F
R
E
E
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. 10
The Valley, October 2016
The “Evolution” of Opportunities
Complimentary
by Julie Ufema
I - am - lucky. I found art: my theatre would also be beneficial the back burner and belittled more a million years ago, but then life theatre could accommodate. That escape from the technology drivand more with each passing day. happened and I guess I just gave to them. I started a children’s changed my world, my mind, my en, constantly ‘live streaming,’ theatre camp at the Stone Arch I never really thought I’d up. heart and my direction—forever. faster than fast-paced, financially Our community needs the open an arts center. What a pipe But not anymore. I am stepTheatre. After just one year, the motivated world. arts. The arts start with the kids. dream! I begrudgingly joked ping out onto the edge of the camp tripled in size! The demand I can go to my studio, pull out became more than our community They are cut, pushed aside, put on about doing something like this ledge and trying to be the person I my easel, and paint. needed as a kid. I can grab my camera I feel like that is what I and catch life, energy and was called to do. the passion that exists in I’ve never felt so strongthe world around me. ly about why I ended up I can buy a dollar bag of somewhere. I’ve ended shells at a yard sale and up in so many places. My hot glue them to thrift shop Midwestern gypsy heart bikinis, creating the cosnever wanted to settle tumes from my dreams. down, until now. While I am doing I want to create a place these things I think of that we can all call Utopia: nothing else. I have found to escape, believe, rejumy Utopia. Why shouldn’t venate and celebrate our everyone else? children right along with I always envied people the children still alive and who felt they were ‘called’ kicking within each and to do something. I had nevevery one of us. The comer truly been ‘called’ to any munity has been behind one thing in particular—I me all the way. was too busy trying a little At Evolution Arts Center bit of everything. But, we hope to offer editing, miracle of crazy miracles, photography, painting, and at 40 years old, I finally got dance classes. We want the call! to host gallery showings, I had acted in film, musical performances, thebut had never done theatre atre, writing workshops, until convinced by a good film festivals and specialty friend to give it a try. I was acts. We are asking the addicted instantly. Having two kids with special The “Summer Theater Group” will now have opportunities year round, as well as opportunities to delve into the other arts as they please. Continued on page 17 Community support and participation is crucial at Evolution Arts Center, opportunities abound! needs, it struck me that
Veritas vos Liberabit
The Valley, October 2016
2
Editor’s Corner Wayne Stottlar Beautiful October! The heat is gone, rains have returned, soon we will be warming ourselves with wood fires, apple cider, and NO BUGS! I love October. I started early this year and have 1/2 of the wood needed for winter already stacked and under cover, only 10’ from the door—I’m ready enough. October also means ice hockey season starts—our favorite thing from now until next June! Go Penguins! I don’t hunt anymore, mostly because the woods here intimidate me. Back home I hunted for 30 years, on public land even, and never saw another hunter unless it was someone I brought with me. You contrast that to the only time I ventured in the woods here, and once it
got light I couldn’t count all the orange dots covering the area. I quietly left and haven’t been back since. When I still used to trap, I would check my traps at night because rustling around in a creek
"WALK" in to Walker & Waker Equipment for ALL your lawn, garden and landscape equipment needs!
We have trailer, used equipment and rentals too!
or swamp at first light didn’t seem like a good idea to me. I still metal detect all fall, but I have to be careful where I go. As crops come off, I like to stick to fields during hunting season, or private land where chances of getting shot are less. So, if anyone has “old land,” I would love permission to detect there. Give me a call or drop me an e-mail to set up a time to talk about it. Speaking of detecting, just recently I was called by a local large animal vet. He said he had be helping a cow deliver a calf and somehow his wedding ring had slid off his finger and was lost in the pen. I assured him we would find it and we set up a time we could meet there five days later. Arriving at the slated time, I got my gear out of the truck and Chris led me to the barn and the pen were it all happened. Three and a half minutes later his ring was back on his finger and he was smiling. Upon reaching for II his wallet, I told him that was totally unnecessary, it was my pleasure to help someone out. For me the hobby isn’t about money, I like doing it, and if along the way I can help someone out, all the better. Each time you turn on the machine you should learn something, if you are paying attention. Lastly, it is
Continued on page 19
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.
Less Government means more Liberty
3
The Valley, October 2016
First-of-Kind Study Suggests Cover Crop Mixtures Increase Agroecosystem Services by Jeff Mulhollem
Story courtesy Penn State Public Information Planting a multi-species mixture of cover crops — rather than a cover crop monoculture — between cash crops, provides increased agroecosystem services, or multifunctionality, according to researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. That was the conclusion drawn from a two-year study of 18 cover-crop treatments, ranging in diversity from one to eight plant species. Cover crops were grown at the Penn State Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center preceding a corn crop. The researchers measured five benefits provided by cover crops — ecosystem services — in each cover crop system to assess the relationship between species. Those services included weed suppression and nitrogen retention during the cover-crop season, cover-crop aboveground biomass, inorganic nitrogen supply during
the subsequent cash-crop season and subsequent corn yield. The study was the first fieldbased test of the relationship between cover-crop species and multifunctionality — the quality of cover crops to simultaneously provide multiple benefits — noted research team member Jason Kaye, professor of soil biogeochemistry. Never before had this relationship been examined and analyzed in a crop rotation. As continued research yields more precise information about optimal cover-crop seed mixtures and planting rates, Kaye predicted, farmers will deploy this strategy to enhance soil quality, control weed growth, manage critical nutrients such as nitrogen, improve crop yields and reduce nutrient runoff. “This kind of ecological study identifying a positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services suggests that higher plant diversity will
increase services from agroecosystems, and that has immediate implications for management practices and policies for sustainable agriculture, including Chesapeake Bay water quality,” Kaye said. “In a corn production system, simply increasing covercrop species richness will have a small impact on agroecosystem services, but designing mixtures that maximize functional diversity may lead to agroecosystems with greater multifunctionality.” Cover-crop species grown in monocultures and in mixtures during the study included oats, canola, sunn hemp, soybean, barley, perennial ryegrass, forage radish, cereal rye, millet, sudangrass, red clover and hairy vetch. The research, which is published in the September issue of the Journal of Applied Ecology, shows that designing cover-crop mixes will involve trade-offs to achieve desired levels of ecosystem services, explained lead
researcher Denise Finney, now an assistant professor of biology at Ursinus College, in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. She conducted the Penn State study while pursuing her doctoral degree, advised by Kaye. “For example, nitrogen cycling is an area where trade-offs can occur among services,” she said. “In our research, we have found that cover-crop mixtures that excel at nitrogen retention can decrease soil nitrogen supply to cash crops and limit their yield. However, bi-cultures — correctly formulated to combine legume and nonlegume species — can both supply inorganic nitrogen and retain nitrogen.” Finney said the researchers aimed to address two critical questions related to cover crops and multifunctionality: Does including more species in a cover crop system lead to greater multifunctionality? And are there guiding principles for cover-crop mixture assembly that will lead to increases in net multifunctionality? Cross-disciplinary, follow-on studies planned and underway on Pennsylvania and New York farms, led by Kaye, are intended to build on the knowledge gained through this study.
The ultimate goal is to provide the agriculture industry with evidence-based information that will help farmers to design covercrop mixtures that provide desired services using species combinations that augment biodiversity while minimizing economic or management constraints, Finney explained. Increasing ecosystemservice provision from agroecosystems is an emerging goal of contemporary agriculture. “Exploiting biodiversity to meet this goal is a promising approach,” she said. “However, considerable research is needed to identify the functional traits that shape cover-crop community dynamics and to depict trade-offs among services in multifunctionality metrics.” Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the ARCS Foundation supported this work. Contacts Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu Work Phone: 814 863-2719 A’ndrea Elyse Messer aem1@psu.edu Work Phone: 814-865-9481 a
AgChoice Farm Credit Celebrates the Farm Credit System’s 100th Anniversary with Local Donations AgChoice Farm Credit, a member of the Farm Credit System, celebrated 100 years of providing reliable, consistent credit to agriculture and rural communities on July 17. Farm Credit has been fulfilling its mission of helping rural America grow and thrive for a century by providing farmers with the capital they need to make their businesses successful and by financing vital infrastructure and communication services. To commemorate the milestone, AgChoice staff at the Seven Mountains (Lewistown) office collected 100 non-perishable food items for the Juniata County Food Pantry. The non-profit organization, established by local churches, helps eliminate hunger in the community. In addition to the donated items, AgChoice also presented a $100 check to the organization. “We’re proud to serve our local community and pleased that our employees can give back to an organization such as the Juniata County Food Pantry,” says Dent Hawthorne, branch manager.
Four species cover crop mixture of cereal rye, canola, hairy vetch, and red clover in spring 2012. Image: Penn State
The Truth Has No Agenda
AgChoice Farm Credit’s Seven Mountains branch office is located in Lewistown, Pa. and services more than $130.8 million in total loan volume for agricultural, forest products and rural customers in Centre, Clearfield, Juniata and Mifflin counties in Pennsylvania. To learn more about AgChoice Farm Credit and its financial programs, visit www.agchoice.com.
The Valley, October 2016
4
A SEA THAT’S DEAD AND A COMPELLING MEMORIAL TO FREEDOM My, oh my, I couldn’t believe how extremely hot the water was as I walked upon the encrusted sea floor wading into hotter water than I could almost withstand. We pushed on, when all of a sudden, I felt a stinging sensation from a cut on my foot. At this point I was thinking the Dead Sea wasn’t as dead as it’s proclaimed to be, as it was feeling pretty aggressive! We’ve been blessed to be in Israel many times, but had never experienced the Dead Sea. This time around we rented a car and checked out this interesting phenomena. Admittedly, visiting at the height of the hot summer season was somewhat ill-advised, but I’m glad we went just the same. As we were driving through the desert, we noted the outside temperature was 40 degrees Celsius. We learned to double the Celsius number and add 32 to get a close approximation of what the Fahrenheit equivalent is. The equation breaks down at higher temperatures. Do the math and you’ll see that it felt like 112 degrees, although the online conversion calculator says it was “only” 104! The day before when we arrived at our hotel room at Kibbutz En Gedi and ran the cold water, all
that came out of the spigot was hot water, regardless of how long the water ran (although being in the desert we were careful to not run the water too long!). Thankfully, by the next morning, things had cooled off enough over night for us to get comfortable showers. So, into the Sea we walked. Posted at the lifeguard station are the “Ten Commandments of the Dead Sea.” Among them are: do not go in face first. Makes sense as you experience this. The water is so caustic that getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth makes for a very uncomfortable time. We walked out to a point where a shelter was constructed in the water. We desired to experience the shade thereunder and made our way out to roughly a four foot depth. The shelter was of all steel construction and the posts that supported the roof were invisible as they were literally buried beneath an encrusted salt formation that was at least 6 inches thick. Likewise, as mentioned previously, the sea floor does not give way to sand but is a solid, uneven, and sharp hunk of salt. Once we got under the shelter, I gave it a go and lifted my legs. I couldn’t believe how easily they came up and
CBD oil – how does it help with Chronic pain? CBD is hemp oil manufactured from industrial hemp for its oils not the THC compound. The cannabis compound is the beneficial part of the oil, it is a sublingual, meaning it can be dropped under the tongue and used for its health benefits. Hemp products are legal in all 50 states and do not require a prescription. With the use of CBD oils there is no “HIGH” associated with its use. Anyone can use CBD oil. www.pubmed.gov has articles on its uses and benefits.
how I was effortlessly floating on my back! I felt as if I could be in a travel brochure, all I needed was a newspaper to read! Once I was done floating it was hard to get my legs down back underneath myself. I had to actually work at standing up in the water! As I flailed in an attempt to stand, I splashed water into my eye which is how I know how uncomfortable
that can be. The Dead Sea is an interesting place on many levels. It is the lowest point on Earth. Some believe that the Sea took on its current condition, along with
the formation of the Jordan Rift Valley, during the judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah as described in the Book of Genesis.
Continued on page 5
Fall for Hummingbirds Contest Attract Migrating Hummingbirds To Your Feeders For A Chance At Prizes. Hummingbirds are being found with increasing frequency in the fall & winter seasons in Pennsylvania. About 99% of the hummingbirds that are found east of the Mississippi are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, but sometimes during fall and winter other species of hummingbirds pass through Pennsylvania as the travel from breeding grounds in Alaska to wintering spots along the Gulf Coast. Ornithologists are very interested in learning more about these wayward little birds. Your participation can help contribute to the growing body of information about migrating hummingbirds. If you are able to get a confirmed hummingbird to visit your feeders, you can win a prize. In addition, researchers with federal banding permits would like to band the late season hummingbirds, if the homeowners are willing. NOTE: Maintain a clean feeder whenever you leave it out for birds. It is recommended that you clean the feeder at least weekly, more often if the sugar mixture gets cloudy. The mixture for the feeders should always be 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. No additives or dyes are ever needed. If temperatures drop below freezing, bring the feeders in overnight. It is a myth that keeping feeders up will prevent them from migrating in the fall. They will come and go as they please. We are only helping them fuel up in their journey. PRIZES: Any hummingbird species that can be confirmed will be entered into a $100 Drawing. Any species other than Ruby-throated Hummingbird will automatically WIN $25. This contest will run from 10/1/16 to 1/31/17.
Contest is sponsored by: KAUFFMAN INSURANCE AGENCY in Mifflintown and LOST CREEK SHOE SHOP/OPTICS from Oakland Mills. Contest is limited to anyone in the Juniata, Mifflin, Perry and Snyder County area. Anyone in the state, outside of the above areas who are getting hummingbirds, is still welcome to contact us for further information. They can be eligible for other prizes and contests going on. Contact information: Chad Kauffman 717-436-8257; Aden Troyer 717-463-3117 or email chadkauffman@earthlink.net • www.facebook.com/FallForHummingbirdsContest
Less Government means more Liberty
5
The Valley, October 2016 A sea that’s dead and a compelling memorial to freedom from page 4 Seems plausible to me. That’s the past, but equally interesting is the future prophesy of this area. In an article published by Breaking News Israel, freshwater sink holes with fish have been discovered on the shores of the Dead Sea. This is a harbinger of the Messianic prophecies, which state that water will flow east from Jerusalem into the Dead Sea, and these bitter waters will fill up with fish and the surrounding desert will be teeming with life (Ezekiel 47:8-9). Indeed, we are beginning to see the restorative work of the Almighty right before our eyes these very days. You can see the Dead Sea from the mountaintop fortress of Masada, which we had visited earlier that morning. Masada is a plateau that is located on the eastern fringe of the Judean Desert between En Gedi and Sodom. The plateau is a detached mountain block 1475 feet high above the level of the Dead Sea. It runs roughly 2000 feet long by 1000 feet wide. Its remote location and natural defenses (height and remoteness) were the advantages that caused it to be transformed into a fortress. Herod, the Roman ruler who reigned Judea from 37 BCE/BC to 4 BCE/BC chose this site as a refuge from his enemies and used it as his winter palace (I get that, too hot in the summer!). Herod was an early prepper, he had an amazing array of large storerooms in addition to cisterns to hold large quantities of water. After Herod’s death, a Roman garrison was stationed at Masada. When the Jews revolted against the Romans in 66 CE/
AD, Masada was conquered by the Jews. Many Jews fled to the mountaintop fortress at this time, as well as after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The rebels were under the command of a man by the name of Eleazar Ben Yair. Their community constructed a synagogue and baptismal pools (called mikvehs in Hebrew) as their faith was the cohesion of the community. In the years 73-74 CE, the Roman Tenth Legion under the command of Flavius Silva with 8000 men laid siege to the fortress. They built a ramp made of earth and wooden supports, aided in great part by Jewish slave labor of those whom they had conquered in Jerusalem and Gamla in the Galilee. These were the last two cities to fall to the Romans prior to the siege at Masada. Many of the men at Masada witnessed both defeats as they retreated southward and saw their countrymen’s wives ravished and abused and their children placed into slave labor. Here they were out of Rome’s reach, until the siege. After a few months, the rebels’ hopes dwindled when a battering ram was brought up the siege ramp by the Romans and the wall of the fortress was beaten in. Knowing the next morning would bring an invasion and the inevitable, Ben Yair gave two speeches in which he convinced the 960 members of the community that it would be better to take their own lives and the lives of their families than to live in humiliation as slaves. He is quoted as follows: “Since we, long ago, my
generous friends, resolved never to be servants to the Romans, nor to any other than to God Himself, who alone is the true and just Lord of mankind, the time is now come that obliges us to make that resolution true in practice. And let us not bring reproach upon ourselves for self-contradiction… I cannot but esteem it as a favor that God hath granted us, that it is still within our power to die
slavery; and after we have slain them, let us bestow that glorious benefit upon one another mutually and preserve ourselves in freedom as an excellent funeral monument for us.” Thus they did take their own lives and Rome’s victory was hollow. Masada is Hebrew for “fortress” and it is a place of gaunt and majestic beauty. Masada is sacred ground. Only a free people who had been redeemed by The Almighty and brought out of slavery in Egypt, as observed each year in the Passover, could take such action to honor their freedom. Today in Israel you will hear that “Masada shall not fall again” as young people are sworn into the military on this majestic and sacred mountain. I recently read a quote from Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland in the early 1300’s. He said; “We fight not for glory, nor for wealth, nor honor, but only and alone for freedom which no good man surrenders but with his life.” This in many ways summarizes the struggle experienced on Masada by Ben Yair and his community. I had previously mentioned Passover and would now like to turn our attention to the Feasts of the Lord. Passover is held in the Spring of the year. This month we observe and celebrate the Fall Feasts. The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah, also known as Rosh HaShanah), will be celebrated on October 3rd. Yom Kippur, the 12th, and the eight day Feast of Sukkot (or Tabernacles) from sundown the
“We fight not for glory, nor for wealth, nor honor, but only and alone for freedom which no good man surrenders but with his life.” ~Robert the BruceKing of Scotland bravely, and in a state of freedom, which hath not been the case of others, who were conquered unexpectedly. Let our wives die before they are abused, and our children before they have tasted
The Truth Has No Agenda
16th through October 24th. These are never called the Jewish Feasts in the Bible, but rather the Feasts of the Lord. They were given to all of Israel and those of us who were once a far off have now been made a part of the Commonwealth of Israel by the Blood of Israel’s Jewish Messiah Y’shua (Which means God’s Salvation in Hebrew)—that is why our congregation Lev Y’shua (meaning Heart of our Saviour) observes the feasts. They are a perpetual statute given to us to observe throughout our generations. If any of this interests you, feel free to stop up at our encampment behind Taste of the Valley restaurant (Belleville) on any of the fore mentioned dates to learn more. We’d be glad to connect with you. Finally, I’d like to weigh in on the election (can’t help myself!). In an article posted on CharismaNews.com, Dr. Jim Garlow, pastor of Skyline Church in San Diego notes that the party platforms are valuable in determining which candidate to support. This is worth checking into. He states that the 51 page Democratic platform contains many points that are anti-biblical, in his opinion, and that the 54 page Republican platform is one of the strongest ever and that a Biblically alert person could be comfortable with almost all of it. He goes onto say that if a person is not drawn to a top of the ballot candidate, they ought to at least consider voting for the candidate attached to the best party platform. I spoke of freedom quite extensively above, and in his article, Garlow notes that freedoms come in “threes.” Political, economic, and religious freedoms
Continued on page 11
The Valley, October 2016
6
Ed’s Railroading News
About Faith
by Rev. Robert Zorn, Visitation Minister, Lewistown Presbyterian Church
by Ed Forsythe
Eating For A Dollar A Day With the ending of summer and there being a hint of autumn in the air, we begin to be aware of the signs of the season. The leaves on some of the trees out here in Treaster Valley have begun to color. Goldenrod blossoms profusely in every fencerow and field. Wild geese noisily begin their southern migration. Our nights are getting cooler and we begin to prepare for winter. On a human level as well, changes are taking place. School busses have begun to roll by our house early every morning. The usually quiet halls and rooms of our church building have come alive with the nursery and preschool children beginning their educational journeys. Such sights and sounds remind me of my first years as a student at Waynesburg College (now University). As I remember, it was mostly a matter of survival to provide room and board. I attended college on a work scholarship, which meant that if I worked so many hours a week on the campus, I would be entitled to a room in the dormitory. Most of my employment was helping to clean the college classrooms. Believe it or not, our head custodian’s name
was Mr. Chambers. The Physics professor was Mr. Riggs. Chemistry was taught by Prof. Gasser, and (get ready for this) our night watchman was Mr. Goodnight (I kid you not). Eating was another challenge. Here again, I was very lucky. As a pre-ministerial student, I was a student teacher/preacher in small churches in Washington and Green counties. Every Sunday, we students would be taken in the parish car and dropped off at the various churches where we would perform our duties. Usually, we would then have a huge Sunday dinner at one of the village homes. Afternoons would be filled with visiting shut-ins. An evening youth meeting would complete our duties for the day before being picked up and returned to the campus. We ate very well on Sundays. This left six other days of finding something to eat. Luckily, the college had a diner on the campus, and it was there that I found a way to eat for a dollar a day. It went something like this: Breakfast was a cup of coffee for a nickel and toast or donut for a dime. For lunch I could buy a bowl of soup with crackers
for a quarter, and could add a soft drink for another 5 cents. This left me with 55 cents, which could provide me with a burger or hotdog and fries for supper. Again, the Lord smiled on me because I picked apples at President Stewart’s farm and could keep as many as I wished for my own use. Odd jobs for professors and neighboring families brought me enough money to buy gasoline, at 20-25 cents a gallon, for my old Ford so that I could drive down the river to see the girl who became my wife twenty-five years ago as of September 5th this year. So, each fall fills me with a great sense of gratitude to the many people who have helped me and so many others realize our dreams and ambitions. You are numbered among those benefactors because you have supported our church-related schools and colleges with your mission contributions; and because you are encouraging so many of our young people to live a devotional Christian life. As I remember those college days of long ago, I am reminded of the valuable lessons that were to be learned there. We should always be alert to the opportunities that come our way. Then, we must learn to work hard to fulfill the responsibilities that are presented to us. Furthermore, we must always trust God to lead us on our way. “In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” The Apostle Paul Philippians 4:12,13 a
FALL is here and with it comes many events, but before we get to that topic, I need to take you back to last month’s article. I hope you all enjoyed reading about the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Spectacular at the East Broad Top Railroad and the Rockhill Trolley Museum. It was a pleasure bringing you the historical story, but I need to let you know that it was not written by me but by Joel Salomon, President of the Trolley Museum. It was reprinted with his permission and for this I say ‘’Thank you Joel.” As I began this story, Fall is here and along with its arrival comes many special events at the Rockhill Trolley Museum. The second weekend in October is the Fall Spectacular, which will feature running all of the operating trolleys at one time or another. Several of these trolleys, like the Liberty Liner, only run on this special weekend. On Saturday the 8th, trolleys will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday the 9th, from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. There will many other things happening all around the museum on this weekend, so for a full fun-filled weekend, please checkout this wonderful event. Other events in October will be the “Pumpkin Patch’’ weekend on the 15th & 16th, where kids 12 and under can harvest a free pumpkin and then decorate it for Halloween in the heated pavilion. The following two weekends will feature the “Halloween Costume’’ event where kids in costume with an adult ride FREE as they show off their favorite costumes. After all these exciting events all the volunteers get a little time off before the wonderful Polar Bear Express and Santa Trolley weekends start. When I say a LITTLE time off, I mean just that.
Between the last event in October and the beginning of the Polar events, all the work of setting up all the fine decorations has to happen, much cleaning must be done, and many more things need to be readied for all the folks that come to enjoy these special events. Remember, the Christmas season Polar Trolley rides happen at night so riding these trolleys is very different than the regular riding of our trolleys. The night riding begins on November 25th from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. and continues on the 26th, December 2, 3, 9, & 10th, all from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. As a side note, I should also mention that the Santa Trolley event is on December 3rd from 10 to 4. On these rides, each child will meet Santa and receive a free treat. So check out all the fun events at the Rockhill Trolley Museum web site at rockhilltrolley.org. Also with October arriving, I seem to have a full calendar of building layouts for all to enjoy. The window layout beside Snowflake’s on the Square will be turned into a Halloween-themed layout, so check it out sometime. After that will be Veterans Day in November, and then another Christmas layout where we will again build a mountain tunnel out of donated foods that will be given to food pantries to help feed those less fortunate over the Christmas season. Last year’s mountain of food provided more that 300 items that helped over the winter. With this year’s food collection, we hope you start earlier than last year so the items can be given out for the holiday season. This year we will have two drop off layouts in windows downtown, so watch for more information later. So as busy as it’s already getting I say, ‘’Happy Railroading’’ to all, Ed a
And I sincerely believe, with you, that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies; and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale. Thomas Jefferson
Less Government means more Liberty
7
The Valley, October 2016
Dave Wilson
Coins, Precious Metal and a Little of this and That
The United States Is Dying
Please Vote
In the mid-1970s to well into the 1990s, I worked with my father, Robert L. Wilson, at WKVA Radio in Lewistown. Those of you over the age of 50 may well remember that “Robert L” was the DEAN of Local Radio sound editorials. No subject was too complicated or potentially dangerous for him to tackle, and he would do so with great regularity. People by the hundreds would make appointments with him to plead their cause, hoping he would editorialize on their (or their groups) behalf. Mostly he didn’t, but sometimes he did. I can well remember, being the radio station’s only salesman, the Monday he wrote and delivered a scathing rebuke about something the Downtown (Lewistown) Merchant’s Association had done at their regular monthly meeting. As you might imagine, that was not my most pleasant week for calling on Lewistown accounts.
I specifically remember those times Dad would do a “Get out and Vote” editorial. I would frequently ask him why he would waste his time on such a trivial, basically unimportant (and certainly boring) topic. Without spending too much time on an explanation, he would tell me that voting was the one freedom that separated us from almost every other nation on earth, and that the American populace had become so lazy and apathetic, that one day, they would lose that privilege, along with everything else they hold so near and dear. At the time, the importance of what he said just never hit me. Now, it hits me like a TON of bricks. Lower voter turnouts (almost always under 35%) has helped 10% of the population dictate terms to the other (mostly silent) 90%. When I hear people say “Nah, I don’t waste my time voting, it
doesn’t make any difference anyway,” I want to scream at the top of my lungs. The Presidential election this November, if there even is one, is the singular most important election ever in our Nation’s history. The results could (and probably will) mean life or death for our once great nation. When you hear political analysts openly mentioning that one candidate will have to beat the other by at least 6 percentage points (a huge margin) to offset the “expected” election fraud, which they know is going to occur, then you know how vital “your” vote really is. Making an effort to get to your polling place really isn’t that big of a deal. Given the choice of climbing into a landing craft, bound for Omaha Beach, on June 6th, 1944, OR getting into your car, and driving a few blocks to vote. I know which “I” would choose, and I’m sure you do too. The courage, heart and intense fear that those men (and millions of others since our Country began) had to deal with, humbles me more than anything else I could imagine. Their sacrifices gave us the freedoms we enjoy.
The Truth Has No Agenda
Taking 10-to-15-minutes to go cast my ballot is literally the least I can do to help keep our country from disintegrating.
I hope all of you will make the same choice. We may very well not get another chance. a
The Valley, October 2016
8
One of the more challenging aspects in raising this generations’ children is the lack of suitable role models. As many of us are disdainfully aware, the pickings are slim. Though luckily, we needn’t confine our search to this decade or even this century. Public personas have been onedimensionalized. Black and white has become the Modus operandi. Shades of gray have been demonized. Modernized conformity presents itself in false dichotomies. They come to us in either ors: sinner or saint, masculine or feminine, in or out, normal or weird, liberal or conservative, etc. God forbid anyone step out of a box or shed a label. Where have all the Laura
Ingalls Wilders gone? Why do we no longer praise magnificent contradictions in character? Through her Little House series she imparted to young girls that they could embrace the traditionally masculine; climb trees in dresses, play baseball with the boys, get sticks in their hair, scuff up their shoes, and at times, become indignant. All the while, she just as effortlessly embraces the feminine: gushing over the newest general store fabric patterns, admiring her sister’s golden hair, caring for younger children and nursing livestock back to health. Neither aspect of her personality overrode the other. She cared little about the resulting school yard slander and instead met her pas-
sions where they arose. For those reasons I chose her as a catalyst to spark and nurture those same divine character contradictions present in my own daughter. As I read to her from The little House in the Big Woods, I see her eyes light up and her mind reel as she imagines another little girl, from another time and place, and relates to her joys and sorrows, chores and pastimes, family and friends, and most importantly, her unbridled spirit. I need not have to wonder if those impressions last past bedtime. Every time we pass by a log cabin, “Is that the same kind of house Laura would have lived in?,” at the livestock auction, “Look at that little girl with the
Less Government means more Liberty
braids and long dress; she reminds me of Laura’s sister, Mary.”, pulling out Raggedy Ann from the toy box “This doll looks a lot like Laura’s doll, Charlotte.” We also incorporate the book series into our lesson plans, craft projects, life skills, and teachable moments at large. Switching gears from homeschooling to Libertarianism: Laura Ingalls Wilder is widely accredited as being the first notable female libertarian in the new country. She was the descendant of Mayflower passengers and born shortly after the close of the American Civil War. After spending time in San Francisco and parts of Europe as a young adult, Wilder briefly self-identified as a socialist. Though upon returning home to Missouri to care for her aging parents, she returned to her philosophical roots. This mindset is apparent in her interpretation and recollections of her childhood on the frontier as she penned the childrens’ literary classics. The emphasis on independence and self-sufficiency is a core theme throughout the series. The family moves, grows, experiences heartache and hard times, yet never gives up on the hard-fought American ideals of preservation and fortitude. When the going got tough, the tough kept trudging
onward to those greener pastures. “I am now a fundamentalist American; give me time and I will tell you why individualism, laissez faire and the slightly restrained anarchy of capitalism offer the best opportunities for the development of the human spirit. Also I will tell you why the relative freedom of human spirit is better — and more productive, even in material ways — than the Communist, Fascist, or any other rigidity organized for material ends.” Now, turning back to parenting and teachable notions. Wilder proclaims in The Little House on the Prairie: “Americans won’t obey any king on earth. Americans are free. That means they have to obey their own consciences. … When I am a little older, Pa and Ma will stop telling me what to do, and there isn’t anyone else who has a right to give me orders. I will have to make myself be good.” The idea of self-ownership resonates like a fog horn in this, among many other, excerpts. This is a concept I wholeheartedly believe to be essential in raising critical thinkers. If we ONLY instill the fear of punishment, exile or ridicule, we are setting them
Continued on page 19
9
The Valley, October 2016
Gratitude As I scroll leisurely through my Facebook feed each day, I’m often overwhelmed by all the “quotes” that are shared over and over again by friends and relatives. Some of them I see multiple times over the course of a week or two, and others I see just once during that time, but then they show up again a few years later. I must admit that most of them seem a little empty and meaningless at this point as they become commonplace in the sea of videos, photos, memes, memories, and proselytizations clogging my newsfeed. Every once in a great while though, a quote or meme resonates with me and I think.... “hmmm, I really like that—it makes sense.” The quote pictured below is one such instance. I definitely like to have “things” as much as the next girl, and I absolutely have my favorite “things” (or vices) I like to indulge on, but every once in a while, I sit back and think about a previous life when I had a nicer home, a newer car, and more disposable income. What I realize is that I wasn’t happier or more satisfied. Maybe I was a little less stressed about how everything was going to get paid, and one could argue that does equate to a little more happiness in a contentment kind of way. But the truth is, material things don’t bring you happiness or provide you with memories to look back on and smile—experiences do. Now yes, if I had more disposable income, I could afford bigger and better experiences, but in the end, it’s about experiences that mean something to YOU and not about impressing your family or friends with the 5-star resort you stayed at while on vacation, the expensive meal you just ate, or the celebrity you just met. It should be about what makes YOU feel satisfied and happy long after
the experience is over. On a recent trip to NH, I found out that I am just as happy sitting in the woods listening to the woodpeckers call back and forth or laying on the granite rocks in the middle of a brook with my feet in the rushing water as I am at an expensive restaurant eating a $50 meal. Chances are the way my meal was presented on my plate or the chocolates on pillow at the fancy resort aren’t going to be what I remember about my vacation in years to come. It’s going to be the places I drove to and the sights I took in. So as October rolls in with all it’s beauty, I’m going to take a sincere shot at being more content and happy with what I have and not be constantly wishing for more. I can live without that Pebble Steel watch that keeps showing up in my Facebook feed and taunting the heck out of me, and instead, I’ll do something that makes me feel good or brings me
relaxation and enjoyment without costing a ton of money. On the bucket list for Octo-
ber is making homemade apple dumplings, cleaning out a closet (or two) and doing something nice for someone else—a little more gratitude and a lot less wishing I had more money to afford bigger and better things. And while I’m being grateful and appreciative (and since I’m tired of writing and need to fill this space), I’ve shared a photo that makes me grateful for amazing photographers. This photo calms my soul and recharges my batteries every time I look at it. Amazing serenity is captured here! The photo is by Dan Houde
The Truth Has No Agenda
of Wiseguy Creative Photography (www.wiseguycreative.com). a
“Buy experiences, not things. Spending on experiences makes people happier than spending on things. Things get broken and go out of style. Experiences get better every time you talk about them.” ~Jean Chatzky
The Valley, October 2016
10
Storyteller by Centre County
Essential oils on your feet: helpful…or wasteful?
In the last few years I have had the great pleasure of meeting so many people who love essential oils and use them regularly. We talk about adding them to crèmes, soaps and oils to use topically, or putting a few drops in a pot of water on the stove or in fancy misters to inhale them; and we even talk about adding a few drops to bath water. I get all those ways. But there is one way that people say they use essential oils that I just didn’t quite understand how it could work, so I set out to investigate! That way is: putting oils on the bottom of your feet. How many times have you heard this? When I ask I get different answers: some say for reflexology, some say the feet absorb oils better (but most are not sure exactly why), some say because they just heard to do it…hmm I say to that! It’s been repeated so many times that some don’t think to question the science or reasoning behind it. I mean, if this many people are recommending to do it, then surely it works, right? Let’s see. I researched some very reliable sources. Those sources include Massage Today (a news source magazine written for the
Massage Therapy profession), The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy United and Robert Tisserand (one of the world’s leading experts in aromatherapy). There does seem to be some controversy on the subject. Honestly, the information I found from what I consider the above reliable sources, agrees: applying essential oils to the bottom of feet is pretty much a waste of costly precious oils. To be fair: I will cover both arguments.
The first argument is that the feet have larger pores than the rest of the body so one would think that the oils would absorb quicker. The feet definitely have thicker skin that anyone can feel! An article posted by Aromatherapy
United titled, “Myth — Apply to Feet” also argue against the efficacy of dermal application to the feet and elsewhere: “The stratum corneum of the palms and soles of the feet is very thick (400-600 µM), whereas that of the arms, back, legs and abdomen is much thinner (8-15 µM).” Entry, therefore, requires that the substance has some capability to penetrate cell membranes. Also, the substance must cross several membranes in order to go from one area of the body to another.” Another argument is that the soles of the feet absorb better because of the high content of sweat glands. Yes, there are more sweat glands in the bottom of the feet and the hands than any other part of the body, BUT, the pores in the feet are actually excreting larger quantities of sweat (excreting: exit: to leave: think this through!)—up to half a pint a day! But sweat runs in an outward flow, so I would think that it would be difficult for an essential oil to go against that flow. Aromatherapy United states: “Absorption via the pores and follicles is considered
Continued on page 30
Less Government means more Liberty
Dairy Princess
Halee Wasson Pennsylvania is home to 6,720 dairy farms hidden within the valleys and rolling hills. Many of these farms have been passed down from generation to generation to keep a family tradition alive and growing. For these family members, their childhood experience spent growing up on
a farm fueled their passion to purse dairy farming as an occupation. For others, that passion was sparked through other life experiences, jobs, and role models. Colby Gummo of Bellefonte, wanted to be dairy farmer for as long as he could remember. Growing up, he enjoyed spending his summers on his grandfather’s, uncle’s, and cousin’s dairies that were spread across Pennsylvania. However, he wanted the experience of being on the farm every day. When he turned 16 and received his license, he set out on a quest to find a dairy within the local area that would hire him and give him the experience all year long. Once this was achieved, he realized he wanted more -- time on the farm, with cows, and working the land. He dreamed of making this possible. This dream became reality on October 5th, 2015. At 21 years old, Colby was given the opportunity to rent facilities and land from a farmer in the Penns Valley area. In one year he achieved this dream that created a life changing experience for him. He was able to take a tie-stall barn that had set empty for years, and fill it full with 53 Holstein cattle that he purchased.
He credits this achievement to the support he received from his family and other individuals within the industry. He admitted that it was not easy to begin, but if it was easy everyone would be doing it. This occupation is physically and mentally draining, “I have seen nothing but hard times. When I joined this industry milk was $13 per hundred weight. I have watched friends and neighbors hang up their milkers for the last time.” Although, the dairy industry and its members are seeing rough times, Colby is determined to continue to provide excellent care to his cows. “No matter how bad things are—the cows come first. If I didn’t have my cows, I don’t really know what I would do.” Colby has worked hard to start and continue in the industry, he is determined to never let his dream die. Colby realizes the struggles that come with the industry, but he focuses on the positive. He sets goals that he wants to achieve, and strives to fulfill them. His ultimate goal is to own a farm in Nittany Valley, and to walk out of his own house and take only a minute to get to the barn. Colby’s ambition and determination is strong, and this is what will continue to fuel his passion as he continues in the dairy industry. I wish the best to Colby, and hope that he continues to reach the goals he sets. a
11
The Valley, October 2016
R. O. F. F.
Rescue Our Furry Friends by Patricia Lawson
“Bruno,” now that’s a manly name and this boy would like to say a word or two.
Now let’s meet “Mama Kitty”!
“As you can see I’m smiling and I’m a happy pup now, but it was not too long ago since I was dumped by my last human owners. They just didn’t want me anymore, but ROFF saved me and they told me that I was so stinkin’ sweet! How about that? I’m only two years old and I’m a Miniature Pincher and Terrier mix. I’m not a barker and I just love other dogs and humans. I haven’t met a cat yet, but I would try my best to get along with them. Won’t you stop by? I have some kisses for you.” How about some Halloween fun! We would love to see your pets in their Halloween costumes. Just submit your pictures to rescueourfurryfriends@yahoo.com and the fearless leaders at ROFF will pick the winners in each category: dog, cat, bunny, donkey, etc. This is strictly for acknowledgment and fun. The winners will be posted on Facebook and in the December issue of The Valley Newspaper. Good luck!
A Sea that’s Dead and a Compelling Memorial to Freedom from page 5 co-exist together. Take any one away and the other two will eventually disappear. One cannot exist without the other two. The genius of America, he continues, is that it had all three, until recently. Trump, he says, fully grasps the loss of religious liberty, as Garlow has heard him speak on it in person, noting that he (Trump) knows that economic and political freedoms are evaporating as well and that he will reverse this. Personally, I think there’s a stark difference between the two candidates and I think we have only one viable choice if we want to
“OK, I know it’s not the most creative name, but it says it all. When ROFF took me in I was ready to deliver kittens and I had four babies! All of my children have been adopted and now I would like to have a place to call home too. I’m only 4 years old and my color is called Calico. The people at ROFF call me a ‘lovebug’ and I do love not just other cats, but dogs and those little humans they call kids! My shots are up-to-date and I’m litter trained so I’m ready to be a part of your family. Won’t you please visit me soon? I know we’ll be great together.” For more information on all of the animals up for adoption and events, just go to our web site www.roffrescue.com or call 1-877-933-ROFF (7633). Thank you and Happy Halloween! Until they all have homes www.roffrescue.com; rescueourfurryfriends@yahoo.com; 1-877933-ROFF (7633) a maintain our freedoms. Regardless of your perspective, I do hope you’ll vote. It is the essence of our nationhood. In the end; however, we must realize that it is the Almighty who controls the affairs of mankind. He does this so that His name will be glorified. The prophets have spoken of this. We will eventually go to war against Israel along with all other nations (see Zechariah 12). Israel will stand alone (we see this alignment coming into focus even now) and The Almighty will execute judgement against the nations on behalf of Israel. Through this event He will ingather His sons and daughters to the land He promised our fore fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Home at the Grange by Patricia L. Bird If you travel on the narrow, bumpy and winding road of Route 150 you will come upon a large white building known as Marion Grange #223. Marion Grange was organized on July 24, 1874 in Walker Township, Centre County. The first records found for it were dated 1876 and contained 36 members; which were both male and female. Dues were $1.20 per member per year with an initiation fee of $1.00. The men of the Grange took turns serving in the various elected offices and the women were, of course, elected to be one of the three graces, Ceres, Flora and Pomona or to the Lady Assistant Steward position. However, in 1887 they found themselves with a female secretary by the name of Jennie Hoy. Some facts about Marion Grange showed that it was a very prosperous organization. In 1890, they bought a portable sawmill to be used by any member as seen necessary. In 1892, the members submitted paperwork for free mail delivery and in that same year, they saw the women of the Grange exempt from paying Subordinate Grange dues. Their other big expense was the purchase of six songbooks called the Patron, which they purchased for $2.16 in 1896. December 1900 saw members trying to buy the Schesley Property next door, but sadly it didn’t work out. They did, however, meet there for a short time and when it became unavailable, they met at members’ homes. In 1907, they again tried to purchase a building of their own when the Lutheran Church went up for auction at a public sale. They once again were unsuccessful. On June 14, 1932, the Charter for Marion Grange was opened
and reorganized. They were successful in purchasing the Evangelical Church (their current building) in March 1935 from M. S. Bedtz for the sum of $300.00 and on October 14, 1965, using a down payment of $400.00, they purchased Mary Bartley’s property, which is east of the current Grange Hall. Many changes have been made to the Grange Hall and purchases have been made to improve the furnishings. They made many renovations in the late 1930s and 1940s. One such project was to dig out the cel-
(who was renamed Israel). This will encompass all the territory between the Nile and the Euphrates, which I believe will include not only the Sinai Peninsula but the Saudi Peninsula as well. And there, we who are called by His Name, will live forever in freedom under His reign.
Science Degree in Financial Services from The American College in Bryn Mawr, Pa in 2007. His articles ponder various contemporary topics evaluating them from a political, economic and scriptural point of view. He can be reached by visiting www.thesojourningsteward.com References include: http://www.aroodawakening.tv/biblical-teachings/biblical-archeology/ http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/72711/fulfill-
Founder and President of The Stewardship Group in Belleville, Mr. Ostrowski earned his Master of
The Truth Has No Agenda
lar and erect a block wall. They even put concrete on the basement floor. Members accredit this hard work to the George Weight family, the Rogers’ boys (Lloyd, Irv and Dean) and to a man named Tex Dixson. They also purchased Aladdin lights in 1932, a piano which they still use, and an oil painting, which decorates the hall. To help pay expenses they held “birthday feeds” and the first festival with a live orchestra providing the music, but sadly the last was held in 1960. Chicken BBQ’s were first held in 1961. They also sold drag cords, coal candy, farm machinery and held card parties. In the 1930s, they ran their own “Hardware Store” where they bought and sold things like dung forks, fertilizer, lamp oil and wicks, binder twine and much more. If items didn’t sell, they
distributed them free to members who attended the meetings. Today you can still find them holding chicken BBQ’s at the church up the street. Sadly, the building has fallen on hard times and members are currently looking at options on how to proceed with its future. The membership of Marion Grange #224 is currently around twenty-five. They are meeting at the church up the street. They help support good causes like the Howard Lions Club dinner and Chicken BBQ. They help with the Jacksonville Cemetery Festival, Operation Shoe Box, give a scholarship to the Bellefonte Area School District for a worthy senior, serve banquets as asked for memorial dinners and much more. You will also find members serving as the Centre County Pomona Grange officers, members of the YP of H and also on the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair Committee. They also freely donate their time at the PA State Grange Family Festival, Relay for Life teams, and much more. So, if you are looking for a rural Grange in the vicinity of Jacksonville/Howard, take a look at Marion Grange #223. Grange Master is Brenda Fetters and you can contact her at 814-383-2796 or Secretary Pat Lose at 814-3551943. Marion Grange meets in Jacksonville on the 2nd Thursday of each month. You will find that those who attend regularly work hard for their Grange and support the Pomona Grange, Fair and PA State Grange activities and are willing to help anyone in need. a ment-dead-sea-prophecybegun/#kxC7XqQ7dezWCVl8.97 http://www.parks.org.il/sigalit/ DAFDAFOT/masadaEN.pdf The Wars of the Jews by Josephus Flavius, Book 7. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/ jsource/Archaeology/Masada1.html http://www.charismanews.com/ politics/opinion/59206-if-you-reon-the-fence-about-your-vote-thispastor-clarifies-how-the-very-futureof-america-is-at-stake a
The Valley, October 2016
12
50 Treeline Drive by Kim Rickert Looking for a country feeling but want to stay close to civilization? Beautiful views of Dry Valley farmland are yours to enjoy from this home atop Treeline Drive. This cape cod home built in 1995 surveys 3.5 acres of land
a space for quick lunch or a leisurely morning coffee. This home also features a lovely dining room for those more formal dinners, with hardwood floors and double French doors opening to the patio and bringing in the view of the
sink vanity, tile floor and a pocket door. A powder room and laundry are also included on the first floor. The second floor gives additional bedroom or office space and a full bathroom with tub/shower combination. The lower level of
Tastefully landscaped to be easy maintenance, the entry to the home is as comforting to the eye as it is to the soul
with additional views of protected agricultural land at the rear of the property. Built to allow one floor living, the home has a first floor master bedroom and bath, but also includes a second floor with two bedrooms and a full bath. The kitchen boasts ceramic tile floors and backsplash, granite counter tops and an island. The sky light and vaulted ceiling brightens the space even on dreary days, and an eat-in area serves as
valley. A formal living room adjoins the dining room, and a family room is just down the hall, close to the master bedroom. Both of these rooms are carpeted and spacious enough for lots of entertaining. The Master bedroom is situated at the end of the first floor layout and includes a huge walkin closet and updated master bath. The master bath includes a walkin shower, granite counter, double
the home includes a partially finished rec room, game room, bath
A spacious kitchen with the added advantage of plenty of natural like through the vaulted ceiling sky light.
Less Government means more Liberty
Be on vacation all summer with your own gated, private, in-ground pool.
and a pellet stove heat source. The man of the house will love the detached garage that includes a large workshop area, but is also set up as a three car garage. Electricity to the building allows the owner to have a shop or studio away from the main, attached garage. Outdoor spaces include a beautiful in-ground pool with new liner, cover, and pool house within
a fenced area. The pool can be reached from the covered patio, which looks over the rear of the property and has views of fields and mountains. Truly a breathtaking landscape and home! On the market now, and waiting for you to come take a look! Call Deb or Kim at Stone Arch Real Estate for a tour.a
13
The Valley, October 2016
When to Plant October, November, December and sometimes in January. The main consideration to help you know when to plant is that garlic needs to grow roots before freezing weather sets in. So, if you plant about 4 to 6 weeks before the ground normally freezes, you will allow good root development, but not top growth prior to winter. In my experience, Garlic should be planted in early fall. I always choose to start planting October 12th or Columbus Day. Matt Gambino, my garlic seed grower from New York, always started planting his Italian Purple on Columbus Day. It is easy for me to remember that date. Depending on the size of the crop and the weather, I’ll plant well into November. If the weather holds out and the ground is not frozen, you can plant into December. I have even planted in January. It is best, however, to get the garlic seed into the ground in early fall to give the garlic time to set its root. The roots will grow deep in the fall and winter if you get a good rain and an occasional snowmelt. Garlic likes a sunny area in your garden. Garlic also likes rich,
well-drained soil. I found that it doesn’t do well in light or tight soils that lack organic matter. I started using leaves and straw as cover. This helps keep the soil moist. • When garlic is planted around fruit and nut trees, it helps to repel moles. • Garlic planted near rose, lettuce, and peas helps keep aphids away. • If you have a bird problem, plant garlic throughout the garden and the birds will stay away. • If you have a Japanese Beetle problem, garlic grown around the edges will repel them. • Plant where you planted potatoes the prior year, and garlic will form the available nitrogen and help reduce the insect problems.
My special garlic planting tool, not only helps make the holes for the garlic seed, but also serves to keep the proper spacing between plants and rows.
What to Plant Garlic is known by the subspecies: (ophisocorodon) hardneck or top setting - top seed and
(sativum) softneck. You can go to your local farmer’s market and buy garlic to plant. Look for hard bulbs that are not cracking open, bruised or showing spoilage. Check for insects and dryness. Garlic cloves, toes, or sections of the bulb are what you plant. The bigger the bulbs, the better the garlic crop. Do not peel the cloves. How to Plant Plant cloves root bottom, the flat end, down and point up. Depth of planting can be from 1 to 4 inches beneath the surface depending on the weather. In October-November, 1 to 2 inches and in December, 4 inches deep. The deeper you plant the garlic clove the more difficult to harvest. I try to keep a distance of 6 inches between cloves as it is best for growth and weeding. I mulch with grass cuttings and chopped leaves and in my larger field, I use straw. Recipes Juniata Stinking Rose Blue Cheese Salad Dressing and Dip with Garlic Ingredients: 1 cup Sour Cream (or yogurt) 1 cup Mayonnaise 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (add more to taste)
The Truth Has No Agenda
1 Tablespoon Lemon juice 1 small onion finely chopped 1/2 cup grated Blue Cheese Blend all ingredients together in a bowl. Refrigerate several hours before serving.
seed (I crush the dill seed) Finely chopped garlic to taste In a small mixing bowl stir together the softeneed cream cheese and crushed dill seed. Let set in refrigerator overnight.
Dried garlic bulbs ready for market.
Can also be used as dip for chips, crackers or Buffalo Wings. Add crushed garlic to taste to the next two recipes for a special treat! Cream Cheese and Fresh Thyme Ingredients: 1 8oz. package cream cheese 3 tablespoons fresh chopped leaves of thyme Finely chopped garlic to taste In a small mixing bowl stir together the softened cream cheese and chopped thyme leaves. Let set in the refrigerator over night. Serve on crackers or celery stalks. Cream Cheese and Dill Ingredients: 1 8oz. package cream cheese 3 tablespoons fresh crushed dill
Serve on crackers or celery stalks About the Author Anton C. Hatfield-Nicholson Master Gardener 12 years Mifflintown, PA. E-mail: stinkingrose@ pa.net Anton produced from 8,000 to 12,000 pounds of garlic during
Continued on page 19
The Valley, October 2016
14
Plain Talk
Solar Explained by S. Yoder
OCTOBER 2016 Mifflin County Trivia It was Only Yesterday In August 1930, the United States Congress appropriated $1,000 to purchase William Gladstone Steel’s Scrapbook Collection, the monumental work that Steel began in the 1870s, consisting of nine massive volumes. Steel collected place names and news clippings that contained 57,800 names, tipping the scales in 1930 at a staggering 600 pounds. It is said Steel allotted one hour each day for working on his collection. In the 1920s, Will Steel contacted the Mifflin County Historical Society with a list of over thirty places and locations across the county he wished to validate. His intent was to secure the origin of each name for inclusion in his enormous collection. George R. Frysinger, editor of the Lewistown Gazette and first president of the Mifflin County Historical Society, wrote in 1925, “...and the organization parceled out three names to each working member, who by inquiry and research brought together an array of facts and traditions no less instructive than interesting.” Here is just a sampling of the origins of town names published in 1925. 1. What is the origin of the name Barrville in Brown Township? [a] Named for the post office established there. [b] Barr was a pioneer family there that established the first distillery in the county. [c] The name originated from Barr Carriages made there. [d] Barrville was named for the contractor who built the road there. 2. Lockes Mills in Armagh Township went by what name in the early 19th century? [a] Locke’s Hollow [b] Locke’s Bank [c] Enoch Mills
[d] New Lancaster 3. How did New Lancaster Valley receive its name? [a] Named for the English town of Old Lancaster by settlers who came here in 1790. [b] Considered a fresh, new place to start by early settlers named Lancaster. [c] Named by a farm worker from Lancaster County, PA. 4. For whom or what is Decatur Township’s Paintersville named? [a] Named for wild panthers or “painters” that once roamed the nearby mountains. [b] Most of the settlers there painted buildings for a living, thus the name. [c] A family named Painter first lived there. [d] The village took its name from the post office located there. ANSWERS 1. [a] Barr, the post office name given to this small settlement of a few scattered homes, church and school house. Its been called Barrville by most people since the post office was discontinued prior to 1925. Whether called Barr as a general family name or after one of the individuals comprising the early Barrs of the valley is not known. In the first assessment of Armagh Township after 1789, two Barrs are listed as David Barr and Robert Barr, this was before Union Township was created from Armagh. In 1925, George R. Frysinger wrote, “We leave others more conversant with the facts to tell the story of how the name originated.” 2. [b] The earliest name associated with this place near the entrance of New Lancaster Valley was Locke’s Bank, after the homestead of Enoch Locke and his family. Locke’s main dwelling and other buildings were located on a high bank there. However, Locke maintained a sort of “bank” for his employees and neighbors to cash
checks or for small loans. Most old-time residents believe that was the source of the “Bank’s” portion of the name. A frame flourmill was established there, but was destroyed in a fire in 1857. A new brick structure replaced the frame mill. The village assumed the name of the post office, Lockes Mills, when it was established in 1847. Around the end of the Civil War this office was discontinued, but was reopened under the name of Verne. Rural free mail delivery would close Verne and the area reverted to Lockes Mills. 3. [c] New Lancaster Valley and Creek are both are named for a trivial circumstance, the story of which follows: A farm laborer came to Mifflin County from Lancaster County, PA in the early days of settlement and found his way to the east end of the Kishacoquillas Valley. He built his cabin among some sparsely settled valley people. He worked on the large farms outside the limits of the narrow valley in which he built his cabin. Being a stranger to the other farm hands, one of them addressed him saying, “You are from Lancaster County, I hear.” He jokingly replied, “No sir, I’m from NEW Lancaster—” never dreaming he was originating the name of this little valley and stream, a name which remains to this day. 4. [a] and [d] Paintersville was the post office name given to a settlement along the line of the Sunbury & Lewistown branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The station was known by the name of Painter. George R. Frysinger believed the name “Painter” is a colloquial pronunciation of the word “panther,” wild cats which roamed the mountain there in the historic past. Henry W. Shoemaker writes about Joseph Trimble Rothrock hearing the “painter’s” cry in the wilds of Treaster Valley in the late 1800s. a
Next Issue of The Valley: November 2nd
Less Government means more Liberty
Hello to all who may read this. I may not have been in the valley, but my letter has been, so read on as this month is about “System Design” How to Design Your Own Solar System The first thing you have to do is see if you have a spot on your property (or can create one) that gets 6 hours of direct sunlight, whether that is 8-2, 9-3, or 10-4, 6 hours is what you need at a minimum. Next, decide how you want to mount your solar panels. Pole, roof or ground mount are options and then choose the steel frame that is the most convenient for you and that looks best in your setting. Looks do matter; you will be seeing this for the next three to five decades, at which time you can redesign a new system with new technology. The next thing to consider is if you will be grid-tied or off-grid. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I will try to list here to my best ability some of those, but if your particular question isn’t answered, please call me, I will be happy to help you. Off-Grid advantages • Power is all under my control. • No monthly bill, EVER. • No permits required. • No inspections. • Power even if the grid is down. Off-Grid Disadvantages • Batteries are required, 1/3 total system cost • Service amps are not always as high Grid-tied advantages • Generate more power per panel • Use smaller systems • Needs no battery room Grid-tied Disadvantages • You may need permits. • You will need inspections. • When the grid is down, you will not have power even if the sun is out. • You may still have a bill to
pay each month. Well, I hope there is enough information there for you to have made up your mind by now. For off-grid, you will now need to decide how many panels you will need. In this part of Pennsylvania, 235 watts of solar power will get you .5KWH per day or .65 KWH with generator backup, and with a 365 day average example of a typical family system of 10 KWH with generator backup, you would need 16 panels approximately. Some Typical Usages for Household Items 14 cu ft chest freezer: .9 kwh per day. 18 cu ft refrigerator: approx. 1.2 kwh per day 10 10-watt bulbs for 3 hours: .3 kwh For circulators we need to work out a solution for your particular situation, so give me a call. As for batteries, you should have the help of someone with experience as to what type best suits your need. There are 2 volt cells, steel case, saltwater, gell, agm and many more to choose from, and life spans to consider, and they all contribute to the cost of your battery expense in the future. Next, you have to consider your watering system if you choose lead acid batteries. Then we come to inverters. DO NOT skimp here as this will determine the performance of your system more than the voltage of it will. Take this next month to sit down and figure out the answers to these questions and we will continue with the next steps in next month’s issue. Thank you for your precious time. If any of this information helps just one person, my goal has been achieved. Steven is a salesman and tech support and on site serviceman for Elk Creek Solar in the Reedsville area of Mifflin County. a
“Without big banks, socialism would be impossible.” Vladimir Lenin
15
The Valley, October 2016
Dogtown Trail The Dogtown Trail is located in and near the Greenwood Furnace State Park. Used as a snowmobile trail in the winter time, this trail can be used with others in and around the park to make a circuit hike. Its wide path, free of obstacles and brush, make it a pleasure to hike. The trailhead for this hike is located at the parking area near the park office. The easiest way to get to the trailhead is to come from either Huntingdon or State College. If you are coming from Huntingdon, you’ll want to head north on route PA26. If coming from State College, you’ll want to head south on route PA26. Coming from either direction, turn off of route PA26 onto route PA305 once you enter the town of McAlevy’s Fort. You’ll head east on route PA305 towards Greenwood Furnace State Park. Once you travel for approximately 4.7 miles you’ll find yourself within the park as the road passes just south of the dam and the Greenwood Furnace Lake. Travel another quarter of a mile and turn left, parking in the lot near the park
office. Leaving the parking lot at the park office, head down a paved path that skirts the right side of the park office. In about a tenth of a mile you will cross the East Branch of the Standing Stone Creek. This is the stream the feeds the small lake located within the park. Shortly after crossing the stream the paved path ends and you will follow the paved Broad Mountain Road for another tenth of a mile. At about a quarter of mile into the hike, bear right off the road and start hiking on the single track Chestnut Spring Trail. The trail has a bit of a climb to it but you’ll only be ascending 150 feet in the next two tenths of a mile. At 0.6 miles the Chestnut Spring Trail crosses Broad Mountain Road. Shortly after the crossing you will come upon an intersection, with Chestnut Spring Trail continuing off to your left. Turn right at this intersection, ascending a bit, and then come upon a gated, dirt road after hiking about 1000 feet. Turn left on the road and pass
the gate on what is now the Dog Town Trail. Dog Town Trail is a multi-use trail, usable for hiking, biking, and equestrian, including snow mobiles in the winter months. At 0.7 miles there is another intersection with a clearing straight ahead. Turn right, around the edge of the clearing, and then turn left at the intersection with Brush Ridge Trail at 0.8 miles. After the left turn you will
This short 2.8 mile circuit is a great way to explore the woods in Greenwood Furnace!
The Truth Has No Agenda
reach the highest part of the hike, positioned above the clearing that you passed earlier. This affords you a nice view across the valley towards Stone Mountain in the distance. The trail now descends steeply along the edge of the clearing and reenters the woods. At a bit past 0.9 miles the trail turns to the right and levels out. You now have an easy hike as you stroll through the woods on the Dog Town Trail. To your left is a grove of pine trees and on your right is the ridge crowned with broad leafed trees. After a half mile the trail makes a turn to the
left and begins a descent towards route PA305. You cross route PA305 1.5 miles into the hike and descend towards the East Branch of Standing Stone Creek. At 1.6 miles the trail crosses the creek on a very sturdy foot bridge. Another 0.1 miles has you entering the back side of the camping area at Greenwood Furnace State Park. Now you walk along the paved road through the camping area, turning left on Turkey Hill Road at 2.1 miles into the hike. Continue on Turkey Hill Road
Continued on page 27
The Valley, October 2016
16
leaves are beginning to change. What better way to celebrate the fall season than with some delicious dairy products?! Here is a tasty beverage to help you get into the pumpkin carving, leaf pile jumping, football season mood!
Crisp fall air, pumpkinflavored things, and the rush of football season is here! This is a beloved season to many Pennsylvania natives as they carry on traditions of Penn State football games, gathering around the table for meals with family and preparing for the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons. As we bustle about preparing for these exciting events, let’s not forget to take proper care of our bodies. It is often easy to grab a quick fudge round, zebra cake or other simple, nutrient-deficient foods when we could just as easily make healthier decisions. Some tips to creating healthy, quick snacks are to prepare ahead of time. On a Sunday evening when you are relaxing, think about the events coming up in the next week and then think about when you will eat, and how you can make it healthy! Cheese
sticks, gogurt, yogurt cups, bottles of milk or milk in a to-go cup, cheese and crackers, and so many more are great ways to get your three servings of dairy products each day. These products contain nine essential nutrients that are necessary to our every day diets. This nutrient package contains Calcium for strong bones and teeth, Phosphorus to give you energy for the day, Protein to build and repair muscles and many other nutrients that keep our skin, eyes, and bodily functions running smoothly. My favorite way to get a serving of dairy as it is getting colder is to make hot chocolate with milk instead of water! The taste is much richer, and does more nutritionally for your body! Enjoy the wonderful and beautiful fall season! The days are getting shorter, nights are getting cooler and the
Pumpkin spice latte: 2 cups of milk 2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin puree 2 tablespoons of sugar 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice ½ cup dark roast brewed coffee Whipped cream Directions: Brew coffee as you usually would. In a small pan set on medium, stir in milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar until the pumpkin dissolves and the mixture is steaming. (don’t let it boil!). Remove from the burner and mix in the vanilla extract and add the pie spice while stirring, to keep from clumping. Pour ½ cup of coffee into a mug then pour the pumpkin spice mixture into the mug until it reaches the top. Stir. Add whipped cream and enjoy! This pumpkin spice latte is a great way to get one of your three servings of nutritious and wholesome dairy products. The milk offers a
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.
Less Government means more Liberty
nutritional value of nine essential nutrients, all the while you can enjoy a sweet fall treat! Harvest season for farmers is upon us. As we see these diligent men and women hard at work in their fields, on the roads, and working on their equipment, I hope that we are all mindful of how hard they work and how much they provide for us. Dairy producers especially, work day in and day out to provide us with many nutritious foods that we partake in each day. Each day the producers strive to save energy by only using electricity when absolutely necessary and having dual purposes for items that create a lot of energy use. They recycle what they can, such as turning manure to a dry substance to reuse it as bedding. Producers provide proper care for their cows, by having the veterinarian visit regularly, giving adequate feed and water each day and even giving them pedicures when the hoof trimmer comes. Dairies produce
a safe and wholesome product for us. From the cow to the fridge, milk is never touched by human hands, it goes through many tests and is retrieved through safe and sterile equipment. The farmer usually provides for a family as well. They work in the fall to provide food for not only us, but their livestock as well. Their job is important, but dangerous at the same time. While we are travelling on the roads, let’s be careful and watch out for those who are moving equipment, as well as being appreciative of the work they are carrying on. a
The Valley, October 2016 The Evolution of Opportunities from front page community to bring us their ideas. Bring us your dreams, your inter-
ests and your creativity. There is a place for them here. The doors are now open. We are just getting our feet wet and
aren’t quite sure how to make it all work, but that’s the exciting part of starting something new. No idea is too big or too small. Evolution Arts Center is a place where all generations can creatively come together. We can’t wait to see how the center and the arts in our community ‘Evolve.’ If you’d like more information about the Center and keep up with future events you can find us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/Evoartscenter or email me at julie@julieufema.com. a (l and top r) Evolution Arts Center founder Julie Ufema with some of her art, the smile tells you this is her “Happy Place.” (r) The brand new Evolution Arts Center in downtown Lewistown on Market street. Julie hopes this center will become other people’s Utopia!
PEST ALERT
The Allium Leafminer Palmer Amaranth
The allium leafminer has recently been confirmed in multiple Pennsylvania counties. These are the first confirmed infestations in the Western Hemisphere. Your assistance is needed in monitoring and controlling this new invasive species.
What do I look for in my crop?
• Leaf punctures in a linear pattern • Wavy or distorted leaves • Larvae mine leaves and move toward the bulb where they pupate • Most evident in species with thin leaves such as chives
How can I prevent an infestation? • • • • • •
Know the emergence cycles and seasons. Cover plants in February, prior to emergence of adults. Avoid adult oviposition by delaying planting. Cover fall plantings during the 2nd generation flight. Grow leeks as far as possible away from chives. Systemic and contact insecticides can be effective. Check label for use.
What do I do if I find Allium Leafminer? • Please notify your county Extension office.
For more information, please visit
ento.psu.edu/extension/vegetables
The Truth Has No Agenda
17
18
The Valley, October 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 Less Government means more Liberty
19
The Valley, October 2016 Growing Garlic from page 13
Joanne Wills-Kline “Contentment Quest”
October Bliss I love the month of October! I love everything about October – the fall foliage, bright sunshine, crisp breeze, comfort foods, and scents. My love for October developed over years, as I didn’t always love the month; I used to be a summer love girl. But alas, as I’ve grown and matured in years, I have become a mature woman with a penchant for the “ber” months, and my heart devoted to October. I have come to appreciate the splendor that October represents in nature. It seems to be the month that nature celebrates the “life journey” of the deciduous trees and plant life. The word “deciduous” can be defined as “falling off at maturity” signaling the conclusion of the growth season for the trees, shrubs, and plant life. It’s the end of the journey so to speak, and nature celebrates that conclusion every year with colorful foliage. The colorful foliage then can be considered natures gala in honor of life itself in maturity. In honor of October, and the life journey of nature, and ultimately our very own life’s journey, I have assembled a collage of quotes by many great thinkers, wordsmiths, and transcendental-
ists. Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage, a cozy quilt or throw, and a comfy spot to sit and sip… enjoy the thoughts of fellow October devotees: “There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October. The sunshine is particularly genial.... It seems to be of a kindly and homely nature. And the green grass, strewn with a few withered leaves, looks the more green and beautiful for them. In summer or spring, Nature is farther from one’s sympathies.” ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, journal, 1841 October 7th “October is the month for painted leaves.... As fruits and leaves and the day itself acquire a bright tint just before they fall, so the year nears its setting. October is its sunset sky; November the later twilight.” ~Henry David Thoreau, “Autumnal Tints” “The month of carnival of all the year, when Nature lets the wild earth go its way, and spend whole seasons on a single day.” ~Helen Fiske Hunt Jackson (1830–1885), “October” “Bittersweet October. “The mellow, messy, leafkicking, perfect pause between the
Editor’s Corner from page 2
One thing that is absolutely clear is that both Hillary and Trump intend to keep feeding the military industrial complex, which means sending parents’ children off to be killed in a foreign country as a way to keep stock portfolios growing and profits hefty for corporations. Name one military campaign since WWII that made things better, not worse? America needs to mind her own business and take care of her own. Let other countries find their way or not, it is NOT our problem, as much as globalists would like you to think so. We are 20 trillion dollars in debt, and it isn’t getting better anytime soon. But closing overseas bases and bringing our troops home will surely save trillions. Regime change has cost us blood and treasure and achieved absolutely nothing.
the right thing to do, and oftentimes leads to new permissions for me to detect, which are always appreciated. By next issue, this election will be almost over, and I must admit that I am not happy about the prospects for our country. The two major party candidates are not fit, in my opinion, to even be considered. What has happened to our country that we would accept a criminal like Hillary or a blowhard like Trump to lead our country? You are ALL nuts. Being a registered Libertarian, I have been working with fellow Libertarians to get people to check out Gary Johnson, the ONLY adult running for president.
opposing miseries of summer and winter.” ~Carol Bishop Hipps, “October,” In a Southern Garden, 1995 “October’s poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.” ~Nova Schubert Bair (1911–2009), in Capper’s Weekly “The softened light, the veiling haze, the calm repose of autumn days, steal gently o’er the troubled breast, soothing life’s weary cares to rest.” ~Phebe A. Holder, “A Song of October,” in the Queries Magazine, October 1890 “October gave a party; the leaves by hundreds came, — the Ashes, Oaks, and Maples, and leaves of every name. The sunshine spread a carpet, and everything was grand; Miss Weather led the dancing; Professor Wind, the band… the sight was like a rainbow new fallen from the sky.” ~George Cooper (1840–1927), “October’s Party,” c.1887 “Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves.” ~Humbert Wolfe, P.L.M.: Peoples, Landfalls, Mountains, 1936 “October is a hallelujah! reverberating in my body year-round...” ~John Nichols (b.1940), The Last Beautiful Days of Autumn a
Instead of believing the next nit-wit politico telling you who you MUST vote for or the world will end, do this: Google Gary Johnson. Or even better, visit the local Libertarian Facebook page or the local Mifflin County Johnson/Weld 2016 page. There is more than enough information there that you don’t find in the mainstream. The media is vested in keeping the status quo, they really don’t care what you want, but they don’t even try to put on appearances; they are silencing Gary Johnson. Another thing you can bet on is that our country becomes even more divided if Trump or Hillary wins; half of the country will be angry as hell and that means anything could happen. Another thing just dawned on me—our next issue will be the start of our 7th year! Is that possi-
The Truth Has No Agenda
2002 and 2003 on five certified organic farms in Juniata, Mifflin and Franklin counties. He is researching with 27 varieties of garlic for their commercial use with Penn State University. Juniata Stinking Rose retails and wholesales in local markets and on their web site. Anton is a native of Illinois, graduated from New York University in Marketing/Commerce and holds a MEd from the University of Illinois. He is retired from retail sales and teaching marketing on the secondary school level in Up State New York to Pennsylvania. He started gathering garlic varieties in 1995 with a harvest of 75 pounds. Now he
A Homesteading, Mom from page 8 up for inevitable failure as soon as that threat is removed. The concepts of good and bad must be internalized. If we demand good behavior by simply stating “Because I told you so” it creates a Pavlovian response that fades as soon as the adult supervision does. It also opens the door to dangerous absolutes. Should a child then listen to ANY adult or authority figure “because they said so?” This is not to say there is no place for proper discipline, as we all see where entitlement culture has gotten us. Wilder records several instances in which her and her siblings were reprimanded and/ or sternly punished. The critical differences being that her parents responded situationally and explained why certain actions were the wrong ones. They relied more ble? An idea I had while weeding the garden? Seven years? Well, it was never about me in the first place. It was the gracious and uber intelligent writers we have surrounded ourselves with. None of us are professional writers per se, just common folks sharing what we love. It works, mostly because our paper is a “conversation” over the back fence, in everyday speak like in everyone’s everyday life. We are still evolving, and now that we have been at this a while, I think you always have to continue to evolve—complacency is a killer in this business. I just found out today that my hometown newspaper, The Citizen, formerly The Laconia Evening Citizen, until bought by one of the big boys 20 years ago, printed their farewell edition just this morning (September 30) after 90
is up to 10.000 pounds. He is married to Sharon who is a Registered Nurse and also retired form teaching nursing on the secondary and post secondary level. They both give presentations at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association Conference, at garlic festivals and garden clubs. They have two married daughters and four grandchildren. Anton has family in Nebraska and North Carolina also researching garlic for Juniata Stinking Rose. He enjoys organic herb gardening and gourmet cooking and is looking into High Tunnel crop production with herbs.
heavily on appeal to conscience, rather than coercion (bribes) or force (spankings). Hence, Laura did not refuse to do her chores because she feared a tanned behind, but because she understood that she would be wrongly and selfishly burdening her mother or sister with what she had left undone. All of us (myself included) need to take the extra time to guide our childrens’ conscience by not only telling them WHAT is wrong, or punishing them AFTER the fact, but emphasizing WHY it is wrong. Children programmed to see only in black and white will not comprehend the nuanced shades of gray that are predominant in assessing what is right or wrong. Source: Boaz, David. The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, One of America’s First Libertarians. TIME Magazine May 9th, 2015. a years in business. While commiserating with friends online this morning when the news broke, I had mentioned that the change in concept when new owners took over was the final nail in the coffin. Too bad someone at the paper wasn’t smart enough to see the paradigm shift about 15 years ago and EVOLVE to meet the new challenges. I know why; the guys on top rarely believe they are the problem. Such are the problems of larger entities. One thing is for certain, we could not keep doing what we do without our advertisers, they are the lifeblood that keeps the machine oiled. Please go out of your way to support the good people who advertise in our pages, they keep us going and deserve your support! a
The Valley, October 2016
20
The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra Presents
“Pastoral Scenes” Sunday, October 23, 2016 @ 3:00 pm Schwab Auditorium E. Pollock Road on the Penn State University Park Campus Honegger - Pastorale de’ete Beethoven - Violin Concerto Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral) General Admission Seating $25 Advance Sale -- $30 at the door Youth tickets (16 years and under) $5 with adult purchase Tickets available by phone, online, or call the PCO office YANIV ATTAR | CONDUCTOR A native of Israel, Yaniv Attar is the 1st prize winner of the Duna Szimfonikus Conducting Competition Budapest, and the recipient of the 2010/2012 & 2014 Georg Solti Foundation US Award and the 2009 Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation Award. Attar is the newly appointed Music Director of the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, and Music Director of the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra in Bellingham. Highlights of past seasons included collaborations with artists such as Tine Thing Helseth, Sharon Isbin, Johannes Moser and Gil Shaham. Attar was also one of 10 conductors from around the world who were invited to INTERACTION, and conducted an orchestra composed of all of Germany’s top orchestras, including the Berliner Philhar-
Yanly Attar
Effron, Donald Thulean and Michael Jurowski. Attar has worked with the Cincinnati Symphony, Duna Szimfonikus Budapest, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Haifa Symphony, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali Milan, Jerusalem Symphony, Lithuanian State Symphony, London Solists Chamber Orchestra, Memphis Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Manhattan School of Music Orchestra, Mihail Jora Philharmonic Romania, National Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Rochester Philharmonic , Russe
Philharmonic Bulgaria, Salzburg Chamber Soloists, and Virginia Symphony. Attar is also an accomplished classical guitarist. He has studied under Irit Even-Tov, Charles Ramirez and Sharon Isbin, for whom he served as teaching assistant at the Aspen Music Festival from 2003 to 2005. Attar was the first guitarist to win the Aviv Competition Prize in Israel and the Concerto Competition at the Juilliard School. Attar plays a 2014 Dake Traphagen Guitar. His studies have been generously sup-
moniker, Konzerthaus Orchestra, German Symphony Orchestra, and the Radio Symphony OrClaudia Schaer Continued on page 22 chestra Berlin. Most recently, Attar completed his two years residency as the Assistant Conductor of the Alabama Symphony OrThe American Heart Association/ Before leaving the hospital, patients chestra, where American Stroke Association has issued and caregivers should receive a formal he conducted its first guidelines on adult stroke falls-prevention program to prevent nearly 100 rehabilitation calling for intensive, accidents at home. performances, multidisciplinary treatment. and worked extensively with Maestro Justin The consistency of the findings in favor of IRF referral suggests that stroke survivors Brown. who qualify for IRF services should receive this care in preference to SNF-based care. Drawn to IRF - Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, SNF - Skilled Nursing Facility orchestral conducting from early age, Attar Other recommendations issued by the AHA/ASA include: has studied with Israel Edelson 1. Stroke patients who have trouble walking should undergo intense mobility-task in Jerusalem, training to help relearn how to perform daily activities, such as climbing stairs. Virginia Allen 2. Stroke patients who have trouble speaking should undergo speech therapy. at the Juilliard School in New 3. Balance training should be offered to stroke survivors at risk for falls. York and Neil Thomson at the 4. Exercise regimens tailored to individual stroke patients can help them continue Royal College to improve their fitness level once their rehabilitation is complete. of Music in London, where Source: American Heart Association, Inc. he was also the Associate ConAs one of the nation’s leading inpatient rehabilitation ductor and coproviders, HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation founder of the Tempus ChamHospital continues to offer a higher level of stroke ber Orchestra. care, offering intensive, multidisciplinary treatments In 2008, Attar to help patients get back into the community sooner. earned his Doctor of Music This specialized care includes: degree from • Advanced technologies McGill Univer• At least three hours of therapy a day, sity where he studied under five days a week the tutelage of • Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses® Alexis Hauser. available 24/7 Attar also stud• Frequent physician visits* ied with Kurt A Higher Level of Care® • Personalized rehabilitation programs targeting Masur, Leonard Slatkin, Janos each patient’s specific needs Fürst, Jorma • Team approach to achieving goals Panula, Gustav • Weekly team meetings to discuss progress Meier, Johannes 550 West College Avenue and goals Schlaefli, Peter Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 • 814 359-3421 Gülke, Neil * The hospital provides access to independent physicians. NittanyValleyRehab.com Varon, Carl St. Clair, David ©2016 HealthSouth Corporation: 1233538-04
Did You Know?
Less Government means more Liberty
21
The Valley, October 2016
Modern Energy and Alternative Heating with Curt Bierly Bicycling West Virginia and West Pennsylvania Rail Trails If you missed my previous Rail Trail articles, a quick review will “bring you up to speed.” Rail Trails, as the name suggests, are former railroads that have been abandoned and are converted to a trail that is open to hiking, walking or the use of non-motorized vehicles. The trail surface is usually a fine crushed stone packed down to provide a very hard surface and because trains don’t like steep grades, there are no big hills to climb! There are numerous “Trailheads” along the way that provide access points to the trail, sometimes bathrooms and always parking. Some Trailheads are more developed and have gift shops in former railroad stations.
The Pine Creek Rail Trail North of Jersey Shore passes very near our home and it is truly amazing how many people use this trail. People walking their dogs, joggers and bikers. Youngsters and oldsters. I’ve seen families out for a ride with mom, daughter, son and, if they’re too young to ride a bike, dad will pull them in an ultra-light enclosed “trailer” that hooks to his bike. Occasionally, I will see a family pet in the trailer being towed by the pet’s owner. Hybrid bicycles are generally used to ride a Rail Trail although any bicycle will do. The hybrid bike has a medium width tire as opposed to a larger width mountain bike tire or a skinny road bike
tire. Other then the tire size, the hybrid is a standard multispeed bike that you can purchase at any good bike shop. Also available are “Comfort Hybrid Bicycles,” which allow you to be in an upright posture as opposed to being in the tuck position on a standard hybrid bike. The number of Rail Trails have been growing rapidly as cities, states and non profit organizations have been buying or leasing abandoned railroads and converting them to Rail Trails. There is currently a bicycle trail that you can ride that starts in Washington DC and goes all the way to Point State Park in Pittsburgh (340 miles). Amazing!! If you haven’t ridden a bike in many years, you may be concerned that you can’t ride very far. I know when we started riding the Pine Creek Trail we only went a few miles before we would turn around and return. Now our average evening ride is 12 to 15 miles. Halfway we’ll stop at a bench along the trail in a scenic spot and take a break. We carry water inside the bag mounted behind the seat in lieu of on the bottle holder mounted on the frame of the bike. On a warm summer day the water bottle stays cleaner and the water stays cooler in the bag. We just returned from our
The Truth Has No Agenda
annual week long bike trip during which we rode four rail trails; each one was about 30 miles long. We rode the Montrail North, Montrail South and Decker Creek Trails. All three are located near Morgantown, WV. We also road the Panhandle Trail and the Montour Trail. Both are west of Pittsburgh with the Panhandle Trail starting in West Virginia. My brother has a motor home and he drops us at the starting Trailhead we choose and meets us at the exit Trailhead we choose. After the ride, we’re off to a nearby campground for an overnight stay a short distance from the next rail trail we’ll ride. We always strive to ride the complete length of the trail. The Mono trail north and south follows the Monongahela River which joins the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh to form the Ohio. If a rail trail follows a creek or river, it is usually best to ride in the direction the water flows. Water flows downhill, which means the trail will have more slight downhill grades then uphill grades if you ride in the direction of flow. This is very
true on the Decker Creek Trail, which has long, steady relatively steep grades. We rode the Mon Trail North and South with the water flow (toward Pittsburgh), but it could be ridden either way because the grades are very small. The Montour Trail forms a semicircle around the west side of Pittsburgh and should be ridden south to north. That trail doesn’t follow a river, which results in at least five long, relatively steep uphill grades if the trail is ridden in the opposite direction. The Pine Creek Rail Trail (Jersey Shore to Wellsboro Junction) is an impressive 60+ miles long, is well maintained, receives great reviews and is easily accessible to this papers’ readership. Why not grab a bicycle and give it a try!! 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
The Valley, October 2016
22
by Tangeline Sechrist
“I get by with a little help from my friends.” John Lennon and Paul McCartney penned this well-known line in a song for the Beatles, but it is one that the Friends of the Mifflin County Library feel can apply to us as well. The Friends of the Library, FOL for short, goal is to support the library through fundraisers and activities. In order to do so, we need your help. More informa-
tion about our group and meetings can be found on the Mifflin County Library website or on our Facebook page. So, please like us on Facebook and find out more about our activities and our group. Our plan is to raise money to refurbish the Community Room at the library to make it more useful for both the library and the community, and to make it more aesthetically pleasing. If we are to make this happen, we need people. People who can assist us at events, who can help with planning, and even people who have some new thoughts and ideas. Yes, we need you! So, if you believe that the library is important to
our community (and it is!), then we hope you will consider joining our group and helping out. We have two upcoming events that I would like to share with you. The first is our third annual Art Show, which we call Books & Brushes. The art show features some of our talented local artists who will be sharing their talents with their community. Some of the artwork will be available for purchase. We will be providing refreshments and Margaret McCann School of Dance will be performing for us as well. The show is on October 15th from 10:003:00. So we hope you will stop on in and spend a little time checking out the art work and maybe even a book or two. If you don’t have a library card, it is the perfect day to sign up for one! The second event is the Vintage Book Sale. The Vintage Book Sale will be held October 26th from 10:00 -7:00 in the Community Room. Who knows what treasures you may find? These books may be first editions, rare, collectable, or just plain old, but they are worth checking out. a
“Paper money has had the effect in your state that it will ever have, to ruin commerce, oppress the honest, and open the door to every species of fraud and injustice.” George Washington
in to be properly Come join disposed of by the us on Saturday four counties October 8th, participating. 1st 2016 from place Huntingdon 8:00AM to County collected 12:00PM at 2,079, 2nd place the MCIDC Perry County colPlaza for an lected 1,623 tires, International 3rd place Juniata Coastal cleanCounty collected up as we finish 924 tires, and this year’s Mifflin County Juniata River collected 661 cleanup. Rain tires. By providing date will be residents a place October 15th. to bring their tires, If we have we will not find extra time, them down the we will clean mountain or along Hawstone MAKE A SPLASH AND CLEAN UP TRASH the road. And they Road as well. breathe. Ocean trash is a global won’t be in the Learn how problem, but has local solutions. river like the tires above were. you can become a volunteer for Be part of the solution! Call Pam Go to www.keeppabeautiful.org PACleanWays of Mifflin County. Sechrist at 717-899-6701 or conand click on events if you want to The Ocean needs you: trash tact by email pammiff@verizon. know what we may be doing. travels and whether you are in net to find out how you can join land or on the water, the ocean is our local cleanup. Pam Sechrist always downstream. The ocean This year’s Tire Recycle Affiliate Coordinator provides the food we eat, the Challenge had 5,287 tires brought water we drink, and the air we PACleanWays of Mifflin County a
Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra presents “Pastoral Scenes” from page 20 ported by the America and Canada Israel Cultural Foundations, The Williamson Foundation for Music, Ronen Foundation, The Olga Forrai Foundation New York, the Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation, AVI Fellowships Switzerland, the Rislov Foundation, and the ISEF Foundation. CLAUDIA SCHAER | VIOLIN SOLOIST With beautiful and intelligent interpretations, alongside intriguing programming, the versatile recitalist, chamber musician and soloist Claudia Schaer meets with accolades from audiences and musicians alike. Most recently, she released a CD of the Bach Sonatas and Partias for solo violin, available at www.ClaudiaSchaer.com/ discography. Native of Calgary, Canada, Claudia Schaer was 11 when she received the “Most Promising Violinist” medal at the Canadian
Less Government means more Liberty
“Kiwanis Music Festival”, and won prizes in international competitions thereafter. A graduate of The Juilliard School’s Accelerated Bachelor/Master program, she served as concertmaster of the Juilliard Symphony, and as teaching assistant to her mentor, Sally Thomas, as well as receiving the “Sasakawa Young Leadres’ Fellowship”. This past season, Ms. Schaer toured Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark, giving many solo violin concerts, which included all six Bach Sonatas and Partitas, the Bartók Solo Sonata, and Boulez’s Anthèmes. She gave her Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Debut (which included collaboration with the Echo-prizewinning David Orlowsky Trio). Other recent highlights included performances at the Banff Centre for the Arts, at Columbia University, and at Glencairn Cathedral in Pennsylvania (which featured a programme of violin and harp.) An avid chamber musician, she has performed in England’s prestigious Prussia Cove
festival, in the Danish “Thy” Festival, and with Berlin Philharmonic members in Italy’s “Barga Festival”, among others. Her international commitment extends further to China, where she has given masterclasses in Guangzhou, Nanning, and Guilin, and is a Guest Professor of the Guangxi Arts College. Claudia Schaer is currently a soloist and concertmaster of New York’s North/South Consonance Ensemble, with which she premiered the Lifchitz Violin Concerto. She completed a Doctorate of Musical Arts at Stony Brook University in 2011, mentoring with Phillip Setzer, Ani Kavafian, Pamela Frank, Philippe Graffin, and Soovin Kim, and writing about Varèse, Boulez, and the intersection of mathematics, philosophy, and music. For details about upcoming performances, and further information, please visit www.ClaudiaSchaer.com a
The Valley, October 2016
The Truth Has No Agenda
23
The Valley, October 2016
24
The Importance Of Soil PH
Last month, I wrote about what to observe in your soils. Now, let’s look at why some of these observations about soil are so important. Every plant has established symbiotic microbiota which assist in the uptake of particular nutrients. Remember when we discussed how exudates from the plant helps to attract those beneficials to their rhizomes? Studies show that plants in sterilized soil do worse than those in soil rich with beneficial microbes. This is because those microbes are working along with the plants so they each get what they need to thrive. The health of the microorganisms in your soil is essential for a robust, healthy landscape. We can know a few things
about our soil simply by testing the pH. Of course, we know the pH will affect the uptake of different nutrients. For example, almost all gardeners know that blueberries like acidic soil. If blueberries are placed in alkaline soil, they fail to thrive. If their soil is not amended, they often die. Why? Because the acidity affects the uptake of crucial nutrients such as iron and manganese. Now, we can ask why is nutrient uptake affected by pH? Ah-ha! This is where we move away from the concept of simply dumping certain amendments on our soil to give the plant what it needs, because it isn’t necessary in healthy soils! Here’s the incredible thing about soil pH: Acidity determines
the microbiota of your soil… and your soil’s microbiota can determine the acidity to an extent. Of course, there are lots of things that can affect (and damage) the web of life in your soil, but acidity is one key element to discovering how your soil’s web of life functions. Soils are either dominated by fungi or bacteria. Bacteria can provide things for plants that fungi can’t and vice versa. Remember how I mentioned Joel Glanzberg’s comment that stability is not where life happens? Well, in the landscape cycle, we know that soft stemmed annuals precede woody brush and then, eventually, we get to the densely packed, old growth forest. It stays in this forest stage until something
Less Government means more Liberty
comes along and cannot survive starts the process in soils with all over again. a high level What is amazing of acidity. is that beneath This brings the surface, there us to the are successional importance of changes happengetting your ing, too. soils tested. In Because permaculture, fungi can break we want to down lignin, the work with the building block of landscape— woody matenot against rial, they tend to it. If we have dominate woody acidic soils, landscapes and we choose flourish in more plants which acidic soils than thrive in bacteria. In acidic envireturn, the fungi ronments and provide nitroJust one of many accurate yet inexpen- need nitrogen sive PH meters for testing your own gen in the form in the form of soil. of ammonium, ammonium, which woody rather than plants love. On the other hand, nitrates. We can mulch with wood while fungi can break down soft chips. We can grow mushrooms vegetation, bacteria are typically for longer harvests within our dominant in early succession garden beds—though they may landscapes. Some of these bachave to compete more as it will be teria help certain plants to “fix” an ideal environment for fungi. nitrogen. This means the plants If we have alkaline soils, we gather atmospheric nitrogen and can know that annuals are our best in this symbiotic relationship the bet as nitrogen will be available in bacteria convert it into the form of the form of nitrates. We will probnitrates, which the plant can use. ably choose one of many types of Unfortunately (or fortuContinued on page 27 nately?), many types of bacteria
25
The Valley, October 2016
Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra The
Our 2016—2017 Season
INSPIRED EXPRESSIONS
PASTORIAL SCENES
Sunday, October 23 at 3:00 pm Schwab Auditorium*
East Pollock Road on Penn State’s, University Park Campus
Honegger Pastorale d’ete Beethoven Violin Concerto Beethoven Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral)
Claudia Schaer violin soloist
Claudia Schaer is a versatile recitalist, soloist, and chamber musician, known for her beautiful Soloist and intelligent sponsored by: interpretations and intriguing programming.
I gained 50 pounds ...and love it!
25 in advance
$
www.families4kids.org 800-568-6449
$30 at the door $5 for children 16 and under with paid adult
foster parent or adopt...you’ll love it too!
* Complimentary bus shuttle service provided to and from the Schwab Auditorium and the Eisenhower Parking Deck.
“ I am thrilled to present this season of noteworthy musical intersections: classical standards, mixed with lesser known works; our outstanding musicians, sharing the stage with international virtuosos, right here in beautiful, State College.”
Yaniv Attar, Music Director A special thank you to our concert sponsor,
Barbara Palmer
For online tickets go to CentreOrchestra.org or call 814-234-8313.
The Truth Has No Agenda
The Valley, October 2016
26
What’s in your Water? Unsafe levels of a cancercausing chemical called chromium-6 are contaminating the tap water of more than 200 million Americans in all 50 states. This finding comes from an analysis of federal data released this week by the Environmental Working Group. You might know chromium-6 from the popular 2000 movie, “ Erin Brokovich,” starring Julia
Roberts. The film depicted real life events about a lawsuit filed by residents of Hinkley, California, against an energy corporation in the area after dangerous levels of the chemical were found in the drinking water. But even though it’s been almost 25 years since the real environmental activist Erin Brokovich fought against the carcinogen, the conflict with chromium- 6 is far from over. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that the US Environmental Protection Agency has never set a specific limit for chromium-6 in drinking water—even though the odorless and tasteless chemical, which is largely produced by industrial processes, has been found to cause cancer. A two year study (http:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC2685832/) released
in 2008 by the National Toxicology Program found that drinking water with chromium-6 causes cancer in laboratory rats and mice. Another scientific study (http:// oem.bmj.com/content/72/2/151. full.pdf+html) found a higher incidence of stomach cancers in workers routinely exposed to chromium-6 But the harm does not end there. The toxic chemical is also connected (http://www.ewg.org/ research/chromium-six-foundin-us-tap-water) to liver damage,
more productive problems, and developmental issues. The Environmental Working Group tested more than 600,000 water samples between 2013 and 2015. They estimate that the water supplies serving 218 million Americans contain unsafe levels of this chemical. You can see the levels of chromium-6 in your county with this interactive map from EWG. (http://www.ewg.org/ interactive-maps/2016-chromium6-lower-48.php) The US is facing a serious
water crisis that has been building for decades. Americans are exposed to hundreds, if not thousands of cancer causing chemicals every day in their drinking water. This is another reason why at Simply Health we offer Kangen alkaline water. It has been purified of chemicals, oxygenated, and made alkaline. For more information on our water, check out our web site at www.simplyhealth-calm.com.
Continued on page 27
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION #1 PRIORITY AREAS PREMIERE SEPTIC & PORTABLE TOILET RENTAL BUSINESS
SINGLE UNIT PORTABLE RESTROOMS HANDICAP UNITS PUMPING SERVICES FOR PERSONALLY OWNED HANDWASHING STATIONS
RV/CAMPER PUMPING SEPTIC TANK PUMPING (Residential, Commercial Industrial) Grease Traps
BRANNON’S PORTA POT RENTAL LLC & SEPTIC PUMPING SERVICES CALL NOW (717) 437-1000 brannonsportapots@gmail.com
Less Government means more Liberty
27
The Valley, October 2016
Mail Pouch Books by Carleen B. Grossman CHANCE DEVELOPMENTS By Alexander McCall Smith Copyright 2015 256 pages This book is about people watching, watching strangers and imagining what their stories might be. Each story in this book was inspired by an old black-and-white photograph and transformed into a story of love. The photographs are actually shown in photo-
album format as end covers of the book, one used on the cover of the book, while each chapter begins with the individual photograph that inspired the story; all photos have hand written descriptions underneath them! The author then creates a story about the subjects of the photographs telling about ordinary people in ordinary or extraordinary circumstances. The five stories/photos deal with: • A nun in Scotland who leaves the convent. • A Scotsman who reunites with a childhood friend. • A young Canadian man with simple lifetime goals joins the circus. • A young woman in Ireland with a beautiful car. •A man in Australia counts his blessings after surviving WWII.
An excellent story about the re-locations that Stalin ordered of the native people of countries like Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
Alkaline Water is only $1.00 per gallon. Detoxing is also very important for maintaining a healthy body. Detoxing with the Ion -Cleanse detoxing footbath, Far Infrared Sauna, or even while sitting in a Himalayan Salt Room is very beneficial to anyone’s health as we are subjected to thousands of chemicals and toxins every single day. Decide which of our October Spa Specials best suits you and call us early for an appointment at 814-954-7731. Fall Essentials Jumbo Salt Lamp. Himalayan Salt Lamps produce negative ions naturally. These negative ions are known to help alleviate symptoms caused by allergies, sleep disorders, migraine headaches and depression. They also help to eliminate common indoor air pollutants such as dust, mildew, electromagnetic fields from TV’s, computers and other electronic devices. 2 pounds Himalayan Bath Salts containing 84 essential minerals and trace elements essential to the
reader will gain insight from reading it, especially since this novel defies all stereotypes of black southern women. It is written in excellent style and filled with jarring emotions. There are many nuggets of wisdom woven into this story but the one I liked the best was what the mother says about her daughter--- “It’s been said that justice is getting what you deserve. And mercy is not getting the bad you deserve. Grace is getting a good thing, even when you don’t deserve it. So if I would’ve named my good thing, I’d have called her Grace.” This is a book to read and share its profoundness!
GRACE By Natashia Deon Copyright 2016 402 pages A book covering the relationships between women during the violent times prior to and during the Civil War. Abuse, violence and tragedy affect all the female characters. Everyone should read this book; both men and women. The
BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY By Ruta Sepetys Copyright 2012 351 page
Cave Echoes from page 26
and other countries that the Soviet Union annexed. It is a book about human endurance and the will to survive. The descriptions are well-detailed and harrowing! During 1939, the story centers around Baltic states immigrants who would be murdered , sent to prison or deported into slavery in Siberia. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, military servicemen, writers, business owners, musicians, artists and even librarians were all considered anti-Soviet. In this story, a 15 year old Lithuanian girl lives an ordinary life—until Soviet officers invade her home and capture her family. They are forced to fight for their lives. The young girl finds solace in her artwork, documenting these events by drawing. This book is about how hope overcomes hate.
bodies health and well being. Use plain or add a few drops of the Organic Essential Oil to open up the sinuses and decongest the head. Price: $49
sion and aches and pains and is capable of stimulating the cells of our Nervous and Musculoskeletal systems. Price: $49
Bio Cleanse • 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. • Hot Butter Hand Treatment during the 30 minute detox footbath. This treatment begins with a salt scrub exfoliation on the hands to remove dead cells and open pores before the warm melted butters are drawn into the skin. The hands are then tucked into warm Himalayan salt mitts until butters are delivered deep into skin layers. • 30 minutes on the Amethyst Mini BioMat during the Detox Footbath. The deep penetrating Far Infrared rays and negative ions helps reduce stress, ten-
Fall Pick • 5-10 minutes of our Whole Body Vibration to get your circulation moving, your lymphatics stimulated, and your muscles relaxed. • 45 minutes in a Himalayan Salt Room in which negative ions are absorbed into the body by breathing the saturated air into the lungs. The salt is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. You will be breathing air that is saturated with 84 minerals and trace elements. • 4oz Himalayan Salt Scrub to take home Choice of 1 of the following: • 20-30 minute Far Infrared sauna. • 30 minutes on the Amythest BioMat.with a Hot Butter Hand Treatment • 30 minutes on the Jade Massage Bed with a Hot Butter Hand Treatment Price: $49 Happy Fall and free breathing! a
The Truth Has No Agenda
Dogtown Trail from page 15 as it heads towards route PA305. Prior to reaching that intersection, take a moment to explore the old cemetery located here. Many of the graves date back to the mid to late 1800s. A monument near the cemetery is dedicated to local war veterans, dating back to the Civil War. Follow the paved walkways through the park along the east side of lake. You will cross a small bridge at 2.4 miles and then continue on across the picnic area
Goss on Permaculture from page 24 soft vegetation as a mulch, such as leaf mold, straw, or “chop and drop” vegetation. It is important to note that there is much debate on the subject of mulch types. Some gardeners state that as long as the mulch is not mixed into the soil, the microbiota is not changed by applying a topical lignin dominated mulch. However, the majority of nitrogen fixing bacteria make their homes in the top layer of soil, leading many gardeners to deter-
until you reach Broad Mountain Road. Turning right here you will follow the previously hiked paved path back towards the park office and your waiting car. This short circuit hike is 2.8 miles long and a great way to explore the forest near Greenwood Furnace State Park. When visiting the park for a picnic or if you are camping here, consider this hike as a way to enjoy the woods and see what Greenwood Furnace State Park has to offer. a
mine, along with anecdotal evidence, that wood chips as mulch decreases the productivity of their annual crops over the short term unless a nitrate fertilizer is added. No matter which stance you take on this subject, the important take away is that even seemingly minor alterations to our soil can change the entire structure of its food web. Testing your soil is essential to observing your landscape, but take it a step further, and try to learn what those test results mean for the ecosystem throughout the soil. a
The Valley, October 2016
28
Life in the East End
Bureau really appreciates all the hard work the presenters put into preparing before the tour and the day of the tour, but I want to say “Thank You” also. I want to “Thank” Robert
by Rebecca Harrop Well according to the calendar, autumn has arrived. With temperatures still hitting 90 a couple weeks ago it seems like summer just isn’t ready to leave yet. I for one am ready for some cooler temperatures soon. Although, not too cold too fast. On the farm we have finished chopping corn silage now. Some of the corn was really bad, but at least we had enough to fill what we need to fill. It only made about 10 to 12 ton to the acre, but most years we get double that much. We are in the process of spraying ground to plant wheat. We usually plant about 70 acres of wheat. After that we will have high moisture corn to shell and
Pesticide Safety Station
soybeans to combine. There is always something to keep you busy on the farm. The Mifflin County Farm Bureau had our annual 3rd grade Ag Tour in September. This year the tour was held at Peach Vale Farm owned by Robert & Lisa Peachey. We had almost 500 kids attend the tour this year. The kids visited 18 different stations plus two potty breaks. We had the usual stations,:Corn Maze, Wagon Ride, Equine, Farm Equipment, Incredible Plants, Food Safety, Pesticides, Animal Housing, Bee’s, Animal Nutrition, Milking Cows, Milk Transfer, Cow Dr, Nutrient Management and Animals Personal. New this year
was the Apple Station presented by the Culinary Arts students from the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology. The Apple Station taught the kids about different types of apples and what they were best used for. They concentrated on the Gala, Red Delicious and Granny Smith varieties explaining which were better for snacking or baking. They also learned that apples can be served for every meal. At the end each kid got a sample of an amuse bouche, which was an apple slice with some caramel sauce for dipping. Some of the culinary students were making different types of apple snacks to show how you can use them as a centerpiece also. They looked delicious and some had chocolate, so of course I am a fan. We always have great presenters who do a fantastic job of sharing knowledge about good farming practices. It always amazes me that we live in a rural area, but for some of these kids, this is the only experience they have with a farm. I know Farm
Less Government means more Liberty
& Lisa Peachey along with their family for hosting the tour this year also. Without the generosity of our local farmers it would be
Continued on page 30
The Valley, October 2016
The Truth Has No Agenda
29
The Valley, October 2016
30 Essential Oils from page 10 to be insignificant because the orifices account for only 0.1% of the skin area and diffusion along sweat ducts is against an outward aqueous flow.” And Robert Tisserand states: “The soles of the feet and palms of the hands contain many eccrine (sweat) glands, through which water is released onto the skin. Since essential oils are not water soluble, they cannot use these glands to bypass the skin barrier. Not even watersoluble substances enter the body through sweat glands. If they did, we would put on weight after a swim or a shower.” I guess this argument is that the feet don’t absorb a topical product as well because they are constantly sweating it off! Yet another argument is whether or not hair follicles play a rule in absorption. The fact is this: Feet do not have hair follicles. Hair follicles contain sebum, an oily substance that covers the body and helps waterproof and lubricate the skin. It also is said to be a protective barrier that some say essential oils could not penetrate. Since the feet do not have this protective barrier, some conclude that the feet can absorb. While others state that oils are absorbed through the follicles.
Here is a statement from Robert Tisserand: “The palms and soles have no hair follicles. Hair follicles contain sebum, an oily substance, and there is some evidence that essential oil constituents are able to use this route to bypass the skin barrier.” I actually did extensive research on this and there are recent studies to back up Mr. Tisserand’s statement. So, do hair follicles help or hinder absorption? Researchers studying absorption methods have conducted an experiment to study dermal penetration via the feet. This study was not about essential oils, but sought to investigate an urban myth claiming people could become drunk by submerging their feet in vodka. The conclusion proved that this was false and alcohol was not detected in the blood when samples were taken every 30 minutes for a total of 180 minutes. Reflexology is cited as one of the reasons to apply essential oils to the feet, and frequently undiluted, or neat, is recommended. Whoever came up with this connection failed to realize the fundamental differences between applying a product to the feet and a foot reflexology treatment. It seems that reflexology has, unfortunately, become a catch all for a good foot massage! If you
study true, ancient reflexology, the key is in the varied pressure techniques unique to the reflexology profession. This alternating pressure of the thumb and fingers over a reflex area is what sends the message to the brain regarding the reflected area of the body. This is done without the use of lubrication so the practitioner’s thumbs and fingers do not slip or glide over a reflex area and lose the opportunity to correctly stimulate that reflex. “Foot and hand reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to all body parts. The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger and hand techniques result in stress reduction which causes a physiological change in the body” - The American Reflexology Certification Board, 1993-1999. Reflexologists may choose to use essential oils to complement their treatment, but for inhalation purposes. I am truly convinced after all the research I have done in the last few years that inhalation is still the quickest and most effective method of absorption in therapeutic aromatherapy. Topical applications come in second and should be applied to the areas of concern. So, there it is. Take it…or not. I can’t help being a “why and
Expect More from Your Fuel Supplier! • Reliable Propane & Heating Oil Delivery • Budget Payment Plan • 24/7 Emergency Service • Heating Equipment Service Plans • Safety Trained Professionals
Call today to learn about our NEw CustOmER sPECiAls!
• Over 80 Years Experience
Our Business is Customer Satisfaction
717-248-5476 • 1-800-PROPANE (776-7263)
Less Government means more Liberty
how” person, so I wanted to share my findings. If you have been applying oils to your feet and they have been working, then that is awesome! I would say continue. It certainly is not going to harm you if you use proper essential oil safety precautions. As always, I would like to invite you to stop in at Shade Mountain Naturals. We are a small family-owned business and
we LOVE company! We make all of our products on site: FRESH! We have Soaps, Crèmes, Bath Bombs, Lip Balms, Body Butters, Facial Soaps, Facial Moisturizers…and more! Come see what we are making. We will give you a FREE sample and, of course, smells are always free and encouraged. At last count: we had over 70 Essential Oils! a
Life in the East End from page 28
Barnyard! It is a great time for the whole family. Mom has been doing my barn work on the weekends for me so I can work at The Barnyard & Corn Maze. She says she is enjoying it. Although a couple weekends back I’m not sure she was. One of the new heifers who wasn’t used to being milked yet knocked her around a little. She had a couple black and blue marks, but she’s ok. One other thing I want to share this month. November 1st will be this year’s Farm City Banquet. It will be at Hartman’s Center in Milroy, starting with a Punch Bowl at 6:00 pm followed by the meal at 6:30. The Farm Family and Business Family of the year will be named and presented with a plaque. There will be more information coming soon on this event. Watch the Sentinel for more details. a
difficult to have an Ag Tour. It’s really important for members of the farming community to be willing to allow the public to see how we do things on our farms. There is plenty of negative information out there being promoted as facts, so if we don’t do our part to dispel it, how can we expect the public to know any different. If you want to know something about farming ask a farmer, we would rather take the time to talk to you than you get false or misleading info from another source. I’ve been busy working at At The Barnyard Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Ferguson Valley again this year. This year’s theme is American Presidents, so if you want to learn a little more about our Presidents, come out to The
31
The Valley, October 2016
Everyone has that someone in their life that they don’t know what to get for Christmas or a birthday. This person has everything or is very particular. What should be a simple trip to the store for a gift turns into a weekend event, hunting in every store for something that will be unique and not offensive--something they don’t already have. Don’t take that burden on alone, share it with the salesperson; the way I figure it you are buying, so why not get someone’s input. Wax Pottery is wax, crafted into bowls that are infused with scented oils then colored and decorated so it can be added to any home décor. It is a unique way to bring scents into any room without the burden of burning candles or melting tarts. They are always on and ready to please your sense of smell. Many candles are made with basic scents and a lot of times big candle companies only scent the top 1/3rd of their wax, leaving less pleasant smells once the candle burns down. Wax pottery is individually crafted with richly fragranced wax and hand-selected inclusions. Each pottery piece has been designed to release unique fragrance without burning, while adding a graceful note of beauty to your home décor. The company with the unique trade mark on these wonderful items is Habersham Candle Company. Founded in 1993, the
Habersham Candle Company is widely known for it’s Wax Pottery collection. These unique decorative wax pottery bowls are designed to fragrance without a flame. All of Habersham Candle Company’s products are manufactured in the USA in Cornelius, Georgia. These products are carefully designed and available in
ally diminishes over time and is the strongest fresh out of the packaging, but typically will last 6 months or more. Many customers report that they still enjoy a gentle smell after 2 years. Each wax bowl comes with instructions on how to refresh the scent. All it takes is a hair dryer on low for a few minutes and it brings out the scent all over again. A typi-
limited quantities at DP Gifts in Milroy, Pa with over 22 scents to choose from. At DP Gifts, it’s our pleasure to present you with the latest collections of handcrafted, fragranced wax pottery from Habersham Candle Company. Our collection continues to redefine decorative fragranced accessories for the home without the need of an open flame. Now one of the biggest questions is “how long do these wax bowls last?” Fragrance gradu-
cal large candle burning will last only 100 hours so one of the benefit of a wax bowl is a much better deal and you get a room freshener that also serves as a beautiful centerpiece in your home. Each piece is handcrafted by a skilled crafts-
The Truth Has No Agenda
man. It is the perfect gift that everybody will absolutely love. So stop in and check out our selection at DP Gifts at 15 Com-
merce Drive, Milroy, Pa next to the Milroy Subway and Smitty’s Sports Bar a
32
The Valley, October 2016
Less Government means more Liberty