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The Valley A free newspaper dedicated to agriculture, self-reliance, frugal living, and modern homesteading. Take a Break From the Mainstream Madness Volume 9, No. 3
As we age, we tend to take a different view of our activities, and the realization that there is more time behind you than in front of you causes you to start knocking items off of your “bucket list.” Part of my list included a sap bucket, although I am not entirely sure why. Perhaps the connection to home in New England, perhaps part of that quest for more and more self-reliance, or perhaps knowing that I can enjoy something I wouldn’t otherwise afford very often, with just a little effort and know how on my part. I’m not sure, but it really doesn’t matter, because I do know that I LOVE real maple syrup. Several years ago, local friends and long time syrup producers John Long and Bob Shellenberger allowed me to tag along for a couple seasons with them exchanging help for knowledge, that was all put to the test this season. The first week of February found me once again thinking about the upcoming “Sugarin” season, and just for fun I checked out some YouTube videos on the subject. Four hours later I had spouts and tubing ordered from Bascom Maple Farms up in Alstead NH. After a couple more hours of watching videos of home made evaporators, I settled on a simple cinder block design due to the fact that I already had stain-
The Valley, March 2018
less steel pans made by Reuben ers was wise. pieces of stainless to serve that Peachy out on Green Lane. He Once constructed, I decided I purpose. needed a door to control the draft This is NOT an efficient way does fantastic custom work by the and ran to Peachey’s for a couple to make maple syrup, in fact, it is way; take him an idea and he can VERY labor intensive, but make it. Looking at the long again, I was crossing off range forecast, I knew once an item from the list. things started it would be The first two days of a flurry of activity, so I boiling were long, but began scouting out my own with delightful weather and my neighbor’s sugar during mid February it maples as possible sap dowas great to be outside nors. The neighbors I spoke soaking up some sun. You with all gave their consent might think that spendso as soon as my tubing and ing two days down in spouts arrived, I started tapthe back yard boiling sap ping. I was right too, things would produce all the syrhappened FAST! Before a up the town would need couple days went by I had for a year or so, but it buckets of sap stacking up! isn’t like that. It requires There was snow cover at approximately 42 gallons the time, so as the buckets of sap to produce 1 gallon filled, I buried them in the of syrup. Of course each snow. Sap is perisihable, two day session outside and you need to be ready to boiling had to be followed process within a few days by several more hours after collection. I wasn’t. “finishing” the sap on the Off to Lowes for stove. Finishing is the cinder blocks and sand. The critical step, and a step design called for 24 cinder that in an instant can ruin blocks, 6 half blocks and and foresake all of the 4 solid blocks. The sand hours spent to that point. was to fill the blocks of the Once you get your sap firebox and chimney base reduced to a point where to hold in heat and prevent it starts thickening, the them from cracking. The temperature will rise, and blocks that made up the care to prevent scorching chimney and were therefore A couple dozen cinder blocks, a couple stainless steel pans and boil-over is critinot filled with sand, proved and some firewood, and you can make your own maple cal here. A good candy the decision to fill the oth- syrup. thermometer is essential if
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you do not have a hydrometer to test with. Once your sap reaches 219 degrees, you have syrup and you should remove your pan and bottle it immediately. I experimented with several different kinds of filtering methods and have settled on using coffee filters to remove any niter or sugar sand, byproducts of the boiling process. All in all, I am very happy with the results. The syrup is wonderfully mapley, with just a slight hint of smokiness, I was shocked and even more ecstatic when Lynn expressed her approval and suggested we might have a breakfast for dinner that night so we could use some syrup. It was just as I had hoped, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. My grand total for the season will be just shy of 3 gallons of syrup, I gave some to the owners of the trees who graciously let me have access, and still we have plenty to last us until next year with perhaps a few bottles to give away at Christmas. It was something that is very easy and inexpensive to do if you have some time. I spent less than $100 for everything I had to buy, as I already had pans. I am sure commercial steam pans would work just as well as my pans for boiling. I am already eyeing a
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Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar It has long been said that March comes “in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.” We certainly held true to that statement this season, and it is just par for the course. With the nice weather in mid-February, and since I was outside anyway while boiling sap, I got a huge head start cleaning up the yard from winter. In fact, I was feeling pretty proud to be so far along that I saw the early spring days of late March and early April as potential metal detecting time, until that is, March came in like a lion. The garden beds that were full of emerging bulbs and early perennials are now packed with leaves again after being meticulously cleaned by hand—so much for being ahead. The horrible wind actually shook the house for about 24 hours straight, some neighbors lost 50+ year old trees, which
either uprooted due the all of the rain lately or even snapped off a quarter way up the tree. I am happy to say that our tractor shed that had been ripped to shreds during the high winds last fall and rebuilt as a Christmas present from Moses and Reuben Hostetler, came through just fine. That Amish craftsmanship can’t be beat. I wish I could say the same for my cinder block evaporator that I built for boiling maple sap down. I am glad I am finished for the season, as I had extensive damage to the chimney from the wind and downed tree limbs. So like I said, I hope the second part of that statement about going out like a lamb holds true, I have a lot of work to do over again now. Although, so do the neighbors; I can hear the chainsaws working as I write this—sounds like fun. I have a question, does any-
one know at what point it is that you pass from flying under the radar to being automatically given a “senior” discount? This seems to be happening with increasing frequency lately, not that I mind the discount, it’s cool, but being automatically sorted into the “old people” group is harsh. Hahaha, not really, age has a LOT of benefits, and as soon as I remember them, I will fill you in, maybe. I tried my hand at Maple Sugarin’ this year for the first time on my own and it went well. We have lots of syrup in the pantry and it is delicious! I will be waiting impatiently for next season for the next 11 months. Why didn’t I start this earlier in life? It is fun and all, but a lot of work for a senior. I need to figure out how to decrease effort for next season. If anyone is still choosing to be “programmed” by the television media, you have more than likely noticed the shameless attempt to politicize the massacre in Florida in an attempt to move toward weapon confiscation. THAT is the ultimate goal, regardless of what they say publicly. The argument is ridiculous, people kill other people with cars every day, but we do not blame the car. Police shoot people every day, and in those instances, we do not blame the gun. There is
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Contact Info Editor/Publisher Wayne Stottlar Graphic Artist/ Co-Publisher Lynn Persing The Valley PO Box 41 Yeagertown, PA 17099 (717) 363-1550 E-mail: thevalleynewspaper@gmail.com Web: www.thevalleynewspaper.com ©The Valley. All Rights Reserved.
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The Valley, March 2018
Back Talk by Dr. Joseph Kauffman
Colloidal Silver: Worth it’s Weight in Gold? The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
This month’s column is covering a lesser known supplement that has many uses. Even amongst the people I know who tend to focus on natural products and oils, not much is known about colloidal silver. One of the best ways to learn about anything is to research it for yourself. So, I hope you enjoy my introduction to colloidal silver and study it for yourself. Check my sources and use them to guide you in the right direction. The Good: “If you haven’t heard of colloidal silver, you will soon enough if you’re on the lookout for alternative therapies to common health issues, such as a sinus infection or a cold. Most health food stores and pharmacies stock several brands of colloidal silver, and, of course, you can find a find a vast amount of information about colloidal silver benefits on the Internet. Unfortunately, the information out there is confusing as many sources have conflicting opinions. On one hand, you’ll run across thousands of personal testimonials about colloidal silver helping people with practically every disease you’ve heard about. You will also stumble upon some well-known health sites that warn consumers about safety concerns. (1) Usually, these sources quote a statement made by the FDA in 1999 claiming that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of colloidal silver. (2) This type of information can confuse even the most savvy natural health enthusiast, which is why I want to lend a helping hand and provide some evidenced-based information to help you make an informed choice. How Colloidal Silver Benefits Work According to a report written by Richard Davies and Samuel Etris of The Silver Institute in a 1996, there are three primary ways that colloidal silver can help heal the body: (3) 1. Catalytic Oxidation: Silver naturally holds onto oxygen molecules, which readily react
with the sulfhydryl (H) groups that surround bacteria and viruses. In turn, this helps block the lifepreserving cellular process known as cellular respiration, which is defined as “the set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products.” (4) 2. Reaction with Bacterial Cell Membranes: Silver ions can attach to bacteria cell membranes directly and produce the same respiration-blocking effect. 3. Binding with DNA: Shown to literally enter bacteria DNA, up to 12% of silver has been detected in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to one source, “While it remains unclear exactly how the silver binds to the DNA without destroying the hydrogen bonds holding the lattice together, it nevertheless prevents the DNA from unwinding, an essential step for cellular replication to occur.” (5) Top 8 Proven Colloidal Silver Benefits By having a direct effect on cellular respiration, colloidal silver benefits the body in numerous ways. There are, however, eight proven healing properties that I consider to be particularly supported by the medical literature. 1. Antibacterial First, colloidal silver’s ability to control antibiotic-resistant superbugs is astonishing. While employed at UCLA Medical School in the 1980s, Larry C. Ford, MD, documented over 650 different disease-causing pathogens that were destroyed in minutes when exposed to small amounts of silver. (6) Colloidal silver, unlike its modern prescription antibiotic counterpart, simply doesn’t create resistance or immunity in the organisms that are killed by it. This point cannot be emphasized enough, especially in light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently
reporting that more than 2 million and highly infectious virus and ver as one of the natural remedies people in the U.S. suffer illness bacteria. to stop viruses fast. (10) every year as a result of antibiotic- When applied on the infected Colloidal silver suffocates resistant infections and 23,000 die eye, the tiny silver colloids pick the virus and can even reduce the from these infections. (7) up the infected cells by attractactivity of the HIV virus in AIDS 2. Wound Care/Skin Health ing them electromagnetically and patients. There are also numerous Robert O. Becker, MD, says that sending them into the bloodstream anecdotal accounts of colloidal colloidal silver stimulates healing to be eliminated. silver’s efficacy against the hepain the skin and other soft tissues. Our modern prescription titis C virus. (8) In a research article produced antibiotic drugs are designed to 5. Anti-Inflammatory by Pharmacognosy Communicawork against specific classes of Colloidal silver is also a fantions in 2012, it was specifically bacteria, but ear infections may tastic anti-inflammatory remedy. recommended that certain colloibe caused by multiple classes of Case in point: Researchers at dal silver preparations should be bacteria or can even be fungal. the National Institutes of Health considered for topical use to treat In this case, the prescription (NIH) studied the effects of burns, thrush, periodontitis and antibiotic will be useless, whereas inflammation after being treated other conditions. (9) colloidal silver is effective regard- by colloidal silver; they found that For instance, you can treat less of what may be causing your the inflamed skin of pigs treated ringworm (Tinea capitis) at home infection. with silver experienced nearwith colloidal silver because it’s 4. Antiviral normal skin after 72 hours, while a potent anti-fungal. Caused by a Colloidal silver benefits can other treatment groups not treated fungus that lives on the top layer be experienced as an anti-viral for with silver remained inflamed. of the skin, ringworm presents as HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, herpes, (11) round, scaly patches. It’s contashingles and warts. Dr. Martin Research is beginning to gious and spread by skin contact Hum, from the Institute for OptiContinued on page 17 and by contaminated materials, mum Nutrition, lists colloidal silsuch as clothing. Colloidal silver benefits many skins condi, inc. tions such as psoriasis and eczema YOur mEtal rOOfiNg & as well. It’s sidiNg suPPlY cENtEr soothing to scrapes and even repairs Roll Forming Metal Roofing tissue damage & siding in smooth & textured from burns. 3. Pink Eye/ snap-loc standing seam in smooth Ear Infections & textured Pink eye is an inflamed stOcKiNg: mucous membrane that trims & accessories covers the Soffit that matches eyeball and eyelid lining, all colors & cut to size and it’s prilumber marily caused by a bacterial sliding door accessories or viral infection. ColWindows • Doors loidal silver can be used 31 iNdustrial rOad insulation for prompt action against m-f 6 a.m. tO 4:30 P.m. this irritating
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The Valley, March 2018 If you know me, then you know I LOVE a really good bowl of chili. So, I gave up most of my space this month to promote an event that includes a chili cookoff! YES!! A chili cook-off! Can you tell I’m excited? This is something that I’ve been wishing would come to Mifflin County for a long time. I remember when there was one being planned and I could hardly contain my excitement, but then it was cancelled— ugghh—crushing! So, when I saw this event, I just knew I had to promote it. It’s not just a chili cook-off either, it’s music, rootbeer floats, and raffles! Did I mention that it’s also a fundraiser for a worthy cause? Proceeds will be used next school year to provide an assembly at the Mifflin County School District by a prominent youth speaker who teaches students how to respond to bullying. This sounds like a good thing, so let’s get out there and support the
cause. You must know that I’m secretly hoping for an annual chili cook-off event if this is successful! And just for fun, here are a few facts about March that maybe you didn’t know! —The Star Spangled Banner became the U.S. National Anthem on March 3, 1931. —In Old English, one name for the month of March was “Hlyda” meaning “loud” possibly because of the roaring March winds.
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—In ancient Rome before Julius Caesar’s calendar reform, March was the first month of the year. Great Britain and her Colonies continued to use March as their beginning month until 1752. —March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war as it was the month in which the military campaigning season got under way after winter. — March starts on the same day of the week as November every year. a
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Bluebird of Happiness? Do Bluebirds really bring happiness? They eat a lot of bugs, that should make you happy—unless, of course, you’re a bug. For the most part, Eastern Bluebirds were doing fine in this neck of the woods until the introduction of European House Sparrows in 1851 and European Starlings in 1890. House Sparrows were introduced to help farmers with insect control. The big problem, House Sparrows don’t eat insects, they’re seed eaters, so that had just the opposite effect. Starlings were brought over as part of a grand plan to introduce all the birds mentioned in the works of Shakespeare to the U.S. Well, hindsight is a wonderful thing, but those were some pretty
boneheaded moves and both species spread like wildfire. Bluebirds, House Sparrows, and Starlings are all cavity nesters
and the latter two are much more aggressive at filling vacant nesting holes. The Bluebird population started to decline rapidly. I grew up in the 1960s and don’t really remember ever seeing any. It had been recognized as early as the late 1800s that putting out man-made boxes might help. At their lowest point, a concerted effort/campaign was started in the 1960/70s to put up more boxes. The rest is quite a success story and Bluebirds
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have made a very nice recovery. They’re regulars around my yard and I see some almost every time a go to Kish Park. You can be a part of their success story by putting out some nest boxes in your yard or neighborhood. They come in all sorts of designs, models and materials. Starlings and House Sparrows will still be aggressive, but they are considered invasive and aren’t covered by the Migratory Bird Act. You can pull their nests out as they’re building them. Tree Swallows and Wrens
will also be likely tenants, but they’re covered by the MBA, so you have to let them be. Not a problem, they eat a lot of bugs also. My wife likes wrens because they eat a lot of spiders. Bluebirds commonly have two broods and sometimes three per season. They’re one of the few species where the first brood will help mama bird take care of their siblings in the second brood. I’ve also watched young Bluebirds help keep Wrens from pestering mom’s new nest.
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My Percyving Eye by Percy R. Wilson, Jr. Evangelist, The Church of Christ at Milroy
Control Laws or Self Control
With the tragic school shooting in Florida, the opioid epidemic, interned pornography addiction, and any other recently reported vice, there has been a repeated outcry for more and tougher laws to control the behavior. Certainly, more control is needed. However, in many instances the control that is required is an individual’s control of their own behavior, not more and stricter laws to control that behavior. The bible teaches that one is to control their own behavior. As Paul was attempting to teach Governor Felix the gospel, the text reads, “Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away
for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”” (Acts 24:25, NKJV, emphasis mine PRWJ) If one is going to become a Christian, he needs to try to live a righteous life, and must practice self-control, that is, one must be willing to control their behavior. In Second Peter, the inspired apostle stated that a Christian is to diligently add to their faith. One thing that is to be diligently added is self-control. “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to selfcontrol perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” (2 Peter 1:5–7, NKJV, emphasis mine PRWJ)
Paul describing the fruit of the Spirit, wrote “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23, NKJV, emphasis mine PRWJ) It is evident that a Christian is to practice self-control. One is to control their actions at all times and in all circumstances. Prior to the description of the fruit of the Spirit, Paul gave another list. This one identifies the works of the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dis-
About Faith
must be controlled. All must learn to control themselves and their behavior. Christians must realize that they need to practice selfcontrol. Churches need to teach what the bible says on Christian living and be willing to call sin, sin. People need to be taught to respect God and authority, life and property. I am not naïve. There has always been and there will always be evil and evil people in this world. We are all tempted to do evil, but we must stay in control, overcome that temptation and chose to that which is right. Oh by the way, control laws of man will only be effective if people have enough self-control to respect the law. If one is not willing to respect God’s commands on self-control, why would they respect a man-made law that would require the same self-control? Percy R. Wilson, Jr. Evangelist, The church of Christ at Milroy preacherpercy@comcast.net 717-667-7346 My Percyving Eye a
Just Sayin
by Samuel Prescott
by Rev. Robert Zorn, Visitation Minister, Lewistown Presbyterian Church Some years ago since we retired, we had daily visitors to our lot out here in Treaster Valley. They are our neighbors’ three geese, or more correctly, two geese and a gander. They arrived shortly after dawn each day. Our driveway alarm announced their arrival. The alarm woke the dogs, who added to the commotion, which ended all hope of “sleeping in.” The geese usually stay all day. They wander slowly about our lawn and talk to each other in some kind of language which is all their own. They grazed on the blades of grass, which were beginning to grow, and then returned frequently to the cellar drain outlet to drink and preen themselves. Neither our presence, nor that of our dogs seemed to bother them in the least. About dusk each day, they paraded back down to their
sensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19–21, NKJV) Some of what is listed as “works of the flesh,” may be a surprise to the reader. Notice again this part of Paul’s list, “hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy.” These are sins of the heart that will manifest themselves in outward behavior. They need to be controlled by the individual. Jesus taught things which defile a man come from the heart. “And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”” (Mark 7:20–23, NKJV) Jesus taught that things which defile come from within and thus
home. One day while they were still our guests, I found, just a few feet from our front porch, a nice white egg. Good, I thought! They are rewarding us for their grazing privilege. But I took the egg back down to their owner. She said that it was the first egg of the season, and that we could keep it because each goose would probably lay an egg every other day. I declined her offer because we had not yet calculated the cholesterol content of a goose egg. I suggested that she could put the egg under a “setting hen” and hatch some little goslings. I am still not sure that this was the best idea that I ever had. Consider, if you will, the egg. It can provide a good meal or it can provide new life. Could this not be a metaphor of our relation-
ship to our church? The church, which provides us from time to time with spiritual nourishment: or it can be the opportunity for a larger life of service to God and to our neighbors. There is a fable told of a chicken and a pig that were walking together down the road. They came to a diner, which was advertising a breakfast of ham and eggs. The chicken was elated and pointed out to the pig how important these two humble creatures were to humanity. However, the pig thought about it for a moment and then replied to the chicken, “Just remember, for you it is a donation, but for me it is a sacrifice.” Thus is life – sometimes it asks of us a donation, sometimes a sacrifice. Robert L. Zorn Minister of Visitation a
Twenty-five deaths have occurred this year so far due to gunshots fired in school shooting incidents. And, the media wants us to believe that this is a horrible problem. Something needs to be done. There just shouldn’t be so many guns around or automatic rifles for these mentally unstable people to possess. Students, with their limited knowledge and experience in life, are gathering by the hundreds and demanding something to be done. Seventeen of the twenty-five deaths were from Parkland. That means the previous 17 school shootings, as reported by the media, only resulted in a total of 8 deaths. Gun control has become their best idea to curb this violence. All of the most recent shooters involved in these incidents were on anti-psychotic medication, yet no attention given to that fact nor trying to curb the pharmaceutical companies. While 17 deaths in one day gets worldwide attention, the leading cause of deaths in our country continues to grow daily. So far in 2018, 164,805 have died….yet crickets. Because our country has made laws that protect a woman’s right to choose over a baby’s right
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to life, abortion continues to kill babies at a rate of 2,942 babies each day! Yet….no outrage. No cries about limiting planned parenthood. No media attention. TWO THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO BABIES ARE DYING DAILY!!!! Where are the tears, people? Where are the vigils? “Well, we can’t deny a woman’s right to choose what to do with her body!” Since when did a woman get to become an executioner simply because a pregnancy is inconvenient? Since Roe vs. Wade. This is the law that needs to be changed and there is no way that taxpayers’ dollars should be funneled to an organization that is responsible for contributing to the numbers of baby deaths each day. Ignorant youths are gathering in masses to try to force the government’s hand and limiting the law-abiding citizens because of a few deaths in a school shooting, but nobody is doing anything for the thousands of babies dying each day. Welcome to America! Why don’t we focus on fixing this problem first? Because it seems….that nobody cares. a
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The Valley, March 2018
Dave Wilson
Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That
Why So Cheap? In 2009, when Gold was valued at about $1100 per troy ounce, 1-Oz. U.S. Gold Eagle coins would cost dealers about $1138 each (and you normally had to buy ten (10) ounces at a time, or you paid more, and also paid shipping charges. Interestingly, at that time, older, numismatic $20 Gold Pieces (that contained only 96.75% of a troy ounce) cost dealers over $2200 per ounce. Why the difference? At the time,
nobody really knew the answer, all they really cared about was that it was a real market, and they could sell every decent looking $20 coin for $2200-plus, and they absolutely would! Within three to four years, premiums on older gold coins nearly disappeared. Over the next six years, premiums on older gold went up 65%, then back again, then up to 48% before falling back to almost nothing. Today, the industry talk is all
about why the older Gold coins (including $5’s, $10’s and $20’s) have fallen to such unbelievable lows, and their availability is much greater than anything we have seen in the recent past. Premiums are so low, that you can almost buy a certified $20 Gold coin (uncirculated and nice) for about the same price as a BULLION 1-Oz. U.S. Gold Eagle coin. The question is, where are
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all these beautiful coins coming from, and why are they being dumped on the market just prior to what most analysts see as the beginning of a huge bull market in gold? We have a theory, and we will warn you that it is just that, a theory. We could be horribly off the mark, but, then again, maybe we’re not. After discussions with nearly two dozen industry insiders, it is apparent that many hundreds of bags of nice, new and lovely U.S. Gold pieces have made their way from Europe, to several of the larger U.S. dealers in numismatic products. Quantities were evidently so great, that prices crashed to nearly pure bullion levels, making them a fabulous, possibly once-in-a-lifetime acquisition. After all, if you are going to buy gold, why not buy older, gorgeous numismatic coins that have the great possibility of increasing in
value both as a pure Gold play, and as a desirable, numismatic collector piece. That is what dealers are (wisely) suggesting to their clients while supplies of these beautiful, older coins last! They absolutely will dry up, perhaps even soon, and premiums will once again find their way into the marketplace. So who is dumping? We wonder if a large, or several large, European banks are on the brink of bankruptcy and want to get rid of their old gold holdings before they simply lose them to bankruptcy court. It is the only scenario that we think makes sense. However, if any of these larger banks really do go bust, especially with their massive exposure to derivatives, those who bought up all these ultra-cheap $5, $10 and $20 Gold coins will be sitting far more pretty than most, when the world’s financial system comes crashing to the ground. a
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Commonwealth to cut the compensation of elected legislators (currently approximately $86,000 per year, second only to California) in half, to almost $43,000 per year, saving the taxpayers over $8.7 million per year in compensation expense. The savings in benefits would be in addition to this amount.
Libertarian
Joe Soloski
Running for State Representative
For the 81st District Joe Soloski is running for State Representative in the 81st District. As the Libertarian candidate, Joe believes in the principles of limited government and minimum state spending as the best way to maximize the freedom and personal liberties of each resident of Pennsylvania. The 81st District comprises all of Huntingdon County, along with certain southern portions of both Mifflin and Centre Counties. Joe has been a resident of Halfmoon Township, Centre County, for the past five years, where he lives with wife, Sally. The major issues that Joe will be emphasizing during his campaign are: • Term limits for Stage Legislators • Convert to a part-time legislature
• • • • • • •
Reduce State spending Selling the State-Store system Legalize cannabis and certain other drugs Reduce the Corporate Net Income tax rate (from 9.99% to 5%) Proposed a Constitutional amendment to achieve pension reform Eliminate the State Inheritance tax Support anti-gerrymandering (State Supreme Court ruled ‘unconstitutional’ on January 20, 2018)
Where I Stand on the Issues: Term limits: For State Legislators: 8 years; 4 terms in any order. For State Senators: 8 years; 2 terms in any order. Term limits will breed a
class of legislators that are more interested in serving the Citizens of Pennsylvania as opposed to perpetuating a career in elected office. Special interest groups will have less influence on an elected official that has a limited term of service. Legislators with imposed shorter terms will have a greater interest in reducing and/or eliminating personal benefit from serving since their terms in office are limited. Part-time legislature: (Bill floated on January 26, 2018) Pennsylvania is one of only ten state legislatures to operate with full-time elected officials. Changing to a six-month, parttime legislature would allow the
Reduce State spending: The State budget has increased from $20 billion dollars in 2004 to $30 billion dollars in 2017. That’s a $10 billion, or 50%, increase in just 13 years! During that time, the State’s tax coffers increased due to personal income taxes and sales taxes generated by the fracking and casino industries that the State hadn’t had before. Pennsylvania doesn’t have a revenue problem; it’s got a spending problem. We need to hold the line on taxes and/ or decrease them while decreasing spending. Sell the State-Store system: Only Pennsylvania and Utah employ complete government control of wholesale and retail liquor sales. While it is progress to see that wine, along with beer, can
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now be readily available in some retail outlets, the State’s stranglehold on liquor sales is inefficient, inconvenient, and proven to be a failure. Pennsylvania needs to relinquish its control of the distribution and sale of distilled spirits. Legalize cannabis and certain other drugs: The War on Drugs has proven to be an abject failure and a horrendous waste of taxpayer dollars and law enforcement efforts, and has only resulted in filling our prisons with so-called violators of victimless events. In states and countries that have legalized cannabis and other drugs, the rates of drug usage and addiction have decreased. This has also led to a decrease in other crimes, such as theft and robberies. Reduce the Corporate Net Income tax rate: (from 9.99% to 5%) Pennsylvania has the secondhighest Corporate Net Income tax rate in the Nation. This is an effective deterrent to keep businesses from opening their doors here. It is businesses that create jobs, not government. If we are serious about attracting more companies to locate in Pennsylvania, we need
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The Valley, March 2018
Understanding the Constitution by David Molek
Return To Constitutional Government With all that is happening currently, I find it difficult to select just a single topic for this column. President Trump is doing an excellent job as our Chief Executive in spite of Congress, the fake news main stream media and tough issues. But he is doing what he campaigned to do. That is truly rare for any national political figure. He certainly is following our Constitution much better than his predecessor. Some of the current issues are immigration, sanctuary cities and states, crime and the Second Amendment. So I will discuss and opine about several rather random constitutional issues. With immigration, our President has been enforcing our laws. That is exactly the opposite of what President Obama did. A President’s constitutional duty under Article II, Section 3 is to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed” and he is doing just that. He is responsible for securing our borders and protecting our citizens. Many of us believe that the “wall” on our southern border is an absolute necessity
before we decide what to do with illegal aliens already in the United States. I do not believe in birthright citizenship - no matter how long an illegal alien is here. They and their parents violated our laws when they came here and continue to violate them every single day. They should not be rewarded for violating the law. There should be no amnesty. Our Fourteenth Amendment has been liberally interpreted to give persons born on American soil the right to claim U.S. citizenship. Read the Amendment. It says nothing about confirming citizenship on children of visitors or illegal aliens. By itself, birth or time within U.S. borders does not make a person “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States to the point they become citizens. That illegal alien is, under law, a citizen of the foreign country from which they came. The overwhelming majority of the world’s countries do not offer automatic citizenship to everyone born within their borders. I believe in one flag and one loyalty. My hope is that President
Trump stands his original ground of no amnesty to the illegal aliens. It costs us more to keep them here with free benefits than it would to send the home. America is a nation of citizens, not illegal alien immigrants. No country can survive with open borders. It has been a refreshing change from Obama’s administration that President Trump is enforcing the law. We are a country founded on the rule of law, not the rule of men. But not so in California and some major cities who refuse to enforce the laws or cooperate with ICE. These socalled sanctuary states and cities value illegal aliens over American citizens. President Trump is attempting to end the unconstitutional DACA program, but activist judges are preventing him. There should be penalties for these government officials disobeying and violating federal laws. Removing federal grant monies to the sanctuaries is a good first step -— except activist judges
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have slowed that down also. This shows how important judicial appointments are to our future. How can liberals just decide what laws they want to follow? Perhaps we should declare Mifflin County tax free and ignore all tax laws?? We all grieve and regret the school shooting in Florida. But a ban on guns or semi-automatic black rifles will not solve the issue of mass shootings. We should first insist that our law enforcement agencies actually enforce the law. The FBI had received numerous prior warnings about the deranged shooter, but did little. An armed school resource officer waited four minutes after hearing the shots before he pursued the shooter. There were certainly breakdowns in several law enforcement areas. Government failure, so why target citizens’ rights? What is the matter with arming responsible, volunteer teachers? The NRA is being criticized and punished for suggesting armed, concealed carry teachers. Then, these schools won’t be a softtarget, gun-free zone. The main
stream media exploits tragedy and calls for more government control, which failed in this instance. They talk gun control when they really mean people control. But limiting law-abiding citizens’ access to firearms will do nothing to stop criminal behavior or mental illness. My opinion is that to stop a bad guy with a gun, any kind of gun, it takes a good guy with a gun. America First has been our President’s message from the beginning of his campaign. To me, it isn’t just a slogan, it is a mission statement. Trump is governing as a conservative; perhaps not as conservative as I would like to see; nonetheless, a conservative. Our government has swollen beyond recognition, and it is centralized to a degree unimagined in our Constitution. Laws are often made by unelected regulatory bodies. Our President has made very significant inroads in reducing these regulations on the backs of our citizens. Laws should be few, simple and constant and they are not. President Trump has started to address these problems more than anyone since Reagan. It looks to me like the beginnings of a return to constitutional government. His agenda reflects that and, hopefully, he can continue along those lines. a
The Valley, March 2018
10
Cats Can Use Essential Oils Too The use of essential oils as treatments for common ailments is not particularly groundbreaking — in fact, it dates back to biblical times. But, the industry is currently undergoing a resurgence in popularity. With this popularity, comes some degree of misinformation flooding the internet and social media. With more Americans incorporating these products into their everyday lives, a new conversation has emerged: How do essential oils affect my cat? I am hoping to answer this question and calm any fears you may be having. I gathered my research mainly from two very highly respected experts in their field: Robert Tisserand, who is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in Aromatherapy and Dr. Melissa Shelton, who is an internationally recognized holistic veterinarian who specializes in using essential oils for complete and natural care of all animals. Recently, a post on Facebook went “viral” – stating that they unknowingly poisoned their cat by diffusing essential oils in their home. Over 500,000 shares have been made of this post creating a lot of undo worry! With the amazing amount of essential oil use in households containing cats, they would be dropping over dead
all over the world if essential oils were truly as toxic as some are implying. After this post went viral, I got lots of questions about pets and essential oil safety. Cats and dogs…and for that matter: birds, goats, horses, etc. All are different and I am writing about cats as they seem to have the most concern with essential oil use. Metabolism of essential oils by cats Almost every single post on social media that I have seen confirms that there is a lot of confusion regarding the metabolism of essential oils, especially with regard to cats. They are commonly reported as being “deficient” in their liver enzymes and that they just cannot metabolize essential oils, and that they will build up over time, creating horrible side effects and potential death. Can cats metabolize essential oils? Yes, they can, according to Dr. Shelton. And no, they will not build up over time, although cats can have a different elimination time. It takes them a bit longer for the oils to ‘leave’ their bodies. Do cats lack important liver enzymes that humans possess? Yes! And care does need to be taken. Therefore, there is a theoretical risk of increased toxicity to
cats, though this is very much less of an issue with dogs. Menthol, for example, is 3-4 times more toxic to a cat than a rat. We don’t know for sure that the greater toxicity to felines is because of the missing enzyme, but it’s very likely. But, while 3-4 times is a significant difference, it’s not a massive one. And cats are also quite susceptible to toxicity from nutmeg oil and tea tree oil. But, a small amount of any essential oil, and a moderate amount of most, will not harm your cat. Almost all documented toxicity or adverse events are from gross misuse and over dosage situations. Follow simple guidelines! Safety Guidelines: First of all, let’s discuss diffusing oils around cats. That is simply, putting essential oils into the air your cat breathes. Quite frankly, diffusing essential oils can be toxic to humans if it’s over-done, causing neurological symptoms such as headache
or fatigue, so it makes complete sense that we need to have guidelines for cats as well as we do for humans. Also, making a long lists of specific oils that are allegedly “safe” or “toxic” to cats doesn’t make a lot of sense to me – it’s more about overall exposure. You can diffuse essential oils around cats safely, so long as there’s adequate ventilation, you only diffuse for limited periods of time, and your cat has the freedom to leave the room if it wants. Be careful to avoid build-up of vapors over many hours. So a bad scenario would be: locking your cat into your bedroom and setting your diffuser on the highest setting while you sleep at night. A good scenario would be: crack the door so your cat may leave the room and set the diffuser at a medium setting. It is kinda all about too much for too long. Now, let’s discuss topical use. That is, using essential oils on your cat’s fur or skin. Some do this to make their cat smell good, for itchy skin, or to heal wounds, but the most common use is to rid the cat of fleas. Using essential oils topically on humans must be done with guidelines, so it is the same for our pets. NEVER use essential oils without first diluting them with a carrier oil: for you or your furry friends. Dilute 3 drops into a Tablespoon for spot treatments. One drop in a Tablespoon for more than just a spot treatment. You may also add 3 to 5 drops to ¼ cup of your cat’s shampoo (that is, one that does not already contain essential oils).
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Specific essential oils to be cautious with I have seen some really extensive lists of essential oils that should not be used near cats. Many of them simply have no justified data to support this. Below are some specific oils to be cautious of. Tea Tree (or Melaleuca alternifolia) is almost always found on cautionary lists, however almost every report of toxicity is gross misuse. Following the guidelines above, it is safe. Here is one documented case in point: A total of 60 mL (just over 2 ounces) of undiluted tea tree oil was applied to the skin of three cats, as a treatment for severe flea bites (the cats had previously been shaved, but there were no nicks) and to prevent further infestation. Later the same day, one cat was hypothermic, uncoordinated and unable to stand; one was comatose with severe hypothermia and dehydration, and one was trembling and unsteady. After intensive treatment, two of the cats recovered and one died. This outcome is perhaps not surprising considering the very large amount of essential oil used, 20 mL (.67 ounce) on each cat! Pennyroyal: Perhaps the greatest aromatherapy-related threat to a cat’s health comes from pennyroyal oil. Using undiluted pennyroyal oil to treat your cat’s fleas could also kill your cat.
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The Valley, March 2018
R. O. F. F.
Home at the Grange
Rescue Our Furry Friends
by Patricia L. Bird
by Patricia Lawson
You may have heard the word “Puggle,” but do you know what it is? Well it’s the name for a crossbreed dog with a Beagle parent and a Pug parent. And here is a beautiful one that is looking for a forever home. Meet Riley…
instructions to paint a dog or cat at a window on a 11X14” canvas with all supplies included. To sign up and prepay, contact Patti Vogt at: pjvogt59@gmail.com or Facebook message: Patti Hackett Vogt. The cost is $35 and snacks will be provided. Drum roll please…here is Rocky!
“Yes, I’m a Puggle and my name is Riley. I’m a 4-year-old lass and thanks to ROFF I am up to date on my vaccines and I’m spayed. Plus, I’m house broken and crate trained. What more could you ask for? You know those little humans? Well I just love them and other dogs too, but those cats I will admit I do like to chase them sometimes. You know, just for some fun. I am an alpha dog so I am the dominant one and it might take me a bit to warm up to the male humans, but basically, I’m very lovable. I am so ready to be loved by you so please visit me soon!”
“I know it’s a bit hard to see me but my name is Rocky and I’m only 6 months old. I am so ready to be a part of your family and I’m all set to go. I am neutered, de-clawed, I have all my shots and I’m litter trained. So, all you need is a litter box and some food. Oh, and maybe some treats. My caretaker says I’m loving and affectionate and also very playful. Come see for yourself!”
Before we meet the feline of the month, let’s look at what’s going on this month. This “Schwan Fundraiser” is so popular. Just go to Link: https://www.schwans-cares. com/c/36518 and place your order using ID: 36518. You can shop for your favorite foods and a portion of the sales goes directly to help ROFF. This offer ends on March 12th. You don’t want to miss out on this fun evening. It’s a “Rescue Our Furry Friends Painting Party” on Tuesday, March 6th, 6 -8 pm at Big Valley Beverage in Reedsville. Don’t worry, no art skills are needed. There will be step-by-step
For more information and additional photos of all of animals up for adoption, just go to our website www.roffrescue.com or call 1-877-933-ROFF (7633). As always, your donations are crucial to our mission. The vet bills plus daily care for all our rescues are astronomical, so your contributions would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via PayPal or checks made payable to ROFF may be mailed to: 133 North Walnut Street, Burnham, PA 17009. Thank you! Until they all have homes… www.roffrescue.com; rescueourfurryfriends@yahoo.com; 1-877933-ROFF (7633 a
Do You Have Access To Internet? As we all know, much of the land that makes up the counties that read this newspaper are rural. There is one concern that the Granges at all levels are working diligently to correct. That concern is the lack of good internet/broadband service for much of the area. When I built my new home three years ago, I encountered exactly this problem. My house was out in the country and my options for internet were few and far between. I made phone call after phone call trying to find someone who could offer me service that was affordable and without time usage limitations. I couldn’t use Comcast because it was not offered in my area and several others just didn’t cover where I lived. When talking to Verizon, I also heard the same thing. My new address was too far out in the country. However, when talking with a family friend, I learned that across the road from my house on the edge of our corn field there stood two white boxes on a pole. These boxes are actually Verizon internet server boxes. Well, low and behold, when I learned this, I immediately called them and said what’s the deal? You have to go through my property to service your internet boxes so why can’t I get internet? Well, it didn’t take long for them to change their mind and I now have my internet through Verizon. Sometimes it’s great and sometimes not so much, but I have broadband. Having broadband for me was life changing, because it gave me opportunities to use the world wide web. For many country homes this is not the case and the Grange is working diligently to get this changed. This is a top priority to not only the local Granges in each of the surrounding counties, but also at the PA State Grange level and also the National Grange level. National Grange President Betsy Huber, who lives in rural Pennsylvania, has made this one of her top priorities. As I quote her press release, it states “As an organization that has long advocated for increased internet access in rural and small town America, the National Grange supports the proliferation of free data and sponsored data programs, which benefit consumers by expanding
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mobile broadband capabilities to increase internet adoption and access to broadband across rural and underserved America.” Also, Grange Master Huber has urged online activists to work together to enable the expansion of broadband net service and push for laws to ensure net neutrality principles. She is also pushing for free data and sponsored data programs to be in compliance with all the principles of net neutrality. She continues to ask local legislators and regulators to work to remove all obstacles that exist that may keep consumers from reaping the full benefits of the use of broadband services. At the Pennsylvania State level, Master/President Wayne Campbell agrees with the previous policy that was announced by the previous Master/President. The PA State Grange position is as follows: “The Grange advocates parity in Broadband access for rural areas generally and specifically for rural schools”. (2016). It sounds good and the media uses the term, but what is it really talking about?” Many older members of the community question “What is Broadband?” The dictionary defines it as “relating to or denoting a type of high-speed data transmission in which the bandwidth is shared by more than one simultaneous signal” Yahoo’s answer is “Broadband Internet service truly is the most used form of Internet access because of its high access speeds; it is offered in four different forms, DSL (or Digital Subscriber Line), also fiber-optic, cable, and satellite.” Still confused? Sometimes I am. Well, to me it means internet service that is faster, easier to use and more dependable that using a dial-up service on your telephone. The first internet service I used was dial-up. It was wonderful because that was all that we had, but I quickly learned that to send a photo or long message took forever, if it even went through. We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. With the advances in internet come great opportunities for not only adults, but also our children. By the lack of the use of the internet and especially broadband etc. we have to wonder how can
the children of today become the scientists, engineers, medical doctors and educators of tomorrow when they don’t have all the tools necessary to learn today when their minds are “sponges.” While teachers and educators in our local schools are doing everything they can and the schools may be well equipped with equipment like modern computers, etc., how can we expect them to continue to excel if they don’t have the opportunities at home? Can they keep up with all the advances in technology if they don’t have the opportunities to use everything that is out there? Many schools teach the basics and luckily the local schools are able to provide computer laptops or iPads to each individual student, but what good are they if they cannot connect to a good internet server to use them. It is sad to think that many rural students are entering or trying to enter colleges or universities already at a disadvantage due to lack of internet knowledge and skills. Is our society leaving them behind because of their lack of knowledge due to their inability to connect to the world wide web? I for one feel very blessed that my children were given the opportunities they had in their childhood and school years. They have gone on to be a certified trained mechanic in the family business, an office manager/head veterinary technologist in a veterinary office and an elementary educator with a master’s degree in curriculum. However, they all live in the country and have challenges of reliable internet for their children. Let’s all become advocates for rural Broadband. Let’s make it a level playing field for today’s and tomorrow’s youth. Let’s give rural communities, companies and organizations the tools to continue to grow. Rural economic development means jobs, but can new business especially in the technology field, afford to move into our area? You would think being near the great institution of Penn State would be very attractive, but without Broadband does it even make a difference? Even in other fields of trucking, which is what
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The Valley, March 2018
12
Building A New Home At Blossom Hill by Kim Rickert Have you ever wished you could own a brand new home, one in which you made all of the decisions right down to the style of the faucets? You don’t have to WISH any longer—this can be a reality for you if you decide to build at Blossom Hill! Blossom Hill is a new home community in Mifflin County and the builder, Berks Homes, is represented by Tami Slick and Kim Rickert of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate—Stone Arch Realty. Located just behind the Geisinger Health Group on Green Avenue Extended, Lewistown, the community takes advantage of the beautiful views of rolling hills and surrounding farm fields and offers
from most amenities. The community is only one mile from access to both Route 322 and Route 522. The community plan is for a total of 100 home sites, and there are currently 27 sites available to build upon. New homes have been popping up this winter and will continue to appear as we head into the spring market. There is one model home, which is available for purchase, but the other homes are built specific to a buyer under contract. WHAT TYPE OF HOMES ARE BUILT? Berks Homes will be building only single family homes on the remaining lots, but there are plenty of styles to choose from!
ished basements. There are three floor plans that can be built on a slab foundation for those who do not care to have a basement. Floor plans include three twostory plans, the Bellwoode, the Burberry and the Summer Breeze, with square footage ranging from 1600 sg.ft. to 2150 sq.ft. Buyers can choose three or four bedroom plans, and one option has a first floor master suite. The Mayfield model offers a one and a half story plan with a master bedroom suite on the first floor and two additional bedrooms and a full bath on the second floor. We also have a floor-plan with an optional second floor, called the Marcell. The one level floor plans are the most popular in this community, with homes offering three bedrooms and two full baths all on one floor. Our current model home, the Merrimac, is an updated version with a Craftsman style look from the front exterior. The ranch homes range from 1474 sq. ft. all the way to the Longwood at 2035 sq.ft. We are currently building a Longwood, and will have it open during our upcoming Open House on March 4th. A popular option for home layouts is the open floor plan, and
Most models offer the option for an “open floor-plan” option and most popular is an “open floor-plan kitchen.
most of our designs do offer the open floor plan in the kitchen, family room and dining area. This allows owners to entertain, or just have family time and still be involved if they are preparing meals. All of the homes offer a first floor laundry, also very popular with all age groups. No more carrying laundry to the basement! Pricing for homes begins at $183,900 and includes the ground, so there are no hidden costs for land, excavation or driveways. Our floor plans at Blossom Hill include many ways to personalize your home to be uniquely
New construction under way at the very desirable Blossom Hill!
a peaceful, natural setting with the convenience of being just minutes
We currently have eight floor plans, and all include full unfin-
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yours—options such as a sunroom, gas fireplace, cathedral or tray ceiling, angled bay window, gourmet kitchen, master bath soaking tub and even a finished basement—can be added to just about any floor plan. These options would be priced additionally to the base price of the home. In addition, each home owner has a personalized appointment at our Selection Gallery at the home office in Reading, PA to go through all of the options for their home with a design speciatlist. You can be sure that your home will reflect your preferences and style. WHAT’S INCLUDED? Our homes at Blossom Hill include many standard features, which all come with the base price of the home. These include outstanding construction features such as poured foundation walls,
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The Valley, March 2018
Around Town With Carole
by Carole Lokan Moore My father had just seven acres, but it’s where he built our four bedroom ranch house in the 1950s. His stepfather, Robert Pray, Master Carpenter, did the supervising and Dad did the heavy lifting on evenings and weekends for over a year. So, by first grade, I grew up in Willingboro, NJ where we were considered the “new kids” because every one else’s farm was three to four generations old. Not large enough to “make money” off the farm, Dad’s purpose was to feed the five kids and two adults with rich, nutritious, fresh produce that we had raised organically. Included in that was one Jersey cow on the hoof (pregnant), one Herford beside her, and many white paper packages labeled steak, ground beef, and chops in the freezer. Add to that the occasional chicken or rabbit in the pot from the girls out back, a blue fish now and again from the ocean, or a venison steak if it was a good hunting season. Our meals were home cooked, home raised, and enjoyed thoroughly.
But saying all that, never in my life have I witnessed the events of an August Sunday afternoon in the back yard of my house. It’s late August and the hens have just finished (except for an egg now and then) their “cycle.” They had molted the previous month in the 90º heat, and were now resting from producing eggs until next spring. Understand that Whitebriar, our home, is an exception when it comes to hens. We don’t slaughter them after their “egg tree” is empty, like all commercial egg layers. Our girls just diminish their “egg laying numbers” after the first two or three years to about every other day instead as compared to the new hens who lay an egg every 24 hours. At about 5 years old, the eggs are only twice a week or such, until it’s once a week. The ladies who are our pets get the exclusive privilege of dropping dead of old age at about 6, or even 8, years after their hatching. In all that time, with usually four dozen hens, we keep
only one rooster. When I learned that fertile eggs (with a live in rooster) have half the cholesterol as an unfertile egg, I asked why the commercial breeders only have hens and no roosters in their 3,000 count hen houses? I was surprised at the answer—it’s money, which indicated that after their first egg tree is empty, they are harvested as roasters, fryers, parts, and pieces. Logical. No commercial breeder is going to feed 3,000 hens for 6 months until they have grown a new tree, and begins laying again. It’s just not cost effective. The second reason I think commercial breeders don’t keep a “rooster in the hen house” is that when a rooster mounts a hen he pulls on the feathers at her neck to get her in position. Many times there are scratches in her flesh, and nobody at the poultry section of the meat market wants to see anything except that nice clean, unadorned yellow skin that Frank Perdue brags about. My Dad always had a rooster with our hens, maybe not because he was privy to the information I just shared, but because I think, he liked the 5:45am wake up call of the large red combed, florescent green and black feathered voice that echoed over the farm lands he owned. Some towns allow
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hens, but not roosters just because of the volume this two legged, feathered creature can reach at such an early part of the day. Last winter, however, we ended up with three roosters in our chicken yard. They all had been raised from chicks, and they got along very well most of the time, so nobody ever sent them to the neighbors Chinese soup pot. Previous winters, when food source got scarce for predators, we lost over two dozen hens, to swooping red tails, and some type of owl. It broke my heart when I came across the yard from the Café after a longs day’s work to find a headless body of my pet hen, laying in the yard. The pressure with which an owl swoops down decapitates the hen. What good was the dead carcass when the body has been tainted by a wild creature’s attack. Many hens we buried that winter and into the late spring, but this in the 2016-2017 winter, I didn’t loose a single lady. So my thinking was that perhaps the three rooster ratio might have been the reason. Maybe the “ladies in feathers” might not agree, as I can
see bare skin on their backs from all too frequent mounting by the three “boys.” Two of the roosters were large in size, with black and white spots, and big red combs and
waddles and their image would have made a perfect post card. The third, who never really grew to any size, probably because he was chased from the food, became the outcast and appeared battered and missing many feathers. He learned early to keep his head down when the “big guys” were near. Each rooster appeared to have his following of hens, with the smaller Rhode Island Red, only attracting two.
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The Valley, March 2018
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OUR YESTERYEARS Mifflin County Historical Society “She jumped to her death from the rocky cliff…”” The Legend of Bird Rock Each day, thousands of travelers drive through the Reedsville Narrows on U.S. 322 in Mifflin County’s Brown Township, unaware that they pass beneath the visage of a giant stone bird. Known locally as Bird Rock, the massive monolith teetering on the edge of a rocky out-cropping, has guarded this break in Jack’s Mountain for eons and is the object of an interesting local legend. First, some background to set the scene before I present the story. A TRADITIONAL STORY This geological formation shaped like a perching bird has been the subject of countless photographs over the years snapped by casual hikers, young adults and their parents, the destination of a Sunday afternoon walk. A postcard dating from about 1905 shows a colorized Bird Rock with people posing at its base. A 1925 historical souvenir book published by the Lewistown Sentinel has a photograph of Bird Rock that includes a climber resting a hand on the great stone image. The caption reads: Bird Rock - High on the side of Jack’s Mountain over Mann’s Narrows near Reedsville… peculiar formation resembling a bird. Mecca of Mountain Climbers reached by a steep winding trail from the William Penn Highway… Even today, interested trekkers make the arduous climb up the eastern slope of Mann’s Narrows to view Bird Rock up-close and personal. Recent Facebook postings attest to their success. Starting behind Station Hill at Reedsville, up a couple hundred yards or so then dropping down to a large rocky outcropping above old US 322, hikers find Bird Rock perched above the gap. The rocky visage is now bedecked with a sturdy grove of old pines, effectively concealing the giant from casual travelers motoring east on the present US Route 322, just as
they pass onto the first of the twin bridges in the Reedsville Narrows. The Legend of Bird Rock has an uncertain origin. There is no mention of the Bird Rock legend in the several notable county histories published in the 19th or 20th centuries. It has appeared from time-to-time in various published forms in the past 60 years or so. The adaptation I’ll tell today comes from one that appeared in the Lewistown Sentinel, January 8, 1969. It was also reprinted in Birds and Friends of Central Pennsylvania by Ben and Hattie Meyers, published in 1973. This little privately published book is a collection of columns written by Ben Meyers titled “We Notice That.” The Sentinel carried Meyers’ column for 39 years. The Legend of Bird Rock is a tale not unlike those written by Pennsylvania’s first official folklorist, Henry W. Shoemaker, who lived from 1880 to 1958. Shoemaker was born into one of America’s most wealthy families from New York City, became a diplomat and soldier serving the United States in Europe, yet would return to the Commonwealth and become a champion of the highlands of Pennsylvania’s central mountains. He helped found what is today the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Shoemaker was also a successful newspaper publisher and used his editorial pen to promote the lore and mystery of Pennsylvania’s wilderness. He became widely known for his collections of state lore published in the first decades of the 20th century. Some titles include: Pennsylvania Mountain Stories, In the Seven Mountains, Juniata Memories, Susquehanna Legends plus a dozen or more titles. He emphasized the romance and mystery of the Pennsylvania Mountains he called “a wooded paradise.” His stories told of the people and animals that once lived here, Native People, the mountain lion, the buffalo and the wolf. One Shoemaker story told of Centre County’s “NitaNee,” Indian princess, for whom it is said Mt. Nittany is named. The Legend of Bird Rock was never associated with Shoemaker,
but has a resemblance to the type of tales he told. It has been suggested by later folklorists that Shoemaker may have fabricated his tales in his efforts to promote Pennsylvania’s natural wonders and cultural connections to native people. However, mankind devised stories to explain everything from the rising and setting sun to why the bear has a stubby tail, so why not a legend to explain how that geological feature we call Bird Rock came to perch in the Reedsville Narrows? IT’S A CASE OF GEOLOGY The area of Jack’s Mountain where Bird Rock found its perch is called the Reedsville Narrows today, earlier it was Mann’s Narrows, named for the Mann Axe Factory established along Kishacoquillas Creek in the great gap. Even earlier, it was called Logan’s Gap, then named for the American Indian leader, Logan the Mingo Chief, recalled on an historical marker just north of Reedsville on old US 322. The convenient break in the mountain forms an outdoor classroom for geology students
As to how that old rock came to rest on the side of Jack’s Mountain, Ben Meyers attempted an explanation in his 1969 column: Looking closer (at the giant rock)... Seems as if the original rough rock was upended by water, frost and ice action and the rock in some unknown manner became balanced, quite close to its very source. But what force produced the shaping of the rock? What unseen sculptor was busy here? Must have been ages of water, wind, frost and snow action at work. Thus the forces rounded the head, shoulder and wings, creating a likeness as it now appears for sightseers to gaze upon. AND NOW DEAR READERS…THE LEGEND OF BIRD ROCK It was a time well before the first European settlers ventured into the verdant land, and the native people Kids at Bird Rock in 1939, taken by the author’s mother, Iva Anne Kepler Fisher. made a home out of the lush wilderness. Ample streams crisscrossed the land, wild berries from Penn State or Juniata Colgrew in plentiful amounts, and lege studying the well exposed waterfowl abounded. The First outcroppings of various rock People hunted elk, bear and deer types. Roadside Geology of amid the forested valley that Pennsylvania by Bradford B. one day would be known as the Van Diver notes that: “The gap is Kishacoquillas. well profiled in both the northern These First People were and southern approaches, and the guided and led by a wise and Tuscarora quartzite is exposed Great Chieftain. Since his own in several places along the ridge beloved wife’s death, the Leader crest.”
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treasured his only child, a daughter, loved and cherished her more than life itself. The daughter, too, loved her widowed father and vowed never to displease him, but pledged to serve him always. To show his love, the Great Chief bestowed upon his only child the finest adornments - bracelets, necklaces and rings for which he traded near and far toward the Great Waters to obtain. The Chief granted his daughter’s every wish, with one exception. The father had but one demand of his only child. She must not marry, save the one the chief himself approved. It soon became apparent to the daughter that she was fated to perpetual maidenhood, for her father refused every request of marriage from her many suitors. Just as winter follows fall, and summer the spring, the inevitable happened, she fell in love. Never wanting to go against the wishes of her father, whom she loved as dearly as life itself, she was thrust into a terrible dilemma—she knew her father would not agree to a union with her new-found love. Despite her impassioned entreaties, her father refused her many marriage requests, he would not give way. Dolefully relating the news to her beloved, the warrior yet persisted as no other before him. Run away with him and leave the father. He would recover in time, the warrior told her, but she knew better. Her father would be heartbroken by
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The Valley, March 2018
Let the Little Children Come to Me
This is a story, but not like so many others, of a guy and a girl who fell in love. I say it’s not so much like the others because the guy and the girl dreaming of a big career and a couple kids isn’t how this story goes. Judy grew up in Naperville Illinois. As a young girl, Judy enjoyed swimming and one spot was her favorite. It was an old quarry site that had been made into a swimming area, there was even a beach. One summer, that particular spot gained even more significance to Judy. There was a new boy in town and he wasn’t hard to miss since he was one of the handsome new life guards at her favorite spot. Terry, the new lifeguard, had moved from California to Naperville Illinois, and although neither knew at the time, God would
pain and weakness, but it hasn’t seemed to stop her from doing her part to make the world a better place. Complications after each pregnancy required Judy to have surgery and by the time she had her third child, she began to realize her dream of a big family, at least the way she had hoped, was not going to be possible. After her third child, Judy’s back problems became so bad she was actually bed ridden for a year and having young children to care for didn’t make this time any less stressful. Judy felt a calm reassurance many times during this trial and
bring them together to orchestrate a beautiful plan of unconditional love and acceptance through their lives. Terry and Judy first met in 1960 and in 1966, the day after Terry graduated college, he and Judy were married. They moved from Naperville to Northern Illinois where Judy finished up her final year of college to earn her teaching degree and Terry would take some grad classes. Little did Judy know that her “classroom” would look a little different than most. In 1967, Judy and Terry had their first child and Judy’s desire to have a big family only deepened upon realizing the joy of being a mother. Judy had polio at the age of 10 and as a result has suffered from many muscular and spinal problems. Judy was dealt a life of
Judy and Terry
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knew God had used the quiet and stillness to bring her closer to him. She continued even with her pain and weaknesses to desire more children. Judy did eventually find a Dr. who began to help her recover and get back on her feet. Although she will always deal with the painful and weakening effects of polio, through the guidance of this homeopathic/chiropractic doctor, she found relief enough to get her life back. As her strength returned, God began to open doors offering Judy and Terry the opportunity to add to their family. Although reluctant at first,
her husband agreed to try emergency fostering for newborns that needed immediate placement. The first little boy they fostered wasn’t so short term as they were told as they had him for 7 months and all of Terry’s concerns for fostering were wiped away with the love for this child. Judy and Terry decided that adopting this little boy would be the best thing for them all and started the proceedings. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out the way they had planned, and they didn’t get to adopt. From that point on, things
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The Valley, March 2018 Editor’s corner from page 2
actually zero reasonable avenues for the left to achieve this. For those that know and understand what the Constitution actually says, the Second Amendment is brilliantly clear. “......Shall NOT be infringed.......”, means hands off, this is NOT an area you can monkey with. Words mean things and the founders were very careful about the wording and the punctuation, carefully dividing the two entities, (the militia and THE PEOPLE) to make clear that THE PEOPLE could not be denied arms for any reason! It does not say “unless they are crazy, or unless they are a certain age, or classify types of weapons permitted. I am of the opinion that any law concerning guns that has been passed since 1791 is null and void. None of those on the gungrabbing left have any interest in actually stopping violent crime, their agenda has to do with controlling YOU! The answer to actually minimizing the carnage with these mass shooting is surprisingly MORE GUNS! Criminals are a minority, so it only makes sense that the more “good guys or gals” there are in public that are armed, the less chance a sick person bent on murder will achieve their goal. The fact that it seems there were actually armed guards at the school in Parkland Florida who stayed outside while the shooter shot people for a full six minutes is more than disgraceful. How many of those 17 lives could have been saved if those officers had done their job. Any loss of life is tragic, but I am willing to bet the number of casualties would have been diminished greatly. How about if a teacher or other worker at the school had been armed? How many of those 17 families might still be together today grieving the loss of one or two of their friends rather than a dozen and a half? The fact that those entrusted to stop these kinds of things from happening failed at the highest levels is even more disconcerting. I mean, the so-called authorities knew this kid was headed for trouble, they did nothing. The school administration somehow interfered with the laws already supposedly in place to stop these massacres from happening, no one spoke up. The laws were disregarded, so how on Earth are more laws going to work? They won’t, what will, is a perceived deterrent, and that comes in the form of an armed citizenry. An armed society is a polite and safer society, always. a
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The Valley, March 2018 Colloidal Silver from page 3 reflect what many people have already known anecdotally for years — that colloidal silver can reduce swelling, speed healing, and boost cell recovery! 6. Sinusitis Widely used to control sinus infections, colloidal silver can benefit people as a nasal spray, according to a study published in the International Forum for Allergy and Rhinology last year. (14) Specifically shown to kill Staph aureus, you can add a few drops of silver in a “neti pot” or by applying directly into your nasal cavity and letting it drain down your throat by tilting your head back. Also, it’s important to point out that recent research indicates that hidden infections by pathogens could be a cause of respiratory inflammation associated with common allergies and asthma. Colloidal silver destroys Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, which may be the reason why airborne allergy sufferers often find such dramatic relief from colloidal silver. 7. Cold/Flu Some claim that colloidal silver helps prevent all types of flu, including swine flu, as well as the common cold. (15) Few studies have been done to test this clinically, but in 2011 the NIH took 100 children under the age of 12 suffering from the common cold and nasal congestion and assigned them into two groups; the first group was treated with a solution of colloidal silver and beta glucan, and the second group with saline solution. Even though both groups benefited from the treatment, 90% of the people in the colloidal silver
group completely recovered! (16) 8. Pneumonia Our modern drugs have become limited in their efficacy when it comes to fighting bronchitis or pneumonia. Typically, antibiotics are administered as the first line of defense, but when the pneumonia is viral, antibiotics won’t help in the least. The nice thing about colloidal silver is that it can help regardless of the pathogen. Colloidal silver is a remarkable product to help fight against bronchitis and pneumonia when ingested internally, but an even more effective way to utilize it? Simply breathe it into your lungs. This way, the silver directly contacts the germs residing in the lungs, which are causing bronchitis or pneumonia. It’s basically the same thing as using respiratory support, and it works speedily, clearing it up within a couple of days. Now, the most effective method to get the colloidal silver into the lungs is to use a nebulizer. Generally, use one teaspoon approximately three times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. What is Colloidal Silver? Before the invention of the refrigerator, it was common practice to drop a silver coin into a container of milk as a preservative because silver was known to prevent the growth of algae, bacteria and other undesirable organisms. Dating back to ancient times, silver was also a popular remedy to stop the spread of diseases. Its use as a natural antibiotic continued all the way until the 1940s, when modern antibiotics arrived. Today, obviously, people don’t need to drop silver coins into their water to experience colloidal silver benefits! All you need
to do is carefully take a few drops from a bottle that you buy at the store, which is: “A solution of water containing nanometer sized particles of suspended silver. The total silver content is expressed as milligrams of silver per liter (mg/L) of water which is numerically the same as parts per million (ppm). The total silver content is divided into two forms of silver: ionic silver and silver particles. (3) There are basically three types of products that are marketed as “colloidal silver” and these can be categorized as: •Ionic silver solutions •Silver protein •True colloidal silver Ionic silver – Ionic silver solutions are products whose silver content primarily consists of silver ions. Although ionic silver is often marketed as colloidal silver, it’s not true colloidal silver. Because it’s the least expensive to produce, ionic silver is the most popular product in this category. The problem? It simply won’t produce the same benefits that true colloidal silver can. Silver Protein – In order to keep large silver particles suspended, silver protein-based products add gelatin. Silver protein is the second-most popular type of colloidal silver product on the market and can easily be made by adding water to silver protein powder. Again, it’s also often marketed and labeled as colloidal silver, but should not be confused for the real thing. Silver protein is less effective for human use, and you won’t experience the true colloidal silver benefits. True Colloidal Silver – Lastly, true silver colloids don’t contain any protein or other additives, as the vast majority
of the silver content consists of nanometer-sized silver particles. (4) Colloidal Silver Side Effects Although the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health reports that colloidal silver may cause poor absorption of some drugs, there is limited research proving that side effects to colloidal silver use even exist. (17) Nonetheless, you may come across many warnings about it causing an irreversible condition called argyria (when people turn blue). However, this is caused by misuse not of true colloidal silver, but through other cheaper products marketed as colloidal silver, such as ionic silver or silver protein. One point to consider is that, because colloidal silver is such a potent antibacterial agent, you should be sure to supplement with probiotics during use to be sure that you maintain a proper balance of microflora. Colloidal Dosage & Use Colloidal silver needs to be applied differently for each condition. To experience colloidal silver benefits, it may be taken as follows, always keeping in mind to never use it for more than 14 days in a row.
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•
2-5 drops applied directly to the skin • 1 eyedropper taken orally for immune support • 1-2 drops into eyes for pink eye • 1-2 drops can help disinfect any wound or sore by applying onto a Band-Aid • If prepared properly, it can be injected into a muscle, a cancerous tumor, or into the bloodstream • 5 drops added into a neti pot or directly sprayed into the nose • 5-10 drops can be applied vaginally or anally (18)” https://draxe.com/colloidal-silverbenefits/ The Bad: “What’s the Bottom Line? How much do we know about colloidal silver? There are no high quality studies on the health effects of taking colloidal silver, but we do have good evidence of its dangers. What do we know about the effectiveness of colloidal silver? Claims made about the health benefits of taking colloidal silver aren’t backed up by studies. What do we know about the safety of colloidal silver? The U.S. Food and Drug
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The Valley, March 2018
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Minding Minerals
Balance is Key to Soil Health by Gary Zimmer
Editor’s Note: This is part one of is ‘soil biology food’? Soil health a two-part article on soil health is the capacity to function without and minerals. Look for part two intervention; therefore minerals in the December 2012 is-sue of are certainly a part, but not the Acres U.S.A. Gary will touch on whole of soil health. how changing the type of fertil This article is about the minizer you apply can change soil erals’ role in achieving the goal of quality and give some examples of soil health. improvements he has observed on I always talk about my ‘Big farms that have made the switch Four’ min-erals: calcium, phosto more soil life-friendly fertilphorus, magnesium and boron. izers. Story reprinted courtesy of The Big Four relate to the plant, Acres USA. to the four minerals I like to get at A long time ago when I was real high levels in a plant comgoing through my initial soil balpared to normal recommended ance training, mineral balance was levels. all that we talked about. Get the Start by adding calcium. In minerals right, address cal-cium and get it to 68 percent base satura-tion and all will be great. The physical and biological aspects of soil weren’t even part of the discussion. Even alternate mineral sources were just touched on. Potassium chloride (KCl) was a no-no due to the high salt index and the chloride, as was dolo-mitic lime due to our already high mag-nesium soils. Healthy, well-mineralized soils have good Also on this ‘not to be used’ list aggregation. was anhydrous ammonia because of its damaging effects on soils. The concept of soil correctives most cases, just having the soil and crop fertilizers wasn’t talked calcium level at some magic numabout either, nor was the idea of ber, say 68 percent base saturadifferent calcium sources for diftion, does not guarantee the plant ferent soil conditions. The balance is able to take up sufficient levels of nutrients on a soil test was the of this mineral. The other cations only goal. in the soil, K and Mg, have an Now, looking back, I can influence, and the soil’s physical certainly see that wasn’t the whole properties also affect this. I know picture. What about the biology I was taught to get the calcium and the physical structure? How to magnesium ratio right and the about making a fertilizer that not physical structure of the soil will only delivered minerals but did so be great. It is true this helps, but it more efficiently? Why not have is not the whole picture. fertilizer that can balance the solu- If the plant, let’s say it’s an ble to the slow release, make sure alfalfa crop, on average is 1.5 carbon is added for the buff-ering percent calcium and your crop is effect and provides something for 2 percent, something more is at the minerals to attach to so that it work there. Generally, we have
had to add some ‘soluble’ calcium along with boron to get more calcium into the plant. Remember, not all sources of calcium are the same. Using gypsum, mixing acid materials such as humates with fine ground limestone, burning limestone and hydrating it to make hydrated lime — all alter solubility, in effect making fertilizer out of lime. After all, soil health is ideally measured as plant health, and plant health affects the health of whoever eats that plant. So it is fair to say that the real measure of a healthy soil is a healthy crop: a high yielding, disease- and insect-free crop. Remember, you can have soil that seems great (lots of earthworms, loose and crumbly texture with a great ‘root cellar’ smell) and yet it doesn’t produce healthy crops. So how do you get that healthy soil? Step one is to have enough available cal-cium. Step two is to address phosphorus. Phosphorus is tied to energy production and cycling — get the P level high and you will have a higher yielding, healthier crop. I will use potatoes as an example. Potato growers know that the higher the petiole P level, the better the crop. Measuring the petiole and staying above 0.2 percent phosphorus is a challenge. You can apply all the soluble P the plants can tolerate and still not drive that number higher. Some growers have seen levels of 0.45 percent in the petiole on the same crop, same varieties, same locations. Why does that happen? Phosphorus is an indicator mineral because you can’t buy it in, there is a biological link required — soil life such as mycorrizhae need to be there and working in order to get more P into the plant.
Just having a soil that tests high in phosphorus doesn’t guarantee high P uptake. I do like to see higher soil P levels, but there is more to getting it in the plant than just high soil test numbers. Step three, or mineral indicator num-ber three, is magnesium. Many farmers and scientists already know that having soils with high magnesium levels does not guarantee high levels of the mineral in plants. If the plant takes up lots of magne-sium, something ‘balanced’ is happening. Magnesium is another mark of healthy plants. It is needed for photosynthesis and is also a real
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indicator of proper potassium levels and distribution. (Don’t forget, sulfur is also required to achieve high magne-sium exchangeability. Apply sulfate sulfur to make magnesium sulfate, a much more soluble, plant usable form than magne-sium carbonate from lime.) If extra soluble potassium is added, the plant magnesium level will drop. You can’t have both high or excess plant potassium and high magne-sium. It just can’t happen! Magnesium and potassium are both cations, and compete with each other for uptake into the
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The Valley, March 2018
If you want to know what to do with all the plastic bags that seem to multiply throughout the house, they can be recycled at Walmart. They take all clean plastic grocery bags no matter what store they are from, along with dry cleaning bags and those plastic sleeves that the newspaper comes in. The new CFL light bulbs should be recycled properly because they have a small amount of mercury in them. They should not be put into your household trash. If one should break, there are steps for cleanup, which is quite extensive. Before cleanup a. Have people and pets leave the room. b. Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment. c. Shut off the central forced air heating/air-conditioning system, if you have one. d. Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb. Stiff paper or cardboard; sticky tape; damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes; (for hard surfaces); and a glass jar with a
metal lid or sealable plastic bags. There is more information about the cleanup process if you visit the epa.gov/cfl website. Lowes has a bin for recycling CFL bulbs and they also take rechargeable batteries, but not the regular batteries—those can go in the regular trash. Last year, organized groups, civic organizations, family, and friends canvassed their communities to remove 861,655 pounds of trash from Pennsylvania’s waterways and coastal regions, preventing litter and debris from making its way downstream. Nearly 14,000 people volunteered from 35 Pennslvania counties and Mifflin County was one of them. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB) cannot thank residents enough for their hard work and dedication to keeping our communities clean and beautiful. Want to keep the momentum going? Registration is now open for the 2018 Great American Cleanup of PA. Visit the KPB website for the tools and resources needed to complete your community improvement event, or you can check the website to see what
Colloidal Silver from page 17
It can be dangerous to your health. What the Science Says About the Safety and Side Effects of Colloidal Silver Colloidal silver can cause serious side effects. The most common is argyria, a bluish-gray discoloration of the skin, which is usually permanent. Colloidal silver can also cause poor absorption of some drugs, such as certain antibiot-
Administration (FDA) has said that colloidal silver isn’t safe or effective for treating any disease or condition. What Is Colloidal Silver? Colloidal silver consists of tiny silver particles in a liquid. It’s sometimes promoted on the Internet as a dietary supplement, but evidence supporting health-related claims is lacking.
Do You Have Access to Internet from page 11 my family business is, and other agriculture fields like veterinarians, lending companies and even farmers—can they make it without up-to-date internet service like Broadband? I don’t think so. Since most business is done over the internet, we find services like the US Postal Service becoming obsolete. Many businesses strictly use the internet for orders, and accounts receivable funds along with accounts payable invoices. We can now file and pay our taxes over the internet. You don’t even have to visit a bank anymore. Just
deposit, transfer and spend your money over the internet. If this article has informed you about anything, I hope it is that we all need to be advocates to the government and the powers that be, that we need a good internet service like broadband, DSL, etc. to function in today’s society. So please be vocal and express your feelings to your congressmen and representatives. They need to know how important it is for everyone to be on a level playing field. a
PACleanWays of Mifflin County may be doing. You can call 717899-6701 if you would like to help our group to help with our cleanups. Tentative cleanup dates are as follows, and will depend on weather conditions each Saturday they are scheduled. March 3rd: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., Big Ridge. Rain/ snow date is March 10. We will meet at the Mifflin County Library at 8:45 March 10th 9:00 A.M. to 12;00 P.M., Jacks Mountain. Rain/ snow date is March 17th. We will meet at the Oliver Township building, two miles west of Mcveytown just before the Jacks Mtn. Road. To verify these dates, you can call the number above or go online to www.keeppabeautiful. org. We meet once a month at the Downtown OIP on the second Tuesday of the month at 12:00 p.m. All are welcome to join us. Other dates are: August 4th—River Cleanup, details are still being finalized. September 15th— Annual Tire Recycle at the Lewistown Refuse Yard on Washington Avenue from 8:00 A.M. TO 12:00 P.M. Pam Sechrist Affiliate Coordinator a
ics and thyroxine (used to treat thyroid deficiency). The FDA also warned in 1999 that colloidal silver isn’t safe or effective for treating any disease or condition. The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission have taken action against a number of companies for making misleading claims about colloidal silver products. More About Argyria Silver can build up in the body’s tissue, causing a bluishgray discoloration of large areas of skin, especially those exposed to the sun. People have developed argyria from using homemade and commercial colloidal silver products. What the Science Says About the Effectiveness of Colloidal Silver Scientific evidence doesn’t support the use of colloidal silver dietary supplements for any disease or condition. Silver has no known function or benefits in the body when taken by mouth. Silver is not a nutrition-
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22nd Annual Embassy Fair At Kish Park
Come out and Support the Embassy!
This year brings the 22nd annual Embassy Fair at Kish Park. Come out and enjoy the rides, games, food, and entertainment. This year’s fair will run 10 days, starting Thursday, April 19 and ending Saturday, April 28. This makes plenty of opportunity to support the Embassy and have loads of fun. The Juniata Valley Idol preliminary round will take place on stage April 28. Next month’s edition will have the full schedule of entertainment and
matinees. The fair is just the beginning of another busy summer. The highlight of the summer will be our July 4th LibertyFest. On Friday evening, June 29, the Lewistown Community Band will give their annual performance. Planned on Saturday will be entertainment, with music, vendors, and the finals for the Juniata River Valley Idol. More details will be released as they become available for all these events. a
Minding the Minerals from page 18
you apply calcium without any boron.
plant. It may be that the excess K level is more damaging than the shortage of Mg. And usually with high K, plant levels of calcium are also short. The fourth mineral as indicator is bo-ron. Other trace minerals are also important, but boron being an anion is hard to build up and hold in the soil. It is also critical for calcium uptake and sugar translocation. Apply boron with your cal-cium source, and you’ll get more calcium uptake than if
Gary Zimmer is the co-author of Advancing Biological Farming, a sequel to his earlier book, The Biological Farmer, both published by Acres U.S.A. He is also an organic dairy farmer, an accom-plished speaker, a sought-after farm consultant, and president of Midwestern BioAg, a biological farming products and services company. For more information visit www.midwesternbioag.com. a
ally essential mineral or a useful dietary supplement. People may be exposed to silver, usually in tiny amounts, through air, water, and food, and in certain activities such as jewelry-making or soldering. Colloidal silver products are sometimes sold as homeopathic remedies. For more information on homeopathy, see nccih.nih.gov/ health/homeopathy. Topical silver (used on the skin) has some appropriate medical uses, such as in bandages and dressings to treat burns, skin wounds, or skin infections. It’s also in medicines to prevent conjunctivitis (an eye condition) in newborns. However, there are no legally marketed prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs containing colloidal silver that are taken by mouth. More to Consider Colloidal silver and other complementary products or practices that have not been proven safe and effective should never be used to replace conventional medical care or as a reason to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/silver The Ugly: It is a fact that the overuse/ misuse of colloidal silver will cause your skin to turn a bluishgray color that will most likely be permanent. Nobody wants that. So, in order to avoid falling off the ugly tree and hitting every branch on the way down by looking like an Oompa-Loompa with hypothermia, please, if you decide to give colloidal silver a try to help yourself with an ailment, use it as directed. I have about as much trust in the FDA as I do the CDC. It is a proven fact that the FDA has put drugs on the market that they deemed to be safe and effective, only to have them taken off the market due to a side effect that might even be fatal. The FDA is not without its faults. Per-
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The Supremacy Clause The Constitution Is Supreme Article 6 clause 2 of the Constitution is known as the Supremacy Clause. This clause in our Constitution is often misquoted, misapplied, and misinterpreted. Those who support an overgrown and supreme federal power like to use this clause to beat the States into a powerless submission to every asserted federal authority. Is that really what the designers of our Constitution meant when they placed this clause into the Constitution? The Supremacy Clause reads: “This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.” A plain reading of this text tells us several things: 1. This Constitution, shall be the supreme Law of the Land. 2. The Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance to the Constitution are the supreme Law of the Land. 3. Treaties made under the Authority of the United States shall be the supreme Law of the Land. The Constitution, through this clause has been established as the highest standard of Law regarding the federal government. The Laws of the United States are below the Constitution. The Treaties of the United States must be made under the authority of the Constitution. As far as the federal government is concerned, there is nothing higher than the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton explains the underlying principle of this clause in Federalist 78. “There is no position which
gress passes a law and that law is not made consistent with the powers delegated by the Constitution, then that law is completely invalid. Thomas Jefferson reasserts this concept in the Kentucky Resolution of 1798: “Whenever the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void and of no force.” The Supremacy Clause codifies this very principle; that any law made by Congress that is not made in pursuance to the Constitution, is no law at all.
A law made by Congress that is not made pursuant to the Constitution, is not authorized by an expressly delegated power, it is not the supreme Law of the Land and the Judges in every State are NOT bound by it. The Supremacy Clause does not make every law of Congress, every act of Congress, every federal regulation, or every supreme Court opinion superior to State laws and State Constitutions. It is the exact opposite. The States agreed amongst one another to be bound by their mutual compact – the Constitution – not to subject themselves to every whim of their creation. The Supremacy Clause, in fact, puts the federal government on notice that their every act is limited by the powers delegated through the Constitution. The Supremacy Clause is NOT a limit of State authority, it is not a statement of supremacy of the federal government over the power of the States. The Supremacy Clause tells those in the federal government that their power is limited
depends on clearer principles, than that every act of a delegated authority, contrary to the tenor of the commission under which it is exercised, is void. No legislative act, therefore, contrary to the Constitution, can be valid.” James Madison explains in Federalist 45 that the powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined and those powers are to be principally exercised upon foreign affairs, such as war, peace, negotiations, and foreign Characteristic Rehabilitation Nursing commerce. Hospital Home AcFrequent visits Required Not required cording to by an attending Hamilton, physician* when the Multidisciplinary Required Not required federal team approach governRN oversight and 24 hours/day At least 8 ment availability consecutive exercises hours/day powers Nursing hours per Between 5 and Between 2.5 that have patient per day 7.5 hours and 4 hours not been Specialty nursing Yes Not required delegated training, rehabili through tation expertise the ConPhysical, occupa3 hours/day, No minimum stitution, tional and/or 5 days/week the acts (minimum) speech therapy performed level of service through *The hospital provides access to independent physicians. that unauthorized power are null Learn more about the difference and void. we can make in your rehabilitation outcome at 814 359-3421 What that means is, if Con-
by the Constitution and that the States do not have to submit to any imposed authority of the federal government that is not made consistent with the powers delegated by the Constitution, which the States themselves created. About KrisAnne Hall KrisAnne Hall is an attorney and former prosecutor, fired after teaching the Constitution to TEA Party groups – she would not sacrifice liberty for a paycheck. She is a disabled veteran of the US Army, a Russian linguist, a mother, a pastor’s wife and a patriot. She now travels the country and teaches the Constitution and the history that gave us our founding documents. KrisAnne Hall does not just teach the Constitution, she lays the foundations that show how reliable and relevant our founding documents are today. She presents the “genealogy” of the Constitution – the 700 year history and five foundational documents that are the very roots of American Liberty. a
Shopping for Rehabilitation Is Like Comparing Apples to Oranges
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When comparing inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) to skilled nursing facilities over two years, research* concludes that long-term outcomes for IRF patients are superior:
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• • • •
Return home two weeks earlier 8% lower mortality rate 5% fewer emergency room visits Significantly fewer hospital readmissions per year
* Dobson|DaVanzo analysis of research identifiable 20% sample of Medicare beneficiaries, 2005-2009
Shop to compare and you will see that an inpatient rehabilitation hospital is more comprehensive than a skilled nursing facility. Make a return to independence and choose a higher level of care with HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital.
A Higher Level of Care®
550 West College Avenue • Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 814 359-3421 • NittanyValleyRehab.com
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The Valley, March 2018
Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly The “Mini Split” Heat Pump/ Air Conditioner System As I reflect back on 2015 (not 2016), I would label it the year of the “Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump/Air Conditioner” which is sometimes referred to as a “Ductless System.” It consists of one quiet high efficiency outdoor compressor unit and one or more super quiet indoor air handler units. The indoor unit(s) and outdoor unit are connected together with two insulated copper tubes, an electrical wire and a thermostat wire, which are all neatly hidden on the outside of the house with a “Duct Hide” cover (three colors available). The desired room temperature is set for each indoor unit using a remote control, so relative
to temperature, you can control each indoor air handler separately. Nice! Hyper heat outdoor units are offered that will hold the same btu/hr output down to single digit outside temperatures. Mitsubishi systems now offer an indoor air handler with electric backup that can be ducted into rooms like a conventional warm air furnace or heat pump system. We are fortunate that Mini Split HP/AC units are being widely accepted today. It wasn’t that long ago that few wanted to consider them for heating and cooling their home. They “didn’t like the indoor unit hanging on the wall” was the usual reply when I
mentioned them to a prospective customer. These highly efficient units have been popular in Europe for many years primarily because most homes are heated with a hot water system so installing a traditional central HP/AC system with duct work is difficult and expensive. In addition, if you lived downtown on one of the upper floors of an apartment building heated with hot water, a traditional central system wouldn’t be feasible. The Mini Split systems derive their high efficiency and the ability to service multiple zones from the outdoor variable speed compressor. Simply stated, the more indoor air handlers that are running, the faster the outdoor compressor runs. This variable speed technology is now being used by Trane and Carrier on select high end models for their central ducted systems and I’m certain you will see this technology used more and more in the future. Traditional ducted systems are ideal for a ranch house with a full basement. The duct work can easily be hidden above a drop ceiling and there is a supply register in every room. One carefully located thermostat controls the temperature of the single floor system. Because it’s a central
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system, an electronic filter or media filter can be added as can central humidification for those dry winter days. And you only have one filter to maintain, which is recommended twice a year. You can also use a high efficiency gas furnace backup in lieu of electric. A gas backup unit is not available with a Mini Split. For a 1-1/2 or 2 story home, the ducted system installation becomes more complex and the ductless system should be considered. As a general rule in the simplest system, an indoor wall hung air handler is located in the family room and master bedroom. A third unit can be added in a second bedroom.
We in the HVAC Industry are happy to see the Mini Split come of age. It gives another highly efficient tool to use in our quest to provide a comfortable Home throughout. So - what is the best solution to heat and cool your home or business? It may be a Mini Split Ductless Heat Pump system. Curt Bierly is president of the bierly group incorporated of which Stanley C. Bierly is a division. He is chair of the Penn College HVAC Advisory Board. You can contact him at 814-349-3000 or cbierly@bierlygroup.com. a
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When you walk through the doors of the library and take a look around, you notice that you are surrounded by shelves of wonderful items to read. There are countless books to choose from, but books are not the only things the library has to offer when it comes to reading. Did you know the library has wonderful programs for those of all ages? Yes, that is correct, all ages! The library has so many wonderful story time programs that are offered for children. Baby story time is offered for newborn infants through 20 months of age. Baby story time is a 20 minute program for babies and their caregivers, where stories are shared along with songs and rhymes. Reading to babies at an early age helps with language development and fosters a lifetime love of reading. Baby story time is offered at the library in Lewistown. Once a child has graduated out of baby story time, the library offers Movin’ Monday and
Toddler Time for the toddler age group. Movin’ Monday is a program also offered for toddlers age 2 to 3-and-a-half. This program is specifically designed for the active toddler. Stories are shared that have movement involved along with active songs. Movin’ Monday is offered in Lewistown. Toddler time is a fun, interactive story time where short stories are shared along with songs and finger play rhymes. Toddler time is for ages 18 months to 3-and-ahalf years old. Each session lasts for 30 minutes and please don’t worry if a toddler wanders about the room during this time. It is okay! Toddlers are always on the move and trust me they are hearing the stories even if it doesn’t appear that way. Toddler time is offered at the library in Lewistown and at the Kish branch in Belleville. As a toddler grows and begins to prepare for school, the library offers Preschool Story Time. Preschool story time is a
The History of Bird Rock from page 14
events unfold from afar, instantly turned the warrior into a giant stone bird. He would now keep a perpetual vigil on the mountain for his lost love. To this very day, the hapless warrior still keeps his silent watch, and we see him still, as Bird Rock. It seems a romantic notion, so poetic if that roving warrior was indeed turned into a stone bird by the Great Spirit. What do you think? As Ripley urged decades ago, “Believe it or not.”
such defiance. She resisted her lover’s entreaties over much time and finally ran into the woods to escape his advances. Up the mountain she fled, far above the valley of the Kishacoquillas, the young warrior close behind her. She pulled off her bracelets, rings and necklaces, casting them to the ground behind her, hoping her pursuer would be diverted by the riches. To no avail. Hysterical and desperate, she found herself at the very edge of a mountain cliff. Disobey the beloved father? In despair she chose to leap from the cliff to her death on the rocks along the stream far below. And now the breathless warrior stood at the edge of the precipice where just a moment earlier his dearest had paused. He looked down disbelievingly at the maiden’s lifeless body on the rocks along the creek bank below. At this very same moment, the Great Spirit who watched the
NEXT MONTH: Located in northern Mifflin County, the area we call the Seven Mountains is a source of history, beauty and legends. First written about by a Presbyterian missionary in 1775, there are two aspects of these mountain ridges that have not changed since Colonial times their beauty and their danger. In April, let’s go Into the Seven Mountains. HISTORY IS OUR STORY… PASS IT ON!
then propose legislation to reverse 45 minute program filled with stoJoe Soloski for 81st District the irresponsible actions of our ries told through books, puppets, from page 8 lawmakers and revert the State and flannel board stories. Each Pension system to its former rules week, stories are based on a theme to do all that we can to promote and conditions. and there is a craft to accompany a positive climate for commerce. the stories. Preschool story time Reducing the Corporate Net Eliminate the State Inheritance aids in building the foundation for Income tax will only help to make tax: children kindergarten. Children Pennsylvania more competitive are encouraged to sit and partici For decades, Pennsylvania in attracting new business here, pate throughout story time as they has had an Inheritance tax that is while also keeping existing ones. would in a classroom. Preschool imposed on a person (and their esstory time is offered in Lewistown tate) when they die. I have never Constitutional amendment to and Kish branch of the library. believed that death should be a achieve pension reform: This year the library began taxable event. Any assets that a Since 2001, the Pennsylvania offering Bedtime Stories for Busy person owns at their death have State Employee Pension System Families. This program is the peralready been taxed via the income has gone from an almost a $7 fect end to a busy day for families. that they earned in their lifetime billion surplus to a $50 billion This program is open to children to acquire those assets. If I am unfunded deficit. This happened all ages from birth through school elected, I will be advocating the because our elected lawmakers age. Children are invited to come repeal and elimination of Pennsyldecided to take their existing dressed in their pajamas to listen vania’s inheritance tax. good pension plan and put it ‘on to stories, sings songs and share a steroids.’ In the process, they bed time snack. This program is Anti-gerrymandering: (State saddled all Pennsylvania taxpayoffered in Lewistown. Supreme Court ruled ‘unconstituers with a pension obligation The library also holds two tional’ on January 20, 2018) that is obscene. It benefitted our different adult book groups, one I am for redrawing the Conlawmakers and other State parin Lewistown and one at the Kish gressional Districts in Pennsylticipants, but it was, and remains, branch in Belleville. Each book vania so that the District lines a terrible disservice to us, the group meets once a month to eliminate the disenfranchisement Pennsylvania taxpayers. discuss the chosen book for the of voters. The current Congres The Pennsylvania Constitumonth. The members of each sional District map of Pennsylvation protects the State pension group have input into the books nia looks like a jigsaw puzzle and system, so we can’t just float new that will be read and discussed. it was designed that way intenlegislation to fix-it back to the Books chosen have ranged from tionally to ensure that incumbent good state that it was in before juvenile fiction to classic literature elected officials will get reelected our lawmakers changed it. So, if to biographies. There is no need regardless of how unpopular they I am elected, I will be proposing for members of the book group to are. a that a referendum be placed on purchase the selected book of the the ballot to amend the Pennsylmonth, as the library provides invania Constitution so that I can terlibrary lending to obtain books for members. New members are always welcome to each book group. During the summer, the library offers the summer reading program for readers age birth through adult. Throughout the summer, there are also special programs like puppet and reptile shows, book arts camp, make-it, take-it crafts along with many others. • Reliable Propane & Heating Oil Delivery Next time you are out and about, • Budget Payment Plan Call today stop in the library to learn about our • 24/7 Emergency Service and pick up a calenNEw CustOmER dar with the entire • Heating Equipment Service Plans month’s activities. sPECiAls! • Safety Trained Professionals Activities can also
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be found on the Mifflin County Library website at www. mifflincountylibrary. org Submitted by: Kelly Rodenbaugh Youth Services Manager, Mifflin County Library a
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The Valley, March 2018
I gained 50 pounds ...and love it! www.families4kids.org 800-568-6449
foster parent or adopt...you’ll love it too!
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The Valley, March 2018
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Choosing Plant Communities
Trying to decide which plants to put where is really the heart and soul of permaculture to me. I love biogeography and the dispersal and placement of plants is pretty fascinating. It can also be overwhelming if you’re trying to plant an entire plot and don’t know where to start. We’ve already established that designing a permaculture landscape takes quite a bit of forethought and planning. An important component of both permaculture and all other types of ecological landscaping is plant species competition. We all know that all living things can outcompete others for resources to survive. That’s the entire reason we talk about niches and microclimates and all of the
other fun things we discuss in permaculture. Competition looks different, of course, depending on the climate and conditions in which plants are grown. When the limiting resource for plants is water, the most prolific plant species will be different than when the limiting resource is sunlight. Research has been done on the limiting resources of micronutrients too, and the impact of those on foliage growth and fruiting. That information could be helpful if we were to know exactly what was happening with our soils at any given point in time, but as we have learned, soils are a dynamic web of microorganisms and in a constant state of flux. For the purpose of planning communities of plants, though, we’ll have to settle
on four main limiting resources: • Water • Mineral nutrients • Air • Sunlight (This is both in sunlight hours and amount of sunlight) As Travis Beck points out in his book Principles of Ecological Landscape Design, fertilizers and compost are one of our solutions to the problem of competition in our gardens and farms. Weeds get a foothold in our gardens because they are more aggressive and more easily able to get the nutrients they need. So, to figure out what to plant together, there are three concepts I’d like to introduce to you. The first is the concept of “niche axes,” which were also given
to us by Beck in his research. These are “light gradients, canopy height, rooting depth, hydrologic gradients, exploitation of different sources of nitrogen, and association with different soil microbes.” This is a more ‘scientific’ way of explaining the same thing permaculture attempts to lay out for us with the guild concept. Your plants can’t all fill the same niche. The second concept is one that J. Philip Grime gave us with his theory of life history strategies. His theory is that no plant
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can be an aggressive competitor during all stages of its life. For example, many perennials need very little attention once established, but the first few years they need perhaps more water and attention than annuals. That’s the watered down version of his theory, but you get the idea. The final concept is Gause’s Law, or the law that when two plants compete for identical resources, one will always win— eventually. Hopefully, you’ll get a few good years of both of them side by side, but there is no such thing as a stable mixed garden! Another thing to consider when planning your plant communities is that interspecific competition—or competition between different species of plants—must be less than that of intraspecific competition—or competition between the same species. In other words, if you have a mixed community of plants all competing for the same resources, they will take out their own kind first. (How kind of them, right?) I hope these concepts give you something to think about when choosing your plant communities. All gardening is a work in progress, and permaculture is no different! a
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The Valley, March 2018 Let the Children Come to Me from page 15 began to change for them and one child after another was presented to them for adoption, always in somewhat mysterious or miraculous ways. Over the next 51 years, one after another God, brought 21 more children into their lives, hearts and home! Judy and Terry became known for their desire to adopt children, and not just any children, but children facing incredible challenges in their lives. Children that needed no less than “earth angels” to come alongside them and not only love them but help care for them. Children not just facing minor, but very serious and major health problems. I asked Judy if she had always had a specific desire to love and adopt children with special needs, and she responded in such a way that touched my heart. Her response was this, “I have never had to meet a child to love them.” As I talked to Judy about her life and choice to adopt 20 (the 21st to happen this year) children, most with special needs, I realized she didn’t see their special needs she just saw them. As I talked with Judy the scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:911 came to my mind. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” If anyone deals with insults, hardships, and difficulties, it would be parents of 24 children, many needing medical care and daily help, and yet as I sat and talked with Judy, a pleasant, peaceful smile was on her face as she spoke ever so lovingly of each and every one of her precious children. She never complained of it being hard and even assured me of how well God has always provided for all their needs. And never once did she differentiate between biological and adopted children, she just called them all her children.
What a beautiful example Judy and Terry are of Christ’s love to each and every one of us. There’s not one of us that He loves more or less than another and God’s desire is always that of loving us and providing us a “home.” Maybe we can’t all adopt 21 children, but maybe we could open our homes to a foster child or come alongside a foster family that might benefit from some outside support. Adopting or fostering comes with its own set of challenges, and if there is any way that any of us can be involved, we should be. Most of the ways we could help are by giving emotional support and time. If you’re looking for some ideas to help a local foster family, here are just a couple: offer to take a child for a few hours now and then to give the parents a break, ask if you can pick up their groceries or clean their house for them. Some foster families may even be struggling financially and could use a little extra cash. Whether the child is biological, adopted or fostered, the old African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child” has some great truth to it. Parenting is hard work and doing it in community with the support of friends and family makes the job so much easier. Look for ways to make a difference because each little act of kindness will continue to make this world a more beautiful place! If adoption, foster care, or even volunteering to help a family is more than you are able to do but you still want to get involved with helping children, check out the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. It’s not a huge commitment, but can make a huge difference in the life of a child. It doesn’t matter how old or how young, how educated or talented you are, it only takes time and love to help change a child’s life.
(l and r) 14 of Judy and Terry’s children, most with special needs. To Judy they are just children in need of love.
James 1:27 “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” a
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In last month’s Hanky Panky Report, I informed you of Gregg Township newest Supervisor’s bold attempt to pass a resolution in violation of the Sunshine Act. Thanks to good people like you who spoke up, the resolution was stripped of language illegally prohibiting the recording of public meetings. There are still some problems with the resolution that will become apparent in future months. I submitted some Right-toKnow Requests in January to get a few questions answered and
update some records. Secretary Snyder decided it would be a good idea to list my RTK Requests on the Meeting Agenda and attach them to her Secretary/Treasurer’s Report. One resident suggested that the requested public records should also be published on the website, so that other people might benefit from the information. That is exactly why GREGGTOWNSHIPUNOFFICIAL. ORG was created. Instead of talking about the other Hanky Panky that has taken place in the last month, allow me to update you on the website changes I have been working on. I’ll remind you that I do this as a volunteer, and all associated costs have been paid for by yours truly. Gregg Township Unofficial
(the website) was built in December 2016 in response to multiple complaints about the Township’s neglected website. One resident complained that the Township’s online calendar was blank. Other residents complained that information is not being posted online. I initially offered to help the Secretary with the Township website, but the Township did not want my help. So, I created another Gregg Township website. I spent many hours scanning and posting documents to the website so that others could get the information without having to go through the lengthy request process, spend a bunch of money, or face public retaliation. I added a calendar, so that people can easily find out when the next scheduled Board of Supervisors meeting is. Recently, I have made a big change and added some new features. The “Public Records” area has been completely revamped, and now records are listed in easyto-navigate folders. Most of the public records now have text that is searchable as well. That means you can go to the search box on the top of the website and type in a word or phrase to find multiple types of responsive records at once. You can search minutes for a topic this way, rather than looking at all the minutes from a
specific time period. A new local directory (called “Places”) lists local places of interest, along with a scrollable, zoomable map powered by Google. A trouble ticket system (called “Problems”) allows us to post updates on local township issues, such as closed bridges and large potholes. Anyone can create a login. Resolution R-18-02 inspired a new section for “Petitions.” As issues come up, petitions can be created to make it easy for people to provide written feedback to the Township.
There are more new features in the works. Please check out the website for yourself and email any suggestions to webmaster@greggtownshipunofficial.org (that’s me). Volunteers are also welcome. If you don’t live in Gregg Township, maybe the website will inspire you to do something similar in your municipality. The next scheduled Gregg Township Board of Supervisors Meeting is March 8th at 6:30 PM in the Old Gregg School. I hope to see you there. a
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Mail Pouch Books by Carleen B. Grossman THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW By A.J. Finn Copyright January 2018 427 pages This book is the number one thriller in the nation right now. In fact, rights to the movie are in the process of being made. The movie deal started happening just as an auction for the book rights was underway, which is unusual to have ‘movie consideration’ occur so soon. The Woman in the Window starts out with a “Rear Window” setup---Hitchcock’s Rear Window with the narrator not being able to leave her house and her
“Black Panther” We were first introduced to T’challa aka Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) two years ago in “Captain America: Civil War.” A prince from the fictional African country of Wakanda, T’challa ascended to the throne when father the king was killed during a peace conference. His thirst for revenge led to the apparent creation of the Black Panther persona, and though he was certainly gifted athletically, it looked as though his “powers” were mostly royaltybased, similar to how his MCU colleague Tony Stark’s “powers” are mostly money-based.
using a camera to view the scenes outside and inside her neighbors’ houses. This contemporary and Hitchcockian suspense thriller has all the moxie of old black and white film noirs. There is some historical aspect woven through the story because there are bits from the old movies that serve as threads to thoughts, actions, and atmosphere. The female protagonist had been weaned on the thriller classic noir movies as a child and as a teenager she preferred the company of Gene Tierney and Jimmy Stewart to that of classmates. After she married, she and her husband watched all the vintage suspense flicks such as: Double Indemnity/Gaslight/
It turns out there’s much more to Black Panther’s arsenal than money and power. For starters, T’challa is not the first Black Panther. Whoever is king of Wakanda wears a ring that gives them enhanced athletic abilities, and kings have used these abilities throughout history to defend Wakanda. It’s just that Wakanda hasn’t needed much defending because it keeps itself hidden from the rest of the world. Behind the smokescreen of a third-world African nation lies a bustling metropolis more technologically advanced than any country on Earth. It is home to a literal mountain of an element called Vibranium, which is extremely valuable and has tons of scientific applications (read: superhero gadgets). Some Wakandans believe that the Vibranium should be shared with the rest of the world to make it a better place, while others believe that revealing the Vibranium to the rest of the world will make Wakanda vulnerable to conquest and enslavement. It’s a thorny issue, and T’challa himself doesn’t know exactly how to feel about it. Less conflicted are bad guys Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) and Erik Killmonger (Michael
Saboteur/The Big Clock; and she and her husband made lists of their favorites ranking from the best—The Thin Man to the worst --- Song of the Thin Man and top movies from the bumper crop of 1944 starring Joseph Cotten. Among her other lists were the best Hitchcock films and movies that postdate Hitchcock and some popular film mis-quotes. If you like old movies, you will be delighted with the information on page 35 of this book! The female protagonist, who is herself a psychologist, is also a woman in crisis and we’re not sure why.
She’s plagued with agoraphobia, she watches her neighbors from her tightly closed windows, and she pops pills along with drinking lots of wine. All this keeps the reader guessing from page one. What we do know is that this 40 year old woman talks to her almost-ex-husband and her young daughter, on the phone frequently, and she shares her voyeuristic adventures with them, and she also plays chess online and is part of a forum to help other agoraphobics; plus she, herself, meets with a psychiatrist and a physical therapist friend who come to her house to visit and assess her at regular intervals and. as already stated, she drinks red wine, watches old black and white thriller movies…. all this is done from within the walls of her $3,000,000 house with the assistance of modern world social media and technology! What this protagonist sees, or THINKS she sees, from her windows propels the story.
If you love suspense, fullbodied character, psychological mystery, and old movies, (even if you are not a film buff, you will find it intriguing) you will enjoy this book. This is a roller coaster, nail-biting ride. This novel is articulate and intelligent escapism.. it starts off slow but the pacing gradually increases throughout the book all the way up until the tense ending. a
advancements are being made, people look happy in their daily lives, and demeanors are friendly. I got more laughs out of the mere banter among T’challa, his sister (Letitia Wright), his girlfriend (Lupita Nyong’o), his bodyguard (Danai Gurina), his best friend (Daniel Kaluuya), a guest from America (Martin Freeman), and even an enemy (Winston Duke) than I did from the many forced gags in “Thor: Ragnarok.” But speaking of “Thor: Ragnarok,” did “Black Panther” have to follow its story so closely? The hero learns that his father wasn’t the flawless figure he idolized, and a long-lost relative shows up to usurp the throne, forcing him to spend the rest of the movie getting it back. Did Marvel not realize that these movies were too similar to release just three months apart? Add to that some unconvincing green-screening and Killmonger’s
torso clearly being made out of foam (he scars himself whenever he kills someone, to the point where he has more dimples than a golf ball), and you’ve got a noticeably flawed superhero movie. Fortunately, it makes up for its faults in other areas, like a strong, likeable ensemble, a compelling central debate, and a better arc for its villain. I don’t see “Black Panther” as the game-changer that some critics are proclaiming it to be, but it’s a fine, serviceable MCU entry.
B. Jordan). Klaue is a rare nonWakandan who knows about the Vibranium and wants to use it to get rich. He stole a half-ton of the element thirty years ago in a Grade: Bdeadly heist orchestrated by the king’s turncoat brother (Sterling “Black Panther” is rated PG-13 K. Brown), but now wants control for prolonged sequences of action of the mother lode. Killmonger violence, and a brief rude gesture. is a little less selfish, as he wants Its running time is 134 minutes. to use the Vibranium to help the entire Wakandan culture take over Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ the world. Okay, he’s actually nyu.edu. a really selfish, because he has a claim to the Wakandan throne and he wants Wakanda to take over the world with him at its head, but he mentions briefly that he’s doing it on behalf of oppressed people, Thank you for the business over the years. so he has delusions of selflessness. Honey Creek Greenhouse will no longer More than anything be in business. that actually happens in the Our son and his wife will take over the story, I just liked spendbusiness at Church Lane Greenhouse. So this means ing time in Wakanda. Church Lane Greenhouse will be under new The “Thor” movies kept ownership starting with the 2018 season. We will be pushing Asgard as a sort of helping them along at the Greenhouse and they are utopia, but I never saw the hoping to have the same quality plants and general population as more reasonable pricing that we had at than servants and soldiers Honey Creek Greenhouse. Hope to see you there! who didn’t seem particuThank you again, larly happy with their lot in life. Here, the commuJohnathan & Esther Hostetler nity is thriving. Scientific
Notice
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Life in the East End by Rebecca Harrop
The Valley, March 2018 about not being afraid to try new things and being passionate about what we do. My friend Morgan and I went to Virginia City while we were in Reno. I was very excited to go there because I would always watch the show Bonanza with my uncles when I was younger. I remembered them talking about
co-ops need to remember who they are supposed to represent. There are a lot of dairy farmers who feel that the co-ops no longer care about the smaller farms and want to force them out of business. Land O’ Lakes needs to remember their roots and how they started; if it wasn’t for the “little guy” they may not be where they are today as one of the most recognized brands in dairy. Last month I got the opportunity to go to Reno, Nevada for the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers con- I’m standing in an old mining cart outside of ference. I’m so the museum glad I was able to Virginia City in the show, so to go attend the conference! I there and walk the streets where got to meet people from some of the show was filmed was all over the country an amazing experience. On the and learn more about promoting agriculture. I drive there, our Uber driver was telling us about some of the hislearned new ways to use tory of the area and that we need social media to educate people about where their to go back someday and do more sightseeing. food comes from. It’s I also attended our state always exciting to talk Young Farmers & Ranchers to other farmers about Conference last month in State how they do things College. While there, I was able on their farms. Our to see some of my friends from motivational speaker was Mark Lindquist. He around the state who I don’t get to see too often. I even got some is a former Sergeant in ideas for future articles while I the Air Force, was on Morgan and I with our motivational speaker was there and from Reno as well. the TV shows LOST Mark Lindquist. That’s all for this month. a and Hawaii Five-O and Farmshine was the first time most in the movie Battleship. He has of them heard about the Gala. sang the National Anthem at many Land O’ Lakes and the other dairy sporting events. He talked to us Last month I wrote about the GENYouth Gala. After contacting the editor of the Farmshine, I was able to get some more information about the event. He found out that former President Clinton was not paid to speak at the event. He was there to honor his friend, former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, with an award for his support of youth wellness. Even though Mr. Clinton was not paid to speak, Land O’ Lakes and other dairy groups paid hundreds of thousands of dollars just to sponsor the event. In my opinion, they tried to hide this from the producers because the editorial in the
Dairy - Good - Truth by Gretchen Little
Last month I had the opportunity to spend my weekend at an FFA Conference. Here I had the chance to meet many new people involved in agriculture and learn more about leadership. Throughout the conference, the State FFA Team talked to us about love. Our love for those around us, our love for life and for agriculture. This message stuck with me after I left the conference. The love that a dairy farmer has for their cows is immeasurable. Their love is why they wake up before the sun rises to feed their animals and why they spend countless hours each day to ensure that their cows are happy and healthy. Because the truth is, farming is tough. Animals get sick, costly mistakes are made, hay gets rained on, silage bags get holes, tractors get flat tires, things break down, cows get out at the
worst possible moment, milking equipment breaks, feed prices are too high, milk prices are too low, some cows don’t get pregnant, cows have to be sold, and so on. Not every day is easy. But it is the love for our cows that keeps us going. Without our love for the cow, our communities would not have the dairy it needs. If we didn’t have dairy farmers, our kids would not have a glass of nutrient packed milk for lunch and we wouldn’t be able to have an ice cream cone on those hot summer days. So thank you for buying our product. Thank you for buying a gallon of milk, a pack of cheese sticks or a cup of yogurt. Without you we would not be able to do what we love. a
Cats can use Essential Oils too from page 10
overdosage situations.
Pennyroyal oil is toxic to the liver in both rodents and humans. We don’t know about toxicity to cats, but it can’t be any less toxic. Many websites do contain warnings about pennyroyal oil. Using dried, crushed pennyroyal leaves is perfectly safe. Cinnamon, clove, thyme, oregano, savory, and cassia are all higher in Phenols and I wouldn’t suggest using on a regular basis. Camphor essential oil is not recommended for use within Veterinary Aromatic Medicine. Camphor as a chemical constituent can be found in small percentages within many essential oils known to be safe for use with animals, however oils high in camphor content, are often not used: Spike Lavender. Pine essential oils contain pinene and terpineol, but is also prone to oxidation issues that can cause increase of dermatitis issues. Fir, Cypress, Juniper, and Spruce are likely included in most of the tree oil or “pine-type” categories to avoid. Peppermint is often included in lists of oils to be avoided with cats. But research reviews, and even the most respected conservative animal references, rarely list it. Most toxicity or adverse events are from gross misuse and
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Birch and Wintergreen should be avoided for use with animals due to methyl salicylate content. Bitter Almond, Boldo, Calamus, Garlic, Horseradish, Mustard, Sassafras, Wormseed (Chemopodium), and Pennyroyal are likely to be found on anyone’s list of oils that are not commonly used or recommended for use, even with humans. I urge you to use essential oils! They are incredible healing creations. They are also extremely potent and do need to be used within guidelines. I also urge you to approach all articles, social media posts, and ‘things you read on the internet’ with care and common sense! Ask questions and read articles written by experts in the field. Thank you for reading and thank you for your support. Please come visit us on Jack’s Creek Road in Lewistown, or now at The Barn in Lemont (next door to Happy Valley Brewery). We love visitors at Shade Mountain and we LOVE to chat about essential oils, so if you have questions: bring them in! If you are interested in learning more about essential oils: we teach classes and do make and takes! Join us on Facebook to view our schedule and sign up, or give us a call at 717248-8847. ~Tamela a
The Valley, March 2018
The Truth Has No Agenda
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The Valley, March 2018
30 Around Town with Carole from page 13 The season is ending, it’s almost fall, so I collected the “ladies” and put them in the oversized cyclone fenced and covered dog kennel, which is their home. The hundred year old 12-count set of nesting boxes serves as their primary laying area, but as evening comes and the sun sets, they all line up on an old bunk bed ladder that I have secured across the pen. Remember, hens are birds. so they don’t sit in a nest unless it’s spring and they have eggs to sit upon. Since we pick the eggs up every day, they are content to sit high, dry, and clutching the round pole of their perch, just like a bird in a tree would do. Late at night, when the flock is settled on their perch, I snuck out and carefully lifted each rooster off the ladder, and tossed them out the gate. The small red one I
Building a New Home At Blossom Hill from page 12 2 X 6 heated exterior walls, R-44 insulation in ceilings and attic spaces, Simonton single-hung, double glazed, low “E” windows and a passive radon system. The Blossom Hill community has natural gas and all homes have a 92% efficiency gas warm air heating system with central air conditioning, which really cuts down on utility costs for the home owners, as well as public water and sewer hook up. I’M READY — HOW DO I GET STARTED? Once you have decided that you would like to build a home at Blossom Hill, our agents, Tami and Kim, will help you get started. The first step is to visit our office at the model home or set up an appointment; we are open on Thursday and Friday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, but can be reached for appointments at other times also. First, you will choose your floorplan and homesite. There are homes in several styles available to tour and our agents can help you with the showings. Next, your agent will write up your contract and you will need a small deposit of $5,000 to hold the lot, plus half of any structural upgrades that you add. From there, we set up your appointment at the Selection Gallery to personalize your home. During the first thirty days you will also need to apply for a mortgage with a lender, if needed, and get a signed loan commitment. Many local banks have worked with our commuity and we are able to work with
left in with the ladies because he certainly needs some TLC. In the morning, the two black and white roosters, were pacing outside the pen, able to see the girls, but not able to get close. After a few days, the black and whites, almost twins, realized they had other options and jumped the outside seclusion fence and began testing weeds, grasses, and anything else they found to be interesting. A week out, free as a bird, may I say, the black and whites, realized they were no longer on duty to protect the hens. They apparently went in opposite directions in the yard, and one in particular found a bright sunny spot where the soil was ‘just so’ and decided to take a dust bath, which I’ve never seen a rooster do. He turned and pushed with his sharp toe nails against the sides of the one foot diameter dust “bath tub,” and twisted and turned again, until the depth was such
that all I could see was the tiny bit of his red comb. Twenty minutes went by while I sat on the edge of the picnic table this one beautiful late August morning as the rooster thoroughly enjoyed himself in the loose sand pit. I’m told that all chickens, birds, and even horses and donkeys, will roll in a “sandy spot.” For horses that I’ve seen they thoroughly enjoy the itching/ scratching to their back with legs flailing back and forth as they roll in the fine dirt, flinging themselves with the loose soil. Up they pop after only a minute or two, and a vicious shaking eliminates the sand along with any oils or dirt that were on the coat of the horse, donkey, etc. Rolling equine can also indicate a problem, so call the vet if this actions continues. But a tooster, wow, I’ve never seen do this. So my mind wandered as I sat and watched. Is this
really what it’s all about? I mean, when I am stressed, yes, I go sit in the animal yard and console myself with the touch of a cold black nose from the pig, a gentle butting from the baby goat, or just a “shoe lace” peck from the geese. The fact that God made these critters and what a life they have! They don’t work and some one brings nutritious food and fresh water— maybe I should be so lucky to be one of my pets. But it’s not “all” that there is in life. Although chickens just grow up, lay eggs, and are slaughtered, we humans have a “mission.” It isn’t enough to go take a dust bath, scratch for some bugs, or find the sweetest larvae from the great horned worm for dinner. Chickens have a brain the size of a pea, humans have a complicated cerebrum, and would not be content with just eat, drink, and sleep like my hens lives. God gives us each a purpose,
and among the ups and downs of life, the birthing of children, raising, educating, and seeing them start their own life, we must find that reason for living. Be it to benefit someone else, to do a good turn daily as the Boy Scout’s Motto suggests, to develop a vaccine for some rare disease, to find a cure for Cancer, or whatever you happen to venture upon. It’s yours...no body else’s. It’s your fate, your passion, your purpose in life. I wish you all a safe and speedy journey, finding your “purpose.” Grasp it with two hands. Engorge yourself with gusto, and make it your passion, and you’ll know the joy of being alive. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Amen. Carole Lokan Moore, Television Personality/Host/writer “Around Town With Carole” 609-433-7979 (cell anytime) or 609-871-9555 (office) August 27, 2017 a
any lender that you prefer. It’s important to know that we do not use a construction loan; the loan is an “end” loan, meaning that other than the amount of your initial deposits, there are no draws taken until the home is completed. Once your selections are confirmed and and required deposits are made, the construction begins. Typically we allow four to five months for construction to be completed, depending on options that you may choose. As soon as the home is completed, you are ready to move in to your new home! Although we think you will love the Blossom Hill community, we find that some buyers have another location in mind. The good news is that Berks Homes can build on your lot, as well as in our community—so reach out to Tami or Kim if you would like more infomation on this. Hopefully, I have gotten your appetite for a new home going! If you would like to see what the homes at Blossom Hill have to offer, we invite you to join us for our OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, March 4th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Kim and Tami will be showing the model home and the Longwood ranch home during that time. Just stop by at 22 Exeter Lane, Lewistown. If you can’t make that day, please call us and set up a time that works for you. We look forward to helping you build your new home at Blossom Hill!
Back Yard Sugaring from front page
Colloidal Silver from page 19
https://www.statnews. com/2016/01/14/fda-postmarketstudy-report/ So, please do your research on colloidal silver and determine for yourself if the benefits outweigh the risk, which seem to only occur if you use it incorrectly. Let me know your thoughts, opinions, and if you try it…your results. Thank you for reading and for being patient during my time off from writing.
Tami Slick 717-250-2838 or Kim Rickert 717-994-1933 a
regular cast iron and stainless evaporator and a small sugar shack for next year. After achieving success making syrup, I realize it is about like everything else in life. The process is not as scary as you have been led to believe, the process is harder than you imagine, and the sense of accomplishment is more rewarding than you thought possible. But, the bottom line is, that is some REALLY good syrup! It doesn’t really take many trees to produce great quantities of sap. I only had 3 large trees (over 24” in diameter) and 4 small trees (12” - 14” in diameter) and on the good warm days following a freezing (below 32 degrees) night, I would sometimes get 18 gallons of sap per day. That can quickly add up and become a problem if the weather warms like this year, and you have a lot of rain to boot. Pretty hard to boil sap in pouring down rain. So in addition to having an enclosed area for your evaporator, a chest freezer might be handy to freeze 5 gallon buckets of sap which will stretch the days between your boiling if need be. The fact still remains, however, that you can make your own REAL maple syrup with a minimal investment and a little time—enough in fact, so that your family can enjoy the sweet rewards for an entire season, until it is time to once again tap trees. Activities such as this keep you more in tune with the rhythms of the natural world, the reward for success is a sweet prize indeed. — Wayne Stottlar a
haps, they should spend more time researching medications to determine safety and efficacy than worrying about a supplement that causes blue skin if overused. I think the threat of a person becoming a Smurf would be enough to get attention. “Most Americans assume that drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration are safe to take as directed. But safety concerns often arise only after the drugs go on the market, when companies or doctors tell the FDA about cases of patients who have fallen ill or died from their medications. However, a federal watchdog agency said the FDA is failing to sufficiently track and publicly disclose instances in such cases.”
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Dr. Joseph Kauffman Kauffman-Hummel Chiropractic Clinic drjosephkauffman@comcast.net a
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The Valley, March 2018 • • • • • • • • • Water is the single most important nutrient that we consume. We can’t live without it after 2-3 days. We can go without food for longer periods of time, but we need water. It also needs to be good, clean water! Perhaps you may want to research the benefits/ dangers of fluoride as well as the chlorine that’s in most public water systems. Also, check the cleanliness of your water. A 2017 analysis of water samples from 50,000 water utilities in 50 states revealed more than 267 different kinds of toxins were in U.S. tap water. To find out what’s in your tap water, check out the EWG Tap Water Database. Also the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a source for information. A lot of people have come to the conclusion, after much research, that different water might be necessary for one’s optimum health. Drinking water is becoming increasingly toxic worldwide, thanks to aging water pipes and chemical pollution. Water treatment plants have difficulty filtering out all of the toxins now entering the water. About eight years ago I was introduced to Alkaline drinking
water. At a health seminar with my daughter, I asked the speaker “I’m doing what I’m told to help turn my osteoporosis around, but I keep getting worse, what can I do?” He responded that I would discover the answer that night. I did! He talked about the importance of our bodies pH and getting it and keeping it balanced or slightly alkaline. I was very acidic and most people are. I thought I ate relatively well, walked 2-3 miles per day, and was taking calcium and other nutrients that were suggested. Our bodies are made up of 75% water so it makes sense and it’s easier to balance our bodies pH factor with water. But almost all of our bottled and public city water is acidic! Wow, who knew! I certainly did not. Until that time I wasn’t even aware of the importance of my body’s pH factor. Did you know that if you keep your pH balanced or slightly alkaline, cancer can’t live in that body? Shouldn’t we be aware of that with the growing rate of cancer in this country?!
Bluebird of Happiness from page 5
along with boxes for Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, Owls, and Wood Ducks. Mention this article for 10% off the price of any nest box. I smile almost every time I see a Bluebird, so the bottom line
Spring is here, and Honey Creek Bill & Beak has a very nice selection of Bluebird boxes,
Why Alkaline Water is Good For You Alkaline water is healthy
because of its acid-fighting alkaline pH balance, the nutritious minerals in it, and the fact that it hydrates your body faster and more thoroughly than plain water. These benefits have been linked to weight loss, detoxification, improved pH balance, better bone health and other health benefits that have been reported in over 40 studies. According to the World Health Organization, minerals are absorbed 30% faster and easier from water than they are from food. Water ionizers concentrate those healthy minerals in your water. What is pH? pH stands for “Potential Hydrogen” and it measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, a pH above 7 is alkaline, below 7 is acidic. Alkaline water has a pH greater than 7. Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water Alkaline water improves: is, yes, they do bring happiness. a
Bluebirds will be arriving looking for nesting boxes. Honey Creek Bill & Beak has styles to match every budget. Bring some “Happiness” into your life.
The Truth Has No Agenda
Hydration Detoxification Balancing of Body PH Weight Loss Anti-Aging Heart Health and Blood Pressure Liver Health Bone Health Digestive Health
Simply Health offers Alkaline water at any time during our hours of operation. An appointment is not necessary to purchase water or to refill a container. We offer three levels of alkalinity. Level 1 – pH balance of 8.5 Level 2 – pH balance of 9.0 Level 3 – pH balance of 9.5 All clients start at level 1 then proceed to the next level after 3-4 times of refilling their container(s). DO NOT USE ALKALINE WATER UNTIL 30 MINUTES AFTER TAKING PRESCRIPTIVE MEDICATIONS. After we are drinking good alkaline water, we need to be assured that we are absorbing the water. Being exposed to Roundup (which is everywhere!) diminishes our hydration. Fatigue and lack of focus can be a result of dehydration. Far infrared saunas can help us get water back into our cells. Eating a more plant based diet can help as well. Fresh fruits are also
an aid for absorbing. Adding a pinch of Himalayan salt to your water can aid your hydration and the ability to absorb the water. In order to get the water to our tissues, we need to move. Movement is critical and we’ve become way too sedentary in this country. Perhaps you are reading this and are not close enough to our Spa to get your water frequently enough. We have started to sell a new water bottle to help that, or to use when traveling. This new Living Alkaline Water Bottle creates Living Alkaline Water wherever you go. This bottle is an affordable, sustainable, and fashionable way to make, transport, and drink Anti-oxidant Alkaline water whenever and wherever. The only thing different is our oxygenation value that is not available in the bottle’s water. This is a lot of information to absorb, but your health is worth it. Something as simple as the water you are drinking could be adversely or positively affecting your health. Call us at 814-9547731 to make an appointment for a salt room session, monthly spa package, massage, detoxing foot bath or one of our other many services. Check our web site at www.simplyhealth-calm.com for more information. a
The Valley, March 2018
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