all over the house! you are thinking of taking that

I would have to say I think Now with that said, I wouldn’t Walk On The Wild Side, stop in some of these pets are better for change owning a dog or cat. For and see us at E & L Supplies; we some households as they don’t reeveryone that knows me, I would will help try to fit the right pet quire as much care as a dog or cat probably own one of every spewith your family. a

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, milk powder, bone meal, wheat germ, parsley, and salt.

Beat the eggs and blend them with the oil in a smaller mixing bowl.

Add the Worcestershire sauce.

Add the water to the flour mixture and mix well.

Fold in the egg mixture and combine it all evenly.

Add the meat, sweet potatoes, dried apples, and spinach and press them into the dough.

Spread the dough on the cookie sheets, making it very flat and thin. Use a knife to cut it into small squares.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the kibble is golden brown and not doughy when you break a piece open. During the baking process, take a wooden spoon or spatula and move the kibble

around on the cookie sheet so that it bakes evenly. Then turn off your oven, keeping the door closed, and let it dry out in the off oven for at least 4 to 6 hours or overnight.

When you remove your kibble from the oven, it will still be slightly warm and moist. Let it sit on cooling racks for another hour or two until it is completely dry and cool.

Notes Variations: Here are some other ingredients I like to add for flavor and nutrients: alfalfa leaf, barley, basil leaf, beets, broccoli, brown rice, carrots, flaxseed meal, green beans, kamut, nutritional yeast flakes, peas, potatoes, rolled oats, rosemary leaf, and zucchini.

Lamb Kibble Recipe type: Kibble Prep time: 25 mins

Expect More from Your Fuel Supplier!

Cook time: 50 mins Total time: 1 hour 15 mins Serves: 20-30 Here is a homemade lamb kibble recipe that your dog is sure to love! It will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer in an airtight container.

Ingredients 4 cups whole wheat flour 2 cups rye flour 2 cups nonfat milk powder 1/2 cup rolled oats 2 teaspoons bone meal 1 cup plain wheat germ 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 4 eggs 1 cup safflower or olive oil 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 3 cups water 4 cups ground lamb, cooked and then pureed well

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2 cups cooked and pureed sweet potatoes 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained Instructions Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Spary a large baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, milk powder, rolled oats, bone meal, wheat germ, salt, and parsley.

Beat the eggs and blend them with the oil in a smaller mixing bowl.

Add the Worcestershire sauce.

Add the water to the flour mixture and mix well.

Fold in the egg mixture and combine evenly.

Add the lamb, sweet potatoes, and spinach and press into the dough.

Spread the dough in the baking

Continued on page 36

The Valley, February 2012

20

Dairy Princess Memories

by Macy Fisher Mifflin County Dairy Princess 2011-2012

Hi, I’m Macy Fisher the Mifflin County Dairy Princess and it’s February! This month is one of my favorites. Most people would say that probably either a summer month is their favorite or December because of Christmas, but mine is February. I love looking at the last few snowfalls of winter and knowing that spring is just around the corner. Also February is my birthday! My birthday is on one of the big holidays of the month, Valentine’s Day! I have always liked that holiday and not just because it is my birthday.

A lot of people are on the fence about this holiday. They think that it is just a way for greeting card companies and chocolate factories to make a lot of money.

But I think it is a cute holiday.

When I say a cute holiday I mean for younger kids. I remember when I was in the first grade

my mom and our family friends made little heart shaped cakes that all had different Valentine’s Day sayings on them to pass out as my Valentines. It was also to celebrate my birthday. For some reason I can’t remember what it was like in the second grade, but I do remember third grade the best!

We made little mail boxes to put on the front of our desks. Then at the end of the day we put all of our cards in everyone’s box and had a party.

The one Valentine I received was from a little boy, I can’t remember who it was anymore, but I remember that he spelled my name completely wrong. He felt bad that he spelled my name wrong because he knew that I didn’t like it when my name was spelled wrong. But I remember me telling him that it was okay.

Of course anything was okay in the third grade and on my birthday. This month is also a lot of fun at school. One week in February is National FFA Week. This week is when schools all across America plan fun activities. At our school we have a quiz bowl where students are out of class

all day as long as they know their FFA fun facts. They are questioned on FFA history and different conferences that members attend. The past two years my team has won and the year before that we were second place. This year I’m going for lucky number three! We also have an appreciation day for all the teachers. This is to let them know how much we appreciate them when they help us catch up on our work while we were on a trip. We have pie and coffee for them. The officers even serve the treat to them. There are many other activities that we do in that week and this year some chapters across the state will get to end their week at ACES. ACES is a conference where students learn leadership skills and have a chance to meet other members from around the state. We will be going the following week. There are too many members in the state to fit in the Sheraton hotel in one weekend, so they break all the chapters up among two different weekends. Two years ago I got to spend my birthday at ACES. My birthday heavily influenced this month’s recipes. Not that these

are my favorite foods, but these are definitely some recipes that are perfect for two. They sound rich and luscious, but don’t worry there are nine essential nutrients packed into these dishes that will fulfill your sweet tooth, but will still let you fit in that little black dress or little black suit! Maybe your special someone will even serve you a breakfast of Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast in bed!

Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons cinnamon 4 eggs, beaten 1 cup raspberry puree 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 loaf French Bread, cut into 1-in. thick slices Butter Powder sugar

In a large bowl, whisk milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon with the eggs. In another bowl, cream raspberry and cream cheese until smooth. Make sandwiches by taking one slice of bread cutting it in half and spreading part of the raspberry mixture on it. Melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet or on a griddle. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture, coat thoroughly. Cook on both sides until browned.

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Butterscotch Fondue ½ cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup light corn syrup ¼ cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons butter ½ teaspoon vanilla Fresh fruit

In a small saucepan, heat brown sugar, corn syrup, cream and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a medium low heat and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add vanilla and move to fondue pot.

Serve warm with fruit.

Italian Love Cake 1 (18.25 ounces) package chocolate cake mix 2 pints part-skim ricotta cheese ¾ cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 eggs 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding 1 cup milk 1 (12 ounces) container frozen whipped topping

Prepare cake as directed on box. Pour into a 9-in. X 13-in.

X 2-in. greased baking dish. Set aside. Combine ricotta, eggs, sugar and vanilla. Blend well.

Spread over cake batter. Bake at 350 degree for 75 minutes (glass dish) or 90 minutes (metal dish).

Blend pudding with milk until thick. Blend in whipped topping.

Spread over cake. a

The Valley, February 2012

Modern Energy and Alternative Heating

with Curt Bierly

Domestic Hot Water

You turn on the faucet in the bathroom sink to wash your hands. When the domestic hot water (DHW) arrives at the faucet, you mix cold water with it to reach the temperature you want.

If the hot water doesn’t arrive quickly and you are in a hurry, you may choose to wash your hands in cold water. In the first scenario you are wasting time and water waiting for DHW to arrive.

In the second scenario you are unhappy because you had to wash your hands in cold water. Having instant DHW at all faucets in your home is a very rewarding experience but very seldom occurs.

Why is that?

How long you wait for DHW depends on the distance between the water heater and the faucet and the size of piping used. Possibly your home has faucets at opposite ends of the house. If the DHW Heater is at one end of the house, DHW to the faucet at the other end will be delayed. If the DHW Heater is in the middle, then DHW will be delayed to both faucets.

If you stay in a modern hotel, when you turn on the DHW you quickly receive it. The hotel chain knows they will receive complaints if it isn’t there quickly

– so – they make sure the plumbing system is in place to make it happen if you are on the first floor or the tenth floor. The technology is standard practice in a commercial setting.

Using this technology you can do a “Home Run” to each faucet in the house (i.e. a pipe runs directly from the Manablock to each faucet.) With this system, water from the DHW Heater is first routed to

A very general sketch of a Domestic Hot Water Recirculationg system. This type of system provides for near instantaneous hot water anywhere in your home, thereby saving water by running the faucet and waiting for the hot water to reach you.

Today new houses are plumbed using Manablocks which is basically a junction box for hot and cold water with individual shut off valves for each pipe line.

the Manablock, then to the faucet.

Although there are advantages to this Manablock system, the disadvantage is it increases the wait for DHW at the faucet.

One solution for quick DHW would be to install a point of use (POU) water heater at each faucet.

These small 110 volt electric water heaters are usually installed under each sink and hold five to seven gallons of DHW ready for instant use. They are ok for washing hands but wouldn’t have enough capacity or a quick enough recovery for bathing or showering – so – you will still need a larger water heater. In addition, you need to provide power to each POU water heater you install and maintain them when required. Sounds like a lot of trouble and expense. There are good applications for POU Water Heaters, but to use them throughout your home doesn’t make sense.

A good “Instant DHW” solution is to install a “Recirculation Line.” This method is used by hotels as described above to pro-

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21 vide instant DHW to all fixtures and appliances. The commercial system can be easily downsized for use in a residence. Basically, a pipe loop is installed that starts at the water heater, passes close to each faucet or appliance that uses DHW, then returns to the water heater. Each faucet or appliance requiring DHW is connected to this line. A small stainless steel electric circulator is installed in the line with its purpose being to move the DHW from the water heater around the loop and back to the water heater. This provides a flowing “Hot Loop” of DHW from which each faucet can draw; therefore, when you turn on the faucet, you only have a moments wait till the DHW arrives.

For economy the loop is usually constructed from CPVC or PEX pipe that is carefully insulated so the heat is retained in the line and does not escape. Although the circulator is very small and uses very little electricity, for economy, it can be turned off and on with a timer at night or when you’re at work – or – a motion sensor could be utilized to turn the circulator on and off when you enter the area.

If Quick DHW at the faucet is a priority to you, there is a solution that will save you time, money and aggravation.

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

The Valley, February 2012

22

Recipes-Crafts-Gifts With Debra Kulp Cajun Crappie

Serves 2 1 lb Crappie Fillets 1/3 cup yellow corn meal 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 egg 1/2 cup milk Corn oil for frying

Combine corn meal, 1 cup flour and spices in a small bowl, mix well. Beat the egg and milk in another bowl. Remove skin from the crappie fillets and wash with cold water. Dry filets with paper towel. Put 1/2 of the flour in a plastic bag add the fish and shake to coat. Dip one by one in the egg, then in the cornmeal/flour/ spice mixture. Heat oil, 1/4 inch deep to about 375 degrees. Carefully place fillets into the oil. Fry until golden brown, remove, place on paper towels to drain. Enjoy!

So it’s finally over. You’ve either got a deer in the freezer or you don’t. If you did get a deer, “congratulations,” you can sit back and tell the story over and over until it takes on a life of it’s own. With each retelling, the deer will get bigger, the shot distance will increase and the temperature outside will drop a little more.

But if you didn’t, nothing tests the hunters skills like failure.

To save face at the end of a busted season, it’s time to come up with a good excuse. Like, “I drew back on him and there was a rain bubble in my peep, or my scope fogged up, or the deer was so big I shot and shaved a few hairs off his chest!” The truth is...you missed!

Here at Buckhorn, we enjoy hearing the stories about the kill and the thrill of the hunt. Now it’s “ice fishing” season and it has it’s own tales to tell. We carry a complete line of live bait and fishing equipment. The Ponds should be frozen any time now, it is time to get ready! See you soon! a

This Month in History February 7, 1795 - The 11th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, limiting the powers of the Federal Judiciary over the states by prohibiting Federal lawsuits against individual states.

Big Valley Bunk Beds And Mattress Sales 65 Stone Barn Lane, Belleville, PA 17004 from Belleville take Rt. 305 west, turn right at E. Back Mtn. Rd. 1/2 mile, then left at Stone Barn Lane 7 Styles in Stock L-Shape w/Dresser - Loft Beds - Stackable - Standard - Twin Over Full - Regular Bookcase - Captain’s Bed - Triple Stacker - Selection of stain on orders.

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23

The Valley, February 2012

Through the Window: glimpses of nature from the Juniata Valley Random photos shot by amateur photographer, Doug Sabin, Sr. Pastor of Kish Valley Grace Brethren Church, Reedsville. Doug and his wife Barb live in Milroy.

Winter Majesty in The Valley Mail Pouch Books

by Carleen B. Grossman

During this special month of love and historical birthdays, I want to provide you with some books that tie in with both.

However, my first book is a novel that only shares the color theme of this month. It is a book that is written by a Wisconsin author who does an excellent job of portraying the actualities of rural life.

I found myself identifying with the characters so much that I felt just like I was part of their small town experience. I hope to read more of this author’s works!

CRANBERRY RED

By Jerry Apps Copyright 2010

This novel takes you to a rural area in Wisconsin’s cranberry growing neighborhoods where county extension agents, the 4H programs, and even the state fair are all closed out due to financial cutbacks. The story follows a local middle aged, ethical extension agent who is laid off yet surprisingly is offered a job with a private university! A web of mystery is woven through the story as it is discovered that a chemical developed by the university he is working for is scheduled to be sprayed onto the cranberry bogs.

Preliminary research shows that the chemical is hazardous to living creatures (mankind and the animal world). Production of this new chemical has a direct connection to the cutbacks within the community and action must be taken and the repercussions could be devastating!

Short, succinct chapters make this book a comfortable read and the plot twists draw you into

the story and make you feel like you are part of this 21st century agricultural challenge. A brief author’s note explains the background and motivation for such a novel, and it also provides some interesting facts about cranberries and their production in Wisconsin.

ONE HUNDRED NAMES FOR LOVE: A Stroke, a Marriage, and the Language of Healing

By Diane Ackerman Copyright 2011

What would you do if someone you loved had a stroke? What would you do to help that person?

This book is a memoir of such a time for a famous husband and wife team. The author describes life after her husband’s stroke.

Don’t think of this book as a negative read; it is a very positive story of a journey filled with love!

You will learn how to be happy and even laugh when difficult times are in hand.

MENUS FROM HISTORY: Historical Meals & Recipes for Every Day of the Year

By Janet Clarkson Copyright 2009

In this month of historic birthday celebrations, what better way to celebrate than to learn about the history of food and then to have 365 daily menus to try; menus are arranged chronologically by occasion and by country. What a great exploration into new territories in the search for food and for land on which to grow it! This is a 2 volume set.

97 ORCHARD: An Edible History of 5 Immigrant Families in One New York Tenement

By Jane Ziegelman Copyright 2010

You are what you eat! Or so the saying goes. Learn what 5 immigrant families between

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1863 and 1935 ate. See how certain predicaments are faced and how these families adapted the food from their respective countries to their newly adopted country thus becoming the kind of people they were in their new abodes. You will witness the comings and goings of inhabitants around the turn of the twentieth century. A great community lesson in sustainability. It is fascinating! a

The Valley, February 2012

24

Buckhorn Taxidermy and Sporting Goods has added a new addition of live pets and pet supplies to the store.

We also have a line of live bait and live crickets year-round for the fishermen and pet lovers.

The Pen and Thread Custom Calligraphy and Weaving

Mary Anna Chenoweth Proprietor

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

Tropical Fish Birds Lizards Frogs Snakes Spiders S corpions Hamsters Gerbils Rats Mice

We are a full time taxidermy shop with over 50 years combined experience. Big game, game heads, small game, fish and exotic animals.

316 N. Logan Blvd.

Burnham, PA 17009 Open 7 days a week (717) 242-4490

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

Mon & Fri. 10am - 7pm Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat - 10am 5pm Sun - 8am - noon

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25

The Valley, February 2012

Walking on the wild side by julie shultz smith

Have any of you thought about or maybe you already are Walking On The Wild Side yourselves by owning a pet that just anyone would not own. Do you or have you thought about getting a pet rat or maybe a leopard gecko? Just something a little different than your average pet dog or cat. As most of you know by now, I think owning a different kind of pet is a little like Walking On The Wild Side. But then again, I always liked being different than other people. Some of you may never want a pet like I am going to talk about today, but hopefully it will give you all a different look on things by learning a little about them.

Let’s start off by talking about pet rats. I know what most people think of rats, but really they are pretty nice little critters if you just think about it. They really do make nice pets. Did you know that rats are warm blooded mammals that come from the rodent family? They are not aggressive, dirty or carry diseases like most people think, but they are actually very clean, fun loving, affectionate, social, sensitive little things. Believe it or not, they really do like to interact with people and they should be handled

daily to keep them happy. I have read some studies that say rats can even be taught some simple tricks like sit and come, and they can even learn their names. Did you know you can even litter box train a rat? Oh yes, they are smart enough to learn how to do their business in a litter box. As I mentioned before, rats are little social bugs, so it is better to have more than one rat at a time. They will be much happier if they are able to have company. The best part about that is by owning two rats, it really isn’t any more work than having just one. Now don’t forget, if you are going to have two rats make sure you have two females or two males, or you may end up with more rats than you want. Rats can breed as early as five weeks of age.

When picking out your rats, just a little something to think about.

They say males tend to be a little calmer than the females, but the females tend to be a little more active. On the other hand, you also need to think about your male rats marking their territory.

Rats also like to have something to play with as well. Just about anything without sharp edges will work for rats to play with such as little hammocks, or even a little

roll-n-around ball—they love them. One thing you can’t forget is that whatever you give them, they will chew on it. Now you ask, how big rats can get? Rats can range from six to ten inches long not including the tail, and can weigh about six to eighteen ounces, but the males can get as large as two pounds. Now that’s a big rat! So what are you going to house your rat in? They can be housed in aquariums, but make sure you have a screened lid. Or they can also be housed in wire cages. For bedding you can use just about anything. We like to use care fresh bedding here at E & L Supplies. The only thing you should avid for bedding is cedar or pine wood chips because the fumes from them can give the rats respiratory damage. Cleaning up after rats is very easy as well.

You will only need to clean its cage about every three days. Rats can eat just about anything. Stop

by E & L Supplies to pick up your pet rat and everything you need for them.

Another good warm blooded mammal from the rodent family to have as a pet is a hamster. One difference between the hamster and the rat is that hamsters are nocturnal. They like to sleep most

of the day and be up all night.

Did you know that a hamster is one of the most popular pets from the rodent family? One of the biggest differences between hamsters and rats is that a hamster does not have a tail. Hamsters can be good pets for whatever age you may be, but hamsters need to be handled on a daily basi. The more you handle them, the friendlier they will get. You just have to watch if your hamster is not used to being handled as they can bite.

If you’re not sure of your hamster’s temperament, wear gloves to just be on the safe side. You can even pick up a hamster by the skin on the back of the neck without hurting them if you are unsure of their temperaments. Hamsters don’t have very good eyesight, but they do have a very good sense of smell and hearing. Depending on the breed of hamster you have, and if you have more than one in a cage, it’s not always a good idea to keep two female hamsters together. They may be aggressive towards one another. If you have a hamster or are thinking of getting a hamster, it’s not a pet that you would want to let roam freely in your house. You can also get a roll-n-round ball for them, just as you would a rat to roam in your house. Hamsters are smaller than the rat family and only weigh about 90-150 gm and only get to be about 3-5 inches long. To house your hamsters it would be pretty much the same as the rat.

When picking out your hamster’s cage, just make sure they can’t escape because that is something hamsters are good at—they are

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little escape artists. When they get out, you probably will never find them again. Just make sure you put something in their cages for them to chew on or hide in.

They even like to have a wheel to run on in their cages. Hamsters should have their cages cleaned weekly. We also carry hamsters and all their necessities at E & L Supplies.

Let’s move on to something a little different. How about the Bearded Dragons and the Leopard Geckos? They are cold blooded reptiles that belong to the lizard family. Bearded Dragons are diurnal which means they sleep during the night and are up during the day. Leopard Geckos are just the opposite; they sleep all day and are up all night. Both the Bearded Dragons and the Leopard Geckos make excellent pets with wonderful temperaments. I would have to say they both really do like the attention they get from humans. Sometimes you will even find them walking back and forth in their cages waiting for you to hold them. If you have never seen a Bearded Dragon they have little spike like things on their backs almost making them look like dinosours. The Leopard Geckos are smoothed skinned.

When the Bearded Dragons are first born they weigh about 1/10 of an ounce and are just less than four inches in length. When the Bearded Dragons get to be adults, they can weigh ¾ of a pound and range in length of 19-23 inches.

Another difference between the

Continued on page 19

The Valley, February 2012

26

Jared’s thoughts from the Bunker by jared kauffman

Water Storage 101

The average person can live 3 weeks without food but only 3 days without water.

of three days’ worth being stored.

That amount is for drinking only.

It does not include water for washing and cooking. In areas

Water storage is a vital part of high heat and when circumof your emergency preparedness stances demand physical activity, plan. In the event of a disaster, the amount per person should be where there is the possibility of doubled. power loss, and because most

of us, rural folk and city dwellSTORING YOUR WATER ers alike, depend on electrical

There are several options water pumps, we will depend on for your water storage. In The the water we have stored .The Bunker I have divided my water minimal amount of water that is stores into two separate lots. One recommended is one gallon per is strictly used for drinking and person per day with a minimum cooking and the other, clearly marked NON-POTABLE, is for cleaning, washing, toilet flushing, etc. I have purchased food-grade 55 gallon barrels in which most of my water is stored and I supplement those with smaller 2.5 and 5 gallon storage containers and several cases of store bought 20 oz. bottles. Keep in mind that one gallon of water weighs approximately 8 pounds and that the 55 gallon barrels, when full, will weigh 440 pounds apiece! The smaller containers will be used to transport water from room to room. You will need a bung wrench, to open the barrels, and a siphon hose to transfer water into smaller containers. If frugality is in 55 gallon, food grade, plastic drums are ideal your nature then you may water storage containers. use empty two-liter soda

bottles. After cleaning bottles with hot soapy water, bottles must be thoroughly rinsed and then sanitized. The one method I might suggest is to fill the bottle with clean water and add one teaspoon of NON-SCENTED chlorine bleach allowing the solution to make contact with all surfaces including cap. Rinse and allow to air dry. Refill with clean water.

If your water source is from municipal public utilities no further steps are required. If your water is taken from a well, add two drops of bleach. DO NOT USE empty milk or juice bottles for your drinking water storage. The type of plastic used does not allow you to adequately remove the sugars found in milk and fruit juice and prevent bacteria from forming.

Your drinking water stores should be kept in a cool, dark room, on a wooden pallet and rotated every 6 months.

This water storage is only for a short term “crisis.” If a long term emergency is a concern then different preps are necessary.

These extra precautions should include the means to filter and purify any water taken from questionable sources. Lakes, rivers, ponds, contaminated wells, any water taken from these sources must be considered polluted and must be treated prior to use.

TREATING YOUR WATER

There are several methods

For long term water supply in the event of a prolonged crisis, you can’t beat Berkey water filters. Many sizes to choose from based on your needs.

used to treat water that could possibly be contaminated. Boiling is one method often recommended by municipalities after an interruption occurs in the water supply and contamination is a possibility. Filtering is another option. A quality water filter is an absolute must-have for a possible extended grid-down situation. The British Berkefeld or “The Big Berkie” and Katadyn brand are examples of top-of-line gravity water filters meant for residential use.

A brief description of the capability of the “Big Berkie” found on the Berkefeld website includes; British Berkefeld® Filter Elements reduce up to 99.99% of particulates, cysts, parasites and pathogenic bacteria including E. Coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Salmonella Typhi. Cloudy water must first be pre-filtered to remove any sediment and to extend the life of the filter. Finally, treating contaminated water with liquid chlorine bleach, again make sure you use the non-scented variety; 8-15 drops per gallon will kill most microorganisms. After adding bleach, allow water to

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--Thomas Jefferson thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com

stand for 30 min. There should be a slight chlorine odor, if not repeat the steps. Yes the water will taste bad and I recommend stocking up on flavored drink mixes. There are other means of purification/filtration which are geared more for backpackers and personal 72 hour kits, i.e. purification tablets found in camping/sporting goods depts., smaller hiker-size water filters, and wand-type sterilizers

The water we take for granted today might not be there tomorrow. It is essential that we have a back-up source of water. At the least it could make a minor inconvenience bearable or at the worst, it could be the difference between life and death.

Remember being prepared, having the supplies on hand to see you through the unexpected is very much part of the self-reliant lifestyle.

Sources: www.Britishberkefeld.com www.Ready.gov a

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27

The Valley, February 2012

Grosze Thal Nachbaren

(Big Valley Neighbors)

by Jeptha I. Yoder

Ein Grusz in dem Namen unsers Herren Jesu Christi, Dies Findet uns in die mitte von der Winter. Unser Gröszter Schnee bis hierher war ebbes wie fünf zahl und iss wieder am schmelzen.

Am Sonntag der 25 (Christ oder Weihnachtstag) waren Unkel Jesse S. Hostetlers und Töchter Miriam, Ruth, Näomi, und Lena hier nachmittages. Etliche von die (Jeff) Lydia R. Yoder haushaltung waren ans Mose R. Hostetlers furs Mittag-essen.

Kirchengasse Gemein war ans Samuel B. Hostetlers. West Lang Leen ans Johannes J. Hostetlers.

Der Erst-Januar (Neu Jahrstag) waren wir in der Gemein ans Jesse J. Hostetlers. Von andere Theilen waren Isaak R. Hostelers und Famile, die (Jeff) Lydia R, Jacob, Fräney, und Dorothy (Emanuel J. ), Uria, Fräney, und Thomas (Joel M. ) alle Yodern.

Ost Lang Leen Gemein und Singen war ans Jacob Z. Hostetlers wo etliche Junge auch waren fürs Abendessen. Jacob S. Hostetlers waren in Ost Lang Leen Gemein.

Nord Milroy Gemein war ans Michael U. Yoders.

Der Acht, war Kirchengasse Gemein ans Noah C. Speichers.

Von andere Theilen waren der Schreiber, unds Sam R. Yoders und Sohn Joel. Ich war ans Christ Speichers fürs Abendessen. Die (Salomon) Mareily unds

Uria S’s und Tochter Lydia, alle Hostetlern, waren auch dort. Ans Noahs waren Joseph S. Yoders und drei Jüngste. West Lang Leen Gemein und Singen war ans Eli Y. Hostetlers.

Meine Eltern waren ans Eli S. Hostetlers nachmittages. Ans Elis furs Mittag waren Unkel Christ M. Yoders und Jesse J. Hostetlers und Familie.

Mose N. Hostetlers und Familie waren dort furs Abendessen. Mose C. Yoders und Andere waren ans M. Sieber Hostetlers fürs Mittagessen. Daniel Y. Hostetlers waren dort fürs Abendessen.

Am Alt-Christag waren Jesse J. Hostetlers und Famile bei ihre Mutter die (Jeff) Lydia R. Yoder fürs Abendessen.

Samuel J. Hostetlers waren auch dort Yost I. Hostetlers von McClur waren ans Mose C. Yoders. Ans Eli S. Hostetlers nachmittages waren Johannes Y. Hostetlers.

Ans Elis fürs Abendessen waren Solomon Cs und von McClur Eli Js und Johannes Zs alle Hostetlern.

Der 15 waren wir in der Gemein ans Johannes Y. Hostetlers.

Von andere Theilen waren Sam Is und Töchter Lydia und Adelina, Auch Mattie, Rufus, und Elisabeth (Joseph S.) alle Yodern. Etliche Jungie waren ans Johannes Ys fürs Abendessen und Singen. Ans

Eli S. Hostetlers fürs Ans Eli S. Hostetlers fürs Abendessen waren Joseph S. Yoders und Jüngste, und Miriam K. und Ruth N. Hostetler (Jesse S. ). Ost Lang Leen Gemein war ans Emanuel J. Yoders.

Nord (oder Unter) Milroy war ans Abraham J. Hostetlers. So der Herr Will und wir leben ist unser Gemein ans Mose R. Hostetlers nächst mol. Ich war ans Unkel Christ abends.

Der 22, war Kirchengasse Gemein ans Sam N. Yoders. West Lang Leen ans Menno M. Yoders.

Wir waren ans Unkel Jesse S. Hostetlers fürs Mittag-essen.

Eli S. Zugen und Famile waren ans Unkel Christ M. Yoders fürs Mittag. Eli S. Hostetlers und Familie waren dort abends. Mose C. Yoders und Familie waren bei Ihre Groszeltern, die Mose I. Hostetlers, Nachmittages.

Der 26, war Hochzeit in Penns Thal ans David N. und Elisabeth Y. Hostetlers für ihre Tochter Lizziann E. verheirathet mit Eli M. und Anna D. Yoders ihr Jacob E. Gemein ans Samuel Z. Speichers Jr.

Am 31 ist Hochzeit (So Der Herr Will) ans Eli M. und Anna D. Yoders ihr Elisabeth E. mitt David Y. und Näomi H. Zugen ihr Abram D. Gemein ans Rufus C. Zugen.

Christian Greetings on a winter day! Our recent snow is melting fast. So far we have not

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had any single digit temperatures here at my house.

I made saurkraut from collards and kale. Did one batch in Nov. and a second one in Dec. Of course making kraut from leafy greens is a bit more timeconsuming than working with the solid heads of cabbage. But, when considering the nutritional value of green leaves versus the white stuff, it is surely worth it!

The plants are still green and more could be harvested at this writing. I always thought the collards (which can be a perennial plant) were a bit more enduring in weather extremes. My latest patch of kale is from seed from a seed saver in Michigan who selected for winter hardiness. Surely they will survive our milder (hopefully!) PA winters.

New arrival is a son number three named Christ M. on Christmas Day to Elis and Adelina R. Hostetler. Grands are Christ M. and Mary Adelina (Host), local; Sam Y. and Elizabeth Y. (Zook) Hostetler of Homer City. Greatgrandfather is widower Eli B. Zook of Penns Valley.

Great - Uncle Isaac S. Yoder had a stroke, but seems to be recuperating with his walking being better than his speech, at present.

Had his 79th birthday on the 25th.

Their address is 1065 Church Lane, Reedsville, PA 17084.

Katie J. (Byler) Zook (72) wife of Menno J. had a mastectomy done as an outpatient. But at this point has not accepted chemo.

Is very glad for vistors and mail.

Address is 10674 Back Mountain Road, Milroy, PA 17063. Menno’s sister, the Michael I. Yoders of IL are in the area for the wedding in Penns Valley.

Annie S. Hostetler born Feb. 10, 1997 was being bothered by dizziness earlier this fall or winter.

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Shortly before Christmas she was diagnosed as having a fast growing tumor on the brainstem, where surgery is considered too risky. She is the dau. of Joshua J. and Salina L. Hostetler of 195 Hoffman Lane, Milroy. Annie has an older brother and sister and one of each younger. At this point she does not have the strength to read all of her mail by herself. But, I am sure lines of cheer and encouragement are still appreciated and needed by the family. Salina’s parents are (wheelchair) Rudy S. and Annie Z. (Speicher) Hostetler of 260 Hoffman Lane. Joshua’s parents were the late Seth D. and Elizabeth R. Hostetler. He has a step-mother Rachel L. (Zook) Hostetler of 223 Salem Road, Milroy.

Several more new arrivals are a dau. Catherine M., joining one sister and three brothers on Jan. 7 to Rufus S. and Madeline B. Hostetler. Grands are widow (Korie N.) Nancy L. Hostetler; John D. and Barbara Z. (Speicher) Yoder.

A dau. Malinda F. on Jan. 17, to Michael Y. and Barbara E. Hostetler, joining one sister.

Grands are widow (Yost E.) Lydia E. (Zook) Hostetler; Samuel E. Jr. and Malinda F. (Yoder) Hostetler.

Bish. Abraham N. Yoder (53) had a hospital stay following a stroke. Is at home now and improving, but presently confined to a wheelchair. Address is 7414 East Back Mountain Road, Reedsville, PA 17084

As I wrap this up on the 27th, we are having rainy weather.

Mrs Joel E. Yoder (Salina) and daus. stopped in yesterday, eating dinner here. I spent the day on errands up the road. Got my horse shod.

If you are looking for a guinea rooster you may want to contact Joel E. Yoder at 10 Blue Hollow Road, Milroy.

The writer has feather-footed banties for sale ($2.50 ea.) at 150 Red Lane, Milroy.

Remember the sick. God’s Blessings wished to all!

Jeptha I. Yoder a

The Valley, February 2012

Answers in an ad in this issue

28

The College Football Hall of Fame - South Bend, Indiana opened in 2003, a must see for all college football fans!

1. Award given to the "Most Outstanding College Player"?

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3. South Bend, IN is the home of this model car, manufactured here 1902-1963?

The Valley

is published the first Thursday of every month.

Deadlines for ads and submissions is the 15th of the preceding month for inclusion in following month’s issue.

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29

The Valley, February 2012

The Chicken AND the Egg!

by Mike Flanagan

Troubled Waters (Addiction and Wyandottes)

WARNING: Keeping chickens may cause laughter and other feelings of general well-being which can lead to addiction and an excessive number of chickens.

Sorry for the disturbing headline, but it’s true. Keeping chickens can become an addiction.

And this is the worst time of year for it. We’re all familiar with the

Mike’s Columbian Wyandotte rooster, Bullwinkle.

stories of how the holiday season is hardest on those who are living alone, resulting in depression and even suicide. For those of us who keep chickens, right now is the worst time of year.

Why? Well, because the new chicken catalogs are in the mailboxes. And we’ve already started drooling over the beautiful four color prints of breeds we never knew existed but now can’t imagine our flock without them. We’ve GOT to have them.

Just one or two, but we’ve GOT to have them. And that’s how it starts, just one or two or those, and one or two of those, and one or two of these. Oh, and I’ve GOT to get one of these. Now do you understand why I call myself a “chickaholic”?

Even I fell victim to this affliction last year. I truly intended to take all of my 2 year olds to the processor as soon as the new girls started laying. So I ordered up two dozen day-old pullets.

(That’s the technical name for a hen under 1 year old.) And I ordered a wonderful assortment

of plumage. After all, if you’re only a hobbyist like me, the looks of the flock are as important as

A Gold-Laced Wyandotte hen and a Black Australorp hen digging in my compost bin.

the production, in my opinion.

But I digress. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I had 42 hens and 2 roosters out in the yard. We’re not having any trouble selling our eggs ($2 a dozen) so we just decided to keep them all. But now I don’t have room for new stock in the spring,

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and I HAVE to have one or two of these and one or two of those ,,,,, You get the picture. Oh, by the way, while you’re in those catalogs consider picking up a pack of those spiral leg bands so you can tell this year’s pullets from last years hens. They even come in a

Continued on page 30

The Valley, February 2012

30 Troubled Waters from page 29 variety of colors. That way you can have red for 2012 birds, blue for 2013 birds, and the green 2011 birds are headed to the freezer.

Now that you have completed your first year of chicken keeping, you may find yourself in similar straits, suffering from the same “affliction.” I can offer no hope that this will ever go away. All I can do is offer some advice. First, assess your situation realistically.

Remember my primary rule, each bird should have at least two square feet of indoor floor space, provided they have free access to the outdoors. My recommendation is 4 square feet for indoor only birds. (But we’re not raising any of those, right?) My girls have their covered patio, which doubles their floor space. And for the winters I enclose that area with 6 mil plastic, creating a sun room for them. If all you’ve got is one of those pretty 4’x8’ houses you see in the poultry magazines, you should understand that you are limited to 12 birds or less.

Any more than that and you will

be subjecting them to stress and crowding, which can lead to pecking and even cannibalism. No, I am not exaggerating. That’s why chicken factories have to clip the beaks off their chicks.

My second piece of advice for those afflicted with chickaholism is to seek the counsel of a stable and unaffected friend or family member. For me, that has always been my good wife of 30 years. Until last year, that is. She’s the reason we didn’t thin the flock last fall, as we were supposed to. Now we have both started to come to our senses and realize we must do something in the spring. I have to reduce my flock to a more manageable size before my new stock is ready to go outside around Memorial Day weekend.

And how does one do that?

Well, for the time being I make use of the services of Eli Reiff of Mifflinburg, PA (570-9660769). There is no question that the birds I get back are my own drug and hormone free birds. I make an appointment and get to actually watch while my birds are cleaned and processed for me.

(The squeamish need not do this.

You’ll still get only your birds back.) The family members who do the processing will customize it anyway you want. In the spring I’ll be taking two dozen birds down. I just tell them that I want 12 whole roasting birds and 12 birds halved for grilling. I can even have the giblets set aside for me, if I wish. (I don’t) I do, however, have the necks cut off and bagged together. And I have the feet bagged as well. If you want to make the BEST chicken stock you’ve ever had, just fill a pot with your cleaned carcass, a half dozen necks and a dozen chicken feet, cover with water, and boil as usual. I guarantee you it makes a better stock than you have ever had before. Some day I may buy some of the processing equipment that Eli makes and sells (heartily endorsed by the PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture, PASA) and process my own, but for now it’s easier just to spend a morning letting them do it. Oh yeah, bring a couple of coolers and LOTS of ice to cool your birds when they are finished.

If variety is truly the spice

A. J. Peachey’s “Better Than Big!”

Even though the dead of winter is upon us, things are moving right along over at A.J. Peachey’s.

Aaron and Lewis in concert with their managers continue to streamline and improve the operation so as to get to the point where finishing the building will be realized.

Lots has happened since our last excursion out to the stores.

First off, the new bright and cheery cafe has returned to doing breakfast on Saturdays with a fabulous breakfast buffet that is available from 7AM till 10:30AM every Saturday. Add this to their daily specials like Chicken and Waffles, Pot Pie, Meatloaf, and of course, the Friday Fish Fry, and

you have several reasons to check out the cafe for some of that same old goodness you remember. The Cafe is open from 11AM - 6PM Monday thru Friday and is open Saturday 7AM - 6PM. Perhaps if we all support the Saturday breakfast, we can convince the Peachey’s to bring back breakfast on the weekdays.

A.J. Peachey’s grocery still sells their all-natural local beef and still has their ongoing meat specials, be sure to pick up a flyer next time you are there. The grocery store is open from 8AM 6PM.

The Bakery still continues to pump out those delicious baked

goods and now has a “Whoopie Pie of the Month” with a special flavor every month, and a special price to boot! The Bakery is open from 8AM - 6PM.

The Country Crafts & Gifts shop is still bringing in unique, quality items and will be introducing a new winter line of Scarves, Gloves & Footsies. They are also carrying our favorite soap; Shade Mountain Naturals soaps are the best and they can be found at Peacheys. The Craft Store is open from 9AM - 5PM.

Let’s show the Peacheys what community is all about and support our local neighbors as they continue walking the road back. a

American Chestnuts from page 17

most important wildlife plant in the eastern United States,” said Fitzsimmons. “A large American chestnut tree could produce 10 bushels or more of nuts annually.

“Chestnut mast supported many species indigenous to Pennsylvania, including squirrels, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons and grouse, which once depended on chestnuts as a major food source.” a

Stand up Men of Valor from page 29

In virgin forests throughout their range, mature chestnuts are said to have averaged up to 5 feet in diameter and up to 100 feet tall.

Many specimens of 8 to 10 feet in diameter were recorded, and there were rumors of trees bigger still.

“Due to their abundance and enormous size, the American chestnut once ranked as the

as He puts on human skin, takes on the constraints of time and this created world that He himself created, and walks around among us showing us through Jesus’ life who He is and how He loves.

But not only that He says, since the wages of sin are death, I will take on that death, I will step in and make the sacrifice so I don’t

of life, then the Wyandotte breed is one of the spiciest breeds of chicken available. The American Poultry Association recognizes NINE different colorations or varieties. So far, I have had GoldLaced Wyandottes and Columbian Wyandottes. This year I will be ordering some Silver-Laced ones, and maybe some Partridge ones as well. I have to say that they are among my prettiest birds.

Honestly, a small flock owner who desires a “fancy” flock could easily build a very attractive flock using only Wyandottes. They are also among my friendliest and sweetest dispositioned birds.

Remember last month when I wrote about Rocky attacking me and that surprisingly vicious hen?

Well, neither of them are Wyandottes. My Wyandotte rooster (Bullwinkle) isn’t as friendly as the hens, but he’s never shown any sign of aggression toward me either. I have seen him put Rocky in his place a couple of times though. Since this breed was developed in New York state and other north-eastern states it does well in our locale. They are brown egg layers who lay an aver-

age of 4 eggs per week. Hens get to around 6-7 pounds and roosters around 7-8 pounds.

Wyandottes are a good, medium-weight fowl for small family flocks kept under rugged conditions. Their rose combs do not freeze as easily as single combs and the hens make good mothers.

Their attractive “curvy” shape and generally good disposition make them a good choice for fanciers as well as farmers. Common faults include narrow backs, undersized individuals and relatively poor hatches. Also, it is not uncommon to see single combed offspring come from rose combed parents.

These single combed descendants of Wyandottes should not be kept as breeders.

I hope to have some more questions to answer next month, and perhaps you good folk will help me by suggesting topics you would like to see discussed in the future. If not, you will be subjected to more random ramblings from a confirmed chickaholic.

Until then .....

Remember, support your local economy. Buy local, eat local, and live well. a

have to see the ones I love suffer the consequences of an eternity without me. That is LOVE, real love. Does this mean all our current suffering will end and all our relationships will magically be wonderful when we believe in Him? I don’t even need to answer that, because you already know the answer. It just means He will be right there with us through it all and someday when Jesus returns all will be back to the way God intended it to be.

You see Adam and Eve made the mistake of not realizing who God created them to be, it became more important to seek wisdom and power and knowledge outside of God’s design then to trust God’s heart and be content with simply bearing the image of God in a human form surrounded by breathtaking, incredibly beautiful creations. I wish it would have been enough for them, I wish we humans didn’t continue to make that same mistake. It wasn’t until after that mistake that both men and women were changed and their views of life and each other were changed as well.

God is the true lover of our souls, our spirits, He and He alone knows our innermost parts. He knows who He created us to be and He seeks each and every one of us to love us and bring us back to Him. Romantic? You bet it is!

I believe understanding that our

deepest needs can only be met

by God is extremely important to our relationships with others. It’s a wonderful and freeing experience to let people off the hook.

We tend to pin people to the wall so to speak, demanding that they meet our needs and getting very frustrated when they don’t.

Things fell apart in Eden and Jesus came to offer full redemption spiritually, but physically the pain and struggle will continue until Christ’s return when everything will be made right! The Bible says even creation is groaning for this to happen how much more then are we?

I know I opened a can of worms with bringing up the subject of male and female roles, and I never really put the lid back on, but that is because I think it is the least of our concerns. Yes, I know the New Testament says that women should be submissive to their husbands, but it also says that in order for a woman to be willing to offer herself as that ally that she was designed to be and share her strength with her husband; he must love her as Christ loved us all. Men, you have a very tall order there and you know what I say, stand up oh men of valor, show the woman in your life who God designed you to be, love her with the love of Christ and you may be surprised at what lies in the heart of a woman. a

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The Valley, February 2012

Stand Up Men of Valor

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by Sarah Hurlburt

Oh February, the month of sweet romance and flowers. (Can you hear the background sound effects of brakes screeching to a halt?) It sounds nice though, but unfortunately contrary to what Hollywood portrays to us, the real world of love and romance is a bit different. Have you ever thought about where your desire to be romanced comes from?

It’s not hard to find the answer at all, look at the Creation account in Genesis and see where God has purposefully recorded for us that he created us, male and female, in his very OWN IMAGE. That will not blow your mind like it does mine if you do not take the time to let it sink in.

There is a lot of controversy about the “roles” of men and women. There are views that say the role of women is to be a “helpmate,” a quiet, behind the scenes person. They use Genesis 2:18 to back this (along with a few other scriptures). That same school of thought will tell you man, on the other hand, is to be the leader, the one in control, the one with the power, a superior. But if you look a little deeper into the creation account, you may be surprised at what you find there.

It’s always very important in your study of the Bible to use resources that allow you to take a look at the original Hebrew or Greek meanings of the words being translated. Because the English words “helpmeet or helpmate or helper” are often drastically downplayed from what the original Hebrew word meant. Now this is not to say there is error in God’s Word. However there are times when there are poor interpretations of His perfect and inerrant Word. And I feel that this is one of them and I only point it out to help people realize who we were created to be.

The original Hebrew word was ezer kenegdo or ezer. Scholars say that the meaning of the word ezer that was translated into English as “helpmate or helper” was a combination of two root words, meaning “to rescue, to save,” and “strength.” This word ezer, is used 20 some times in the Bible and is always used to denote

strength and power. At times it’s used to describe God as our “helper,” at others it’s used to describe military allies or aids. Not exactly the picture of a tired worn out housewife, quietly exhausting herself in an effort to “help” everybody without any thought to herself.

Don’t mistake this as a plug for the women’s liberation movement. If so, you would be badly mistaken. I am a wife and a Mom and I do work a part-time job outside of the home as well, and honestly I love to help people, but I DO NOT see myself as merely a lowly creature designed only to be nothing more than a “domestic helper.” This is not what God has taught me about myself through both my relationship with Him and His Word. God has taught me that both Men and Women were specifically designed and perfectly made with purpose. It was not until after Eve’s choice to decide that wasn’t enough that everything changed.

The Bible says plainly we were created in God’s image and he chose the incredibly artistic and beautiful way of portraying himself in both a masculine and feminine way. Only so that we could more clearly see all of his incredible attributes and understand the powerful side of God and the tender side of God both through a man and a woman. The thing some people seem to forget is that the scriptures make it clear male and female were created equal. God did not think of one as “better” or more powerful than the other, he knew they would need each other and balance each other.

God looks over creation after creating Adam and says something is missing, it’s almost perfect but not quite and it is then that God creates a woman. Women are not afterthoughts; I like to think of men and women both as the grand finale of creation, the climax.

And don’t think I’m not going to speak to the amazing creations that men are. Men are brilliantly designed to show us the warrior side of God, who wouldn’t feel safe in times of war or trouble with a strong capable soldier at their side? As you read through

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the Old Testament you will see men described with words like, heads of families, choice men, brave warriors, outstanding leaders, God’s friend, Kings, and men of valor (in case you are not sure what “valor” means it is to have great courage in the face of danger). What a picture of masculinity. I can assure you that any woman offered a man like that is going to be more than happy to portray her strength, her ability to be a strong ally, her beauty, and commitment to him.

All those words used to describe great men in the Bible could also be used to describe God; do you see the lesson emerging? We are created in God’s image; we bear the very image of God.

In the old testament we see God in this masculine light many times, His power, His might, people can’t even stand on their feet in His presence, but yet as you study you see a tender side of God always there. Time after time, His people reject Him and as

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a result, being a just and righteous leader He must allow the consequences he has said would happen if they did. But often times in the midst of those terrible consequences God would say, I can’t take it anymore, I can’t stand to see them suffer and in His great mercy He would stop the consequences. Then in the New Testament we see God, taking this desire to know us and redeem us a step further. We see a softer side

Continued on page 30

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The Valley, February 2012

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33

The Valley, February 2012

Back Talk

by Dr. Joseph Kauffman

Informed Decisions

The goal of all of my articles posted in this great newspaper is to educate the reader and to give you a different side of the topic than you may have been given in the past. With a more thorough education, you can make the best decision for you and your family.

My topic for the next few months will be about a rather hot topic as of late. The choice of whether or not to vaccinate has been brought into question a lot. We get pounded and harassed and threatened to vaccinate our children and our babies. Most doctors assume that we as parents are automatically going to vaccinate. Whenever they are informed otherwise, many times they are dumbfounded and start with the harassment, threats and sometimes-even ridicule. For many years, doctors and pediatricians assumed that you are going to trust their recommendations and advice simply because they are the doctors and “doctors know best” for you and your children. What many people forget is that your medical doctor and pediatrician do work for you, but the insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies who manufacture each vaccine and the government, also pay them. Therefore, is it really in their best interest to not recommend and encourage vaccinations? Even when the safety of a particular vaccine is brought into question, that vaccine is still pushed by most doctors onto the

patients. Even when the particular disease that the vaccine prevents is not relevant or a risk, it is still pushed onto the patient. Why? Safety? Prevention? Or, money?

The best place to start is with the very first vaccine that is pushed on our babies at birth: Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis literally means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B infection can be spread through having contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and other body fluids of someone who already has a hepatitis B infection.

Infection can be spread through: blood transfusions (not common in the United States), direct contact with blood in health care settings, sexual contact with an infected person, tattoo or acupuncture with unclean needles or instruments, shared needles during drug use, shared personal items (such as toothbrushes, razors, and nail clippers) with an infected person. The hepatitis B virus can be passed to an infant during childbirth if the mother is infected. The acute illness usually goes away after 2 - 3 weeks. The liver usually returns to normal within 4 - 6 months in almost all patients who are infected. Some people develop chronic hepatitis. Almost all newborns and about 50% of children who become infected with hepatitis B develop chronic hepatitis. Less than 5% of adults who are infected with the hepatitis B virus develop the chronic condi-

tion. Chronic hepatitis B infection increases the risk for liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. People who have chronic hepatitis B can transmit the infection. They are considered carriers of the disease, even if they do not have any symptoms. Hepatitis B is fatal in about 1% of cases.

According to most Medical Doctors, “children should receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, and complete the series of three shots by age 6 months. Children younger than age 19 who have not been vaccinated should receive ‘catch-up’ doses. People who are at high risk, including health care workers and those who live with someone who has hepatitis B should get the hepatitis B vaccine. Infants born to mothers who either currently have acute hepatitis B, or who have had the infection should receive a special vaccination that includes hepatitis B immune globulin and a hepatitis B immunization within 12 hours of birth.

Screening of all donated blood has reduced the chance of getting hepatitis B from a blood transfusion. Hepatitis B (and hepatitis C) viruses cannot be spread by casual contact, such as holding hands, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, breast-feeding, kissing, hugging, coughing, or sneezing.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001324/

“Less than 1% of the population in western Europe and North American is chronically infected.

After age 40, protection following the primary vaccination series drops below 90%. Protection lasts at least 20 years.” http://www.who.int/mediacentre/ factsheets/fs204/en/

But, another source stated that the Hepatitis B vaccine may not last quite as long as the above quote. “Understand that hepatitis B vaccination-induced protective antibodies can last for up to 15 years, but appear to fall off over time. Patients who were vaccinated 10 to 15 years ago, especially those who were vaccinated as children, may not be adequately protected. Booster shots may be recommended at some point to reinforce immunity lost over time.

However, there is not yet a federal hepatitis B booster vaccination policy.” http://www.adepalma.com/medpage/HowLongHepatitisBVaccineEffectiveCMETeachingBrief. htm

Here is another side of the story, “Hepatitis B, notes CDC expert Dr. Eric Mast, is ‘a silent

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disease until people die as adults from the complications.’ That is one reason federal public health officials keep pressing for inoculation of babies and toddlers.

Another: it is easier to prick a child than it is to round up at-risk populations such as addicts and prostitutes. In the face of this approach, the medical journals are full of studies reporting symptoms of chronic immune and neurological disease symptoms after Hepatitis B shots: lupus, arthritis, diabetes, chronic fatigue, vascular disorders, various neuropathies, optic neuritis, and multiple sclerosis-like afflictions. A huge debate is brewing over the scope and attribution of these reactions.

Typical is a recent study in the respected Journal of Rheumatology, a Toronto medical publication, in which Canadian scientists studied group reactions – including a cluster of five Swedish firefighters – among Hepatitis B vacinees. Of the total 11 individuals studied, 10 developed ‘persistent arthritis,’ after the shots. The study concluded the vaccine ‘may trigger the development of rheumatoid arthritis’ in genetically susceptible individuals. ‘There is no confirmed evidence that indicates that Hepatitis B vaccine can cause chronic illnesses,’ the CDC’s National Immunization Program insisted.

Barbara Loe Fisher, president of the National Vaccine Information Center child advocacy group, said that’s just the point – no one has

Continued on page 43

The Valley, February 2012

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Joanne Wills’ Contentment Quest

Through the Lens of Love...

Have you ever had a change in perspective? A change in the way you viewed something in life? I have. Over the period of a few years, I have dramatically changed the way I view much of life. It’s comparable to looking at life through a different lens – one that’s been adjusted quite radically by way of my life lessons and educational path. Most recently, I have chosen to view life through the lens of love – a particular kind of love that I believe we need much more of… brotherly love.

I used to view brotherly love as something that was “nice”, but I did not deeply comprehend that brotherly love was a “necessity” until I began to view it through scientific research. Brotherly love

and generosity is in our DNA. We are wired to be our brother’s keeper.

In every traditional culture, the heart is considered the center of the body. The heart is the primary access area to experiencing our world. Einstein’s “Quantum Entanglement Theory” purports that we are all connected – all is entangled therefore we affect each other. What we do on an individual level really does affect our environment. It is founded in research (Heartmath, 2011), and in ancient traditions of the world.

The researchers at Heartmath (Heartmath.org) have found that our emotions modulate the heart state. Our hearts actually beat out a very different message in

positive emotions verses negative emotions. According to the research, we function better in emotional states of love and empathy whereas anger and other negative emotions “dumb” us down. When we experience negative emotions, our thinking ability is affected. We truly cannot think straight when we experience negative emotions. There are many recorded cases of people doing and saying things under the influence of anger that would not have likely occurred if the person was calm and focused.

Each day we cast our vote by what we do or don’t do; by what we say or don’t say; and by what we think or don’t think. In other words, the nature in which we choose to act or react, whether it be positive or negative, is our own free will.

We must take full responsibility for how we personally choose to respond to all situations. So why not choose to respond grounded in a capacity of love? Why not choose to view life through the lens of love? If the lens of love seems much too difficult, try the lens of grace & thanksgiving, forgiveness, compassion, or empathy.

I know firsthand how very difficult it is to “love” those who do not have our best interests in mind and those who have harmed or wronged us. But as time passes, I learn and grow.

I learn that love

frees the heart, and a bound heart cannot love to its fullest potential.

I have learned that living with a bound heart will limit one’s potential in all of life in some way shape or form.

I believe that one of the recent great demonstrators of brotherly love was Mother Theresa. She believed in living a life of service to fellow mankind and reaching out to heal the broken – the broken of spirit, the afflicted, and the lonely. Mother Theresa was quoted in a literary work called “A Simple Path”: Mother Theresa” as stating: “The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty – it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There’s a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.” Mother Theresa taught that small acts of kindness and brotherly love have the power to nourish.

She taught that love can nourish better than bread, and that we all are our brother’s keeper.

Sympathy is the strongest instinct in humanity. At the Heartmath Institute, researchers say that mirror neurons and the vegus nerve are responsible for the ability for us to feel what others are feeling – the ability is called empathy. The vegus nerve is responsible for the expansion or elevation we feel in our chest in times of joy, and the lump in our throat we often feel as a response to others in compassion – a response to be our brother’s keeper – a response to serve others, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

There is no such thing as a tiny act – it all matters. Each and every day offers opportunity to make a difference – even a very, very small difference. The vast sea is really just drops of water

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that have come together, and we have all seen the power of the sea – merely the gathering of drops of water. Just like the tiny drops of sea water, change comes about by millions of tiny acts. Everyday acts can build up overtime; seemingly tiny, almost unrecognizable acts can build to make a significant impact. The choice to smile at someone, or open a door for someone, really does matter. The choice to be cordial to someone rather than be snide is a small act of kindness that has the power to nourish. I believe we all need to give and receive small acts of kindness. We all need blessings, grace, and kindness in our lives.

We all need brotherly love.

I encourage you to join me in participating in everyday acts of kindness. Let’s intend to become aware of ways we can offer brotherly love through the month of February and beyond.

I have chosen four quotes by Mother Theresa as my guidepost – one quote per week – to set the foundation in how I will approach my tiny acts of brotherly love and service. Feel free to use the quotes I have chosen, or decide on a different way to go about small acts of kindness. What truly matters is that you act – that you awaken to move forward in brotherly love in some small way.

If all of us move forward in tiny acts of kindness, we like the sea, will become powerful to make a significant difference in our world over time. My quotes to guide my acts of kindness are: 1. “Joy is a net of love in which you can catch souls” ~Mother Theresa 2. “We are all pencils in the hand of God” ~Mother Theresa 3. “One filled with joy preaches without preaching” ~Mother Theresa 4. “Everything that is not given is lost” ~Mother Theresa

The foundation of my acts of kindness will be rooted in joy, acceptance, creativity, and giving through service.

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The Valley, February 2012

Life in the East End

by Rebecca Harrop

Now that we have some snow, we can finally go sledding!

I was beginning to think we might not get much snow this year. Sled riding is one of my favorite winter activities. Some people like ice skating, and ice skating is fun but you need a pair of skates and a pond, which are two things I don’t have. Although, last year when I visited my sister at school she took me skating with her roommate. It was my first time skating and I had a lot of fun. You don’t necessarily need a sled to go sledding, however. We have used many different things from feed bags to coats or just sitting down and going on our bottoms if the top layer is hard enough. Sometimes it’s more fun without sleds.

My Dad told me he and his brothers once used a sheet of tin to go sledding. He now realizes that wasn’t too safe. But we always had loads of fun sledding both with sleds and without. When we were real little, the hill behind Gram Harrop’s house looked so big. We would sled down that hill all day long. Then Uncle Dan, Ernie, and Ben took us up in the pasture to the BIG hill. I think we were a little scared at first because we would only go partway up and sled down. After we got older we would sled down the hill at our house. That hill has a telephone pole at the bottom and Mom was always afraid we would smash into it. I think that’s part of the fun, seeing how close you can get without hitting it.

Sometimes Rachel and I would get three different sets of clothes soaked in one day. I think we used to have 12 pairs of gloves and two or three hats, but only one pair of boots. I swear sometimes that one pair of boots never got completely dried out all winter.

We had scarves too, but I know a couple of those had to be burned because we got burdocks in them.

Did you ever try to pick burdocks out of the loose yarns on the end of a scarf? Not easy, at all! Trust me, just burn them.

Sometimes my brothers use their 4-wheelers to pack the snow to make paths so we could go farther and faster. If we got lazy they would take us back to the top of the hill on the 4-wheelers. One year our brothers let Rachel and I

drive their 4-wheelers. Our Mom didn’t like that because she was convinced we would somehow hurt ourselves. I did get Ben’s 4-wheeler stuck in the snow, but that was the worst that happened.

Rachel tried to push me out with Ernie’s 4-wheeler, but that didn’t really work. We ended up calling our brothers to help me out. Another thing I like about sledding is coming in afterwards and Mom having a BIG cup of hot chocolate for us. She used to make it from scratch from a recipe she got from Gram Goss. She would put little marshmallows in the hot chocolate and have toast spread with peanut butter. We thought that was the greatest snack known to man. Tomato soup and grilled cheese or chicken noodle soup is always another big hit after sledding.

With the snow comes snowball fights! There have been many times when I was walking to the calf barn carrying buckets of milk and I would be hit in the back with a snowball. Most often it would be from my uncle or my Dad. I would always get them back when they weren’t looking though. Well, I thought I did until I’d get hit with another snowball.

Believe me, they fight dirty! Rachel and I would sometimes have snowball throwing contests with our uncle Dave to see who could get theirs to hit the highest on the barn. Of course, Dave always won those.

The heifers sure enjoy the snow. They run around kicking up their feet after its done snowing and the sun is out. Sometimes they are so funny. Although, when it is actually snowing they will stand around like they are freezing. They can go inside the barn, but they stand outside. I think they really like the snow.

After my last couple of articles, the guys at the Siglerville Store have been giving me a hard time. So I decided I would talk a little about the store. I go in there almost every day traveling between barns. In the summer I stop and get an ice cream sandwich, a popsicle, or something chocolate, and usually a bottle of iced tea. Anyone who knows the Siglerville area knows the store.

It has been around since around

1975. Curt and Pork (no, I don’t know his real name) Bitner first started the Siglerville Store. Their wives Jean and Joyce used to work there also. At one time they had a little lunch counter where you could order sandwiches and hoagies. They have a full grocery line, lottery tickets, paintball gun supplies, and some other miscellaneous items. It’s kind of like what I imagine an old fashioned general store would be like. It is

also were all the local celebrities hang out. Yes, we have a few of those in Siglerville. You will have to stop in and see who they are.

Some are quite colorful. Steve Bitner is the current owner. His brother Greg Bitner and LuAnn Auman also work there. Steve is a very community minded person.

He sponsors the Siglerville ball team, provides an Easter Egg Hunt, and a Christmas party for the kids of the community every

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year. I know he has helped many people in other ways, but he is very modest and doesn’t like people to make a fuss. Steve is also one of the Milroy mail delivery people. Next time you are in the Siglerville area, you will have to stop at the Siglerville Store and check it out. You may be surprised at who you see. Until next month, that is “Life in the East End.” a

The Valley, February 2012

36

Home-Grown!

A Homeschooler’s Perspective

By Mary Eck Doin’ Time

One early afternoon last week, I went about running a few errands with my four young’uns, and yet again had to hear those absurd comments about why my children were not in school and, do we homeschoolers do “real” school?, and the oh-what-a-shame my children are not getting the benefit of “real” schooling. I smile calmly and direct my children to the task at hand…which is the exact opposite of how I’d like to respond.

It does not happen as often as it used to, but often enough that it still grates on me. My children are less affected than I, and find it more amusing than anything.

But, it got me thinking about how illogical the general public is when it comes to the what, why, and how of what we do. The biggest gripe or snide remark tends to focus on the issue of time, as in, “Why are you not IN school?, as if that is the chief hallmark of an educated person—a slave to good old-fashioned hours of “seatwork.”

My first inclination is to point out how ridiculous it is to presume that compulsory public school (which has only been the

rule for a hundred years or so in America) is what makes a great student; it absolutely is NOT, as even a partial list of distinguished homeschooled Americans would easily dispute. The fact is compulsion dilutes the perception of privilege, and education must be valued by our children if they are to dig deep and reach for the academic standards we set for them.

So then, it is the high priority one places upon his or her education, and access to competent and enthusiastic teaching, that successful students have in common.

So, back to the question of “time,” and whether I am cheating my children by not doing “real” school…Our family logs 180-plus days of formal schooling but, as with many other homeschooling families, we do not DO “schoolat-home.” In my opinion, that would sort of negate the advantage of homeschooling, which is the freedom to integrate a dynamic educational environment that blissfully blurs the line between fun and learning for students, and allows for the one-on-one learning method, which is unequivocally second to none.

Well-respected studies

cite that public students spend less than one hour out of every six-hour school day actually ontask—completing assignments or listening to lectures and the like.

That leaves a five-hour balance for…what exactly?

Seriously, if the public school powers-that-be can count the minutes a student stands in line at the water fountain, waiting for an inconsiderate classmate to be disciplined, or flicking notes back and forth in study hall as precious “school time,” then, darn it, I can count comparative shopping for groceries or sorting recycling bins!

And when you actually add up the “real” learning that comes from living and running a home day-in and day-out as a family, homeschoolers log way more than the mere six or so needed. So, fellow homeschoolers, don’t stress out about meeting those pesky time requirements. Sadly, it’s the public schoolers that are “doin’ the time” with so little to show for it, statistically speaking. That is the real “time” crime here, not trumped-up homeschooler truancy charges. a

Cooking for the Dogs from page 19

Cook time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour 10 mins Serves: 9 Chicken is great, it has tons of protein and dogs love it. At holiday time, I find that I have a lot of leftover meat, so it’s a great time to whip up some recipes for the dogs. This recipe will keep for 3 days in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.

Ingredients 1 pound baked ham, cooked and ground 1 pound ground chicken (grind leftover cooked chicken or start with fresh ground chicken) 3⁄4 cup sweet potatoes, parboiled and then cubed 3⁄4 cup canned plain pumpkin 1 cup cooked brown rice 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1⁄2 cup corn 2 tablespoons plain wheat germ 1 tablespoon brewer’s yeast 3 tablespoons chopped fresh pars-

ley, or 1 tablespoon parsley flakes 3 eggs, beaten 1 3⁄4 cup milk 1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese Instructions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a ring mold, loaf pan, or baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ham, chicken, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, rice, Monterey Jack cheese, corn, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, and parsley.

Mix the eggs with the milk and pour over the meat mixture.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 1 hour or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The casserole should hold its shape without jiggling; the egg and milk mixture bakes everything together almost like a custard. Let cool and serve. a

Use a knife to cut it into small squares.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the kibble is golden brown and not doughy when you break a piece open. During the baking process, take a wooden spoon or spatula and move the kibble around on the baking pan so that it bakes evenly. Then turn off the oven, keeping the door closed, and let it dry out in the off oven for at least 4 to 6 hours or overnight.

When you remove your kibble from the oven, it will still be slightly warm and moist. Let it sit on cooling racks for another hour or two until it is completely dry and cool. Once dry, break the kibble into pieces.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe type: Meal Prep time: 10 mins

Contentment Quest from page 34

Ed’s Railroading News from page 37

I believe we all must take responsibility for what we contribute to the world, whether it be anger, criticism and harm; or blessings, thankfulness, and brotherly love. Recently someone mentioned to me that every time people choose to speak criticism, gossip, or ridicule about another person it’s like they uttered a curse – the very thought of how deeply negative words can impact left a very big impression on me.

In light of that conversation, I have decided to speak blessings on others – even if it is hard to muster, even if it means speaking blessings on mine enemies.

Because, what I do, say, and think really does matter.

I came across three additional quotes from Mother Theresa that I wished to share. May her words feed and nourish you, may her words lead you to action – lead you to move in tiny seemingly insignificant acts of kindness. The world is hungry and thirsty… cast your bread upon the water. In the words of Mother Theresa: “Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of the people… Each of us is merely a small instrument; all of us, after accomplishing our mission, will disappear… There is a light in the world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in an extraordinary ways.”

My Eucharisto List for January: A sneak peak at my thankfulness list for the month of January… #4 – comfy recliners #7 – a warm rice pack on my neck #9 – delicious over easy eggs at breakfast #11 – snowflakes swirling outside my window #17 – a mug of warm apple cider My Earthly Endeavor: January – reduce my shower time to three minutes (85% success rate… yea!)

February – reduce my paper napkin usage; use cloth napkins… really try to use for all meals.

To view my full Eucharisto list and learn more about “Earthly Endeavors” visit my blog at http:// abundantliving-joann.blogspot. com a

not go. I was right behind them trying to reach over their shoulders to flip the lever on the top of the engine, but Dad kept pushing me back saying to stay away.

Alas, they gave up and walked away with Dad saying it must be broken. Then it was my turn. I turned on the transformer, slid the lever on the top of the engine and the train began running around the track with smoke coming out the stack and the whistle blaring when I moved the whistle lever on the transformer. Everyone in the room just looked on with surprise that a kid could make it run when the adults couldn’t. I knew it would run because I was the one who moved the lever in the first place, so that the engine would just sit there with the headlight on and smoke coming up the stack. This is one of my favorite memories, but I have many memories playing with my Lionel train. Later in life Dad helped build my train shop and guided me in refurbishing the building that houses Ed’s Train Repairs and Sales. I’m definately not the carpenter he was.

Another memory is of when my father-in-law, George Andrew Smith, gave me his Lionel Junior train set to service. It hadn’t run since he was a boy. The next Christmas day our sons and I setup a platform in the middle of our living room. When their Grandparents arrived later that morning we turned on the layout and out from behind my Lionel train came Pap Smith’s old Lionel Junior freight train. His smile of delight in seeing his train running again after so many years of sitting on the cellar shelf is something I can still see in my mind. After that Christmas he told me to hang on to his train for our son Jason Andrew, who is named for him.

For Christmas of 2009, while Nana and Pap Smith were visiting our house once again, his little train came running from behind the Christmas tree. Once again he was delighted to see it racing around the tree.

Just after the new year of 2010 began, Pap Smith passed into his eternal life with our heavenly Father. Nine months later my father joined him and both celebrated Christmas with God and his son Jesus Christ. We all have memories of them and these are just several of mine and our love of Lionel trains. a

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The Valley, February 2012

Ed’s Railroading News

by Ed Forsythe

those who saw the first one and Hi all. Right away, Please, because of the many requests mark your calendar for a new from those who couldn’t make it special event on March 10 & 11th to the December showings. This from 1:00 to 4:00 each day. The event will be open to the public event is a special weekend of running antique, vintage and other free of charge, but we will accept trains at the Mifflin County Model Railroad Club at 3 West Monument Square in downtown Lewistown. We will hold this event as something new to do in the middle of winter. We have decided to hold another Open My first Lionel train, a 2056 engine!

House weekend with Lionel and American donations to help us defray our Flyer trains from the 1930’s, 40’s, yearly costs of operating and 50’s and 60’s, along with others, advancing the layouts. So, mark due to the great response from

your calendar, tell your friends and come on out and enjoy our trip down the tracks to yesteryear.

For other information please contact me at 717 248 4862 or by email at, ed@edstrainstore.com.

Speaking of yesterday------My Memory Lane!

Another year has passed

Home Brew U

Adventures in Homebrewing

by Kevin Morgan

The Science of Beer

I have been a homebrewer for five years now and what has started as a hobby has turned into a passion. There is a feeling of satisfaction when a friend tastes one of your beers and comments on how good it tastes. Creating a beverage that throughout humankind has brought people together and many times using ingredients I have grown or found in the wild, is very exciting to me.

It all started for me when I took a chemistry class at the University of Minnesota. The professor said he taught during the week and on the weekends he brewed beer. He went on to include the brewing process in many of the lectures. I had always enjoyed good quality beer, so taking that next step was easy for me. Learning the history of homebrewing and basic principles behind brewing is a good start if you are interesting in making your own tasty beverage.

First off, homebrewing is legal. Sometimes people come over

to my house and see copper piping and plastic tubing connected to storage vessels in my basement and think I am up to no good.

On October 14, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed H.R. 1337, which contained an amendment creating an exemption from taxation for beer or wine brewed for

Equipment is simple, the results can be extraordinary!

personal use. However there is a limit of 100 gallons for one adult or 200 gallons for a household (two or more adults) per year.

And that is 200 gallons of beer and 200 gallons of wine that can be brewed for personal consumption per household. I have had as much as thirteen gallons fermenting in my basement at one time, but that still puts me nowhere near the maximum amount for a year.

Jimmy Carter is seen by many as a poor President, but hey we do get to make beer at home now.

Just contemplate the dark times before 1979, nothing but a light lager for much of the country.

What really intrigued me about brewing my own beer was the science behind it. A common stance today is that Americans have become disconnected from where their food comes. I would like to know the percentage of people who understand how barley becomes beer. Being a man of science and a lover of a

since Cathy’s father and my father have passed on to their next kingdom, and yet in remembering them I can’t help but remember their ties to Lionel trains.

My father, Ed Forsythe, Sr., and my mother, Betty, got me my first train set six weeks before I turned two years old, Christmas 1952. It was a Lionel #2056 engine and tender with headlight, smoke and whistle. Also included were a maroon Lehigh Valley coal hopper, a black New York Central gondola, silver two dome Sunoco tank car and a red Lionel Lines caboose.

Now, I can’t say I remember my first Christmas with the train, but my Mom says I played with it on the floor quite a bit instead of letting it run on the tracks. Since it only came out at Christmas time, I do remember running it around the tree on many Christmas platforms. One of my best memories is when I was about five years old and my father and Uncle Sid were kneeling in front of the platform and Dad was trying to show Uncle Sid how the train ran, but it would

Continued on page 36 cold one, I dove into the subject. Developing an understanding of what is taking place in the pot will help any beginning brewer.

Barley is a cereal grain that stores starch in the seeds at the head of the stalk.

The purpose of the starch is to provide the seed the necessary energy to survive until it can start making its own energy through photosynthesis. In order to maximize the starches, the barley needs to be malted. Basically this means the seeds need to germinate. Now you have malted barley. Starch is a long chained sugar. To put this in perspective, sucrose (table sugar) is two glucose (the smallest sugar) molecules bonded together while a starch can be tens to hundreds of glucoses linked together. When you mix malted barley with water, heat the water up to between 150 to 153 degrees Fahrenheit, and hold it at that temperature, a funny thing happens.

The long chained starch molecule breaks down into smaller sugars; this process is caused by enzymes released by the barley. I do not want to get too deep here—just think of little Pac-mans that chop on these long chains turning them into smaller chains. Now this sugar water is called wort. At this

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point raising the wort to a boil will sterilize it. This is also the point where the creativity of the homebrewer can blossom. Hops, herbs, fruit, honey, vegetables, chocolate, and about anything you can imagine can be added to make your beer unique at this point.

Now it is time for the magic.

The wort’s temperature has to be reduced to around eighty degrees Fahrenheit to provide a hospitable environment for the yeast. Yeast is a single celled fungus that needs sugars in order to reduce. The by-products of this process are ethanol and carbon dioxide. I like to kid my father-in-law that he is drinking the excrement of a small animal. He hates that. Here is the funny thing about yeast. They

Continued on page 42

The Valley, February 2012

38

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

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

WWT answers: 1. Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway 2. J.(John) Edgar Hoover 3. 37 years

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39

The Valley, February 2012

Notes Lewistown Hospital will be a WBCA Pink Zone Beneficiary for 2012

The Breast Care Center at Lewistown Hospital will be one of six beneficiaries of monies raised from the WBCA Pink Zone at Penn State event held on Sunday, February 26 as the Lady Lions take on Minnesota at the Bryce Jordan Center. As a Pink Zone recipient, Lewistown Hospital is encouraged to help raise awareness of the event and raise funds within Mifflin and Juniata counties.

In conjunction with the Pink Zone, Lewistown Hospital will be hosting a “Pink Out” day on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 8am – 4pm, in the Hospital’s Fourth Floor Classroom. The event will feature pink-themed baked goods, crafts, pink roses, as well as sports items, raffle items, themed raffle baskets and a silent auction. The event is open to the community. For more information, please call (717) 242-7464.

The WBCA Pink Zone at Penn State is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and its goal is to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, research and education. Each year the Penn State Lady Lions raise monies for breast cancer related charities. In addition to Lewistown Hospital’s Breast Care Center, this year’s recipients will also include: Mount Nittany Medical Center, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, The Kay Yow Cancer Fund, and J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital. Last year, the Lady Lions donated nearly $200,000 for breast cancer causes. In the past five years, the Pink Zone and the Lady Lions have donated more than $365,000.

How can the community help?

• • • • •

Purchase items, buy raffle tickets, and bid on silent auction items during the Lewistown Hospital’s Pink Out Day on January 19 from 8am – 4pm in Classroom 4.

Invite a breast cancer survivor to attend the game. Breast cancer survivors receive one free ticket plus up to three more for family/friends. For more information call (717) 242-7142.

Attend the game with family or friends. Tickets can be purchased at www.GoPSUsports.com/PinkZone Become a sponsor and encourage others to do the same. Call (717) 242-7365 for more sponsorship information.

Purchase an official Pink Zone t-shirt available at Lewistown Hospital. Call (717) 242-7464 for T-shirt information.

•

For more information on the Pink Zone at Penn State, visit the official Pink Zone website at www.gopsusports.com/pinkzone or www. lewistownhospital.org/pinkzone.

Lewistown Hospital Purchases Electric Avenue Property

Lewistown Hospital announced the purchase of the Electric Avenue Medical Center located at 3rd & Electric Avenue, Lewistown, formerly owned by the Electric Avenue Limited Partnership led by Dr. Charles W. Everhart, Jr., MD. The two-story brick building is adjacent to the hospital and will continue to be maintained as a physician office building.

“The purchase of this building benefits everyone, the physicians who have their offices there, the hospital, the patients we serve and the community,” stated Kay A. Hamilton, CEO of Lewistown Hospital.

“We see this property as a wonderful asset to our hospital campus.”

Dr. Charles Everhart’s gastroenterology practice will remain in the same location with business as usual. “There will be no interruption in my practice,” said Dr. Everhart. “My phone number and address remain the same and I will continue to see patients as I always have.”

The purchase of the building was made through Lewistown Ambulatory Care Corporation, a subsidiary of the Lewistown Healthcare Foundation.

For more information, call 242-7365.

The Caves of Mifflin County from page 18 when you come to the “forest” of well casings coming down through the cave.

The state published book talks about Alexander Caverns being a tourist spot much like Penn’s Cave a long time ago. There were even boats in one section of the cavern that was part of your tour. The immense formations and multitude of stalagmites and stalactites were truly a wonder.

I have spoke to many who have been in at one time or another, but memories are fading. How long before this cave is forgotten forever? The book also tells of Naginey Cave being of particular interest to Edgar Allen Poe while he stayed in the area. Naginey Cave was also visited by large crowds on Sundays during the summer where visitors would arrive by rail from Lewistown and as far away as Altoona to listen to the Altoona Brass Band fill the caves chambers with music.

To me at least, this is really cool information, part of our local history and therefore should be highlighted and preserved, but sadly, this book was published in 1932. It does not appear that any further attempts will be made to update that 1932 information, at least not any that will be shared with the public. In fact, like I stated earlier, it has all the appearances of being a purposeful erasing of these caves’ names from history.

Why? Was there a valid reason?

More research brought forth an answer. Well meaning I am sure, but in my opinion the wrong way to approach it and typical for the way governments involvement tends to screw things up.

Many of you have heard about or have been affected by something called the ESA. ESA is the acronym given to the Endangered Species Act, which while well intentioned at it’s outset, has now evolved into a tool to be used by many to further their causes, exert control over an area, or otherwise restrict access to us commoners. It is about control and enforcement. Once an entity decides it wants control, all that has to be accomplished is for someone to produce evidence of the existence of a specie that is on the list, and the government comes in and closes the area to the public and then waits out everyone’s memory and before long “Poof” they are once again undiscovered and known to only a select few. It is for the collective good after all, so they are justified, or so they think.

You see the reason for all the

secrecy, and the deliberate power grab on our caves is because of the bats. That’s right, BATS!

Now don’t get me wrong, I know the importance of bats. I actually like bats, they are part of the natural balance. Lately bats have been having a rough go of it. Documented 80% population declines have taken place in a widespread area of the northeast in particular.

Science does not know what is causing it, but as science routinely does, the finger is pointed at humans My rather beaten up copy of Pennsylvania Caves, although the cover is worn and insect as a probable damaged, the pages are as crisp as if they cause or enabler. were new.

So, the easiest new precedent that was achieved way to keep people out is to erase here is that the caves targeted for the place from the map over time. closure didn’t have to necessarThat way only the “smart” people ily have to have endangered bats will be involved in solving the living in them. They only had to problem with the bats. You know, less involvement, means less input possess the environmental condiand ideas, that way those involved tions present that would make habitation “possible” Cool huh? can do it, their way. Here is a God bless that ESA. NOT! question for them that came to me So, what I am hoping with right away. “The problem with the this story is that some of you will bats is new, many of these caves contact us and help us develop an had a LOT more human visitation ongoing dialog about our caves. long ago than they do now, so Perhaps some of our senior readwhere is the correlation?” It seems ers have pictures that they took to me, a better approach would when they visited the caves or be through education of those pictures that were handed down wishing to visit the caves. More through the generations.

We involvement, more eyes monitorwould love to print them in the ing the situation, more data availpaper and share the stories with able from more people visiting the our readers.

Kind of our way of caves seems a more logical plan keeping the history “Alive.” to me. Part of that education could

Mifflin County and the be the emphasis to stay OUT of surrounding counties are honeythe caves during the bat hibernacombed with caves. If you know tion period from about September of one or have a story, send us an 15th to May 15th. That makes email, we’d like to tell it. sense and should be enforced, but

Readers with pictures or what about the other 4 months? stories can write:

As it stands now, most known The Valley caves are “off-limits” to everyone PO Box 41 but for a select few belonging Yeagertown, PA 17099 to “Caving Clubs.” These folks worked as a liason with land own- or email thevalleynewspaper@ gmail.com a ers and the PGC and produced a management plan for the caves that virtually restricted everyone but them from access. This was enforced through an agreement with the landowner for the management plan, funds provided

by PGC to install a gate, the keys of which are controlled by the caving club. The best part, and the

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The Valley, February 2012

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POOR WILL’S VALLEY ALMANACK

for February of 2012 Now learn the signs Of cold and heat to come, Of drought and rain, The secrets of the moon, And what each wind will bring.

--Virgil

THE STARS

Before sunrise, the February stars belong to the evening sky of late May. Overhead, bright Arcturus promises cottonwood cotton and catalpa flowers. In the far west, Cancer remembers April’s daffodils and tulips, lilacs and azaleas.

On the eastern horizon, Aquila rising tells of the beggarticks, lobelias and willow herbs of August.

THE PLANETS

Mars moves into Leo this month, rising before midnight and traveling across the sky throughout the early morning hours, coming overhead by 6:00 a.m. Jupiter continues to hold its position in Aries, deep in the west after dark.

Saturn in Virgo comes up near midnight and lies in the southeast at dawn. Moving retrograde into Pisces as Late Winter begins, Venus continues as the brilliant evening star far in the west, lower than Jupiter (which is not quite as bright as Venus), and setting before Jupiter.

THE SUN

Along the 40th Parallel on February 4th, the day is approximately one hour longer than it was at winter solstice. On the 18th of February, the sun reaches halfway to equinox, entering Pisces at the same time. This landmark in the solar year is called Cross-Quarter Day, and it not only divides the time between solstice and equinox, it ushers in the changeable season of early spring.

FEBRUARY - WEEK 1 THE SECOND WEEK OF LATEWINTER LUNAR PHASE AND LORE

The Singing Cardinal Moon waxes throughout the first week of February, bringing more cardinals into song and becoming completely full at 4:54 p.m. on the 7th. Rising in the afternoon or evening and setting in the morning, this moon moves overhead in the middle of the night. Waxing through Taurus on February 1 and 2, and then through Cancer on the 4th to the 6th, the moon this week offers superb conditions for seeding flowers and for vegetables that will produce their fruit above the ground. Lunar conditions favor fishing (but discourage dieting) in the middle of the night and at the second-most-powerful lunar time, midday, especially as the barometer falls in advance of the February 3rd and February 6th cold fronts.

WEATHER PATTERNS

The first two days of February often bring the Groundhog Day thaw—a brief time of mild temperatures. Beginning on the 3rd, however, conditions typically become chillier. The likelihood of below-zero temperatures becomes the greatest of the entire winter, and the chances for highs below freezing remains steady at 60 percent. The second barometric high arrives near the 6th and generally reinforces the cold. The driest day of February’s first quarter is typically the 7th, bringing just a 20 percent chance for rain or snow. The wettest days are the 1st (with a 55 percent chance for precipitation), and the 3rd and 6th (each with a 40 percent chance).

The sunniest day, with almost a 70 percent chance for at least partly cloudy skies, is the 4th.

FEBRUARY– WEEK 2 THE THIRD WEEK OF LATE WINTER LUNAR PHASE AND LORE

The Singing Cardinal Moon

wanes throughout the second week of February, coming into its last phase on Valentine’s Day at 12:04 p.m. Rising in the evening and setting in the late morning, this moon will move overhead before sunrise. The moon will lie in Scorpio on the 12th through the 14th, perfect for setting out your first onion sets - if the snow cover has melted. Fish with the moon above you either before dawn or before sunset as the barometer drops prior to the arrival of the February 11 and 15 high-pressure systems.

WEATHER PATTERNS

The second quarter of February is typically chilly, with high temperatures near or below freezing better than 60 percent of the time.

The likelihood of below-zero temperatures falls to half of that of last week, however. The 11th ushers in the third major cold wave of the month, typically the last severe front of winter. By the 14th, chances for highs in the 20 or below fall to only ten percent, and by the 15th, chances for spring warmth above 40 degrees jump to 40 percent in most of the country—the highest so far this year. This change is so dramatic on regional weather charts, that it can easily be called the beginning of early spring—a six-week period of changeable conditions during which milder weather gradually overwhelms the cold.

Precipitation is generally light between the 7th and the 10th.

Between the 11th and the 15th, however, each day carries about a 50 percent chance for rain or snow.

FEBRUARY- WEEK 3 THE FIRST WEEK OF EARLY SPRING LUNAR PHASE AND LORE

The third week of February takes the Singing Cardinal Moon through its final quarter, then changing it into the Red-Winged Blackbird Moon at 5:35 p.m.

February 21. Passing through the

root-crop sign of Capricorn on the 17th to the 19th, this moon favors the seeding of onions and radishes in flats or directly in the garden.

Rising in the morning and setting in the afternoon, this moon lies overhead near the middle of the day - making lunch-time the perfect lunar time to go fishing or to stop your diet. When the barometer drops in advance of the February 20th cold front, midday fishing should be especially fruitful.

WEATHER PATTERNS

The third quarter in February is statistically one of the most exciting of the entire year. Chances for cold highs in the 20s or below remain around 20 percent throughout the week. However, chances for highs in the 40s or above climb to 60 percent by the 20th, and then between the 18th and the 23rd, chances for highs in the 50s or 60s reaches an average of 20 percent per day, the first time that has happened since December 10th. And in one of the most radical weather changes of the year, the weekly chances for an afternoon in the 60s swell from last week’s one in ten to three in ten. Although below-zero temperatures still occur at this time of the year, February’s third quarter is the second-last period of early spring in which such cold might be expected (March’s first week is the very last). Even the fifth highpressure system of the month, which passes through around the 20th, is typically a mild one.

There is a 30 percent chance for precipitation on most days this week. The 20th is the day least likely to be wet, bringing just a 20 percent chance for rain or snow.

The likelihood for clouds is high: 60 percent of the days offer no sun at all.

FEBRUARY - WEEK 4 THE SECOND WEEK OF EARLY SPRING LUNAR PHASE AND LORE

The new moon waxes

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throughout the week, coming into its second quarter on the last day of the month at 8:22 p.m. Rising in the morning and setting in the evening, the new moon lies overhead in the early afternoon.

Passing through Pisces on the 21, 22, 23 and throughTaurus on the 26, 27, and 28, lunar conditions will be ideal on those days for all your spring planting indoors, under lights. If outdoor conditions permit, plant some peas and spinach. Go fishing in advance of the Febrary 24 and 27 cold front; do it after lunch when the moon is overhead.

February 7: The Singing Cardinal Moon is full at 4:54 p.m.

WEATHER PATTERNS

This is Snowdrop Winter Week, a time of meteorological ambivalence, promising spring, then backsliding. First the warmth: The fifth major high pressure system of February comes through in the early days of the week, but it is typically the weakest front of the month. The 21st is usually mild, and the 22nd and 23rd are sometimes the very warmest days of February. Then a step backward: Snowdrop Winter arrives on the 24th, often one of the windiest days of the month, and colder temperatures often return for up to 72 hours. While highs above 50 come five to ten percent of the time, and 40s are recorded 20 to 25 percent of the years, highs below freezing occur the remaining 60 to 70 percent of the time.

A DAYBOOK FOR FEBRUARY

February 1: If strong storms occur this month, they will be most likely to strike on or around the following dates: February 2-4, 6-9, 14-18 and 24-25.

February 2: High quality feed assists rapid growth and pays off in April and May, when lamb and kid markets are high. Continue to keep plenty of lukewarm water

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The Valley, February 2012 available for your chickens when temperatures fall below freezing.

February 3: The coldest days of winter often begin near this date and last through the 16th. In the central states, snow and ice frequently arrive with the cold wave that breaks the Groundhog Day Thaw. Across the South, tornadoes could strike in the night. Sitting by the fireplace, prepare landscaping, garden, and field maps, including plans for double cropping, intercropping, and companion planting. Get the cold and hot frames ready. These vegetables can be planted a month before your last frost: peas, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, collards, kale, onions, potatoes and radishes. As far north as the Great Lakes, the last hard freeze can sometimes occur in the middle of March.

February 4: Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi): Sunni Muslims celebrate Muhammad’s birthday today. Demand for halal meat may increase.

February 5: Full moon on February 7 and new moon on February 14 are likely to increase the intensity of the weather systems that typically arrive near those dates. The pollen season, which ended with early winter, now begins again across the South with the blooming of mountain cedar, acacia, smooth alder, bald cypress, American elm, red maple, white poplar and black willow. Bluegrass, which stopped flowering in midsummer, revives and starts its seeding cycle. When warm Gulf winds bring thaws across the North, all this pollen comes along, too.

February 6: The evenings are becoming noticeably longer, daylight lasting well past 6:00 p.m. along the 40th Parallel, and the cardinals are starting to sing all day. When red-winged blackbirds arrive, look for birthing to increase in pregnant ewes and does.

February 7: With the powerful full moon today, watch for abortions in weak animals. This full moon is also likely to bring blizzard conditions to the Great Plains and the East by the 10th of the month February 8: Schedule your dipping of livestock for external parasites for after full moon, but before new moon.

Decide now which pastures to rotate and when. Consider fencing streams and springs to prevent surface water contamination.

February 9: Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi): Shia Muslims celebrate Muhammad’s birthday on this date. Demand for halal meat may increase.

February 10: Continue to check the “winter basics”: 1) Make sure your buildings are properly ventilated, 2) but keep animals from drafts, 3) ensure that there’s plenty of water and that it’s not frozen, 4) exercise the flock throughout the coldest months, and 5) check weight status of each ewe on a regular basis.

February 11: Weigh newborns as exactly as you can, recording pounds and ounces. Write down the birth time, day, as well as the moon’s position, current weather conditions, and, if possible, the barometric pressure.

February 12: This time of year, many owners make use of an energy lick tank supplement.

Some owners say that use of such supplements - made from homogenized molasses and filled with vitamins and nutrients - not only helps break down roughage, but can cut grain costs.

February 13: Important steps in the progress of the month include the first wasp and the first fly investigating the warmth of a south wall. Small black wolf spiders jump through the dead grasses in the fields on milder days. In garden ponds, algae is growing thicker, a sign that thaws accumulate in water as well as in the soil.

February 14: This month average temperatures rise between two and four degrees in every state of the Union except Hawaii. Changes in pastures and winter grain fields occur in the South and central states. Take inventory on your homestead as Late Winter draws to a close. Measure the height of hyacinths, daffodils and tulips.

Note the color and size of lilac and other buds. Count the number of pussy willows emerged. Look for new leaves on garlic mustard and poppies. Check for chickweed greening in the bushes. The longer the list of plants observed in February inventory, the greater the context for observing the subtle alterations in each day to come, the more exciting each addition.

February 15: Many people find that feeding ewes early in the day is associated with giving birth during the day, instead of in the middle of the night.

February 16: Cut down on feed

to ewes about two weeks before weaning (approximately 55 days after birthing). You may wish to reduce protein to the mothers and give hay to encourage drying up, avoiding udder problems when weaning takes place.

is the time either to order them for Early Spring planting or to go looking for the wild varieties that grow almost everywhere in the nation. You can know them, even in the winter, by their purple, thorny stalks.

February 17: Prepare equipment to spray fruit trees when high temperatures climb into the 40s.

Before spring growth begins, treat ash, bittersweet, fir, elm, flowering fruit trees, hawthorn, juniper, lilac, linden, maple, oak, pine, poplar, spruce, sweet gum, tulip tree, and willow for scales and mites.

February 25: Many breeders budget about ten percent of their herd or flock income from spring and Easter sales (Roman Easter is April 8 this year, Orthodox Easter a week later), and they depend on the fall market, including autumn culls, for most of their income.

February 18: This is CrossQuarter Day, the first day of Early Spring. A relatively long season of eight to ten major fronts, Early Spring lasts from mid-February through the end of March. Although the weather is usually raw, the first trees and flowers bloom, and migratory activity increases.

A return of colder weather between the 24th and March 7th typically delays the rapid development of spring flowers.

February 19: In the South, pasture season can be underway by now, and fields are starting to turn a deeper green. Red and silver maples bloom at lower elevations in the Appalachians, introducing welcome color to the early spring landscape.

February 20: Today marks the end of the snowiest part of the year in most states.

February 21: New moon today is likely to bring a quick end to the mid-February thaw. Be ready for the lambs to arrive after lunch when the moon is overhead today.

February 22: If pregnant ewes aren’t drinking enough water, their weight gain and overall health will be affected. Try heating up their drinks (but don’t get it hot). And after lambing, have some nice warm water ready for the ewe. Mix molasses with it too.

February 23: If you haven’t been giving your ewes selenium with their rations, consider a vaccination of Selenium-E a week or so before they lamb.

February 24: Dig horseradish and comfrey root before the weather begins to moderate. One of the most healthful of all herbs for goats and other livestock is the foliage of the common raspberry.

If you don’t have a patch of those berries on your property, now

February 26: Increase feed by about a third if your ewe or doe is nursing twins. Increase by 50 percent if she has triplets.

February 27: Dominican Republic Independence Day: Areas that have a sizable population of residents from the Dominican Republic may show an increase in sales of lambs that weigh between 20 to 35 pounds. ​ February 28: Consider culling before letting your animals out to pasture in the spring.

February 29: Throughout the central and southern states, the ground temperature is moving above 35 degrees, the temperature at which earthworms become active and pastures start to grow again.

FEBRUARY INVENTORY

The flowering season has just barely begun, and one might take an early inventory of the land before momentum builds much more. The exact end of winter comes before the strongest thaws, arriving unseen in the coldest weeks of the year when the bulbs follow their own subterranean schedules and pushed up through mulch beneath the snow.

The cardinals, titmice and doves note the temporal shift, even though the weather is harsh and the landscape white. While the sun and birds are already well on their way to equinox, however, the vegetation that now appears across local yards and gardens has changed little in the past weeks; it easily becomes a definition of the fulcrum that balances winter on one side and spring on the other.

Exploring my garden, I find that some daffodils have reached two inches high, and a few tulips and hyacinths are up at least an inch. Snowdrops and aconite are ready to bloom. Lilac buds are swollen, fat green and gold. On

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aging pussy willow branches, a few catkins are cracking. Garlic mustard, wild mallow and henbit are growing new leaves. A monarda patch shows half-inch foliage. Chickweed is spreading quickly. Wild strawberry, celandine, wild onions, hollyhocks, sweet William, lamb’s ear, lungwort, dandelion, motherwort, and great mullein have remained intact from fall and are waiting for a little more sun.

Spring, of course, is as much a state of mind as a state of nature.

The beauty of a seasonal inventory is that there is never a correct number of things to find. The end of winter always appears in the eye of the beholder. Critical mass for the arrival of spring rests less on the total quantity of observations than on one crucial scent or sight or sound that tips the scales of private time. Each person encounters that pivotal event at a different moment and in a different way. Whenever the perfect sense comes, however, then the entire scaffolding of the old year collapses and all the pieces of the new year take on meaning as they fall into place.

Copyright 2012 – Bill Felker The 2012 version of Poor Will is still available: It contains 300 pages full of essays by Bill Felker, reader stories (including some fine outhouse tales), weather outlooks, a calendar of holidays for gardeners, ranchers and homesteaders, a daybook for the entire year, the only S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) Index ever devised, and scrambled word puzzles that offer readers the chance to win cash each month. To order your autographed copy, send $20.00 (includes shipping and handling) to Poor Will, P.O. Box 431, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387.

Bill’s website, www.poorwillsalmanack.com, contains weekly updates and a sizable bank of information about nature. His organization of weather patterns and phenology (what happens when in nature) offers a unique structure for understanding the repeating rhythms of the year.

Bill lives with his wife in Yellow Springs, Ohio. They have two daughters, Jeni, who is a psychologist in Portland, Oregon, and Neysa, a photographer in Spoleto, Italy. a

The Valley, February 2012

42

know what current market conditions are. and what items are in most demand. Gold, Silver and “Nice” (above average grade) collector coins are in great demand and prices for these items are making many local sellers quite happy. 90% US Silver coins (Dimes, Quarters and Half-Dollars dated 1964 and earlier) are especially needed, along with older Silver Dollars, the 1-Ounce Silver “Walking Liberty” Silver Eagle Dollars (1986-to-date), 1-Ounce Silver rounds and bars and ALL GOLD COINS—new, old, American and foreign are bringing excellent prices!

Even collector coins, while a bit weaker than before the 2008 financial crisis, are still being sought at decent market levels!

Here’s hoping that you all enjoy terrific success with buying, selling and investing in US Gold, Silver, Rare coins and currency! a

Dave Wilson

Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That

When Is It Time To Sell?

If you are an informed, avid coin collector (or investor), selling part, or all of your collection, usually turns out to be a mundane event! First, you select a dealer you trust—normally the one you have dealt with for years! Second, the two of you sit down, go over the items you wish to sell and then, through normal negotiations, come to terms on specific prices!

Third, the dealer takes your coins (and/or currency) and you walk out the door with Cash, a check or sometimes both! It really is that simple—if, as we mentioned earlier, you are a knowledgeable coin/rare currency enthusiast!

However, if you are like thousands of people each year who are “blessed” with the task of disseminating a coin or currency collection either from an estate or, perhaps, gifts you have been given over the years, the task of turning that coin group into cash can be greatly frustrating or even a bit frightening! How do you start? Who do you trust? Do you take weeks, even months researching coins so you (hopefully) can be at least somewhat informed when trying to get a fair price? That approach rarely works because there is just too much to learn, and most people, who are not excited about coins to begin with, find it much too boring to spend a huge amount of time trying to learn about the coin market when they simply do not have the interest!

So...what do you do?

In 2000, when my father, my last surviving parent, passed away, I was faced with just such a dilemma! Instead of coins, however, my frustration was with the relatively large collection of better quality antiques that my parents had accumulated over nearly 50 years. They were both part-time antiques dealers, so the number of items involved was somewhat substantial! I considered having an auction and, in fact, a few of the lesser pieces did end up going across the block! I also made the determination that I had to find an antique dealer I felt was trustworthy, and place myself in his (I hoped) honest hands! While there were several most worthy dealers

in the area, I decided to call Marshall Hartman, an antique dealer with a shop in Lewistown. I had been acquainted with Mr. Hartman for many years and decided he was the man I had to trust to help with my reasonably large project. Since I had been telling coin customers for many years that this was the best way to get the most out of their collections, it was time for me to take my own advice! Mr. Hartman and I met, spent an evening or two together and he purchased almost all of the better items in my father’s estate!

Since that time, I have had the pleasure of telling many people of my personal decision and how well it worked out! While I (naturally) wasn’t entirely sure at the time that I received top dollar, I have since learned that I was treated exactly as I hoped I would be! Mr. Hartman’s prices were extremely fair and my daunting task of liquidating nice antiques that I knew little about came to a swift and most pleasant conclusion!

My advice to people with coins to sell is the same as the advice I took myself. Ask around!

Good friends, your attorney or a trusted banker can many times steer you in the proper direction.

If you have valuable collector coins to offer, any good dealer will show you prices for specific items in the weekly CDN (Coin Dealer Newsletter). Professional dealers will do their best, with what time constraints they have, to show you exactly what your collection is worth at market, before making you a final offer to buy! Just so you’ll know, if you would like to be paid in cash, dealers are permitted to pay you up to $10,000.00 in cash for what you offer. Any balance remaining would, necessarily, have to be paid by check!

If the thought of having a coin auction or selling your collection on the internet enters your mind, there are many stumbling blocks with both ideas! Even if a coin auction is successful (and many are not) and you realize a decent price, by the time you pay the auctioneer’s flat percentage, and (frequently) all the expenses

associated with the sale, you end up with a check that is FAR less than if you had sold your items to a professional dealer. Selling coins on the internet is nearly an impossibility for most people.

With the big listing and selling fees involved, bullion and bulk items, along with common collector coins, just do not bring a good price. The tremendous amount of time and expertise needed, along with the hassle of dealing with dozens of buyers, dozens of postal packages, and the several (always encountered) con artists, make the internet a very impractical option! A collection that a would take a full-time dealer less than an hour to purchase could take weeks—even months—to sell on the internet. Even then, the seller would probably end up with the same (or less) net money!

One serious note. Be very wary of groups, companies, organizations, whatever...that “set up” at local hotels and motels!

We have heard from many folks that the prices they were offered at these locations were a tiny fraction of what their coins were actually worth. We’re talking about 50% and 75% less than what these folks ended up being offered elsewhere. We are, by no means, trying to talk you out of checking with these out-of-town people. We are simply suggesting that if you sell to them, without getting a 2nd or 3rd opinion, you could end up suffering a substantial, irrecoverable loss. This is not a mistake you want to make! We should mention as well, that prices offered customers for scrap gold and silver jewelry at these remote locations, were also terribly subpar! There is no law that regulates what prices any individual dealer or organization must pay for your coins or jewelry. If you accept a buyer’s offer and receive payment, you have no legal recourse in the event you later discover that you had been knowingly deceived and underpaid!

Now that (hopefully) we have given you a few good suggestions on how best to sell your collection, perhaps you might like to

The Science of Beer from page 37

will only consume small sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, etc.) When the sugars are too big they will not eat them (maltose). That is why some beers are sweeter than others. This process, known as fermentation, can take weeks to months depending on what was brewed. Adding a little more sugar at the time of bottling kicks the yeast back in gear and a carbonated beer is born.

Homebrewing is what you make it. From making hard ciders, meads, wines, to beer the possibilities are endless. I have become fond of researching beers from other parts of the world and beers of the past. Then I try to brew them up. Sometimes they are good, sometimes they are great, and sometimes you fail, but those are the Adventures in Homebrewing. a

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The Valley, February 2012

Start Your Own Adventure in Scouting Yeagertown Troop 15

Troop 15 in Yeagertown has a question for all young men in the area. “We are having a blast, why aren’t you a member?”

Scouting can be a big part of building the character of a young man. It teaches self reliance, problem solving, and opens the book on a host of life saving skills.

Most of the learning takes place

via “hands-on” demonstrations taking place in real time. Camping gives opportunities to learn survival skills that just might make a catastrophe bearable for the person possessing this knowledge.

If learning skills that can help you throughout your life while having more fun than you ever imagined sounds good to you, contact Troop

15 via email at erhard@verizon. net or phone 717-319-3209 Yeagertown Troop 15 7 Mann Ave Yeagertown PA, 17099 Reserve your spot today!

Come join the fun! a

Informed Decisions from page 33 looked for it. Testifying at the New Jersey public hearings on the Hepatitis B shots, she noted that even though public health officials and vaccine-makers admit the shot provides only temporary immunity, ‘It can take months and sometimes years for chronic autoimmune disease to develop such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.’ A Hepatitis B shot for children, she contended “is a national experiment; on our children; for a disease that is not highly contagious, except in high risk populations, and is not in epidemic form in the United States.” http://www.nvic.org/vaccines-anddiseases/Hepatitis-B/controversialvaccine.aspx

In conclusion, Hepatitis B is a vaccine that is given in three different shots with the first dose being administered at birth and the other two within the first six months of life. Although the length of immunity is debated, it seems that the longest amount of time is 25 years. So, why vaccinate newborn babies? If the mother does not have Hepatitis B, then baby will have no chances of contracting it. Yet, when the baby becomes at an age in which he/she would be more likely to engage in a potentially dangerous activity

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that would make he/she susceptible to contracting the disease, he/ she would no longer have protection unless booster shots were administered. Have you had your Hepatitis B booster shot? Neither have I. So, we take our healthy baby mom has just given birth to after carrying for nine months and inject them with a vaccine that may contain aluminum, formaldehyde, thimerosal among other fillers. Why? To prevent your toddler or young child from Hepatitis B in case they come in contact with blood or other body fluid or IV drug needles? The Hepatitis B vaccine as a whole may have decreased the outbreak of the disease to the low amount that we have today; but why continue to vaccinate when there is a chance it could cause an autoimmune disease, which is a disease where the body attacks itself, such as rheumatoid arthritis? And, why give it to babies? So, before your pediatrician injects your baby with any vaccine, ask if it’s really necessary and why. Then, make the decision for what you think is best for your baby. a

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The Valley, February 2012

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