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A P R I L 2 0 1 3 • P E N N L I N E S 3

Visit with us at Penn LinesOnline, located at:www.prea.com/Content/pennlines.asp. Penn Lines Onlineprovides an email link to PennLines editorial staff, informationon advertising rates,contributor’s guidelines, and anarchive of past issues.

Vol. 48 • No. 4Peter A. Fitzgerald

EDITOR

Katherine HacklemanSENIOR EDITOR/WRITER

James DulleyJanette Hess

Barbara MartinMarcus Schneck

CONTR IBUT ING COLUMNISTS

W. Douglas ShirkLAYOUT & DESIGN

Vonnie KlossADVERT ISING & CIRCULAT ION

Michelle M. SmithMEDIA & MARKET ING SPECIALIST

Penn Lines (USPS 929-700), the newsmagazineof Pennsylvania’s electric cooperatives, is pub-lished monthly by the Pennsylvania Rural Elec-tric Association, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. Penn Lineshelps 165,800 households of co-op consumer-members understand issues that affect theelectric cooperative program, their local co-ops, and their quality of life. Electric co-opsare not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locallydirected, and taxpaying electric utilities. PennLines is not responsible for unsolicited manu-scripts. The opinions expressed in Penn Linesdo not necessarily reflect those of the editors,the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, orlocal electric distribution cooperatives.

Subscriptions: Electric co-op members, $5.42per year through their local electric distribu-tion cooperative. Preferred Periodicals postagepaid at Harrisburg, PA 17107 and additional mail -ing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changeswith mailing label to Penn Lines, 212 LocustStreet, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266.

Advertising: Display ad deadline is six weeksprior to month of issue. Ad rates upon request.Acceptance of advertising by Penn Lines doesnot imply endorsement of the product or serv-ices by the publisher or any electric cooper-ative. If you encounter a problem with anyproduct or service advertised in Penn Lines,please contact: Advertising, Penn Lines, P.O.Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Penn Linesreserves the right to refuse any advertising.

Board officers and staff, Pennsylvania RuralElectric Association: Chairman, Leroy Walls;Vice Chair man, Tim Burkett; Secretary, LannyRodgers; Treas urer, Rick Shope; President& CEO, Frank M. Betley

© 2013 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association.All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or inpart without written permission is prohibited.

4 ENERGY MATTERS

Batteries ARE includedCooperatives test energy storage systems

8 FEATURE

Time machinesClassic tractors tell early story of Americanagriculture

12 SUB - FEATURE

FarmvilleDiorama depicts early farm life

14 T IME L I NESYour newsmagazine through the years

14A COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONInformation and advice from your localelectric cooperative

16 KEEP ING CURRENTNews items from across the Commonwealth

18 COUNTRY K I TCHEN

Flexible Tex-Mex

20 POWER PLANTS

Impatient about impatiens

22 CLASS I F I EDS

24 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

How did I ever survive?

25 RURAL REFLECT IONS

Spring arrives

26 PUNCH L INES

Thoughts from Earl Pitts–Uhmerikun!Earl discovers he doesn’t have long to live after results of ‘sitting’ test

18

APRIL

8

24

ON THE COVERAmong the main draws ofthe annual Indiana CountyFair are the antique tractorshow and the antiquetractor parade. Photo byKathy Hackleman

25

4 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

ENERGYmatters

Batteries AREincluded

avoid purchasing expensive supplemen-tal power.

So far, a handful of electric coopera-tives across the country are testing vari-ous uses of batteries.

Harnessing energy saves moneyBattery storage systems are a big

investment for any electric cooperative.The good news is, benefits exist beyondleveling out renewable energy supply.

“Properly managed battery storagesystems can delay the need for buildingexpensive transmission lines that aredifficult to get permits for in the firstplace,” says Dale Bradshaw, a seniorprogram manager with the CooperativeResearch Network (CRN), the researchand development arm of the NationalRural Electric Cooperative Association(NRECA). “It also reduces wear and tearon baseload power plants, which oper-ate year-round to provide dependableelectricity at a low cost, and can makeelectric distribution systems run moreefficiently. All these opportunities addup to cost savings for consumers.”

At present, pumped-storage hydro —

a hydroelectric plant that generatespower by using water previouslypumped to an elevated reservoir duringoff-peak hours, when electricity is lessexpensive — remains the largest-capac-ity form of energy storage available.Another option, compressed-air energystorage — power plants “fueled” by airpushed into an underground cavernduring times of low electricity consump-tion — has received increased attentionbecause it can be expanded relativelycheaply. PowerSouth Energy Coopera-tive, a generation and transmissioncooperative based in Andalusia, Ala.,operates one of only a handful of com-pressed-air energy storage facilities inthe United States.

“Pumped-storage hydro and com-pressed-air energy storage facilities gen-erally operate when electric use soars,”says John Holt, former NRECA seniormanager of generation & fuels. “Butgeography limits where they can belocated.”

That means development of betterbatteries could be the key to wide use of

ONE OF the main obstacles to wide-spread use of wind and solar power pro-duction is nature itself: the wind doesn’talways blow, and the sun doesn’t alwaysshine. But electric cooperatives are onthe cusp of efforts to develop technologyaimed at storing excess renewableenergy for when it’s needed most.

Battery storage systems, first devel-oped in the 1970s, have become moreviable on a large scale thanks to recentchemistry breakthroughs that increasethe longevity while lowering the cost ofbatteries. If battery energy storage at theutility level can be made commerciallyviable, it could result in a revolution forthe aging American electric grid.

Wind and solar energy are called“intermittent” sources of power —meaning they don’t provide a steadysupply of electricity like traditional gen-eration fuels, such as coal or natural gas.Even in the best situations, wind blowson average only about 30 to 40 percentof the time and usually not during hot,humid weekday afternoons or extremelycold mornings when electricity usespikes. Meanwhile, solar energy produc-tion can dramatically drop even when aband of fluffy clouds briefly passes overthe sun.

That’s where battery energy storagecomes in. For example, the electricityproduced when the wind blows at nightand the sun shines can be used duringtimes of peak demand — the electricutility industry’s version of rush-hourtraffic, when power use skyrockets — to

Cooperatives test energy storagesystems B y M a g e n H o wa r d

(continues on page 6)

TEST FACILITY: XTreme Power’s DPR 15-100C containerized battery energy storage unit is part of testing byelectric cooperatives on the viability of harnessing and stabilizing renewable energy.

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THE RICHARDS GROUP JOB #: GRV-13-0003

CLIENT: Go RVing

AD NAME: Campfi re Third Pg.

PUB(s): National Country Market Reader

Regional Insertion: Penn Lines

Ins Dt: April 2013

TRIM: 3" x 10.875"

LIVE:2.25" x 9.875"

BLEED: 3.125" x 11.125"

ACTUAL BLEED:3.0625" x 11.125"(no bleed right side of page)

LS/COLOR: 133 / CMYK

QUESTIONS CALL: Karen Newman214-891-5875

When you go RVing, AWAY is closer and more affordable than you might think.

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energy storage technologies. Before central station electric service

came to rural America via the electriccooperative movement in the 1930s,farmers used “battery sets” that wererecharged with windmills and rampumps. Like conventional sealed lead-acid car batteries, those contraptionscould go only through a limited numberof discharge-charge cycles before theywere exhausted.

Fast-forward to 2013, and developersare aiming for batteries that can func-tion through 80 percent discharge for10,000 cycles — allowing for longevity ofthree decades or more.

“If you’re supplementing wind orsolar, you’re going through a completecycle on a daily basis,” Bradshaw notes.“In other words, a long cycle liferemains key.”

What energy storage means forthe future

The U.S. Department of Energy fore-casts that energy storage will signifi-cantly change the electric grid. With it,the nation could possibly create an elec-tricity “stockpile” like the StrategicPetroleum Reserve. But initially, energystorage systems will make renewablegeneration sources more financially fea-sible — a critical step as U.S. lawmakerscontemplate ways to create a morediverse energy production portfolio.

“Co-ops could also use battery stor-

age systems to cut down on blinks —those momentary service interruptionsthat force you to reset your digitalclocks,” Bradshaw notes. “If enoughenergy is stored, power could continueto flow to homes in such an event.”

He concludes: “Electric cooperativesare leading the charge in researchingand testing energy storage systems thatwill directly benefit consumers — fromreduced operational costs and betterservice reliability to environmentallyresponsible power production.”

Sources: Cooperative Research Network,U.S. Department of Energy, NRECA

Magen Howard writes on consumer andcooperative affairs for the National RuralElectric Cooperative Association, the Arling-ton, Va.-based service organization for thenation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Additional infor-mation provided by RE Magazine.l

As the research and development arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, CRN pursues innovative solutions that hel

electric cooperatives deliver safe, reliable, and a�ordable power to their consumer-members.

(continued from page 4)

ENERGYmatters

Shale gas productioncontinues to riseShale gas production in the second

half of 2012 topped the record six-month production level, according tothe Pennsylvania Department of Envi-ronmental Protection (DEP). Produc-tion from 3,551 unconventional wellstotaled 1.15 trillion cubic feet duringthe period.The top five natural gas-producing

counties in Pennsylvania include: Brad-ford, Susquehanna, Lycoming, Tiogaand Greene. These counties accountedfor 77 percent of the total productionof natural gas in Pennsylvania in 2012,according to the DEP report.

THE RICHARDS GROUP JOB #: GRV-13-0003 CLIENT: Go RVingAD NAME: Campfi re Full Pg.Pub: National Country Market ReaderRegional Insertion: -Florida Currents-Rural Electric Nebraskan-Penn Lines-S. Carolina Living-The Tennessee Mag.-Cooperative Living (VA)-Wisconsin Energy Co-op News-WREN-RuraliteINSERTS: April 2013TRIM: 8.25" x 10.75"LIVE:7" x 10"BLEED: 8.625" x 11.375"LS/COLOR: 133/CMYKQUESTIONS CALL: Karen Newman214-891-5875

What’s your idea of AWAY? Wherever or whatever it is, an RV is the best way to find it on your terms, your timetable, your itinerary. And it’s more affordable than you might think. To learn more, visit GoRVing.comGoRVing.com and see an RV dealer.

GRV130003 NCMR_Cfire FP 8_25x10_75.indd 1 2/15/13 3:06 PM

PENNlines

TRACTORS PLAY a vital role in thestory of American agriculture. From theearly days of steam engines to today’siconic John Deere models, the machinestell the story of a growing nation. Thanksto the dedication of classic tractor enthusi-asts, much of that early story is on displayat tractor shows, county fairs and com-munity events across the countryside.“I have a lot of great memories of

these machines from when I was a kid,”says Clark Brocht of his interest insteam-powered tractors.Brocht, a member of Somerset Rural

Electric Cooperative (REC) and son ofSomerset REC director James Brocht, hasbeen fascinated with the old, smoke-belching giants since he was just a child.The Brocht family owns a 1928 50-horse-power Peerless they display at the Farm-ers and Threshermens Jubilee, heldannually the weekend following LaborDay in New Centerville. There, the steam-powered tractors on display provide themuscle to bale hay, cut wood, grind feed,thresh grain, mill flour and shell corn,just like they did a century ago.

Full steam aheadIt may have been brief, but there was

a time when American agriculture was

powered by steam. Big, bulky andexpensive steam-powered tractors werethe face of the country’s agriculturalrevolution in the late 1800s and early1900s. Before tractors, a typical workdayon a farm included lots of heavy lifting

— figuratively andliterally — by menand horses, sodespite theirdrawbacks, theywere a welcomeaddition to thefarm. Eventually,however, thesteam-poweredtractors were left

by the wayside as lighter, less expensive,internal combustion tractors becamemore and more popular.When the Brocht family purchased

the Peerless in the mid 1970s, it had notbeen operated for nearly three decades.With family and friends providing thebulk of the labor, the Brochts restoredthe steam-powered tractor, and learnedeven more about its history.“Back in the early days, there would

be one person in the community whohad a steam engine that was pulled fromfarm to farm with horses,” Clark Brochtexplains. “At first, they were strictly belt-powered. Then they began to put gear-ing on them so they could run by them-

selves, and they could pullthreshing machines with themfrom farm to farm.”

8 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

Classic tractors tell early story ofAmerican agricultureB y K a t h y H a c k l e m a nS e n i o r E d i t o r / Wr i t e r

SEE THE ENGINES: The 2013Farmers and Threshermens Jubileeis Sept. 4-8 in New Centerville.

Time machines

really shooting up. Then you throw coalon it. And you keep that up all day.”Despite the effort involved, Brocht

loves the old machines, having learnedabout them from the farmers who actu-ally used them.“I got to hear a lot of the stories first-

hand,” he relates. “The old-timers whoused this equipment are gone now, but Iremember their words. Back then, I wasthe young one talking with the old guysabout the engines, but now I am becom-ing one of the old ones. And I like totalk about them with younger guys. Iwant the knowledge they passed to meto be passed along again.”

Labor of loveThis opportunity to pass along his-

tory — and provide rides to awestruckfans — gives Rockwood resident MikeNeil, a member of Somerset REC, all thereason he needs to be involved withsteam-powered tractors.Neil and Jason Spangler, a New Cen-

terville resident and Somerset REC mem-ber, are the co-owners of a 1921 BantingGreyhound. Both men had relatives whowere part of the early Farmers and

Threshermens Jubilees, so the friendsfrom grade school grew up attending theannual Somerset County event.“Years ago, we decided we wanted to

buy (a steam-powered tractor) together,”Neil explains. “We weren’t set on aGreyhound. We just wanted to find asteam engine that needed work.”Steam-powered tractors usually

range in price from about $5,000 for ascrap tractor to about $150,000 for a pro-fessionally restored, sought-after model,Neil reports. Wanting to stick to thelower end of the scale, the men begantheir search. Soon, they heard of a trac-tor for sale near Freeport.“This one was literally stuck in the

mud,” Neil recalls. “It was dilapidated. Itwas rough.”Despite the tractor’s condition, Neil

says he and Spangler were certain theycould bring it back to life. They pur-chased it in 1989 and spent a good bit ofthe next two years working withassorted family members and friends torestore it.“It required a lot of learning on our

part,” Neil explains. “We both hadmechanical backgrounds from fixing

A P R I L 2 0 1 3 • P E N N L I N E S 9

OWNING A PIECE OF HISTORY: Clark Brocht, a member of Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative, and hisfather, cooperative director James Brocht, own this 1928 Peerless, which they’ve had since the mid-1970s. They fire it up every year at the Farmers and Threshermens Jubilee in New Centerville.

Area farmers would move aroundthe neighborhood with the steam tractorand threshing machine, providing themanpower needed to harvest the crops,while the women cooked all day to pro-vide food for the hungry threshingcrews.As majestic as they seem when steam

is pouring from them and their loudwhistles are shrieking, it’s easy to seewhy the steam-powered tractors fell outof favor.“With steam engines, you have to

work on them constantly,” Brochtreports. “First, you build a fire. It takestwo hours to get ( the Peerless) to steam.You start the fire with wood, or mysecret is to start it with used balingtwine. Once you get steam, you can turnthe blower on, and then the steam starts

STEAM ENGINE FUN: Somerset Rural ElectricCooperative members Jason Spangler, below left,and Mike Neil, shown with his son, 6-year-oldCooper Sanner, own this 1921 Banting Greyhound.

PENNlines

10 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

tractors and keeping stuff patchedtogether. We have both been playingwith junk all our lives.”“Junk” is the last thing anyone would

now call the steam-powered tractor thatNeil and Spangler proudly show offevery year at the jubilee. However,“work” is a word that does come tomind.To get ready for a show, the men

must pull the tractor out of storage,truck it to the site, hook up the plumb-ing, put the handholds in the gasketsand the plugs in the boiler, put water inthe boiler and pressure check it forleaks, and grease all the gears, pistons,and slides.“Then you throw a half a truckload

of wood in,” Neil says. “Once you get itgoing on wood, then you start throwingcoal on the fire. All this takes about fourhours.”At the end of the day, the men start

lowering the boiler pressure by lettingthe fire burn itself out or, if they’re in ahurry, they shovel the fire out by hand.“It’s pretty labor-intensive,” Neil

explains. “It takes more than a day to getit out of storage and running. Then ittakes about four hours to get it to steam.It’s more work to shut it down. …There’s a reason these engines fell out offavor.”

What makes it an enjoyable hobby,and one he wouldn’t give up despite thework involved, is the interaction withpeople.“We run the wheels off of it, giving

people rides,” he says with a laugh. “Ihave seen everyone from toddlers to 80-year-old kids want to go for a ride. Theoldtimers walk up and say, ‘When I wasa kid, my grandpap had one of these.’Giving people rides, teaching peopleabout it, that’s what makes all of the

work worthwhile.”

Powering upWith the advent of the

internal combustion engine, itwas inevitable that steam-powered tractors would bereplaced by this new technol-ogy. These new tractors dra-matically changed Americanfarming, and collectors ofthese early models are no lessenthusiastic about theirmachines — right down tothe color.It’s said that every farmer

has a favorite color. Perhaps it’s“John Deere green,” “Farmallred,” or “Ford gray.” Theactual color doesn’t matter.What matters is that manyfarmers choose their favoritecolor based on the color of

their favorite tractor. And these days, thatfavorite tractor is quite possibly severaldecades old, but its paint is as bright andshiny as it was on its first day on thefarm.Jim Harteis was a typical farm boy.

By the time he was 8 years old, he wasraking hay with a Ford 8N tractor. Hisfamily also had a Ford Golden Jubilee (aspecial edition tractor released by Fordin 1953 and 1954 to commemorate thecompany’s 50th anniversary).Harteis, a director of Indiana-based

REA Energy Cooperative and AlleghenyElectric Cooperative, Inc., went on tofarm on his own, using mostly JohnDeere tractors on his dairy farm nearEbensburg. But when he retired a fewyears ago, childhood memories of theold gray tractors from his past led himto a new hobby: purchasing, restoringand showing vintage Ford tractors.Harteis has reconfigured his old

bank barn into a shop where he keepshis nine vintage Ford tractors, eachunder its own cover to protect its paintjob.Speaking of paint, Harteis notes that

to describe his Ford tractors as “gray”doesn’t do them justice.“The color of the paint changed a bit

over time, from model year to modelyear,” he explains. “That makes it a bitchallenging to get the correct color ofpaint on the correct tractor.”

DO-IT-YOURSELFER: REA Energy Cooperative member BobSimpson does the restoration work on his collection that featuresseveral brands of vintage tractors, including this Farmall Super M.

ON PARADE: Clem Empfield, a member of REA Energy Cooperative, drives a McCormick-Deering W-40 in theparade of antique tractors annually held as part of the Indiana County Fair.

And it does matter, hepoints out, especiallywhen the tractor ownerwants to compete in trac-tor shows.“They are pretty partic-

ular when you’re in com-petition; they are lookingfor authentic restorations,”he reports.

Better than newHarteis does a lot of his

own restoration work,especially the “rough”restoration. Once helocates and purchases atractor, he cleans it, sand-

blasts it and takes it apart, keepingmeticulous records as to how he disas-sembled it so that it can more easily bereassembled. Young Sandblasting, NewFlorence, has done most of his finishpainting.The approach appears to be working

well as Harteis has taken “best of show”awards a couple of times already.“To take best of show,” he adds, “it

has to stand up to any kind of scrutiny.It has to be better than new.”As much as he enjoys finding, restor-

ing and showing his tractors, he also

gets a kick out of the people he meetswhile pursuing his hobby.“You meet the nicest people at tractor

shows, and they appreciate what theyare looking at,” he says. “Any time youtalk to people, they will tell you theirtractor stories from when they were akid, or about an old tractor they are stillusing on the farm. You’ll also learn fromthem as they will tell you about theirscrewups so you don’t have to repeatthem.”While Harteis is fairly new to the

antique tractor show circuit, REA EnergyCooperative member Clem Empfield is anold-timer. He’s been collecting vintagefarm machinery since the 1970s. He hasseveral old tractors — his favoritesinclude a McCormick-Deering W-40, aMcCormick-Deering T-20 crawler and aFarmall F30 — but he also collects otherold farm equipment, including threshers,manure spreaders, corn planters andbalers. He has 14 pieces of equipment inrunning order, with about that samenumber for “parts.”“I grew up learning to drive tractors

and equipment,” he recalls. “Once Istarted, I didn’t want to stop because Ilearned that once this stuff is gone, it’sgone forever. Once it’s in the junkyard,it’s gone forever.”

Empfield, who does much of themechanical work on his equipment,hires a painter to finish off the job. Hedemonstrates his equipment at a varietyof shows around the area, and one yearhauled his F30 to Florida to participatein an event there. He also opens his col-lection for viewing to friends and tractorbuffs, calling it his “museum at home.”A former telephone lineman who

used to feed beef cattle at his rural resi-dence, Empfield doesn’t limit his collect-ing to any one brand of equipment.“I like just about any kind of old

machine,” he says with a smile. “Thesemachines have been a big part of my life,and a big part of a lot of peoples’ lives inPennsylvania.”

Farm boysBob Simpson, also a member of REA

Energy Cooperative, agrees.“I grew up on a farm, and I drove

these kinds of tractors when I was akid,” Simpson recalls.Simpson, who has directed the

antique tractor show affiliated with theIndiana County Fair for the past 10 years,does all of his restoration work himselfon his collection that includes Interna-tionals and John Deeres.“They’re not perfect,” he admits, “but

I can say I did it myself. … I learned as Iwent along. Through the years, I haveworked at places where I learned how todo part of it, and I had friends thatrestored tractors, and they told me thetricks. I really enjoy working on them,and showing them.”With a smile, his wife nods, saying,

“You can take the boy from the farm,but you can’t take the farm from theboy.”While the majority of antique tractor

collectors are aging “farm boys,” a farmbackground is certainly not required tobe a spectator at an antique tractor show.“There are tractor shows and festivals

all over the state,” Harteis notes. “Any-one, farmer or not, can go online, find ashow in their area and attend an eventthat is lots of fun. They can learn aboutthe past and recognize the ingenuity ofprevious generations, and see the effortthat people are putting into preservingthis part of our country’s history.”l

A P R I L 2 0 1 3 • P E N N L I N E S 11

TRACTOR COLLECTION: Jim Harteis, a director of REA Energy Cooperative and Allegheny ElectricCooperative, Inc., has taken up collecting vintage Ford tractors after his retirement from active farming.Here, he displays part of his collection at the Indiana County Fair.

12 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

PENNlines

Farms — and the tractorsthat power them — come inall sizes. For Indiana residentFred Foster, that size is“tiny.”

Every year at the IndianaCounty Fair, Foster sets up adiorama, a three-dimensional,scale model of a farm thatincludes buildings, fields,crops and equipment. It runsacross the entire side of thelarge exhibit building, aroundthe corner and part waydown the second side —more than 70 feet in all.

It’s the story of Foster’slife. In miniature.

There’s a weather-beaten,old farm house beside anequally weathered barn. Theyare replicas of his grandfa-ther’s farm in IndianaCounty’s Brush Valley Township during the Depression. Theadjoining fields are filled with crops and machinery, includingthreshing machines, steam engines and tractors.

Next, Foster crafted an L-shaped farm house and barn torepresent a 1940s-1950s farm — his “dream” farm. Again,period machinery dots the landscape, and Foster has added theoutbuildings, crops and machinery he remembers from workingon a farm in his late teens and early 20s.

Near the corn crib, pig pen and chicken coop, he carefullyplaces potato planters, potato diggers, cabbage planters, and rowsand rows of cabbages and potatoes. All of the buildings and most

of his equipment, with the exception of tractors, are handmade.“These are all pieces of equipment that I worked with on the

farm,” Foster reports. “I took manuals and books and made theequipment, sizing them down to 1/16th scale.”

Foster has limited his display to the Indiana County Fair thepast couple of years because it takes a full two days to set up thedisplay, and then someone has to sit with the exhibit, followed bythe dismantling procedure. However, he is mulling over an invita-tion to display it at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in 2014.

He says he can’t even estimate the number of hours he hasput into the diorama, which has more than 550 toy tractorsand other pieces of equipment he can use to replicate differentfarm scenes.

After working for several years on a farm as a young man,Foster took a job with an agricultural business, where he workedfor 40 years in the purchasing department.

“But I never forgot my years on the farm,” Foster says. “Istill think farming is a good, clean life. I always wanted to have afarm, but when I was old enough to have one, it took a lot ofmoney to get into it.”

Now retired, Foster has moved into Indiana from the ruralarea where he lived, and where he was a member of Indiana-based REA Energy Cooperative. In one of life’s odd coinci-dences, his home is located on the acreage he farmed decadesago. But the gently sloping terrain and the crops of that long-ago farm live in more than just one man’s memory. They havebeen captured in a diorama that provides a tiny glimpse of whatlife was like when rows of cabbages and potatoes sproutedwhere rows of houses now stand.

LIFE IN MINIATURE: Fred Foster displays the three-dimensional scale model he built that includes scenes from his grand -parents’ farm in rural Indiana County, above, as well as Indiana County fields where he worked as a young man, below.

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14 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

TIMElines Y o 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

1973 An attorney hired by the National RuralElectric Cooperative Association concludes theU.S. president has no authority to terminate theREA Loan Program, as has been proposed.

1983 Early spring, with its sub-freezing nights andwarm days, makes the sap flow in the trunks ofmaple trees. It takes 40 to 50 gallons of raw sugarwater to make a gallon of syrup.

1993 Electric meters rarely fail or drift out ofcalibration. Today’s technology is making manualmeter-reading a thing of the past.

THANKS TO ingrained popular stereotypes, most ofus envision inventors as quirky individuals secretlyhuddled in dark, cluttered basements or outlandishlaboratories feverishly working on their latest cre-ation.

But it is very possible that your very normal neigh-bor just down the road may be an inventor, testing anidea at the kitchen table.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office notes thatmore than 2,500 patents were issued to rural Pennsyl-vanians during the 1990s.

Like most employees, REA Energy Cooperativemember Gene Hauzie was looking for a way to makehis job as a pipefitter and welder in a coal cleaningplant a bit easier. Working on a hunch, he spent manylate nights working at home developing an instrumentthat would allow him to predict an angle relative totwo separate pieces of pipe. He then would go on todevise a way to attach the device to an existing pipewith a clamp assembly and arrange the tool’s parts ina style that would make finding the centerline abreeze.

On Jan. 14, 2003, Hauzie was awarded a patent forhis device from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

2003

16 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

Somerset REC joins in effort tosave osprey nest

Working together, Somerset RuralElectric Cooperative (REC), the SomersetCounty Conservancy, the PennsylvaniaGame Commission and the PennsylvaniaFish and Boat Commission recently reset

a 40-foot utility pole used as an ospreynest at Somerset Lake.

The pole, which typically is located inwater, was accessible this year becausethe lake was drawn down due to damageto the dam breast. The upright pole, withpredator guards in place, is now readyfor the return of a nesting osprey pairthat has made it their home for the pastseveral years.

“It was a great partnership effort to helpsave the osprey nest at Somerset Lake,”says Doug Glessner, manager of outsideoperations at Somerset REC. “It’s nice towork together with the local agenciestoward a common goal. It was challengingto get to the leaning pole because the

ground wasn’t frozen on the lake bed, butwith teamwork, we were able to straightenthe pole and hopefully save the nest.”

Chronic wasting disease found infree-ranging deer in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Game Commissionrecently confirmed three deer taken inPennsylvania in the 2012 generalfirearms deer season tested positive forchronic wasting disease (CWD). Twowere from Blair County; the other wasfrom Bedford County.

These are the first positive cases ofCWD in free-ranging deer in Pennsylva-nia. The samples were taken as part ofthe state’s CWD surveillance program,which sampled tissue from approxi-mately 5,000 deer taken during firearmsseason. Some samples have yet to betested.

CWD is a degenerative brain diseasethat affects white-tailed deer, mule deerand elk. According to the PennsylvaniaGame Commission, it is transmitted bydirect animal-to-animal contact throughsaliva, feces and urine. Signs of CWDinclude weight loss, excessive salivation,increased drinking and urination, andabnormal behavior such as stumbling,

trembling or allowing unusually closeapproach by humans or predators. Thereis no known treatment or vaccination.

CWD is fatal in deer and elk, but thereis no evidence that CWD can be trans-mitted to humans, according to the Cen-ters for Disease Control and Prevention.

The disease was first documented inthe United States in 1967 in captive muledeer in Colorado. It has since been con-firmed in 22 states, including New York,West Virginia and Maryland. It was firstconfirmed in Pennsylvania in October2012 in a captive deer on an AdamsCounty deer farm.

The latest information about CWD isavailable on the Pennsylvania Game Com-mission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us.

State to spray for gypsy moths ineight counties

The Pennsylvania Department ofConservation and Natural Resources(DCNR) is spraying gypsy moth popula-tions in eight counties in an effort to con-trol one of the most destructive forestpests in Pennsylvania. The gypsy mothsstrip trees of foliage, leaving the treesweakened and susceptible to disease,drought and attacks by other insects.

Spraying is scheduled for nearly45,000 acres in state forests, state parksand Pennsylvania Game Commissionland in Cameron, Clarion, Forest, Jeffer-son, Lycoming, Potter, Tioga andVenango counties.

DCNR last sprayed for gypsy mothsin 2009, but DCNR officials report theinsect has multiplied in some areas to thepoint that suppression efforts must beresumed.

Spraying will continue from mid-Aprilthrough June 1. The Pennsylvania forestspray programs are a cooperative effortamong the DCNR, county governmentsand the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

More information about gypsymoths is available at the DCNR website,www.dcnr.state.pa.us (click on

KEEPINGcurrent

SAVE THE OSPREY: Somerset Rural Electric personnel assist in resetting a utility pole toppedwith an osprey nest at Somerset Lake.

DISEASE SPREADS: Chronic wasting disease isconfirmed in free-ranging whitetail deer inPennsylvania for the first time.

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Penn State University institute tostudy natural gas

Penn State University has establishedthe Institute for Natural Gas Research toconduct rigorous, independent scientificresearch into the broad area of naturalgas, including exploration, production,transmission, storage, processing, com-bustion, infrastructure, and water trans-port, use and impact.

A major goal of the institute, accord-ing to a Penn State University pressrelease, is to support the ongoing devel-opment of a natural gas-based economythat will allow the country to eventuallyconsume a predominantly domestic sup-ply of gas for many years to come.

The institute is a joint effort of PennState University’s College of Earth andMineral Sciences and College of Engi-neering. More than 50 current facultymembers have research interest and pro-grams in natural gas-related areas, andan additional 12 faculty members will beadded to strengthen key areas.

In 2010, Penn State University estab-lished the Marcellus Center for Outreach

and Research, designed to study uncon-ventional gas plays and their impacts inthe state. The center will partner withthe new institute to offer a comprehen-sive body of expertise on natural gas.

Study: state’s wine industry has room to grow

Research sponsored by the Center forRural Pennsylvania shows that despiteconsistent growth over the past severalyears, there is still room for the state’swine industry to grow, as the industry isoperating at only 76 percent of capacity.

The research, done by Dr. ShailendraGajanan and Dr. James Dombrosky ofthe University of Pittsburgh at Bradford,found room for growth without addi-tional investment in land, labor, technol-ogy and capital goods applied to produc-tion. It also noted that about 81 percentof the industry’s product is sold directlyfrom wineries, with virtually no sales towholesalers or distributors.

Copies of the research report, “Penn-sylvania Wine Industry – An Assess-ment,” are available by calling or emailingthe Center for Rural Pennsylvania at 717787-9555 or info@rural.palegislature.us, orvisiting www.rural.palegislature.us.l

What is it?As soon as the March issue of Penn Lines began hitting cooperative members’

mailboxes, we began getting calls.People were asking, “That photo on Page 24, what is it?”They were asking about the photo taken by United Electric Cooperative member

Chris DenapoliMichael that wasprinted in theRural Reflectionssection of themagazine.Michael

explains the pho-to in her ownwords: “The photois a digital meshof 16 photos, noPhotoshopinvolved. Everyphoto had to beshot quicklybecause of the natural light, in focus and sharp, each one from a slightly differentangle. The scene is off my front porch. Look closely and you will see spring snow,hedges, trees, a cloud and a beautiful blue sky.”

READERresponse

PHOTO BY CHRIS DENAPOLI MICHAEL

COUNTRYkitchen

Flexible Tex-MexMANY RECIPES— especially those that don’t involve leav-ening or thickening ingredients — are actually quite flexible.They may be tweaked here or there to accommodate tastepreferences or ingredient availability. Tex-Mex food is aprime example of flexible cuisine.

While some people adore the fresh, bright flavor ofcilantro, others find it somewhat bitter. Similarly, while somepeople like beans and cheese in abundance, others find that alittle goes a long way. And, of course, the “heat” of any dishmay always be adjusted.

This month’s Shrimp Rounds are an easily adaptableappetizer. If additional “heat” is desired, simply add a smallsliver of chipotle pepper to each appetizer. If queso fresco isnot available, substitute finely shredded Monterrey Jackcheese. With Southwest Black Beans and Rice, the amount ofbeans is adjustable and the cilantro is completely optional,because, as we all know, the consumer is always right!

Fried Ice Cream is a favorite dessert served in many Mexi-can restaurants, but most diners would agree that ice cream isindulgent enough without running it through a bath of hot oil.Faux Fried Ice Cream easily mimics the flavors of the restau-rant dish but involves no last-minute preparation or frying. lA trained journalist, JANETTE HESS focuses her writing on interesting people and interest-

ing foods. She is a Master Food Volunteer with her local extension service and enjoys collect-

ing, testing and sharing recipes.

1 1/2 quarts (48 fluid ounces) vanilla ice

cream1 8-ounce container whipped topping

4 cups plain cornflakes

2 teaspoons cinnamon2 tablespoons sugar1/4 cup honeyMaraschino cherries, chocolate syrup and

additional whipped topping for garnish, if desired

In large bowl, soften ice cream and whipped topping just until they

can be combined. In small bowl or shaker, combine cinnamon and

sugar; set aside. Place 2 cups cornflakes in 9- by 13-inch dish and

crush lightly with hands. Sprinkle with half of cinnamon-sugar mix-

ture and drizzle with half of honey. Top with dollops of ice cream

mixture, taking care not to disturb layer of cornflakes. Using knife or

spreader, smooth ice cream into even layer. Lightly crush remaining

cornflakes and sprinkle over ice cream. Top with remaining cinna-

mon-sugar mixture and honey. Freeze at least 4 hours or overnight.

Cut into squares to serve. If desired, garnish with whipped topping,

chocolate syrup and maraschino cherries.

FAUX FRIED ICE CREAM

SOUTHWEST RICE WITH BLACK BEANS

SHRIMP ROUNDS

2 tablespoons olive oil1 large onion, diced2 cups long grain rice2 10-ounce cans mild diced tomatoesand green chilies

Approximately 3 1/2 cups chickenbroth

1 to 1 1/2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed1/4 cup fresh, chopped cilantro (optional)

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until onionis softened. Add rice and continue cooking and stirring for 5 minutes.Transfer to 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Drain tomatoes; reserve juice. Tosstomatoes with rice. Measure reserved tomato juice and add enough chickenbroth to make 5 cups of liquid. Add to rice. Bake uncovered at 350 degreesfor 1 hour, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from oven and stir indesired amount of beans and cilantro.

Serving option for leftovers: Combine rice and beans with an equal amountof shredded rotisserie chicken. Heat through. Serve as a burrito filling withsoft tortillas, grated cheese, shredded lettuce, salsa and sour cream.

24 large, raw, de-veined shrimp2 teaspoons mild taco seasoning mix1 tablespoon canola or olive oilNon-stick cooking spray1 7-ounce package prepared guacamole24 round, flat tortilla chips2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, seedsremoved

2 ounces queso fresco, crumbled

If necessary, thaw shrimp and remove shells and tails. Pat shrimp dry andplace in small bowl with seasoning mix and oil. Toss to coat. Place shrimp innon-stick sauté pan that has been prepared with cooking spray. Cook overmedium-high heat until shrimp begin to turn pink. Turn shrimp over and cookuntil completely opaque, about 2 more minutes. Remove from heat. Cool inrefrigerator. At serving time, spread each chip with guacamole and top with 1 piece of shrimp. If additional “heat” is desired, add a small sliver of chipo-tle pepper. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese.

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NOTHING SAYS “Spring ishere!” faster than finding flatsof impatiens on display at thenursery. Flat after gorgeous flatarrayed like an artist’s paletteof glowing flowers. Impatiens:steady, reliable, saturated colorranging from the palest of pas-tels to the richest of lipstickhues; utterly predictable anduniform and easy to grow.Countless blooms all summerlong ending only when frostknocks them flat. No wonderwe love impatiens! But now, itseems, we have literally lovedthem to death.

Our habit of impatiensmonoculture has finally comeback to bite us, with diseasedevastating our beloved impa-tiens. The problem haswrought havoc in the annualbedding plant industry, andleaves gardeners scramblingfor that elusive impatiens sub-stitute.

A mass bedding scheme ofimpatiens was the easy answerfor shade gardens, our auto-matic choice. I might change

the color from year to year, butother than that, it was likeunrolling the “impatiens car-pet” for the season. Gorgeous,but also the same old thingevery single year. How unimag-inative! Maybe it’s high time toget out of that planting rut.

I don’t think there is oneperfect replacement. But nowthat impatiens has been hitwith disease, it’s time to makethe proverbial lemonade out ofthis lemon. It strikes me thatwe might reformulate thequestion from “What can Iplant to replace the impa-tiens?” to “What can we dowith that shady area?”

This back-to-basics ques-tion is an opportunity for all ofus to rethink our garden’sdesign from overall goal andplant choices right down tohardscape or bones. For exam-ple, I usually opt to maximizethe floral display, with bloomsspilling everywhere. Impatienswas a natural choice, but notthe only choice by far. Andwhere once I was happy withbuying, planting and thentending a huge square footagebrimming with annual flow-ers, now I might consider scal-ing back on the work.

For lower maintenance, Itend to favor long-lived peren-nials with flower or foliageinterest and preferably both,inter-planted with shrubs thatnot only flower, but also lookgood year-round. Enkianthusand sweetspire and oak leafhydrangea are possible con-tenders, along with myfavorite rhododendrons.

Sometimes our taste

changes, too. Rather thanhigh-impact bright colors, per-haps we’d prefer the under-stated elegance of perennialplants such as hostas andferns, lungwort and brunnera.A theme based on white varie-gated foliage and white flow-ers, such as summer bloomingastilbes and fall bloominganemones, can be enchanting.

Or we could choose nativeplants, perhaps springephemerals like Virginia blue-bells, along with easy but lesswell-known perennials suchas woodland phlox andSolomon’s seal.

Taking this a step further,perhaps some graceful flower-ing shrubs could fill that spaceand change naturally with theseasons. How about a small,

understory tree surroundedby ferns and “Annabelle”hydrangeas?

A wee bit further down thepath of wide-open possibilities,that shaded area could becomea favorite hideaway. A fewflagstones or a mulched pathcould lead to a comfy seat.Add a single generous con-tainer of African violets or cal-adiums and call it a day.

So let’s roll up our sleeves,open our minds and put onour thinking caps. Somehow, Idon’t think we’re really goingto miss the impatiens all thatmuch. l

POWERplants

BARBARA MARTIN ,who says she began gar-dening as a hobby “toomany years ago tocount,” currently worksfor the National Garden-

ing Association as a horticulturist. A formermember of Gettysburg-based Adams Elect -ric Cooperative, her articles appear in mag-azines and on the internet.

b y B a r b a r a M a r t i n

Impatientaboutimpatiens

BLIGHTED BLOOMS: Gardeners mustfind an alternative to the oldstandby, impatiens, as diseasethreatens its future.

20 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

Farms are partof our electriccooperative.

--- www.AgChoice.com

No farming operation is too big or too small for Farm Credit. Even if you have o� -farm careers, we can � nance your lifestyle farming needs. For some it may mean an equipment loan for a tractor, for others taking care of a couple head of livestock. We know that everyone’s lifestyle is di� erent, and we are dedicated to covering your agricultural and rural � nancing needs.

Call us today to learn more about our small farm loan packages.

Financing for Your LifestyleTurn an eyesore... into yard art!

Send check or money order to:Tank Topper4117 Hillsboro PikeSuite 103-190Nashville, TN 37215

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HEATMORSTAINLESS STEELOUTDOOR FURNACES

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UNSEASONED CORDWOOD

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800-743-5883www.outbackheatinginc.com

To put this space to workfor your business call:717/233-5704

22 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

PENNLINESclassified

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 menand women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and NewJersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P. O.Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks.Volume 1 of “Country Cooking” is SOLD OUT.

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

BUILDINGS

If you can dream it, we can build it. No building too big or toosmall. USA made steel buildings, Amish crafted woodstructures. Guaranteed financing, backed by full Warranties.570-869-2631 or 570-721-2844.

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 northwesternPennsylvania. 814-398-4052.

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

PIANO TUNING PAYS — Learn at home with American School ofPiano 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. Weoffer platform lifting systems, stair lifts, porch lifts and ramps.References. Free estimates. Get Up & Go Mobility Inc. 724-746-0992 or 814-926-3622.

CONSULTING FORESTRY SERVICES

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

CENTRE FOREST RESOURCES. Maximizing present and futuretimber values, Forest Management Services, Managing TimberTaxation, Timber Sales, Quality Deer Management. FREE TimberConsultation. College educated, professional, ethical. 814-867-7052.

FENCING

Building a fence? Find hydraulic post drivers, high-tensile wire,electric fence, electric netting, rotational grazing supplies, toolsand more from Kencove Farm Fence Supplies. FREE FenceGuide/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 menand women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and NewJersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P. O.Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks.Volume 1 of “Country Cooking” is SOLD OUT.

GRASS FED BEEF

100% GRASS FED BEEF. Our holistic management produces thehighest quality meat. Animals graze on a natural diet, are neverfed grain, growth hormones, antibiotics or pesticides.McCormick Farm, LLC 814-472-7259.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Tired of all those medicines ⎯ Still not feeling better? Do youwant to feel better, have more energy, better digestion, lessjoint stiffness, healthier heart/circulation and cholesterollevels? 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 orcall me 724-454-5586. www.mylegacyforlife.net/believeit.

HEALTH INSURANCE

DO YOU HAVE THE BLUES regarding your Health Insurance? Wecater to rural America's health insurance needs. For moreinformation, call 800-628-7804 (PA). Call us regarding Medicaresupplements, too.

HOLIDAY CAMPING

WARREN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS in Pittsfield, PA is proud toannounce Holiday Camping May 24th-26th, June 28th-July 6th,August 30th-September 1st. Many campsites to choose from.For reservations or information call 814-730-4644 or 814-730-2890. www.warrencountyfair.net.

INFRARED SAUNAS

Removes toxins, burns calories, relieves joint pain, relaxesmuscles, 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.

ISSUE MONTH: AD DEADLINE:

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.

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.

Penn Lines classified advertisements reach more than 165,800 rural Pennsylvania households! Please note ads must be received by the due date to be included in the requested issue month. Ads 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 by phone, fax or email. For more information please contact Vonnie Kloss at 717/233-5704.

Name/Address or Mailing Label Here:

June 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . April 17

July 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 17

August 2013 . . . . . . . . . June 18

LANDOWNER INCOME OPPORTUNITY

EARN TOP $$$ Leasing Hunting Rights to your property. Call BaseCamp Leasing for free quote & info packet. Hunting Leases doneright since 1999. 866-309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com.

LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT

HARRINGTONS EQUIPMENT COMPANY, 475 Orchard Rd., Fairfield, PA17320. 717-642-6001 or 410-756-2506. Lawn & Garden equipment,Sales – Service - Parts. www.HarringtonsEquipment.com

LEGAL SERVICES

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: Injured and want to know yourrights? Call us at 877-291-9675 for FREE advice or visit ourwebsite for your FREE book at www.workinjuryinpa.com.

LIVESTOCK AND PETS

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

LOG CABIN RESTORATIONS

VILLAGE RESTORATIONS & CONSULTING specializes in 17th and18th century log, stone and timber structures. We dismantle,move, re-erect, restore, construct and consult all over thecountry. Period building materials available. Chestnut boards,hardware, etc. Thirty years experience, fully insured. Call 814-696-1379. www.villagerestorations.com.

LOG HOME PRESERVATION

Whether you are preserving your dream home or restoring yourpiece of history, Perma Chink Systems, Inc. manufactures thehighest quality products specifically formulated for natural woodhomes. Call 800-257-4864 or visit www.permachink.com.

MOTORCYCLE-SNOWMOBILE INSURANCE

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

MOTOR VEHICLES AND BOATS

16’ FISHING BOAT with live well side console. Stainless prop, 75H.P. Yamaha outboard, galvanized trailer. Nice boat. Call at 570-596-4951.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

POLY AND WOOD Outdoor Furniture. Large selection, competitiveprices. Deep discounts available for display pieces. Call for freefull-color brochure and price list. 717-532-4561.

REAL ESTATE

CAPE COD — Five bedrooms, three baths, kitchen, dining,laundry, living room, family room, two-stall garage, two outsidesheds, oak interior, three acres, Crawford County, RichmondTownship, $259,900. 814-806-4687, 814-398-2799. 2,900 squarefeet.

ALL WOODED LAND – 8.44 acres. Four miles from beautiful LakeRaystown Resort. Great to build your vacation home orretirement home on perc approved. $56,000. Call 814-658-2511ask for Kevin.

TIOGA COUNTY CABIN for sale. 1.38 acres located near Blackwell,Pine Creek, Rails to Trails. Well, septic, bathroom, oil heat. Newstorm doors, windows. Great location, relax, hunt. 724-986-1165.$99,900.

RECIPES AND FOOD

“COUNTRY COOKING,” Volume 2 — $8, including postage.“RECIPES REMEMBERED,” Volume 3 — $12, including postage.Both of these cookbooks are a collection of recipes from menand women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and NewJersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P. O.Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks.Volume 1 of “Country Cooking” is SOLD OUT.

A P R I L 2 0 1 3 • P E N N L I N E S 23

PENNLINESclassified

Toll Free 1-888-320-7466

F a x : 9 4 0 - 4 8 4 - 6 7 4 6 e m a i l : info@rhinobldg.comW e b s i t e : h t t p : / / w w w . R H I N O B L D G . C O M

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

Farm•Industrial •Commercial

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PRICES INCLUDE COLOR SIDES

& GALVALUME ROOF

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(Local codes may affect prices)

Arena Special (roof & frame)

100’ x 100’ x 14’...$33,992

30’ x 50 x 10’..........$8,39040’ x 60’ x 12’.........$11,79950’ x 75’ x 14’.........$17,60660’ x 100’ x 12’.......$22,99580’ x 100’ x 14’.......$31,549100’ x 150’ x 14’.....$55,949

SAWMILLS

USED PORTABLE Sawmills and COMMERCIAL SawmillEquipment! Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148. USAand Canada. www.sawmillexchange.com.

SHAKLEE

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

TIMBER FRAME HOMES

SETTLEMENT POST & BEAM BUILDING COMPANY uses time-honored mortise, tenon and peg construction paired withmodern engineering standards. Master Craftsman and owner,Greg Sickler, brings over two decades of timber-framingexperience to helping you create your dream. We use high-quality timbers harvested from sustainable forests for all of ourprojects. Visit our model home, located on Historic Route 6,Sylvania, in North Central Pennsylvania. For more informationphone 570-297-0164 or go to www.settlementpostandbeam.comor contact us at cggksick@epix.net.

TRACTOR PARTS – REPAIR/RESTORATION

ARTHURS TRACTORS, specializing in vintage Ford tractors, 30-years experience, on-line parts catalog/prices, Indiana, PA 15701.Contact us at 877-254-FORD (3673) or www.arthurstractors.com.

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 –814-627-0550 – 26 Years Experience.

VACATIONS AND CAMPSITES

BEAUTIFUL LAKE ERIE COTTAGE — Enjoy swimming, fishing andsunsets at their finest. Sleeps eight, 20 miles west of Erie.Available May to November. Call 814-333-9669. Visit our websiteat www.curleycottage.com.

WEEK-LONG RENTALS of cabins, RV sites on shores of Lake Erie.Halls also available. Fishermen welcomed. Visit us atwww.ymcaerie.org or email us at campsherwin@ymcaerie.org.

LAKE RAYSTOWN Vacation House Rental. Sleeps 11, fireplace,four bedrooms, dining table for 12, central A/C, two SatelliteTVs, two full baths, two half baths, linens/towels provided, largerecreation room. Large parking area for boat, one mile toSnyders Run Boat Launch. Minimum two nights. Call 814-931-6562. Visit www.laurelwoodsretreat.com.

FAMILY FRIENDLY Cabin Getaway. Secluded and pleasantly rusticin central PA. Electricity, hot water, bathroom with shower. Sleepstwelve. Attractive rates. 717-989-7864. www.campstonewall.com.

PENN OAKS CAMPGROUND — Seasonal sites, full utilities, cableand internet, ATV friendly. Next to State Park and NationalForest, Leeper, PA. 800-634-2495.

Maintaining your septic tank is a necessity. Septal’s formula is used by professionals throughout the industry and is the strongest you can buy.

WANTED TO BUY

CARBIDE – Paying cash/lb. – Some examples of items that havecarbide pieces at their tips for cutting or drilling are: coal miningmachinery – roof bits – road bits – gas/oil/water well drill bits –machining inserts as well as many others. We will pick up yourmaterials containing carbide pieces. We will extract the carbideitem from the part in which it is held in most cases. 814-395-0415.

WANTED TO LEASE

FARM LAND for local grass fed beef grazing operation. Holisticapproach and active grazing plan proven to enhance soil,wildlife, and land quality. Cambria and surrounding counties.McCormick Farm LLC. 814-472-7259.

24 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

OUTDOORadventures b y M a r c u s S c h n e c k

WILDLIFE diseases havebecome a recurring themefor anyone writing about theoutdoors over the pastdecade or so. Bird flu, han-tavirus, giardiasis, Lyme,West Nile, chronic wastingdisease, and that onlyscratches the surface.

It makes me wonder howI could possibly have avoidedbeing sick every other weekor so as a kid, much less howI managed to survive intoadulthood.

I was constantly draggingsome poor creature homefrom the fields, forest,streams and ponds that weremy everyday realm. And,truth be told, I may havebeen above average in devis-ing ways to capture thosecritters, but my track recordof catching so many of themso readily probably alsoreveals something abouttheir health and fitness. Ilikely was not dealing withthe healthiest and most fitrepresentatives of their

species at all times.My appendages were reg-

ularly decorated with anarray of adhesive bandages.Mercurochrome flowed likewine in our house in thosepre-U.S. Department of Agri-culture warning days, longbefore 1998 and a rising con-cern about potential mercurypoisoning from that univer-sal antiseptic. Leaving homefor college, which removedme from the daily care ofDoctor Mom, may be theonly thing that prevented mefrom carrying the reddish-brown stain of mer-curochrome on my skin tothis day.

Those captures that couldpass Mom’s rather elaboratescreening process, includingRule No. 1 of no snakes, reg-ularly spent some time in anarray of jars, cracked aquari-ums transformed into terrar-iums, and wire or meshcages.

I recall a cockroach ofsome exotic origin thatshowed up in our home witha bunch of bananas andfound a new home in a mesh-and-metal “Bug Zoo” pur-chased from some noveltycatalog. Being an insect, thething probably lasted only acouple of months, but mymind’s film library can stillrun multiple scenes of thething shedding its exoskele-ton to grow, again and again,to eventually reach a size of 3 inches or so.

Meadow voles, salaman-ders, lizards, turtles, insects,injured birds, fish and more

all did their stints on myshelves, desk, bureau andnightstand.

Some died quickly underthe uninformed care of a pre-teen. Others were releasedback into the wild after satis-fying a “Bring ‘Em BackAlive” curiosity with just afew days of captivity.

A few completed entirelifespans, like the Americantoad that came to enjoy hav-ing its head gently rubbedand would lean with its onefront leg against the side ofthe terrarium, apparentlywatching me as I worked atmy desk.

Later in life, I fosteredthat same interest in bring-ing nature into one’s life inmy son, whose bedroom washome to everything from asnapping turtle that wasraised from hatchling tomaturity over several yearsof regular rodent feedings toan aquarium of locally

caught native fish and otheraquatic organisms.

But, by the time of myson’s collecting phase, I hadalready grown more cau-tious. More nets and fewerhand-to-critter captures.Hand scrubbing or sanitizerafter every contact.

And, today, vinyl and rub-ber gloves are part of my reg-ular kit for hunting and trap-ping. Direct contact with thefur and hide and dwindlingwarmth of game, fowl andfurbearer is a fleeting part ofthe experience.

Will I decide to have mynext deer checked forchronic wasting diseasebefore consuming any of themeat? How soft have Igrown?

MARCUS SCHNECK isoutdoor editor for The(Harrisburg, Pa.) Patriot-News and a contributorto many outdoor publi-cations and websites,and author of morethan two dozen books..

An ongoing guide to his writing and photogra-phy appears at www.marcusschneck.com.

How did Ieversurvive?

APPROPRIATE CAUTION: Learningabout wildlife through close contactis important, but it is even moreimportant to use caution when han-dling the animals.

Lauren FairTri-County REC

Spring arrivesCHANGING WEATHER, along with babies of all kinds,must mean spring is here. And that means it’s time to get outyour camera and take some new photos, or dig through yourfile of old photos and choose your favorites to send to RuralReflections. We are looking for creative photos taken by ama-teur photographers that feature the people, animals andlandscapes of Pennsylvania.

This year, five amateur photographers will be named win-ners of our $75 prize in the categories of: most artistic, bestlandscape, best human subject, best animal subject and edi-tor’s choice.

To be eligible for the 2013 contest prizes, 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, includeyour name, address, phone number and the name of the elec-tric cooperative that serves your home, business or seasonalresidence. (The best way to include this information is byaffixing an address label to the back of the photo. Please donot use ink gel or roller pens.)

Remember, our publication deadlines require that wework ahead, so send your seasonal photos in early. We needsummer photos before mid-April; fall photos before mid-Julyand winter photos before mid-September. Photos that do notreflect any season may be sent at any time. Please note: pho-tos will not be returned unless a self-addressed, stampedenvelope of the appropriate size is included. l

RURALreflections

Jeanette WiesermanREA Energy

Diane LaydenValley REC

Gary MartinSomerset REC

A P R I L 2 0 1 3 • P E N N L I N E S 25

26 P E N N L I N E S • A P R I L 2 0 1 3

Thoughts from Earl Pitts,UHMERIKUN!

PUNCHlines

I want y’all to try this at hometonight. A while back, my wife, Pearl, seenthis story about some bird-brain doctorsomewheres that said he come up withthe most exact scientifical estimate as tohow old you’re gonna be when you cash inyour chips for the recliner in the hereafter.

Over dozens of years an’ thousands a’patients, he asked them to sit on the floor,an’ then get back up. But, and here’s theproblem, they were supposed to be usin’as few of their hands, elbows an’ kneesas possible. He says the people thatneeded the most support to get back updied the earliest.

So me an’ Pearl tried this last night. Igot news for you — we might already bedead but we just don’t know it. I thoughtsittin’ down on the floor would be theeasy part, on account a’ gravity is workin’in your favor. But I found out balance,weight an’ general conditioning were not.Here’s what I decided — what if I was tosquat like a baseball catcher an’ then justkind of sit? I see them guys do it all thetime.

For the record — squattin’ is a youngman’s game. ‘Cause at my age, if you canget down in a squat, that’s gonna be howthey find you a couple days later whenyour buddies call the police worried‘cause you ain’t been at work for threedays.

So, I ended up fallin’ forward ontotwo knees. Heck, I’m as good as dead. Imean, at this point I wouldn’t be upset ifPearl pre-registered on eHarmony.com.Cause that time is obviously comin’sooner rather than later.

But now here’s the hard part, andthat’s getting’ back to your feet with nohands, knees or elbows. I mean — do Ilook like a circus acrobat? After somesignificant strugglin’, I ended up usin’two knees, two elbows and three hands.That’s right — Pearl finally grabbed mean’ pulled me up.

Wake up, America. So try this tonight

Social commentary from Earl Pitts —— a.k.a.GARY BUR BANK , a nation ally syndicatedradio per son ality —— can be heard on thefollowing radio stations that cover electriccooperative service territories in Pennsylvania:WANB-FM 103.1 Pittsburgh; WARM-AM 590Wilkes-Barre/Scran ton; WIOO-AM 1000 Carlisle;WEEO-AM 1480 Shippensburg; WMTZ-FM 96.5Johnstown; WQBR-FM 99.9/92.7 McElhattan;WLMI-FM 103.9 Kane; and WVNW-FM 96.7 Burnham-Lewistown.

Earl discovers hedoesn’t have long to live after results of‘sitting’ test

in your home an’ figger out how muchmore time you got. Just make sure that ifyour better half is witnessin’ this, she issittin’ down, ‘cause otherwise she’ll belaughin’ so hard, she’ll fall down.

I discovered another way you cantell you’re gettin’ old. I mean, besides thefact you get up five times a night to go tothe bathroom, and the first thing you saywhen anybody talks to you is, “What?”

You know you’re gettin’ old when theonly thing you got to look forward to islookin’ back.

Here’s what I’m talkin’ about. We’resettin’ at the bar watchin’ the game on TV.An’ they got a commercial for one a’ thesetricked out, fancy smartphones. Youknow, one of them that all the kids got.

Junior Meeker pipes up and says, “Iremember when all you could do on acellphone was make a phone call.”

An’ his brother, Dub, goes, “I remem-ber when if you wadn’t home an’ youwanted to make a call, you needed a payphone an’ a quarter.”

An’ Runt Wilson goes, “I rememberwhen your TV signal come in throughthe air, an’ your calls came in on a wire.”

An’ they all nodded, an’ took a drink.Then a commercial come on for a car

with a tricked-out navigation system.Junior Meeker goes, “I remember

when the only electronic read-out on acar was a clock, an’ if you wanted toknow where you was goin’, you brungalong a map.”

Dub goes, “I remember when if youcouldn’t find where you was goin’, youjust kept drivin’ in circles ‘til you found it.Even if it took days.”

An’ they all nodded, an’ took a drink.Wake up, America. They say people

that don’t learn from the past are doomedto repeat it. I think we’re gettin’ to the agewhere we’re doomed to re-live it. Con-stantly.

I’m Earl Pitts, Uhmerikun.l

Your furnace.

Your furnace with geothermal.

©2013 WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of

WaterFurnace International, Inc.

Take what you’ve got, and make it even better. A WaterFurnace geothermal split system works with your existing furnace to enhance your

comfort and savings. It’s smart enough to heat your home using the most economical fuel

for any situation – whether that’s fossil fuel or the clean, renewable energy in your yard.

Even better, it also provides savings up to 70% on cooling in the summer and hot water all

year round. And because WaterFurnace geothermal systems don’t use combustion or burn

any on-site fossil fuels, they help ensure your children will enjoy scenes like the one above.

For more information, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

visit us at waterfurnace.com

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

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

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

CochrantonTiptons Electric HVACR(814) 425-7083

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

Northern CambriaKupetz Plbg & Htg(814) 948-6460gogeokupetz.com

Territory ManagersDavid Higgins(877) 424-0536

Paul Tipton(877) 533-0216

Larry Brown(800) 934-5160 x8802

Name _______________________________Address _____________________________City ____________________State _______ Zip ____________ Phone _______________Email _______________________________

( )

CREEPING RED SEDUMCover bare spots with blazing color!

(Sedum spurium) You’ll be thrilled with this hardy ground cover sometimes called Dragon’s Blood. Fills those ugly trouble spots with attractive, thick ever-green foliage all year and amazes you with brilliant, starlike red flowers June through September. These are hardy, northern, nursery-grown plants.

N7036 12 for $3.89 24 for $7.69 48 for $14.99 96 for $27.99

IMPROVED!

ROSE OF SHARON HEDGEA friendly fence that blooms all summer!Delightful blossoms of red, white, or purple each summer in a lifetime fence of natural beauty. These hardy shrubs will grow naturally to 5-10′

for an informal privacy screen or can be trimmed for a neat colorful hedge. Bursts into brilliant bloom

in mid-summer and continues to flower through fall. Or-der today and receive 1-2′ shrubs. Our choice of colors.

N6877 (30′) 6 for $3.99 (60′) 12 for $7.89 (120′) 24 for $15.49

(240′) 48 for $29.99

GIANT QUINAULT EVERBEARING STRAWBERRIES

Bears all season!If you love strawberries but don’t like to pick them, grow Quinaults. THEY ACTUALLY GROW BIG AS TEA CUPS! And they’re just as deli-cious as they are big. These firm, deep red berries make fancy “restau-rant” desserts. Excellent for preserves, freezing and eating fresh, too. When planted in April, Quinaults will produce July through September — right up until frost! Treat yourself to big luscious berries all season.

N6607 25 for $6.99 50 for $12.99 100 for $23.99

HOUSE OF WESLEY1704 Morrissey Drive DEPT. 969-9066

Bloomington, Illinois 61704

HOW MANY Item # DESCRIPTION COST N5022 G. C. Daylilies N6492 Mixed Hybrid Lilies N6607 Q. Strawberries N6877 Rose of Sharon N7036 Red Sedum N7948 Thuja Green Giant — Hardy Gladiolus (our choice)

“Thank you” Gift FREE with a $10 order!

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THUJA ‘GREEN GIANT’One of the highest quality evergreens available! Green Giant was introduced to the gardening public by the U.S. National Arboretum. And what an introduction! This outstanding variety is a vigorous grower often growing over 3′ per year. Adaptable trees grow in almost any soil conditions. Extremely uniform in pyramidal shape and require no trimming. Green Giant is very tolerant to pests and diseases. Eventually reaches a height of 60′ tall with a base measuring between 12-20′. Grow as a specimen tree or as an evergreen windbreak. Plant 5-6′ apart for a really fast privacy screen, otherwise 10-12′ apart. Green Giant can be trimmed to any height and width. Supplies are limited so make sure to order yours early!

N7948 $5.99 each 2 for $11.79 4 for $22.99 8 for $43.99 16 for $84.99

MIXED HYBRID LILIESCreate a dazzling spot of beauty!

Hardy naturalizer that spreads quickly. Produces big-ger stems and more blooms each year. Scatter in an informal setting for a dazzling spot of beauty. Plant 6-8″ deep and apart in full to partial sun. We send our choice of colors. 10-12 cm bulbs. Zones 3-9.

N6492 10 for $7.98 10 for $3.99 20 for $14.98 20 for $7.49

GROUND COVER DAYLILIES

A carefree naturalizer!(Hemerocallis) A non-demanding cover for steep slopes banks and other hard to mow areas. Plant along roadways, walks and fences. One plant pro-duces 50 or more charming 4-5″ blooms a season. Spreads quickly. Grows to about 2′ tall. Mixed colors.

N5022 8 for $9.97 16 for $18.99 32 for $37.99

ONE YEAR GUARANTEEIf any item you purchased from us does not live, for a one time FREE replacement just return the original shipping label along with your written request within 1 year of re-ceipt. Replacement guarantee is VOID unless the original shipping label is returned. For a REFUND of the pur-chase price, return the item and the original shipping label with correct postage af�xed, within 14 days of receipt.

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