Thevalley may 2016online

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Serving Mifflin County and the surrounding area.

The Valley A free newspaper dedicated to agriculture, self-reliance, frugal living, and modern homesteading. Tomorrow’s Media - A Day Early Volume 7, No. 5

The Valley, May 2016

Complimentary

What’s new for Market cated in the same building as the TELL YOU so you can choose SUSTAINABLE. Look at years. We can always improve Street, in Lewistown? Sunrise market. The eggs, herbs, spices, what you want. NEVER DO WE the accepted definition of susthe soil with inputs from our own Farm Market will be opening its farm and learn to read the land to (Misty Dell Farm) gourds, goat GROW OR USE ANY FORM OF tain: to keep up, to keep going, doors on May 2nd. Located at 131 maintain, prolong. Now consider. milk soap (from the folks at Out GENETICALLY MODIFIED know if we are on the right track. West Market Street, and sharing Yes, organic growers may use of Our Gourd Farm), and many ORGANISMS (GMOs). And anyone can do these things; space with The Pen And Thread, other products, are all from Mif SEASONAL. Don’t look purchased inputs to help to build from a back yard gardener feeding Sunrise Farm Market will be open flin County. for corn on the cob in January or up the soil. Yes, we buy most of family and friends to a 500 acre 10:00 a.m.‘til 6:00 p.m. Mon When there are ingredients fresh strawberries in March. On our seed from year to year, just as diversified farm feeding hundreds days through Fridays from June that we cannot produce (sorry, but our farms, we follow the wis“conventional farmers” do. of families. Smaller, backyard through the end of September and we just are too busy to figure out dom and the yearly cycle of the But, if we choose, or if it begardeners and diversified farms Mondays, Wednesdays and Frisugar cane and coconut palms), seasons. More and more folks comes necessary, we can always feeding local areas and nearby days from October through May. we make every effort to use certiare returning to the delights of save our own seed from year to cities is the key to sustainability, Founding farms, Hostetler’s fied organic products. If we use celebrating seasonal foods and we year, improving it along the way, food safety and feeding the world. Naturals and Misty Dell Farm, anything that is not organic, WE are here to help. as farmers have for thousands of That’s where many small have decided to markets, supported expand their outreach by knowledgeable, on fresh, locally committed local grown food, farm consumers come products and educato the forefront of tional opportunities sustainable, safe food in agriculture, health systems. and just plain old The idea of ingood eating! door markets where Take a look at farmers can sell their the Sunrise Farm products out of the Market sign and weather is thousands you’ll get a good of years old. The oldidea what you’ll find est, indoor farm marinside. ket in continuous use LOCAL. All of in the United States, the produce has been the Lancaster Central grown in Mifflin Market, Lancaster, County. The spelt and Pennsylvania (foundcorn has been grown ed in 1896), as well in Mifflin County as one of the newand most of the est, Fisher’s Farm products made from Market, down Route them come from the Continued on Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Locally produced food, available 6 days a week, no matter what the weather. That is exciting news for Lewistown’s first under roof farmers market, you page 30 licensed kitchen lo- can literally pick up fresh food for tonight’s dinner 6 out of 7 days a week, just like back in the good ole days.

Veritas vos Liberabit


The Valley, May 2016

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Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar May already! Yikes! I haven’t even tilled the garden yet. We are a little behind the eight ball this month after taking a week off to go home to New Hampshire to recharge the batteries and continue our perpetual (it seems) search for commercial property to get our business venture up and running. We have done our homework, researched the statistics demographically and everything points to a “can’t lose” proposition, but you know that old saying about location. We thought we had found it this trip, it was actually one of the first places we had checked a few years ago when this whole mission started after spending several days looking around the area we have selected as the perfect location. Upon seeing this listing pop up while we were there, we decided to head back down to look the next morning. Full of

tempered hope the next morning, we again drove the hour and a half from where we stay, down to the property. It was everything we have been looking for, perfect size, the other business in this spot tied in with our intended business, Lynn was excited, and it looked as though we might be pulling the trigger. Lynn quickly called the leasing agency only to find out that it had just gone under contract. We were both pretty bummed out and looked out at that point. However, on the 9 1/2 trip home I did a lot of thinking and realized that a lot of the reasons we thought this was prefect was because of our personal desires, not the best business plan. What this showed us was that the places we had looked at earlier in the week might actually be a better deal all around. Anyway, we didn’t accomplish much re-

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ally, although like Lynn said, each property makes us a little smarter about our needs. Coming home gets a little tougher each time, and I suppose that is a good thing. I wasn’t all work and no play while we were there though. I got to meet up with my good friends, the Stealth Diggers, for a metal detecting hunt at a place I accidently stumbled on while looking for something else. I shared the information with them this past winter and we met up and took off up an old road from the mid 1700s that has not been town maintained since 1880. It was a long steep climb steadily upward for about two miles until we reached the old home sites that were in the material I had found online. We all made some wonderful finds, a colonial shoe buckle, a ladies thimble, colonial era metal buttons, suspender clips and even an old large penny from the early 1800s. Nothing monetarily valuable, but off-thecharts cool, because II we know who they belonged to and who lost them 200+ years ago. This kind of down time exploring with friends is what keeps my head from exploding once I return and focus on what is taking place around us. Does anyone believe in our election process anymore after what has come out during this process? The revelation that the individual party’s

retain the right in their so-called rules to completely disregard the wishes and votes of the people and do whatever some crusty power broker behind the scenes One of my New England Stealth Digger friends, Carol Rio, at a 1760 home site recovers a colonial era sewing thimble. desires. The only thing they A great day with great friends need all of you election cycle have fortified my for is to make it appear legitimate, position that the two major parties oh and of course pay for it one must be made powerless by the way or another. Our society is a people. They violate our Concomplete fabrication and illusion, stitution every chance they get created to keep you from seeking mostly under the guise of collecreal Freedom. Continued on page 14 The revelations of this

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.

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning


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The Valley, May 2016

Back Talk by Dr. Joseph Kauffman

Boom! One of our current debates is, “Exactly when does human life begin?” Most of us who are Christians believe that life begins at conception. Some argue that life begins at birth. There are some who think that life begins somewhere between those two events. Ever since Roe vs Wade occurred, the federal government decided that a woman’s choice to terminate her pregnancy is more important than the baby in utero’s right to life. However, if a drunken driver crashes his car into the car driven by a pregnant woman who dies as a result of the accident, the drunken driver is charged with two counts of homicide rather than one. So, if a baby in utero is not a viable enough life to prove that abortion is murder, then why does the drunken driver face two counts instead of one? Double standard much? This argument is nothing new. This debate has been kicked around and gone back and forth for decades. My point of this column is to show how a recent discovery is proving that the processes that produce life begin at conception. As soon as the sperm penetrates the egg in order to fertilize it, biochemical reactions

take place. This is the beginning of LIFE!!! Check out this article: “During Conception, Human Eggs Emit Sparks This is the first time the phenomenon has been observed by scientists. By Rachel Dicker | Staff Writer April 26, 2016, at 4:13 p.m.

explosion of zinc fireworks occurs when a human egg is activated by a sperm enzyme. The intensity of the sparks, scientists say, indicates the egg’s potential to develop into a healthy embryo. Due to laws that restrict human research, the eggs in the study were not fertilized with actual sperm. Instead, sperm enzyme was used to mimic the reaction that occurs when human sperm and egg meet. A press release explains the science behind the phenomenon: “As the zinc is released from the egg, it binds to small mol-

Some people say they see fireworks at the moment of conception; now scientists say something like that really does happen. Getty

When a sperm meets an egg, sparks fly – literally. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, an

ecule probes, which emit light in fluorescence microscopy experiments. Thus, the rapid zinc release can be followed as a flash of light that appears as a spark.” This is the first time scientists have observed these sparks in a human egg. “We discovered the zinc spark just five years ago in the mouse, and to see the zinc radiate out in a burst from each human egg was breathtaking,” said one of the study’s senior authors, Teresa Woodruff, Thomas J. Watkins Memorial Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at

The Truth Has No Agenda

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and director of Northwestern’s Center for Reproductive Science, in a press release. Scientists say that this discovery may help doctors choose which eggs to transfer into the womb during in vitro fertilization treatments. ‘It’s a way of sorting egg quality in a way we’ve never been able to assess before,’ explained Woodruff. ‘Often we don’t know whether the egg or embryo is truly viable until we see if a pregnancy ensues,’ added co-author Dr. Eve Feinberg, a physician at Fertility Centers of Illinois, in the release. ‘That’s the reason this is so transformative. If we have the ability up front to see what is a good egg and what’s not, it will help us know which embryo to transfer, avoid a lot of heartache and

achieve pregnancy much more quickly.’” These scientists are stoked to be able to ascertain which eggs have a greater chance of producing a viable pregnancy. But, what they are overlooking is how phenomenal it is to witness the beginning of LIFE in each of these cells. The explosion inside the cell is the beginning of life processes. The biochemical reactions that lead to the formation of life are commencing at this moment of conception. Hopefully, the court case is re-evaluated now that the beginning of life has been proven to occur at conception. This could be a deal-breaker for pro-choice people. Interesting, isn’t it? Tell me your thoughts. Dr. Joseph Kauffman Kauffman-Hummel Chiropractic Clinic drjosephkauffman@comcast.net a

Every Juror’s Right jury nullification, (1982) A Jury’s knowing and deliberate rejection of the evidence or refusal to apply the law either because the jury wants to send a message about some social issue that is larger than the case itself or because the result dictated by law is contrary to the jury’s sense of justice, morality, or fairness,


The Valley, May 2016

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Libertarianism In The Woods Of NH by Parker Richards The Dartmouth

The following article is reprinted courtesy of The Dartmouth and Parker Richards. www.thedartmouth.com

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Lancaster if average temperatures hold. The city lies on the southern edge of Coös County, near the banks of the Connecticut River. At its heart is a small, insular community cut off from the state around it by forests and mountains

stretching out for miles around. At the edge of town, out in the woods, is Roger’s Campground. That morning, the final preparations will be underway in these woods for one of the largest gatherings of libertarians in the world:

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PorcFest. The Porcupine Freedom Festival — entering its 13th year — is the annual gathering for supporters of the Free State Project, a libertarian group that, in February, reached its longstanding goal of committing 20,000 individuals to move to New Hampshire to shift the state’s politics toward ideals of personal liberty, individual freedom and limited government. The Free State Project began in New Haven, Connecticut 16 years ago, founded by Dartmouth government professor Jason Sorens, who wrote an essay while working on his dissertation at Yale University on the merits of a stateby-state approach to securing limited government in America, an alternative method to advance his political views at a time when the “libertarian moment” of the 1980s and 1990s was waning. “This idea of focusing on the state level came to me, and I think it was partly because of my research,” he said. Sorens specializes in secessionism. His doctoral dissertation focused on small political parties in western democracies that aim for the secession of distinct regions and, through those efforts, secure increased powers for their homelands. Sorens thought the time was ripe for a new approach to securing that same sort of power for state governments in the United States. “The Berlin Wall had fallen, globalization was preceding apace, China and India were liberalizing, the internet was spreading, there was a sense of optimism that maybe all these new technologies and new markets were going to make governments less relevant,” he said. But then the dot-com bubble burst. The economy started turning downhill, George W. Bush won the presidency. Sorens could not have predicted the USA PATRIOT Act, the National Security Agency’s domestic and international surveillance programs and the two major overseas wars that would spring out of the 9/11 attacks, but those events likely sped enthusiasm for his new project. Sorens published his first essay proposing the Free State Project in July 2001. Within two weeks, hundreds of people had contacted Sorens. Their message? “Let’s do this.” Chris Lopez — the Free State Project’s administrator who, like many libertarians, signs her emails “in liberty” — wrote in an email that the group’s participants began moving to New Hampshire in droves even before the official

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning

move was triggered in February. Currently, there are about 1,900 active “Free Staters” in New Hampshire, she wrote. In the Granite State, government strives to be close to the people — there is essentially no county government to speak of, so policymaking must be done either in small town meetings or at the state level, and each member of the state House represents just 3,000 people, the smallest legislative constituencies in the U.S. Diehard libertarians may wish to paint those politicians — who play a large role in state politics despite the state’s localism — as agents of an ever-enlarging state, but many of those same representatives vow to keep government small. Steve Merrill served as New Hampshire’s governor for four years in the mid-1990s, a time when the state faced a $40 million shortfall in revenues. A Republican, he oversaw cutting of the budget and was twice selected as “the most fiscally responsible governor in America” by The Wall Street Journal and the libertarianleaning Cato Institute, a Washington-based think tank. “The key to understanding New Hampshire’s politics in my view is appreciating the fact that there’s an independent streak that is represented by libertarianism that is as strong here as I can ever see in any state, and it represents the feeling that the individual, him or herself, should have a great deal to say about how politics is conducted,” Merrill said. Friendliness to business is a key part of “the New Hampshire advantage,” a phrase Merrill coined and championed during his time in office. Today, that advantage — low taxes, a good atmosphere for businesses, strong community support — may be under threat, he said. The advantage “has persisted but not grown, and it has not persisted as vigorously” since he left office. There have been three Democrats and just one Republican in the governor’s mansion since Merrill’s term ended. The Democrats — current Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Tuck School of Business fellow John Lynch and incumbent Maggie Hassan — supported more libertarian policies than their national Democratic counterparts but nonetheless may not have been as friendly to Merrill’s probusiness vision as he would have liked. And Merrill was not even the most libertarian-minded governor the state has had in its recent past.

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The Valley, May 2016

Ed’s Railroading News by Ed Forsythe

Here we are in the merry merry month of May and lots of

things are happening or have been happening for us here at Ed’s

Trains. We finally got through that dreaded season of taxes for 2015. It wasn’t a great year last year with all that we went through after the robbery, etc., and going through the tax portion was just another headache to endure. Again we say THANK YOU to all who helped us through it and to all who supported us after. We recently had a bit of fun doing a new Easter/Spring themed train layout in a window on the square at 3 West Monument Square. This layout was in conjunction with the Easter Egg hunt with the downtown stores in Lewistown. We would like to say thank you to all the kids who joined in and searched for the eggs and submitted their entries. Also, congratulations to all who won prizes and thank you to all the many businesses who donated prizes for this fun-filled event.

Prize winners from Ed’s Trains, Luke Foltz and Adriyanna Hutchison with Ed. Tye Plank was absent from the photo session.

The Truth Has No Agenda

After that event, the layout was changed to another kids type layout with Thomas the Tank train and a little town with a festival atmosphere for the next event ‘’Kid Connection.’’ With that being now past, I’ll soon be doing changes again for our end of the month remembrance of Memorial Day, then July 4th and other holiday-themed decor. So as you’re walking around the square, take a look the window and enjoy the scene, but keep looking at all the other windows in the stores to see just what is available in downtown Lewistown. Also, stop in at the old court house to see what’s happening at the Historial Society and Chamber of Commerce. This month is the beginning of a new year for the Rockhill Trolley Museum. Opening weekend will be May 28 & 29th from 11:00 to 4:00 so make plans now

to ride an old vintage trolley into history and enjoy many of our special events just like the many riders did at the Easter Bunny day last month. Checkout the schedule and special events at rockhilltrolley.org. There you can see pictures of just what I’ve been talking about. Fantastic times are always happening there. Who knows, you may just get to ride a trolley that yours truly will be operating. I promise not to run it too fast. Hey, and for anyone who would like to try their hand at the throttle, there’s the ‘’Run a Trolley’’ program. This is a really fun time and a good way to get introduced to this fantastic hobby. So check it out and ‘’All Aboard.’’ Happy Railroading, Ed a


The Valley, May 2016

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Home Nursing Agency Offers Free Grief Support Group in Lewistown

About Faith

by Rev. Robert Zorn, Visitation Minister, Lewistown Presbyterian Church

Remembering Mother One hot day, so far, complete with a thunderstorm makes us think that summer is about to arrive. This thought leads me to recall something that happened on our home farm back in Fayette County in western Pennsylvania. This actually took place one early summer day when I was yet a small boy. My two older brothers and I neared the barn and the attached silo. All of the usable silage had long since been fed to the cows and the remaining spoiled, sodden mess had attracted a pack of rats to the eight foot pit, over which the silo was built. On this particular day, we discovered that one poor, starving rat was left, as he could not climb the wall of the pit to escape. Our usually efficient barn cat was not interested in our problem and as quickly as we tossed her into the pit, she made a most rapid exit. A fusillade of rocks and sticks failed to dispatch the varmint, so it was decided

that the only way to get rid of the rat was to use a club. My two companions were unanimous in their opinion. Since I was wearing shoes, and they were barefoot, I should be the one to kill the rat. It should also be noted that I was wearing short pants. Carefully, they lowered me into the pit (remember young Joseph?) where I quickly cornered the rat against the wall and prepared to strike the lethal blow. The rat struck first! He leaped up and bit me on the leg just above my right knee. Needless to say, I quickly dropped my role as exterminator, and my stick as well, and hurried, with my brothers’ help, out of the pit. For all I knew or cared, the rat could have lived to a ripe old age. I, of course, ran crying to the house where my mother should have scolded me soundly for my stupidity. Instead, she bathed the wound with a generous amount of turpentine, which was the general

Libertarianism in the Woods of NH from page 4

expected them to respond, and they did, and therefore we were able to do it without larger government.” And much in the laws of the “Live Free or Die” state does suggest a libertarian streak more redoubtable than the White Mountains. In terms of overall tax burden, New Hampshire ranks 44th in the country, well behind every other New England state (Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine take four of the five spots between nine and 13; Connecticut is ranked second). That’s almost all from property tax, a substantial levy on New Hampshirites who own large properties in the state. “Some states have no income tax, some states have no sales tax, but having neither makes any kind of energetic government virtually impossible unless you tax people to death on their property taxes, and most people aren’t thrilled with that,” said Ronald Shaiko, associate director of the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy. All of that comes from “the pledge,” a guarantee signed onto

Enter Craig Benson, a Republican with libertarian learnings who welcomed the Free State Project with open arms when they selected New Hampshire as their destination in 2003. Benson served just one two-year term as governor before being narrowly defeated by Lynch in 2004. An interview with Benson was not possible by press time, and Lynch did not respond to a request seeking comment. According to Merrill, his pro-business, pro-liberty approach works. He cited New Hampshire’s unemployment rate during his term — 7.8 percent when he entered office, 3.2 percent when he left it — as just one sign of his successes. “I think there’s a growing tendency to take businesses for granted, and we can never do that and succeed,” he said. “I was a believer in individual responsibility, and I think people appreciated the fact that if we were going to give them that responsibility, we

Home Nursing Agency is offering a free Grief Support Group on Thursday afternoons from April 14 to May 19 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Agency’s Mifflin County office, 129 S. Main St., Lewistown. “cure all” for all sorts of wounds and ailments. Then she prepared a resin (pronounced rozzen) plaster by mixing the powdered resin with turpentine, which, when applied to my leg wound, would draw out any poison. It must have worked, because I am sitting here writing this. (How fortunate we are, these many years later, to be well provided with doctors, clinics, hospitals, and modern medicine to help us in the time of crises.) The second Sunday in May is Mothers’ Day. Fortunately, not many of us have such incidents as the ill fated rat hunt and aftermath for which we need to express gratitude to our mothers. But all of us have many reasons to pause and remember to say, “Thanks Mom!”. As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice.” Isaiah 66 13, 14 a a by almost all elected officials in the state to guarantee that they will never introduce state income or sales taxes, Shaiko said. The measure is largely popular, but it can tie the hands of state legislators. Those policies are broadly popular according to Shaiko, who organizes the Rockefeller Center’s annual State of the State Poll, a yearly survey conducted at Dartmouth that analyzes public opinion throughout the state. New Hampshire’s libertarianism appears obvious when viewed through a wide-angle lens. There is no law mandating motorcycle helmets nor seatbelt use — New Hampshire is the only state in the country to lack either — and government intervention is rarely seen. But the reality of the situation may be more complicated. New Hampshire culture fosters Libertarian ideals New Hampshire is in Henry David Thoreau’s backyard, a region north of Massachusetts’ Walden Pond where individual re-

Facilitated by hospice spiritual counselor Pastor Chris Thomas and social worker Judy Lankes, this support group is open to all members of the community grieving the loss of a loved one. Grief can be very painful and difficult at times, so those grieving are invited to come and share their thoughts, express their feelings and discuss how to work through the grieving process. For more information on grief support, please contact Thomas or Lankes at Home Nursing Agency at 1-800-445-6262. sponsibility, community cohesion in the small valleys of the White Mountains and personal liberty have always been valued. The small, isolated towns of northern New England may contribute to Alexis de Tocqueville’s concept of “self-interest rightly understood,” the tendency of people to view aiding their communities through private action — for instance, by removing a fallen tree from a roadway without waiting for government agents to do the task for them — as a self-serving goal, helping others by helping oneself. But today, that limitedgovernment ethos and the “New Hampshire advantage” former Gov. Steve Merrill touted during his time in office in the 1990s may be under threat — and Merrill is not the only one who thinks so. Darryl Perry, the secretary of the New Hampshire Libertarian Party, said that although the major parties pay “lip service” to a limited government approach, their actions could lead to the implementation of a sales tax or an income tax in the coming years. “They don’t actually believe any of what they say,” he said. Although major programs that spend more money are frowned upon, according to Ronald Shaiko, associate director of the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy, the state is not above nickel-and-diming its residents. “There is a willingness on the part of lawmakers here, like anywhere else in the country, to add a little charge here and a little charge there,” said Charlie Arlinghaus, president of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy. “One

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning

of the things we want to point out to people is that little things add up.” The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy is a nonpartisan think tank that advocates for individual liberty and fiscal responsibility in New Hampshire. Named for the leader of the state’s congressional delegation to the Second Continental Congress — that’s the one where a group of men gathered in Philadelphia and voted to declare some self-evident truths — the organization operates with a small staff and advocates to policy leaders throughout the state. The state’s tax policies create “an impression in people’s minds that New Hampshire people value freedom and don’t want to spend money,” Arlinghaus said. “The difficult thing is when you look at the details, it mitigates that a little. Yeah, there’s a preference for freedom, but it’s not as strong as you would hope with our motto. Yeah, we don’t like to spend money, but we’ll spend it on this and that, and slowly eke up here and there.” New Hampshire’s libertarian credentials are hardly unassailable, and — as Arlinghaus observed — the devil is in the details. Policy is not everything. Political attitude matters, too, and in that regard, New Hampshire is more libertarian-leaning — in spirit, at least — than most areas. “There is an old fashioned spirit in New Hampshire, sort of an old Yankee spirit: people want to be left alone and do

Continued on page 14


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The Valley, May 2016 cornered, the Gold and Silver suppression “team” will try whatever desperate measures they can to keep controlling the game. When they are finally defeated, and that absolutely will happen some time

Dave Wilson

Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That

Shanghai Changes Everything! For well over a year, the Gold and Silver markets have been anticipating the opening of the Shanghai Gold and Silver Exchange. This exchange is to be in direct competition with the USA’s “COMEX,” where the prices for Gold and Silver have been determined for decades based on “Paper” Gold and Silver trades. Shanghai deals only in real, physical Gold and Silver. Since these are two entirely different business plans, you will soon see why the COMEX is probably sweating bullets. On Tuesday, April 19th, the Shanghai exchange opened officially, and the fireworks have already begun. Both Gold and Silver have been creeping steadily higher, and they would be moving much higher than that if it were not for the continued huge “Paper” Silver and Gold Sales on the COMEX, as they try desperately to retain some type of relevance in continu-

ing to suppress the real values of real money, precious metals. The COMEX only has about 500 million dollars “worth” of Silver (29,411,765 ounces) which, as we understand it, only represents about 9 days of annual worldwide production. This amount of physical metal is pathetically small, and less than one half a billion dollars would strip the shelves. If the Shanghai (Real, Physical) market says that Silver is worth $25 per ounce, and the COMEX is still at $17, then all the COMEX Silver could be arbitraged out, easily with just one trade. (arbitrage is the simultaneous pur-

chase and sale of an asset in order to profit from a difference in the price.) If the COMEX continues to manipulate the prices of Gold and Silver down, and SHANGHAI (as a totally FREE market) shows both metals at a much higher price, then everyone will know (for sure) that there is, and has been, a wicked monkey in the woodpile. Deutsche Bank in Germany has recently admitted to decades of Gold and Silver price manipulation and has already named two other participating banks. They have also stated that they will “spill the beans” on several additional banks (likely several larger US institutions) who have also been “very active” in crushing the prices of Gold and Silver for decades. In general, the multidecade price suppression game in Gold and Silver is quickly falling apart. However, much as a badger will become vicious when

The Truth Has No Agenda

soon (perhaps very soon), then the prices of Gold, Silver and the other precious metals will rocket to unbelievable new highs. a


The Valley, May 2016

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Buy your tickets to PorcFest XIII today! There is something magical about campfires isn’t there? Throughout history, some of the greatest ideas, movements and friendships have started around campfires. A few weeks ago, I was cleaning out a box of old paperwork when I found something surprising and timely, considering that FSP had just announced the week before that the move had been triggered. An old, forgotten notepad on which I had jotted handwritten notes taken at the very first meeting, in late 2002, of the “Welcome to the Granite State Committee” formed by three members of LPNH: Rich Tomasso, George Reich, and me. Our stated goal for the committee was to promote New Hampshire as the best state for FSP members to choose. We were all members of FSP, and were committed to moving if another state was selected,

but we passionately believed NH was the best choice. Among some of the other ideas we brainstormed during that meeting, with hasty notes documenting them in my notepad, were two that really made me smile broadly when I read them again, recently. The first was the idea for a “webpage or flyer summarizing why we believe NH is #1.” As you may have guessed, this was the idea that I ran with a few months later, expanding and morphing into “101 Reasons to Vote for New Hampshire” which you all know now as “101 Reasons to Move to New Hampshire.” The second idea was for “some sort of convention? Maybe in May or June?” Ha! Can you guess what this became? I vividly remember tossing this idea around between the three of us. We knew that if we could just convince other FSP members to visit NH, see the beauty of the

state first hand, meet the people and experience our “Live Free or Die” culture for themselves, they would grow to love the state just as much as we did. We came up with a few potential locations, but it was George who had the winner. When he went hiking he often stayed at “Roger’s Campground” in Lancaster which he convinced us would be ideal not only for the diversity of lodging options (campsites, cabins, and hotel rooms) but because it would route attendees right through some of the most beautiful spots in the state. Best of all, none of us could imagine a better way for people to bond than over a campfire. Roger’s would be perfect. None of us had ever organized anything like it before, but we went to work enthusiastically, and by the end of February 2003, I excitedly announced on the FSP forum that June 21-29 of that summer we would be hosting an “Escape to New Hampshire” getaway vaca-

tion to promote the Free State Project in NH. I’m told that Escape to New Hampshire is now referred to as Porcfest Zero. After the vote later that fall, when NH was officially chosen as the state of choice for FSP to target, it was decided by the FSP leadership to carry on the tradition of the event – in the same location, the same week – but renamed Porcfest. But none of us could have foreseen that in 2003. That year it was Escape to NH, and we had no idea what to expect! I remember driving up to Lancaster, my camper in tow and filled with the chicken, hamburgers, and fixings for pasta salad that I had purchased at the local Sam’s Club and planned to cook with my husband’s help the next night, for a welcome dinner for what I hoped would be 40-50 people. Inside, I was secretly scared that despite all the planning and preparation, nobody would show up and I was in for a lonely, quiet week of camping, eating lots of chicken and pasta salad. Nothing could have been further from the truth! The newspaper clippings that I still have from the remarkably positive coverage we got that week, tell me that we hosted more than 150 attendees representing 22 states, and that number burgeoned even

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning

more the final weekend when we had speakers and vendor tables set up for freedom-oriented organizations in the state. We had arranged for tours all over the state, a personal audience with then-Governor Craig Benson for a small group, fun family outings, a trip to a shooting range, and one night another LPNH member even hosted a party in nearby Jefferson for everyone (I laughingly remember the long convoy of vehicles packed full with FSP members leaving Roger’s for the short drive to the party location) where he treated us to a cookout and fireworks display. But, we had purposely designed and promoted the event as a “week of fun, relaxation, information sharing, and new friendships” and THAT is what I remember most. The people that I met that week became some of the

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The Valley, May 2016

Colonial Cemeteries—Creepy or Not? We took our usual vacation to the Granite State (New Hampshire) last month and as always, it was just what the doctor ordered. I do, however, come home feeling much more depressed than when I left. When you leave for vacation, you are always excited to get there and start the adventure— looking forward to the sights you will see and a week without alarm clocks, deadlines, or daily chores. The week buzzes by so quickly though, and before you know it, you find yourself thinking about what you have to do when you arrive home, and what the first day back to work holds in store. AND THAT’S DEPRESSING! The drive back home is usually really sad, and this trip was no exception. If you’ve been following Wayne’s editorial and my column, you know that someday (soon) we hope to trigger the move to New Hampshire, but it just isn’t in the cards quite yet. That reality makes it all the harder to come back to Pennsylvania. I do love Pennsylvania too, but I am anxious to start a new chapter in my life, in a new place that I just love. I think it’s the history that draws me there, and the fact that the scenery is much like Central Pennsylvania (wooded and rural), except it has many more lakes and ponds and the ocean is much closer. We do quite a bit of driving around the state when we visit, and like many times before

we came across an old cemetery out in the woods (this is not unusual, they are everywhere!). For some crazy reason, this one struck me, and despite it being rainy

creepy, and maybe it is a little, but I find these old cemeteries really interesting and intriguing. As I looked around at the headstones and tried to make out dates, I couldn’t help but wonder where and how these people lived, what their living conditions were like, what they died of, etc. Only a few were readable and I didn’t have paper and a pencil with me to try to lift the lettering—plus, it was wet. As I was writ-

and somewhat miserable that day, I asked Wayne to pull over the car so I could get out and take a look at the gravestones. You might think it is

The Truth Has No Agenda

ing this, I did a Google search to see if these old cemeteries have been documented anywhere, and I came across a site called “New Hampshire Old Graveyard Association” (http://www.nhoga. com/). This Association is dedi-

cated to preserving and documenting all the old graveyard sites throughout the state—and let me tell you—there are many. Right now they have them documented

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Wine: not just for drinking! Got Wine!? We do at Shade Mountain—and NOT the drinking kind! It all started about four years ago when a dear friend of mine, Amber Goss ,who is also a Massage Therapist and owner of Bella

Vista Massage and Spa, asked me to make her a line of VinoTherapy products for her new spa. At the time I had no idea what VinoTherapy was, but I love to research and learn. As it turns out, VinoTherapy,

by some experts, is the newest, upcoming, greatest spa treatment! Our VinoTherapy line has grown and is now one of our best selling products. Our line includes: soap, hand crème, all over body moisturizing crème, sugar scrub, lip

balms, and even bath bombs! We sell it to spas who use it for their treatments, to wineries who sell it in their gift shops and of course at our store and online! So what is this VinoTherapy you are wondering? VinoTherapy skin care is created using the by-products of the wine making process. Usually discarded: the antioxidant-rich grape seeds and skins are recycled and given a second life in our unique, effective skin products! During the wine making process, the “heaviness” falls to the bottom of the barrel or tank. This would be mostly the grape skins and seeds. In the United States, this is then discarded, usually in the field and considered a fertilizer. The top—the drinkable wine—is what they are after. BUT, in Europe, they gather this thick rich delight that is full of some great skin benefits, and sell it to those who make skin care and spa products; smart, they are! I should add that the red grapes are what we use for VinoTherapy, as they contain the

most antioxidants. Wineries are happy to share their sediments, or so called “lees,” because really, they have no use for it. We take the lees and create our products. Not only does the lees provide the products with amazing benefits, it also creates a beautiful product with an amazing color. We add no additional coloring to our crèmes and scrubs; the beauty comes directly from the lees—and the smell...OH LA LA!!! In ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece and Rome, grapes and vine were not used only for maintaining good health and physical condition, but also for body care and beauty, making the skin look younger and brighter. Beauty treatments with grapes were famous in France, at the court of Luis XIV where the aristocrats were massaged with grape juice. The massages helped them to hide consequences of body fatigue, moreover, their skin was soft,

Wine has the most of the sun. Long live people who make wine because it brings the sunlight into man’s soul.

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning

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The Valley, May 2016

Premier Garden Show in Central PA Adds New Features for 2016 Submitted by Larry Campbell, Master Gardener Centre County will again host the premier garden show in Central PA, but with new exciting features for 2016. Attendees will still be able to buy quality locally grown plants, sample local delicacies, find unusual products for your lawn and garden, and win valuable door prizes, but this year they will also find some new surprises. Some of the new features include free talks by a celebrity speaker, dozens of new vendors from throughout Central PA, and a new Spring Festival of the Pasto Agricultural Museum featuring demonstrations, free tours and exhibits. These are just a few of the surprises awaiting attendees at the 2016 Garden Fair and Plant Sale to be held from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, May 21, at the Penn State Ag Progress Days site on Rte. 45 West of State College. This free event is conducted by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Centre County. The annual Plant Sale has become known as the “Grandfather of Plant Sales in Central PA”, and this year will feature more than 5000 high quality, locally grown plants at great prices. For instance, the Master Gardeners will have 20 varieties of tomato plants and will have experts throughout the huge plant sale building to help you choose the best ones for you! Go to www.extension.psu. edu/garden-fair for detailed lists of plants for sale. Visitors can also take advantage of free gardening expertise offered during the event. Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions about growing herbs, annuals, vegetables, perennials, native and pollinator plants, grasses, and houseplants. In addition, the Master Gardeners are excited to announce that George Weigel, a well-known Pennsylvania gardening author, columnist, horticulturalist and winner of many gardening awards, will be presenting two free talks in the Garden Fair Theatre. George Weigel’s talks will be free due to sponsorship by the new Organic Garden Center of State College. The Garden Fair part of the event presents a unique collection of vendors from across Pennsylvania and includes nearly

two dozen new vendors this year. Vendors will offer big-ticket items such as storage sheds and chicken coops as well as everyday garden needs such as tools, gardening clothing, native shrubs and trees, landscaping services, and garden furniture and décor. Local vendors will also be selling food, including honey, maple syrup, hickory syrup, mustards, Brazilian munchies, and other items. Better yet, many of them will be offering free taste samples. Other vendors will feature organic and heirloom plants, environmentally-friendly products and services, items made from recycled materials, and much more. For a listing of vendors go to www.extension.psu. edu/garden-fair. This year, there will be three valuable door prizes donated by Ace Hardware of State College. For those not lucky enough to win a door prize, there will be other opportunities for bargains. A Garden Garage Sale will feature slightly used garden items at a fraction of their original cost. A Silent Auction will feature many valuable products donated by local businesses and Master Gardeners. Gift baskets and new garden items will be featured. The Pasto Agricultural Museum will host their first Spring festival, which will feature demonstrations, free tours and lessons in agricultural and gardening history. The State College Sunrise Rotary Club will offer breakfast and lunch items during the event. Thanks to our generous sponsors this event remains free to the public. The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Centre County work all year to make this gardening extravaganza a great event. They invite you to come early for the best selection of plants and stay for the talks, demonstrations and good food. Come celebrate a new gardening season with us! The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Molly Sturniolo (mas79@psu.edu) in

advance of your participation or visit. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other protected groups. Nondiscrimination: http://guru.psu.edu/policies/ AD85.html Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Centre County present a day of FREE gardening talks by experts! PRESENTATIONS 10:00 AM – Smart Gardening: When to do What to Keep Your Yard Looking Great (or at Least Passable) George Weigel, Celebrity Speaker. Sponsored by Organic Garden Center, State College, PA 11:00 AM – Good Bugs/Bad Bugs. Carla Hass, Senior Lecturer, Penn State Eberly College of Science and Master Gardener. 12:30 PM – Amazing Space: Great Home Gardens and What Makes Them Special George Weigel, Celebrity Speaker. Sponsored by Organic Garden Center, State College, PA About George: George Weigel is author of two gardening books geared specifically to Pennsylvania gardens, the 2014 “Pennsylvania Getting Started Garden Guide,” which profiles 170 of the best plants for Pennsylvania landscapes, and 2015’s “Pennsylvania Monthby-Month Gardening,” a detailed look at what to do when in the garden throughout the year. He is published in Green Scene, Horticulture, Pennsylvania Gardener, Pennlines and Central Pennsylvania magazine and was Pennsylvania editor of People, Places and Plants magazine. He was the 2016 recipient of the National Garden Club’s Award of Excellence, the highest achievement award given by the national network of garden clubs He has

Continued on page 16

The Truth Has No Agenda

R. O. F. F.

Rescue Our Furry Friends by Patricia Lawson

What a coincidence! The dog of the month is Sam, a Border Collie Mix, and that’s what my husband and I have and his name is Sam too! “Hi there my name is Sam and I’m a 7 year old Border Collie Mix. My two people owners recently passed away, so I would love to have another family to be devoted to. Now, as most of you know, Border Collies can be a bit hyper, but not me. I’m very laid back and I love other dogs, cats and kids. I’m housebroken, crate trained and neutered, so it would be a trouble-free transition for me to be your “fur”ever friend. Let’s get together for a meet and greet OK? And now, let me introduce to you Zoe.” “I’m Zoe and I know what you’re thinking, a black cat is bad luck. But how can that be, because I was found as a stray and ROFF rescued me! I’m

only about 1 year old and ROFF has given me all my shots, plus I’m litter trained. My caretaker says I’m a very sweet girl who loves to talk and who likes lots of attention. Well, that does sound like me. Won’t you please give me a place to call home?” We invite you to open up your hearts and home and rescue these and other precious future companions. Just go to our web site www.roffrescue.com and fill out an online application or call 1-877-933-ROFF (7633). Can you believe this? In early May ROFF will be picking up ten, yes ten, puppies. Can you help by providing Purina Puppy Chow Complete? Bags may be dropped off at: 133 North Walnut Street in Burnham. Mark your calendars! ROFF is hosting a “Quarter Auction” featuring gift baskets on Friday, May 6th at 7pm at The Burnham Firehouse And here’s another way to help: ROFF is having a Yard Sale on Saturday, June 4th from 8am to 3pm. Items are needed to sell and donations can be dropped off the week before and please stop by on the 4th to find some treasures that are new to you. Again, the address is 133 North Walnut Street in Burnham. Happy Memorial Day!

New Hampshire Cemeteries from page 9

I’m sure some of the stones with no lettering or worn off lettering were placed there in the 1600s,. I can only wonder what life was like then in rural New Hampshire? Remember that the Salem (Massachusetts) Witch Trials took place in the late 1600s so let your imagination go wild. a

by their town and location in the town, but these individual pages do not yet have names or dates listed for those buried there. The website says that this is a goal for the future. Oh, how I’d love to help with this project! Pictures of the graveyards would also be a fantastic addition to the website. I’ve heard that there might be a book that depicts all of these sites, but I haven’t researched it yet. Some of the dates I found on the cemetery in the pictures in this article were from the 1700s.

Until they all have homes… www.roffrescue.com; rescueourfurryfriends@yahoo.com; 1-877-933-ROFF (7633) a


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tained, this home is available immediately and could be your new home in a matter of weeks! This property is located at 448 Park Drive Reedsville, a very desirable

INVITING HOME IN EDGEWOOD ESTATES

and quiet place for you to call home. Why not give us a call to take your tour today? a

by Kim Rickert Location! Location! Location! You’ve heard it before, the location of a property is probably the MOST important part of a buyer’s decision. Buyers look for a home in a nice, safe neighborhood that is convenient to schools, shopping and medical services.

Curb appeal? Check!

Since many buyers are commuting to a job out of the area, access to Route 322 is important also. For more than fifteen years, Edgewood Estates has fit the bill for buyers looking for a great location! This home on Park Drive Extended in the newer section of

Edgewood Estates has much to offer buyers including the location. Located in a cul-de-sac, the home was built by Fineline Homes in 2005, and has over 2200 square feet finished above grade and a full, unfinished basement with nine foot ceilings and a plumbing rough-in for a bathroom. The main level includes a large living room, formal dining room and open floor plan kitchen with family room. The family room features a gas fireplace, while the large kitchen has a breakfast area and doors to the rear deck. The kitchen is complete with appliances, recessed lighting and plenty of cabinet space. The deck overlooks a large backyard and there’s plenty of room for entertaining! The main floor also includes a powder room. The second floor includes four bedrooms with carpeting, a laundry closet and full hall bath. The large master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet and adjacent master bathroom. Don’t need all those bedrooms? One of them would make a great home office or mancave. The home includes a two car garage, Bilco doors to the yard and a radon system. Well main-

A great family room complete with fireplace is a bonus on this exquisite property

A very functional, well layed-out kitchen adds value!

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning


13

The Valley, May 2016

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

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

The Truth Has No Agenda


The Valley, May 2016

14

Editors Corner from page 2

MAY 2016 Mifflin County History Trivia Odd Happenings are Afoot! The strange, weird and unusual are perhaps some of the more interesting tidbits found in the newspaper archives at the Mifflin County Historical Society. One happening reported in the Lewistown Gazette from July1887 tells of an accident that occurred one warm Sunday during an evening parlor game. Seems the game involved participants trying to keep a handkerchief flying in air without allowing it to touch the floor. One flying handkerchief went straight out the open first floor window, followed by one exuberant participant. Expecting to land on the lawn, the poor fellow went out the window, then down the open cellar door left open below. Falling ten feet to the cellar floor, the stunned man appeared seriously injured, but then sufficiently recovered to walk home and attend to business the next day. These offerings come from the newspaper archives of the Mifflin County Historical Society. 1. E. M. Hack was born in Milroy, Armagh Township in 1844. At

Libertarianism in the Woods of NH from page 6 things themselves,” Arlinghaus said. “Because of that, there is a general notion that neighborhoods and communities should help themselves, and that leads to a more generic libertarian feeling, although that’s less than it once was.” Nicholas Sarwark, the chairman of the Libertarian Party of the United States, agreed. Sarwark is a signatory to the Free State Project, although he said his life circumstances — including leading the third-largest political party in the U.S. — will likely keep him from moving to New Hampshire. “I think it’s something about the culture of the Northeast, especially up in the mountain areas,” he said. “It’s just kind of, ‘Leave me alone, I’ll do my own thing,

age 10 he went to Philadelphia to learn a trade and later got a job in Washington, D.C. What was he asked to do late one night in April 1865? [a] help move a dying President Lincoln [b] join a posse to hunt down Lincoln’s assassins [c] print wanted posters for John Wilkes Booth [d] photograph the crime scene at Ford’s Theatre 2. James and Lloyd Engle of Strodes Mills started a business in May 1929 that offered Mifflin Countians a new innovation in baking. What was the pair’s special creation? [a] a ready to use biscuit mix [b] a non-melting cake icing [c] powdered eggs [d] vegetable food dye

drowned [b] he was struck by lightening [c] was stabbed by a flying lawn mower blade [d] was hit by a fleeing man who jumped out of a courthouse second floor window 4. In August 1919, John H. Little, assistant baggage manager at Lewistown Junction took an automobile trip to the Gettysburg Battlefield. What artifact was he shown by his Adams County cousin? [a] two bullets welded together from impact during battle [b] a cannon ball still lodged in a tree trunk [c] a broken sabre blade pierced through a leg bone [d] two $5 gold pieces found in a moldering shoe covering a disembodied skeletal foot

3. On June 10, 1908, Robert Webo was standing at the rear of what today is called the Historic Mifflin County Courthouse near the alley on North Main Street. The building’s janitor was cutting the grass there when... What suddenly happened to Webo that almost killed this unsuspecting bystander? [a] he broke through the covering of an old cesspool and nearly

ANSWERS: 1.D 2.B 3.A 4.D

you do your own thing.’ People are a lot less interested in other people’s business.” Government professor Jason Sorens, the Free State Project’s founder, referenced The Vermont Papers: Recreating Democracy on a Human Scale, a 1990 book by Frank Bryan and John McClaughry that argued for the existence of a unique form of northeastern libertarianism. “They argue that Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine have a distinctive form of libertarianism, which is the libertarianism of keeping government close, being close enough to your officials to grab ‘em by the neck, or by the lapels if you have to,” Sorens said. “Whereas, the libertarianism of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains is more a libertarianism of isolation, of ‘I just don’t want my neighbors near me.’”

Sorens is an avid hiker and gardener. He knows the lands of New Hampshire and New England well, although he was not raised here. “Our geography lends itself to villages and towns nestled in valleys, people live close together, but the population is still spread out into all these smaller units, so I think that does lend itself to a distinctive set of institutions and maybe even a distinctive public policy,” he said. New Hampshire’s system of government reflects those trends, Shaiko said. There is essentially no county government to speak of in the state, so policymaking must be done either on the near-microscopic level of town meetings in little far-flung hamlets that hold a few thousand people at most, or at the state level, where representatives vote on behalf of just 3,000

SOURCES: The Life & Adventures of David Lewis by C. D. Rishel, 1890; The Incredible True Life Story of a Romantic Robber, Davey Lewis by Ned Frear 1976. a

tive safety or some other version of the same bullcrap stories that were fed to us in the government indoctrination centers where most of us were programmed. This time around, for whatever reason, more people seem to be standing up and rejecting what the party establishment says and desires. The media for all their attempts to derail Trump have had zero negative impact. In fact, I contend that the more they try to manipulate, the stronger Trump gets. Trump wasn’t my first choice, but if his winning turns around what has been happening in our country for quite some time, I am all for it. In a perfect world, that would mean the collapse of the Republican and Democrat parties, the destruction of Fox News, and the elimination of dozens of Federal alphabet agencies. What? A guy can dream can’t he? Seriously though, Trump is going to do a much better job than what we have had, and the fact that all of the who’s who on both sides of the political spectrum, as well as the media are pulling out all the stops to kill his candidacy, makes me think he is exactly what we need, I just hope he doesn’t have a change of heart. It is time to clean house. Locally, there are things happening and still a few things maddening. I will get the rant off my chest first. Has there not been people trying to or at least saying they are trying to attract business downtown? Has there not been studies done, monies spent and other efforts made to make the downtown a viable business constituents, the smallest legislative constituencies found in any state. “What’s government’s role in our daily lives? It’s not much,” Shaiko said. “Everyone is fine with not having government be that intrusive in our daily existence.” New Hampshire was the last state in the nation to adopt mandatory kindergarten. It still does not budget a cent for its state parks, nor does it have much in the way of funding for many other government programs viewed as essential in many states. “Pretty much, if you look at New Hampshire versus all the other states, they’ll do the bare minimum of what the federal government mandates are, and nothing more than that,” Shaiko said. And that’s a good thing if you

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning

center for some time now? Well, I know one of the problems. Parking. True, there are parking meters downtown, which are supposed to help move people in and out of downtown, and in a lot of places that does in fact work. But after driving around a block four times this week looking for a spot (this isn’t the first time), I wondered why it doesn’t work so well in Lewistown. It didn’t take me long to find out. It seems that employees at the jail take up many of the metered spots downtown and leave their vehicles there throughout their shift. They have developed a system to feed the meters, but that isn’t the point. These employees are denying a lot of potential parking spaces that patrons of area businesses could enjoy. Perhaps there is someone smart enough involved to either have the guards park off site and be shuttled in, or perhaps they need to carpool. Fountains are nice and all, but perhaps better use of the money would have been a parking garage! Those metered spots on Market Street are for patrons of the downtown businesses, not employees of the jail. One of the exciting things happening downtown, and in the same general vicinity, is the opening of Sunrise Farm Market, an indoor farmer’s market where you will be able to pick up fresh produce 6 days a week, no matter what the weather. In spite of all the conveniences of refrigeration, meals always seem to taste better when the bulk of the ingredients are bought fresh that day. Enjoy this fantastic spring we are having, my bees are LOVING it. a ask the state’s libertarian factions. Government spending in New Hampshire is small, consistent with libertarian views. New Hampshire has 1.3 million citizens, but compared to the states around it, New Hampshire’s budget is not representative of its population. Vermont’s budget was $5.2 billion in 2014, or about $8,200 per capita. The state’s population is a little over 620,000. New Hampshire — population 1.3 million, well over twice Vermont’s — had a budget of $5.1 billion that year, spending around $3,800 per capita. Vermont is not the only nearby state that contrasts New Hampshire. Maine spends $6,000 per capita, Massachusetts $8,400, Rhode Island $7,400. All those states have income taxes and sales

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The Valley, May 2016

Gettis Trail and Bear Meadows

Gettis Trail stretches from Bear Meadows Trail to Wampler Road. It climbs up and then follows the top of Gettis Ridge. Along the way it crosses over the Mid State Trail. The Gettis Trail, along with Bear Meadows Trail, Gettis Ridge Road and Wampler Road, along with a short section of the Mid State Trail, make up the paths that were used on this early spring hike in Rothrock State Forest. For this circuit hike, you can reach the trailhead by following route US322 and turning onto Bear Meadows Road at the entrance to the Tussey Mountain Ski Resort. Follow Bear Meadows road (stay on the paved road until it turns to stone) for three miles and you will see a stone monument on your right with ample parking. Park the car, get out and stretch the legs, and get ready for the hike. Start this hike by following the Bear Meadows Trail, heading in a clockwise direction from the main parking area by the stone monument. Regardless of the time of the year, you will soon come across muddy and wet sections of the trail. Being this close to the bog, this is to be expected, but during wetter times of the year (that is spring and after long periods of rain in the summer), you may be surprised at how many wet and muddy sections you will encounter. At just a bit over a mile into the hike, you will come across the intersections of Bear Meadows and Gettis Trail. Turning left here, begin a gentle climb up and away from Bear Meadows. The path meanders through the hardwood forest as the tread becomes drier, and in places, a bit rocky as well. At 1.3 miles, the gentle climb turns into a much steeper ascent. You will be climbing Gettis Ridge in earnest. The climb may be steep, but it is a good cardiovascular workout. Luckily it is shortlived and at 1.5 miles you will be

into your hike. Retrace your steps and follow the trail back to the trailhead and your waiting car. This hike is about 6.2 miles in length and you should be able to do it in just a little over 3 hours. Gettis Trail, surprisingly, is well maintained for not being a major trail in the area. Gettis Trail provides yet more opportunities for a variety of circuit hikes in the Bear Meadows region. a

at the top of the climb. You are located in the saddle of the ridge and it is at this point that the Mid State Trail crosses the Gettis Trail. Continue straight for about three tenths of a mile until the trail makes a sharp turn to the right. The trail is relatively flat as you are now paralleling the ridge line in a southwesterly direction. Near 2.5 miles into the hike, you will emerge onto Wampler Road. This is the end of the Gettis Trail. Turn right here and continue west along Wampler Road. After three tenths of a mile, you will come upon the gated intersection of Wampler Road with Gettis Ridge Road. Turn right, passing the gate, and begin a gentle ascent to the ridge top on Gettis Ridge Road. Soon the trail begins to climb at a steeper rate as you make your way back up to the top of the ridge. At 3.2 miles, the trail makes a sharp right, switch-backing upon itself. The rate of your ascent is pretty steady and you’ll make another switchback, to the left this time, at 3.7 miles into the hike. Gettis Ridge Road makes two more switchbacks before it begins to level off at 3.9 miles. At just a bit past 4.3 miles, you will come upon the intersection of Gettis Ridge Road and North Meadows Road. At this intersection the Mid State Trail crosses and descends from Big Flat down towards Bear Meadows. You have reached the highest point on the hike, so take a break and rest a bit before you begin your descent back down towards Bear Meadows. Heading northeast on the Mid State Trail, you will leave the ridge top as you head back towards Bear Meadows. Near 4.6 miles, the Mid State Trail makes a sharp right towards the east, but you will want to continue straight on your descent. At 4.9 miles, you will meet up with the Bear Meadows Trail. Turning right here, you will soon pass the Gettis Trail at 5.2 miles

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The Valley, May 2016

16 Premier Garden Show in Central PA Adds New Features for 2016 from page 11 won 2008 Garden Writers Association award as one of the five best garden columns in America. George is a Certified Horticulturalist and the owner of the “Garden House-Calls” garden consulting and landscape design service, which offers personal, on-site gardening and landscaping advice to do-it yourselfers. He has given numerous gar-

dening talks and classes, including the Pennsylvania Garden Expo, the Pennsylvania Home Show, the Pennsylvania Garden Show at York, the Pennsylvania Garden Federation, Hershey Gardens, Harrisburg Area Community College, the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Conference and numerous garden clubs and Master Gardener programs. The Garden Fair features free parking and admission due to the generous support of the following sponsors:

Centre Daily Times, The Women’s Journal, Minitab, Inc., Organic Garden Center of State

College, The Maldonado Grou, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Wheatfield Nursery,

Twenty varieties of tomato plants will be featured in the vegetable area

Take a step back in time along the highways and byways of Mifflin County, founded in 1789. Through historic photographs and commentary, the Mifflin County Historical Society presents a brief look at how the county has changed. Photographic images are paired to compare past with present. Contemporary photographs approximated the same site or location as seen in vintage views from Mifflin County’s past unique history. Narration highlights Based on the companion books, Mifflin County Then & Now and More Mifflin County Then & Now, published by the Mifflin County Historical Society, author Forest K. Fisher and photographer Nathaniel Thierwechter have teamed for this nostalgic look back to see a changing community through the camera’s lens, and to remember... Mifflin County - Then & Now. Bonus Audio Feature: “History is Our Story” - Listen to the exciting tale of the Logan Guards of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, first militia company to respond to President Lincoln’s call for volunteers in April 1861. In this two-part audio bonus feature, the early days of the Civil War, from a local perspective, are recalled by Mifflin County Historical Society author Forest K. Fisher.

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning

Ace Hardware of State College, George Stone/ State Farm Insurance, JRS Landscaping, and PNCBank a

Green Heron Tools for Women will be back again this year in vendor Building 1.


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The Valley, May 2016

Allergy Relief

This season is AGAIN another bad season for allergies! What can you do? Stay inside, take more medications, feel miserable, or all of the above? OR, take an alternative route. Try sitting in a Himalayan Salt room for a 45 minute session. You will sit in a comfortable relaxing lounge chair and just breathe. You will be breathing in Himalayan salt air that is saturated with 84 naturally occurring trace elements in their natural mineral form. Himalayan salt is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. We have seen clients increase their lung capacity, get out of pain from arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, be able to move and breathe better, lessen MANY medications (with their doctor’s approval), and improve MANY other health issues all starting with inflammation. The benefits are cumulative so the more often you use the salt

room, the more inflammation you will begin to lessen and shrink. The cost is only $15 ( $12.50 for those over 62 and under 16) for your first session, and $10 for your second if you repeat within a 2 week time...so that you will recognize the cumulative benefits for yourself of the Himalayan salt therapy. The only side effect of Himalayan salt therapy is that you feel relaxed after your session most times. What are the side effects of your medications? Many of our successful clients have also added an AUTHENTIC salt lamp to their home. We sell only authentic Himalayan salt lamps (there are many on the market that are not). Lamps come in all shapes and sizes, but by adding one to your bedroom, you are extending the benefits of Himalayan salt therapy into your home. In the bedroom, clients tell us it also helps to increase sleep and reduce snoring

many times. At Simply Health Salt Spa, located at 1760 S Atherton Street in State College, we have three salt rooms and a large supply of authentic salt lamps and experts to help you choose the best one for your needs. Check out our web site (www.simplyhealth- calm. com) for more information and details for setting up an appointment. Or, call us at 814-9547731. Each month we have three “Spa Specials” all priced at a very low price. This month all three

The Truth Has No Agenda

will help you to breathe better and lessen pain.

May Spa Specials Celebrate You ~ $49 • 5-10 minutes of our Whole Body Vibration to get your circulation moving, your lymphatics stimulated, and your muscles relaxed. • 30 minute Detox Footbath to pull toxins out of the body and identify where the body is releasing the toxins. This naturally stimulating and relaxing session is

based on ionization of water and osmosis to draw toxins from the body. • 30 minutes on the Amethyst BioMat with the Jewelry Belt. The deep penetrating Far Infrared rays and negative ions helps reduce stress, tension and aches and pains and is capable of stimulating the cells of our nervous and musculoskeletal systems. You will wear the Jewelry Belt around your waist, arms, legs or lay it on top of yourself as you lay on the larger

Continued on page 19


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The Valley, May 2016

Tanya's Massage Therapy Modalities: Ashiatsu Cupping Prenatal Deep Tissue Swedish Massage Foot Reflexology Raindrop Therapy Russian Clinical Massage How you treat your body today, is how it will serve you tomorrow! Call to schedule an appointment:

(814) 937-0375 www. tanyasmassagetherapy.com

Email: tanyamassage@live.com !!!!NEW LOCATION!!!! 129 Nolan Drive Lewistown, PA 17044 “.....shall NOT be infringed....� has but one meaning


19

The Valley, May 2016

Savvy Cents & Sensibility

Investing vs. Spending by JoAnn Wills-Kline MBA

How do you put your income to work best for you? Income can be put to use most effectively by understanding the difference between investing and spending. Investing is defined as an outlay of cash for a tangible asset. A few examples are: job training, a primary residence, and a mutual fund. On the other hand, spending can be defined as the outlay of cash for something that will likely depreciate in value and not provide any long-term benefit. A few examples of spending are: dinners out, a new wardrobe, travel or vacation expenses, and (some would argue this last example) vehicle purchases. Granted we all need transportation, but oftentimes a painful vehicle purchase can sting less if we streamline our wants and satisfy the needs only – safe, reliable wheels, period. Being frugal doesn’t always mean you have to choose investing over spending (after all, spending is a part of living), but it does require that you understand

the difference, and know how to put your income to work a majority of the time. Let’s consider a few investments that anyone can make no matter one’s earning level. The first investment is in oneself. Any investment made in “you” will always produce a favorable return. Invest in your health. If you are fortunate to have good general health, invest in maintaining it. Take care of the one body you have been given to see you through all of your days – eat nutritious foods, get adequate sleep, seek medical care as needed, and refuse to live recklessly. If your employer offers job training take part in it. If you have the opportunity to learn take it. Go to your local library and invest in “you” by learning through reading – there is a wealth of library resources that can assist with personal and professional development. The only cost to you is time. Another great investment

is in one’s primary residence. A home with large square footage, or an affluent neighborhood, is not necessary to create a healthy well-rounded investment in a residence. Invest in the home you have – big or small, chic, or shabby. Create a space that you feel safe, comfortable, and nurtured. When you walk through the door it should provide a feeling of “Ah, I’m ‘home’… there’s no place like home!” What can you do, with what you have, to create that feeling? Perhaps sprucing up a small space could make all the difference for you – creating a reading nook in a corner, painting a room, displaying some of your favorite things that have been packed away, creating and tending a flower or vegetable garden, etc. Now let’s take a look at how spending can “rob” us of our ability to invest in creating the best lifestyle possible given individual circumstances. The first example is eating out. For many people,

Allergy Relief from page 17 Amythest BioMat. OR 30 minutes on the Jade Infrared Massage Bed • Hot Butter Hand Treatment during the detox Footbath or Biomat. This treatment begins with a salt scrub exfoliation to remove dead cell and open pores before the warm melted butters are drawn into the skin. The hands are then tucked into warm Himalayan salt mitts until butters are delivered deep into skin layers. Allergy Attack ~ $49 • 45 minutes in a Himalayan Salt Room in which negative ions are absorbed into the body by breathing the saturated air into the lungs. The salt is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. You will be breathing air that is saturated with 84 minerals and trace elements. • Large Himalayan Salt Lamp to take home and continue therapy in your home. Himalayan Salt Lamps produce negative ions naturally. These negative ions are known to help alleviate symptoms caused by allergies, sleep disorders, migraine headaches and depression. They also help to eliminate common indoor air pollutants such as dust, mildew, electromagnetic fields from TV’s, computers and other electronic

The Truth Has No Agenda

take-out or dining out is the mainstay of their family’s eating routine. It is difficult to get home cooked meals on the table in dual earner households. Add children, school functions, and sports to the mix and it becomes laborious to even consider home cooking on a week night. But, it is possible to reduce spending while investing in family mealtime. For example, consider a Crockpot meal for weeknights so you can feed your family a healthy, warm, tasty meal within minutes of getting home from work. Great easy Crockpot recipes are abundant on Pinterest and many other Internet sites. Perhaps consider breakfast for dinner. Eggs and dishes with eggs as the foundation are easy, inexpensive, tasty, and quick. If eating out is a must, or a hard habit to break, at least reduce the number of times you eat out. Wardrobe outlays are another way spending can “rob” us of valuable earnings. It is easy to get enticed by advertisers and marketers. Wardrobe spending can be a delicate dance especially if you are required to dress well professionally. I am an advocate of purchasing a few well made, classic garments that will last a long time. Create a basic neutral

well made wardrobe from a few pieces, then add a few inexpensive mix and match pieces in your favorite colors. Lastly, round out the wardrobe with a few fun accessories. It is a better investment to spend money on a few highquality wardrobe essentials than to have a closet full of garments and accessories that are lowpriced and have low wearability. The “Capsule Wardrobe” and the “Daily Uniform Wardrobe” are two recent trends that have put the fun in frugal. Conduct an Internet search on both trends if you would like to learn more. Consumer debt is another way spending “robs” one’s earnings. Debt and interest go hand in hand. Interest on consumer debt is a “tax” people pay for living beyond their means. Pay down consumer debt as quickly as you can. Credit card interest is like throwing money down the drain. If you make purchases on credit cards, pay the balance off within thirty days to avoid interest charges. If an unexpected expense corners you, and the only foreseeable way out is to “charge” your way out, strive to pay the balance off as quickly as possible – no ifs or ands about it. a

devices. Inflammation Shrinker ~ $49 • 5-10 minutes of our Whole Body Vibration to get your circulation moving, your lymphatics stimulated, and your muscles relaxed. • 30 minutes on the Amethyst BioMat with the Jewelry Belt. The deep penetrating Far Infrared rays and negative ions helps reduce stress, tension and aches and pains and is capable of stimulating the cells of our nervous and

musculoskeletal systems. You will wear the Jewelry Belt around your waist, arms, legs or lay it on top of yourself as you lay on the larger Amythest BioMat. • 45 minutes in a Himalayan Salt Room. • Hot Butter Hand Treatment during the BioMat session. • 4oz salt scrub to take home. Enjoy easier breathing and less brain fog from medications!!! Get outside and enjoy Spring!! a


The Valley, May 2016

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Family and Rehabilitation Inspire Courage After Limb Loss By Suzanne Irwin, M.A., Marketing Liaison Each day in the United States, there are more than 500 amputations, according to the Amputation Coalition. HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital honors the many inspiring patients that we have helped to get back into motion after limb loss. John Walter, 66, had a recent below-knee amputation. He chose inpatient rehabilitation at HealthSouth Nittany Valley, where he received physical and occupational therapy for three hours a day, five days a week. That higher dose of therapy helped Walter get strong and safe enough to go home after 13 days of rehabilitation. “John was an inspiration to all of us,” says Britney Giambocurta, RNT. “He always had the most positive attitude; that’s what I’ll remember the most about him.” Walter says that he was inspired by his family and his rehabilitation team. “My nurse, Brittany, was very caring and so ‘in tune’ with my needs and my routine; her positive energy motivated me,” says Walter. “In therapy, they encouraged me to make gains and feel more confident.” Inspiration also came from his beloved family, including his four grandsons. “I’m moving forward, and staying strong, for them,” says Walter. “I want my grandsons to see that in the face of adversity, there is hope, and even though life can bring you difficult challenges, you can overcome them, get strong, and move on to better times.” Walter shared his appreciation for the staff and their focus on his safety and his transition to home. “This morning, the medical director, Dr. Allatt, said to me, ‘What else can we do for you before you leave?’ We discussed how I felt about transferring safely to and from a car, and around my house. I really appreciated his concern for how safe I would feel when I went home.” When John is ready to get his prosthesis, he will go to the Hanger Clinic, a prosthetics and orthotics company located in HealthSouth’s Pleasant Gap outpatient clinic. “I’m going to learn how to walk with my new prosthesis, and I’m looking forward to going to HealthSouth’s outpatient clinic to do that,” says Walter. “After being an inpatient,

there’s nowhere else that I would call (814) want to be.” 359-1244. Inpatient rehabilitation hosThe Hangpitals, and outpatient clinics, like er Clinic HealthSouth Nittany Valley play is located an important role in amputee rein Healthcovery by creating an individualSouth’s ized therapy plan to help patients Pleasreach goals which may include: ant Gap • Improving muscle strength Outpatient • Learning skin care and prosClinic a thesis care • Preparing the residual limb for wearing a prosthesis • Learning to move safely through the home and in the community with and without a prosthesis • Learning to perform daily activities with and without a prosthesis • Coping and The Amputee Rehabilitation Program at adjusting to new challenges HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation • Preparing for Hospital offers a full continuum of inpatient and community re-entry and travel outpatient care for its amputee patients. Our • Returning to experienced team of professionals provide: work or school including adaptations • Pre- and post-prosthetic strengthening with a and accommodafocus on range of motion tions “Limb loss • Pre-prosthetic instruction and limb shaping can be a hard • Prosthetic gait training thing for patients to accept, but our • Prosthetic limb maintenance team of clinicians • Psychological adjustment counseling helps them adjust and regain inde• Skin care instruction pendence through • Nutritional support encouragement and customized care plans,” says Tracy For more information on how you can Everhart, OTR/L, reach your fullest potential, director, therapy call 814 359-3421. operations. “We are inspired by our patients every day as they defy the odds and adapt to A Higher Level of Care® the lives they lived prior to limb loss.” For more information about amputee rehabilita550 West College Avenue tion, please call us at (814) 359-3421, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 or visit www.nittanyvalleyrehab.com. NittanyValleyRehab.com To contact the Hanger Clinic regarding prosthetics and orthotics,

John Walter recently spent 13 days in inpatient rehabilitation at HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital following a below-knee amputation. Pictured with John is Rehabilitation Nurse Technician Britney Giambocurta. “John’s positive attitude helped him to get strong and adapt after his amputation,” says Giambocurta. “We’re grateful that he’s able to go home to his family.”

With You Every Step of the Way HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital’s Amputee Rehabilitation Program

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning

©2015:HealthSouth Corporation:558074-03


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The Valley, May 2016

Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly Spring Maintenance and Next Winter Planning

Well, I do believe that we can consider winter officially over! And what a beautiful spring it has been. The grass is very green and the mountains are shedding their bleak appearance as the leaves begin to appear. Spring flowers are blooming. We’re short of rain so far this spring. It’s been a mild winter with little to no snow. As less heat is required to keep your home or business in the comfort zone, it’s time to schedule needed service and maintenance to ready the heating system for next winter. If the plan is to

upgrade the furnace, boiler or the distribution system, now is the time to consider options before the fall rush. What fuel will you use, what equipment is available, how can the distribution system be improved, what money will be budgeted for the project, and is financing needed? Schedule a meeting with a HVAC or Alternative Energy Heating Professional (call us if you like) and let them know what you are thinking. There are lots of options out there. They’ll provide choices that will fit your lifestyle and budget.

If you have a ducted warm air system with air conditioning or a ductless AC/HP unit, it’s time to clean or replace the filters so the equipment will operate efficiently during those hot summer days. Filters need to be replaced in the spring before the air conditioning season and in the fall before the heating season. It is simple to do and very important in order to obtain the highest efficiency and the maximum life of the equipment. If you are using one of the newer wall thermostats, it can be programmed to provide a reminder every spring and fall to clean or change the filters. If you have an electronic filter, when washing them, always be careful of the ionizing wires in the electronic filter cell as they are very brittle. Be sure to allow time for the filters to dry completely before reinstalling them in the filter housing and turning on the power! To continue to operate at maximum efficiency and reliability, an oil burning boiler or furnace needs to be cleaned every year in the spring if turned off for the summer months or in the fall if used during the summer months to heat domestic hot water (boiler).

If you own a gas stove turn off the pilot light, remove the glass and clean. It is usually just dusty. A clean burning natural or propane burning gas furnace or boiler, in general, requires no yearly cleaning maintenance. If you burn coal, it is very important to service the unit in the spring immediately after it is shut down for the summer season. Coal produces a small amount of noncombustible fly ash when it is burning. If fly ash is mixed with water (humid air or rain) it produces hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, which will eat thru black steel smoke pipe by the next heating season and cause wear and tear on the coal burning equipment. If you have a coal stoker boiler that heats domestic hot water all summer, it’s ok to wait until the fall to shut it down to clean because as long as there is heat in the unit, no degradation will occur. In addition, if the coal burning unit is vented into an insulated stainless steel all fuel chimney, a brush will be needed to clean it and then, install a cap on the top so rain water can’t enter. It is imperative that the coal stove, smoke pipe and stainless

steel chimney be cleaned shortly after the unit is shut down. Sweep out the ashes, clean the glass, disconnect the smoke pipe and brush it out. A wood and pellet stove is a different story because rain water or humid air won’t affect the life of the chimney, smoke pipe or stove. Before next heating season remove all ash from the stove, clean the glass, brush the smoke pipe and chimney. If you burn pellets, watch for those low summer prices so you can stock up for next year. If you burn wood beyond sweeping/cleaning the stove, smoke pipe and flu, this is the time to cut and split wood so it is seasoned by fall We wish you the best summer ever!! Curt Bierly is president of the bierly group incorporated of which Stanley C. Bierly is a division. He graduated from Penn State with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and is the chair of the Penn College HVAC Advisory Board. You can contact him at cbierly@bierlygroup.com a

May is Better Speech & Hearing Month, Elise N. Uhring, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology, Invites You to VisitOne of Our 4 Offices. Call today to make an Appointment.

1-877-641-4327

The Truth Has No Agenda

visit www.uhrings.com


The Valley, May 2016

22

PACleanways of Mifflin County Keep PA Beautiful It never ceases to amaze me why people will take their electronics out along the road, two miles out of town to dump them in a stream when they can take them to the Mifflin County Solid Waste Authority to dispose of them for free. People don’t realize the harm they are doing to the environment for future generations who will be drinking from our water table that has been trashed. We have started our spring cleanups—one illegal dump site, one road cleanup, and we have properly disposed of nearly a ton and half of trash. I will never understand why people can’t take their trash from fast food home with them, or even put it in the trash can when they fill up their vehicle at the gas station. We are not presenting a good impression for anyone coming into Mifflin County if people are looking at our roadsides. My hope is that when people are caught, they would be required to pick up the litter on at

least two miles of road. If you take pride in your community, you can clean up the roadsides in your neighborhood. In 2013 and 2014, the Mifflin County Conservation District secured grants from the Foundation for PA Watersheds and the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies to conduct Juniata River cleanups in Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, and Huntingdon counties. Project partners included PACleanWays of Mifflin County, Keep PA Beautiful, Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful, Keep Juniata County Beautiful, and Keep Perry County Beautiful. A total of eight cleanup events were held over the two

Plain Talk

Solar Explained by S. Yoder Hello to all readers of The Valley. No Power? No Problem! There are options. Option one may be to try living like the Amish for a week, or perhaps, option two would be a bit more to your liking. Option two is installing an alternative energy source, which comes in several forms. One possibility is wind, another is hydro, but if you lack the location for either of those, solar may just be for you. Providing your own power cuts out big brother and the oil company, and in most every situation, allows you to be at least less dependent on them. Whatever you may need for off-grid solar, give us a call and we will do out best to find you a solution. We have successfully solved problems for people with camps, cabins, boats, RV’s and service vehicles. Basically, wherever you need power and it isn’t currently available or possible with traditional practices, we

should be able to bring you a solution. Even out in the middle of nowhere, a water pump with solar power making sure to get water to your livestock is not hard at all. Now for a little information on Dewalt battery charging to make sure you get the maximum life expectancy on your new Dewalt or used power pack. Don’t wait to buy a new one before starting this practice, you might get a few extra cycles from your current batteries by starting now! To be positively sure your pack is worn out (a note, this does not just apply to Dewalt light owners, but every Dewalt owner, and is only optional if you wish for more life) leave it on the charger when not needed so that it goes through all maintenance cycles. If you notice a power loss, use it on a tool, and not a light, to drain all the power from it. Let it sit one hour to be sure it is completely cool. Even if cool to the touch, it can still be warm on the inside. Don’t ever tie

years, with two in each of the four counties. A total of 264 volunteers contributed 1,364 hours to clean up approximately 9.5 miles of the Juniata River, removing and properly disposing or recycling 12.48 tons of trash and 1,227 discarded tires. In 2015, three more cleanup events were held in Mifflin, Juniata, and Huntingdon counties. A total of 128 volunteers removed 13.31 tons of trash including 500 discarded tires from the bed and banks of the Juniata. Another round of river clean-up events is planned for 2016. We are working to finalize dates, times and places along the river to cleanup for 2016. They will be posted on the www.keeppabeautiful.org web site. You can also find out how to contact your local chapter on that web site. We are also working on this year’s tire recycle for September 17. We are waiting on confirmation on the site to hold it. a the trigger on a tool until it is run down. I know how this works, it is the same as using a light, which is a steady draw instead of continuous amp draw. Now let it re-charge for a minimum of 12 hours to be sure you are not at fault, because if it fails now, it is time to replace the pack. A few words for lithium batteries—charge often since they do not have a memory. When you leave your Dewalts on the charger, they will always be ready when you are ready to use them, they can lose up to 3% of their charge by just being off the charger. We do not sell Dewalts, but this information is provided so you can make a proper decision between solar power and still get the most out of your power packs and your battery system on your solar system. Also, remember us when it comes to sizing that system for you, or even if you are looking for that perfect golf cart battery. Our batteries have one of the longest life ratings on the market. So if compare the price of a regular golf cart battery at 1100 cycles and then ours at 1600 cycles, you will see the savings. We also do not core charge, so again, savings. We sell Trojan batteries, so you will be sure you

LIbrary Lines Your Mifflin County Library by Trish Forshey We at the MCL have survived another winter! Spring has sprung and we are getting ready for some fun times ahead at the Library. We are pleased to announce that we will be visited by the Christian fiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher on Thursday, May 5th. She will be at the Lewistown branch from 1 to 2:30pm and the Kish branch from 3:30 to 5pm. Woods Fisher will be promoting her new release, “The Quieting” and will have copies available for purchase and autographing. Woods Fisher is the author of series such as Lancaster County Secrets and Stoney Ridge Seasons, as well as several nonfiction titles about the Amish culture. In addition, she co-authored the children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her books are wildly popular with MCL readers due to their wholesome themes and wonderfully constructed plot lines. Her characters are people you would love to be friends with and readers derive joy following them through the trials and tribulations they encounter in her books. Suzanne Woods Fisher currently resides in California, but draws inspiration for her books from her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who grew up Plain in Franklin County. She believes that we should impart some basic principles of the Amish, or Plain

culture into our everyday lives such as: living simply, trusting your faith, forgiving more readily, and appreciating nature. These characteristics make for a happier and more satisfied existence. So be sure to mark your calendars to come and meet this fantastic lady. You are certain to enjoy it! Then on Saturday, June 4th join us at our Lewistown branch from noon to 3pm to kick off our 2016 Summer Reading Program. This year our children’s theme is On Your Mark, Get Set, READ!, and our kick-off will be full of fun for the whole family. There will be “minute to win it” inspired games that will allow you to compete against siblings, parents or friends for bragging rights on who can stack cups faster, or who is better at juggling balloons, or even who can stack hex nuts better. Of course, there will also be yummy food like hot dogs, snocones, popcorn, and drinks. Plus, you will be able to register and pick up your materials for both the children’s and adult’s summer reading program. This kick-off is just the beginning of what we will be offering this summer and promises to be a fun-filled afternoon for everyone. More details will be coming on Summer Reading activities so be sure to keep an eye on our website mifflincountylibrary.org for updates. Now get reading! a

are getting the best. Steven Yoder is an authorized salesman for Elk creek Solar and area service provider.

He can be reached at 717-6670330 Monday thru Friday after 3:30pm and all day Saturday until 5:00pm. a

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning


23

The Valley, May 2016 Libertarianism in the Woods of NH from page 14

Free State Project from page 8

taxes, unlike New Hampshire. But there isn’t much of a debate in New Hampshire about the matter. The state’s Democratic and Republican parties are both largely opposed to implementing those taxes, Shaiko said. “Both Democrats and Republicans say they will never create an income tax or a sales tax, so it’s not a partisan thing,” he said. “It’s not Republicans saying that or Democrats saying that, it’s both parties, and every governor has signed the pledge.” Libertarianism is not without its critics, however. Aside from ideological critiques, the movement is frequently targeted for being young, male and pale. A 2015 CNN poll of the Republican primary field found that Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul — son of former Texas Rep. Ron Paul who helped galvanize libertarian voters in New Hampshire in the 2015 primary, in which he placed second and won Coös County, where PorcFest takes place — performed far better with men than with women. Critics of the movement have accused it of being racist or sexist — or simply a fantasy, charges Sorens disputes. Rather, he said, libertarianism is a byproduct of strategic thinking that is partial to rules, systems and clear-cut ideologies. Diversity is not libertarianism’s strong suit, Sorens acknowledged, but “that alone I don’t think is a critique of an idea,” he said, adding that today, discrimination is only a factor in distant “corners” of the movement. And being male and pale may not be as much of an issue in New Hampshire, where 94 percent of residents are white. Max Frankel ’19, a libertarian-minded student who is a member of many rightleaning groups on campus, said New Hampshire may lend itself well to introspection necessary to defend unusual political views. “There’s an interesting exchange of ideas that you might not get from a more traditionally liberal campus,” he said of Dartmouth. But can the Libertarian Party make a breakthrough in New Hampshire under its own name?

best friends I have ever had - the people I spent the next few years strategizing with, collaborating on projects with, and celebrating with, first when New Hampshire was chosen, and later as each new person and each new family moved to join us in New Hampshire. One of the most memorable of the attendees at Escape to New Hampshire (and those of you who know him understand why I say “most memorable”), Dave Mincin, moved from Pennsylvania to the Seacoast region of NH just a few short months later. We grew to love Dave like a member of our family and a couple of years later, when I started to get a bit tired and worn out from my many years of activism, it was Dave’s enthusiasm and commitment that energized me and inspired me to stick with it, albeit in quieter and less public ways. He still has that

effect on me today! Although by 2004, I had moved on to helping create and establish the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance, and did not get involved in organizing it, I did attend the next Porcfest. That year was a big celebration, and rather than marketing NH as a potential great place to live, the emphasis had shifted to introducing NH to the visitors and FSP members who had made a commitment to moving here. But that was it. Other than a brief visit one day a few years later, other obligations always seemed to pop up that week and I hadn’t been back. Until 2013 that is, for the 10th anniversary of Porcfest Zero when I brought a good friend to introduce him to the FSP, and then again, in 2014 when I stayed the entire week. Wow! I don’t even have the words to explain the exhilaration and pride that I felt when I saw for myself and experienced the extraordinary event that Porcfest has become. “Some sort

Editors note: This concludes parts one and two of a three piece series by Parker Richards for The Dartmouth, www.thedartmouth.com, part three will appear in next months issue.

The Truth Has No Agenda

of convention? Maybe in May or June?” has transformed into one of the largest freedom-oriented gatherings in the country, covered by some of the most prominent media outlets in the world, and attracting as speakers many of my greatest heroes in the liberty movement. But what strikes me the most? The friendships, alliances, and great ideas that were spawned at Porcfest Zero. The idea for the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance was just one of those. Many of the greatest successes that Porcupines have enjoyed in the state since 2003, came out of conversations that just a few early FSP members had while sharing campfires at Porcfest Zero. I’ll be attending Porcfest 2016, celebrating the life-changing idea that Jason Sorens envisioned and the incredible people who are helping to turn his vision into a reality in New Hampshire. I’ll be celebrating the move that has been triggered and welcoming

what I expect will be my many new neighbors in the state. But what will really be on my mind as I walk through the paths connecting the huge property at Roger’s Campground? It will be the campfires. Countless hundreds of them now, rather than the half dozen or so that we had in 2003. And gathering around those campfires hundreds and thousands of like-minded, freedom-loving people sharing thoughts, hopes, dreams, and ideas. And as I have well learned, even the simplest of ideas in the hands of committed activists can turn into amazing, even life-changing events and movements. So many amazing, committed people. So many great ideas and amazing things to come. So much to celebrate! I hope you will join us. - See more at: https:// freestateproject.org/blogs/ porcfest-origin-story-written-michelle-dumas#sthash.EOUxbl83. dpuf a


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The Valley, May 2016

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning


25

The Valley, May 2016

As increasing blossoms and new leaves attest, the ascension of spring in central Pennsylvania is upon us. With the returning migrant songbirds, another less obvious migration is upon us as amphibians and reptiles or, “herps,” emerge from their winter hibernacula to assume their important, but overlooked role in our ecosystem. According to the Pennsylvania Amphibian & Reptile Survey, these animals collectively can exceed the total weight of all other animals in a healthy ecosystem! This doesn’t mean that our world is being taken over by frogs, turtles, and snakes, but it does highlight the incredible role they play in controlling the population of insects, slugs, centipedes, spiders, and other invertebrates. While we often associate frogs with water, many of our species actually spend most of the year hunting for prey in tree canopies,

under leaf litter, or in our gardens and fields. Similarly, our most misunderstood group of reptiles, snakes, are under-appreciated in the benefits they provide to us. Most of our larger snakes, including the venomous Timber Rattlesnake and Northern Copperhead, provide a degree of rodent control that has far-reaching benefits. A University of Maryland study found that rattlesnakes annually remove between 2,500-4,500 deer ticks from their home range through the rodents that they consume. The collective impact of the rattlesnakes on these lyme disease vectors should be welcome by the hunters, hikers, and campers that explore our ridges. Closer to home for most of us is Pennsylvania’s longest species, the Eastern or Black Ratsnake, which can approach eight feet. Ratsnakes are more effective mousers than cats due to

their ability to scent track rodents to their nests, far from the reach of other predators. In fact, the miller of an historic grist mill where I used to work, encouraged ratsnakes for this very reason. Turtles, able to live for decades in many cases, often have their lives cut short by automobiles. These unique animals feed on a variety of prey throughout their lives and despite stereotypes, even large species such as Snapping Turtles, feed heavily on vegetation, sick fish, and decaying carcasses and not as often, gamefish or ducklings. Despite the diversity of frogs, turtles, lizards, and snakes in central Pennsylvania, many of these species are in decline. The good news is there are many things we can do to ensure they continue to contribute to the health and our enjoyment of the natural world. Careful driving on rainy nights and warm spring days can greatly

The Truth Has No Agenda

reduce the toll that automobiles take on a variety of species, often as they migrate to breeding ponds to lay eggs. Protecting or enhancing stream edges and wet areas in farms, fields, and forests will provide safe places to breed and offer a chance to enjoy these animals up close, especially for children. One of the simplest conservation actions that we can all engage in is learning “what’s out there.” The Pennsylvania Amphibian & Reptile Survey (paherpsurvey.org) is a long-term study that anyone can participate in by signing up

on the website to submit photos and observations. Similarly, the Pennsylvania Herps website (paherps.com) is an excellent source for identifying and learning about amphibians & reptiles. Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center located on the other side of Stone Mountain in Huntingdon County is a great resource to learn about herps through an on-site visit, one of our traveling programs, or by emailing photos and questions to our staff at shaverscreekwildlife@ psu.edu. a


The Valley, May 2016

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The Farmland Preservation Artists

The Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania

Acrylic painting by Valerie Moyer

was formed in 2005 by a group of artists who wanted to use their

love of painting rural scenes and subjects to also actively promote the preservation and appreciation of farmland and the rural way of life. I joined the group a few years later and have been active in it ever since. The FPA has a group show currently running at the Green Drake Gallery in Millheim though the end of May. There are more than forty paintings and photographs by members depicting everything from farm landscapes, to farm animals, to tools of the trade. Most of the seventeen or so members have included work. Our group is affiliated with both the Centre

Watercolor painting by Jeff Mathison

County Farmland Trust and the Art Alliance of Central Pa. A small percentage of sales from our group shows goes to the CCFT toward their work creating permanent protection for farmland in the area, working with interested farmers and sometimes other organizations. One of the biggest pressures on agricultural land is the fact that the most fertile farmland is often also the easiest and most profitable to develop for other uses. It becomes a matter

“.....shall NOT be infringed....� has but one meaning

of intelligent long-term planning over short-term profit. Farmers working with programs like this get significant tax breaks and other incentives to help offset the lost potential for profit by selling for development. You can find out more about the Centre County Farmland Trust at http://www.centrecountyfarmlandtrust.org/. If you are in another county, there is probably at least one similar program in your area. a


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The Valley, May 2016 exposed as the story unfolds telling about the family. It is an intriguing and exciting read that revolves around the silk and the parachutes that are produced by this loving family! The book comes full circle with the story being sandwiched between the war times and modern times. The novel is rich with emotion and tells a story that incorporates the oppression of WWII along with tales of love and devotion.

Mail Pouch Books by Carleen B. Grossman Here are some excellent reads for the month of May! THE FORGOTTEN SEAMSTRESS By Liz Trenow Copyright 2014 321 pages The Forgotten Seamstress deals in the world of fabrics. Like a patchwork, this novel is a fascinating story of life from youth to old age; it is really two stories, one from the past and one in the present stitched together like the

quilt that forms the centerpiece of the novel. What brings these dual plot lines together is the discovery of an heirloom silk quilt, tinged with both happy and tragic past times, that propels the modern day protagonist to conduct research on its origins! The mystery around the quilt in this story is fascinating and will capture your attention immediately! Quilts tell stories---and the quilt in this story is definitely one of the characters of the story. THE LAST TELEGRAM: A Novel of What Saves Us By Liz Trenow Copyright 2013 405 pages

factories survived because they turned their silk production into making parachutes for the war! There is a mystery within the story as keepsake letters, telegrams and other items that have been saved in a satchel become

This novel is about a family who operates a silk weaving factory in England. In fact, each of the book’s chapters begins with a short paragraph about the history of silk written by the father who is the owner/manager of the silk factory. During WWII, many silk factories were closed because of the lack of need for silk clothing; but, some of the

Home at the Grange by Patricia L Bird

Baileyville Grange #1991 Each month I would like to showcase a Community Grange in Centre County. As Mr. Rogers always said “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” the same can be said for being a member of Baileyville Grange in Centre County. For the month of May, I would like to tell you about Baileyville Grange #1991. Situated along farm fields almost at the Huntingdon County line, Baileyville Grange is celebrating 82 years of organization. However, its history goes back even further. Before there was a Baileyville Grange #1991, members belonged to Leonard Grange #779 in Rock Springs, PA. The records date back to 1885. The Leonard Grange hall burned in 1887 and the Grange went dormant

until 1911. J. M. Campbell who was elected Master at the time along with 41 members worked to reorganize and charter Baileyville Grange #1991. Around the same time, the community of Baileyville obtained ownership of a two-room schoolhouse that they renovated as the Baileyville Community Hall. Baileyville Grange has met there since their first organized meeting on February 20, 1934 and continues to do so. In 2003 another local Grange, Washington Grange #157, which was chartered in 1874 merged with Baileyville Grange #1991. There are members who can say that they have been part of Baileyville for over 80 years like Elwood Homan and Mary Ellen Kean. Baileyville Grange members

enjoy working together serving the community; learning about new and exciting things; and having fun at regular meetings all while supporting each other and good causes. Baileyville Grange continues to promote agriculture, the achievement of fair legislation for the community, good healthy practices and support for community members. In the past, they have supported many community worthy causes. Some of those are the Women’s Resource Center, local food banks, dictionaries for local third graders, PA State Police Camp Cadet, FFA and 4-H. Members make up a Relay for Life team at the Centre Hall Relay every June and offer various rabies clinics throughout the community. They also help sponsor a community Halloween Party on the Saturday prior to Trick or Treat night. Members of Baileyville Grange serve as officers at both the local, county and state levels. You might find members like Charles Richard chairing meetings or Melanie Melius making wraps for a State Grange project to benefit the “Wraps for Life Project.”

The Truth Has No Agenda

LOST IN SHANGRI-LA: A True Story of Survival, Adventure and the most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II By Mitchell Zuckoff Copyright 2012 432 pages This is a non-fiction adventure story. I listened to the audio version and highly recommend it! It takes place in 1945 on the island of Dutch New Guinea. At that time, U.S. soldiers and WACS were stationed there waiting for deployment to the Philippines. During their waiting time, several of the pilots decided to fly to Shangri-La for a joy ride/daytrip; 24 men and women from the base went. They had never flown there and wanted to see the magic of this place. It was hidden deep in a valley and was extremely dangerous to fly into due to low

visibility. A catastrophic plane crash occurred; 21 of the men and women were killed. Three survivors were seriously burned, but miraculously limped away. This story is about the survival of those three survivors. Many months are spent in the jungle of New Guinea with the three survivors. I have attached two websites for this book; the first has information from the author—enjoy the old-time photos! https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=LWIMzN4mk8U The second is an historical, 1945 film made into a YouTube. It tells about this experience with photos of the real participants. The old footage of the actual event makes it difficult to adjust the volume, but it is worth seeing what really happened! https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MynQcWQJ3iI a

These wraps are given to the families of people who donate organs to the Gift of Life. Also like all the Granges in Centre County, they participate in the local Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair by placing exhibits in the Grange Building, having a float in the parade, selling quilt chances to raise funds for donations and having several members serve on the Fair Committee. So, if you are Pictured is Melanie Melius of Baileyville Grange looking for a great #1991 who has committed to making at least 10 Grange to join, Wrapped in Hugs wraps as part of Pomona Grange think about Bai#13. leyville #1991. It at 814-667-3836 (bmrcer@gmail. meets the second com) or Secretary Janet Rider Tuesday of each month at 7:30 at 814-692-8049 (orefarms@ p.m. in the Baileyville Commuaol.com) and they will gladly nity Hall located at 210 Deibler send you any and all informaRoad, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA. tion and talk with you about their Contact Master Charles Richard Grange.a


The Valley, May 2016

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Life in the East End by Rebecca Harrop Planting season is in full swing here in the East End. I want to remind everyone to be careful on the roads because farmers will be out on the roads trying to get their work done. I know it can be frustrating when you are behind a slow moving tractor on the road, but your safety and the farmer’s is more important. After all, they are just trying to do their job, which is providing YOUR food. If you have to be somewhere, leave a little early if you know you are going to be on a road used by tractors. Mifflin County Farm Bureau just put on their annual Rural Road Safety program to help farmers learn the safety regulations for moving farm tractors and equipment on the roadways. There was also a presentation on ATV and farm utility vehicle safety. Most farmers are very conscientious when traveling on the roadways, but accidents will still happen. Please do your part and learn what your obligations

are as a safe motor vehicle operator when coming upon a piece of farm equipment on the roads. This year during Rural Road Safety, a program on Silo Gas and Manure Pit Gas was also presented. Every year there are instances where someone is overcome by one of these deadly gases. These gases can cause permanent lung damage or death. Sadly most of the farm community knows an individual who has been affected by one of these gases. Last month was also the beginning of trout season. On the first day I went fishing with my brother Ernie. I only caught one, but he caught four. Later in the week, I helped him take his girls fishing. This is the first year they went fishing and they really enjoy it. I helped Nicole catch a fish, she didn’t want to hold it, but Emily did. She spent the rest of the morning petting and talking to the dead fish. My peach tree is looking pretty good this year. I was con-

cerned about it because of the late freezes we had, and thought they might have frozen the blossoms, but I think it is ok. The apples and plums look good too. The quince tree had to have some dead branches trimmed out ,so hopefully it will make fruit this year. I’m getting ready to plant our garden soon. It has been pretty dry this spring, so the garden is in pretty good shape. I have to get some more seeds, but I have some ready to go. We planted new rhubarb last year and it is really coming up nice. Hopefully there will be enough for mom to make that rhubarb cake she makes every spring. We did make some rhubarb jelly a couple years ago that was also good. All the cold weather has kept the asparagus from coming up, but the last couple warmer nights has it peeking through. Mom and Dad are pretty happy about that. They love asparagus. I’m definitely making plans for the vegetables I want to enter in the Open Show at the Mifflin County Youth Fair this year. I hope all you gardeners out there are thinking about entering the Open Show as well. You can enter flowers, crafts, woodworking projects, antiques, and a whole lot of other items. If you have questions about the Open Show, you can check out the Mifflin County Youth Fair Open Show Facebook page or email at openshowmifflinco@gmail. com. That’s all for this month. I hope everyone enjoys the nice weather. a

Next Issue of The Valley: June 1st “.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning


The Valley, May 2016

The Truth Has No Agenda

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The Valley, May 2016

30 Sunrise Farm Market from front page 522 from Lewistown (founded in 2012 by Paula and Jake Fisher), follow this tradition. Sunrise Farm Market is proud to take its place in this select fellowship. After participating in local, weekly, outdoor markets for a number of years, Moses Hostetler, owner and head farmer of Hostetler’s Naturals, felt it was time to branch out. Always glad to share with his customers the amazing benefits of foods grown in healthy soils, as experienced first hand within his own family, he decided that Sunrise Farm Market will have a definite teaching component. “After taking a state to state trip through the north east, we were amazed to find central PA one of the most unaware of areas when it comes to the food-health connection.” Hostetler noted. “There is a small committed group of people here, but they are far too few.” He hopes that Sunrise Farm Market will help in giving more people the information and availability they need to make better choices. The organic food market increased by 73% during 2015. The interest in eating and learning about food that is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and

fertilizers is steadily growing. The number of larger farms transitioning to organic and the number of smaller organic farms being started by enthusiastic younger farmers is on the rise. While there is an economic component to all of this, there is something much more important at work. Dr. Arden Andersen, D.O., M.S.P.H. Ph. D. is one of the most expert and outspoken members of the growing number of medical professionals who champion real food grown in healthy soils as a necessary part of regaining and maintaining vibrant health. Dr. Andersen travels globally and lectures widely to diverse groups on his experiences on the front lines of health care. About 15 years ago, he was asked if it was possible to convince farmers to move away from the “chemical farming system” before it “crashes the health of the next generation.” His reply was that it was impossible! Dr. Andersen pointed out that in order to change a system as entrenched as industrial farming, the change would come from only one source – consumer demand, which is exactly what has happened. Remember, every dollar that you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Indeed, this has happened to

The above chart will give you a general idea of when you can expect these crops to be “in season” at your Sunrise Farm Market. This chart is based on normal seasons with normal weather, extremes of either can alter this schedule.

such a degree that many in the sustainable farming community feel that we are approaching a tipping point where, over the next decades, environmentally and economically sound farming practices will become the “normal” way of farming once again, just as it was some 100 years ago, not something “new” or only for granola munching hippies. We aren’t quite there yet, but there seems to be a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Just who are these consumers who are making such an impact on the face of American agriculture? Well, people of all ages, from all walks of life are making positive changes. One of the largest groups seem to be parents in their 20s and30s, mostly mothers, who are rightly, and in too many cases, desperately, looking to the health of their children. They are educating themselves on how our food is produced, • Reliable Propane & Heating Oil Delivery how it is marketed, and how to regain • Budget Payment Plan Call today control over what to learn about our • 24/7 Emergency Service we eat and how it is grown and NE w Cu stOmER • Heating Equipment Service Plans the health of their sPECiAls! • Safety Trained Professionals families. One sad aspect • Over 80 Years Experience of this is the fact that their return to real food and real health is sometimes the cause Our Business is Customer Satisfaction of friction among family and friends and, it seems, 717-248-5476 • 1-800-PROPANE (776-7263) anyone else with

Expect More from Your Fuel Supplier!

an opinion on the matter (whether of not that opinion is informed). Often the problems arise from disinformation spread in various ways, but always portraying sustainable agriculture as something new (which, a few minutes of thinking will show to be false), or that this type of agriculture can’t “feed the world” (again not true, as over thirty years of research at the Rodale institute in Pennsylvania has proven year after year), or that there is no difference between conventionally grown, processed foods and minimally grown foods grown with correct organic methods (absolutely not true, but that’s a discussion for another time). Indeed, field research and statistics show that organically based, sustainable agriculture produces more real food, with fewer inputs, using less energy without degrading the environment. Moreover, this type of farming (and gardening for that matter) is more resilient and dependable when it comes to climate fluctuations, without millions of dollars being poured into changing the genomes of plants or animals that already do very well, when grown and raised correctly. So education is the key for deciding for ourselves where we want to be found and the quality of lives we and our families want to live; working with and preserving God’s creation, or unwittingly destroying it. Asking questions is a large part of that education. When you go to any market, never be afraid of asking how the fruit and vegetables are grown, or how the eggs, dairy or meat is produced. This is very important and farmers and producers should be totally open with what they do and how they do it and why they do it. On the other side of the coin,

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning

we farmers appreciate hearing what our customers want to see available at the market. The partnership between farm and consumer needs to be strengthened with open communication. Dr. Andersen makes the important point that just “organic” is not going to fix the problem. The organic market is now bringing in so much money that some begin “farming organically” solely from the motivation of profit. This leads to cutting corners, not focusing on the overall health of the soil, and looking for the quickest return. All of this adds up to poor quality food, regardless of the “organic” label it may carry. But, when organic ways are done from the heart, with love and a respect for nature and our Creator, it can bring unbelievable results – both physical and spiritual! This is why Sunrise Farm Market is committed, in its own small way, to helping more people learn about their food and its connection to their health. In fact, Hostetler’s Naturals is hosting its second annual Farm Day on May 21st, at their farm. Featured speaker will be Dr. Chris Turnpaugh, from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. For more information, flyers can be picked up at Sunrise Farm Market, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10’til 6. And just F.Y.I., here’s another little bit of trivia; the oldest continuously used open air market in the United States – Easton Farmer’s Market, Easton, Pennsylvania (founded 1752)! Let’s keep these great Pennsylvania traditions going strong! See you at market! a


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The Valley, May 2016 Wine: not just for drinking from page 10 shining and firm. Centuries after that, in 1993, again in France, in the wine region Bordeaux, researchers of wine scientifically proved the positive grape and wine effects on health and beauty. The studies showed that grape seeds, skin and stems are rich in polyphenols and resveratrol. Polyphenols are taken from the grape seeds. They have potent antioxidants which acts as a free radical scavenger – defending the skin, promote tissue elasticity – creating a more youthful appearance. Resveratrol is obtained from the grape skins. It slows the aging process, spurs new cell growth and firms up skin. There are so many benefits to Vinotherapy. It has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis while supporting capillary health. Using wine by-products is also soothing to the skin and promotes anti-inflammation of the skin. Vinotherapy can accelerate wound healing and even stimulate new cell growth. The polyphenols are 10,000 times stronger than vitamin E and 50 times more effective, can reduce 80 percent of the free radicals that are responsible for wrinkles

and skin aging, and can improve circulation by strengthening blood vessels. So really, the same way that

“let your skin drink its benefits” grape skins were designed to protect the delicate fruit from damage with polyphenols and resveratrol, these same powerful ingredients can protect your skin! So, the next time you or a friend make some wine, keep that sediment and use it on your skin and “Let your skin drink its benefits!” As always, we extend a personal invitation to come visit us at Shade Mountain Naturals or visit us on the web at www.shademountain.com. We will personally show you how our VinoTherapy line is made: We love visitors! a

“wine a little: laugh a lot”

May is Older Americans Month!

CONSIGNMENT / BENEFIT AUCTION MONDAY, MAY 30 TH , 2016 @ 8:30 am Auction @ the Solomon & Rebecca Zook FARM

(11178 Stage Road McClure Pa 17841) Directions: Rt 522 (McClure) to onto Ulsh Gap road, turn right on Stage Road go approx 2 mile (watch for signs)

*Funds raised will help defray medical expenses for baby Amos Hostetler* (Amos J. Hostetler (father))

LIVESTOCK / TACK: 8 month old Jersey bull, 3 month old bull calf, 2 Holstein/Jersey cross yearling heifers, 10 month Jersey cross heifer, (2) 8 month old heifers, 20 month old Jersey steer, 6 month old Holstein bull, Yearling heifer, 6 yr old black std bred gelding 15 hands (broke for women w/ enough speed for boys), 2-3 yr old ½ std bred-1/4 morgan-1/4 belgian stud (broke Dbl-green single-traffic safe & sound), Yearling std bred/percheron cross mare (halter broke), 1 set new Britchen harness, Check lines (new), Work bridle (new), New driving bridle, Buggy harness, 2-3-4 Horse hitches & neck yoke, Used horse shoes, MACHINERY: 28” Frick threshing machine (good working condition), 28’ Hay/grain elevator, New Holland 56 hay rake, New bubby top, Potato digger, Seed potato cutter, New Idea Produce transplanter, Oliver hay rake, Binder fore cart, Master Equipment manure spreader, 5’ single head disk, Spring wagon, 8 pc 30” Silo chute, John Deere lime spreader, 13 hp engine w/electric start, 60’ double 8” wide flat drive belt, TOOLS: Campbell & Hausfeld pressure washer (low hrs), 4” Jointer, Galvanized milk cans, Older table saw, I-Beam trolley, Wooden ladders, #12 & #22 Enterprise meat grinders, HOUSEHOLD / MISC: New dressers (oak, Cherry, Walnut), 2 & 3 burner New Perfection oil stoves, Butter churn, High chair, Short benches, Kerosene heater, Late cabbage plants, Green jars, Griswold skillets, Wooden potato box, Misc dishes, Water sets, Berry sets, Kero lamps, Apple peelers, Wind up wall clocks, 2 sinks w/stands, Couches, Several old chairs & furniture pcs, Milk pads, Sure gel, Potato & Onion grader, Pressure cooker, Pioneer Maid cook stove w/reservoir, Large cookie sheets, Water pitchers, Galvanized tubs, Sad irons, 3 gal butter churn, Kitchen cupboard, Pioneer Princess cook stove, 5 gal water jug, Homemade lye soap, 35 Day clock, Old antique clock w alarm inside, Quartz clock w/hourly chimes), 5 gal crock, Chair covers, New metal roofing (8’, 10’, 12’, 14’), New metal capping & corners, New shoes, Accepting items MAY 23rd thru 28th up to morning of sale time Notify Soloman C. Zook, Iddo M. Hostetler, Manass N. Yoder or Don Chesney with items SALE ORDER: Starting with household and wagon items, farm machinery then livestock This is only a partial listing. More to be added by day of sale AUCTION HELD UNDER TENT if needed DONATIONS AND CONSIGNMENTS WELCOME LUNCH STAND, LOTS OF BAKED GOODS SERVING BREAKFAST Terms of sale: Cash or Good Pa Check SELLING with SEVERAL auctioneers as needed Chesney Auctioneering, LLC PH # (717) 994-5266 Don Chesney #AY002085 #AU005039 NOTE: Auctioneer or Owner not responsible for injury or accidents. All items sold as is condition, All verbal information day of sale takes precedence over written ads. ALL ITEMS SOLD AS-IS

Nonprofit Organization Helps Older Workers Blaze Trails Older Americans Month celebrates older adults as they play growing and increasingly vital roles in communities all across the country. This year’s theme, “Blaze a Trail,” emphasizes the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new work and new passions, engaging their communities, and blazing a trail of positive impact on the lives of people of all ages. Experience Works, a national nonprofit organization, dedicates year-round programs and services that are helping them do just that. Its largest program, the U.S. Department of Labor-funded Senior Community Service Employment Program or SCSEP,

provides assistance to low-income older adults needing help transitioning back into the workforce. Operating in 30 states and Puerto Rico, including 50 Pennsylvania counties, participants like 55-yearold Deloris Bilger of Granville, build confidence, update job skills through a wide range of community service opportunities, and access customized training as a stepping stone to employment. “Older Americans Month is the perfect time to remind Pennsylvanians that Experience Works is an important community resource for low-income older adults and their communities – especially in rural areas,” says Dottie Manuel, employment and

training coordinator for Experience Works. “The SCSEP is a wonderful example of how we help people age with dignity and purpose.” In a paid community service assignment as an administrative assistant at Kish Apartments in Lewistown, Bilger is performing a wide variety of clerical duties including data entry. While she learns valuable job skills, the lowincome senior housing complex covered through the Housing Finance and Development Authority benefits from an expanded workforce that helps meet the increasing need for its services. The program is available to people 55 and older who are

The Truth Has No Agenda

unemployed and have incomes of $14,850 per year or less for a family of one; $20,025 for a family of two. (Call for additional guidelines for more family members.) Manuel also wants to connect with public and nonprofit organizations interested in becoming community partners. “Working together is the best way to ensure

older adults have the support and resources they need to be successful,” she says. For more information on becoming a community partner, or finding out if you qualify for the program, call Experience Works 717-395-7402, toll-free 877-3147383, or visit www.experienceworks.org. a

“Old age ain’t no place for sissies.” ~Bette Davis


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100 Stine Drive Lewistown, PA 17044 Conveniently located next to Route 322 717-248-6400 2016 FIRST QUARTER SALES CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AGENTS OF STONE ARCH REAL ESTATE! Stone Arch Real Estate Agents 1st Quarter Production was $5,841,711! We surpassed our closest competition in Mifflin/Juniata County residential

These are just some of the Homes we SOLD in the first quarter!

sales by over $2.7 million! Stone Arch Real Estate holds the highest average sale price of homes sold in Mifflin/Juniata county which is $166,906.

You Deserve The Best! Call Stone Arch Real Estate for all your Real Estate Needs!

Yeagertown

Blossom Hill

Yeagertown

Blossom Hill

Lewistown

Blossom Hill Kim Rickert REALTOR ® Broker/Owner ABR,CRS,GRI

Katy Flood REALTOR® ABR 717-437-0161

Blossom Hill

Lewistown

Lewistown

Blossom Hill

Reedsville Tami Slick REATOR® 717-250-2838

Teri Smith REALTOR® CRS, GRI 717-994-3908

Visit our website for all of our listings plus virtual tours www.stonearchrealestate.com Members of Mifflin-Juniata MLS and Centre County MLS

“.....shall NOT be infringed....” has but one meaning

Deb McCoy REATOR® 717-513-5277

Marie Miller REALTOR ® 717-437-3058


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