Pathfinder 2024

The Sentinel

2—Lewistown, PA

Friday, April 26, 2024

Woodlawn, Lewistown | 717.248.6727 Geoffrey A. Burke, Supervisor

Burnham | 717.248.7853 Michael Shoop, Supervisor

Logan Street, Lewistown | 717.248.7823 Dan Kochenderfer, Supervisor

Ensure your family’s peace of mind contact a director at one of our three locations and we will help you make pre-planning arrangements

The Sentinel

Friday, April 26, 2024

Lewistown, PA—3

PATHFINDER

How it pays to spend time in nature Few things can be as distracting as a beautiful day.

When the weather outside is welcoming, it can be hard to focus on indoor activities, including work and tasks around the house. Though it’s not advisable to ignore responsibilities at work and at home when the weather outside beckons, it can be beneficial to spend ample time in nature when circumstances allow.

People tend to flock to the great outdoors in spring, summer and fall, and some are even so devoted that they bundle up and head outside throughout winter. Whether they know it or not, people who love to spend time in nature are doing their mental and physical health a lot of good by embracing the great outdoors.

Mental health benefits

with no such connectedness.

In addition, the MHF notes time in nature has been shown to generate positive emotions, including calmness and joy, and promote

The National Alliance of Mental Illness notes that a growing body of research supports the idea that time in nature is good for mental health. A 2015 study from researchers at Stanford University found that people who walked in a natural area for 90 minutes exhibited decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with depression compared to those who walked in high-traffic urban settings.

The United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation also touts the mental health benefits of the great outdoors. According to the MHF, research shows that people who are con- greater creativity. nected with nature are more When seeking to capilikely to report their lives talize on the mental health are worthwhile than those benefits of time in nature,

people should know that where they spend time outdoors matters. As the Stanford study indicated, time outside in high-traffic urban settings may not produce as

profound an effect as time spent in natural settings, like forests, that tend to be more serene. People who live in

cities or other densely populated areas can still benefit from time outdoors, but they might experience even greater health gains if they make consistent efforts to spend time in more natural settings.

entary lifestyle, such as an increased risk for chronic diseases. More specifically, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation notes the physical health benefits of spending time outside include: - A stronger immune Physical health benefits system - Lower blood pressure The physical health ben- Increased energy levels efits of time in nature are - Improved sleep equally notable. Perhaps the most obvious physical Each of those benefits benefit is related to phys- contributes to greater overical activity. People tend all health, making time outto embrace physical activ- doors among the more beneity when spending time in ficial behaviors a person can nature. Hiking, jogging, embrace. walking, nature-based recThere’s no shortage of reational activities like kay- benefits to spending time in aking, and playing sports nature. That’s something to like basketball or pickleball keep in mind the next time all involve physical activity, welcoming weather beckons which can help people avoid you to get some fresh air. the consequences of a sed-

3 fun and effective outdoor exercises for seniors The benefits of spending time in the great outdoors are significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending time outdoors may improve mental health and help to reduce stress, and the vitamin D the body absorbs while outside can have a positive effect on blood cells

and the immune system.

Seniors can benefit from the great outdoors as much as anyone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which strengthens bones.

That’s especially beneficial for seniors, as the National Council on Aging notes that bone density often decreases

after age 50, which can increase the risk of fractures.

That’s especially so in women over the age of 50, as a 2021 report from Amgen, Inc., indicated women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density within five to seven years of menopause.

Spending time in the great outdoors also provides a social benefit, encouraging individuals from all walks of life, including seniors, to get out of their homes and spend time with other people.

With so much to gain from spending time outside, seniors can consider these three outdoor exercises as they seek to maintain or improve their overall health.

1. Walking: Walking is free and effective. In fact, WebMD notes that a brisk 30-minute walk can im-

prove blood flow, contribute to a stronger heart, strengthen bones, and even help people sleep better at night. In addition, a 2022 study published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that people between the ages of 40 and 79 who walked about 9,800 steps per day were 51 percent less likely to develop dementia than people who didn’t walk much at all.

2. Cycling: Riding a bike is both fun and a great form of outdoor exercise. Though many studies regarding the health effects of cycling have looked at the value of riding a bike to work, a scenario that does not apply to retirees, the results of such studies still offer insight into just how valuable it can be to ride a bike. For example, a 2020 study published in the

journal The Lancet found that people who cycled to work were 24 percent less likely to die of heart disease and 11 percent less likely to develop cancer. Seniors, whether they are still working or retired, can incorporate cycling into their daily routines and enjoy all the fun and health benefits that riding a bike provides.

3. Hiking: Hiking is a bit more strenuous than walking, particularly when individuals choose to traverse steep and/or rocky terrain.

WebMD notes that hiking after age 60 can help people reduce their risk of falls and fractures; lower their risk for a host of ailments, including coronary heart disease, colon cancer and diabetes; reduce blood pressure, even in adults who have already

been diagnosed with hypertension; and maintain healthy bones and joints.

Hiking is not a one-sizefits-all activity, so seniors, especially those who would characterize themselves as novice hikers, are urged to speak with their physicians prior to hiking trails that are not flat.

Seniors can consider these three fun activities and others as they answer the call of the great outdoors.

Walking, cycling and hiking offer a great reason to get out of the house and reap the health-related benefits of spending time outside.

The Sentinel

4—Lewistown, PA

Friday, April 26, 2024

PATHFINDER

Tips to revitalize a garden this spring Gardening is a rewarding hobby that pays a host of significant dividends.

Many people love gardening because it allows them to spend time outdoors, and that simple pleasure is indeed a notable benefit of working in a garden. But the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture notes that gardening provides a host of additional benefits, including helping people get sufficient levels of exercise, reduce stress and improve mood.

With so much to gain from gardening, it’s no wonder people look forward to getting their hands dirty in the garden each spring. As the weather warms up, consider these tips to help bring a garden back to life.

• Discard the dead weight. Winter can take its toll on a garden, even in regions where the weather between December and early spring is not especially harsh. Discard dead plants that have lingered into spring and prune any peren-

nials that need it. Branches that fell during winter storms also should be removed at this point if they have not previously been discarded.

• Test the soil. Soil testing kits can be purchased at local garden centers and home improvement retailers. Such tests are inexpensive and can reveal if the soil needs to be amended to help plants thrive in the months to come.

• Mulch garden beds.

Mulching benefits a garden by helping soil retain moisture and preventing the growth of weeds. Various garden experts note that mulching in spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating over the course of spring and summer. That means plants won’t have to fight with weeds for water when the temperature warms up. It also means gardeners won’t have to spend time pulling weeds this summer.

• Inspect your irrigation system. Homeowners with in-ground irrigation systems or above-ground

systems that utilize a drip or soaker function can inspect the systems before plants begin to bloom. Damaged sprinkler heads or torn lines can deprive plants of water they will need to bloom and ultimately thrive once the weather warms up.

• Tune up your tools.

Gardening tools have likely been sitting around gathering dust since fall. Serious gardeners know that tools can be expensive, so it pays to protect that investment by maintaining the tools.

Sharpened pruners help make plants less vulnerable to infestation and infection.

Well-maintained tools like shovels and hoes also make more demanding gardening jobs a little bit easier, so don’t forget to tune up your tools before the weather warms up.

It’s almost gardening season, which means gardeners can start on the necessary prep work to ensure their gardens grow in strong and beautiful this spring.

Area’s

Hornady Largest Selection Nosler of Sierra Reloading Components Berger ir s epa c r i t de p w O tra o N hlon l sel t A aler Buy De

We have Black Powder and Muzzleloader parts in stock

N LL’S GUN SH P & GUNSMITHING 3825 Penns Valley Rd. Spring Mills PA 16875

814•422•8999

Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 9am-9pm Tue. and Thu. 9am-6pm Sat. 8am-5pm

The Sentinel

Friday, April 26, 2024

Lewistown, PA—5

PATHFINDER

Make the most of a day at the lake

Water becomes the center of attention when the temperature climbs because of the cooling relief it can provide. Making a day of splashing through sprinklers, swimming laps in a pool or horsing around with friends at a waterpark is part of the summertime experience.

Even though most people equate summer fun with ocean escapes, those who do not live close to the coast often turn to other bodies of water to cool off and chill out. Lakes can be great places to spend summer afternoons and evenings. Discover how to make time at the lake even more fun with these ideas.

fishing for the season, as well as the recreational size limits, possession limits and fishing seasons if you plan on keeping your catch.

Water sports Water sports and lakes often go hand-in-hand. Certain water activities are easier on the calm waters of a lake than in the waves and swells of an ocean — particularly for beginners. Canoes and kayaks are one- or two-passenger vessels that can be launched from just about anywhere. They make areas of the lake explorable that may not be accessible to large boats. Plus they require no fuel other than the power of rowing. If you prefer more speed, personal water craft like jet skis may be used on lakes in certain areas. Waterskiing or wakeboarding behind powerboats are some additional options for thrill-seekers.

Fishing Cast your line right into the lake and take a shot at catching some fish. Bass, trout, perch, and pike may be interested in the bait hanging off of your hook.

Be sure to check local fish Tubing and game ordinances to see Although tubing is often if you need a license for enjoyed on rivers where the

rapids carry people along from a starting point to the end, those who desire a more relaxing day may opt for tubing on a lake. Tie several tubes together and create a fleet of friends or family floating leisurely under the sun. With the addition of a floating cooler full of drinks and snacks, you can stay out on the lake for hours.

Lakeside cuisine If you’re lucky to have a lodge or restaurant dockside, you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking a sunset on the lake. Time in or on the water can build up an appetite, which can be satiated by a meal while you listen to the water lap against the shoreline.

Days at the lake can be memorable ways to spend summer vacations.

Saturday, June 2nd, 2024

The Sentinel

6—Lewistown, PA

Friday, April 26, 2024

PATHFINDER

Pennsylvania State Park Events fering a special program for - Early Bird: Ledges Trail LITTLE Remake Learning Days on Hike May 26 @ 9am BUFFALO STATE May 12th and 19th.

Visitors Join the park naturalPARK EVENTS: can tour the mill as usual, ist for a morning hike on - Spring Cleanup Day! Apr 27 @ 9am Join us for a Spring Cleanup day at Little Buffalo!

Projects will include a kayak shore clean-up, mill race cleaning, flower bed cleanup, and possibly mulching.

We will have pizza and refreshments for lunch!

Location: Little Buffalo State Park - Beekeeping Basics Honey Extraction- Apr 28 @ 2pm Join our local bee keepers as we extract the honey from the park’s new bee hive!

We will be around from 12:30pm until 2pm to talk about our bees and check out the hives. At 2pm we will do the extraction demonstration.

Location: Little Buffalo State Park - Women in the Wild May 4 @ 9am Join us for the park’s 3rd annual Women in the Wild program!

First started in the PA Wilds, this state park program has gained popularity across the state and we are now in our 3rd year of hosting this event at Little Buffalo. Women in the Wild is designed to help ladies step out of their comfort zone and learn new outdoor skills in a fun “field day” format.

You MUST register through PPFF with the link provided below. The cost is $40 per participant and includes lunch and up to 4 activities.

Location: Little Buffalo State Park - May 19 Shoaff’s Mill Tours: Remake Learning Days - May 12 @ 1pm Shoaff’s Mill will be of-

and participants of RLD can experience the science and physics of a 32 foot water wheel! If you are attending for Remake Learning Days, please register by clicking the green Register button. If you are just visiting for the tour, there’s no need to register!

Location: Little Buffalo State Park

the beautiful Ledges trail.

Binoculars will be available for guests who want to try and get a good look at some wildlife along the way.

Meeting Location: Ledges Trailhead

- Trivia Hike: Laurel Run June 1 @ 1pm Join the park naturalist to hike the Laurel Run Trail and test your nature knowl- Moonlight Paddle edge along the way. This May 24 @ 8:45pm - Oct hike has numerous stream 17 crossings so be prepared to Bring your own kayak get your feet wet. and equipment out for an Meeting Location: Laurel adult-only moonlight pad- Run Trailhead dle! Kayak under a full or near-full moon, with only -History Hike: Cemetery the light of the moon to Trail - June 1 @ 5pm guide your way. See the Come enjoy a hike to our stars and experience the historic cemetery. One the night life on the lake as we way we will learn about the paddle from the boat launch history of Paradise Furnace to the upper end and up the and Trough Creek State stream. This event is FREE Park. and no PRIOR registration Meeting Location: is required. We ask that you Paradise Furnace simply SIGN IN and SIGN OUT at the beginning and -Geo Hike: Balanced end of your paddle!

Rock Trail - June 2 @ 1pm Location: Little Buffalo Take a walk to the beautiState Park ful Balanced Rock and learn how the geology of the area TROUGH CREEK put it there. On the way we’ll learn a little about the STATE PARK natural history of the park EVENTS: that put the area on the map.

Meeting Location: - Archery: Intro to ArBalanced Rock Trail chery: May 25 @ 1pm-3pm Head Join our park naturalist, a NASP certified archery -Disc Golf: Intro to Disc instructor, as we develop Golf - June 8 @ 1pm the basics of archery. Lean The sport of disc golf is how to safely shoot a bow growing rapidly, come find and maybe pick up a new out why. Our park naturalist hobby. Space is limit and will teach you the basics preregistration is required to of the game and allow you ensure a spot in the proto test your skills on few gram! Children must be at temporary holes. This is fun least 10 years old to partici- for the whole family. pate in this program.

Meeting Location: Meeting Location: Park Pavilion # 1 Office

RAYMOND B. WINTER STATE PARK EVENTS:

-Nature Journaling June1 @ 1pm-3pm Join our park educator to learn about the basics - Turtle Tales - June 2 @ of nature journaling, and how we can make mean1pm ingful observations about It’s turtle time at R.B. Winter State Park! Join our the natural world. We will park educator to read a short meet at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning story about these unique reptiles and create your own Center for a brief introduction on nature journaling. turtle craft to take home.

We will then visit different We will be learning about spots in the park to record the different turtles found in PA, their unique adapta- our observations about the tions, and their importance natural world.

This program is intendin nature. ed for people of all ages This program is recommended for young children and experience levels. We will have paper and craft aged 3-7. materials for participants

to borrow. However, we recommend bringing your own journal or notebook for this activity. If you wish, participants can also bring their own craft materials (colored pencils, markers, tape, etc.).

More State Park Events continued on the next page.

The Sentinel

Friday, April 26, 2024

Lewistown, PA—7

PATHFINDER

Pennsylvania State Park Events BALD EAGLE STATE PARK EVENTS:

-Tails on Trails - April 27 @ 9am-11am Are you up for an adventure with your dog? Join the park naturalist on a 2.5 - Campfire & S’mores mile hike along Skyline April 26 @ 7-8:30pm Trail. Wear proper hiking Do you love s’mores? footwear as portions of We certainly do! Join the this trail are on an incline park naturalist for a treat (or and may be wet or muddy. two), but, here’s the catch: Bringing a water bottle is You have to start your own also recommended. fire first! Various methods **Dogs must remain on a of fire-starting materials leash at all times.** will be provided, both new and old. Stop by the -Frog Pond Fun - April Campground Amphitheater 27 @ 2pm-3pm to give it a try!

Discover the diverse species found at our pond ***All children must be accompanied by an adult. such as frogs, tadpoles, salLiability forms will be filled amanders, and insects and out prior to any participa- how they benefit the world around us. All nets and tion in this activity.*** materials will be provided,

so stop by the Frog Pond -Eary Bird Walk - May anytime during the program 11 @ 8am-9am hour!

The early birder gets the birds! Experience an -Nature Detectives - May unpredictable morning of bird watching & become 4 @ 10:30am - 11am acquainted migrating birds.

“Who stole the marshBinoculars will be available mallows?!” Join us at Site to loan on a first-come, #60 in the Rustic Campground to find out what, or first-serve basis. All levels of birding experience are who, the culprit may be! welcome.

-Woapalanne Trail Hike -2024 Spring Birding & May 4 @ 1pm-3pm Activity Fair - May 18 @ Join the park naturalist 12pm-4pm for a 3 mile hike along the Join us in the Beach Area Woapalanne trail as it hugs the lake edge. We will make from 12:00 – 4:00 PM for an afternoon of: stops to observe wildlife - Family-friendly activsigns and native plants. This ities! hike is rated easy, but the - Informational tables terrain is uneven & wet in presented by DCNR State some spots.

Parks, PA Game Commis-

sion, Penn State Extension, local Audubon Society chapters, Shaver’s Creek, Girl Scouts, and more!

- LIVE RAPTOR DEMONSTRATION by Margaret Young (FalconryGirl LLC) - Turkey Calling Competition! *Registrations for the competition will be onsite. Participants will be placed into divisions based on age/calling methods.

This event is not affiliated with any other outside competitions.

All tables and activities will be stationed around Pavilions 6 and 7 in the Beach Area. Free parking will be available.

-Bald Eagles at Bald Eagle - May 25 @ 10am11am Come learn about Bald Eagles in honor of Memorial Day Weekend! After a brief discussion, we will be taking a short walk to look for Bald Eagles and other PA birds. Binoculars and scopes will be onsite to borrow, but feel free to bring your own equipment.

Plan a national park adventure The National Park Foundation reports that the National Park System spans more than 84 million acres and encompasses 424 sites and units in the United States. In Canada, there are 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves, protecting roughly 336,343 square kilometers of land.

National parks do their part to foster conservation of natural resources and reserve wild land for the scores of animals that call these places home. They’re also enticing places to visit, with their vast vistas and interesting wildlife. Planning ahead can make any trip to a national park even better.

- Know when to go. Research the best times of year to visit certain parks.

All may not be open yearround. Think about the kind of experience you want to have. Most parks are busiest during the summer. Therefore, if you want to skip the crowds, perhaps visit in a

slower season.

- Research environments.

With so many parks, it can be challenging to decide where to go. Take into consideration your interests as well as your limitations.

Find out which amenities and features each park offers, including shuttles, stores for gear, animal life, terrain, and potential hazards. The more you know about each potential park, the better you can narrow down the place to visit first.

- Know the rules and regulations. Most parks have regulations in place to keep visitors safe. Some parks require reservations to enter or acess certain areas of the park. Some may need you to reserve space in advance.

Permits may be needed for certain activities, such as fishing. Check the park’s website to learn about permits or restrictions that may affect your trip.

- Choose your accommodations. With their expanse

of land and things to see, you’ll likely want to spend more than one day exploring a park. Figure out if the park has accommodations on the property. If not, you’ll need to locate lodging nearby.

Camping on the grounds can be a way to enjoy the park more intimately. Look into campsite rentals or whether recreational vehicles can be parked on a campsite in or near the national park.

Yellowstone and Yosemite are two national parks that tend to book campsites well in advance, so plan accordingly.

- Pick your priorities.

National parks tend to be massive, so make a list of the must-see attractions this time around (you can always visit again). While you can have an itinerary, you likely will enjoy the trip more if you’re relaxed and get to meander around rather than sticking to a strict schedule.

- Consult the rangers.

Make friends with the park

rangers. They are experts on the park and can let you know which places to visit or if there are any shortcuts to certain attractions. Utilize

their experience and guidThe parks are wonderful ance. vacation spots, and visitors National parks are located can plan now for their trips across the United States and to see these natural wonders.

Canada.

MON.-FRI. 8AM-8PM, SAT. 8AM-6PM 2620 Locust Run Road, Mifflintown (1/2 mile south of VanWert)

Variety of Proven Winners

Garden Tools & Gloves Perennials & Annuals Potting Soil • Peat Moss Fertilizers & Sprays (Organic & Conventional)

Lots Of Flowers for Your Garden Annuals • Perennials • Summer Bulbs • Bedding Plants Hanging Baskets • Potted Plants • Succulents Vegetable Plants • Onion Sets • Herbs Variety of Berry Bushes • Garden Seeds • Rhubarb Plants 60 Varieties of Tomatoes

Ceramic & Plastic Containers Black Wrought Iron • Lots of New Pots • Birdfeeders

8—Lewistown, PA

Shoes & Sneakers

The Sentinel

Friday, April 26, 2024

FOOTWEAR

For the Fisherman...

for Men, Women & Children Sneakers, Work Boots, Western Boots & More

Oofos Skechers • Propet New Balance Columbia Soft Spot Quality Optics & Viewing Platform Swarovski For the Leica • Nikon Hunter...

Meopta Zeiss Leupold • Kowa Vortex Nightforce

Wolverine • Carolina • Danner Vasque • Rocky • Muck Irish Setter • Double H Justin • Red Wing Merrell • DryShod Oboz • Kenetrek

NOW STOCKING Thermal Imaging Optics From

Pulsar ATN - Zeiss Swarovski

• Thermal Viewers • Thermal Rifle Scopes • Thermal Clip-On Attachments

643 OAKLAND ROAD., MIFFLINTOWN HOURS: MON. & FRI. 8AM-7PM; TUES., WED., THURS. & SAT. 8AM-4PM

- GIFT CERTIFICATES -