Penn Lines August 2012

AUGUST 2012

Twin celebrations County fairs, 4-H mark 100 years of history in Commonwealth

PLUS Going nuts A serpent in Eden Kitchen comfort

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT

You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy.

A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Bedford Knisely & Sons, Inc. (814) 623-9086 kniselyandsons.com

Carbondale T.E. Spall & Son (570) 282-3000 thecomfortdoctors.com

Hollidaysburg Knisely & Sons, Inc. (814) 693-8744 kniselyandsons.com

Central & Eastern Territory Manager Mike Fink (800) 934-5160 x2753

Bellwood Boyer Refrigeration (814) 942-2106 goboyergeothermal.com

Cochranton Tiptons Electric HVACR (814) 425-7083

York R.E. Sanders, Inc. (717) 843-7894 sandersgeothermal.com

Western Territory Manager John Cari (800) 934-5160 x2716

waterfurnace.com (800) GEO-SAVE ©2012 WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

AUGUST Vol. 47 • No. 8 Peter A. Fitzgerald EDITOR

Katherine Hackleman S E N I OR E D I T O R / W R I T E R

James Dulley Janette Hess Barbara Martin Marcus Schneck

4

KEEPING CURRENT News items from across the Commonwealth

6

E N E R G Y M AT T E R S From sea to shining sea

C ON T R I B U T I N G C O L U M N I S TS

W. Douglas Shirk L AYOU T & DESI GN

8

Vonnie Kloss

Twin celebrations

A D V E R T I S I N G & CI R C U L A T I O N

County fairs, 4-H mark 100 years of history in Commonwealth

Michelle M. Smith M E D I A & M A R K E T I N G S P E CI A L I S T

Penn Lines (USPS 929-700), the newsmagazine of Pennsylvania’s electric cooperatives, is published monthly by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. Penn Lines helps 165,800 households of co-op consumermembers understand issues that affect the electric cooperative program, their local coops, and their quality of life. Electric co-ops are not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed, and taxpaying electric utilities. Penn Lines is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. The opinions expressed in Penn Lines do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, or local electric distribution cooperatives.

Subscriptions: Electric co-op members, $5.42 per year through their local electric distribution cooperative. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Harrisburg, PA 17107 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes with mailing label to Penn Lines, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266.

Advertising: Display ad deadline is six weeks prior to month of issue. Ad rates upon request.

Acceptance of advertising by Penn Lines does not imply endorsement of the product or services by the publisher or any electric cooperative. If you encounter a problem with any product or service advertised in Penn Lines, please contact: Advertising, Penn Lines, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Penn Lines reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

F E AT U R E

12A C O O P E R AT I V E

8

CO N N ECT I O N

Information and advice from your local electric cooperative

14

TIME LINES Your newsmagazine through the years

16

POWER PLANTS

Yard rescue tips 17

17

COUNTRY KITCHEN

Going nuts 18

O U T D O O R A DV E N T U R ES

Into every Eden, a serpent or two 19

18

SMART CIRCUITS

Create kitchen comfort Keep three things in mind when remodeling your kitchen

20

CLASSIFIEDS

22

PUNCH LINES

Thoughts from Earl Pitts– Uhmerikun!

Remember this?

Earl reminisces about his old cars, trucks Board officers and staff, Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association: Chairman, S. Eugene Herritt; Vice Chairman, Kevin Barrett; Secretary, Lanny Rodgers; Treasurer, Leroy Walls; President & CEO, Frank M. Betley © 2012 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Visit with us at Penn Lines Online, located at: www.prea.com/Content/ pennlines.asp. Penn Lines Online provides an email link to Penn Lines editorial staff, information on advertising rates, contributor’s guidelines, and an archive of past issues.

23

RURAL REFLECTIONS

Beat the heat

23 O N T H E COV E R The Lycoming County Fair is one of Pennsylvania’s fairs celebrating the 100th anniversary of 4-H and county fairs in 2012. The two are closely connected as every county fair has 4-H exhibits.

(Photo by Kathy Hackleman)

AUGUST 2012 • PENN

LINES

3

KEEPINGcurrent Co-op crews assist in bear relocation Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative crews recently assisted Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) officials in a nuisance bear-relocation effort at a restaurant near Hooversville.

bucket to snare the three cubs while line worker Craig Mitchell operated the bucket and boom from below.

Before the adult bear and her cubs were reunited, the PGC officers tranquilized and ear tagged all of the bears.

They tattooed the adult’s inside lip,

affected more than a million Ohio residents (crews from eight Pennsylvania cooperatives responded to assist Ohio and Virginia cooperatives after the June storms). Ash trees can grow more than 50 feet high, and Ohio officials say the storm’s high winds brought the diseased branches and trees down onto multiple power lines.

Federal, state and local authorities are working together to educate Pennsylvania residents about potential damage to ash trees from the borers, and how to dispose of dead or dying trees.

More bald eagles calling Pennsylvania home

COME TO PAPA: Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative line workers assist in bringing three bear cubs down from a tree for relocation.

PGC officials trapped the bear, but the female’s three small cubs climbed a nearby tree and could not be coaxed down.

“The mama bear gives the cubs direction by making certain sounds,” reports Tom Fazi, information and education supervisor, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Southwest Region. “Apparently she sent them up the tree and didn’t give them the signal to come back down.”

At that point, PGC officials contacted the cooperative and requested the use of a bucket truck to remove the cubs from the tree.

Line workers gave Seth Mesoras, a wildlife conservation officer, a quick safety lesson and sent him up in the 4

PENN

LINES • AUGUST 2012

garbed her with a collar and transmitter, pulled a small milk tooth to examine for health reasons, and estimated her weight by measuring her chest.

Emerald ash borer brings down trees The emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive, highly destructive wood-boring insect that attacks ash trees, has been confirmed in 26 Pennsylvania counties. First detected in Pennsylvania in the summer of 2007, the EAB is destroying valuable ash trees in many Pennsylvania locations.

Due to the dead and dying trees the EAB leaves behind, it has been implicated as a contributing factor for stormrelated power outages this summer that

The number of bald eagles confirmed in Pennsylvania is continuing to grow.

Just 30 years ago, the confirmed number of nesting pairs was three. This spring, the number of bald eagle nests listed in the preliminary report in Pennsylvania was 206, with nesting pairs in 51 of the state’s 67 counties.

In 2011, the preliminary report showed 203 nests in 50 counties, while the final number ended up at 217.

The federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act makes it illegal to disturb the birds. The Pennsylvania Game Commission posts signage around known nesting sites that are likely to be discovered by people. Disregarding these signs is a violation of state and federal laws.

For more information, go to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, and access “Bald Eagle Watching in Pennsylvania.” It will provide etiquette tips, as well as information about where to see bald eagles, historical background and nesting behavior observations. l

SHORT-TERM TRAINING FOR LONG-TERM GOALS Learn the skills you need with online training from Penn Foster.

In a matter of months, you can qualify for some of today’s profitable careers such as:

Administrative Assistant — $43,500‡ Hotel/Restaurant Management — $46,900‡ Residential Electrician — $48,300‡ Web Page Designer — $80,250‡ Computer Graphic Artist — $43,500‡ Plumber — $46,700‡ Caterer — $40,600‡ Penn Foster also offers training in some of today’s fastest-growing careers such as: Veterinary Technician, HVAC Technician, Optician, Physical Therapy Aide, and Pharmacy Technician.‡

Affordable and Convenient. With Penn Foster, your tuition covers all learning materials, including books, study guides, and learning aids.

We offer 0% financing and customized payment plans.

All your learning materials are delivered right to you, and you can study online, in print, or a combination of both. You decide which method suits your learning style and how quickly to complete your coursework.

Supported. You work independently, but not alone. Expert instructors and a helpful support staff are just a phone call, message board, or email away. And you can interact online with other students through the Penn Foster Community.

Accredited. Penn Foster is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

Penn Foster Career School and High School are regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Penn Foster College is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

Career Services. Graduates receive, FREE OF CHARGE, one-on-one help from a CareerBuilder® professional resume writer. Plus, each registered user will receive personalized recommendations on local job opportunities based on his/her profile.

For professionals already working in the field, Penn Foster offers Certificate programs to enhance their skill sets.

For more information on our Certificate programs, go to www.PennFoster.edu.

TUITION ASSISTANCE PLAN AVAILABLE!

To start today or to request your FREE information:

1-800-572-1685 ext. 7261

Call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Or visit www.PennFoster.edu Online enter ID# APVS82T

547G

Mechanics 䡺 04 Auto Repair Technician 䡺 55 Diesel Mechanics 䡺 33 Motorcycle Repair Technician CAREER DIPLOMA PROGRAMS 䡺 39 Medical Transcriptionist 䡺 383 Occupational Therapy Aide 䡺 89 Small Engine Repair Trades Other Exciting Programs 䡺 464 Optician 䡺 72 Appliance Repair 䡺 13 Administrative Assistant 䡺 384 Furniture & Cabinet Maker 䡺 84 Pharmacy Technician 䡺 104 Carpenter † 䡺 146 Physical Therapy Aide 䡺 515 Green Building Practices 䡺 470 Substance Abuse Counselor 䡺 59 Caterer 䡺 15 Home Inspector 䡺 160 Certified Wedding Planner 䡺 88 Veterinary Assistant 䡺 145 Home Remodeling & 䡺 395 Dog Obedience Trainer/ Repair Finance/Business Instructor 䡺 14 HVAC Technician 䡺 390 Bookkeeping 䡺 42 Dressmaking & Design 䡺 102 Landscaping Technology 䡺 465 Legal Transcriptionist 䡺 30 Floral Design 䡺 151 Plumber 䡺 08 Paralegal 䡺 25 Gunsmith 䡺 06 Residential Electrician 䡺 70 Small Business Mgmt. 䡺 05 Hotel/Restaurant Mgmt.

Health High School 䡺 443 Certified Personal Trainer 䡺 07 Penn Foster High School 䡺 12 Interior Decorator 䡺 09 Legal Secretary 䡺 03 Child Day Care Mgmt.

Technology 䡺 468 Pet Grooming† 䡺 413 Child Psychology† 䡺 105 Computer Graphic Artist 䡺 58 Private Investigator 䡺 24 Dental Assistant 䡺 492 Computer Support 䡺 31 Professional Locksmithing 䡺 519 Holistic Planet† Technician 䡺 26 Teacher Aide 䡺 23 Medical Administrative 䡺 54 Drafting with AutoCAD® 䡺 35 Travel and Tourism Specialist Assistant 䡺 79 Electronics Technician 䡺 22 Wildlife & Forestry 䡺 381 Medical Coding 䡺 27 PC Maintenance and Repair Conservation and Billing 䡺 83 Web Page Designer †Certificate Program PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL 925 Oak Street, Scranton, PA 18515 www.PennFoster.edu

PENN FOSTER COLLEGE Administrative Office 14300 N. Northsight Blvd., Suite 120, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 www.PennFosterCollege.edu

䡺 502 Industrial Electronics and Electrical Maintenance Technology ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS 䡺 514 Interior Design 䡺 61 Accounting 䡺 463 Fashion Merchandising 䡺 80 Marketing 䡺 60 Business Management 䡺 81 Finance 䡺 401 Paralegal Studies 䡺 418 Computer Information Systems 䡺 407 Graphic Design 䡺 408 PC Maintenance 䡺 498 Construction Technology Technology 䡺 516 Health Care Management 䡺 456 Retail Management 䡺 406 Criminal Justice 䡺 412 Human Resources 䡺 396 Veterinary Technician 䡺 405 Early Childhood Education Management

Please send me FREE information on the Career School or College program I have selected above.

No obligation. Choose ONE only.

Name _____________________________________________________________ Age ________ Street ___________________________________________________________ Apt. # ________ City/State _______________________________________________________ Zip ____________ Phone (

) ______________________ Email ________________________________________

Mail coupon to Student Service Center,* Dept. APVS82T, 925 Oak Street, Scranton, PA 18515-0700. * Under contract with Penn Foster College, AZ

‡ “Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition,” a publication of the U.S. Department of Labor. Individual student earnings vary based on experience. Growth figures represent a ten-year period ending 2020.

ENERGYmatters From sea to shining sea How energy efficiency varies across the country B y M a g e n H o wa r d , C C C

NO MATTER where you live in the United States, you can flip a switch and brighten a room. However, finding ways to save on your energy bills can be as different as apples and oranges.

The key is knowing which energy efficiency measures are best for your climate — and remembering to call your local electric cooperative before tackling a major project, such as installing a new heat pump. Energy efficiency experts at your cooperative can guide you in making the best decisions for your area.

Feeling hot, hot, hot In general, the U.S. can be divided into three climates: hot, temperate and cold.

But it’s actually a bit more complicated, especially across the southern tier of the nation. The southwest is hot and dry, the southeast hot and humid, with a slice running from the center of the Gulf states north to southern Ohio and west to Kansas defined as “mixed humid” — meaning sometimes it’s hot and humid, but sometimes temperate.

Below the temperate line, some of the challenges are the same for homeowners and builders, such as controlling heat gain from the sun and choosing the proper heating and cooling system. But if you draw a line down the middle of Texas, moving east or west from that point changes the dynamics of energy efficiency.

For example, folks in the hot and humid southeast must control serious moisture issues through air conditioning, proper ventilation, and moisture barriers. Homeowners in the dry southwestern climate, 6

PENN

LINES • AUGUST 2012

where days are hot and nights cool, can take advantage of the chilly evenings to give air conditioners a break.

“If temperatures fall below 68 degrees at night and humidity is low, you can open your windows and use fresh air to cool your home,” says Brian Sloboda, senior program manager with the Cooperative Research Network, an arm of the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Landscaping can help as well. Strategically planted trees and shrubs provide a path for cool air to make its way into your home. However, if you keep your air conditioner running all night because you live in a high-humidity area, it’s best to direct wind away from your house.

Trees in the right spot can decrease your home’s energy use by up to 25 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). By planting deciduous trees to the south and west of your home, you’ll gain shade in the summer and sunshine in the winter.

If you want shade all the time or need to block winter winds, choose evergreens.

But when choosing your greenery, keep in mind that trees should never be planted underneath a power line.

To block strong solar rays, you may want to consider applying reflective window film on east- and west-facing windows that receive the most direct sunlight. Your windows will appear tinted from the inside, and obscure views from the outside.

The big chill Almost half the country falls into a

“cold or very cold” climate, which makes adequate insulation and heating choices important. While heat pumps are a perfect choice in a temperate zone, they can be problematic farther north when temperatures dip below a certain point — about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. In this part of the country, heat pumps require a supplemental heating source.

Whatever heating/cooling system you select, it won’t help much if your home isn’t properly insulated.

How much insulation you need and what kind really depends on your home.

So do some research on EnergySavers.gov, and use the insulation calculator at www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html.

Also, of course, talk to a licensed professional about installation, and Sloboda recommends one more step.

“Make sure to seal places where outside air may infiltrate before adding insulation,” Sloboda notes. “Sealing ductwork with mastic, caulking and applying weather stripping around doors and windows, and checking less-obvious culprits like recessed canister lights are easy places to start.”

Coast-to-coast savings Alan Shedd, director of residential & commercial energy programs with Touch-

Custom Buildings That Fit Your Style and Budget

G a ra g e s | E q u i n e | Fa r m S t o ra g e | G e n e ra l P u r p o s e

" "

"

"

"

"

"

!

"

"

"#

" "

!

"

" " " 800-447-7436 • mortonbuildings.com #

!

Fund Raising 1. 40% Profit 2. USA Kitchen Items 3. Easy System

"

67803 5(029$/

FAST & EASY! Eliminate Landscape Eyesores with a DR® STUMP GRINDER!

T

HOUSANDS of Churches, Clubs, Schools, Teams and Youth Groups fundraise with Rada Cutlery each year!

Request your FREE catalog and information packet:

EXPAND ODZQ DUHDV ODZQ DUHDV 23(1 83 ¿ ¿ HOGV PHDGRZV BLAZE QHZ WUDLOV QHZ WUDLOV REMOVE PRZLQJ KD]DUGV

1-800-311-9691 or www.RadaCutlery.com NOTE: Dept A12REM Your FUNDRAISER will sell: t ,JUDIFO ,OJWFT 6UFOTJMT BOE (JGU 4FUT t $PPLCPPLT BOE 4PZ 8BY $BOEMFT t 4UPOFXBSF BOE 2VJDL .JYFT

The DR® STUMP GRINDER uses carbide-tipped cutting teeth that take over 360 “bites” per second, to pulverize stumps into a pile of woodchips. Quickly and easily, you can grind any size tree stump below ground level. Gone forever!

75822X © 2012 CHP

stone Energy® Cooperatives, the national branding program of the nation’s electric cooperatives, shares some ways to save that work any time, anywhere: k Unplug cell chargers — and other electronics — when they are not in use.

“Plug loads” are one of the quickestgrowing areas of energy waste, which can easily be solved by plugging these items into a power strip, and then flipping the switch on the strip when you leave the house. “Smart” strips are even savvier — they have different outlets for different electronics, leaving items like your cable box on while turning off power to your television. k Look for the Energy Star logo when buying new appliances, lightbulbs or electronics. Qualified items meet federal energy efficiency standards designed to save energy and money. k Choose compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light-emitting diode (LED) lamps when replacing lightbulbs — and turn off those lights when you leave a room. k Use energy management features on computers, electronics and appliances — they won’t save energy if you don’t tell them to.

Shedd also directs energy-conscious cooperative members to TogetherWeSave.com to learn more.

“The best feature of this website is the ability to get local costs, not national estimates,” he notes. “Enter your ZIP code, and the website adjusts tips and prices to match the part of the country where you live. You can also play games on the site to find out how much money a certain action will save, and read about ways other co-op consumers came up with their own energy efficiency solutions.”

He concludes: “Overall, don’t be wasteful. Turn items off when they are not being used. Why pay for electricity you really aren’t using?” l Sources: Cooperative Research Network, U.S. Department of Energy Magen Howard writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Kelly Trapnell contributed to this article.

Call for a FREE DVD & Catalog!

TOLL-FREE

877-202-1267 DRstumpgrinder.com

PENNlines

Twin celebrations County fairs, 4-H mark 100 years of history in Commonwealth

By K at h y H ac k l e m a n S e n i o r E d i t o r / Wr i t e r

WITH THEIR histories so intertwined, it’s no wonder county fairs and the 4-H program in Pennsylvania are celebrating their 100th anniversaries together in 2012.

“This year marks the centennial of two critical parts of Pennsylvania’s past — and its future,” notes Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig.

“Our state 4-H program gives kids the building blocks to succeed in life, and the skills they learn are put on display at 108 county fairs and local fairs across the state through projects ranging from livestock to sewing and rocketry.”

Most 4-Hers can vividly recall their first winning fair entry. Perhaps they have attended a fair before — ridden on the merry-go-round, eaten sticky cotton candy or even stroked the soft, fluffy side of a lamb. But the first time they and their parents haul their 4-H project — whether it’s a squealing market hog or a crowing rooster, a home-baked chocolate cake or a robotics display — to the fair, it’s definitely a memory-maker.

“The highlight of my 10-year, 4-H career was without a doubt the first year

Tom Knaub, left, now a director at Adams Electric Cooperative, is shown in a 1968 Penn Lines photo with his first blue ribbon in his 4-H electricity project.

MY FIRST RIBBON:

8

PENN

LINES • AUGUST 2012

at the fair,” recalls Duane Kanagy, manager of communications/community services for Adams Electric Cooperative (EC). “I had two pigs entered, and both won first in their class. One was named grand champion. I will never forget that fair.”

Kanagy used the money from selling his 4-H projects, which eventually also included market beef entries, to pay for his first year of college. He has such fond memories of his 4-H experiences that he volunteered to serve six years on the Penn State Cooperative Extension Board of Directors in Adams County.

In his current position at Adams EC, Kanagy also works closely with 4-H programs. One of the most public ways

LUCY AND ME: Madeline Brink, 10-year-old daughter of Sullivan County Rural Electric Cooperative members Daniel and Julia Brink, spends time with her 4-H fair entry, Lucy, at the Lycoming County Fair, held in July in Hughesville.

Adams EC supports 4-H is through hiring Adams County 4-H to cater the barbecue chicken dinner served to the nearly 1,000 members and guests who attend the cooperative’s annual meeting.

Adams EC director Tom Knaub doesn’t have to rely on his memory to know how his first 4-H entry did. A grinning, 8-year-old Knaub is forever imprinted in a 1968 edition of Penn Lines.

The photo caption tells how Knaub won a blue ribbon in York County for his

4-H electrical project. Although no one would have suspected it back then, Knaub’s project provided a glimpse into his future. In more ways than one.

The magazine notes the judge for the York County contest was an Adams EC employee, Fred Kane. And Knaub’s project leader was Harris Horn, then a director of Adams EC. Knaub would grow up and eventually take Horn’s seat on the cooperative’s board.

Also, the child who was fascinated with electricity in 1968 would end up making it his life’s work. Now the project manager/general superintendent of operations for IB Abel Inc., Knaub has worked more than 30 years for the company that specializes in electrical work, along with other services.

“I was always intrigued by electricity and how things work,” Knaub notes. “In my 10 years of 4-H, I also had beef, vegetables, corn and handyman projects.

With the other projects you could see why it worked, but with electricity, you can’t see it, but it works. And you have to respect it.”

Fairs and farewells Not all fair memories are happy ones; some are tinged with the emotional

upheaval of sending a project animal off to market.

Alex Merritt, 15, and Emily Merritt, 12, daughters of Northwestern REC members Toni and Greg Merritt, are members of the Hocks ‘N Hooves 4-H Club. As the name implies, the club members focus on market hogs and market beef, animals that will be sold at the county fair auction.

Emily, now in her fifth year, says she gets very attached to her project pig — this year, it’s named Lola.

“I picked her because she was the cutest,” she says. “We walk them, and talk to them and give them daily baths so they won’t freak out when we have to do that at the fair. You get really attached to them and you don’t want to

Wanda Braymer, a member of Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative, has spent 50 years in various 4-H roles, from her first clothing project, which she exhibited at the county fair, left, until she retired this year as an extension educator with the Penn State Extension Office in Crawford County, above.

She says 4-H expanded her horizons as she participated in interstate exchange trips and her family hosted International Foreign Youth Exchange (IFYE) students through their 4-H connections.

A LIFE FILLED WITH 4-H:

let them go.”

Her sister adds more to the story.

“In the beginning, you have to make sure they stay healthy,” Alex notes. “We pick them when they are just babies and we spend time with them every day. We trim them and clip them, and walk them every day.”

So, she says, the night before the sale is a tough one.

“You go and you tell (your pig) goodbye,” she says. “Every year, it’s a big crying fest. … But then you get your check, and you think, ‘It’s OK.’”

4-H leaders devoted to work

The butter sculpture at the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show paid homage to the 100th anniversaries of 4-H and county fairs. Shown at the sculpture unveiling in Harrisburg in January are, from left: Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary George Greig; Tom Croner, chair of the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program; Jim Victor, butter sculptor; Sara Bassett, Pennsylvania 4-H state president; Gabrielle Murphy, Pennsylvania Dairy Princess; Claire Werkiser, Pennsylvania Fair Queen; and Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley.

2012 BUTTER SCULPTURE:

Toni and Greg Merritt are the club leaders specializing in the market swine projects for the 23 members of Hocks ‘N Hooves. Their busiest week is the week of the Crawford County Fair.

“We camp there the whole week,” Toni explains. “We really don’t leave the barn. We are up at the crack of dawn every day. We cook breakfast for the whole club, and lunch is provided for the club members and there are leftovers for dinner. It’s constant work the entire AUGUST 2012 • PENN

LINES

9

PENNlines week, supervising kids and getting ready for the next show. If we’re lucky, we get to walk around the fair on the last day.”

The Merritts aren’t alone in their immersion into fair week activities.

Brenda Schmidt, another member of Northwestern REC and the organizational leader for Path Finders, a livestock club, notes the fair is the final event of her club’s 4-H year. But her work with 4-Hers doesn’t end there. She also leads a group of 20 square dancers who entered the dance competition at

the Pennsylvania Farm Show twice — and brought home a blue ribbon both times.

“Working with kids is a very rewarding experience on many levels,” Schmidt notes. “It’s nice to work with kids that you take in when they are green and watch them mature. Along the way, we teach and we learn.”

Northwestern REC member Joy Mumford got involved in 4-H as a leader when her niece, now married with two kids of her own, was a young teen. Her club, named Hodge Podge Deluxe after

A century of teaching

the members’ desire to undertake different types of projects, has worked on rocketry, foods from around the world, pottery, murals, knitting, stamp collecting and bicycle safety. But their claim to fame is photography and videography.

In recent years, members have videotaped the Crawford County Fair.

“We provide just a glimpse of the fair by attending as many of the things going on as possible,” Mumford notes. She adds proudly, “We’ve entered the Pennsylvania State Fair Board Association video contest for four years, and we have won a ribbon every year. Twice, we took the blue ribbon.”

IMPARTING LIFE SKILLS STILL CORE TO 4-H MISSION

Rural beginnings

More than 203,000 of Pennsylvania’s children and teenagers are currently involved in 4-H activities coordinated by more than 5,000 adult volunteers. As 4-H celebrates its 100th anniversary in Pennsylvania with the theme “Rural Beginnings to Global Success,” state leaders note that while 4-H has changed with the times, it has retained its best qualities of teaching leadership, citizenship and life skills to youngsters from 5 through 18 years old.

There are 4-H clubs in each of Pennsylvania’s counties. Through projects led by volunteer adults, all clubs are working toward the national 4-H mission of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

Originally a rural organization with a major focus on large farm animals, 60 percent of 4-H members in Pennsylvania now live in suburbs and larger cities, with only about 7 percent living IN CLOVER: According to the 4-H National on farms. The remaining members live Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the green-andin rural areas, reports Christy Bartley, white, four-leaf clover emblem, which symbolizes the extension program leader in 4-H and four ‘H’s’ – head, heart, hands and health — has been youth development with Penn State traced to two Iowa teachers. In 1903, O.H. Benson, Extension in State College.

“Animal science is still the top proj- who later moved to Gettysburg, Pa., and Jessie Field ect interest, but instead of having a lot presented a three-leaf clover to students who did well in their agricultural and domestic science projof large animals, 4-Hers have moved ects. The final ‘H’ — health — was added in 1911. to smaller animals like sheep, swine and market lambs,” Bartley notes. “We even have a large embryology program where children hatch eggs. They candle them and watch the growth of the chicks in the eggs.”

As time goes on, more and more 4-Hers are involved in science-based projects, like robotics, or life skills-based projects, such as decision-making, problem-solving and goal-setting.

“We encourage all 4-Hers to be active in their clubs and think about becoming an officer,” Bartley adds. “When 4-H members do that, they become more engaged in their communities as they age out of 4-H and go into the community as adults. …

These kids have learned skills that help them in their career aspirations and in dayto-day life, and our research shows that children who develop meaningful relationships with adults other than their parents experience more success in life.”

Some 4-Hers are so dedicated to the program that they decide to devote their professional career to it.

Consider Ben Weikert, a member of Adams EC. Now the 4-H/youth development educator at the Adams County Extension Office, Weikert’s experiences during his 10-year, 4-H membership solidified his career goals. He has a degree in animal science and now is working toward a master’s degree in ag/extension education from Penn State

10

PENN

LINES • AUGUST 2012

4-H HIGHLIGHT: Duane Kanagy, now the manager of communications/community services for Adams Electric Cooperative, recalls the highlight of his 10-year 4-H career was having this pig named the fair’s grand champion in 1966 at the Mifflin County Youth Fair.

University. He interned at the office for two summers and has been a full-time employee since May. “My positive experiences in 4-H led me to want to give other kids that same experience,” he explains. “What we do is not formal education; it’s informal, it’s

fun and it’s hands-on.”

Nina Redding, also a member and former director of Adams EC, is the district extension director over the county extension offices in Adams, Franklin and York counties, including the office where Weikert works. She has the same passion for 4-H. She was an 11-year 4-H member herself, and has spent 29 years as a 4-H leader, and nearly 25 years in

Emily Merritt, now 12, the daughter of Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative members Greg and Toni Merritt, shows her pig at the 2011 Crawford County Fair in Meadville.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT:

different positions with Penn State Extension. Her husband, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, has been a 4-H leader for 17 years, and their two teenage sons are 4-H members.

“I did a lot of clothing, textiles, citizenship and leadership types of projects that were very traditional,” Nina Redding recalls. “Now there are so many more kinds of projects. The breadth of 4-H has expanded. When I was young, we never would have dreamed of computer projects or robotics.”

With the theme, “Rural Beginnings to Global Success,” the 100th anniversary celebration of 4-H emphasizes life skills — while reflecting on the organization’s roots. Currently, there is a push toward science and health, but the core principles remain.

“The kids still get public speaking experience,” Redding notes. “They learn about starting and finishing projects.

They fill out project books, complete forms, meet deadlines. All of that trans-

fers to job skills. It’s not unusual to see 4-Hers, especially those who have had leadership roles, get out and become leaders in their communities even as young adults. … They just have a bigger view of the world thanks to their 4-H experiences.”

As an administrator of a program that includes 4-H, Redding has also seen many changes.

“The world is a very different place than when I was a member,” she notes. “A lot of my job is risk management. There HANDS-ON LEARNING: Adams Electric Cooperative member Nina are very precise rules. We Redding looks over a 4-H ‘Magic of Electricity’ project book and elecscreen leaders to make tricity fair exhibit with her son, Elliott, a nine-year member of 4-H. sure they are appropriate to work with children. … ing our youth and citizens,” he says.

When people entrust their child to us, “Both offer fun and education and celewe need to make sure they have a safe brate the fine work of our neighbors. and healthy experience.”

This summer, visit a fair, savor a milkOne thing that has not changed is shake and stroll the grounds, taking in how much fun the county fair is. the unique combination of barkers, bakKnown as the South Mountain Fair, the ers and barns. Witness firsthand the tallocal fair is still where Redding’s 4-H ent of Pennsylvania youth. Make that members take their exhibits, some of connection between the farm gate and which she predicts they will keep for dinner plate. You won’t be disapdecades. pointed.” l “I still have some of the garments I made hanging in the attic,” Redding admits. “I’m not sure I could sew that well now.”

Although she’s long past entering 4-H projects herself, she still keeps a hand — or in her case, her tastebuds — in the fair. As a foods judge, she gets to taste every entry in her assigned categories.

“That sounds like a really fun job, and people always tell me that, but it’s harder than it seems,” she says with a laugh. “The first two or three samples in a category are really good, but it’s not long before overload kicks in.”

To get a taste of the 100th anniversary celebrations of county fairs and 4-H, Secretary Greig encourages people WHOA!: Ben Weikert, now a member of Adams to get involved.

Electric Cooperative and the 4-H/youth develop“Both 4-H and fairs are largely volment educator at the Adams County Extension unteer efforts, driven by dedicated Office, shows his 4-H lamb in 2007 at the South Mountain Fair.

Pennsylvanians with a passion for help-

AUGUST 2012 • PENN

LINES

11

PENNlines

Putting on the show County fairs mean business

By K at h y H ac k l e m a n S e n i o r E d i t o r / Wr i t e r

COUNTY FAIRS are fun. Lots of fun.

But they are also businesses. That means someone has to ensure the fairgrounds are prepared for the displays, vendors are in place to feed the crowds, entertainment is booked, advertising is scheduled, funds are spent wisely, and everything is clean once the crowds have dissipated.

Bill Winters, a Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) member, is one of nine volunteer board members who work 12 months a year to ensure a successful Crawford County Fair. Billed as the state’s second largest agricultural fair (after the Pennsylvania Farm Show), this year’s fair will be Aug. 18-25.

“This is my community,” Winters says. “I was born and raised here. …

Volunteering on the fair board is my way of helping my community. We are proud of what we have here.”

In addition to star performers — this year, Alan Jackson is performing — the Crawford County Fair provides the venue for thousands of 4-H and openclass entries ranging from crops, vegetables, needlecrafts, canned goods, and baked goods to all types of farm animals.

BEST OF THE BUNNIES: James Davis, a member of Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, is a member of the executive board of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. As past president, he traveled to dozens of fairs across the state. He snapped this photo of winning rabbit entries at the Potter County Fair near Millport.

12

PENN

LINES • AUGUST 2012

Winters began his 20-plus years on the fair board through a chance occurrence.

He often entered his sheep in the open classes, and one year, there was a hole in the sheep barn roof.

“The next year, I said, ‘If you give me the materials, I’ll fix the roof,’” Winters relates.

“The next year, some people said I had fixed my roof and they wanted me to fix their roof. I decided I would do whatever I had to to make the conditions better in that department. A couple of years later, there was an opening on ON TOP OF THE FAIR: Volunteer fair boards must view a county fair as a business so that it can continue to operate well into the fair board and they asked the future. This is a glimpse of what a small portion of the me if I was interested. So I have been doing it ever since.” Crawford County Fair looks like from a tall spot.

Winters serves as the chair of the building committee and fields. … We learned a lot as we traveled organizes all indoor vendors. Both are around the state. Everywhere we went, major jobs. Paid attendance varies we learned things that we could bring between 75,000 and 80,000, with estiback and use to improve our own fair.” mates of actual attendance going three Davis, a retired administrator with times higher (all children, 4-H and the Juniata Valley School District, relNational FFA Organization members ished the state organization’s leadership are admitted free, and senior citizens get role, but he’s disappointed that public in free on certain days). funding of fairs has fallen out of favor.

Halfway across the state, the Hunting- And he’s become familiar with the state don County Fair is another huge underlegislature and the need to testify before taking with a 70-plus acre venue and legislative committees, especially when annual attendance of 60,000 to 65,000. seeking more funding.

James Davis, a member of Valley REC, “It’s harder and harder to put on has spent all of his adult life — more fairs with less funding,” he says. “You than 50 years — volunteering there. have to be good businesspeople and “As soon as I moved back to the good money managers. Fairs are a busifarm (after graduating from college), ness; you have to manage them. You they nailed me, and I have been workhave to think ahead and make plans so ing with the fair ever since,” Davis the fair will be solvent 100 years from reports. now. I want my grandchildren and great Davis’ interest in fairs is not limited grandchildren to be able to attend a fair to Huntingdon. He served as president and learn about agriculture.” of the Pennsylvania State Association of Pennsylvania Secretary of AgriculCounty Fairs in 2009 and 2010, and ture George Greig says county fairs are remains on its executive board. vital because the events are ingrained in “During my time as president, I visthe history of Pennsylvania agriculture ited 115 fairs,” Davis reports. “The fairs and they were the forerunners of modin Pennsylvania are varied. It’s very ern agritourism. difficult to define a fair here. Some “Our fairs are needed more than ever counties have multiple fairs. In some to facilitate the interaction of producer communities, they close down Main and consumer and continue to serve Street and have them in town. There Pennsylvania as meeting places for and are fairs in parks, on school football showcases of agriculture,” he says. l

I DON’T LEAVE THE TV ON FOR THE COFFEE TABLE. WHY COOL AN EMPTY HOUSE? It only makes sense. My house shouldn’t ha ve to work so hard when I’m taking it easy on vacation. So now I adjust my thermostat, turn off my water heater and unplug as much as I can before I pull a way, and those simple acts sa ve me some serious money. Money I can spend on things like vaca tions. Wha t can you do? F ind out ho w the little changes add up a t TogetherW eSa ve.com.

TTOGE O G E T HE HERW R W E S AV E ..COM COM

TIMElines

Yo u r N e w s m a g a z i n e T h r o u g h t h e Y e a r s

2002 CONNECTING 10 county seats along the Commonwealth’s northern tier, U.S. Route 6 meanders more than 400 miles over remote mountains and fertile valleys, into sleepy towns and past beautiful farms.

Passing through the heart of four electric distribution cooperatives (Wysox-based Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative, Mansfield-based Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative, Youngsville-based Warren Electric Cooperative, and Cambridge Springs-based Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative), the highway offers travelers a remarkable broad-brush look at rural Pennsylvania and its heritage.

Destinations along the road are as varied and fascinating as the people who live adjacent to them. Recreational opportunities — from state parks and gamelands to the sprawling Allegheny National Forest — abound. Museums and landmarks honoring people, accomplishments and eras bring American history alive. U.S. Route 6 also provides easy access to numerous festivals and fairs throughout the year, which celebrate everything from the making of maple syrup to the discovery of oil.

1972 Agricultural Progress Field Days is an

1982 PREA President Carl Driscoll recalls rural life

annual event sponsored by the Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Service; this scene is from the 1970 event held in Titusville.

before lights; the Depression and its legacy of poverty and despair; the 100 electric motors his mother never had; and a career that saw Sullivan County schools enter modern times.

14

PENN

LINES • AUGUST 2012

1992 The criminal investigation unit supervisor at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in DuBois reports the most common rural crimes are burglary and theft. The least-committed crime is homicide.

Get the Muck

Home Loan Financing Options

OUT!

Whether you’re looking for a farmette, a townhouse in the city, a rural home or a house in the suburbs, Country Mortgages

by AgChoice FC has a loan package for you!

Marble size AquaClearTM Pellets clear your lake or pond bottom.

FHA, VA, USDA and traditional home loans are all available. Call us today to find out more!

Beneficial microorganisms. Restore balance in natural and man made surface waters. Increase water clarity. Improve water quality.

Eliminate black organic muck.

A 10 lb. bag treats .50 to 1.0 acres $76.50 A 50 lb. bag treats 2.5 to 5.0 acres $295.00 Apply weekly for 4 weeks, then monthly to maintain. No water use restrictions!

FREE SHIPPING!

1ďšş800ďšş998ďšş5557 www.AgChoice.com

800-328-9350

KillLakeWeeds.com/893X Order today online, or request free information.

AQUACIDE CO.

PO Box 10748, DEPT 893X White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748

HEATMOR

STAINLESS STEEL OUTDOOR FURNACES

COAL ONLY STOVES PELLET BURNER

/2:(67 &267 UPDRAFT DESIGN THAT CAN BURN SEASONED AND UNSEASONED CORDWOOD

EPA QUALIFIED STOVES 1$*

EASTERN U.S. DISTRIBUTOR OUTBACK HEATING, INC. 89 ARROW LANE STUARTS DRAFT, VA 24477

800-743-5883

www.outbackheatinginc.com

7HUP /LIH ,QVXUDQFH ,VVXH DJHV WKURXJK ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊf£ää]äääÊÊÊÊÊfÓxä]äää

{x xx Ăˆx

£Ó°Çn ÂŁĂˆÂ°ÂŁÂ™ ĂŽÂŁÂ°Ă¤Ăˆ

ÓÓ°Çx Σ°Ón Ăˆn°{Ç

5DWHV ILJXUHG RQ PRQWKO\ FRVW IRU IHPDOH QRQ WREDFFR XVHUV

Size

Prices From*

33x45x10 42x60x12 60x102x12

$7,397 $10,897 $21,897

*Prices vary based on codes, loads and accessories.

%5$1'21 5$0/(7

4!,)# &/2- ./

1.800.643.5555 | heritagebuildings.com

POWERplants

by Barbara Martin

Yard rescue tips A NON-GARDENER recently asked my thoughts for a do-it-yourself intervention for her yard. Indeed, the back portion of the lot is terribly overgrown, and the middle looks ho-hum with its odd assortment of garage, lumpy patio, outgrown play set and neglected vegetable patch. And up close, well, it needs tending with its weedy flowerbeds and overgrown shrubbery.

I approach this knowing every yard has its sore spot(s).

You don’t have to fix it all at once. And so we begin with a divide-and-conquer method.

First, think of the property in three zones: the wild spot at the far end, the workaday area in the middle, and the “pretty part” closest to the house. This simple trick organizes the space. Breaking the problem down into smaller bites makes it less daunting.

The far distant zone typically requires the least attention because it IS far away.

The middle area is utilitarian, where the play set and laundry line are, and all the typiBARBARA MARTIN , who says she began gardening as a hobby “too many years ago to count,” currently works for the National Gardening Association as a horticulturist. A former member of Gettysburg-based Adams Electric Cooperative, her articles appear in magazines and on the internet.

16

PENN

cal “back yard” activities take place. The zone closest to the house, the area you see up close every day, is where you tend to notice problems — and improvements.

In my friend’s yard, the far back area is nearly wild.

Trees and shrubs tangle along the back fence. Someday, it could become an enchanting woodland garden.

For now, we decide to maintain this area as a wildlife habitat. Planting some native shrubs beside the garage will help define this wild area. A rustic gate will offer a glimpse of the “songbird paradise” beyond. Problem solved.

In the midsection, I see an outgrown swing-set, abandoned vegetable plot and a tree stump. It’s blistering hot in full sun. I suggest gradual steps as time and budget allow: replace the play area with an attractive birdbath and ornamental shrubs; remove the vegetable patch (or install uniform, raised growing beds); and plant a tree.

When the tree shades the lawn, replace the grass with a shade-tolerant ground cover.

The existing patio can be expanded, further reducing the lawn area. Less lawn means less maintenance.

The back yard lacks seating and a deliberate focal

LINES • AUGUST 2012

point. I suggest a welcoming, shaded entertainment space with a large table and comfy chairs. Instant shade can be provided by a lean-to or carport beside the garage, a freestanding pergola, a vine-covered arbor, or shade netting cloth strung over posts. The shade structure should echo the house and garage through its proportions, style, and color. Wide walks further unify the new seating area with patio, house and garage.

Now for the yard immediately adjacent to the house.

This is where fine grooming counts. We notice this area the most, both in everyday life and in our “rescue” session. The drive/front walk/entry area is critical. It’s where guests approach the house, passersby view the house, and residents see it daily. Here, proceed methodically. For overall neatness, trim the foundation shrubs, then weed and mulch the foundation beds and front planting areas.

INTERVENTION: Walk through your yard, take note of its sore spots and get to work.

Now add one distinctive decoration to the front yard where you will appreciate it daily: a big pot of flowers, a special lawn ornament, or that porch swing you’ve always wanted.

When you lavish your attention on a spot and create delight, it becomes enjoyable to care for it. Repeat this tidyenhance-groom sequence at the back door, then the garage door, and if your mailbox is at the end of your drive, do it there as well. Soon you will be excited to realize an overall “upgrade” has happened to your yard — seemingly all by itself.

While I’m sure your property doesn’t need an overhaul, nearly every yard benefits from a closer (or a more distant) look through these three zones. You might be surprised by what you discover. l

COUNTRYkitchen

by Janette He ss

Going nuts MORE POPULAR than ever, walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews and their nutty ilk have become staples of everyday eating. Nuts provide exceptional flavor and high nutritional value. But beware! Nuts are calorie-dense and should be consumed in moderation.

Mixed Nut Granola is versatile as a satisfying breakfast, a nutritious snack or a crunchy dessert topping.

When eaten with milk — or yogurt — and fruit, it serves as the foundation of a morning meal that will sustain you until lunchtime.

Nuts have nearly universal appeal as a snack or an appetizer. Glazed Walnuts are sweet and spicy, while Dilled Appetizer Nuts are buttery and savory. Choose — and then enjoy! l A trained journalist, JANETTE HESS focuses her writing on interesting people and interesting foods. She is a Master Food Volunteer with her local extension service and enjoys collecting, testing and sharing recipes.

MIXED NUT GRANOLA 5 cups old-fashioned oatmeal 1 cup mixed, finely chopped baking nuts – walnuts, almonds and/or pecans 1 cup flaked coconut 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup ground flaxseed 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 cup honey 1/3 cup canola oil 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Mix oatmeal, nuts, coconu t, wheat germ, flaxseed and brown sugar in large bowl. In separate microw ave-proof bowl or large glass measuring cup, whisk together honey, oil, water, vanilla extract and salt. For ease of pouring, heat for 30 second s in microwave oven. Stir into oatmeal mixture. When mixture is cool to touch, use hands to toss and squeeze. Lightly spray two rimmed cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly spread granola mixture on cookie sheets; press down with fingers. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, rotatin g sheets and very lightly stirring mixture half way through cooking proces s. Remove from oven when mixture is golden brown. Allow to cool on baking sheets before bagging for storage. Granola will naturally break into a nice mixture of clusters and loose pieces. Makes 16 to 18 2/3-cu p servings, depending on size of clusters.

GLAZED WALNUTS 2 cups unsalted walnut halves 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauc e Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, caye nne pepper and salt. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Add Worcest ershire sauce and walnuts. Cook and stir until sauce coats nuts. Tran sfer nuts to rimmed, foil-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 9 minu tes. Watch carefully, as nuts tend to burn easily. Cool on separate piec e of foil. Store in air-tight container. Use on salads — or for snac king!

DILLED APPETIZER NUTS an, cashew and/or walnut 2 generous cups unsalted pec halves 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon seasoning salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Dash cayenne pepper, if desired suring cup, In glass bowl or large glass mea Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add nuts and l. wel d blen and ings son Add sea melt butter in microwave oven. for 10 mine Bak et. she on rimmed cookie els. carefully stir to coat. Spread nuts tow er pap on l Coo ily. eas burn to utes. Watch carefully, as nuts tend Store in air-tight container. ture.

Serve warm or at room tempera ews may be not available, lightly salted cash Note: If unsalted cashews are substituted.

AUGUST 2012 • PENN

LINES

17

OUTDOORadventures

by Marcus Schneck

Into every Eden, a serpent or two IN THE 2005-09 sitcom, “My Name is Earl,” Karma constantly pushed some sort of message for Jason Lee’s title character. In the ongoing sitcom that is my life, it’s Nature that seems always at the ready for the next message.

For years, Nature has been telling me that my kayaks and canoe would be better suited to storage in some sort of shed with a hanging support system — instead of turning them upside down on the ground.

Despite the need for a good “hosing out” of the accumulated debris and dirt before nearly every use of the boats, like Earl avoiding a particularly touchy item on his “make it right” list, I’ve been able to ignore the message until this year.

Each previous year, to my memory, Nature has tossed a garter snake into one of the boats as the exclamation point on its plea for better storage.

Despite the species’ harmless is outdoor editor for The (Harrisburg, Pa.) PatriotNews and a contributor to many outdoor publications and websites, and author of more than two dozen books..

A guide to his writing and photography appears at www.marcusschneck.com.

MARCUS SCHNECK

18

PENN

nature, having a garter snake slip from its resting spot up in the seat of the canoe onto your arm as you roll the canoe over is a thought-provoking experience, at least for the moment.

This year, Nature decided to double down. On the first rolling of the canoe this year, two large garter snakes came rolling out from under the seat.

A canoe and kayak shed is now under construction. It’s not a perfect solution. I fully expect to find assorted reptiles in the corners of the shed from time to time.

It’s never occurred to me to eliminate the snakes, even after settling my nerves from the latest sliding snake-to-forearm adventure.

Our property is a no-kill zone for rodent- and insectmunching snakes, from the tiny ring-necked snake through the garter and corn snakes right up to the black

LINES • AUGUST 2012

rat snakes and black racers.

The climbing ability of that final species holds out the possibility of future canoe-inhabiting reptiles, even when the canoe is hung properly. Maybe I’ve completely misinterpreted Nature’s message on this one.

Nevertheless, the ability of common critters to take advantage of anything we add to their natural environment remains a wonder.

Leave some old boards lying on the ground in the backyard for a couple weeks and you’ll see a boom in the population of under-board-dwelling patent leather beetles, millipedes, crickets, ants and the like.

Allow a pair of jeans to hang too long at just the right time of the year, and house wrens will stuff the seat with a mass of twigs and grass and feathers. A decorated basket hangs on the wall or a shed to the delight of a nest-building robin. Get behind

Garter snakes think a canoe placed on the ground is an invitation to take up residence there.

WHOSE CANOE IS IT:

on your mowing and a swarm of tree swallows follows the tractor, scooping up the small insects that next cutting sends skyward. Plant a garden or shrub or small tree in deer country (aka suburbia) and wake the next morning to find it freshly browsed. Leave bird feeders hanging in bear country and buy new bird feeders the next day.

And the list goes on and on. As a matter of fact, let’s keep the list going. Send your observations of nature taking advantage of the possibilities we make available, intentionally and otherwise, to mschneck@comcast.net. I’ll compile them on a website and give all contributors the name of that website. l

SMARTcircuits

by James Dulley

Create kitchen comfort Keep three things in mind when remodeling your kitchen HEAT and water vapor buildup can take the fun out of cooking. During summer, you can figure on doubling the energy use of the cooking itself because the air conditioner is using more electricity to remove the heat and humidity.

So, when it’s time to remodel your kitchen, there are three basic concepts to consider — design/layout of the kitchen, selection of appliances, and general kitchen efficiency tips. Your goal is to use as little heat as possible to prepare your meals.

Layout When laying out the floor plan for your remodeled kitchen, use the “kitchen triangle” concept. The three areas used most often are the sink, range and refrigerator. Try to locate these in an equilateral triangle. If your kitchen is relatively small, you may only have to take a step or two to get from one to another.

It might sound obvious not to put hot appliances, such as the range or dishwasher, next to the refrigerator, but I see it all the time. Even though a refrigerator has heavy wall insulation, it will use more electricity to stay cold while a turkey is roasting inside the range next to it. A dishwasher gives off a lot of warm, humid air, which reduces the efficiency of the refrigerator.

Do not place the range under a window that you plan to use for natural ventilation. Even a small breeze can carry away quite a bit of heat, which should be going into the pot and not out the window.

Locating the sink under a window is good for natural lighting and to exhaust warm humid air during mild weather without running an exhaust fan.

Choosing efficient appliances Selecting appliances is the easiest part of designing an efficient kitchen.

In general, a top freezer-style refrigerator is the most efficient configuration, and the fewer features that penetrate the door, the more energy efficient it is. But a chilled water-to-ice dispenser in the door may actually save electricity overall by reducing how often the door is opened.

Select the smallest refrigerator that satisfies your needs.

Choose your dishwasher and range based on the energy label and the features you need. A range with a convection oven will cook more efficiently than a standard oven — the upfront cost is higher, but you’ll see savings in energy and money.

Ensure you purchase the most efficient appliances by comparing the information on the yellow energy label, and look for Energy Star models. The Energy Star designation is earned by appliances that meet efficiency guidelines set by the federal government.

That designation comes in handy when identifying efficient vent hoods for ranges. All of the Energy Star models use

compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, which are up to 75 percent more efficient than standard bulbs. In addition, select a range hood with appropriate air flow depending on the size of the range top. It should be installed no more than 30 inches above the cooking surface.

Basic tips Whenever possible, use a toaster oven or slow-cooker instead of the large oven. It might not cook quite as evenly, but heat buildup in the kitchen is much less. Also, match the size of the pot to the size of the burner or heating element to reduce heat loss.

If you find your refrigerator is seldom full, put several jugs of water in the back.

This holds the temperature steadier and reduces air loss when the door is opened.

Set the refrigerator temperature at 40 degrees and the freezer around zero. l Have a question for Jim? Send inquiries to JAMES DULLEY , Penn Lines, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

AUGUST 2012 • PENN

LINES

19

PENNLINESclassified ISSUE MONTH: AD DEADLINE: Penn Lines classified advertisements reach more than 165,800 rural Pennsylvania households!

October 2012 . . . . . . August 20 Please note ads must be received by the due date to be included in the requested issue month. Ads November 2012. . . . . . . Sept. 19 received beyond the due date will run in the next available issue. Written notice of changes and cancellations must be received 30 days prior to the issue month. Classified ads will not be accepted December 2012 . . . . October 19 by phone, fax or email. For more information please contact Vonnie Kloss at 717/233-5704.

CLASSIFIED AD SUBMISSION/RATES: Please use the form below or submit a separate sheet with required information.

Electric co-op members: $20 per month for 30 words or less, plus 50¢ for each additional word.

Non-members: $70 per month for 30 words or less, plus $1.50 for each additional word.

Ad in all CAPITAL letters: Add 20 percent to total cost. Please print my ad in all CAPITAL letters.

PLACE AD IN THE MONTHS OF: .

WORD COUNT: I am an electric co-op member. Attached is my Penn Lines mailing label. Name/Address or Mailing Label Here: Enclosed is payment in the amount of $ .

I am a non-member. Address is noted or attached at right.

Enclosed is payment in the amount of $ .

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

.

Additional words; attach separate sheet if needed.

FREE Headings (Select One): Around the House Business Opportunities Employment Opportunities Gift and Craft Ideas Livestock and Pets Miscellaneous Motor Vehicles and Boats Nursery and Garden Real Estate Recipes and Food Tools and Equipment Vacations and Campsites Wanted to Buy SPECIAL HEADING: . SPECIAL HEADING FEE: $5 for co-op members, $10 for non-members. Applies even if heading is already appearing in Penn Lines. Insertion of classified ad serves as proof of publication; no proofs supplied. SEND FORM TO: Penn Lines Classifieds, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Please make CHECK/MONEY ORDER payable to: PREA/Penn Lines.

AROUND THE HOUSE

CONSULTING FORESTRY SERVICES

HARDWARE/LUMBER RETAIL

“COUNTRY COOKING,” Volume 2 — $8, including postage.

“RECIPES REMEMBERED,” Volume 3 — $12, including postage.

Both of these cookbooks are a collection of recipes from men and women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P. O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks. Volume 1 of “Country Cooking” is SOLD OUT.

NOLL’S FORESTRY SERVICES, INC. performs Timber Marketing, Timber Appraisals, Forest Management Planning, and Forest Improvement Work. FREE Timber Land Recommendations. 30 years experience. Call 814-472-8560.

LEE’S Hardware ─ CRESSON 814-886-2377. Plumbing, electrical, hardware, paint, tools, wood pellets. PATTON 814-674-5122.

Lumber, roofing, plywood, windows, doors, shale, sand, blocks, delivery, boom lift trucks, estimates. Full service hometown stores.

CLOCK REPAIR: If you have an antique grandfather clock, mantel clock or old pocket watch that needs restored, we can fix any timepiece. Macks Clock Repair: 814-421-7992.

CENTRE FOREST RESOURCES. Maximizing present and future timber values, Forest Management Services, Managing Timber Taxation, Timber Sales, Quality Deer Management. FREE Timber Consultation. College educated, professional, ethical.

814-867-7052.

FENCING

GRANITE STICKS — 137 pieces 6” x 16” by varied lengths of 4’ to 9’. $12 a foot or $6,800 for all. 717-776-7228.

BUILDING SUPPLIES STEEL ROOFING AND SIDING. Corrugated sheets (cut to length).

Our best residential roofing $2.25/lineal foot. Also seconds, heavy gauges, odd lots, etc. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania. 814-398-4052.

FACTORY SECONDS of insulation, 4 x 8 sheets, foil back. Also reflective foil bubble wrap. 814-442-6032.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES PIANO TUNING PAYS — Learn at home with American School of Piano Tuning home-study course in piano tuning and repair. Tools included. Diploma granted. Call for free brochure 800-497-9793.

CHURCH LIFT SYSTEMS Make your church, business or home wheelchair accessible.

We offer platform lifting systems, stair lifts, porch lifts and ramps. References. Free estimates. Get Up & Go Mobility Inc. 724-746-0992 or 814-926-3622.

20

PENN

LINES • AUGUST 2012

Building a fence? Find hydraulic post drivers, high-tensile wire, electric fence, electric netting, rotational grazing supplies, tools and more from Kencove Farm Fence Supplies. FREE Fence Guide/Catalog – Call 800-536-2683! www.kencove.com.

GIFT AND CRAFT IDEAS “COUNTRY COOKING,” Volume 2 — $8, including postage.

“RECIPES REMEMBERED,” Volume 3 — $12, including postage.

Both of these cookbooks are a collection of recipes from men and women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P. O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks. Volume 1 of “Country Cooking” is SOLD OUT. HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE COUNTRY CRAFTED bentwood oak/hickory rockers. Swings, gliders, double rockers, coffee/end tables, bar stools, kitchen sets, cedar log outdoor furniture, log bedrooms, SPECIAL queen log bed, $599. 814-733-9116. www.zimmermanenterprise.com.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION Tired of all those medicines — Still not feeling better? Do you want to feel better, have more energy, better digestion, less joint stiffness, healthier heart/circulation and cholesterol levels? Find out how to empower your own immune system — start I-26 today! It’s safe, affordable, and it works. Call 800-557-8477: ID#528390. 90-day money back on first time orders or call me 724-454-5586. www.mylegacyforlife.net/believeit.

HEALTH INSURANCE DO YOU HAVE THE BLUES regarding your Health Insurance? We cater to rural America's health insurance needs. For more information, call 800-628-7804 (PA). Call us regarding Medicare supplements, too.

INFRARED SAUNAS Removes toxins, burns calories, relieves joint pain, relaxes muscles, increases flexibility, strengthens immune system.

Many more HEALTH BENEFITS with infrared radiant heat saunas. Economical to operate. Barron’s Furniture, Somerset, PA. 814-443-3115.

I-TEC POWERING MISSIONS Think GLOBAL, Give LOCAL. For more information on volunteering or donating call 570-433-0777. Stop by at 23 Green Hollow Road, Montoursville, PA 17754 or visit at www.itec.org.

PENNLINESclassified LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT HARRINGTON’S SERVICE CENTER, Inc. is now located at 475 Orchard Rd., Fairfield, PA 17320. 717-642-6001 or 410-756-2506 for lawn and garden equipment, sales and repair.

BRIGANDI RENNINGER REALTY specializing in listing and selling hunting, fishing, summer camps or raw land in North Central PA (Clinton/Potter Counties). Contact Sandy Halerz at 570-893-4220 or cell phone 570-419-1832 or email: sandyhalerz@aol.com.

RECIPES AND FOOD

LEGAL SERVICES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: Injured and want to know your rights?

Call us at 877-291-9675 for FREE advice or visit our website for your FREE book at www.workinjuryinpa.com.

LIVESTOCK AND PETS PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI Puppies — AKC, adorable, intelligent, highly trainable. Excellent family choice. Reputable licensed breeder guaranteed “Last breed you’ll ever own.” 814-587-3449.

LOG CABIN RESTORATIONS VILLAGE RESTORATIONS & CONSULTING specializes in 17th and 18th century log, stone and timber structures. We dismantle, move, re-erect, restore, construct and consult all over the country. Period building materials available. Chestnut boards, hardware, etc. Thirty years experience, fully insured. Call 814-6961379. www.villagerestorations.com.

“COUNTRY COOKING,” Volume 2 — $8, including postage.

“RECIPES REMEMBERED,” Volume 3 — $12, including postage.

Both of these cookbooks are a collection of recipes from men and women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P. O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks. Volume 1 of “Country Cooking” is SOLD OUT. “The Heritage Cookbook; Recipes from the Heart.” 131 pages of family recipes compiled by Crawford County NSDAR members to benefit the education program. $20 includes shipping. 814-382-1415.

RV CAMPER BOAT parking outside Baker Road off 913 one mile from Weaver Falls. $30 per month; $300 per year. One mile from Saxton Gas Shopping. Call 717-776-9370.

CAMP FOR SALE — Nestled in Allegheny National Forest, Warren County, PA at “Hearts Content.” Two bedroom, modern bath, well, septic, fully furnished, Culligan water filter, $39,900. Call 724-482-2202.

WANTED TO BUY QUALITY ANTIQUES — Fair prices, fast service. Single items to whole estates. All categories, 1960s and earlier: Textiles, Furniture, Industrial items, Vintage clothing, Medical, Advertising, etc. Call 570-994-2274 or email: oldcroakantiques@gmail.com.

PEANUT BUTTER GLASS collections. Flower glasses – 5” tall with name of flower. Old kitchenware glass especially Fireking. Paying cash, will travel. Call 814-735-3264. If no answer, leave message.

Email: jwcarpenter@frontiernet.net.

SAWMILLS USED PORTABLE Sawmills and COMMERCIAL Sawmill Equipment!

Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148. USA and Canada. www.sawmillexchange.com.

SHAKLEE

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE Are you paying too much for your Medicare Supplement Insurance? You PROBABLY are. Keep all your current providers.

To see if you qualify for lower premiums call 717-738-3304.

FREE SAMPLE Shaklee’s Energy Tea. Combination red, green and white teas that are natural, delicious, refreshing, safe. For sample or more information on tea or other Shaklee Nutrition/Weight Loss Products: 800-403-3381 or www.sbarton.myshaklee.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

SHOOTING SPORTS

BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER, Correspondence study. The harvest truly is great, the laborers are few, Luke 10:2. Free info.

Ministers for Christ Outreach, 6630 West Cactus #B107-767, Glendale, AZ 85304. www.ordination.org.

SPORTING CLAYS now at Scattergun Reserve! 17 stations. We are a full-service outdoor sporting reserve and conference center in Conneautville, PA. Call 814-587-3597 for information. Visit www.scattergunreserve.com.

WANTED: LIVE BALD FACED HORNETS. Free removal – Huntingdon County and State College area. Insects used for potential lifesaving allergy shots. Can not have been sprayed with insecticide.

Andy 814-667-2136.

RV REFRIGERATORS/Propane Repaired/Rebuilt. Leaks can be fixed. Used refrigerators and parts. Call for prices at up to 1/2 of new. 570-435-2210.

MOTORCYCLE-SNOWMOBILE INSURANCE For the best INSURANCE RATES call R & R Insurance Associates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800-442-6832 (PA).

MOTOR VEHICLES AND BOATS 1993 28’ TRAVELCRAFT Motor Home. 52,000 miles. $12,000 negotiable. 570-333-5110. Two Kawasaki four-wheelers.

RAYSTOWN LAKE FUN

Farm • Industrial • Commercial

SPECIAL SERVICES Residential access and safety consultation, home modification plans, aging in place and universal design. Also modify cabinets and furniture for special needs. 814-603-0016. nick@helpyourselfdesigns.com.

MASSEY FERGUSON wide row corn head Model 1144 fits Model MF850 for sale, very good condition. Call 814-441-4187.

REAL ESTATE

TRACTOR PARTS – REPAIR/RESTORATION

HUNTING/FISHING/SUMMER Cottage. 2.2 acres w/mobile home 44’ x 12’. Deck, well, septic. Minutes from Snyder’s Run Boat Launch, Juniata River, Ridenour Overlook. $79,900.

Phone 240-357-7931.

ARTHURS TRACTORS, specializing in vintage Ford tractors, 30years experience, on-line parts catalog/prices, shipped via UPS. Contact us at 877-254-FORD (3673) or www.arthurstractors.com.

12-15 UNIT MOTEL, six acres, trout stream on Route 6 in Potter County, PA. Includes 2 1/2 story home. More acreage available.

Priced for quick sale. $295,000 owner retiring. Call Jackie 814-435-2394.

UPSCALE BUILDING site in Raystown Reach. 6.7 wooded acres contains two excellent building sites, well and septic included.

Four miles from Snyder’s Run Boat Launch. $128,900. 717-6651763. lbrown2@ptd.net.

30’ x 50’ x 10’........$8,579 40’ x 60’ x 12’........$11,999 60’ x 100’ x 12’......$23,849 80’ x 100’ x 14’......$32,582 100’ x 150’ x 14’....$55,759

PRICES INCLUDE COLOR SIDES & GALVALUME ROOF

Arena Special (roof & frame) 100’ x 100’ x 14’...$35,581 (Local codes may affect prices)

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

TIMBER FRAME HOMES SETTLEMENT POST & BEAM BUILDING COMPANY uses timehonored mortise, tenon and peg construction paired with modern engineering standards. Master Craftsman and owner, Greg Sickler, brings over two decades of timber-framing experience to helping you create your dream. We use highquality timbers harvested from sustainable forests for all of our projects. Visit our model home, located on Historic Route 6, Sylvania, in North Central Pennsylvania. For more information phone 570-297-0164 or go to www.settlementpostandbeam.com or contact us at cggksick@epix.net.

SEVEN POINTS MARINA offers houseboat vacations, daily boat rentals, public sightseeing and dinner cruises aboard the Princess.

Enjoy the hospitality of PA’s largest marina, voted #1 in the nation.

Contact us at 814-658-3074 or tours@7pointsmarina.com.

JUNIATA COUNTY — Secluded home on 20.6 acres with stream.

Two – three bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, pine interior, oversized twocar garage, shed, outhouse. Many unique features. $209,000.

717-734-0170.

25 Year Warranty on Roof & Walls; Prices F.O.B. Mfg. Plants; Seal Stamped Blue Prints; Easy Bolt Together Design.

F a x : 9 4 0 - 4 8 4 - 6 7 4 6 e m a i l : info@rhinobldg.com Website: http://www.RHINOBLDG.COM

Toll Free

1-888-320-7466

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

TREE TRIMMING/REMOVAL TOM’S TREE SERVICE – Tree Trimming/Removal – Storm Clean-up – Stump Grinding – Land Clearing – Bucket Truck and Chipper – Fully Insured – Free Estimates – Call 24/7 – 814-448-3052 – 814627-0550 – 26 Years Experience.

VACATIONS AND CAMPSITES House rental at Lake Raystown. Sleeps 11, fireplace, four bedrooms, dining table for 12, central A/C, two Satellite TVs, two full baths, two half baths, linens/towels provided, large recreation room, large parking area, one mile from lake (Snyders Run). Minimum two nights. Call 814-931-6562. Visit www.laurelwoodsretreat.com.

See what a difference it makes…

Advertise in Penn Lines Classifieds AUGUST 2012 • PENN

LINES

21

PUNCHlines

Thoughts from Earl Pitts, UHMERIKUN! Remember this?

Earl reminisces about his old cars, trucks

Social commentary from Earl Pitts —— a.k.a.

GARY BUR BANK , a nationally syndicated radio personality —— can be heard on the following radio stations that cover electric cooperative service territories in Pennsylvania: WANB-FM 103.1 Pittsburgh; WARM-AM 590 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton; WIOO-AM 1000 Carlisle; WEEO-AM 1480 Shippensburg; WMTZ-FM 96.5 Johnstown; WQBR-FM 99.9/92.7 McElhattan; WLMI-FM 103.9 Kane; and WVNW-FM 96.7 Burnham-Lewistown.

22

PENN

LINES • AUGUST 2012

I seen this story on an insurance website about stupid options on cars that people used to think was cool. Now, I did not know this but in the early 1960s, Chrysler used to offer an optional, in-dash record player for your car. You could be doin’ 65 an’ playin’ 45s. An’ I think today we would all admit, that’s stupid.

Back in the 1970s, a bunch’a cars come out with hidden gas caps. Remember that? I remember that was pretty clever until you borrowed your neighbor’s car.

An’ you freaked out at the gas station.

Remember pop-up headlights? They used to be big. An’ they used to occasionally not work, too.

This list got me to thinkin’. Every bad idea Detroit, Japan or Germany has ever put in a car, I have owned. An’ I would like to start my trip down “what the heck were they thinkin’ lane” with the eighttrack tape player.

Any song over three an’ a half minutes long was too long to hear all at once.

You had part one an’ then part two. I had Don McLean’s “American Pie.” I think it took two tapes.

The landau roof. This was for people that couldn’t decide if they wanted the whole vinyl top or not. It looked kinda’ stupid unless you had them optional opera windows in the back. Then people thought you were Huggie Bear from Starsky & Hutch. Which a lot us were goin’ for back then.

I remember one time I got gangster white-walls. Until somebody stole my car an’ stripped it. Apparently gangsters. I realize now they were doin’ me a favor.

Wake up, America. Even today, every time I see some car toolin’ by a inch an’ a half off the ground on what looks like chrome wagon wheels, I think, “Give it 15 years, son, an’ you’ll be in my boat.”

I just heard a cool story about how they are buildin’ a new toll road between Austin an’ San Antonio, an’ the speed limit on that toll road is gonna be — are

you ready? — 85 miles an hour!!!

Dang, man, that’s fast. That’s gonna be the fastest, posted speed limit in the country. Which got me all excited an’ kind a’ tingly until it dawned on me — my truck don’t go that fast.

Heck, you get my ol’ beater up to 60 an’ it feels like I’m re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. I got my truck up to 70 onct, an’ then I heard a bang. I think I lost the heat shield.

I was in my truck with my wife, Pearl, one time, an’ it took to shakin’ like we was makin’ paint.

She goes, “You got to get this thing aligned.”

An’ I go, “No, I gotta get this thing replaced.”

Fact a’ the matter is, if you got an older vehicle, it’s got some quirks. Mine don’t go very fast, an’ every now an’ then, you can’t turn left. But we love our cars, so we tend to make allowances.

I remember when me an’ Pearl was goin’ together. She had a beat-up little Chevy Vega her daddy bought her. The driver’s side door didn’t open an’ the muffler would keep fallin’ off for no apparent reason. But she loved that car.

Mostly because it was free, an’ she couldn’t afford to buy another one. So she made allowances.

Then when we got married, we bought a’ old Ford Torino. Yeah, a Starsky & Hutch car. This was before that Car Fax thing come out, an’ we later discovered that car had been in more accidents than Lindsay Lohan. Every time you hit the brakes hard, the front bumper flew off the car. But we loved that car, so we made allowances.

Wake up, America. I mentioned the speed thing an’ the left turn problem with my truck. Did I mention the defroster only works when the radio’s on? But I love my truck, so I’ll make allowances.

I’m Earl Pitts, Uhmerikun. l

RURALreflections Beat the heat TRADITIONALLY, August brings some of the summer’s hottest days, but it also brings the chance to capture some of the summer’s best moments if you just remember to pull your camera out and capture those special memories in photographs. Remember, “Rural Reflections” uses photos of people, animals, landscapes and artistic scenes. At the end of this year, five lucky amateur photographers will receive a $75 prize in the categories of: most artistic, best landscape, best human subject, best animal subject and editor’s choice.

Send your photos (no digital files, please) to: Penn Lines Photos, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg PA 17108-1266. On the back of each photo, include your name, address, phone number and the name of the electric cooperative that serves your home, business or seasonal residence. (The best way to include this information is by affixing an address label to the back of the photo. Please do not use ink gel or roller pens to write on the photo.)

Remember, our publication deadlines require that we work ahead, so send your seasonal photos in early. We need winter photos before mid-September. Save your spring, summer and fall photos for the 2013 contest. Photos that do not reflect any season may be sent at any time during the year. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your photo to be returned. l

Charlie Reisel Adams EC

Linda Previte REA Energy

Johanna Short Warren EC

Erin Knisley REA Energy AUGUST 2012 • PENN

LINES

23

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS Quality Tools at Ridiculously Low Prices R !

PE ON SU UP CO

FACTORY DIRECT TO YOU! How does Harbor Freight Tools sell high quality tools at such ridiculously low prices? We buy direct from the factories who also supply the major brands and sell direct to you. It's just that simple! See for yourself at one of our 400 Stores Nationwide and use this 20% Off Coupon on one of our 7,000 products*, plus pick up a Free Pair of Multipurpose Scissors, a $4.99 value.

We stock Shop Equipment, Hand Tools, Tarps, Compressors, Air & Power Tools, Woodworking Tools, Welders, Tool Boxes, Generators, and much more.

Over 20 Million Satisfied Customers!

1 Year Competitor's Low Price Guarantee No Hassle Return Policy!

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!

• • • •

Nobody Beats Our Quality, Service and Price!

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

FREE!

Item 47877 shown

7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" ALL PURPOSE WEATHER RESISTANT TARP

WITH ANY PURCHASE

MULTIPURPOSE SCISSORS ITEM 47877/67405/60274

REG. PRICE $4.99

• Stainless Steel Blades

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 1 Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

12" RATCHET BAR CLAMP/SPREADER

Item 877 shown

SAVE 63%

Item 46807 shown

1

$ 99 REG. PRICE $5.49

Item 98085 shown

LOTNO. 98085/ 69644/69890

17

$

LOT NO. 94141/69874

Item 94141 shown

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

RAPID PUMP® 3 TON HEAVY DUTY STEEL FLOOR JACK

69

$

REG. 99 $139PRICE .99

SAVE $70

4

REG. $ 99 $12PRICE .99

MECHANIC'S GLOVES LARGE

LOT NO. 93640

X-LARGE

SAVE 50%

LOT NO. 93641

YOUR CHOICE!

3

$ 99

REG. PRICE $7.99

REG. PRICE $44.99 HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 6 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

RECIPROCATING SAW WITH ROTATING HANDLE

SAVE 50%

LOT NO. 65570

19

$

REG. 99 $39PRICE .99

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 3 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

SAVE $130

LOT NO. 95659

9999

$

REG. PRICE $229.99

LOTNO. 68048/69227 HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 5 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

LOT NO. 42292/ 69594/69955

SAVE 61%

99

580 LB. CAPACITY FOUR DRAWER TOOL CART

Item 68048 shown

AUTOMATIC BATTERY FLOAT CHARGER

19

$

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

WEIGHS 74 LBS.

R !

PE ON SU UP CO Item 42292

SAVE 55%

REG. 99 $24PRICE .99

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 6 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 1 Save 20% on any one item purchased at our store. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon, gift cards, Inside Track Club membership, phone or online orders, extended service plans or on any of the following: compressors, generators, tool storage or carts, welders, floor jacks, Campbell Hausfeld products, open box items, in-store event or parking lot sale items. Not valid on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase date with original receipt. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

TRIPLE BALL TRAILER HITCH

SAVE 28% Includes 1.2 volt, 600mAh/6 volt NiCd rechargeable battery pack.

ANY SINGLE ITEM!

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

3

36 LED SOLAR SECURITY LIGHT

OFF

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 8 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

REG. PRICE $6.99

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

20%

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 9 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

49

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 5 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

ON ALL HAND TOOLS!

shown

LOT NO. 46807/ 68975/69221/69222

LOT NO. 877/69129/ 69137/69249

SAVE 50% $

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

LIFETIME WARRANTY

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 4 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 8 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

3/8" VARIABLE SPEED REVERSIBLE DRILL

LOT NO. 3670

SAVE 48%

1299

$

REG. PRICE $24.99 HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 7 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R !

PE ON SUPER SU UP QUIET! CO • 70 dB B Noise Level

3200 RATED WATTS/ 4000 MAX. WATTS PORTABLE GENERATORS POR (212 CC)

SAVE $160 Item 68528 shown

LOT NO. 68528/ 67560/69676/69729/ LOT NO. 68527/ 69675/69728, CALIFORNIA ONLY

28999

$

REG. PRICE $449.99

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 5 Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable.

Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/15/12. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

400 Stores Nationwide Order Online at HarborFreight.com and We'll Ship Your Order