September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

THE MAGAZINE YOU COME HOME TO Distance learning dilemma Pandemic reveals technology gap in rural areas

PLUS Four ways to be cyber safe Convert garage into living space Seasonal sweets

Contents SEPTEMBER 2020 Vol. 55 • No. 9 4 Keeping Current Editor News from across Peter A. Fitzgerald the Commonwealth Senior Editor/Writer Katherine Hackleman 6 Energy Matters Ways to winterize a Associate Editor manufactured home Michael T. Crawford Layout & Design 8 feature: Distance W. Douglas Shirk learning dilemma 8 production coordinator Pandemic reveals technology gap Michelle M. Smith in rural areas Contributing Columnists James Dulley 12 Time Lines Janette Hess Your newsmagazine Yvonne Butts-Mitchell through the years

Penn Lines (USPS 929-700), the newsmagazine of Pennsylvania’s electric cooperatives, is published 12a Cooperative monthly by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Associa- Connection tion, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, Information and advice from PA 17108-1266. Penn Lines helps 166,000 households of co-op consumer-members understand issues your local electric cooperative that affect the electric cooperative program, their local 18 co-ops, and their quality of life. Electric co-ops are not- 14 TECH TRENDS for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed, and tax- paying electric utilities. Penn Lines is not responsible Four ways to be cyber safe for unsolicited manuscripts. The opinions expressed in Penn Lines do not necessarily reflect those of the 16 Smart circuits editors, the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, or local electric distribution cooperatives. Convert garage (or basement) into efficient living space Subscriptions: Electric co-op members, $5.39 per year through their local electric distribution cooperative. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Harrisburg, 18 COUNTRY KITCHEN PA 17107 and additional mailing offices. POST- Seasonal sweets MASTER: Send address changes with mailing label to Penn Lines, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. 19 rural views 19 Advertising: Display ad deadline is six weeks prior to High and tight, Mona Lisa and month of issue. Ad rates upon request. Acceptance the Jeep wave of advertising by Penn Lines does not imply endorse- ment of the product or services by the publisher or any electric cooperative. If you encounter a problem 20 Classifieds with any product or service advertised in Penn Lines, please contact: Advertising, Penn Lines, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Penn Lines reserves 22 Punch Lines the right to refuse any advertising. 100 days alone in the arctic wilderness is looking pretty good

23 Rural Reflections Coming soon: autumn 23

ON THE COVER Board officers and staff, Pennsylvania Rural Electric Lisa Williams, a Tri-County REC Association: Chairman, Leroy Walls; Vice Chairman, Tim Burkett; Secretary, Barbara Miller; Treasurer, member and reading specialist at Rick Shope; President & CEO, Frank M. Betley Southern Tioga School District, sits on her deck with her dog, Maddy, © 2020 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part as part of a video to encourage without written permission is prohibited. students and parents to stay posi- tive after schools closed during the Visit with us at Penn Lines Online, early stages of the pandemic. located at: www.prea.com/penn-lines- Photo courtesy of Lisa Williams magazine. Penn Lines Online provides an email link to Penn Lines editorial staff, information on advertising rates, and an archive of past issues.

Member Of:

| SEPTEMBER 2020 3 keepingcurrent

News from across the Commonwealth

Recipients of unsolicited The 24-mem- PSU reports finding new seeds asked to complete ber commission invasive species in state survey for the state was established Penn State University Extension re- The Pennsylvania Department of Ag- as part of a pack- ports the first known occurrence of an riculture is asking residents who have age of agriculture invasive species, the swede midge, in received unsolicited packages of seeds initiatives during Pennsylvania. Discovered in July in a from China to go online to the depart- the 2019-2020 Bradford County broccoli field, the tiny ment’s website and complete a survey. session of the Pennsylvania Legislature. (1/16 inch) fly that is native to Europe This is in regard to a growing scam in Commission members were asked to and parts of Asia extensively damages e-commerce that involves unsolicited research and make recommendations Brassica crops. packages — in this case, seeds — be- regarding how to help the dairy industry First confirmed in the United States ing shipped to residents. Officials are regain its footing in the global market. in New York 20 years ago, the pest concerned that the seeds might include Organized into four subcommittees belongs to a group of insects that often plant diseases, weeds or invasive plants. (Farm, State, Market, and Consumer cause distorted plant-growth patterns levels, each chaired by a Pennsylva- in crops such as cabbage, broccoli and nia dairy producer), the commission cauliflower, among others. considered input from studies, organi- Extension officials say the pest zations, and individuals, leading to 54 may be more widespread than has recommendations in the final report. been known as its damage may have During a Penn State Extension and been mistaken for herbicide injury or Center for Dairy Excellence forum dis- various stress factors. They say dam- cussing the commission’s recommen- age varies with the crop and time of dations, Pennsylvania Department of infestation, but can include plants that Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding don’t produce heads, leaf puckering, Department officials are asking that (an Adams Electric Cooperative mem- multiple shoots, many small heads, consumers who received unsolicited ber) said he believes the commission’s brown scarring, swollen flower florets packages of seeds retain the seeds and diversity of input and bold initiatives or leaves, and other plant-growth packaging. If the package has been will lead to meaningful progress. distortions. opened, they advise double bagging “We are stable with a plan, with the Adult swede midge live only about and sealing the seeds. The seeds should right people engaged, with recommen- a week, but there are multiple gener- not be planted or discarded. dations that go not back to the depart- ations per year. For more information Anyone who received the unsolicit- ment, not out into the ether, but back about the swede midge and its manage- ed seeds is asked to go to the depart- to the governor, back to the leaders ment, go to the Penn State University ment’s website at agriculture.pa.gov, in the House and Senate,” he said. Extension website at extension.psu.edu “That to me is an important statement search for “Seeds from China” and and search for “swede midge.” l complete a survey. because it says this is not simply about what a few folks who are on the com- Dairy commission releases mission think. It’s what we think, cou- ideas to strengthen industry pled with what our leaders in govern- The Pennsylvania Dairy Future Com- ment do, and that will be important as mission in August released a report to we move from the report that’s printed the Pennsylvania General Assembly and released to the action.” and the dairy community outlining its The report can be found on the recommendations to strengthen and Center for Dairy Excellence website promote the state’s dairy industry. at centerfordairyexcellence.org.

4 | SEPTEMBER 2020 SAVE 88% SUPER COUPON Shop When You Need To Online & In-Store WOW 12" x 12" SUPER COUPON M i c r o ﬁ b e r NO COUPON REQUIRED CuSUPERstomer Rati COUPONng Cleaning Cloths 3-Ply Disposable Less Than (674) CustomerPack Rating of 4 50¢ Per Mask Face Masks (6155) % 10 Masks 20 20 Gallon, 135 PSI per Pack Oil-Lube WOW! Air Compressor ¢ ANY $ 99 69 SINGLE ITEM* $ 99 164 $289 OFFUse Online & In-Store $ 99 Save Compare to * 55651461 * 189 ProElite 4 $ LIMIT 3 55651461 • Breathable 85 AZC0AB • Comfortable, Compare to $5.99 Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with Lightweight While Porter-Cable other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Use Online & In-Store Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, ﬂ oor • Single Use Supplies Last 118903799 jacks, power stations, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Use Online & In-Store ITEM 63358/63925 Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, • Non-Medical $249.99 57162 * 55655099 * Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on * 55651806 * 63363 shown ITEM 57593 In-Store Only ITEM 56241 55655099 Exp. 10/30/20* prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 10/30/20. 64857 shown 55651806 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 10/30/20*

SUPERCustomer COUPON Rating SUPERCust omerCOUPON Rating SUPER COUPON SUPERCu stCOUPONomer Rating (1245) 7 ft. 4" x 9 ft. 6" (2261) 200 Lumen LED (1190) All Purpose/ Super Bright 30", 4 Drawer Tech Car t 900W Ma x. Star ting 2 Cycle Weather Resis tant Tarp Flip Light Gas Powered Generator Customer Rating YOUR CHOICE $ 99 $499 (5952) OF 6 COLORS $ 99 2 $ 99 $ 99 109 Side $ 99 1 149 tray sold $ 99 $ 99 separately. 124 Save 3 199 Save 65% Save Save $ $ 60% Compare to 16 Compare to 730 Compare to Blue Hawk Compare to Snap-on PowerSmart BG8X10-Y Promier Blue-Point PS50 Use Online & In-Store $ 8.78 Use Online & In-Store SW-SWITCH-12/24 Use Online & In-Store KRBC10TBPC Use Online & In-Store $126.10 ITEM 69115/69121 $ 4.99 $880 ITEM 63024 * 55655303 * 69129/69137 * 55658960 * ITEM 64723/64189 * 55659525 * ITEM 56391, 56393, 64818, * 55659654 * 63025 shown 55655303 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 10/30/20* 69249/ 877 shown 55658960 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 10/30/20* 63922 shown 55659525 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 10/30/20* 56392, 56390, 56394 55659654 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 10/30/20*

CuSUPERstomer Rati COUPONng SUPERCust omerCOUPON Rating SUPER COUPONCustomer Rating SUPER COUPONCustomer Rating Heav y Dut y (4984) (1864) (4980) (7091) Foldable Aluminum 29 Piece Titanium 10 ft. x 17 ft. Portable Garage 7 AMP Electric Pole Saw Sports Chairs Drill Bit Set 9.5" Bar YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR $ 99 $ 99 169 $10 99 6 FT. to 8 FT. 10" 19 $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 199 18 $ 99 29 59 $ 99 Blue Save Save 79 Save ITEM 56719 $120 83% Save 50% Green $39 ITEM 63066 Compare to Compare to 62314 shown Compare to Dewalt DW1369 Worx Compare to Use Online & In-Store Shelter Logic 76377 Use Online & In-Store $68.14 Use Online & In-Store WG309 Use Online & In-Store Coleman $290.75 ITEM 5889 $99.98 635394 * 55660791 * ITEM 62859/63055 * 55661860 * 62281 * 55662491 * ITEM 56808/68862 * 55662582 * $39.99 55660791 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 10/30/20* 62860 shown 55661860 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 10/30/20* 61637 shown 55662491 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 10/30/20* 63190 / 62896 shown 55662582 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 10/30/20*

SUPER COUPONCustomer Rating SUPER COUPONCustomer Rating SUPER CuCOUPONstomer Rating SUPER COUPONCustomer Rating (2870) (3820) (6317) (4982) 300 lb. Capacit y 130 Piece Tool Kit 4-1/2" Angle Grinder 18" Working Platform Step Stool AT V/ Lawn Mower Lif t with Case $ 99 $ 99 $19 99 74 29 $ 99 $9999 $3999 $ 99 29 Save 9 Save Save Save 54% $ 99 50% $46 14 50% Compare to Compare to Compare to Max Load Anvil A137HOS Compare to Ironton 38028 Use Online & In-Store $66.39 Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store Neocraft 60635 Use Online & In-Store $121.47 61451 $39.99 ITEM 64263/68998 $19.99 ITEM 60395/62325 * 55663406 * 63248/64080 * 55664014 * * 55666320 * ITEM 62515 * 55666727 * 62493/61523 shown 55663406 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 10/30/20* 63091 shown 55664014 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 10/30/20* ITEM 69645 / 60625 shown 55666320 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 10/30/20* 66911 shown 55666727 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 10/30/20*

SUPER COUPONCustomer Rating SUPERCust omerCOUPON Rating SUPERCu stCOUPONomer Rating SUPER CuCOUPONstomer Rating (3886) (1660) (1286) (3480) ® Automatic Battery Rapid Pump® 1.5 Ton 3/8" x 14 ft., Grade 43 6.5 HP (212 CC) OHV Float Charger Lightweight Aluminum Towing Chain Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine $ 99 Floor Jack $ 99 $ 99 4 $ 99 19 99 $999 59 $ 99 $ 99 Save $ 99 39 119 83% Save 79 Save Save $ Compare to $ 230 Schumacher Electric 91 69% Compare to SC1 Compare to Compare to Honda 77280 K Tool Mibro GX200UT2QX2 $30.41 Use Online & In-Store KTI63094 Use Online & In-Store 426920 Use Online & In-Store $329.99 Use Online & In-Store $151.42 $64.99 ITEM 69955 * 55670234 * ITEM 60363 / 69730 shown 64284 * 55667101 * ITEM 64552/64832 ITEM 40462/60658 * 55672140 * ITEM 68121/69727 * 55672243 * 42292 shown 55667101 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 10/30/20* 64980/ 64545 shown 55670234 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 10/30/20* 97711 shown 55672140 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 10/30/20* CALIFORNIA ONLY 55672243 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 10/30/20*

Pricing, promotions, and availability may vary by location and at www.harborfreight.com and are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to limit quantities. “Compare 1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com to” advertised price means that the speciﬁ ed comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another | national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. 5 Although we make *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 10/30/20. SEPTEMBERevery effort to assure that 2020 our prices and products are advertised as accurately as possible, we are only human and in the event an error is made, we reserve the right to correct it.

hft_pennlines_0920_M-REG169189.indd 1 7/22/20 3:38 PM energymatters

Ways to winterize a manufactured home By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

n difficult times like these, it’s more your manufactured home and could important than ever to ensure the require the services of a contractor to Imoney we spend yields the results locate and seal. Check with your local we need, especially for those people electric cooperative to see if they can living in manufactured homes who are recommend local contractors who can facing high winter heating bills. provide this service.

Here are five tips for winterizing Windows and doors your manufactured home, which can That window air-conditioning unit help you capture some significant that kept you cool all summer can be a energy savings. It’s worth noting that major source of heat loss in the winter. some of these suggestions are quick, Before the cold hits, cover it up –– or easy and cheap, but some will require better yet, remove it during winter more money than you may want to months. Another fairly easy way to cut spend. Choose the approach that down on energy loss is to install win- works best for your home and budget. dow insulation kits –– these are plastic, disposable sheets that are stretched Furnace over windows and held in place with It doesn’t cost anything to lower double-sided tape. Thick curtains can your thermostat in the winter. Make also do a remarkable job of cutting sure you clean or replace your furnace drafts and adding insulation around a air filter as often as recommended. If Another fairly simple fix is to insu- window. The final and most involved you heat your home with an electric late the first several feet of the hot step is to fill cracks and holes in walls or propane furnace, you can likely water pipe where it exits the tank. and around windows and doors with cut your heating costs dramatically by If there is room around your water caulk, filler, and/or expanding foam. installing a heat pump. Ductless heat heater, you could also wrap the tank pumps are efficient, and they eliminate with an insulation jacket, which you Floors the problem of leaky furnace ducts. can purchase from a home supply store Cold floors can be costly and If you don’t have the budget to make for about $20. If your water heater uncomfortable. The easiest solution is this investment now out of pocket, you uses gas or propane, be careful not to to lay down area rugs for additional may qualify for a loan. It’s quite pos- restrict the air needed for combustion warmth. But to really get the floor sible that your energy savings would or install insulation too close to the comfortable, you may have to venture cover the loan payment. exhaust flue. into the crawl space and insulate the floor or skirting. If you’re not sure how Water heater Ducts to do this, there are several video tuto- You pay a lot to heat water. One Leaky furnace ducts are often a rials available online. simple way to lower that amount is to major source of energy loss. A simple With these simple steps, you can lower your water heater’s thermostat. first step is to make sure all supply and look forward to a cozier and less-costly Make sure it’s set to medium, between return registers are open and are not winter! l 120 F and 140 F. Energy-efficient covered by furniture or rugs. Closed This article was co-written by Pat Kee- showerheads can also save energy. registers can really take a toll on your gan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Some showerheads are equipped with heating and cooling system. You might Efficiency. a button or valve that allows you to also be able to save energy by sealing For more information on winterizing reduce or stop the flow while you your ducts at the floor registers. The your manufactured home, please visit lather up. biggest leaks, however, are likely under collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.

6 | SEPTEMBER 2020 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 1 1 3 3 5 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 1 1 3 3 8 8 8 8 7 7

7 7 13 10 ⁄8 10 ⁄8 13 3 10 ⁄16 10 ⁄16 3 10 ⁄4 10 ⁄4

1 1 10 ⁄2 10 ⁄2 22 ALLIS CHALMERS HoodiesHoodiesinin 1!1! Men’s Reversible Hoodie 2-in-1 Hoodie Reverses from Black to Orange Vintage Allis Chalmers Tractors Applique L A Bradford Exchange Custom Apparel Exclusive

Available in 5 Men’s Sizes—M-XXXL Celebrate a Love of Magni cent Tractors Farmers know they can rely on Allis Chalmers for rugged and affordable An Exceptional Value Backed By tractors, and now you can rely on The Bradford Exchange to pay tribute Our Satisfaction Guarantee to the brand with a bold, 2-in-1, apparel design. This hoodie is crafted in Our “Allis Chalmers” Reversible Men’s Hoodie is an outstanding a soft cotton-blend knit featuring handsome details throughout. A large value at $139.95*, payable in 4 convenient installments of $34.99. embroidered applique patch of Allis Chalmers tractors is on the back It’s available in 5 sizes medium to XXXL. Sizes XXL and XXXL, add $10. of the black hoodie. The hoodie reverses to the famous “Persian Orange.” To order yours, backed by our money-back, 30-day guarantee, send no Both fronts display embroidered Allis Chalmers logos over the chest. money now; just return the Priority Reservation. You won’t nd Price Design details include two front kangaroo pockets, rib knit cuffs and this exclusive design in stores. So don’t miss out—order yours today! J hem, and full front zipper closure. Imported. Logo & Order online bradfordexchange.com/32588 Address J ©2020 The Bradford Exchange 01-32588-001-BIB Connect with Us! Allis-Chalmers is a registered trademark of Archer Well Company Inc. PRIORITY RESERVATION SEND NO MONEY NOW Job Code Signature J

Mrs. Mr. Ms. Tracking 9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393 Name (Please Print Clearly) Code YES. Please reserve the “Allis Chalmers” Reversible Men’s Hoodie for me Address J as described in this announcement, in the size indicated below. Please Respond Promptly City State Zip Yellow Snipe ❑ Medium (38-40) 01-32588-011 ❑ XL (46-48) 01-32588-013 Email J ❑ Large (42-44) 01-32588-012 ❑ XXL (50-52) 01-32588-014 *Plus 15.99 shipping and service. Please allow 6-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product E66101 ❑ XXXL(54-56) 01-32588-015 availability and order acceptance. Shipping Service J

1 1 10 ⁄2 10 ⁄2 3 3 10 ⁄4 13 13 10 ⁄4 10 ⁄16 7 7 10 ⁄16 10 ⁄8 10 ⁄8

B_I_V = Live Area: 7 x 9.75, 1 Page, Installment, Vertical updated 6.22.2018 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 1 3 1 3 8 PUBLICATION MUST MATCH CODES TO INSERTION ORDER. 7 8 7 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 8 ⁄ 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 3 1 5 7 5 1 3 7 8 8 7 7 7 8 8 7 NEVER GUTTER THE COUPON.

01_32588_00_BIB.indd 1 4/2/20 2:39 PM ia ms ll s a Wi y of Li rtes o cou t Pho Distance learning dilemma Pandemic reveals technology gap in rural areas

n the wake of a global pandemic, By Michael T. Crawford REMOTE OFFICE: Lisa Williams, a Tri-County REC member and reading specialist in Southern education at all levels moved from Associate Editor Tioga School District, sets up a remote office in Ithe classroom to the living room. the back of her car for her and her husband, a Across rural Pennsylvania, the move years as dean of students at Liberty teacher in the same school district, to telework revealed the pivotal role of reliable Elementary in Southern Tioga School outside in a church parking lot where they can high-speed internet on education. District. “(Previously), if a teacher was both get cell service. using the internet (in school), it would On March 16, schools across the be for short, intermittent periods of real-time communication with teach- Commonwealth closed as a cautionary time. Its use was totally structured, fa- ers — synchronous learning — using measure in the wake of the 2019 novel cilitated and supported by the teacher.” video conference platforms such as coronavirus, referred to as COVID-19. The pandemic changed all that. Google Meet or Zoom. Intended as a 10-day safety measure, “The amount of internet time went “When a kid has Google Classroom the closure was extended through the from hours to more hours, and our and they’re struggling with a concept, remainder of the school year. In rural work schedule had to become very they can have information instanta- Pennsylvania, online platforms such as flexible,” says Williams. “A lot of times, neously just by having a Google Meet Google Classroom, Seesaw and Zoom kids’ hours weren’t 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. session with their teacher,” says Gary shifted from optional tools to enhance when they were doing assignments. … Otis, a member of Wysox-based Clav- education to the foundations of remote Many times when we had whole-class erack REC and principal at Wyalusing learning. Zoom sessions, it would be 7 o’clock at Valley Junior/Senior High School. “Everything that we were teaching at night, sometimes on a Friday night.” But the internet structure needs school completely changed,” notes Lisa Remote learning across the Com- to be there for teacher and student. Williams, a member of Mansfield-based monwealth consisted largely of tasks Technically speaking, synchronous Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative for students to complete on their learning requires a stable internet (REC) who has spent the last eight own — asynchronous learning — and connection and symmetric download

8 | SEPTEMBER 2020 and upload speeds, typically measured and COVID-19 just brings that home.” like coffee shops or gas stations, or in megabits per second (Mbps). A He adds, “For most Americans, the just far enough down the road to get one-on-one video through Zoom, for capacity they have at home is insuffi- cellphone service. example, requires a minimum of 0.6 cient to have multiple livestreams. If “My family had two college stu- Mbps download and upload speeds, your kids are going to school in a tele- dents return home,” recalls Williams, while a group call-in gallery mode — presence manner and your job requires a reading specialist. “They were doing that is, all participants shown at once telepresence, in many places you will full course loads online at the house. — requires a minimum of 1.5 Mbps. not be able to do both. Families across We have satellite internet. I paid more For high-definition video quality, a the country are going to be forced for more data to support this. However, one-on-one Zoom call would require to choose between their children’s the connection could not support four 1.8 Mbps down and up, while a group telepresence education and their own adults working remotely every day. call would require 3 Mbps. professional telepresence activities.” Additionally, even though our Verizon As more learning moved online amid Those choices are already being plan is unlimited, we don’t get a 4G the pandemic, the technology gap in made, explains Dr. Jason Bottiglieri, signal at my home. My husband and I rural areas became more apparent. superintendent of schools at Wyalus- traveled about two miles up our road ing Area School District and former to the Salem Lutheran Church parking Inaccurate data member of Forksville-based Sulli- lot to obtain the signal, use our phones The Federal Communications Com- van County REC, noting that a large as hotspots, and complete our online mission (FCC) defines the minimum portion of the nation’s workforce has responsibilities. Each day, a different download and upload speeds for transitioned to telework. amount of time was required. Some broadband internet as 25 Mbps and 3 “Parents shouldn’t be forced to kick days a couple hours, many days more Mbps, respectively. In 2019, the FCC their child off of their learning envi- than that.” reported 800,000 Pennsylvanians did ronment just so they can have the full not have access to broadband con- access to the bandwidth in their home Digital divide nectivity. According to results from a because the service is so poor,” says Bandwidth in rural communi- yearlong research project measuring Bottiglieri. “Those things are realistic. ties doesn’t need to be shared to be median broadband speeds across the Those things really happen. … Those insufficient. In Bradford and Wyo- Commonwealth, millions of Pennsyl- are the complications that our families ming counties, where Wyalusing Area vanians, particularly in rural regions, have to go through. In the year 2020, School District is located, Meinrath’s lack high-speed internet. that’s absolutely unacceptable.” research showed the December 2018 The research project, “Broadband To avoid rationing the internet, median download/upload speeds to be Availability and Access in Rural some parents drove themselves — and 5.24/0.98 Mbps and 2.97/0.40 Mbps Pennsylvania,” which measured more sometimes their children, too — to respectively. In Tioga County, home to than 11 million broadband speed tests, public spaces that offered free internet, Southern Tioga School District, medi- indicates that no county in Pennsyl- vania had at least 50% of its residents receiving the FCC minimum speeds. Sponsored by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, the research suggests the growing inaccuracies in maps comes from internet service providers self-reporting their promised “up-to” speeds, as well as the FCC not veri- fying the claims and counting census tracks as being “covered” if even one home or business is reported to have access to broadband connectivity. “We are spending millions of taxpayer dollars to create decreasing- ly accurate maps,” explains Sascha Meinrath, director of X-Lab and leader of the research project. “According to BROADBAND STUDY: Sascha Meinrath, Palmer Chair in Telecommunications at Penn State official measures, we’re winning — University and project lead for the Broadband Availability and Access in Rural Pennsylvania study, speaks at a 2019 press conference in the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pa. Also pictured are: we’re making progress — when in fact State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), chairman of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania board, second in a lot of places that’s not the case, from left, and state Rep. Garth D. Everett (R-Lycoming), board vice chairman, center.

| SEPTEMBER 2020 9 an download/upload speeds reached starting in Potter County. 3.67/0.83 Mbps. After 10 months of construction, “My teachers tell me stories of kids Tri-Co Connections maintains 160 who spend lots of time on an assign- miles of fiber that provides service to ment, and then it won’t save or it won’t approximately 325 households. The upload,” Otis recalls. “It’s tough for multimillion-dollar project is slated to kids and parents. They work hard, take another four years. they want to be diligent and then Legislation to aid cooperatives that The Best Oﬀ ense is a technology hinders them. They get are seeking to find broadband solu- frozen, they get kicked out and they tions is working its way through the have to log back in again. They lose Pennsylvania General Assembly. Cur- Strong Defense motivation — they try to get in the rently, a bill that details electric right mental state, and then they can’t cooperative authority to provide #1 Rated Be prepared this fall with these Multivitamins download something.” internet service and expands existing 7 Time Winner!*

To reach students without suffi- ia ms electric easements in this effort awaits immune support supplements *Ratings based on results of the 2020High ConsumerLab.com potency multi survey of supplement users. ll More information at www.ConsumerLab.com/survey. ciently fast or reliable internet con- action in the state Senate after receiv- with vitamins, minerals

s a Wi Your immune system is your body’s best line of defense, and nutrients, including nections, teachers and students had to ing unanimous support in the House. and Life Extension® nutritional supplements are 25 mg of zinc get creative or go “old school” — even y of Li Legislative hurdles aside, building Item #02314 • 120 capsules relying on the postal service for assign- out the infrastructure for high-speed scientiﬁ cally formulated to support a healthy immune rtes $ .00 ments. internet in these areas will still require response, encourage whole-body health and more. 18 o cou

“A teacher has to put lessons on a t massive public and private investment.

thumb drive, then the students have Pho But time isn’t on anyone’s side. to get the information off it — if any REMOTE LEARNING: Lisa Williams, a Tri- Schools across the Commonwealth technology is available,” Otis explains. County REC member and reading specialist in have already begun to return to re- “Parents have to mail it back, then Southern Tioga School District, attends a first mote learning models for the 2020- grade Zoom meeting created by Lindsay Kutz, a the district secretary mails it back teacher in Southern Tioga School District. 21 school year. Approaches vary by Supports the Vitamin D supports Easily absorbed to teachers. … It’s definitely a long school district, largely following three body’s natural healthy immune antioxidant promotes turnaround time as opposed to being addressing the digital divide. approaches: all students returning to immune defenses response, bone immune and health & more respiratory health able to instantaneously connect with “We’ve already seen economic mod- a brick-and-mortar setting, a “hybrid Item #01813 • 50 mg 90 vegetarian capsules Item #01713 • 125 mcg Item #01534 • 600 mg the teacher. It’s a lot of extra steps and eling that’s showing per household approach” of half the student body $ .75 (5000 IU) • 60 softgels 60 capsules time wasted just for not having good — per household — the detrimental alternating between learning in the 6 $ .50 $ .50 connectivity.” impact of not having connectivity school buildings and learning remote- 7 10 To work around the lack of wide- can be measured in the thousands of ly, and all students learning remotely. spread connectivity, Wyalusing dollars per year,” Meinrath says. “For Regardless of the initial approach, Area School District ordered mobile example, properties — houses — that nearly every school district has laid hotspots for students who didn’t have don’t have connectivity have a dimin- out a plan for returning to complete SAVE internet access. The workaround high- ished valuation vis-à-vis houses that remote learning status dependent on 40% lighted other difficulties facing rural do have connectivity, which means the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. Citrus-orange- SAVE $5 Vitamin C plus Pennsylvanians. that both the individual household — “The solution of telelearning and ﬂ avored lozenges + FREE Shipping ultra-absorbable support immune quercetin for “In many of these same rural, your asset — is depreciated but also telepresence simply won’t work for on orders of $25 or more remote communities, not only is municipalities — they collect lower tens of millions of American house- health immune support Item #01561 Must Use Code Item #02228 high-speed internet not available, property taxes because the housing holds,” Meinrath says. “When we 60 vegetarian lozenges 60 vegetarian tablets but cell service isn’t available either,” stock is worth less.” discover that all of a sudden in the fall, GET5NOW $6.75 Price: $7.50 Bottiglieri says. “You’ll often see that The situation has prompted one it’s going to be a disaster.” Sale: $4.50 cellphone companies advertise things electric cooperative in Pennsylvania to To avoid the disaster of leaving a like 99% coverage across America or take on the daunting task of trying to generation of rural residents behind, nearly 100% coverage. Well, it seems bridge that digital divide. Tri-County Meinrath argues that the country to be that we live in communities REC, through its subsidiary Tri-Co needs an effort similar in scale to the where we’re that 1%. That 1% is pretty Connections, has spent the past year one that brought about rural electri- Call toll-free 1-855-847-9548 or visit LifeExtension.com widespread in rural, northeastern constructing the infrastructure neces- fication in the first half of the 20th Pennsylvania.” sary to support high-speed internet to century — an effort that coupled *Ratings based on results of the 2020 ConsumerLab.com survey of supplement users. More information at www.ConsumerLab. its members. That is after spending a massive government investment with a com/survey | Offer expires October 6, 2020. FREE standard shipping (regularly $5.50 USD) to any U.S. mailing address, excluding Trouble ahead year securing state and federal grants pioneering spirit. U.S. territories and wholesalers. To receive the $5 discount, your purchase must total at least $25 in a single order. Premier Rewards program fees, gift cards, and Life Extension Magazine® subscriptions do not apply to the $25 order total. Discounts ® These workarounds, Meinrath to build fiber-to-the-home internet “That phenomenon is very much available for nonstandard and international shipping. Copyright ©2020 Life Extension . All rights reserved. • PA MKAQAV200704 argues, represent a growing cost of not services to Tri-County REC members, needed today,” he states. l These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

10 | SEPTEMBER 2020

MKAQAV200704 Immune_PA_Ad.indd 1 7/27/20 2:44 PM The Best Oﬀ ense is a Strong Defense #1 Rated Be prepared this fall with these Multivitamins 7 Time Winner!* immune support supplements *Ratings based on results of the 2020High ConsumerLab.com potency multi survey of supplement users. More information atwith www.ConsumerLab.com/survey. vitamins, minerals Your immune system is your body’s best line of defense, and nutrients, including and Life Extension® nutritional supplements are 25 mg of zinc Item #02314 • 120 capsules scientiﬁ cally formulated to support a healthy immune $ .00 response, encourage whole-body health and more. 18

Supports the Vitamin D supports Easily absorbed body’s natural healthy immune antioxidant promotes immune defenses response, bone immune and Item #01813 • 50 mg health & more respiratory health 90 vegetarian capsules Item #01713 • 125 mcg Item #01534 • 600 mg $6.75 (5000 IU) • 60 softgels 60 capsules $7.50 $10.50

SAVE 40% Citrus-orange- SAVE $5 Vitamin C plus ﬂ avored lozenges + FREE Shipping ultra-absorbable support immune quercetin for on orders of $25 or more health immune support Item #01561 Must Use Code Item #02228 60 vegetarian lozenges 60 vegetarian tablets GET5NOW $6.75 Price: $7.50 Sale: $4.50

Call toll-free 1-855-847-9548 or visit LifeExtension.com

*Ratings based on results of the 2020 ConsumerLab.com survey of supplement users. More information at www.ConsumerLab. com/survey | Offer expires October 6, 2020. FREE standard shipping (regularly $5.50 USD) to any U.S. mailing address, excluding U.S. territories and wholesalers. To receive the $5 discount, your purchase must total at least $25 in a single order. Premier Rewards program fees, gift cards, and Life Extension Magazine® subscriptions do not apply to the $25 order total. Discounts ® available for nonstandard and international shipping. Copyright ©2020 Life Extension . All rights reserved. • PA MKAQAV200704

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

| SEPTEMBER 2020 11

MKAQAV200704 Immune_PA_Ad.indd 1 7/27/20 2:44 PM timelines Your Newsmagazine Through the Years

2010

2000 An estimated 21,500 Pennsylvania children are schooled at home — 1% of the total, but a sevenfold increase since the General As- sembly recognized the practice in 1988.

1990 George Andreadis pulls a poncho liner from a display case inside the traveling minibus used to pub- licize the proposed Vietnam War Museum in Gettysburg.

ar from being an eyesore, the aging barns dotting the rural Pennsylvania landscape instead represent a treasure that 1980 can provide a first-hand look at farm life between the late Delegates from more F than 100 cooper- 1700s and the early 1900s. atives attend the Often, the barns have outlived their original purpose. They National Institute on may be standing in the way of a new housing development, or Cooperative Educa- perhaps they have been empty for years as advancing tech- tion in University Park nology made them obsolete. Maybe their owners found their with the theme of maintenance to be too time-consuming or expensive. “Cooperatives — Key- stone of Agriculture.” Whatever the reason for the deteriorating condition of the barns, some Pennsylvania craftsmen are restoring them on-site to meet the needs of the 21st century. Others are delicately dis- mantling the structures, numbering and cataloging their posts and beams, and finally reconstructing them as beautiful new 1970 homes or commercial buildings. Some take the barn wood and Production of “King create furniture or crafts with it. Coal,” once the Reusing the wood from vintage barns provides a distinct leading contributor to the economy of advantage. It’s an environmentally green project, and because many Pennsylvania the barns of the 1700s and 1800s were made from the wood of counties, has fallen off virgin forests, the beams are usually larger and stronger than in recent years with beams made today. the increase in natural gas production.

12 | SEPTEMBER 2020

techtrends Four ways to be cyber safe By Paul Wesslund

e all know the internet can to keep you safe: be dangerous and scary, and 1. Use strong passwords. And Wwe’ve all seen the lists of change them regularly — many sites ideas for better cybersecurity. and apps make that easy to do by clicking on the “forgot your password” The problem is, cybersecurity tips link. The best passwords are at least aren’t helpful unless we act on them. eight characters and include differ- Sure, we should use long passwords ent types of characters — try using a and change them regularly — but will memorable verse from your favorite we really do that? song and adding a few numbers and This article includes four tips for special characters, ($ ! _ &) or even making yourself safer from cyber a space. If you are like most people, scammers and hackers, but first, remembering all your passwords is a let’s look at a few reasons that might challenge. Choose a security option encourage you to put those tips into based on the value of what you’re pro- action. tecting. The options you use to secure Be afraid. Be very afraid. Bad things your bank and retirement account really can happen on the internet. A passwords might be different than how smooth-talking con artist on the end you store your social media passwords. of the phone can charm or bully you Password apps keep them in one place into revealing your Social Security but you might be more likely to regu- and may be a great option for some number or credit card number, or larly update a strong password on the passwords, but you can be in big trou- malware can monitor your keyboard server in your home — that can be a ble if you forget the password that lets and capture your password to your good option if all your connections you into that app. Keeping passwords favorite website. Criminals use this are coming through that one point of on paper or in a notebook might be information to access your credit cards entry. more secure than using the same pass- and bank accounts, especially if you The time is now. Experts warn word for everything, depending on use the same password for multiple of a triple-threat these days. First, how secure and hidden that paper is accounts. Children can also be victim- scammers are taking advantage of from other people at the office or kids ized by cyberbullying. Think about COVID-19 uncertainty, from offering at home. what’s on your computer or your phony cures and tests, to promises 2. Install software updates. Your smartphone that you don’t want to of financial assistance. Second, with apps and operating systems will peri- lose or give away. Keeping those dan- more people working from home due odically send updates. Install them — gers in mind can help motivate you to to social distancing, there may be they often include protections against take small steps to prevent them. fewer office-based security measures the latest security threats. But remem- Make your own rules. When you in place. Third, the FBI warns that ber, those updates come from the apps see a good cyber safety tip but don’t increased use of mobile banking offers and not from emails or social media think you’ll really take the advice, more chances for cybercrime. And if notices. An email containing an update figure out a way you might be able to you’re the sort of person who thinks may be a scam — instead of clicking put it into action. Maybe you’re the in terms of months, October is Cyber- on the link, go to the app’s website to kind of person who pays attention security Awareness Month, which can see if there really are updates available. to a reminder note on your refrig- be a great time to act on this year’s 3. Use two-factor authentication. erator. Maybe you know you won’t theme, “Do your part. #BeCyberSmart That phrase is just a fancy word for keep track of different passwords on — If You Connect It, Protect It.” a technique that adds an extra layer all your internet-connected devices, So, here are four cybersecurity tips (continues on page 21)

14 | SEPTEMBER 2020 2019 Annual Report

(Photo Credit: Marissa Cronauer) rea energy cooperative, inc 2019 Executive Report We are very pleased to report to you, our Energy, a national cooperative that pro- chasing high-efficiency products that save owner-members, on the condition of your vides benefits for our members. Mem- money on members’ monthly energy bills. cooperative. It was a good year for the bers who take advantage of the Co-op Our electrical contracting business cooperative in 2019. The cooperative’s Connections programs enjoy numerous line continues to provide safe electrical financial performance during the year discounts. upgrades to our residential consumers allowed us to make great strides in improv- k Promoted the education of our youth and provides solutions for commercial ing our system and reliability. by sending 14 students (children of consumers. Our load technicians play a Following are just some of our 2019 members) to participate in the Youth pivotal role in increasing electric sales by accomplishments: Tour in Washington, D.C. One 2019 providing services at a competitive price. student, Karly Maslonik, was chosen as This service makes it easier for commercial Finance the alternate to represent Pennsylvania and industrial accounts to locate on coop- Financially, REA Energy experienced on the national level. erative lines, which increases sales. an overall increase in revenue in 2019 k Further promoted and enhanced the REA Energy Services recorded approx- due to recognizing one-time deferred “Members Sharing with Members” fund imately $830,675 in revenue for 2019. revenue. However, our electricity sales of to help members in need due to unem- The solid sales numbers were due to great $43,956,200 decreased due to a drop in ployment or financial hardship. customer service, honesty and exceptional residential and commercial consumption. k Further developed our Match Assistance value, making REA Energy Services the This decrease in sales revenue and no lon- Fund to help members in need for win- company of choice for many people. ger having the deferred revenue necessitat- ter bills and faulty services. REA Energy Services will be offering ed increasing rates in early 2020. k Educated our members at our yearly more convenient and energy-efficient Our cost of power totaled $22,959,849 meetings and trade shows. products and services in the future. Think due to competitive wholesale rates we re- k Encouraged large commercial members of us for any future contracting jobs, and ceived from Allegheny Electric Cooperative, (key accounts) to expand on our system, tell a friend about our excellent products Inc., our power supplier, and the benefits which may reduce costs for all members. and services. provided by our load management system. This combination of decreased sales, Adhering to our core principles, REA Rights-of-way along with reasonable power costs and Energy will continue to enhance existing REA Energy constantly monitors the careful management of our operating ex- programs and offer new technology to reliability of our power system. Each year, penses, allowed us to record a net margin better serve our members. an outage summary report identifies areas of $1,130,851, which met the requirements that need attention and, based on past his- of our mortgage holders. REA Energy also REA Energy Services tory, where future outages are most likely retired $642,924 of capital credits. REA Energy Services, our for-profit to occur. In 2019, 32% of our outages were Detailed financial statements can be subsidiary, continued to be successful due tree-related. found in subsequent pages of this issue of to an increase in commercial customers. Last year, the cooperative spent more Penn Lines. The cooperative’s records were REA Energy Services had solid sales in than $6.2 million on cutting rights-of-way audited by an independent accounting all four business lines, including heating, for line extensions to serve new customers, firm, which issued a clean audit opinion. ventilation and air-conditioning products as well as on regular cutting and herbicide (HVAC), electrical contracting, generators, treatments for existing rights-of-way. Con- Member Services and tree trimming. tributions for rights-of-way were made by REA Energy Cooperative continued to REA Energy Services installs most types various companies and members in 2019. expand member services in 2019 includ- of HVAC systems, such as electric boilers, Areas we focused on in 2019 were: ing: and three major heat pumps, including k Laurel Substation – cut 126 miles. k Researched and conducted surveys on ductless, air-source, and geothermal. By k Parkwood Substation – cut 143 miles. the members’ interest in broadband. keeping an emphasis on education and k Washington Substation – cut 138 miles. k Continued enhancements to the cooper- cost-saving benefits of these products, we k Clyde Substation – cut 70 miles. ative’s website, reaenergy.com. continue to install many of these types of k Increased use of mobile devices in field systems, and we anticipate future interest Maintaining rights-of-way remains a very vehicles for up-to-date information flow. from members due to volatile fossil fuel time-consuming and labor-intensive task. k Continued communication with our prices versus low REA Energy electric If you notice trees that present an immedi- members via regular posts to the coop- rates. Since profits from this for-profit ate threat to the cooperative’s power lines, erative’s social media pages, Penn Lines subsidiary go back to the cooperative, the please contact us so we can investigate. articles and printed material. subsidiary’s success helps keep rates low. k Fairly maintained our accounts receiv- Most of our products provide direct Reliability/System able levels, making our cash flow more profits to the cooperative and also increase Improvements predictable, thus reducing costs for all electric sales, which help keep rates low. REA Energy strives to provide reliable members. Not only does the cooperative benefit from electric service to members. This past year, k Continued promotion of Touchstone the subsidiary, members benefit from pur- the cooperative rebuilt 27.4 miles of line

12b | SEPTEMBER 2020 rea energy cooperative, inc

across the system. Rebuilding, relocation REA Energy Cooperative annual meeting. It also entitles the named and upgrading of electric lines included: Annual Meeting member(s) to a chance to win a door prize. Overhead – 27.4 miles REA Energy has made the decision to Informational videos, along with a list of k Belsano Sub, Bechel Lane Tap – 0.4 cancel our in-person annual meeting for Frequently Asked Questions on how to miles. 2020. The 2020 annual meeting will be register and log in for the meeting, are k Birtle Metering Pt., Mac’s Tire Circuit – held online (virtual) only. Instructions for posted on our website. 1.5 miles. signing up and viewing the annual meeting The cooperative has made this decision k Browns Crossroads Metering Pt. Streams were included in the official notice. in the best interest of the health and safety Nursery – 2.1 miles. To register for the annual meeting, you of our members, board of directors, and k Cherryhill Sub, Apache Dr to Geesey Rd will need to go to reaenergy.com and click REA Energy employees. We appreciate – 1 mile. on the button that says Annual Meeting your understanding and cooperation re- k Clyde Sub, Boliver Y Circuit – 6.8 miles. Registration prior to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10, garding this matter, and we look forward to k Georgeville Sub, Wells Rd – 1.2 miles. 2020. This will admit you to the virtual seeing you again in 2021. l k Georgeville Sub, Rte 210 to Plumville – 2.2 miles. k Indiana Sub, North Martin Rd to St. Clair Rd – 1.9 miles. k Laurel Sub, King’s II Ridge Rd Rebuild & Relocation – 3.3 miles. k Laurel Sub, King’s II Gwizdak Hollow Section 2 – 0.9 miles. k Parkwood Sub, Cunningham Road – 0.4 miles. Michael J. Bertolino Chad Carrick k Reese Sub, Vale Wood Circuit Larry Chairman, CCD, BLc, Gold President & CEO Stem Rebuild – 1.1 miles. Board of Directors Staff k St. Augustine Sub, Nagles Crossroads to Wayne T. Farabaugh, Vice Chairman, Barry Baker, Indiana Operations Manager CCD, BLC, GOLD Erin Bauer, SHRM-CP, ACRE Coordinator CH School – 2 miles. Robert P. Neese, Secretary/Treasurer, Shane Cribbs, Network & Systems Manager k St. Augustine Sub, Nagles Crossroads to Allegheny Director, CCD, BLC, GOLD Dave Daugherty, CSP St. Augustine – 1.8 miles. Thomas Beresnyak, Jr. Safety & Right of Way Manager Sandra Dill Jeff Dishong, Ebensburg Operations Supervisor k Washington Sub, Redding Run – 0.8 Anthony Enciso Lisa Gardill, CFPC, Accounting & Finance Manager miles. John R. Learn, CCD Stacy Hilliard, CCC, CKAE Substation/Metering Point Rick Shope, PREA Director, CCD, BLC Communications & Marketing Manager Howard Terndrup Local Pages Editor k Georgeville Substation – Rebuild failing Patrick McAndrew, PE retaining wall around Georgeville Sub- Manager of Engineering Bryon Roland, CPSM, C.P.M. station. Purchasing & Facilities Manager Renee Spalla, Supervisor of Consumer Services REA Energy is in the fourth year of its Chris Weller, Load Management Supervisor four- and 10-year work plans. The four- year work plan runs from 2017 through June 2021 and includes approximately Headquarters Office — District Office — 15-30 miles of reconductoring projects Indiana, Pennsylvania Ebensburg, Pennsylvania each year. We have started the process of Physical Location: 75 Airport Road Physical Location: 127 Municipal Road designing our new four-year work plan Address: P.O. Box 70, Address: P.O. Box 273, that would run from 2021 to June 2025. Indiana, PA 15701-0070 Ebensburg, PA 15931-0273 REA Energy had 347,018 total member 724-349-4800 or 800-211-5667 814-472-8570 outage hours for 2019 compared to 216,059 in 2018. REA experienced three major event Emergencies/Outages - 724-463-7273 or 800-332-7273 storms in 2019, which accounted for 99,392 Email - [email protected] Homepage - www.reaenergy.com outage hours compared to two major event Office Hours - Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. storms totaling 46,799 hours in 2018. Facebook: www.facebook.com and search for REA Energy Cooperative, Inc. Outages on the transmission system owned Twitter: www.twitter.com and search for @REAEnergy by investor-owned utility, FirstEnergy, were 92,638 member hours in 2019 compared to 2019 Statistics 61,265 member hours in 2018. The coop- Number of Services - 24,713 Est. Gross Load Mgmt. Savings - $218,787 erative relies on FirstEnergy transmission Miles of Electric Line - 2,696 Water Heaters Controlled - 5,725 lines for power delivery. System Peak (January) - 81,683 kW Controlled Electric Heat - 144 Management and staff continue to focus Kilowatt-hours sold - 382,131,867 kWh Water Heaters Issued To Date - 4,783 on our system improvements and work Net Plant Value - $97,307,202 Round-Up Participants - 2,416 closely with our power and transmission Full-Time Employees - 70 suppliers to improve transmission reliability.

| SEPTEMBER 2020 | SEPTEMBER 2020 12c rea energy cooperative, inc

24,656 24,713 25,000 23,685

21,327 Number of 20,000 18,561 Accounts 15,000 10,000

5,000

0 1979 1989 1999 2009 2019

400,000,000 382,131,867 343,235,702 350,000,000

300,000,000 282,013,629

250,000,000 226,245,020

200,000,000 187,643,474 kWh 150,000,000 Sold 100,000,000

50,000,000

0 1979 1989 1999 2009 2019

$100,000,000 $97,301,202

$80,000,000 $68,983,208 Net Utility $60,000,000 $44,185,404 Plant $40,000,000 $25,827,864

$20,000,000 $13,863,738

0 Photo Credit: Touchstone Energy 1979 1989 1999 2009 2019

12d | SEPTEMBER 2020 rea energy cooperative, inc

Nuclear - 10 percent ownership of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station Wholesale (58.9%) Power Supply Consumer-Member Interconnections (0.1%) Open Market Purchases - Mix of Sources Hydro - Raystown coal, natural gas, Hydroelectric Project nuclear, and oil and New York Power (31.1%) Authority (9.9%)

Purchased Power How the (52.6%) Cooperative’s Operations & Dollar Maintenance (23.7%) Taxes Was Used (0.1%) Administration Other Sales Depreciation & General (1.7%) (2.0%) Consumer (8.4%) (9.3%) Accounting (2.2%) Residential (66.5%) Sources of the Cooperative’s

Public Authorities Dollar & Lighting Commercial (0.2%) Other (33.0%) (0.3%)

| SEPTEMBER 2020 12e rea energy cooperative, inc

2019 Financial Report

Note: The capital credits from Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc., and other cooperatives, represent patronage capital credits allo- cated to us, but not paid. The accounts of our cooperative for 2018 and 2019 have been audited by Buffamante, Whipple, Buttafaro, P.C., Jamestown, N.Y. The auditor’s complete report is on file in the office of the cooperative and is available for inspection by members of the cooperative.

12f | SEPTEMBER 2020 rea energy cooperative, inc

Cause of Outages in 2019

CAUSE OF OUTAGES TOTAL OUTAGE HOURS PERCENTAGE OF (Hours out multiplied by the number of consumers affected) ALL OUTAGE HOURS

Trees or Limbs 111,115 32.0% Major Storm* 101,409 29.2% Power/transmission Supplier 62,312 18.0% Distribution Line Equipment 31,953 9.2% Pre-Arranged 17,658 5.1% Customer Caused 6,231 1.8% Weather Other 5,453 1.6% Unknown 4,817 1.4% Lightning 3,338 1.0% Animals 2,732 0.8% TOTALS 347,018 100% * In 2019, we had three (3) Major Storm events.

Important annual meeting news

REA Energy has made the decision to cancel REA Energy Cooperative, Inc. our in-person annual meeting for 2020. The 2020 annual meeting will be held online (virtual) only. Annual Meeting Instructions for signing up and viewing the annual Sept. 10, 2020 meeting were included in the official notice. To register for the annual meeting, you will need 6:30 p.m. Call to Order and Determination of a Quorum to go to reaenergy.com and click on the button that says Annual Meeting Registration prior to Reading of Notices 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10, 2020. This will admit you to Action on 2019 Minutes the Virtual Annual Meeting and also entitles the Election Results named member(s) to a chance to win a door prize. Chairman’s Report Informational videos, along with a list of Frequent- ly Asked Questions on how to register and log in President & CEO Report for the meeting, are posted on our website. Unfinished Business The cooperative has made this decision in the New Business best interest of the health and safety of members, Questions & Answers the board of directors, and REA Energy employees. We appreciate your understanding and Adjournment cooperation regarding this matter. Awarding of Prizes

| SEPTEMBER 2020 12g rea energy cooperative, inc

October is National Cooperative Month Being part of a cooperative means being part of IMPORTANT something special. REA Energy will celebrate National Cooperative Month in October, along with more than 40,000 other cooperative businesses serving more NOTICE! than 140 million people nationwide. On Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, This year, REA Energy will be holding a Member Appreciation Month throughout October. Members REA Energy’s Ebensburg who were not able to participate in the online meeting and Indiana offices will will need to present their Annual Meeting Member Card (the bottom portion of their Annual Meeting Notice) to close at 11 a.m. Both receive a gift packet, which includes a hat, calendar offices will reopen at and screwdriver. This will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Only one gift packet per membership 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19. will be given, while quantities last. *If you participated Please call 724-463-7273 in and received the $10 bill credit for the online meeting, you will not be eligible to get a gift packet. or 800-332-7273 to report In the event that the COVID-19 situation in our any power outages. area requires that our lobbies be closed, members will be able to receive their gift packet at the Indiana Payments can be placed drive-thru window. At our Ebensburg office, members in the drop box at both will need to come to the front entrance and an em- ployee will set the packet outside. locations, or via our If you have any questions, please visit our online Member Portal at website, reaenergy.com, or call 724-349-4800 or 800-211-5667. reaenergy.com.

Right-of-way management/facility construction news REA Energy contractors will be completing tree-trimming work in the following areas in September: k Contractor crews from Penn Line Tree Service will be trimming the rights-of-way of the Fairview, Georgeville, Latimer, Livermore and Locust Substation areas, in addition to emergency maintenance areas. Notification of work will be made via a letter to members in the areas affected. Contractors will perform all right-of-way work per REA Energy specifications. If you have any questions, call 724-349-4800, or you can view the specifications online at reaenergy.com. All crews will carry identification. Your Board of Directors

Michael J. Bertolino Wayne Farabaugh Robert P. Neese Sandra Dill Thomas Beresnyak Jr. Anthony Enciso Howard Terndrup John R. Learn J.R. “Rick” Shope Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary/Treasurer District 9 District 1 District 7 District 4 District 6 District 2 District 3 District 8 District 5 REA Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

12h | SEPTEMBER 2020

smartcircuits Convert garage (or basement) into efficient living space By James Dulley

ear Jim: We need another bedroom. What are my options, Don a limited budget, to convert our brick garage into an efficient bedroom? — Michael N.

Dear Michael: This is a very common home improvement project and probably the least expensive method to add a bedroom. Only one new wall, to replace the garage door, needs to be built, so both material and labor costs will be reasonable. The techniques to insulate a wall, both for converting a garage or a basement into living space, are similar. It foam insulation has a higher R-value Don’t forget the attic area when con- actually is easier to insulate a basement per inch thickness than batt insulation. verting a garage. Just like in any room, because much of the wall area is below Foam insulation must be covered by most heat is lost through the attic. ground level. drywall to meet fire codes. Insulate the attic to the code recom- If you plan to do the conversion proj- Every room must have an egress win- mendations and locate the vapor barrier ect yourself, adding 2x4 (or 2x6 in very dow in case of a fire. The window must down toward the living area. cold climates) stud wall framing on the have a minimum opening width of 20 A cold floor can make you feel interior is relatively simple. The studs inches and a minimum opening height uncomfortable. A typical concrete will not carry any weight, so they can of 24 inches. The window must have garage slab or basement sucks heat out be spaced as wide as possible to accom- a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 of the room. Install a breathable insula- modate the insulation width. When square feet with a maximum sill height tion panel over the floor and cover that built over a concrete slab or floor, use of 44 inches above the floor. with thick carpet padding and carpet- pressure-treated lumber for the footer. A good choice for bedrooms is an ing. Consider installing electric infloor The location of the vapor barrier for acrylic casement-style block window. It radiant heating. the insulation varies for basements and looks like a regular glass block window A low ceiling height can be a prob- above-ground garages. For basements, when closed to provide security and lem with a basement conversion. To moisture usually flows from the ground privacy. It opens with a crank like a minimize the loss of headroom, insulate through the foundation into the insu- regular casement window for ventila- around the outside of the concrete slab. lation. Attaching a film vapor barrier to tion and egress. Dig down several feet and place rigid the wall before the studs is best. When Many companies offer conversion extruded polystyrene insulation panels using faced fiberglass batt insulation, systems for garages and basements. Fully against the sides of the slab. Make sure place the facing against the foundation insulated wall and ceiling panels are cus- to use extruded, not expanded, foam wall. For above-ground walls, place the tom-sized to fit your specific project. panels for below-ground applications. l vapor barrier toward the room side. Snap-in insulated fabric-covered When converting a smaller garage panel systems are effective for a bed- Have a question for Jim? Send or basement area, where maximizing room. They provide insulation, block inquiries to James Dulley, usable floor space is a concern, attach moisture and are relatively soundproof. Penn Lines, 6906 Royalgreen narrow furring strips to the wall. Place Look for one where the panels can Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or thinner sheets of rigid foam insulation easily be snapped out to access the old visit www.dulley.com. up between the furring strips. Rigid wall or to make other changes.

16 | SEPTEMBER 2020 NEW RECHARGEABLE Digital Hearing Aid

Introducing the VOLT What’s New from MDHearingAid... A digital, rechargeable hearing aid that’s every bit as good as the ones you’ll fi nd at expensive clinics, but at a fraction of the price. Buy One... Get one FREE Reg $59998 MD VOLT Never Change Only $29999 a Battery Again Each when you buy a pair The new rechargeable VOLT incorporates advanced VOLT Features digital technology at an outstanding price. • Advanced Digital Technology We include the same high-quality digital processors • Feedback Cancellation - NO Whistling as hearing aids costing $2,400 or more but • Dual Directional Microphones eliminate the complex components not needed by • Medical Grade Quality 95% of the people with hearing loss. PLUS... we cut out the middleman. • No Prescription Needed Compare it to other rechargeable hearing aids • Unparalleled 24/7 Support and you’ll fi nd only VOLT has Feedback Cancellation and Dual Directional Microphones for superior performance. Nearly Plus, we have 24/7 Technical Support and a invisible... 100% Money-Back Guarantee to ensure you’re No one will completely statisfi ed! No other company provides know you’re such extensive support. wearing it Did you know most people who use one hearing aid really need two? The brain processes signals from Doctors Are Tired of Patients Wasting both ears for clarity & balanced SHOP AT HOME! Money at Over-Priced Clinics sound so if you have hearing loss Skip the Clinic Best Value ★★★★★ in both ears, your brain has to “...this product is just as effective (if not more) process two different sound and with Remote Care than traditional overly-priced hearing aids. I will clarity levels. be recommending MDHearingAid to my hearing-impaired patients.” – Dr. Chang RISK-FREE MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE Excellent Quality-to-Price Ratio ★★★★★ Hear Better Or Your Money Back! “Quite impressive in its performance... an excellent Try MDHearingAids risk free with a quality-to-price ratio, and I would highly recommend 100% money-back guarantee for 45 days. it to my patients with hearing loss.” – J. May, MD Call 1-800-290-5017 Today! or visit www.MDVolt.com Be sure to enter offer code KD34 to receive DOCTOR DESIGNED | AUDIOLOGIST TESTED | FDA REGISTERED FREE SHIPPING!

| SEPTEMBER 2020 | SEPTEMBER 2020 17 countrykitchen

Seasonal sweets By Janette Hess

ome flavors are a natural fit for fall. Pumpkin and apple immediately come to mind, along with walnut and pecan. A trained journalist, Janette Hess S focuses her writing on interest- Pumpkin Mousse is the perfect dessert for early fall. Cooler and creamier than ing people and interesting foods. traditional pumpkin pie, this delicately spiced treat is so simple to create that it She is a Master Food Volunteer with her local extension service just might need to make a return appearance for Thanksgiving. and enjoys collecting, testing Autumn Crostata is a trendy way to serve newly harvested apples. Less compli- and sharing recipes. cated than your grandma’s two-crust apple pie, this free-form dessert features a pleasing blend of apples, walnuts and honey. Like most apple desserts, it definitely should be served with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. Easy Apple Squares are a tasty cross between a cake and a bar. The recipe comes together quickly in a single saucepan and is delicious served warm or cold — with vanilla ice cream, of course. l

Pumpkin Mousse Combine marshmallows and milk in large microwav- able bowl. Heat in microwave for 1 minute to melt 14 large marshmallows 2 tablespoons powdered marshmallows. Remove and lightly stir until smooth. 1/3 cup milk sugar (If needed, microwave an additional 15 seconds to 1/2 cup canned pumpkin Granola or chopped melt marshmallows.) Add pumpkin and pumpkin pie 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pecans for garnish, if spice. When mixture has cooled to room tempera- desired pie spice ture, whip cream in separate chilled bowl until peaks 1 cup heavy whipping form. Add powdered sugar and whip to combine. cream* Fold in pumpkin mixture. Divide among individual *If desired, 2 cups thawed whipped topping of ramekins or sherbet dishes. Chill until set. If desired, choice may be substituted for whipping cream top with granola or chopped pecans. Makes 4 gener- and powdered sugar. ous servings. Recipe easily may be doubled.

Autumn Crostata Place unbaked pastry on large baking sheet. Cut apple slices in half. In large bowl, toss apples with flour and Pastry for 9-inch, single- 1/4 cup brown sugar cinnamon. Stir in honey, brown sugar and walnut piec- crust pie* 1/2 cup walnut pieces es. Pile mixture onto pastry and spread to within 1 1/2 4 cups peeled and sliced 1 tablespoon butter, cut or 2 inches of pastry edge. Dot with butter. Fold pastry apples into small pieces up and over apples, pleating as necessary, to create a 3 tablespoons flour Vanilla ice cream for free-form edge. (Top will be open.) Bake at 425 degrees 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon serving for approximately 40 minutes, or until pastry is golden 1/4 cup honey brown. If top edges of pastry brown too quickly, cover *Pastry should be 11 to 12 inches in diameter and loosely with aluminum foil. To serve, cut into 6 or 8 may be either homemade or purchased. wedges and top with vanilla ice cream.

Easy Apple Squares Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium to medium low heat. Stir in brown sugar; cook and stir 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) 1/2 teaspoon salt for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Peel, butter 1/2 cup chopped pecans core and dice apple. Add diced apple to pan along with 1 cup brown sugar or walnuts vanilla extract. Quickly stir in beaten egg. Add flour, 1 medium apple Cooking spray baking powder, salt and nuts. Stir to combine. Pour 1 tablespoon vanilla Powdered sugar for mixture into sprayed 8- by 8-inch baking dish. Bake extract garnish at 325 degrees for approximately 30 minutes, or until 1 egg, lightly beaten Vanilla ice cream, if pick inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with 1 cup flour desired powdered sugar and cut into 9 squares. Serve warm or 1 teaspoon baking at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, if desired. powder Store leftovers in refrigerator.

18 | SEPTEMBER 2020 countrykitchen ruralviews High and tight, Mona Lisa and the Jeep wave By Mitchell Kyd “News from the Path Valley Hotel”

got a new Jeep! Well, not quite Their use of “sir” and “ma’am” is auto- new, but pretty darn close, and matic courtesy to strangers and those Idefinitely new to me. After two ball cap bills are never worn back- years of driving another Jeep model wards, sideways, or in any way that (I named it Jeep Wannabe), I’m behind isn’t parallel to the marching surface. the wheel of a Wrangler. It has the I’ve watched my son point out other four-wheel drive gumption it needs random service members in airports, to assail the winter driveway here at stores and restaurants just by the way the PVH, a promise that grandma-Jeep they carry themselves. If they happen couldn’t deliver. to pass each other, there’s a little nod that says: “Hey, man! I see you and Mid-life crisis, you say? I can assure we’re connected.” you it isn’t. I passed midlife a long time I’ve also watched strangers talking ago. That doesn’t stop me from loving I remember when that was my to my son in the most casual sur- the bright blue paint job or cranking secret, too, and it was hard to contain. roundings ask: “You’re military, aren’t up classic vinyl on my Sirius. The weird thing was other women you?” Often they are vets themselves, The little joys I had been missing all started looking at me differently. Or or have a son or daughter serving, but came rushing back as I left the dealer, maybe I was seeing them as if they the result is always the same. Whatever and I hadn’t gone far when another had suddenly materialized. Some were differences in geography, religion, poli- Wrangler driver welcomed me back obviously moms, kids in tow, but there tics or economics that might eventually into my family of passing strangers. He were other women out alone who also surface, the thing that’s most important gave me the Jeep wave — a beautiful knew the code. Thin women, heavy in that moment is the thing they have thing. Subtle but deliberate, it’s just a women, dark, light, well-dressed, on a in common. few fingers lifted off the steering wheel budget — even women old enough to So there you have it, a crash course but it says: “Hey! I see you and we be my grandma recognized my Mona on my knowledge of inclusive secret are connected.” Bikers have their own Lisa smile. All it took was a momen- circles, not the ones that exclude us, version, too: a low, open palm offered tary glance, eye-to-eye, but their mes- but the ones that redefine boundaries in passing as an instant of private sages radiated from somewhere deep to draw us in. After months of social exchange. inside: “Hello, Honey. Welcome! I see isolation, it occurs to me that we’re My split-second encounter that day you and we are connected.” all connected in more ways than we brought back another old smile. It If the phrase “high-and-tight” res- recognize. It’s a matter of seeing the started me thinking about the first time onates for you, you know there are thread. l I realized my human connections had other strangers chuckling about that always been working outside my nar- routine barber instruction. The image row definitions. I had simply not been of that haircut confirms that you are, Yvonne Butts-Mitchell writes and blogs (deadmousedi- paying attention. were, or know a man with military ser- aries.com) under the pen name Can you picture da Vinci’s Mona Lisa vice. No matter what age, race, or gen- Mitchell Kyd. The “News from and that intriguing half-smile? There der, in uniform, or dressed in “civvies,” the Path Valley Hotel” series was inspired by her encounters are stories galore to explain it; some are military men and women have a look with contractors, critters and pretty dark. The one that rings true for and bearing that is instantly recogniz- assorted creepy crawlies while me is that she was trying to hold back a able in the most ordinary moments, rehabbing her family cabin after secret. She was expecting. like waiting their turn at the checkout. its 17-year stint as a giant closet.

| SEPTEMBER 2020 19 Classified Advertisements Classified Advertisements

ISSUE MONTH AD DEADLINE Penn Lines classified advertisements reach nearly 166,000 rural Pennsylvania households! Please note November 2020 September 17 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 re- December 2020 october 16 ceived 30 days prior to the issue month. Classified ads will not be accepted by phone, fax or email. For January 2021 november 16 more information please contact Michelle M. Smith at 717-233-5704. Please submit a clearly written or typed CLASSIFIED AD SUBMISSION/RATES sheet with the following required information: Electric co-op members: o Cooperative members should please submit the mailing $20 per month for 30 words or less, plus 50¢ for each additional word. label from Penn Lines as proof of membership. Non-members: o Non-members should submit name, address, phone number, $70 per month for 30 words or less, plus $1.50 for each additional word. and email address, if applicable. Ad in all CAPITAL letters: o Month(s) in which the ad is to run. Add 20 percent to total cost. o Ad copy as it is to appear in the publication. SPECIAL Headings: o $5 for co-op members, $10 for non-members. Fee applies to any heading not Heading ad should appear under, or name of special heading listed under “FREE Headings”, even if the heading is already appearing in Penn (additional fee). See below for FREE heading options. Lines. For ads running a special heading in consecutive months, the fee is a one- FREE Headings: • Motor Vehicles & Boats time fee of either $5 or $10 for all consecutive insertions. • Around the House • Nursery & Garden PAYMENT: • Business Opportunities • Real Estate Please make CHECK/MONEY ORDER payable to: PREA/Penn Lines. • Employment Opportunities • Recipes & Food Insertion of classified ad serves as proof of publication; no proofs supplied. • Gift & Craft Ideas • Tools & Equipment • Livestock & Pets • Vacations & Campsites SEND COMPLETED AD COPY AND PAYMENT TO: • Miscellaneous • Wanted to Buy Penn Lines Classifieds • P.O. Box 1266 • Harrisburg, PA 17108

“AA” ROOFING CONSULTING FORESTRY SERVICES HEALTH INSURANCE EXPERTS IN HARD-TO-FIND LEAKS! Roof NOLL’S FORESTRY SERVICES. Timber Sales, DO YOU HAVE THE BLUES regarding your repairs – all types. House-barn roofs painted. Appraisals, Forest Management Plans, Forest health insurance? We cater to rural America’s Slate work – chimney repairs. Southwestern PA Improvement Work, Wildlife Habitat Management. health insurance needs. For more information, for over 40 years. Speedy service! 814-445- FREE Timber Land Recommendations. 30 years call 800-628-7804. Call us regarding Medicare 4400. experience. Visit www.nollsforestryservices.com. supplements, too. Call Ron, 724-422-5525. AROUND THE HOUSE CENTRE FOREST RESOURCES. Forest HUNTING LEASES Management Services, Wildlife Habitat CLOCK REPAIR: If you have an antique Management, Timber Sales, Appraisals. College- WANTED HUNTING LAND – There is a current grandfather clock, mantel clock or old pocket educated, professional, ethical foresters working demand for hunting leases. Call for evaluation watch that needs restored, we can fix any for you. FREE Timber Consultation. 814-571-7130. of your property. Professionally managed. timepiece. Macks Clock Repair: 814-421-7992. Generate yearly income. $1,000,000 liability FALL IS DECK-STAINING SEASON! For sale RAYSTOWN FORESTRY CONSULTING timber insurance. Know who is on your property. (Huntingdon/State College), 4 gallons “TWP sales, appraisals, wildlife habitat management. www.nollsforestryservices.com. Call Ron 724- 1516” semi-transparent wood stain, “Rustic” Dedicated to sustainable harvests for present and 422-5525. color (brown-red). Never opened. $95. Leave future generations to enjoy. 45 years experience. message. 814-234-8543. 814-448-0040 or 814-448-2405. MASONRY REPAIRS SPECIAL OFFER – BOTH COOKBOOKS CRANE SERVICE SPECIALIZING IN RESTORING AND FOR $12. “Country Cooking” – $5, including REPAIRING masonry structures. We love postage. “Recipes Remembered” – $7, NEED A LIFT? Crane service for all your lifting old churches! Serving Western PA for 25 including postage. Both of these cookbooks needs. Experienced, fully insured, and OSHA- years. Contact Russ, Crane Masonry. www. certified equipment and operators. Precision are a collection of recipes from men and women cranemasonry.com. 724-465-0225. of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New Crane LLC, Linesville, PA 814-282-9133. Jersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric MISCELLANEOUS Association, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA FAMILY FUN 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks. FOR SALE: Buckets, forks, thumbs, grapple THE DOUBLE DIAMOND DEER RANCH is buckets and pallet forks for skid loaders, BUILDING SUPPLIES open for the season. Here you pet deer instead backhoes and excavators. Tires for backhoes, of shooting them. See white, piebald and brown rubber tire loaders and excavators also. Call 814- FACTORY SECONDS of insulation, 4 x 8 deer. Located near Cook Forest State Park, Pa. 329-0118. sheets, foil back. R-Value 6.5 per inch. Great for Visit us on Facebook and our website at www. pole buildings, garages, etc. Many thicknesses FINANCIAL FREEDOM? By invitation only, thedoublediamonddeerranch.com. Call for our proven opportunity has been changing the available. Also blue board insulation sheets. 814- hours. 814-752-6334. 442-6032. financial lives for thousands of members for the past 18 years! Not a business or MLM! Seriously STEEL ROOFING AND SIDING. Over 25 years GIFT & CRAFT IDEAS looking for a proven opportunity? No better time! in business. Several profiles cut to length. 29- SPECIAL OFFER – BOTH COOKBOOKS Recorded message: 503-405-8176. and 26-gauge best quality residential roofing – FOR $12. “Country Cooking” – $5, including 40-year warranty. Also, seconds, heavy gauges, postage. “Recipes Remembered” – $7, POWDER COATING accessories, etc. Installation available. Located including postage. Both of these cookbooks northwestern Pennsylvania. 814-398-4052. ALMOST ANYTHING METAL can be powder are a collection of recipes from men and women coated: auto parts, lawn furniture, wheels, etc. of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New Restores, protects, preserves. 1,200-degree Jersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric manifold coating. Arthurs Powder Coating, 263 Association, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA Sexton Road, Indiana, PA 15701. 724-349-3770. 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks.

20 | SEPTEMBER 2020 Classified CAdvertisementslassified Advertisements

REAL ESTATE WANTED TO BUY tech trends (continued from page 14) VIRGINIA’S EASTERN SHORE. Fishermen and ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC American, and foreign beach lover’s paradise. Access Chesapeake cars, motorcycles, trucks, Broncos, Blazers of security in addition to a password. Bay or Atlantic Ocean within minutes. Waterside and Scouts. Any condition. Will buy entire car Banks increasingly use this system — Village 3/4-acre homesites near marina from collections. [email protected]. 717-577- $18,000 with fenced and locked RV/camper 8206. when you try to connect with them, storage available. Beach access nearby. the bank may text a code number Waterfront sites available on bayside and seaside. BUYING VINTAGE HONDA motorcycles. 1960- Many free boat ramps within minutes. Low, low 1980. XR-75, CT70, ST90, SL70, Z50, CL70, to your phone that you type in to taxes. Kirkwoodontheshore.com. 757-678-7631. CT90, S90 – all types big and small. Parts collections, parts bikes, non-running, rough, all complete the sign-in process for your HOUSE AND GARAGE. Borders State Land. considered. 724-972-8701. account. Keep in mind that answering Out of flood plain. View of Pine Creek. Route a security question is similar to having 414. Just outside of Waterville, Pa. Well and LOOKING TO BUY advertising items such as septic. 2-plus acres. Call for information. 570- signs, clocks, thermometers, globes and gas a password –– both are something you 502-0202. pumps. Gas & oil, soda, beer, etc. Please call or text 814-952-5449. know. Answering a security question THINKING OF SELLING or want a free market ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC motorcycles wanted. won’t provide the same level of addi- analysis of your property? We specialize in tional security as that of a second fac- farms, land and getaways. www.juniatarealty. All makes and sizes. BSA, Norton, Triumph, com. Give Juniata Realty a call at 814-652- Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, etc. tor. A second factor will be something 2234. [email protected]. 717-577-8206. you have, like your phone to receive a passcode, or something you are, like RECIPES & FOOD a biometric fingerprint, in addition to SPECIAL OFFER – BOTH COOKBOOKS FOR $12. “Country Cooking” – $5, including something you know, like a password postage. “Recipes Remembered” – $7, MOVE or security question. including postage. Both of these cookbooks 4. Think before you click. Be are a collection of recipes from men and women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New wary of any offer or link that comes Jersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric OVER PA! through the internet, whether by email Association, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA or social media, or even a phone call 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks. instructing you to get online. Don’t SHAKLEE click on a link unless you know for FREE SAMPLE Shaklee’s Energy Tea. certain what it is. Ideally, you should Combination red, green and white teas that are be expecting to receive the link. Even natural, delicious, refreshing, safe. For sample emails from friends should be suspect or more information on tea or other Shaklee Nutrition/Weight Loss Products: 800-403- — hackers can impersonate someone 3381 or sbarton.myshaklee.com. you know to send a link or an attach- TRACTOR PARTS – REPAIR/RESTORATION ment — both can result in you down- loading malware that can take control ARTHURS TRACTORS, specializing in vintage Ford tractors, 30 years experience, online Drivers in Pennsylvania of your computer in ways you may not parts catalog/prices, Indiana, PA 15701. even be able to detect. If you have any Contact us at 877-254-FORD (3673) or www. are required to move doubt, whether it’s a link to a software arthurstractors.com. over or slow down for update or an attachment to a funny cat VACATIONS & CAMPSITES video, give the sender a phone call to NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., condo rental. stopped emergency find out if they really sent it or if it’s Two bedrooms, two baths, pool. 200 yards from a scam. beach. Not available January - March. $650 per and utility crews. week or $2,400 per month. 814-979-8058 or To take advantage of the great 814-635-4020. promise of the internet, we must also PATTON, PA: Fully furnished 3-bedroom recognize the peril. These are relatively home for rent. Located 2 miles from Rock Run simple steps you can take now to keep Recreation and Prince Gallitzin State Park. Rates starting at $65 a night. Please call 814- yourself reasonably safe. l 656-2945 or 814-674-8037. Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National WANTED – OLD BARNS MvOv 1/6.indd 1 8/7/20 8:57 AM Rural Electric Cooperative Association, WE BUY QUALIFIED OLD BARNS. We Have something to sell? the national trade association represent- also dismantle old sheds, warehouses, and outbuildings. No Sunday calls. Call 814-766- Place a classified ad in ing more than 900 local electric cooper- 9925. atives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.

| SEPTEMBER 2020 21 punchlines 100 days alone in the arctic wilderness is looking pretty good By Earl Pitts, American

’all ever seen this show on the As we are gettin’ settled in for the erator or go fishin’ with a yardstick. Or TV called “Alone?” They send evenin’, I hear her say, “Would it kill drink the whole two liters of Dr. Pep- Ypeople out there to live all by you to put the remote on the top of per at one time. A tiny mouse person their lonesome in the arctic wilderness. the TV when you go to bed so we can would just go under there and get it. They even take their own pictures find it the next day?” My response Or when you’re on the road and you ‘cause there’s no cameramen or nothin’ was, “Would it kill you to dust the top drop your phone or your bank card out there. For some 100 days, they’re of the TV — maybe a couple times a between the center console and your “alone.” An’ bein’ alone drives them year?” seat. And you jam your hand down crazy. We didn’t used to fight like that. We there tryin’ to grab it, and your hand used to be happy just to ignore each gets stuck, and you can like barely get I have discovered the one thing other and go about our own business, your phone between two fingers, but that will drive you crazier than bein’ back when we could go somewheres. it keeps slippin’ every time you try to alone in the arctic wilderness for 100 Wake up, America! Next time pull it out. Yeah — a tiny mouse per- days. That’s bein’ stuck at home with they’re lookin’ for somebody to live in son would be useful right there. Prob- your better half for more than 100 the wilderness alone for 100 days with ably squeeze right down there. days durin’ what some people call the bears, wolves and temperatures at 50 And I’m not going to lie to you, dampanic. below, I’m in. I’m Earl Pitts, American. havin’ a tiny mouse person in your I’m at the point now that I wouldn’t shirt pocket to hand you cigars would mind an unwanted visit from a polar saw this story on my little boy’s be the ideal conversation starter. Peo- bear. You know what I’m sayin’? An’ computer the other day that made ple would start to fall over backerts, it ain’t nuthin’ big. It’s the little stuff Ime roll my eyes and fear for my and you could go, “Oh, I forgot to startin’ to gnaw away at us. life — at the same time. The headline introduce you to my tiny mouse per- Like, yesterday, Pearl gets in my said, “Scientists excited their new son, Stuart Little.” face. mouse high-breed is the most human Wake up, America. OK — I’m not She says, “Earl, you are so incon- yet.” going to lie to you — when I started siderate. You left the old coffee filter Now — what I can gather from this two minutes ago, I thought tiny in the coffee maker again!” Then she readin’ the headline alone is that we mouse people was a bad idea. Now, goes, “I had to dump your coffee filter are apparently creatin’ a civilization of I’m not so sure. I’m Earl Pitts, Ameri- in the trash!” tiny mouse people. While at the same can. l So I go, “Me? Me inconsiderate? time givin’ the stink-eye to every other Who threw a wet towel over the country that’s tryin’ to make some- shower curtain last night?” thing we don’t have. We’re makin’ tiny She says, “That’s where a wet towel mouse people, folks! Social commentary from Earl Pitts — a.k.a. Gary Burbank, goes!” I’m askin’ you — why do we need a nationally syndicated radio The only thing I could think to say tiny mouse people? Well — except personality — can be heard on was, “Well, it wasn’t hung up even!” for the obvious, like, puttin’ that little the following radio stations that cover electric cooperative ser- Then later she goes, “You didn’t put screw in the hinge of your eyeglasses vice territories in Pennsylvania: the toothpaste cap on tight!” and I go, when they break. A tiny mouse person WANB-FM 103.1 Pittsburgh; “You were next — and your fingers would be great at that. WARM-AM 590 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton; WIOO- AM 1000 Carlisle; WEEO-AM 1480 Shippens- ain’t broke.” And maybe gettin’ a bottle cap when burg; WMTZ-FM 96.5 Johnstown; WQBR-FM When she starts fixin’ dinner, I hear it falls on the kitchen floor and rolls 99.9/92.7 McElhattan; WLMI-FM 103.9 Kane; her say, “Earl, we got ants!” an’ I go, under the refrigerator. Regular-size and WVNW-FM 96.7 Burnham- Lewistown. You “With beautiful smiles!” human people got to move the refrig- can also find him at earlpittsamerican.com.

22 | SEPTEMBER 2020 | SEPTEMBER 2020 ruralreflections

Coming soon: autumn ven though the calendar shows it is still summer, the number of daylight hours is diminishing and there’s an Eoccasional hint of coolness in the air, reminding us that fall is on its way. However, there is plenty of time left to take some great photos for the 2020 Rural Reflections contest. Amateur photographers are encouraged to send their photos to Penn Lines Photos, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. Include name, address, phone number and the name of your electric cooperative. 2020 winners in each of five categories — artistic, landscape, human, animal and editor’s choice — will receive $75, and runners-up will receive $25. We work ahead, so please send winter photos by mid-Sep- tember (hint: save your spring, summer and fall photos to submit next year). 2020 photos will be returned in early 2021 if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. l

Joy LaBolle Warren EC

Lisé Miller Adams EC

Jessica Sensenig Joel Keen Adams EC United EC

| SEPTEMBER 2020 23