Penn Lines June 2010

JUNE 2010

Pedaling through

Pennsylvania Keystone State offers miles of bicycling trails for pedal-powered pursuits

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JUNE Vol. 45 • No. 6 Peter A. Fitzgerald

EDITOR/DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

4

E N E R G Y M AT T E R S

6

KEEPING CURRENT

8

F E AT U R E

Katherine Hackleman

Air conditioning the Energy Star way

ASSOCIATE EDITOR/WRITER

James Dulley Janette Hess Barbara Martin Marcus Schneck

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

W. Douglas Shirk LAYOUT & DESIGN

News items from across the Commonwealth

Pedaling through Pennsylvania

ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION

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 166,400 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.

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Subscriptions: Electric co-op members, $5.42 per year through their local electric distribution cooperative. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Harrisburg, PA 17105 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.

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POWER PLANTS

16

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

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.

Visit with us at Penn Lines Online, located at http://www.prea.com/Content/ penn_lines_magazine.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.

TIME LINES Your newsmagazine through the years

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

CO N N ECT I O N

Information and advice from your local electric co-op

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COUNTRY KITCHEN

Over the top

14 16

Summer, winter, spring or fall, great seasonal foods call for great seasonal toppings

It’s backyard pond season Vultures find new home in backyard Take a long, close look and you’ll see their inner beauty

17

SMART CIRCUITS

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CLASSIFIEDS

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PUNCH LINES

Board officers and staff, Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association: Chairman, Tim Burkett; Vice Chairman, S. Eugene Herritt; Secretary, Lanny Rodgers; Treasurer, Kevin Barrett; President & CEO, Frank M. Betley © 2010 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association.

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

8

Keystone State offers miles of bicycling trails for pedal-powered pursuits

Vonnie Kloss

Energy-efficient dishwashers: clean plates and lower bills

Thoughts from Earl Pitts– Uhmerikun!

22

Earl swears off stretching before his exercise routine

22

RURAL REFLECTIONS

Season of outdoor fun

O N T H E COV E R Bikers take to the new Allegrippis Trail, a 32-mile-long system of bike paths near Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County.

Photo by Susan Penning.

JUNE 2010 • PENN

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ENERGYmatters Stay cool, save money

By Brian Sl ob oda

Cooperative Research Network

can be an energy-intensive process. In fact, cooling generally becomes the largest energy expense homeowners face during the summer. A room air conditioner may seem like an easy-toinstall, low-cost way to add comfort to a home, but it’s easy to waste energy and money in the process.

A room air conditioner is an encased assembly — a self-contained box, basically — designed to be mounted in a window, through a wall or as a console.

These units deliver conditioned air to an enclosed space, room or zone. Costing between $100 and $1,000, they can be purchased at home improvement centers, big box retailers — even yard sales and flea markets. They tend to last a long time with minimal maintenance, so selecting the right unit can save significant amounts of energy.

Room air conditioners rated by Energy Star, an energy efficiency program under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, are at least 10 percent more efficient than the federal standard. An energy efficiency ratio (EER) — the ratio of the cooling capacity in British thermal units (Btu) per hour to the power input (in watts) — measures each unit’s efficiency. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner will be. National appliance standards require room air conditioners built after Jan. 1, 1990, to have a minimum EER of 8.0 or greater.

Energy Star-qualified units have advanced compressors, drawing more heat efficiently from the air than con4

PENN

LINES • JUNE 2010

SOURCE: KENMORE

COOLING a home on hot, humid days

Look for Energy Star labels on room air conditioners such as this Kenmore 70051 A/C unit, mounted in a window.

ENERGY STAR AC:

ventional compressors. The high-efficiency motors in these units use less energy to circulate air and run more quietly. However, they do cost slightly more. The amount of energy saved depends on how often the unit operates.

Nationally, an average consumer saves approximately $8 per year with an Energy Star-rated room unit. Residents in hot and humid states could save up to $30 per year, while residents in cooler states may only save $4. Over the life of the unit, a consumer could save between $50 and $250, depending on the model and climate. Regions with hotter and more humid climates have the greatest energy-savings potential since they require more cooling.

Consumers should look for models with timers and programmable thermo-

stats. These features offer better temperature control, allowing users to cool spaces according to their preferences.

For example, a homeowner can program the air conditioner to turn on 20 minutes before bedtime to make the bedroom comfortable.

Installing a room air conditioner is typically an easy job. Most units fit in a window. A homeowner who can lift the unit into place can install it in a matter of minutes. Another option is to create a custom opening in the wall. Largecapacity units often require a dedicated electrical circuit or may have specific wiring and breaker requirements.

These units may need to be installed by a professional.

Room air conditioners come in a variety of sizes. Many people buy the

largest unit they can afford, assuming more power is better. While that may be true in racing, it’s not necessarily the case when buying an air conditioner. A unit that is too large will cool the room too quickly to properly remove all of the humidity, leaving the room feeling cool, but also wet and clammy.

Most room air conditioner purchases are “impulse buys” — purchased during hot weather by consumers who have conducted little research. Most retail displays do not promote the benefits of Energy Star-qualified models. Purchase the unit from a knowledgeable retailer who will help you select the right size unit for your room.

Consumers replacing an existing unit with a more efficient unit should not throw the old unit away. Air conditioners contain refrigerant that should be removed by a trained technician before the unit is recycled or thrown away.

Contact a local solid waste organization for information on how to properly dispose of old air conditioners.

Before you buy Before buying a room air conditioner, take some easy and inexpensive energy-saving measures in your home. Any of these measures will maximize the cooling power of your air conditioner.

Air conditioning will raise your monthly electric bill — your purchase decisions, climate and length of use determine how much of an impact there will be. An energy-efficient room air conditioner uses less energy and costs less to operate than a cheaper, inefficient model. Making smart energy

choices will leave you happier, cooler and with a couple extra bucks in your pocket. l Brian Sloboda is a program manager specializing in energy efficiency for the Cooperative Research Network, a service of the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Generator safety tips

Many families have invested in portable electric generators to keep key appliances running after a major storm. While these devices may be useful during temporary power outages, if used improperly they can be hazardous and even deadly, resulting in electrocution, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

To ensure the safety of your family, neighbors and electric cooperative employees, please follow these guidelines when using emergency generators.

Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless your home has been wired for generator use. This can cause backfeeding along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers making repairs. Have a licensed electrician install the equipment necessary to safely connect emergency generators to your home. k Always plug appliances directly into generators. Connecting the generator to your home’s circuits or wiring must be done by a qualified, licensed electrician who will install a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding. k Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Make sure extension cords are free of cuts or tears and the plug has three prongs. Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage. k Be sure your generator is properly grounded. k Never overload a generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary to power essential equipment or appliances. k Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down. k Keep the generator dry. Operate it on a dry surface under an open structure. k Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby. k Never fuel a generator while it is operating. k Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Never cut corners when it comes to safety.

Source: NRECA

k Add caulk and weather

stripping around doors and windows k Add insulation to attics and

exposed walls k Move furniture or obstacles

away from room air conditioners k Close blinds or curtains dur-

ing the day

JUNE 2010 • PENN

LINES

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KEEPINGcurrent Is ‘Raystown Ray’ real or just a rampant rumor?

Just who is “Raystown Ray,” and did television crews find him (or her, as the case may be) while they were at Raystown Lake near Huntingdon hoping

“We call it good for business,” Prosser said in the article. “And if someone is curious about it, we will take the time to talk to them about it. What the biologists have told us is that if there is a creature in the lake, it would likely be an herbivore.

He doesn’t eat people; he won’t attack people or little kids’ toes. There is not a danger in coming to Lake Raystown.”

More information and photos of the purported lake-dweller can be found at www.raystownray.com. The website also includes information about reported sightings.

Allegheny College to operate 100 percent on wind energy

to film proof of the strange creature that has been reported to live in the depths of the 26-mile-long, man-made lake?

The answer is anticipated sometime this summer as Base Productions, which is affiliated with NBC Universal Studios, expects to air footage that was shot in late April 2010 at the lake. Tentatively titled “RayRay,” the Raystown footage is expected to be included in the as-yet-unscheduled television production of “American Paranormal” on the SyFy Channel.

The California-based production company was in the area for several days filming at the lake and conducting eyewitness interviews with people who claim to have seen the creature.

Pam Prosser, who operates the Seven Points Marina at Raystown Lake, says in the May 1, 2010, edition of “The Altoona Mirror” that she has heard stories about the creature for years. She grew up in the area and has seen photos that clearly show a large shadow under the water that some people are certain is proof that “Ray” lives in the lake. She’s not so sure of its existence, but she knows she’s not afraid of it.

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PENN

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Allegheny College located in Meadville has signed an agreement with Constellation Energy to purchase enough green wind energy to supply 100 percent of its annual power use for three years beginning in 2011.

In 2007, Allegheny College was one of 284 colleges and universities that signed

READERresponse

the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment to cut emissions. College officials also have announced their intent to go “climateneutral” (have no environmental impact or a positive one) by 2020.

“This single agreement, which immediately eliminates 52 percent of Allegheny’s carbon footprint, takes us halfway toward fulfilling the promise we made when we signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment,” reports David McInally, Allegheny vice president for finance and planning. “It represents a major step forward for Allegheny and supports our educational mission, campus values, institutional partnerships, operational efficiency, and the college’s new 10-year strategic plan.”

The college typically pays about $1.1 million annually for electricity, and the switch to wind-generated power (through a system of purchasing renewable energy certificates for wind power generated somewhere in the United States) will add about $25,000 to that bill. l

April’s Penn Lines feature about railroads in Pennsylvania brought some comments from readers about other interesting railroads. They included: “Great article on Pennsylvania trains, but Altoona has the largest and most well-known of all shops in the world, and there’s also an interesting story about Horseshoe Curve.” – Leonard B. Whiting, Hollidaysburg “Reference is made in Penn Lines in April 2010 concerning historic railroads in Pennsylvania. Why wasn’t the East Broad Top Historic Railroad near Orbisonia in Huntingdon County named? Unlike some railroads, its locomotive pulls both ways. It has a historic, pleasing ride for those who love the old steam engines. Good article but not complete (with listing of all railroads in Pennsylvania).” – Calvin H. Foltz, Dauphin “I was surprised you did not mention Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. It is one of the nation’s premier railroad museums. Not only is there a steam engine repair shop at the site, there is a museum, working steam trains, theater, trolley museum, and train and trolley rides. In June, the National Railroad Historical Association will be holding its 2010 convention at Steamtown on June 22-26.” – Edward Battestin, Laceyville “The Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton is the only U.S. national park dedicated to the history of railroads. … This museum ranks in the top five railroad museums in this country.” – Neil Weinberg, Scranton

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PENNlines

Pedaling through Pennsylvania Keystone State offers miles of bicycling trails for pedal-powered pursuits “When you’re riding a bicycle in Pennsylvania, it’s always a beautiful day in JOE STAFFORD is a man on a twoPennsylvania,” espouses Stafford, drawing wheel, pedal-powered mission. on the eternal words of the late Pete WomAs an avid bicyclist and executive bach, whose decades of “This is Pennsyldirector of the Bicycle Access Council, vania” radio broadcasts about the KeyStafford is the “go-to guy” when it comes stone State’s people and places were sponto advocating for safe roads for Pennsylsored by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric vania’s bicyclists.

Association for a number of years.

To ensure beautiful days for bicyclists, Stafford, 63, is intent on raising public awareness of the rules of the road for all motorists and bicyclists.

Bicycles are officially considered as vehicles under Pennsylvania law and are allowed on all roadways except interstate and other limited-access highways, notes Stafford.

“Most citizens know that,” Stafford notes, adding, “Whether they act accordingly may be another matter.

Motorists need to be reminded that a bicyclist on the roadway is not taking up their space — we are traffic.”

Stafford, who is a member and former director of Adams Electric Cooperative, began bicycling in 1985 for fitness.

“Then, I caught the bicycling bug,” he says.

His first long ride was 45 miles to the Adams Electric RIDING TOGETHER: Joe and Linda Stafford, members of Adams Electric Cooperative, are avid bicyclists.

Annual Meeting at the South

By John Bruce C o n t r i b u t i n g Wr i t e r

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PENN

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WHAT’S NEXT: Bicylists on the Allegrippis Trail check

their trail maps. The 32-mile long trail is in Valley Rural Electric Cooperative’s service territory.

Mountain Fairgrounds. As a novice, it took him four hours, stopping often to eat and rest. He continued his passion for bicycling, seeking longer distances and special events to learn as much as he could.

Safety first In 2001, Stafford founded the Bicycle Access Council, a non-profit advocacy organization that serves as a forum for Pennsylvania bicyclists and as an ombudsman for bicycling issues.

“I felt there was a need for advocacy to represent on-road bicycling,” he says.

Part of his motivation evolved from learning of some other bicyclists’ negative encounters with motor vehicles, as well as his own. He began looking for skills and rules for safe bicycling. Having been certified as a district justice in 1995, he was very familiar with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. Stafford’s approach to advocacy is based on the law, and he focuses his

PHOTO BY SUSAN PENNING

efforts to clear up misunderstandings where needed.

According to the council’s mission statement, the objective is “to make bicycling on roads throughout the Commonwealth safe, respectable and a transportation choice by educating its members and the motoring public.”

But, as Stafford points out, persons who decide to ride should be competent bicyclists.

“There are skills necessary,” Stafford emphasizes. “Anyone taking bicycling seriously should seek out these skills.

Bicycling is more than balancing on two wheels.”

He highly recommends the Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver’s Manual, a good source for bicycling safety rules. An electronic version of the manual can be found online on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website, www.dot.state.pa.us. Cycling information, including how to register for classes and find instructors, can be located on the League of American Bicyclists’ website, www.bikeleague.org.

Organized biking Many bicyclists choose to take part in the activities of bicycle clubs, loosely knit volunteer groups that conduct special events, such as 15- to 100-mile recreational rides. Some clubs lead “metric century” events with distances of 100 kilometers, or about 62 miles. Most are daylong excursions that often include a rest stop and end at the starting point. A listing of bicycle clubs and various bicycling information resources can be found on the Bicycling Access Council’s website, www.bicycleaccess-pa.org.

Another popular recreational bicycling activity in Pennsylvania is touring. Many cyclists ride from one end of the state to the other. Trans-Pennsylvania bicycle touring involves at least one overnight stay along the way.

Aiding cross-state bicycle touring is BicyclePA, a 1,255-mile network consisting of nine state-designated bicycle routes on various highways and rail trails. All but two traverse the entire state. Greenand-white signs clearly mark the routes with letter designations.

BicyclePA was created during the administration of a oncenearly-unknown gubernatorial candidate from Erie, former U.S. Rep. Tom Ridge who campaigned in rural areas on his bicycle in 1994. Once elected governor, Ridge vowed to institute an annual two-day bicycle tour known as the Keystone Ride.

Ridge led the Keystone Ride beginning in 1995, his first year as governor, with a small group of bicyclists. By 2000, the ride had mushroomed in popularity to accommodate 800 participants. Along with his Keystone Rides, Ridge directed state agencies to promote bicycling in other ways.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) willingly accepted the task.

The DCNR now has set its goal to have a “trail experience” within a reasonable distance of every Pennsylvania resident.

PennDOT took the lead to develop BicyclePA through the efforts of the state Pedalcycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PPAC) to finalize routes. Several volunteers, including Stafford, scouted out the most desirable routes for bicycle touring.

Cooperative trails While bicyclists can take to the road just about anywhere, Stafford says rural electric cooperative service areas are among the most desirable places to ride, and cooperatives have long supported Pennsylvania bicycling. For instance, Adams Electric Cooperative has provided resources to the York County Rail Trail Authority, which was organized in 1990 after a group of local citizens recognized an opportunity to purchase a section of the old Northern Central Railway.

“Adams has consistently supported our operating system, which is very important,” Gwen Loose, executive director of the authority, says. “We depend on the generosity of the community, and Adams is part of that community.”

The authority worked during the 1990s to convert the 18.5-mile long, 60-feet wide section of the Northern Central Railway running between the Maryland state line JUNE 2010 • PENN

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PENNlines and York into a bicycling, equestrian and pedestrian trail. Today, the award-winning Heritage Rail Trail County Park attracts about 400,000 visitations each year. Ultimately, the trail network may become part of a much larger interstate loop of trails that would lead south to Frederick, Md., and connect to Washington, D.C. In Valley Rural Electric Cooperative’s service territory, the new Allegrippis Trail, a 32-milelong system, is rated a “must ride” and one of the top trails in the United States. Designed and built by the International Mountain Biking Association, Friends of Raystown Lake and in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers, the system is intended for mountain biking, hiking, running, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Widely acclaimed as well-built, fast, smooth, and well laid-out, it also boasts breathtaking

vistas and water views as a result of its lakeside location.

The trails at Allegrippis are arranged in stacked loops and marked according to difficulty, allowing riders to customize routes based on their skill and endurance levels. Plus, the many choices of short and long courses give returning trail riders the opportunity for a unique experience each time they visit. For trail information, visit the Raystown Mountain Biking Association (RMBA) at www.boxerscafe.com/allihome.htm.

Cutting through the rugged and scenic vistas of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Highlands is a trail often described as the crown jewel of Mid-Atlantic rail trails. The Great Allegheny Passage Trail connects Pittsburgh to Somerset and the C&O Towpath National Historic Park, providing more than 300 miles of corridor free from motorized traffic.

Not far from the Eastern Continental Divide, the 3,300foot Big Savage Tunnel preRACE ACROSS AMERICA: Bicyclist Tom Fanning, an employee of sented one of the greatest hurREA Energy Cooperative, lists the Race Across America event as one of his major bicycling accomplishments. dles to completion of the Great 10

PENN

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Many Pennsylvania bicycle riders like to ride on off-road trails such as the Allegrippis Trail.

OFF-ROAD:

Allegheny Passage Trail. Initially estimated at $7 million, tunnel renovation needs drove up the costs to $12 million.

“We then had to go into fundraising mode to bridge the gap (between federal funds available and the project’s actual cost),” Brett Hollern, Somerset County trail coordinator, remembers. “It took about two-and-a-half years to finish and was the single most difficult and by far the most expensive project the whole trail system has faced.”

Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative lineworkers built a power line on steep mountain slopes to light up the dark interior of Big Savage Tunnel.

Retired Somerset Chief Lineman David Tim Snyder recalls the extensive project as one of the top challenges in his 40-plus years of service. One embankment was so steep that a power winch was required to raise and lower a line truck while workers set utility poles in place.

Thrill of the ride An employee of another cooperative, Tom Fanning, 49, from Indiana, Pa., can attest to the rich resources available to Keystone State bicyclists. When he’s not

The Energy Act of 2008 includes a provision for a tax-free fringe benefit for bicycle commuters – up to $20 per month if offered by employers. The law took effect in January 2009. It was meant to encourage bicycle commuting and give some parity to other transportation benefits, such as van pools, mass transit and parking at much higher rates.

Two-wheeled, non-motorized travel promotes health, reduces congestion and emissions. Besides the immeasurable convenience of hassle-free, two-wheel transportation, bicycling is a healthy activity. Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc., (HABPI, at www.hapbi.org) is a Gettysburg-based group that promotes health and public recreational opportunities and alternative transportation through safe bicycling and pedestrian activities.

The group found that there’s quantitative proof of bicycling’s health, environmental and economic benefits: Consider if a 190-pound person rides a bicycle for work, school, church and errands for 30 weeks a year, five days a week and 10 miles per day for various trips. Then, that person uses their bicycle for 1,500 miles per year for daily living, not including pleasure trips.

Now consider the results. First, there is weight loss. Bicycling burns on average 345 calories an hour. For 150 hours, that’s 51,750 calories burned or about 15 pounds lost each year.

Then, there are gasoline savings. If a car gets 25 miles per gallon, bicycling under this scenario would save 60 gallons of fuel or 2.14 barrels of crude oil a year. At $3 per gallon, the savings would amount to $180. On top of that, one person bicycling 1,500 miles a year reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 1,174 pounds a year.

Imagine if 1,000 electric cooperative members chose to ride this much each year. Together, they would save 60,000 gallons of gasoline — almost seven large tanker trucks — or more than 2,000 barrels of crude oil a year. They would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by well over a million pounds annually.

on the job as an engineering technician for REA Energy Cooperative, he’s on his bicycle.

Fanning began “serious” bicycling as he was getting out of the Navy in 1983 when he joined a group of cyclists for a 10,000-mile cross-country tour to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The eight of them began their tour in New York, headed south to Virginia and proceeded west on the Transamerica Bike Trail. All

GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE: The Great Allegheny Passage is one of Pennsylvania’s wellknown bicycle trails.

in all, they covered about 26 states.

“It was during that tour that I became interested in entering endurance bike races,” Fanning remembers, “when a couple on a tandem bicycle passed us in New Mexico. They were on a record attempt to cross America, and I found that intriguing — especially after learning they had covered 1,000 miles in just three days. A few weeks after returning from my cross-country adventure, I did my very first 24-hour bike ride just to see if I could do it. There was a lot of pain and discomfort from being on a bike for that length of time but I got through it.”

At the top of his bicycling accomplishments, Fanning lists the Race Across America (raceacrossamerica.org), a 3,000-mile, nonstop event that typically begins on the West Coast and finishes on the East Coast. In 1993, after 10 days and 18 hours and finishing in fourth place, he earned the coveted official finisher’s ring. He went on to establish two endurance cycling records in Florida, which, to this day, have not been broken.

Fanning’s favorite places to ride are “simply the hills of southwestern Penn-

sylvania.” He also enjoys the abundant rails-to-trails the area offers and says just a few miles from his home he can be on the area’s Hoodlebug, Ghost Town, and West Penn Trails, which cover some 50plus miles. He and his son trained this spring for riding the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., this summer.

“It will be our first father-son bike tour, and I am really excited about the adventure,” Fanning says. “We will be self contained the whole 360-mile ride.”

Fanning is also planning to compete in a 12-hour endurance race in Ohio. He

PHOTO BY SUSAN PENNING

PHOTO BY SUSAN PENNING

Biking Benefits

Renovation of the 3,300foot Big Savage Tunnel was one of the major hurdles in the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative crews assisted with the tunnel-lighting project.

BIG SAVAGE TUNNEL:

is a member of his local bicycling club and will be riding for Team CF this season to benefit Cystic Fibrosis research.

He invites others to partake in the simple pleasures riding has to offer.

“Get a bike and get on it,” Fanning advises. “Ride the trails. Ride in your neighborhood. Ride to your local grocery store. Experience the simplicity of this great utilitarian tool. The sport has so much to offer as well, from competition to just joining friends to participating in the many charitable events that go on throughout the country.” l John Bruce is a professional writer who specializes in electric cooperatives.

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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

1990 BACK IN 1990, it was anticipated that powerful telecommunications satellites would soon offer new possibilities for rural television viewers as a new generation of “dishes” was being developed.

The move toward “good television reception and more than 100 channels of entertainment” for rural Americans advanced in 1986 when the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) jointly formed the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC).

The goal was simple: to provide entertainment and information services to rural residents through NRECA’s network of rural electric cooperatives, and finance the equipment with low-interest CFC loans.

NRTC hit a roadblock when HBO, a major cable programmer, began scrambling its signals. It wasn’t until 1988 that the major program suppliers agreed to provide NRTC with a marketable program package. Still, satellite television distributors were required to pay up to 7.8 times as much for programming as cable companies.

Today, NRTC represents the advanced telecommunications and information technology interests of more than 1,500 rural utilities and affiliates in 48 states. NRTC helped DIRECTV launch its first satellite, growing to nearly 2 million subscribers served by NRTC members. NRTC members were among the first to deliver internet access in their rural communities, and an NRTC member was the first to install satellite-delivered, high-speed internet access via WildBlue. NRTC offers internet access via a variety of technologies, including WiMAX.

1970 In a salute to National Dairy Month and Pennsylvania’s dairy industry, Stanley McKee, McVeytown, a member of Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, is profiled.

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1980 Cooperative representatives visit Washington, D.C., to support a program to ensure energy continues to be available in adequate amounts at the lowest possible cost.

2000 David Cowan, a director of Adams Electric Cooperative and Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc., helps researchers track trends and patterns in Pennsylvania bird life.

COUNTRYkitchen

by Janette He ss

Over the top SUMMER, winter, spring or fall, great seasonal foods call for great seasonal toppings.

Grilled meat topped with barbecue sauce is one of summer’s most expected pairings. Just remember that barbecue sauce, because of its high sugar content, has a tendency to burn. Apply it near the end of the cooking process, or play it safe and simply serve it on the side.

Mayonnaise-based sauces go well with grilled fish, but instead of the traditional tartar sauce, try Cucumber Sauce.

This summery sauce borrows its flavors from traditional Greek gyro sauce and can double as a dip for chips or fresh vegetables.

Roadside stands offer a variety of fresh fruits at this time of year, so be sure to take advantage of them. For a mixed fruit salad with extra tang, toss ripe berries and chunks of melon with Lime Fruit Splash. You can almost hear the flavors pop!

The beginning of summer also marks the beginning of ice cream season. Add some va-voom to your vanilla ice cream by topping it generously with Hot Fudge Sauce. 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.

LIME FRUIT SPLASH

1/4 cup pineappl e juice 1 tablespoon hone y 2 tablespoons lim e juice 1/4 teaspoon lim e zest Whisk ingredient s to Combine with fru gether and chill. it right before se rving.

CUCUMBER SAUCE led and seeded 1 medium cucumber, pee 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise e 2 teaspoons lemon juic ed we dill ed dri ons 2 teaspo 1/2 teaspoon salt der 1/4 teaspoon garlic pow Pepper to taste ber onto a clean cloth. holes, grate the cucum Using a grater with large the cucumber with the in all of the juice. Blend Twist and squeeze to dra Serve as a sauce with grilled fish or chicken.

Chill. remaining ingredients. tasting dip. shfre a kes ma This also

UE SAUCE QUICK BARBEC 2 cups ketchup 1 cup water ce 1/4 cup lemon jui rshire sauce 1/4 cup Worceste smoke 1 tablespoon liquid n sugar ow br ns 2 tablespoo seed y 2 teaspoons celer er wd po ili ch 1 teaspoon e hot or cold. together and serv Whisk ingredients

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HOT FUDGE S

AUCE 2 cups powdered sugar 1 can evaporated milk 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup (1 stick) butt 1 teaspoon vanilla er extract Mix powdered su gar, evaporated m ilk and chocolate ch ips. Heat to boilin g and add butter. Bo il utes. Remove fro and stir for 8 minm heat and add vanilla extract. Se The refrigerated rve warm. Note: lefto very nicely in a m vers will become quite solid, bu t they re-warm icrowave oven.

POWERplants

by Barbara Martin

It’s backyard pond season IF YOU are lucky enough to live on acreage with a natural-bottom pond teeming with harvestable fish, this column probably isn’t for you. Otherwise, read on!

Most of us live where a natural pond is not possible. We lust for that elusive water feature and dream of the day when we are able to install one. If you, too, experience pond envy, take heart.

Let’s simplify. The typical water garden — the modern term for ornamental pond — is essentially a hole in the ground, lined so it’s waterproof, and filled with water.

Add plants and fish, and expect birds, dragonflies and frogs to appear soon.

If digging a hole is an issue, don’t give up your dream. Think positive and fill an above-ground container with water. A half whiskey barrel, an old claw-footed bathtub, or a stock tank watering trough will do just fine.

Water garden technology has come a long way since the old crack-prone, concrete-lined goldfish ponds of yore. Wander through the BARBARA 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.

displays at a wellstocked water gardening supply center and you will discover all kinds of innovations to make installing and maintaining a pond easier, quicker and more attractive.

There is a bewildering selection of rigid pond liners in preformed shapes, umpteen sizes of plain plastic sheeting to line nearly any size/shape pond you might want, and there are all kinds of extra features. Pre-formed waterfalls, sprinkler and spitter-style fountains, statuary, underwater lighting, pumps, filtration systems and who knows what else.

It’s smart to do your homework and become familiar with what is available, even if you plan to have your pond professionally installed. While not difficult to maintain, ponds do require frequent monitoring and routine chores to keep everything humming along.

Before deciding on a specific pond design, visit a few water gardens and look at a book or two on water gardening. What kind of scale are you considering? Some water garden projects require a backhoe and serious earth moving. On the other hand, a container water garden consisting of a few plants, a 50-cent goldfish, and a modest bubbler is simple,

portable, and can be set up in less than an hour.

Some people really enjoy a big showy waterfall surrounded by extensive rockwork while others prefer a serene, reflective pond. Generally speaking, it’s more satisfying in the long run to design your water garden to blend with your overall landscape in terms of size and proportions, materials, and decorative style.

As with any project, large and/or elaborate is relatively costly. A big gushing waterfall requires a more powerful (and expensive) pump to move that volume of water.

The more pond space you have, the more plants and fish you will be tempted to buy. If you yearn for the big, fancy koi fish, expect to invest in a filtration system.

You will also find price differences between rigid and flexible pond liners and between the different types of stone.

Recommended water garden plants include underwa-

HARDWORKING BEAUTY: Water lilies

provide rapid surface cover in a backyard pond, which gives fish a protected place to escape the mid-day sun.

ter oxygenator plants to clean the water naturally, a surfacecovering plant such as a hardy water lily to shade the water (shade limits algae and keeps the water cooler for happier fish), and some marsh or bog-type plants for decoration. Most water garden plants look exotic but are easy to grow.

Fish options range from the luxurious giant koi to inexpensive feeder goldfish; it’s your choice. Purchase healthy fish and do not overfeed them. Overfeeding is the No. 1 cause of poor water quality and excess algae in water gardens.

Remember to toss in the “dunks” once a month to control mosquitoes.

Water gardens are as magnetic for people as they are for wildlife. I hope you can figure out a way to bring one (more) home this summer. l

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OUTDOORadventures

Vultures find new home in backyard Take a long, close look and you’ll see their inner beauty A QUARTET (at last count) of turkey vultures has established roosting grounds in some dead oak trees at the edge of our woods. Each evening, some of the birds cruise along the tree line of our backyard before dipping with the curve of the hill to descend to the roost. And, each morning, the four of them greet drivers from the neighborhood, the birds spreading their wings to warm themselves in the rays of the sun and the humans heading off on their day-today pursuits.

Although a growing body of research has poured cold water on the previously wellaccepted theory that birds descended from dinosaurs, driving by those four, large, primitive turkey vultures most mornings has something of a Jurassic Park feel to it.

There they perch with MARCUS SCHNECK ,

outdoors editor at The Patriot-News (Harrisburg) and outdoor blogger at www.pennlive.com, is the author of more than two dozen outdoors books and a contributor to many state and national publications. You can reach him at mschneck@comcast.net

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by Marcus Schneck

wingspans fully extended to almost 6 feet and naked heads scanning their environment.

That classic stance, known as the horaltic pose, serves the birds in several ways. The stance helps the bird to warm from its overnight, reduced metabolism and body temperatures — as much as 10 degrees lower than its active daytime body temperature. It also helps it to dry its wings from the night’s condensation and to bake away bacteria on the feathers.

Most of those neighbors of mine who even spot the birds — let’s face it, many of us actually notice very little as we run through our daily routines — will view them as ugly, even disgusting, creatures best known for dining on roadkill. And, it’s true.

Other critters smashed on the highway do make up a good portion of the vulture diet.

However, the mechanism that allows turkey vultures to find a never-ending supply of roadkill holds its own inner beauty. The part of the vulture brain responsible for processing smells is especially large, even over-developed, particularly in comparison to the same part of the brain in most other birds, which in general have a rather poor sense of smell.

The turkey vulture in flight — maybe more accurately described as a sustained gliding — is a demonstration of beautiful abilities we can only envy. A simple tick of one of those finger-like flight feathers at the end of its wings arches the bird into a

LINES • JUNE 2010

slow, curving circle across rising air currents. With such minimal expenditure of motion and energy, the turkey vulture can stay aloft for hour after hour and migrate across continents with ease.

And, when viewed closeup, at just the right angle into the sunlight, the wings and back of the turkey vulture present a magnificent purple to emerald sheen across its feathers. On the other hand, if such a close-up encounter puts the bird under too much stress, it might resort to its primary means of defense and regurgitate some foul-smelling, partially digested piece of meat. And, that is not a thing of beauty.

The turkey vulture has the additional unattractive habit of defecating on its own leg. It gains some cooling through the evaporation of the water in the feces. But, more importantly, that excreta has such a high content of uric acid — derived from the vulture’s cadaverous diet — that it acts

BEAUTIFUL OR UGLY?: The answer to that question depends on the individual.

as a sanitizer against all sorts of nasty stuff in the dead things the vulture walks through while eating.

Another of the vulture’s less attractive characteristics, that nearly bald head and neck, also serves to protect the bird from the nastiness of the things it eats. While dining, the turkey vulture regularly sticks its head into the carcass, where a normally feathered head would pick up all sorts of bits of rotting meat and bacteria.

The lack of anything more than a bit of fuzz on the vulture’s head minimizes that transfer and allows for the heat of the sun to cook away any that does occur.

Beautiful or hideous, the turkey vulture is a wonder of nature’s ability to adapt, evolve and design to take advantage of every niche. Welcome to the neighborhood, you gorgeous creatures. l

SMARTcircuits

by James Dulley

Energy-efficient dishwashers: clean plates and lower bills USING an automatic dishwasher is typically more efficient than hand washing dishes (although if you take your time and are very miserly with water use, hand washing can be more efficient).

But many old dishwashers probably should be replaced for efficiency. No matter which new dishwasher you select, you can be certain it will use less electricity and hot water than your old one. The vast majority of dishwashers made today exceed the Energy Star efficiency standards. Over the life of the new dishwasher, the energy and water savings, as compared to your old one, can pay back its initial cost.

The majority of the cost of using a dishwasher is for the energy to heat the water.

A portion of this energy is used by the home’s primary water heater, the rest by an internal heater in the dishwasher. With this in mind, if a dishwasher design consumes less water, less energy is needed to wash a load of dishes. Always compare the overall water consumption specifications for an average load cycle among the models.

Of course the most important feature is how well a washer cleans dishes. If it does not clean well, people tend to run it on the heavy cycle when normal will do, or they hand rinse the dishes first. Rinsing can use more than 10 extra gallons of water, and if hot water is used, more energy is being consumed. With a good dishwasher, a simple hand-scraping of dirty dishes should be adequate.

Top-of-the-line dishwashers offer many cycle settings to fine tune the process to the cleaning needs of the specific load. This is a nice feature, but most families can get by with three basic cycles: light, medium, and heavy (for pots and pans).

Some dishwashers also sport a two-

pump design in the bottom of the tank: one small pump is used for spraying the dishes and another is used to drain the unit. Many models still use a single reversing pump that sprays in one rotation and drains in the other. Two smaller pumps require a smaller water reservoir, but the efficiency difference between oneand two-pump models has narrowed considerably.

Newer electronic controls offer greater convenience and efficiency. Hidden digital electronic controls — which typically run along the top edge of the door — look good when the door is closed, but you cannot watch the progress of the cycle and see the time left. Partially hidden controls are another option. A dishwasher I recently selected has exposed controls, which I find easier to see and use.

Newer dishwashers are also much quieter than older ones, accomplished by better motor/pump design and higher levels of insulation — both for noise reduction and for better efficiency. Layers of insulation are placed around the pump assembly and the walls of the cabinet and door. The stainless steel dishwasher I recently installed in my own home is significantly quieter and has shorter cycles.

Automatic dirt sensors measure the turbidity (cloudiness) of the water to determine when the dishes are clean and how long to run the cycles. There are several

technologies to accomplish this, and they function pretty well. A filter option strains the water inside the dishwasher to remove food particles. Self-cleaning models use a grinder, but this may increase the noise level. A rinse-hold feature uses only two gallons of water to rinse the dishes if you do not plan to run the dishwasher for a long while.

And as for efficient washing by hand?

I’ve tested it in my own home using a Delta spray kitchen faucet with touch control, which allows me to minimize water use when rinsing the washed dishes.

The overall energy savings when hand washing is really only realized during winter. I leave the warm sudsy water in the sink until it cools off. This heat is given off to the kitchen air, so the heating system has to run less (the same applies when taking a hot bath during cold winters).

During summer, I do not hand wash dishes to reduce the heat and humidity buildup indoors. It can actually be a double loss during summer because your air conditioner has to run longer to remove the excess heat and humidity. l is a nationally syndicated energy management expert. You can reach him at James Dulley, c/o Penn Lines, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.

JAMES DULLEY

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PENNLINESclassified HERE’S MY AD:

Yes, I want my message to go into more than 166,400 households in rural Pennsylvania. I have counted _________ words in this ad. (FOR ADS IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, ADD 20 PERCENT TO TOTAL COST.)

ATTACH ADDRESS LABEL HERE (OR WRITE IN COMPLETE LABEL INFORMATION)

MONTH

am an electric co-op member. Attached is my Penn Lines mailing label from the front of this magazine. ❏ II enclose $20 per month for 30 words or less, plus 50¢ for each additional word. The total payment enclosed is $_________________________.

Please run my ad during the months of ______________________________________________________.

NOT a member of an electric cooperative. I enclose $70 per month for 30 words or less, plus $1.50 ❏ Iforameach additional word.

The total payment enclosed is $_____________________.

Please run my ad during the months of ______________________________________________________. _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ 1

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Additional words: _____________________________________________________ (use separate sheet if needed) NOTE: You must pay for special heading requests, even if the heading is currently appearing in Penn Lines.

Only the following qualify as free headings. Please check your selection: 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 Tools and Equipment Vacations and Campsites Wanted to Buy. and Food FOR SPECIAL HEADINGS NOT LISTED: Indicate special heading you would like, and add $5 for co-op members, $10 for non-members. Insertion of classified ad in Penn Lines serves as proof of publication; no proofs are furnished.

SEND THIS FORM (or a sheet containing the above information) to Penn Lines Classifieds, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108.

FOR INFORMATION ONLY Telephone: 717/233-5704. NO classified ads will be accepted by phone.

ATTN: Checks/money orders should be made payable to PREA/Penn Lines.

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AROUND THE HOUSE “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. OUTSIDE WOOD HEATER - $1,595. Forced air system. Rated 100K BTU. Heats up to 2,400 square feet. Houses, mobiles or shops. Low-cost shipping. Easy install. 417-581-7755 Missouri. www.heatbywood.com.

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: 814-749-6116.

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

WHITE PINE T&G Boards. 1 x 6 and 1 x 8 bead/V groove.

Some can be used for flooring. Price start 26¢ LF to 60¢ LF. Call 717-870-9746. www.twoguyslumber.com.

R BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR

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 800497-9793.

HIGH COUNTRY Arts and Crafts Fair. S. B. Elliott State Park.

160 vendors, food, entertainment. 1/2 mile off I-80, Exit 111 (old 18). All day July 11. For more information call 814-7655667.

ROOF KILLING YOU? Instant Renew Roof Coating (sm) saves replacement cost — metal, rubber, flat. Hotels, schools, factories, offices, trailers. Winter/summer don’t miss out, addon or new start. Business Mfg. Direct Aztec 573-489-9346.

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YOLI — Check out the new health drink. Stop drinking all that sugar and other bad stuff that is in all the so-called health drinks. www.digger.goyoli.com.

BUILDING SUPPLIES STEEL ROOFING AND SIDING. Discount Prices. Corrugated sheets (cut to length) 52¢ per square foot. Also seconds, heavy gauges, odd lots, etc. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania. 814-398-4052.

METAL BUILDINGS — 24 x 40 x 8, $9,900 installed. 30 x 40 x 8, $11,900 installed. Includes one walk door and one garage door. All sizes available. 800-464-3333. www.factorysteelbuildings.com.

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✉

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE

OUTGOING? Looking for motivated individuals with a positive attitude to become a Brand Partner for a health and wellness company. Please send inquiry to: don@HelpYourHealth2.com.

CAMPGROUND AUSTIN CAMPGROUND in beautiful Potter County, modern family camping, full-service pet friendly cabin/RV rentals, see the Pennsylvania Elk, Grand Canyon of PA, fishing, ATV, hiking.

800-878-0889 or www.austincampground.com.

DEADLINE

August 2010 . . . . . . . . . June 17 September 2010. . . . . . . July 19 October 2010. . . . . . . August 18 All ads must be received by the specified dates to be included in the corresponding month’s issue. Ads received beyond the deadline dates will automatically be included in the next available issue. Written notice of changes or cancellations must be received prior to the first of the month preceding the month of issue.

For information about display rates, continuous ads, or specialized headings, contact Vonnie Kloss at 717/233-5704, the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association.

~ CASH FOR GOLD Sell your unwanted GOLD and SILVER. Highest paid prices paid in Central PA. Guaranteed! Licensed local dealer: Creekside Antiques, 1031-35 Third Ave., (old Rt. 22) Duncansville, PA. 814695-7219 Get Cash.

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. 412-833-9371 or 814-926-3622.

CONSULTING FORESTRY SERVICES 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.

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.

CYCLONE FENCING CYCLONE FENCE for sale — 7 feet high x 400 feet. One eightfoot gate, one four-foot gate. Must be dismantled by buyer.

Location – Beaumont. Call 570-760-1094 for inspection. Ask for Sandy.

ELECTRIC BICYCLES WHAT ARE THEY? Why own one? Learn more and purchase yours from the experts. No license, save money, have fun, keep fit. Everyday bicycle with battery-powered electric motor. Website: www.greenelectricbikes.net.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS — Our top appraisers earn over $100,000/year appraising livestock and equipment.

Agricultural background required. Classroom or Home Study courses available. 800-488-7570. www.amagappraisers.com.

PENNLINESclassified ENTERTAINMENT 10th Anniversary KETTLE CREEK Ambulance Music Festival, Aug. 12-15, special band appearing Thursday night. Live music, vendors, food, crafts, children’s games area. (Classic Cars Saturday) Held at Quiet Oaks Campground, Cross Fork, PA. Camping available. Visit www.kcmusicfest.com.

FENCING FREE Fence Guide/Catalog – High-tensile fence, horse fence, rotational grazing, twine, wire, electric netting – cattle, deer, garden, poultry. Kencove Farm Fence Supplies: 800-536-2683. www.kencove.com.

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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.

F 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 IMMUNE-26 today! It’s safe, affordable, and it works. Call 800-557-8477: ID#528390. 90-day money back on first time orders. When ordering from Web, use Option #3. www.mylegacyforlife.net/believeit.

O LIVESTOCK AND PETS

CAMP FOR SALE near Cook Forest. Small but clean, sleeps six.

Near stocked trout stream, horse trails, ATV trails, surrounded

by Allegheny Forest. Has septic, carry-in water. $26,500. 440241-1562.

GERMAN SHEPHERD puppies $900-$1,500. Young Adult $800 and Adult dogs $500 from imported blood lines. 814-967-2159.

Email:rick@petrusohaus.com Web: www.petrusohaus.com.

Extremely well-built CUSTOM HOME on 17+ acres. Located in Huntingdon only three miles from town. Website: www.10365sunsetvistalane.com.

PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI Puppies — AKC, adorable, intelligent, highly trainable. Excellent family choice. Reputable licensed breeder guaranteed “Last breed you’ll ever own.” 814-5873449.

VACATION HOME — 20 acres of woodland with five bedrooms, two full baths, two decks. Great view of valley and much more, just north of Bedford. $285,000. 717-201-3608. agentzellers@comcast.net.

LLAMAS FOR SALE — Variety of colors and types of wool, including suris. Whatever your need, we have that special llama for you. Prices start at $250. Call 814-735-4736.

BEDFORD COUNTY, PA - $49,900. One acre on hard road with framed barn. Could convert into hunting cabin overlooking gorgeous mountains with great hunting. Septic holding tank allowed by township. 717-259-8672.

LOG CABIN RESTORATIONS

BEAUTIFUL 1.5 STORY HOME on 34 acres of woodland featuring master bedroom, loft, decks, hot tub. Minutes from State Parks with skiing, hiking, fishing, etc. $379,900. 717-3811796. gnzellers@comcast.net.

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 814696-1379. www.villagerestorations.com.

MAPLE SYRUP STEVEN’S PURE Maple Syrup, Liberty, Pa. Plastic from 3.4 ounces to gallons. Glass containers for gifts and collectors.

Maple Sugar, Maple Cream, Maple Candy, Maple Bar-B-Que Sauce, Maple Salad Dressing, and Gift Baskets for any occasion made to order. Wholesale or retail prices. NEW Number: 570-324-2014 or email: buymaple@epix.net.

RECIPES AND FOOD

BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER, Correspondence study. The harvest truly is great, the laborers are few, Luke 10:2. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7549 West Cactus Road, #104-207, Peoria, AZ 85381. www.ordination.org.

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).

P2000 INSULATION SYSTEM

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.

RAYSTOWN LAKE — $375,000, 35 acres, build-ready, mountaintop vista, close to boat launch. Call 814-599-0790.

LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL – SALES – SERVICE – PARTS. Compact Loaders & Attachments, Mowers, Chainsaws, Tillers, etc. We sell BCS, Boxer, Dixon, Ferris, Hustler, Grasshopper, Shindaiwa and more. HARRINGTON’S, Taneytown, MD. 410-7562506. www.harringtonsservicecenter.com.

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“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.

HEALTH INSURANCE

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.

WARREN COUNTY, SHEFFIELD, Route 666 near Tionesta Creek and ANF. Modern two-bedroom cottage furnished plus heated two-car garage on private lot. Suitable for residence. For sale at $59,900. Call 814-882-7684.

MISCELLANEOUS

Out of 20,000 homes, Energy Star found this one to be the most energy efficient home ever tested in PA, NJ, NY & DE. Stops cold, heat, wind and moisture. Vapor barrier and sheathing all in one. Residential - Commercial – Hobby - Shops – Farms – Pole Buildings. Burkenhaus Distribution Center, Thomasville, PA. 717-801-0013. JoeBurkeyp2000@comcast.net or visit www.P2000insulation.com.

INFRARED SAUNAS

HUNTING CAMP — Garland, PA. Four rooms, indoor plumbing, furnished, wood and storage sheds, heats with two wood stoves, 1/3 acre, $55,000. 814-490-1364.

REAL ESTATE

HUNTING PARADISE! 81 Acres includes: 30 tillable acres, 51 wooded acres, a 16 x 24 hunting cabin, frontage on two roads and adjoins hundreds of gameland acres. Lease income, OGM rights and gorgeous view included. Canadohta Lake area, Crawford County. $249,900. Call 814-881-2751.

INDIAN LAKE – SOMERSET CO., PA — Two bedroom summer cottage, 760 square feet with partial basement, completely furnished. Includes 20 foot pontoon boat with boat dock. $229,900. 717-737-6947. jwhart2@verizon.net.

COOK FOREST Business and Property for sale. 46.7 acres.

Includes restaurant/lodge, campground, ten cabins, threebedroom house, maintenance barn, mobile home and pond.

Call 814-752-2361.

PYMATUNING LAKE — Choice lot on Gilliland Road, Linesville, 210’ x 150’ with 14’ x 70’ Victorian mobile home adjacent to State land. $29,500. Call 814-450-1666 or 814-455-6275.

SAWMILLS USED PORTABLE Sawmills and COMMERCIAL Sawmill Equipment! Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148.

USA and Canada. www.sawmillexchange.com.

SHAKLEE 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.shaklee.net/sbarton.

H 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.settlementpostbeam.com or contact us at cggksick@epix.net.

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PENNLINESclassified TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT SHARPENING. Carbide saw blades, scissors, knives, wood chisels and tools. Arius Eickert Certified to sharpen beauty shears. Scissor sales and service. Call 814-267-5061 or see us at www.theScissorGuy.net.

SINGER Heavy Duty upholstery sewing machine. Model 111W154. Call 814-931-0883.

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

FLORIDA VILLAGES — Two bedroom, two bath, two bikes. Fully furnished. One hour from Disney World. Rent two week minimum or monthly, $1,400 (June to September). Call 716536-0104. Great entertainment. Dancing nightly.

SHILOH RESORT and MAMA DOE’S Restaurant — Campground, cabins, rooms and suites, rent by day or week. Two days free when you stay by the week. Reserve today, call 814-752-2361.

CLEAR CREEK PARK AREA — The cleanest place in the forest.

Five-star rated, open all year. Phone 814-752-2972 for brochures or visit www.northwoodscottagerental.com.

SECLUDED CABIN on Jacks Mountain, Mifflin County. Three bedrooms, bathroom, living room, deck, new kitchen. Available May through October. $25 to $60 per family per night. 717989-7864 or www.campstonewall.com.

TREE TRIMMING/REMOVAL TOM’S TREE SERVICE – Tree Trimming/Removal – Storm Cleanup – Stump Grinding – Land Clearing – Bucket Truck and Chipper – Fully Insured – Free Estimates – Call 24/7 – 814-4483052 – 814-627-0550 – 26 Years Experience.

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WANTED TO BUY WANTED TO BUY: Standing timber 20+ acres. Earn a little extra cash this summer. For more information please call 301-7465552 or visit our website at www.redrockllc.com.

WORK CLOTHES GOOD CLEAN RENTAL-type work clothes, 6 pants & 6 shirts to match, $44.95. Men’s jeans – 5 pairs, $25. Lined work jackets, $10.95. Walt's Wholesale 800-233-1853 or www.usedworkclothing.com.

TROUT STOCKING STOCK YOUR POND OR STREAM — Our specialty - Kids’ Fishing Derbies. Pickup or Delivered. Brook, Rainbow, Palominos. Call for Price List. Tunkhannock, PA 570-836-3100. Livingston Manor, NY 845-439-4947.

VACATIONS AND CAMPSITES VACATION PROPERTY — For rent ocean front condo, Myrtle Beach, SC. Excellent condition. Close to major attractions.

Booking for 2010. Please call 814-425-2425 or visit www.oceanfrontmyrtlebcondo.com.

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CLUSTER FLY & LADY BUG

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PUNCHlines

Thoughts from Earl Pitts, UHMERIKUN! Earl swears off stretching before his exercise routine

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

GARY BURBANK , 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.

Sometimes I hear stuff … an’ I just shake my head. Science can be a wonderful thing. It can also be a stupid thing. An’ here’s my example.

Scientists have now discovered that it’s bad to stretch before exercisin’.

What? Where were you idiots back when I was in ninth-grade basketball?

I’m tellin’ you, man, Stretch Armstrong didn’t stretch as much as we stretched.

Here’s what these bonehead geeks found out. When you stretch your muscles an’ you’re done — they contract. An’ become tighter than they were before you stretched. Then you end up pullin’ a muscle.

That’s like findin’ out dietin’ makes you fat.

But then it started makin’ sense.

Who pulls a hammie? Some super-fit, million-dollar athlete that just spent a’ hour stretchin’ before the game. You notice them guys in the stands who are runnin’ up to buy a beer between inning, they never pull a muscle. They didn’t warm up.

The good news is that if I ever get off my can an’ start exercisin’ again, I will not stretch before I get started. An’ that’s good cause stretchin’ looks stupid.

Like — you ever done this one — where you grab your foot an’ pull your leg up behind you so your heel touches your butt? I swear some day I’m gonna hear a pop an’ my leg is gonna separate like a chicken wing.

Or this one — where you put your foot up on a stump — an’ bend forward tryin’ to touch your knee with your nose. The only thing you get outta that is a wedgie.

Last time I stood in one place an’ tried to bend over an’ touch my toes, I fell over.

Wake up, America. Plus — I find every time I stretch, I’m just tippin’ off my muscles what’s about to happen.

Trust me, with my body, it’s better to sneak up on ’em. This is Earl ‘Don’t Stretch’ Pitts, Uhmerikan.

I think I told ya’ a ways back — my little boy, Earl Junior, was about to go to his first high school prom.

Yeah, an’ the way she’s carryin’ on, you’d a thunk my wife, Pearl, was goin’ with him. I mean, this whole thing has rocked her world! I think I finally figgered out what my ol’ lady was put on this earth for. To make her son’s life miserable.

I ain’t kiddin’ you neither. She rented the boy one a’ them fancy monkey-suits.

She took him to get his hair ‘styled’ ’cause all of a sudden, the barber shop wasn’t good enough. She even got him rental shoes. That he can’t bowl in!!!

An’ while I’m on the topic — why do they call ’em monkey-suits when I’ve never actually seen a monkey wear one?

I’m gonna put that one on my list of ponderables.

Anyways, you add a couple tickets to this shin-dig, an’ one a’ them fruity wrist flowers for his clueless girlfriend, an’ this idiot kid is settin’ me back close to 300 bucks. Then Pearl an’ the kid was workin’ me real hard last night to let them rent a limousine. I said, ‘Listen up — there’s only two people get to be ridin’ around in limousines. Donald Trump and new widows.’ An’ neither one a’ you qualify.’

Wake up, America. Just ‘cause you’re wearin’ a monkey-suit don’t mean you get to monkey ‘round with my money.

I’m Earl Pitts, Uhmerikan. l JUNE 2010 • PENN

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RURALreflections Season of outdoor fun SPRING TURNS into summer this month, with its longer hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures.

It’s the season to spend some time outside, and it’s also time to take some photos for the “Rural Reflections” contest. At the end of the year, five lucky winners will receive a $75 prize in the categories of: most artistic, best landscape, best human subject, best animal subject and editor’s choice.

To be eligible for the 2010 contest prizes, send your snapshots (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 as they bleed onto other photos.)

Remember, our publication deadlines require that we work ahead, so send seasonal photos in early. We need fall photos before mid-July and winter photos before mid-September (save your spring and summer photos to submit for the 2011 contest). Photos that are not seasonal may be submitted at any time. Please note: photos postmarked after Jan. 1, 2010, will not be returned unless a self-addressed, self-stamped envelope is included. l

Brenda Jennings Claverack REC

Caleb Britez Tri-County REC

Don Trindle REA Energy

Traci Stewart Northwestern REC

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North Cambria Kupetz Plumbing & Htg (814) 948-6460

Eastern Pennsylvania Mike Fink, WF Territory Mgr. (800) 934-5160 x8853

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

Newville Whisler’s Plumbing & Htg (717) 776-6211

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

Western Pennsylvania John Cari, WF Territory Mgr. (800) 934-5160 x8816

Factoryville Jim Lamberti Heating (570) 945-9460

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