DECEMBER 2020

THE MAGAZINE YOU COME HOME TO Need for know-how Education trends show skilled labor shortages continuing

PLUS Beyond poinsettias A perennial holiday favorite Pitts, signing off SAVE 89% SUPER COUPON Shop When You Need To Online & In-Store WOW ( 7293 ) SUPER COUPON 4" Magnetic Par t s Holder SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON (3105) ( 923 ) 3-Ply Disposable Less Than #1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA Face Masks 30¢ per ® Mask Rapid Pump 3 Ton S teel 20% Pack of 10 Heav y Dut y YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR Floor Jack

$ 99 ANY $ 99 SINGLE 2 89 ITEM* $ 99 $ 10499 OFFU s e Online & In- S tor e 3 WHILE WOW! * 83758365 * SUPPLIES LIMIT 3 $ 99 83758365 LAST ¢ 2 Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be Black Blue Compare to Hardware sold separately. used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track ITEM 57593 Non-medical. ITEM 58065 Compare to Save Titan 63 Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot 11194 Sale item, compressors, fl oor jacks, power stations, safes, storage cabinets, chests or Compare to Save Powerbuilt $ Use Online & In-Store carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Avanti, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, Fecedy In-Store Only 647593 45 Use Online & In-Store $ 5.99 * 83778288 * CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Drummond, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, B01711ZXI4 66% $ 135.27 Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior * 83765876 * * 83768787 * ITEM 62535 / 90566 shown 83778288 Exp. 1/15/21 * purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 1/15/21. $ 8.99 83765876 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 56621/56622/56623 / 56624 shown 83768787 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21 * SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON (3949) ( 5591 ) (5248 ) (4270) 3500 w Super Quiet 11 HOUR RUN TIME 588 Lumen 18" Working Plat form S tep S tool 3 Gallon, 100 PSI Oil-Free Inverter Generator Tactical Air Compressors $ 99 Flashlight $ 99 YOUR CHOICE 19 $ 99 769 $ 99 $ 99 29 39 799 5" $ 99 $ 99 Pancake 54 ITEM 95275/60637 Save 9 61615 shown $1,329 Save $ 1399 Save Hot Dog 83% Compare to 59% Compare to Compare to ITEM 69269/97080 shown Neocraft Save Honda Streamlight Compare to EU3000IS1A Use Online & In-Store ProTac 1L Use Online & In-Store 60635 Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store $ 39.99 50% Porter-Cable $ 2,099 * 83779908 * $ 59.99 * 83780449 * * 83783439 * PCFP02003 * 83788571 * ITEM 56720 / 63584 shown 83779908 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 64799 / 63934 shown 83780449 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 62515 / 66911 shown 83783439 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 1/15/21 * $98.62 83788571 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 1/15/21 * SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON (5430 ) (6777) (625 ) ( 2062 ) 40" x 72" Moving Blanket 4-1/2" Angle Grinder 10 f t. x 10 f t. Por table Shed 4" Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader $ 399 $ 129 99 $ 479 $ 16499 $ 99 Save ¢ $70 99 9 $ 99 Compare to $ 99 Compare to 1 Pratt Retail Save Compare to Save 14 Compare to Irwin Specialties Ironton ShelterLogic 1964747 Save HDMOVBLAN 60% Use Online & In-Store 61451 Use Online & In-Store 70833 Use Online & In-Store $ 6.49 Use Online & In-Store $ 9.98 $ 22.99 56% $ 199.99 84% * 83791021 * * 83792675 * * 83802267 * ITEM 46805/62242 * 83806818 * ITEM 69504/62336 / 47262 shown 83791021 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 69645 / 60625 shown 83792675 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 56184 / 63297 shown 83802267 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21 * 68974 shown 83806818 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON (1286 ) (4756) ( 2144 ) 200 Lumen LED 18v Lithium-Ion 300 lb. Capacit y 4 AMP High Frequency Super Bright 3/8" Drill/ Driver Kit Pneumatic Battery Charger/Maintainer Flip Light $ 99 Adjustable $ 3799 $ 99 (6180) 27 Roller Seat 27 $ 99 $ 3499 $ 99 1 19 $ 399 Save Save $ 99 64% 29 Save 73% Compare to Duralast TR6201C 60% Compare to $74.99 Compare to Compare to Ryobi Snap-on Save Promier P215K Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store EEBM500A $ Use Online & In-Store SW-SWITCH-12/24 Use Online & In-Store $ 79 * 83806963 * *83807680* $ 111 83 * 83813970 * $ 4.99 * 83818468 * ITEM 56122 / 64118 shown 83806963 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 61160/63456/46319 shown 83807680 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 1/15/21* ITEM 63350 83813970 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 64723/64189 / 63922 shown 83818468 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON YOUR CHOICE OF 6 COLORS (1073) (4057) ( 1777 ) 44" x 22" Double Bank 4-1/2" Flap Discs Click-Type Torque AMP YOUR CHOICE 125 Ex tra Deep Cabinet Wrenches Flux Core ( 808 ) $ 99 Welder 2 $ 79 1/4" Dri v e $ 99 4 ITEM 61277/63881 3 6 G r i t 3/8" Drive $ 99 449 ITEM 61500/67639 ITEM 61276/63880 99 $ 99 6 0 G r i t 1/ 2 " Dri v e 499 ITEM 69602 $ 99 ITEM 62431/63882 shown 120 Grit 129 Save ITEM 67636/69604 shown YOUR CHOICE $ Save Compare to 2,285 Save $ 99 $ Snap-on Save $ 99 19 100 Compare to Blue-Point 88% Ironton KRA4813FPBO 66% 9 Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store 45433 Use Online & In-Store $ 2,735 Compare to Compare to $ 199.99 ITEM 64446 , 64955, 64443, * 83827826 * Diablo DCX045080N01F * 83833727 * Husky H2DTWA * 83836794 * * 83839028 * 64954, 64281, 64956 83827826 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21 * $8.97 83833727 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21* $ 89.97 83836794 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 63583/57798/ 63582 shown 83839028 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21 *

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 1,100+ 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. Although we make *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 1/15/21. every effort to assure that 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_1220_M-REG169196.indd 1 10/22/20 2:20 PM SAVE 89% SUPER COUPON Shop When You Need To Online & In-Store WOW ( 7293 ) SUPER COUPON 4" Magnetic Par t s Holder SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON (3105) ( 923 ) 3-Ply Disposable Less Than #1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA Face Masks 30¢ per ® Mask Rapid Pump 3 Ton S teel 20% Pack of 10 Heav y Dut y YOUR CHOICE Contents OF COLOR Floor Jack DECEMBER 2020 Vol. 55 • No. 12 4 Keeping Current $ 99 $ 99 ANY News from across SINGLE Editor 2 89 ITEM* the Commonwealth $ 99 $ 10499 OFFU s e Online & In- S tor e Peter A. Fitzgerald 3 WHILE WOW! * 83758365 * Senior Editor/Writer SUPPLIES LIMIT 3 $ 99 83758365 LAST ¢ 6 Energy Matters 2 Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be Katherine Hackleman Black Blue Compare to Hardware sold separately. used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track ITEM 57593 Upgrade electronics for Non-medical. ITEM 58065 Compare to Save Titan 63 Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Save $ 11194 Use Online & In-Store Sale item, compressors, fl oor jacks, power stations, safes, storage cabinets, chests or Associate Editor Compare to Powerbuilt carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Avanti, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, energy savings Fecedy In-Store Only 647593 45 Use Online & In-Store $ 5.99 * 83778288 * CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Drummond, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, B01711ZXI4 66% $ 135.27 Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior Michael T. Crawford * 83765876 * * 83768787 * ITEM 62535 / 90566 shown 83778288 Exp. 1/15/21 * purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 1/15/21. $ 8.99 83765876 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 56621/56622/56623 / 56624 shown 83768787 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21 * Layout & Design 8 feature: Need for SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON W. Douglas Shirk know-how 8 (3949) ( 5591 ) (5248 ) (4270) production coordinator Education trends show skilled 3500 w Super Quiet 11 HOUR RUN TIME 588 Lumen 18" Working Plat form S tep S tool 3 Gallon, 100 PSI Oil-Free Michelle M. Smith labor shortages continuing Inverter Generator Tactical Air Compressors Contributing Columnists Flashlight $ 99 YOUR CHOICE $ 99 James Dulley 12 Time Lines 19 $ 99 Janette Hess Your newsmagazine 769 $ 99 $ 99 29 39 George Weigel through the years 799 5" $ 99 $ 99 Pancake 54 ITEM 95275/60637 Penn Lines (USPS 929-700), the newsmagazine Save 9 61615 shown $ Save $ 99 Save of Pennsylvania’s electric cooperatives, is published 12a Cooperative 1,329 13 monthly by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Associa- Hot Dog Connection 83% Compare to 59% Compare to Compare to ITEM 69269/97080 shown tion, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, Neocraft Save Information and advice from Honda Streamlight Compare to EU3000IS1A Use Online & In-Store ProTac 1L Use Online & In-Store 60635 Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store PA 17108-1266. Penn Lines helps 166,000 house- $ 39.99 50% Porter-Cable $ 2,099 * 83779908 * $ 59.99 * 83780449 * * 83783439 * PCFP02003 * 83788571 * holds of co-op consumer-members understand issues your local electric cooperative ITEM 62515 / 66911 shown ITEM 56720 / 63584 shown 83779908 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 64799 / 63934 shown 83780449 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * 83783439 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 1/15/21 * $98.62 83788571 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 1/15/21 * that affect the electric cooperative program, their local 16 SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON co-ops, and their quality of life. Electric co-ops are not- 14 Smart circuits for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed, and tax- (5430 ) (6777) (625 ) ( 2062 ) paying electric utilities. Penn Lines is not responsible Remodel your kitchen for 40" x 72" Moving Blanket 4-1/2" Angle Grinder 10 f t. x 10 f t. Por table Shed 4" Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader for unsolicited manuscripts. The opinions expressed efficiency, convenience and in Penn Lines do not necessarily reflect those of the modern decor $ 99 $ 99 editors, the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, or local electric distribution cooperatives. 3 129 16 COUNTRY KITCHEN $ 79 $ 99 Subscriptions: Electric co-op members, $5.39 per 4 164 year through their local electric distribution coopera- A perennial holiday favorite ¢ tive. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Harrisburg, $ 99 Save PA 17107 and additional mailing­ offices. POST- 17 power plants 9 $70 99 MASTER: Send address changes with mailing label $ 99 to Penn Lines, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Beyond poinsettias Compare to $ 99 Compare to 1 Pratt Retail Save Compare to Save 14 Compare to Irwin Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. Specialties Ironton ShelterLogic 1964747 Save 17 HDMOVBLAN 60% Use Online & In-Store 61451 56% Use Online & In-Store 70833 Use Online & In-Store $ 6.49 Use Online & In-Store $ 9.98 $ 22.99 $ 199.99 84% Advertising: Display ad deadline is six weeks prior to 18 TECH TRENDS * 83791021 * * 83792675 * * 83802267 * ITEM 46805/62242 * 83806818 * ITEM 69504/62336 / 47262 shown 83791021 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 69645 / 60625 shown 83792675 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 56184 / 63297 shown 83802267 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21 * 68974 shown 83806818 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * month of issue. Ad rates upon request. Acceptance Plug into presents that pay off of advertising by Penn Lines does not imply endorse- with year-round safety SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON ment of the product or services by the publisher or (1286 ) (4756) ( 2144 ) 200 Lumen LED any electric cooperative. If you encounter a problem 18v Lithium-Ion 300 lb. Capacit y 4 AMP High Frequency Super Bright with any product or service advertised in Penn Lines, 19 feature: Pitts, 3/8" Drill/ Driver Kit please contact: Advertising, Penn Lines, P.O. Box signing off Pneumatic Battery Charger/Maintainer Flip Light 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Penn Lines reserves $ 99 Adjustable $ 3799 $ 99 (6180) the right to refuse any advertising. ‘Earl Pitts’ writer to retire 27 Roller Seat 27 $ 99 $ 3499 $ 99 1 20 Classifieds 19 $ 399 Save Save $ 99 22 Punch Lines 64% 29 Save 23 73% Compare to Is ‘America’s No. 1 donut’ really Duralast TR6201C 60% Compare to $74.99 Compare to Compare to the best? Ryobi Snap-on Save Promier P215K Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store EEBM500A $ Use Online & In-Store SW-SWITCH-12/24 Use Online & In-Store $ 79 * 83806963 * *83807680* $ 111 83 * 83813970 * $ 4.99 * 83818468 * ITEM 56122 / 64118 shown 83806963 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 61160/63456/46319 shown 83807680 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 1/15/21* ITEM 63350 83813970 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 64723/64189 / 63922 shown 83818468 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * Board officers and staff, Pennsylvania Rural Electric 23 Rural Reflections SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON Association: Chairman, Leroy Walls; Vice Chair­man, ‘Tis the season Tim Burkett; Secretary, Barbara Miller; Treasurer,­ YOUR CHOICE OF 6 COLORS (1073) (4057) ( 1777 ) Rick Shope; President & CEO, Frank M. Betley ON THE COVER 44" x 22" Double Bank 4-1/2" Flap Discs Click-Type Torque AMP YOUR CHOICE 125 © 2020 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association. Ex tra Deep Cabinet Wrenches Flux Core This is a limited-edition print, “Rural Sunset,” available from the Renfroe Collection All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of Fine Art, 916 Holly Hills Drive, Hartwell, GA 30643 as a paper print or a giclee ( 808 ) $ 99 Welder without written permission is prohibited. on stretched canvas (framed or unframed), plus shipping and handling. Contact 2 $ 79 1/4" Dri v e $ 99 4 ITEM 61277/63881 the gallery for prices at 706-376-5707 or [email protected]. Items are 3 6 G r i t 3/8" Drive $ 99 Visit with us at Penn Lines Online, 449 ITEM 61500/67639 guaranteed. Major credit cards are accepted. ITEM 61276/63880 99 $ 99 6 0 G r i t located at: www.prea.com/penn-lines- ITEM 69602 1/ 2 " Dri v e $ 99 499 ITEM 62431/63882 shown magazine. Penn Lines Online provides an 120 Grit 129 Save ITEM 67636/69604 shown YOUR CHOICE email link to Penn Lines editorial staff, $ Save Compare to 2,285 Save $ 99 $ information on advertising rates, and an Snap-on Save $ 99 19 100 Compare to Blue-Point 88% archive of past issues. Ironton KRA4813FPBO 66% 9 Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store 45433 Use Online & In-Store $ 2,735 Compare to Compare to $ 199.99 ITEM 64446 , 64955, 64443, * 83827826 * Diablo DCX045080N01F * 83833727 * Husky H2DTWA * 83836794 * * 83839028 * 64954, 64281, 64956 83827826 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21 * $8.97 83833727 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21* $ 89.97 83836794 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21 * ITEM 63583/57798/ 63582 shown 83839028 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21 * Member Of:

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 1,100+ 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. Although we make | 3 *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 1/15/21. every effort to assure that 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. DECEMBER 2020

hft_pennlines_1220_M-REG169196.indd 1 10/22/20 2:20 PM keepingcurrent

News from across the Commonwealth

Hunters encouraged to donate deer Pennsylvania Department of Ag- riculture Secretary Russell Redding joined Hunger-Free Pennsylvania and Hunters Sharing the Harvest in an effort to encourage more than 850,000 licensed hunters in the Common- wealth to donate deer to fellow Penn- sylvanians who might be in need of food this hunting season. “In a year of challenges, Hunters Shar- ing the Harvest is a reliable tradition that offers us some bright light,” Redding said. “It’s a shining example of the good that can happen when public sector support and private sector generosity Hunters interested in participating k Place a 6- to 8-inch piece of reflec- work together to solve a problem.” can take their deer to one of the partic- tive tape on the mailbox to help Redding said that more than ipating deer processors throughout the snowplow operators see it at night. 2 million people in the state face food state and donate any amount of their k Remove snow from around the insecurity, adding, “If you’ve got more venison to the program. mailbox, but avoid throwing it back than one tag, consider using your love For more information on Hunt- onto the road. for the sport to feed others.” ers Sharing the Harvest, becoming a k If the mailbox is located within the Hunters Sharing the Harvest is re- corporate sponsor or donating through legal right-of-way and damage was their Buck for the Pot initiative, visit experienced in the past, homeown- sharedeer.org. ers may want to consider relocating the mailbox. Winterize your mailbox k Make sure the mailbox post is firmly The Pennsylvania Department of supported in the ground. Transportation (PennDOT) is recom- mending all homeowners along rural Even after following these guide- mail routes make sure their mailboxes lines, however, some homeowners are prepared for snowplows during have still experienced mailbox dam- this upcoming winter season. The age. Consider installing a cantilever weight of the snow as it’s plowed can mailbox support that will “swing” wreak havoc on roadside mailboxes, a mailbox out of harm’s way. Plans and since most mailboxes are within for building the cantilever mailbox PennDOT’s legal right-of-way, home- support can be found at PennDOT’s sponsible for the donation, processing owners are responsible for making winter website penndot.gov/winter and distribution of the meat. A single sure their mailboxes can withstand the under the “winter preparation” tab. deer can provide up to 200 meals, and weight of plowed snow, installing them in 2019, the non-profit organization as far beyond the roadway shoulder as Life jackets now mandatory distributed more than 160,000 pounds the postal carrier can reach. Now through April 30, the Pennsylva- of venison, providing 822,000 meals to PennDOT offers these tips to help nia Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) fellow Pennsylvanians. prevent mailbox damage this winter: (continues on page 21)

4 | DECEMBER 2020 | DECEMBER 2020 5 energymatters

Upgrade electronics for energy savings By Maria Kanevsky

ooking for easy ways to save more money on your monthly Lenergy bills? Beyond some of the more traditional energy efficiency measures, such as sealing air leaks or adding additional insulation, there are several popular electronics that can help you use energy more efficiently.

These devices are relatively easy to incorporate into your home, making them a simple way to help manage your energy use. Smart thermostats are becoming an c o bee increasingly popular option to help E save energy at home. With smart ther- ENERGY SAVER: Smart thermostats are becoming an increasingly popular option to help save mostats, there’s no longer a need to energy at home. With smart thermostats there’s no longer a need to constantly adjust the tempera- ture, making this a convenient option for energy savings. constantly adjust the temperature. They can be programmed to follow a pattern longer than necessary. Some smart energy monitors that provide several of heating and cooling throughout the plug models have a scheduling option, different benefits. Some models can day and year to maximize your comfort allowing you to turn on lights or turn show you real-time electricity use and and energy use. Some advanced smart off the TV at certain times of the day. costs, while some can help create a thermostats can even learn your habits Others offer a dimming function, personalized plan for energy efficiency. and adjust the temperature accordingly. allowing you to change the bright- Most home energy monitors can be Another great benefit is the ability to ness of lights plugged into the smart connected through a smartphone app, control a smart thermostat remotely plug. These features can be controlled which can send notifications, warn from an app on your phone, allowing through an app on your phone, and about abnormal energy use and pro- you to set the temperature to your some models also have voice-con- vide tips for further energy savings. liking before you even arrive home. trolled options when connected to a These simple devices can help you Lastly, some smart thermostats can be smart home hub. save a little more energy each month. integrated with a smart home hub, like Another useful gadget is the home Considering what your needs are will Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Smart energy monitor, which helps you mon- help you choose a device with the thermostats can be pricey upfront, but itor home energy use and set energy appropriate features. As with any new if it’s time to upgrade your home’s ther- budgets. If your goal is to reduce your product, do some homework first to mostat, smart options offer more con- energy use at home, energy monitors determine which device suits your venience and savings that make them can give you the information you home best. l worth the initial investment. need to achieve this goal. They are Maria Kanevsky is a program analyst If you’re looking for ways to save connected to your electric meter and for the National Rural Electric Coopera- energy on a budget, consider smart provide a big picture of your home’s tive Association, the national trade asso- plugs. Smart plugs can be inserted energy use. Additionally, some home ciation representing more than 900 local into any standard electrical outlet and energy monitors can show which electric cooperatives. From growing sub- can help you manage the energy of appliances are using the most energy, urbs to remote farming communities, elec- the devices that are plugged in. With giving you the knowledge on which tric co-ops serve as engines of economic control of the smart plug, you can stop devices to cut down on. There are also development for 42 million Americans power-hungry devices from being on a few additional features among home across 56% of the nation’s landscape.

6 | DECEMBER 2020 ADVERTISEMENT Drug Companies Fear Release of the New AloeCure Big Pharma stands to lose billions as doctors’ recommend drug-free “health cocktail” that adjusts and corrects your body’s health conditions. by David Waxman HELPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO CALM body’s ability to break down and absorb Seattle Washington: INFLAMMATION calcium. Aloe delivers calcium as it aids in Drug company execs are nervous. That’s According to a leading aloe research, when balancing your stomach acidity. The result? because the greatest health advance in correctly processed for digesting, the Aloe Thicker, healthier looking hair…more youth- decades has hit the streets. And analysts plant has a powerful component for regulat- ful looking skin… And nails so strong they expect it to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” ing your immune system called Acemannan. may never break again. profits. So whether it’s damage that is physical, bac- SAVE YOUR KIDNEY So what’s all the fuss about? It’s about a terial, chemical or autoimmune; the natural National and local news outlets are report- new ingredient that’s changing the lives of plant helps the body stay healthy. ing Kidney Failure linked to PPI’s. Your people who use it. Some call it “the greatest RAPID ACID AND HEARTBURN Kidney extracts waste from blood, balance discovery since penicillin”! NEUTRALIZER body fluids, form urine, and aid in other The name of the product is the AloeCure. Aloe has proved to have an astonishing important functions of the body. Without it It’s not a drug. It’s something completely effect on users who suffer with digestion your body would be overrun by deadly tox- different. And the product is available to problems like bouts of acid reflux, heartburn, ins. Aloe helps your kidney function proper- anyone who wants it, at a reasonable price. cramping, gas and constipation because it ly. Studies suggest, if you started taking aloe But demands may force future prices to rise. acts as a natural acid buffer and soothes the today; you’d see a big difference in the way you feel. TOP DOC WARNS: DIGESTION DRUGS digestive system. But new studies prove it CAN HARM YOU! does a whole lot more. GUARANTEED RESULTS OR DOUBLE YOUR MONEY BACK Company spokesperson, Dr. Liza Leal; a lead- SIDE-STEP HEART CONCERNS ing integrative health specialist recommends So you’ve been taking proton pump inhibi- Due to the incredible results people are AloeCure before she decides to prescribe any tors (PPI’s) for years and you feel just fine. In reporting, AloeCure is being sold with an digestion drug. Especially after the FDA’s stern June of 2015 a major study shows that chron- equally incredible guarantee. warning about long-term use of drugs classi- ic PPI use increases the risk of heart attack in “We can only offer this incredible guaran- fied as proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec®, general population. tee because we are 100% certain this product Nexium®, and Prevacid®. In a nutshell, the will work for those who use it,” Says Dr. Leal. FDA statement warned people should avoid tak- UNLEASH YOUR MEMORY ing these digestion drugs for longer than three Studies show that your brain needs the Here’s how it works: Take the pill exactly 14-day treatment periods because there is an healthy bacteria from your gut in order func- as directed. You must see and feel remarkable increased risk of bone fractures. Many people tion at its best. Both low and high dosages improvements in your digestive health, your take them daily and for decades. of digestion drugs are proven to destroy that mental health, in your physical appearance, the amount inflammation you have through- Dr. Leal should know. Many patients come healthy bacteria and get in the way of brain function. So you’re left with a sluggish, out your body – even in your ability to fall to her with bone and joint complaints and she asleep at night! does everything she can to help them. One way slow-to-react brain without a lot of room to for digestion sufferers to help avoid possible store information. The acemannan used in Otherwise, simply return the empty bottles risk of tragic joint and bone problems caused AloeCure actually makes your gut healthier, with a short note about how you took the by overuse of digestion drugs is to take the so healthy bacteria flows freely to your brain pills and followed the simple instructions AloeCure. so you think better, faster and with a larger and the company will send you...Double capacity for memory. your money back! Analysts expect the AloeCure to put a Doctors call it “The greatest health HOW TO GET ALOECURE huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits. discovery in decades!” This is the official nationwide release of The secret to AloeCure’s “health adjusting” the new AloeCure pill in the United States. formula is scientifically tested Acemannan, SLEEP LIKE A BABY And so, the company is offering our readers up to 3 FREE bottles with their order. a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe Vera. But A night without sleep really damages not the same aloe vera that mom used to apply This special give-away is available for the to your cuts, scrapes and burns. This is a perfect your body. And continued lost sleep can lead to all sorts of health problems. But what next 48-hours only. All you have to do is call strain of aloe that is organically grown under TOLL-FREE 1-800-338-6024 and provide the very strict conditions. AloeCure is so powerful you may not realize is the reason why you’re not sleeping. Some call it “Ghost Reflux”. A operator with the Free Bottle Approval Code: it begins to benefit your health the instant you JC025. The company will do the rest. take it. It soothes intestinal discomfort and you low-intensity form of acid reflux discomfort can avoid the possibility of bone and health that quietly keeps you awake in the back- Important: Due to AloeCure’s recent damage caused by overuse of digestion drugs. ground. AloeCure helps digestion so you may media exposure, phone lines are often busy. If We all know how well aloe works externally find yourself sleeping through the night. you call and do not immediately get through, on cuts, scrapes and burns. But did you know CELEBRITY HAIR, SKIN & NAILS please be patient and call back. Those who Acemannan has many of other health bene- miss the 48 hour deadline may lose out on fits?... Certain antacids may greatly reduce your this free bottle offer.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. ALL DOCTORS MENTIONED ARE REMUNERATED FOR THEIR SERVICES. ALL CLINICAL STUDIES ON ALOECURE’S ACTIVE INGREDIENT WERE INDEPENDENTLY CONDUCTED AND WERE NOT SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN GLOBAL HEALTH GROUP. Need for know-how Education trends show skilled labor shortages continuing

By Michael T. Crawford Associate Editor

8 | DECEMBER 2020 | DECEMBER 2020 rom kitchen sinks to fuse boxes, power lines to water mains, our homes and businesses are filled with and sur- rounded by the fruits of skilled labor. Skilled labor requires education and training. And while a push for education has always been present, that push has largely focused on a col- Flege degree in recent decades. As more high school graduates go on to pursue a college education, employers have found there aren’t enough skilled laborers to go around.

“It’s been something I personally have tried to change in the mindset of parents and kids,” explains Brock Edwards, a member of Wysox-based Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) and secondary school counselor at Wyalusing Junior-Senior High School. “Even though we come from a very skilled labor force area, parents and even kids still have that mindset of needing to go on and get some sort of four-year degree.” Seth Glover, a member of Huntingdon-based Valley REC and journeyman lineman for the cooperative, was one student who felt the pressure to seek a college education, and that pressure didn’t just come from his parents, his teachers, or his peers. It came from all of them — and from himself. “My parents wanted me to go to college, there was persuasion from my friends, and my girlfriend at the time was going to college,” re- calls Glover, who holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “I felt like I needed to further my education to get a better-paying job.”

Pieces of the puzzle Historically, earning a college degree seemed to be a clear choice when aiming for a better salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by the end of the 20th century, men and women with college degrees earned, respectively, approximately 62% and 65% more in hourly compensation than did those with only a high school degree. “Even being a skilled laborer, you still need to have those people who are available to do those other jobs that take that college degree — information technology, accounting, things like that,” says Justin Sullivan, a journeyman lineman for Cambridge Springs-based North- western REC, who was recognized by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association last year for his community service with the Winston Donaldson Community Service Award. “If they aren’t there, that doesn’t do any good for the skilled laborers. I think it’s all pieces of the puzzle. Everybody goes together, works together for a common goal.” That puzzle comes with an important ratio. According to “Suc- cess in the New Economy,” a video presentation on skilled labor and education produced by Dr. Kevin J. Fleming and funded by Citrus College, for every job requiring a master’s degree, there are two jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree and seven jobs requiring either a spe- cialized associate degree or industry certification — technical jobs, or skilled labor. “That’s something that has always been there,” says Edwards, who has been a school counselor for 23 years. “When I got into school

| DECEMBER 2020 9 wanted to go to college, if you went to vo-tech, you still had a trade you could always fall back on. I just rather would go do a trade and not have that four years of college debt and have to try to pay that back.” A recent Move.org study ranked e y REC the Commonwealth as the fifth-most all expensive education in the nation e s, V with in-state tuition averaging $23,618 based on public and private colleges that offer bachelor’s degrees and high- y Doug Rol er. According to the U.S. Department

ded b of Education, the average student loan ovi r

p debt in the United States was more CO-OP CAREER: Seth Glover, a member of Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) and journeyman than $35,000 as of December 2019. In lineman for the cooperative, stands beside a cooperative bucket truck outside the Valley REC head- Pennsylvania, the average student loan quarters in Huntingdon, Pa. Glover trained to become a lineworker after graduating with a criminal debt was just over $34,000. Across justice degree around the time the Pennsylvania State Police was in a hiring freeze. the country, borrowers owe a total of counseling, 60-70% of the kids should suggestion of simply going to college, $1.64 trillion of student loan debt. have been entering a skilled trade or Pennsylvania educators help guide But the 21st century seems to be labor or training when they left school. students to decide what path makes continuing the same trend as the That’s no different today — the same the most sense for them through the 20th. According to the Pennsylvania amount of kids should be entering Chapter 339 Plan. Department of Education, career and those types of skills.” “Chapter 339 is a state initiative technical education enrollments at He adds, “Somebody has to do the where you’re implementing a career the high school level decreased from plumbing, the electrical work, the plan for students through a process 77,540 students in the 2007-08 school HVAC. Somebody has to fix the car, of certain [benchmarks] that students year to 67,248 students in the 2017-18 perform dental hygiene. We need all have to achieve from third grade school year, dipping as low as 64,110 these people, and they’re probably a through 11th grade,” Edwards ex- bigger part of the functioning of our plains. “Every eighth-grader has to ELECTRICAL WORK: Northwestern REC society than the 20% who are the Journeyman Lineman Justin Sullivan works on have a career plan and portfolio in a transformer. Sullivan joined the cooperative professionals. Not that they don’t add place by the end of their eighth-grade nearly 16 years ago after working as a self-em- to it, but the skilled labor is the thing year. It’s not like they’re locked into ployed electrician for a year after high school. that makes our country work on a that career in eighth grade, but it’s a day-to-day basis.” focus-driven approach. It’s quite differ- ent from what I went through in high Changing trends school where they just asked, ‘Well, Over the course of the 20th century, uh, what do you like?’ They go over high school graduation rates increased entrepreneurship with the kids and from 14% to 83%, and college gradu- retention of careers now.” ation rates increased from 3% to 25%. Sullivan, who honed his skills By comparison, according to data from through two years of an electrical the National Center for Education occupations class offered by Crawford Statistics, emphasis on vocational County Career & Technical Center, studies decreased. From 1982-1992, always focused on working with his the percentage of vocational credits hands. Before taking a position at the earned by public high school grad- cooperative nearly 16 years ago, he uates decreased from 21% to 16% was a self-employed electrician. of total credits earned. In 1999, 9.6 “I remember I graduated on a Thurs- million students were enrolled in a day, and I went to work on Friday,” trade school, compared to 13.2 million Sullivan recalls. “I was in the top per- students enrolled in traditional, four- centage of my class academic wise, but year colleges around the same time. I never really thought that college was To help move away from the general for me. My big thing was even if you

10 | DECEMBER 2020 students in the 2011-12 school year. “Those numbers are driven by stu- dent enrollment,” Edwards explains. “Credits ebb and flow depending on how many kids I have enrolled in the school. If I have 130 kids in a class, that means I can send more kids to the vocational school because we’re n REC bidding for spots at that vocational school.” err thw e st Finding opportunities o The bigger issue, Edwards argues, is a King, N a resource shortage. d in

“One problem we have in a rural y L community is we’re stretched really thin in vocational opportunities as far ded b ovi r as training programs,” he says. “We p have one vocational school that ser- IN CONTROL: Justin Sullivan, a journeyman lineman for Cambridge Springs-based Northwestern REC, vices Bradford County, and it services controls the boom on a digger truck. Sullivan honed his skills through two years of an electrical occupa- tions class offered by Crawford County Career & Technical Center before being hired at the cooperative. Sullivan County also. We used to have a teacher who was dedicated to recalls Glover, who graduated college electrical field,” says Joe Selnekovic, co-ops and apprenticeship programs. at the same time as the Pennsylvania PREA JT&S manager and environ- We used to have three shop teachers, State Police was in a hiring freeze. mental adviser. “They’re able to better three business teachers and a home “I applied for a grant through Duke recognize potential hazards and help economics teacher. We don’t have a Energy, and I was awarded a schol- their fellow lineworkers solve routine home economics teacher anymore. We arship to learn to become a lineman. problems in different ways.” have two shop teachers, but one has I worked as a contractor for a while While college enrollment doesn’t other duties to fulfill, and our business with Duke, then applied to work at the appear to be declining, many Ameri- teachers are down to one.” co-op.” cans are coming around to the idea of But high school isn’t the last chance He adds, “I don’t regret going to col- learning a trade, even if it means wait- to make a decision to pick up a trade. lege. I pay for student loans — mine ing until after high school. According “I knew a guy who did line work, and my wife’s — but I was investing in to the National Center for Education and I thought it would be interesting,” myself with education. Even though Statistics, by 2014, 16 million stu- I’m not using it [his degree], I think dents were enrolled in a trade school, investing in further education is al- compared to 17.1 million enrolled in ways a good choice.” college nationwide. In a partnership between the Penn- “As someone who’s been through sylvania Rural Electric Association college and blue-collar jobs, I’m (PREA), Harrisburg Area Community starting to see a transition in pay and College (HACC) and participating opportunities in the working field,” Pennsylvania electric cooperatives, ap- Glover notes. “I’m starting to see prentice lineworkers have the oppor- a lot of these blue-collar jobs have tunity to earn an associate in applied outstanding pay. Not just line work, science degree in technology studies. but electricians, plumbers, HVAC … n REC After successfully completing the They’re making great wages.” PREA Job Training & Safety (JT&S) Sullivan agrees. schools, journeyman lineworkers can “If you pick up a trade, you can err thw e st o pursue the degree through HACC by make good money, have good benefits completing general education credits and provide a good living for your a King, N

d and major credits in their technology family down the road,” he says. “You’ll in studies program. be able to retire. You won’t have to y L “It makes lineworkers more pro- struggle to find a job because there ded b motable by familiarizing them in the are a lot of people looking for skilled ovi r p theory behind the work they do in the trades.” l

| DECEMBER 2020 11 timelines Your Newsmagazine Through the Years

1990

2010 Memories of a young outdoorsman’s first Buck knife include the first flint-struck fire it started.

2000 Featuring cover art “REA At Last” by Pamela Renfroe, Penn Lines shows concern for community is “business as usual” for local electric co-ops.

enn Lines featured the Pennsylvania Farm Show’s 75th year in 1990 with the history of an event that celebrates a P$35 billion agricultural industry in the state. It helps 1980 farmers see the newest in farm equipment and technology before Penn Lines focuses making spring decisions, and lets 4-H and FFA students show off on the benefits and their abilities to work to create a top product. Within five years of costs of environ- mental regulation, William Penn’s landing, he had organized a Philadelphia Fair to and the balance highlight farm products. The Philadelphia Society for Promoting between protecting Agriculture took over in 1785 and encouraged agricultural shows the environment and across the state. From 1900-1915, a growing number of statewide promoting a switch agricultural organizations began holding their annual meetings in to coal. Harrisburg in January. In January 1913, a joint evening meeting of farm associations in Harrisburg was devoted to the proposal of a state fair. In 1915, the State Agriculture Board pointed to a “grow- ing necessity” to hold an agricultural fair under state control. 1970 Now the annual Farm Show boasts over 6,000 animals, Pennsylvania Rural hundreds of exhibitors and vendors, hundreds of contests and Electric Association demonstrations, and a 1,000-pound butter sculpture. Celebrat- officers (pictured) ing its 105th year, the Pennsylvania Farm Show will take place and members meet with legislators and from Jan. 9-16, 2021, with the theme “Cultivating Tomorrow.” lobbyists at the asso- Because of the pandemic, the event will take place virtually ciation’s 28th annual and will focus on education and awareness for both the general meeting in Carlisle. public and the agriculture industry.

12 | DECEMBER 2020 cooperativeconnection REA Energy Guest Column Cooperative, Inc.

REA ENERGY A look back at 2020 By Stacy Hilliard, CCC, CKAE One of 14 electric cooperatives Communications & Marketing Manager serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey

REA Energy Cooperative, Inc. As 2020 draws to a close, we stop and Annual Meeting – This year’s 83rd 75 Airport Road • P.O. Box 70 reflect on events of the past year. This annual meeting was held Thursday, Indiana, PA 15701-0070 724-349-4800 • 800-211-5667 year has been very different from past Sept. 10, on an online platform. Nearly Ebensburg District Office years. One thing remained the same: 360 members attended the meeting 127 Municipal Road Your board, management and employ- virtually. Ebensburg, PA 15931 ees at REA Energy continued with the Director Elections – This year in 814-472-8570 Website: www.reaenergy.com safe, reliable, and quality service that District 3, incumbent Michael Bertolino Email: [email protected] we always have. ran unopposed and was re-elected to Staff Let’s take a look back at the past 12 his district. In District 1, Tom Beres- Barry Baker months at your cooperative. nyak was elected, and in District 4, Indiana Operations Manager System Upgrades/Maintenance – The Tom Aurandt was elected. Officers for Erin Bauer ACRE Coordinator following work plan projects have been the board of directors for 2020-2021 Shane Cribbs completed this year: will be: Bertolino, chairman; Wayne Network & Systems Manager Line Build and Rebuild - 17.5 miles Farabaugh, vice chairman; and Rob- Dave Daugherty Safety & Right of Way Manager Amsbry Delivery Point - McMullen ert Neese, secretary/treasurer. Neese Jeff Dishong Road remained the Allegheny director as part Ebensburg Operations Supervisor Browns Crossroads Metering Point - of a two-year term, and Rick Shope was Lisa Gardill Accounting & Finance Manager Streams Nursery elected as the PREA director. Stacy Hilliard, CCC, CKAE Cherryhill Substation - from Devil’s REA Energy Services – REA Energy Communications & Marketing Manager Elbow to AT&T Tower Services, our for-profit subsidiary, had Local Pages Editor Chris Masterson Cherryhill Substation - Faith and another great year in 2020. We contin- Reliability Supervisor Wadas Roads ued to sell and install generators, elec- Patrick McAndrew Clyde Substation - Boliver Circuit trical services, and heating, ventilation, Manager of Engineering Bryon Roland Kenwood Substation - Diehl Road and air conditioning products (HVAC). Purchasing & Facilities Manager and Route 422 to AT&T Tower All profits flow back from the subsidi- Brendan Short Livermore Substation - High Rise ary to the cooperative, which reduces Right-of-Way/Forestry Supervisor Renee Spalla Drive to Country Lane Road costs and helps keep rates low. In 2020, Supervisor of Consumer Services Substation Work REA Energy Services maintained Elite Chris Weller St. Augustine Substation Flood Con- Status for Fujitsu sales and installa- Load Management Supervisor trol Project tions, offering a 12-year warranty. In Outages & Emergencies 1-800-332-7273 Line Phase Conversion 2020, REA Energy Services continued to 724-463-7273 St. Augustine Substation - Bender expand on its website, reaservices.com. Office Hours Road (1-phase to 3-phase) Thank you from the board, man- Indiana Office: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. New Members – From November 2019 agement, and employees for all your Ebensburg Office: through October 2020, 706 new mem- support through the last 83 years and 7 - 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday bers joined the cooperative. for the years to come! l

| DECEMBER 2020 12a rea energy cooperative, inc

REA Energy Co-op Connections discount list Following are the great local businesses D. C. Sales & Services, Inc. — 724-254-9920 Indian Springs Eye Associates, PC — 724-471- where you can use your Co-op Connec- — 10% discount on any invoice with a discount 4856 — Offer 1: 20% off eye exam — restrictions tions Card to receive discounts on prod- limit of $50. Not valid with any other discount or apply. Offer 2: 20% off eyewear — restrictions ucts and services. promotion. apply. Offer 3: 15% off contact lenses — restric- Use your Co-op Connections Card or Daniel J. Carney, Inc. Water Treatment Systems tions apply. key fob to receive discounts at participat- — 814-886-2777 — $100 discount on any Indiana Agway — 724-349-3560 — 5% off sales ing local businesses and many national system over $1,500. of $50 or more. Cash or check only. Excludes retailers. Darlene’s Flower and Gift Shop — 724-354- livestock feeds and sale items. Keep this directory handy so you can 3110 — Free Mylar balloon with any floral Indiana Eye Care — 724-349-8000 — Offer 1: easily find a participating business. For arrangement ($25 minimum). Discounted eye exam — Discounts cannot be the latest deals you can also search online DD’s Unique Boutique — 724-840-1769 — 10% combined with insurance or other discounts. at reaenergy.com or connections.coop. off total sales. Offer 2: 30% off complete pair of glasses and/ or sunglasses — Discounts cannot be combined Dog Hollow Speedway — 814-948-4252 — $2 with insurance or other discounts. off grandstand admission. 700 Shop — 724-465-8411 — 25% off the Indiana Floral — 724-465-2608 — 10% off in- Dr. William Fetchko — 724-354-3512 — Free regular price by showing REA card. Excludes store & local deliveries (excluding delivery price). The North Face brand. home care kit with first visit. Italian Village Pizza — Ebensburg — 814-472- Dynamark of Western PA — 800-735-4830 — Audiotone Hearing Aid Center, Inc. — 814-471- 2202 — Offer 1: Free order of mozzarella sticks $25 discount on new installations. 1911 — Receive 50, four-packs of hearing aid with purchase of any large specialty pizza at menu batteries with the purchase of a set of hearing Ebensburg Bedding — 814-472-7470 — $20 off price. Offer 2: Two large (12 cut) 1-topping pizzas aids or 25 packs with the purchase of one any box spring mattress set. for $19.99 plus tax. Offer 3: One medium (8 cut) hearing aid. Fleming’s Tax Service — 724-254-2158 — Free 2-topping pizza, 1 order of breadsticks, 12 wings, Aztec Travel Service — 724-349-1740 — $25 off gift with tax preparation. and 2-liter soda for $22.99 plus tax. Offer 4: ANY a 7-night or longer land package or cruise. Flower Gallery and Balloons of Indiana — 724- TWO 12-inch oven-baked hoagies or cheese B & M Lawncare — 724-388-3478 — Free esti- 349-5040 — Offer 1: 15% off on in-house steaks and 2-liter soda for $15.49 plus tax. mate on lawn care or landscaping. purchases or local deliveries. Offer 2: Free wire JGB Company, AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants — Bassett Auto Repair — 814-487-4144 — Offer 1: out service for out-of-town orders. 814-749-9409 — Free shipping — can buy retail, Free tire rotation with purchase of an oil change. Fore Golf Driving Range — 724-349-8669 — Buy sign up — preferred customer, sign up — dealer, Offer 2: If your check engine light is on, stop one large bucket of golf balls, get a small bucket sign up — retail account, sign up — commercial by the shop for a free computer analysis of the free. account. problem. Fox’s Pizza Den — Shelocta — 724-354-3698 — K & D Auto and Tire — 724-354-3018 — Monthly Bender Auto Repair — 724-639-0047 — Offer 1: One two-topping Big Daddy, 12 wings, two-liter Oil change specials. $50 off insurance deductible. Offer 2: Free tire soda for $24.99. Keith’s Industrial Welding — 724-388-6902 — rotation with state inspection. Offer 3: Free tire Frank Slavinski State Farm Agent — 814-539- 10% off material used. rotation with oil change. 4178 — Free financial insurance review and Kosta’s Restaurant — 814-472-8883 — 10% off Benjamin’s Restaurant — 724-465-4446 — 10% portfolio analysis. entire bill, minimum purchase of $10. Not valid off total purchase, excluding alcohol or any Frazier Brothers — 724-354-4422 — Offer: Stop with any other discounts. special offers or coupons. in and see our discounts. Laurel Eye Clinic — 814-849-6551 — $700 off Blessings Photography — 814-472-8802 — 10% Gaboda Building and Remodeling — 814-322- LASIK eye surgery ($350 per eye), includes off sitting fee. 3437 — 10% discount on all remodeling. free consultation at any of our 11 Pennsylvania Boldin Associates — 724-840-3250 — 10% locations. Surgery performed in either Altoona or Gearhart’s Craft and Pets — 814-472-6410 — Discount Management Consulting for small and Brookville. 10% off total sales. medium size businesses. Luxenberg’s Jewelers — Downtown Indiana — Gingerbread Running Company — 724-464- Britta’s Cuts and Styles — 724-388-8959 — $5 724-465-2122 — 15% off any jewelry purchase, 0900 — 10% off purchase. off any color service. excluding sale items or markdown prices. Hair Color Experience — 724-349-2003 — 10% Byrne Millwork — 814-659-5106 — Offer: 5% off Luxenberg’s Jewelers — Indiana Mall — 724-465- off first visit. custom lumber sawing. 5888 — 15% off any jewelry purchase, excluding Henigin’s Small Engine Repairs — 724-459- sale items or markdown prices. Cole’s Auto Repair — 814-943-5021 — 10% off 8380 — 10% off fast-moving parts: air filters, gross total on all invoices. M & J Cycles — 724-459-0996 — 10% off fuel filters, oil filters, spark plugs, two-cycle oil, complete service. Country Hollow Collectibles — 814-674-8734 — lawnmower blades. $10 off retail price of Nascar Diecast. Cannot Mainline Pharmacy — 814-472-9390 — Offer High Street Emporium — 814-472-6990 — 10% accept credit cards. 1: 10% off vitamins. Offer 2: 10% off photo off total sales. processing. Creative Fabrics and Quilt Shop — 814-419- Horses and Hounds — 724-349-3144 — 5% off 8227 — 10% off 1-yard cut of regular price fabric. Marsh Contracting — 724-840-3131 — Offer: full grooming. Free estimates. D. Edward Leasing Co, Inc. — 800-635-8756 — 10% discount on all yearly rentals. Mary’s DeJaVu — 724-762-6158 — 10% off any purchase.

12b | DECEMBER 2020 rea energy cooperative, inc

McAdoo’s Motorcycle Shop — 724-354-2311 — Robert E. Rankin Distributing — 724-286-3328 William and Mary Gift Shoppe, Inc. — 724-349- Offer: 10% Off on Service. — Offer: 1% discount on over-the-counter and 1768 — Offer: 10% off total purchase. *Some Meadow Lane Golf Course — 724-465-5604 — delivered goods orders. NOT VALID on sales exclusions apply. Offer: Thursday golf special — two (2) players 18 taxables and fuel surcharges on delivered Yanov’s Bait and Tackle — 814-736-8431 — holes with cart, $55 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. goods charge. Offer: Live bait and tackle shop (Plus a 24/7 live Mihalkos General Contracting, Inc. — 814-535- Safe Buy Home Inspection — 724-463-7233 — bait porch honor system when we are not there) 2700 — Offer: $100 discount on any job over Offer: 10% off any inspection service. 5% off our already low prices (tackle only). Co- $1,500. Saltsburg Floral and Gifts — 724-639-9522 — op Connections Card must be shown at time of purchase. Minich’s Sales and Service — 724-397-2267 — Offer: 10% off on floral arrangements or fresh Offer 1: 5% Off Retail Price any Dixie Chopper flowers. in Stock (Residential or Commercial); Some Shear Perfection Hair Styling and Tannery — Leftover Models in Stock 10% off While 814-472-8632 — Offer: Purchase any Wella Supplies Last. Offer 2: 10% on Service Work, Professionals product and get the second 1/2 Tune-ups, Oil Changes, Filters, Blade Sharpen- off, of equal or lesser value. ing on Most Makes of Mowers. Shear Stylin — 724-354-2585 — Offer 1: 10% Mint Capital Advisors, LLC — 814-254-4662 off any product. Offer 2: Buy any tanning pack- — Offer: Free, no obligation, and confidential age and get 3 free tans. consultation to introduce and discuss the SimCloud Corporation — 855-474-6256 — services we offer. Offer: Save $125 on website start-up package. REA Energy’s offices will Moreau Sign Company — 724-541-3664 — Of- Includes domain, site design, hosting, Google close at noon on Thursday, fer: 10% off any service (IT, graphics, security, Apps & SEO. Dec. 24, 2020, in observance etc.), up to $50 off. Smart Office Services “Your Office Outlet” — Music Mart TV/Appliance/Satellite — 814-472- 724-349-5510 — Offer: 20% off first internet of the Christmas holiday. 9570 — Offer 1: Television service free esti- online order at 2Bsmarter.com. Both offices will reopen on mate ($50 value), free delivery on TVs. Offer 2: Speedy Furniture — 724-463-7778 — Offer: 5% Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, at First month free Dish Direct TV satellite, must off our already low prices. 7 a.m. Both offices will be qualify. Super 8 – Johnstown — 814-535-5600 — Offer: closed on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Paul Weston Notary Service — 724-354-2400 10 to 15% discount. — Offer: 10% off all notary services. Please call 724-463-7273 or Taylor Trucking & Rental, Inc. — 724-349-7800 800-332-7273 to report any Penn Glass and Fender — 814-344-8110 — — Offer 1: 10% discount on truck rentals. Offer Offer: Oil change with filter, 5 quarts non-syn- 2: Reduced rates on auto and truck repairs. power outages. Payments can thetic for $15. The Coney — 724-465-8082 — Offer: 10% off be placed in the drop box at Pennsylvania Barbeque — 724-349-7191 — total food purchase. Not valid with any other both locations or made online Offer: 10% off order. offers or coupons (excludes alcohol). using the Member Portal at Petite Pet Goominng — 814-591-9958 — Offer: The Vernon Co. — 814-472-8417 — Offer: reaenergy.com. $5 off a full groom. Discount - minimum of 5% to maximum of 10%. Plant-It Earth Greenhouse — 724-479-0808 — Depending on the price at the time the order is Offer: 10% off perennial purchase. quoted or entered. All promotional products - Portage Florals — 814-736-7673 — Offer: 10% caps, T-shirts, mugs, key fobs, calendars, pens, Right-of-way management/ discount on gift items. gifts, awards, etc. facility construction news Precious Pups Dog Grooming — 814-495- This, That, and More Resale Shoppe — 724- REA Energy contractors will be 7198 — Offer: Free toenail clipping. 459-5336 — Offer: 10% off total sales. completing tree-trimming work in the Tire Express — 724-349-9450 — Offer: 5% following areas in December: Punxsy Hometown Pharmacy — 814-938-9150 k Contractor crews from Penn Line — Offer: 10% off entire store excluding prepaid off on items purchased that are already not discounted or on special. Tree Service will be trimming the gift cards, prescription co-pays, Pennsylvania rights-of-way of the Amsbry, Fairview, Lottery, and sale items. Tracy’s Consignment Shop — 724-471-4171 — Georgeville and Smithport Substa- REA Energy Services, Inc. — 724-349-4800 Offer: 10% off total purchase. tion areas, in addition to emergency — Offer: Up to $50 Off!! Mention this offer Tri County ATV Recreation and Rescue maintenance areas. and get 10% off, up to $50 on one of the Association, Inc. — 877-931-2288 — Offer: many products and services that REA Energy Free hat with any purchase (while supplies last, Notification of work will be made to members in the areas affected. Services offers. (Cannot be used with other substitutions possible). Contractors will perform all right-of-way discounts or specials). Tri Star Motors — 724-349-9020 — Offer: With work per REA Energy specifications. Rik-N-Nik’s, LLC — 814-472-6006 — Offer: a purchase of a new or used vehicle, Tri Star All contractor employees will carry 10% off any purchase over $20. Cannot be Ultimate Advantage includes lifetime state employee identification cards and their combined with any other special or discount. inspections, three free oil changes, dent repair, vehicles will display their company Riverview Homes, Inc. — 724-567-5647 — Of- and $500 additional trade-in value guarantee. name. fer: $500 discount on any new home purchase. Warren Peter Construction, Inc. — 724-349- If you have any questions, call 724- 9078 — Offer: A new spacer-saver microwave 349-4800, or view the specifications with the purchase of a new home. at reaenergy.com.

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

Your Board of Directors

Michael J. Bertolino Wayne Farabaugh Robert P. Neese Sandra Dill Tom Beresnyak Anthony Enciso Thomas Aurandt 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.

12d | DECEMBER 2020 | DECEMBER 2020 13 smartcircuits Remodel your kitchen for efficiency, convenience and modern decor By James Dulley

ear Jim: After 25 years, we need a total kitchen remodel Dfor more cooking and enter- taining convenience and better effi- ciency. Do you have design tips for accomplishing these goals on a reason- able budget? — Kathy M.

Dear Kathy: You will find that a more convenient kitchen design and new appliances also offer more effi- ciency. In addition to the energy and water used when cooking and enter- taining, these activities produce a huge amount of heat and humidity. During the summer, this can make your air conditioner run much longer. Since you are on a budget (as are amount of energy used. When using ious styles, so don’t feel too bad about most homeowners), you don’t need a typical four-element stove, a total of selecting a design you find more conve- the most fully featured new appli- 36 inches of counter space around the nient. Always compare the yellow energy ances to get adequate convenience and stove should be adequate. labels and look for Energy Star® products. efficiency. Mid-level appliances have The location of the refrigerator is not Kitchen water use is significant, so enough features to satisfy most needs extremely important for its efficiency, consider a dishwasher with an efficient instead of spending hundreds of dollars but try to avoid having it in the direct two-pump design. This requires a extra to get a feature that you may use sun. A white refrigerator will absorb smaller water reservoir. Install a con- only once or twice a year. much less heat from the sun than a venient touch-control faucet with a Before researching and shopping for stainless steel exterior. The refrigerator long hose. This allows you to turn the new kitchen appliances, first draw up a condenser coils need adequate air flow water on and off with just the touch of rough floor plan layout for your remod- for efficiency, so do not surround it too a hand without having to waste water eled kitchen. The design flexibility will closely by cabinets unless it is specifi- readjusting the temperature each time. depend on your budget. For exam- cally designed for that application. Select a multispeed range hood with ple, moving the sink can increase the In order to lower costs, convert a LED lighting. Some have variable-speed plumbing expenses considerably. ceiling-recessed fixture to a decorative controls to minimize excessive condi- If your budget allows you to move the hanging pendant fixture with a DIY kit tioned air loss from the house. Its size sink, a location under a window is ideal that uses a long wire that screws into should be 50 cfm (cubic feet per minute) with a recommendation of 60 inches of the existing recessed lightbulb socket. of air flow capacity for each lineal foot of counter space. Split the space as closely The length is adjustable by a circular stove top. The hood should be as wide as as possible to 30 inches on each side. cover that slides up against the ceiling, the stove and about 2 feet above it. l The window provides ventilation and covering the recessed fixture. This pro- efficient natural lighting. vides more brightness and wider range Have a question for Jim? Send The stove is best located distant from than the old fixture. inquiries to James Dulley, a window and direct drafts. A draft A top-freezer refrigerator style is still Penn Lines, 6906 Royalgreen will transfer heat away from the cook- the most efficient design. Newer materials Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. ing task and into the room air. This and compressor designs have minimized increases cooking times and the total the efficiency differences among the var-

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Reach nearly 166,000 rural Pennsylvania households! Advertise in Penn Lines. For more information, please visit Farms are part of our our website at www.prea.com/ penn-lines-magazine electric cooperative. or call 717.233.5704

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| NOVEMBER 2020

Drivers in Pennsylvania are required to move over or slow down for stopped emergency and utility crews.

| DECEMBER 2020 15 countrykitchen

A perennial holiday favorite By Janette Hess

ny way you roll them, cut them, press them or slice them, sugar cookies are a perennial holiday favorite. A trained journalist, Janette Hess A focuses her writing on interest- Sugar cookies sliced from rolls of chilled dough obviously take less prep time ing people and interesting foods. than sugar cookies involving rolling pins, cutters and frosting. But both deserve a She is a Master Food Volunteer with her local extension service place in holiday cookie assortments, as do sugar cookies that are simply pressed and enjoys collecting, testing into shape on the baking sheet. and sharing recipes. The dough for sliced sugar cookies may be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and then baked whenever fresh cookies are needed in a hurry. Cut-out sugar cookies also may be made in advance. Simply bake them and freeze them unfrosted. When serving time approaches, remove the cookies from the freezer and add a gener- ous coating of sweet, buttery frosting. No one will ever guess they weren’t baked and frosted on the same day! l

Cut-out Sugar Cookies Blend dry ingredients. Using pastry blender or fork, cut in butter. Mixture should resemble fine crumbs. 3 cups flour 1 cup (2 sticks) butter Combine eggs and extracts. Add to crumb mixture and 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs, lightly toss with fork. Do not over-blend. Using hands, press 1/2 teaspoon baking beaten dough into two equal portions and place on waxed powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract paper or plastic wrap. Flatten to 1-inch thick disks. 1/2 teaspoon baking 1/2 teaspoon almond Wrap and refrigerate. When chilled, roll each disk on soda extract lightly floured surface to 3/16-inch thickness. (Dough 1/8 teaspoon salt Tinted frosting of choice will soften as it is rolled.) Use cutters to create desired shapes. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool cookies on wire racks. When cool, decorate with tinted frosting. When frosting is set, store cookies in single layer in air-tight container.

Sliced Sugar Cookies Combine butter, shortening, sugars, eggs and extracts. Beat well. Add dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly and 1/2 cup (1 stick) 1 teaspoon almond divide between two large pieces of parchment or waxed unsalted butter, extract paper. Press and mold into two smooth rolls 1 1/2 to 2 softened 3 1/2 cups plus 2 inches in diameter. Roll in sanding sugar before wrap- 1 cup vegetable tablespoons flour ping in parchment or waxed paper. Chill rolls until shortening 1 teaspoon baking soda firm. (Store in freezer if not planning to bake within 1 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 3 days.) With thin, sharp knife, cut dough into slices. 1/2 cup brown sugar Red sanding sugar Place slices on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 400 3 eggs degrees for 6 to 8 minutes, or until lightly browned. 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla Makes 5 dozen cookies. extract Hint: For additional flavor interest, carefully work 1/2 cup chopped pecans and 20 chopped maraschino cher- ries (patted very dry) into dough before forming rolls.

Pressed Sugar Cookies Combine sugars, oil and butter in mixing bowl. Add egg and vanilla extract. Beat well. Combine dry ingre- 1/2 cup granulated 2 cups plus 3 dients and beat into mixture. Drop by spoonfuls onto sugar, plus extra for tablespoons flour ungreased cookie sheets, taking care not to crowd. dipping 1/2 teaspoon cream of Using flat-bottom glass that has been dipped in gran- 1/2 cup powdered sugar tartar ulated sugar, press 1/4-inch thick. Bake at 350 degrees 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon baking for approximately 12 minutes, or until cookie edges soda 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, are lightly browned. Carefully transfer to cooling rack. softened 1/8 teaspoon salt Makes 3 dozen melt-in-your-mouth cookies. 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

16 | DECEMBER 2020 countrykitchen powerplants Beyond poinsettias By George Weigel

he old favorite, red poinsettia, is scent, look for a non-scented variety Tnot the only way to color your called “Inbal” that some sellers carry. holidays anymore. As for amaryllis, the latest twist is a raft of different colors and a version Although this red-bracted Mexican with spidery-looking petals instead of import is still America’s top-sell- the traditional trumpet shape. ing potted plant, lots of other plant A few other options from the tropics choices have elbowed their way into and sub-tropics: the Christmas market. k African violets. They’re fuzzy- Through the magic of greenhouse leafed long-bloomers with flowers heat, artificial lighting and the same- of pink, white or purple. day fly-in of plants from around the k Cyclamen. Variegated-leaf plants l globe, we now have almost as much e with red, pink, hot pink or lav- ig color choice in December as in May. ender atop succulent, protruding e w g

Once upon a time, red was the r stems.

Christmas color — and to a lesser e o k Bromeliads. Strappy-leafed tropi- extent, white (not coincidentally the y g cals with spiky flowers of mostly two main colors of poinsettias). gold, red or orange emerging

These days, anything goes, from lav- b photo from a central cup. IN BLOOM: Poinsettias aren’t the only colorful k ender cyclamens to poinsettias spray- beauties you’ll find blooming at the garden cen- Kalanchoe. A succulent plant dyed purple, blue and even orange. ter this December. with phlox-like clusters of small Believe it or not, one of the hottest flowers of many colors. holiday plant sellers lately is cactus. Christmas orchid (Cattleya). k Peace lily. Bushy green plants that Not the traditional Christmas cactus A third interesting choice that’s send up white flowers somewhat with its red or hot pink trailing arms become a staple is the white euphor- reminiscent of a satellite dish. of bloom, but mini barrel cactuses bia — the same plant sold as a garden Even shrubs are getting into the act. with blooming “heads.” annual in spring. The variety “Dia- Among the types you’re most likely to They come in a variety of hot colors mond Frost” started it off, but you’ll find in the coming weeks are bloom- (including red), but they’re definitely now find more compact and heavi- ing roses (primarily red or white), aza- not your grandmother’s Christmas er-blooming options, including a pink- leas (red, white or pink) and hydran- plant. tinted one. geas (pink, white and blue). Also catching on as a popular holi- Euphorbias produce mass quantities Build yourself an impressive holiday day seller: orchids. of dainty white flowers, giving the illu- display by grouping several choices that Many of these classy flowers have sion of a ball of snow. Garden centers look good together in one large pot. the good sense to bloom in Decem- sometimes pair it in big pots with red Finish it off with a few pine cones ber, which makes them a natural for poinsettias. from the yard, and yes, maybe even an gift-giving. Besides having an elegant Amaryllis and paperwhites have long old-fashioned poinsettia or two. l look and luxurious reputation, their been the main two bulbs grown for prices have come down in recent the winter holidays, but hyacinths are years, making them ideal as gifts that making some headway. These spiky, George Weigel is a retired horticulturist, author of two seem costlier than they really are. fragrant bloomers of white, blue, purple books about gardening in Penn- Orchid choices range from the easy- or pink are fairly easy to get to bloom, sylvania, and garden columnist to-grow moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) to and they can be started at home or for The Patriot-News/PennLive. com in Harrisburg. His website the shoe-shaped lady’s slipper orchid bought potted and already in flower. is georgeweigel.net. (Paphiopedilum) to the corsage or If you like paperwhites but not their

| DECEMBER 2020 | DECEMBER 2020 17 techtrends

Plug into presents that pay off with year-round safety By Derrill Holly

uring the holiday season, practical gifts can leave last- Ding impressions by enhancing safety and improving security.

These practical gift ideas can help reduce safety risks year-round. Smoke detectors: Most of us have at least one in our homes, but experts say that’s not enough. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recom- mends that a working smoke detector ol

be installed in every bedroom, on every d level of a home and in hallways outside of sleeping areas. Smoke detectors more an O s than 10 years old should be replaced. V ott Sc Carbon monoxide alarms: Carbon SMOKE ALARM: The National Fire Protection Association recommends that a working smoke detec- monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic, color- tor be installed in every bedroom, on every level of a home, and in hallways outside of sleeping areas. less, odorless gas created by incomplete consumption of fuels like gasoline, (CSA) or Intertek (ETL). door outlets, in attics and crawl spaces, wood, natural gas, propane, oil, coal or Arc-fault circuit interrupters: Arc- bathrooms, garages, kitchens, crawl methane. Having CO detectors outside ing and sparking are indications that a spaces, near laundry or utility sinks, and of sleeping areas and on every level of home’s electrical wiring needs service. around wet bars. GFCI outlets should be a home improves overall safety. Local Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) tested regularly, and that means as often fire departments in the United States can help address electrical fire hazards as once a month. Although they can last respond to about 80,000 non-fire CO before they occur. Properly installed 15 to 25 years, some will malfunction incidents each year. The NFPA also by a licensed electrician, AFCIs can sooner. While they can continue to carry recommends that fuel-burning heating often replace circuit breakers in an current, once they lose their ability to equipment and cooking appliances be existing electrical panel box. The mitigate shocks by immediately closing professionally inspected once a year. CPSC recommends that the work be off current, they should be replaced. Extension cords: They are subject to completed by a qualified electrician A licensed electrician can do the job wear, have specific use guidelines, and because the installation involves work- quickly and professionally. are never recommended for permanent ing inside the electrical panel box, Any of these gift ideas will reduce use. Brittle and cracked plastic can indi- which carries current even when main risks throughout the holidays and cate heat damage, and exposed wires circuit breakers are turned off. improve safety for years to come. l or frayed connections increase risks Ground fault circuit interrupters: Derrill Holly writes on consumer of shocks, shorts, or fires. According While AFCIs are designed to help pre- and cooperative affairs for the National to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety vent electrical fire hazards, ground fault Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Commission (CPSC), an extension cord circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are designed the national trade association represent- that’s warm or hot to the touch is a to help prevent shocks. Older homes ing more than 900 local electric cooper- good indication that it’s not designed to may have just one, typically in an area atives. From growing suburbs to remote safely do the job. Before you buy, look where electric outlets are relatively close farming communities, electric co-ops for the label of a nationally recognized to a water source. But over the years, serve as engines of economic develop- testing laboratory like Underwriters the National Electric Code has been ment for 42 million Americans across Laboratories (UL), CSA-International amended to require their use for out- 56% of the nation’s landscape.

18 | DECEMBER 2020 Pitts, signing off ‘Earl Pitts’ writer to retire By Michael T. Crawford

Associate Editor k

ometimes lessons come from unexpected places. Even fictitious places like the rb an

Duck Inn hold wisdom that, in the right light, can teach us about the world ol Bu and its people. Or just to not be such an insufferable pinhead. Enter: Earl S r y Ca Pitts, a man who never hesitates to let us all know what makes him sick and so mad he wants to eat uncooked noodles. hoto b hoto P After more than 15 years of mak- magazine cover-to-cover each month. beer and watch NASCAR.” ing us laugh, this month is Earl’s last Fifteen years later, that hasn’t changed, But Earl was never meant to be taken visit to the pages of Penn Lines. Gary and of those cover-to-cover readers, 61% seriously. As a satirical character in the Burbank, who provides the vision be- never miss a column penned by Earl. vein of Archie Bunker, Earl acts and hind Earl’s view of the world, recently As noted at the end of every Punch speaks how Burbank hopes people don’t. announced his retirement — and with Lines column, Earl is a character written “You can hear his wrong-headedness it, the retirement of his enduring Earl and voiced (for radio) by Burbank, a pretty easily,” Burbank says. “And you Pitts character. native of Memphis, Tenn., who now might say, ‘He’s a fool,’ and maybe he “We can’t do it forever,” says Burbank, resides in Florida. is. But there are times when he’s not, reflecting on his aggrieved alter ego. “All I’ve got to do is just reflect to so you’ve got to listen closely. Earl’s not Burbank began his career as a radio my younger days,” explains Burbank, a stupid by any stretch of the imagination. personality in the 1960s, later develop- Vietnam-era Army veteran. “All I have He’s just jealous — he doesn’t want ing Earl into one of his most popular to do is talk like I used to talk, have things to change.” on-air characters. Readers of Penn Lines the same values I used to have and not Like a Simpsons character, Earl has have known Earl’s wisdom through his understand when nobody gets it.” remained somewhere in his late 40s or regular Punch Lines humor column in Of the nearly two dozen characters early 50s for 35 years. Burbank (who en- the magazine. Burbank has played in his radio career, trusted me with the sacred knowledge of “Earl has really become a part of the he says Earl’s special charm is that he his actual birth year) has not remained magazine — and the electric cooperative doesn’t have one. in that age range. family in Pennsylvania,” says Penn Lines “He’s more like a regular person than “They did an EEG [electroencephalo- Editor Peter Fitzgerald. “Over the years, any other character that I do,” Burbank gram] to see if they could find a brain, in meeting with cooperative members says. “I think he’s almost believable. He and they found my brain, and I was very throughout the state, our readers almost can say a few things sometimes that happy with that,” explains Burbank. always ask about Earl. He’s certainly are unbelievable, but he’s real. He’s not “And then it had little waves coming made his mark in Penn Lines.” a vicious person — he’s got hard, fast out of it, so I was very happy with that. In June 2005 — after nearly a year- opinions, and they’re opinions that you But the doctor asked, ‘Are you losing and-a-half after Earl made his first probably don’t have.” words?’ And I said, “Yes. That’s exactly appearance in Penn Lines — we asked Those opinions haven’t always what happens to me.’ ‘Well, that’s only two simple questions: “Do you like Earl generated laughs. Over the years, some natural,’ he said. ‘As you get older, your Pitts’ commentaries?” and “Should Penn readers made certain we knew they did brain shrinks.’ And I would think maybe Lines keep running his column?” Inside not share all of Earl’s opinions. the last Earl won’t make any sense, and of a month, that query resulted in nearly “I find [Earl Pitts] to be extremely he’s getting too old to do it.” 400 letters, cards and emails, and while offensive,” wrote a pair of cooperative He laughs, and adds, “Maybe Earl it wasn’t all fan mail, approximately 90% members in response to the Earl Sur- wins the lottery, realizes he doesn’t have of those responses insisted Earl remain a vey. “He portrays all rural Americans to do this anymore, and moves to Flor- part of your newsmagazine. as ignorant rednecks. In reality, many ida, and he changes his name to Gary At the time of the “Earl Survey,” the of us living in rural Pennsylvania are Burbank so he can enjoy retirement.” readership study found more than 81% college educated, take good care of Penn Lines wishes Gary (and Earl) a of the 166,000-plus subscribers read the our homes, and do more than drink happy retirement. l

| DECEMBER 2020 19 Classified Advertisements Classified Advertisements

ISSUE MONTH AD DEADLINE Penn Lines classified advertisements reach nearly 166,000 rural Pennsylvania households! Please note February 2021 December 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- March 2021 January 18 ceived 30 days prior to the issue month. Classified ads will not be accepted by phone, fax or email. For April 2021 february 17 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

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20 | DECEMBER 2020 Classified ClassifiedAdvertisements Advertisements

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED TO BUY KEEPING CURRENT (continued from page 4) I.T.E. Pushamatic circuit breakers. Single pole – ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC American, and foreign requires all boaters to wear a U.S. Coast $10. Double pole – $30. Call 814-695-5127. cars, motorcycles, trucks, Broncos, Blazers and Scouts. Any condition. Will buy entire car Guard-approved life jacket at all times POWDER COATING collections. [email protected]. 717-577- while underway or at anchor on boats 8206. less than 16 feet in length or on any ALMOST ANYTHING METAL can be powder ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC motorcycles wanted. coated: auto parts, lawn furniture, wheels, etc. All makes and sizes. BSA, Norton, Triumph, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The Restores, protects, preserves. 1,200-degree Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, etc. requirement applies to all Pennsylvania manifold coating. Arthurs Powder Coating, 263 [email protected]. 717-577-8206. Sexton Road, Indiana, PA 15701. 724-349-3770. waters. BUYING VINTAGE HONDA motorcycles. 1960- “This year, we have seen a dramat- REAL ESTATE 1980. XR-75, CT70, ST90, SL70, Z50, CL70, CT90, S90 – all types big and small. Parts ic increase in the number of people VIRGINIA’S EASTERN SHORE. Fishermen and collections, parts bikes, non-running, rough, all boating well into the fall months, beach lover’s paradise. Access Chesapeake considered. 724-972-8701. Bay or Atlantic Ocean within minutes. Waterside including many first-time boaters,” COIN COLLECTION: Having a hard time trying Village 3/4-acre homesites near marina from said Ryan Walt, PFBC boating and $18,000 with fenced and locked RV/camper to figure out how best to liquidate your old coin/ storage available. Beach access nearby. paper money collection? Call Jim for free and watercraft safety manager. “The water Waterfront sites available on bayside and seaside. confidential advice to discuss your options. 814- 233-9552. temperature is dropping rapidly be- Many free boat ramps within minutes. Low, low ginning this time of year, and even on taxes. Kirkwoodontheshore.com. 757-678-7631. VINTAGE WOMEN’S and children’s clothing from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Men’s work sunny days when air temperatures are THINKING OF SELLING or want a free market wear/farm wear/denim 1900s-1950s. Please call comfortable and warm, the water can analysis of your property? We specialize in farms, or text photos of items to 814-386-5763. land and getaways. www.juniatarealty.com. Give be cold enough to put boaters at risk Juniata Realty a call at 814-652-2234. CRAB APPLES. Clean and clear as possible. for sudden cold-water immersion. A Do you have or know who does? 814-743- RECIPES & FOOD 5247. life jacket can keep your head above water until help arrives.” SPECIAL OFFER – BOTH COOKBOOKS WATER CONDITIONING & PURIFICATION FOR $12. “Country Cooking” – $5, including postage. “Recipes Remembered” – $7, B & J WATER has the solution to your water State opens LIHEAP including postage. Both of these cookbooks needs. Custom built treatment systems for are a collection of recipes from men and women your water, serving Western Pennsylvania. application process of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New Call for free in-home water analysis and The Pennsylvania Department of Jersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric recommendations. Call 800-806-7882, 814- Human Services (DHS) has begun the Association, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 752-2692, 814-221-7763. 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks. annual Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) appli- SHAKLEE cation process for the 2020-21 season. FREE SAMPLE Shaklee’s Energy Tea. LIHEAP assists with home heating Combination red, green and white teas that are natural, delicious, refreshing, safe. For sample or more information on tea or other Shaklee Nutrition/Weight Loss Products: 800-403- 3381 or sbarton.myshaklee.com.

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| DECEMBER 2020 21 punchlines

Is ‘America’s No. 1 donut’ really the best? By Earl Pitts, American

earl, my dear, darlin’ better half, Crullers. Sprinkles, icin’, cake, yeast. live for the moment. She says that’s a knowin’ her old man had just We’ll taste your cream-filled, blue- pretty good place to be. And honestly, Phad a bad week, brung me home berry, strawberry and … it don’t sound bad. a little bag a’ donuts when she went Wait a minute. What if I taste a But I’ll tell you somethin’ most peo- shoppin’ over the weekend. You know, donut, think it might be America’s ple in their 80s don’t got: husbands. the little white powdered sugar donuts No. 1 donut, and then I taste another We’re talkin’ about a bunch of happy, in the white bag? No human bein’ donut and think it might be better? silver-haired ladies here. Yeah, most of can stay angry and frustrated when But I can’t taste the first one over the dudes are dead, and the ladies are their fingers are coated with white because I already ate it! happy. Who couldn’t have predicted powdered sugar. Am I right? There’s a Come to think of it, you better send that? woman who knows her old man pretty two. Now, if me and my Pearl was both well. Wake up, America! Of course, I will to make it into our 80s together, I can have to verify my findin’s with the see where that might be happy times. Anyways, I was settin’ at the kitchen team here. So, you better send a box. Number 1, if we was in our 80s, that table on Sunday mornin’ with a cup Or a little white bag with a donut win- would put our girl, Sandra Dee, in her of coffee and a bag of baby white dow on the front. We’ll be waitin’. I’m 60s, and she maybe — just maybe — powdered sugar donuts, and I seen Earl Pitts, American. would be out of the house by then. this message on the donut bag. It said, Number 2, you can pretty much fish “America’s No. 1 donut.” ow, I got some good news for until the day you keel over. So, I’d be And I thought, “How do they know us baby boomers out there: good. that?” Is there scientific research to NOur backs is startin’ to hurt, Of course, you might have to get a back that up? Like, from the presti- our eyesights are startin’ to fade, and if friend to drive you back from Mudd gious Donut Institute? Or maybe a you’re a guy like me, it might take you Lake on account of you can’t drive survey of 2,000 likely donut eaters. 15 minutes to take a leak in the middle after dark. But we can make adjust- Do they got sales numbers? Declarin’ of the night. But all is not lost. ments. yourself America’s No. 1 donut seems See, Pearl, my better half, was tellin’ Wake up, America! Of course, most like a risky boast to me. Especially me about this story on the computer Pitts men don’t make it out of their when most shoppers ain’t combin’ the other day. Some psycho-head bab- 60s, but now I got a reason to live, so the donut display goin’, “Look for the ble shrink somewheres talked to old we’ll see. Get back to me in a couple of donut that’s America’s No. 1.” people and discovered people in their decades. I’m Earl Pitts, American. l And me, as a fair and honest Amer- 80s are the happiest they ever been in ican, I like little baby white powdered their whole life. sugar donuts. But I like other donuts, So, there you go. The stuff we’re all Social commentary from Earl too. Them little baby white powdered Pitts — a.k.a. Gary Bur­bank, goin’ through now, it gets better. And a nation­ally syndicated radio sugar donuts could very well be Amer- I’m not gonna lie to ya’: I seen people per­son­ality — can be heard on ica’s No. 1 donut. Or they could be in their 80s, and it don’t look like a the following radio stations that No. 2. Or No. 10. I don’t know. cover electric cooperative ser- party. But apparently looks can be vice territories in Pennsylvania: So, I propose we have a donut-off. deceivin’. WANB-FM 103.1 Pittsburgh; Here’s what we’re gonna do: If you Anyways, this brain-shrink talks to WARM-AM 590 Wilkes-Barre/​Scran­ton; WIOO- make a donut, send it to this magazine AM 1000 Carlisle; WEEO-AM 1480 Shippens- old people, and here’s the deal: By the burg; WMTZ-FM 96.5 Johnstown; WQBR-FM care of Earl Pitts. We will taste every time you get to your 80s, people have 99.9/92.7 McElhattan; WLMI-FM 103.9 Kane; donut that comes in here. White pow- come to grips with the pain and dis- and WVNW-FM 96.7 Burnham- Lewistown. You dered. Chocolate covered. Jelly filled. ease. They ain’t got no stress. And they can also find him at earlpittsamerican.com.

22 | DECEMBER 2020 | DECEMBER 2020 ruralreflections

‘Tis the season ur 2020 “Rural Reflections” photo contest has ended, and the winning photos in the categories of most ar- Otistic, best landscape, best human subject, best animal and editor’s choice will be printed in next month’s issue of Penn Lines. Winners will receive a $75 prize, and runners-up will receive a $25 prize. Now it’s time to begin submitting your photos for the 2021 “Rural Reflections” contest. To be eligible, send pho- tos (no digital files) to:Penn Lines Photos, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. On the back of each photo, include your name, address, phone number and the name of the electric cooperative that serves your home, business or seasonal residence. Remember, our publication deadlines require that we work ahead, so send your seasonal photos in early. Photos that do not reflect any specific season may be sent at any time. Photos will be returned at the end of each contest year if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included. l

Susan Hanslovan United EC

Wes Stoltzfus Tri-County REC

Autumn Wisor New Enterprise REC Shana Steiner Valley REC

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