MARCH 2019
THE MAGAZINE YOU COME HOME TO Barnstorming history Group seeks to preserve Mail Pouch art
PLUS Weighing lawncare options Grilled cheese, please! Great gardens, less work
Contents MARCH 2019 Vol. 54 • No.3 4 Energy Matters Editor Fighting to keep the lights on Peter A. Fitzgerald Keeping Current Senior Editor/Writer 6 Katherine Hackleman News from across the Commonwealth Associate Editor Michael T. Crawford 8 feature: Barnstorming Layout & Design history W. Douglas Shirk Group seeks to preserve 8 production coordinator Mail Pouch art Michelle M. Smith Contributing Columnists 12 Smart circuits Janette Hess Weighing your lawncare options Patrick Keegan Yvonne Butts-Mitchell 14 Time Lines Penn Lines (USPS 929-700), the newsmagazine Your newsmagazine of Pennsylvania’s electric cooperatives, is published through the years monthly by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Associa- tion, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. Penn Lines helps 166,000 house- 14a Cooperative holds of co-op consumer-members understand issues Connection that affect the electric cooperative program, their local Information and advice from 16 co-ops, and their quality of life. Electric co-ops are not- your local electric cooperative for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed, and tax- paying electric utilities. Penn Lines is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. The opinions expressed 16 COUNTRY KITCHEN in Penn Lines do not necessarily reflect those of the Grilled cheese, please! editors, the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, or local electric distribution cooperatives. Subscriptions: Electric co-op members, $5.42 per 18 rural views year through their local electric distribution coopera- Why are there always cats tive. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Harrisburg, in my bathtub? PA 17107 and additional mailing offices. POST- MASTER: Send address changes with mailing label to Penn Lines, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, 20 feature: Great gardens, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. less work 20 Advertising: Display ad deadline is six weeks prior to How to keep the yard looking good month of issue. Ad rates upon request. Acceptance when your body says, ‘Slow down!’ of advertising by Penn Lines does not imply endorse- ment of the product or services by the publisher or any electric cooperative. If you encounter a problem 23 TECH TRENDS with any product or service advertised in Penn Lines, In the age of LEDs, smartphones please contact: Advertising, Penn Lines, P.O. Box and Wi-Fi, programmable lighting 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Penn Lines reserves the right to refuse any advertising. options readily available
24 Classifieds
26 Punch Lines Let’s hear it for the all-you-can-eat, 27 country buffet
Board officers and staff, Pennsylvania Rural Electric 27 Rural Reflections Association: Chairman, Leroy Walls; Vice Chairman, Waiting for spring Tim Burkett; Secretary, Barbara Miller; Treasurer, Rick Shope; President & CEO, Frank M. Betley © 2019 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association. ON THE COVER All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. This Mail Pouch Tobacco advertisement, located on Visit with us at Penn Lines Online, a barn in Somerset County, located at: www.prea.com/penn-lines- is one of the signs featured magazine. Penn Lines Online provides an in a recent Mail Pouch email link to Penn Lines editorial staff, Barnstormers calendar. information on advertising rates, and an Photo by John Burley archive of past issues.
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| MARCH 2019 3 energymatters Fighting to keep the lights on Electric co-ops are winning reliability battles against squirrels, storms, hackers By Paul Wesslund
id you know squirrels, light- two ways to keep the power on, but by ning and trees have something far the biggest part of reliability comes Din common? They can knock from the decades of building, maintain- out your electricity. ing and updating the massive machin- ery of the nation’s electric grid. More Electric cooperatives work hard to than 8,500 power plants generate elec- keep your lights on all the time, but tricity that is shipped through 200,000 “you’re going to have power outages, miles of high-voltage transmission lines. and that’s just the way it is,” says Banks of substations and transformers Tony Thomas, senior principal engi- step-down that voltage to send it to neer with the National Rural Electric homes and businesses through 5.5 mil- Cooperative Association (NRECA). lion miles of local distribution lines. An electric utility’s basic job of Keeping that network up and run- keeping the power flowing 24/7 calls ning calls for a lot of planning among for maintaining a complex network utilities to anticipate how electricity of power plants, poles and wires. will be used in the future. Part of that But it also means battling the unpre- reliability planning has focused on dictable. Thomas cites the top three protecting the electricity system from troublemakers to electric reliability as computer-based digital attacks. trees falling on power lines and other operating about as efficiently as it can.” interferences from vegetation, light- But utilities still try to improve on Never-ending job of ning strikes, and animals going about that reliability. Among the techniques cybersecurity their daily routines, especially squirrels being used to foil critter catastrophes Bridgette Bourge is among those chewing on electrical equipment. are snake barriers around substations, overseeing how digital technology “Utilities do an awfully good job,” buzzard shields on transmission tow- affects reliability for electric co-ops says Thomas. “But Mother Nature gets ers and mesh coverings on wood poles and their consumer-members. As in the way sometimes.” to protect them from woodpeckers. director of government affairs for Humans contribute to power out- For some of the other causes of out- NRECA, she sees both the positives ages as well, with vandals deliberately ages like trees and lightning, there’s and the negatives to the latest inter- damaging electrical equipment and now an app for that. net-based, or cyber, technology. drivers crashing into utility poles. Utilities operate extensive right-of- “Cyber helps a lot on reliability way programs to keep vegetation away because it gives us the ability to mon- Statistics say the lights are from power lines, from clearing under- itor and know everything right away,” almost always on brush to publicity campaigns asking she says. “But whenever you increase Numbers collected from electric people not to plant trees near power reliability through a technology, you utilities show that power in the United lines. These days, those efforts can be do potentially open up vulnerabilities States is incredibly reliable. According to aided by digital software that forecasts as well from the security angle.” these figures, the percentage of time that the growth of trees and other plants For any organization, including elec- the average American has electricity at so that utilities can prune branches tric utilities, the benefits of the internet the flip of a switch is 99.97… oh forget before they cause a problem. come infested with mischief makers. it, you get the idea. Thomas says what’s Other software tries to manage light- Bourge says it’s routine for a company most important to know about those ning by analyzing the age and wear on to receive tens of thousands of attempts numbers is that they don’t change much. the utility’s equipment that minimizes each day to break into its computer “I don’t see big swings from year to the damage from lightning strikes so it network. Those “knocks” at the cyber year,” says Thomas. “If things are fairly can be replaced before it fails. door can come from individuals, coun- consistent, that means the utility is Fighting storms and squirrels are (continues on page 19)
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hft_pennlines_0319_M-REG162930.indd 1 1/23/19 2:32 PM keepingcurrent
News from across the Commonwealth
Students working like heck READER RESPONSE to get hellbender named state amphibian Dear Editor, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s I truly appreciated your article in the February edition of Penn (CBF) Student Leadership Council Lines magazine about broadband entitled “Connecting Care.” It is leading a campaign to designate a brought to mind how disadvantaged us “rural” folks really are with large, odd-looking, brown salamander health care barriers and multiple other issues. … commonly known as the Eastern hell- I feel like we are in a time warp. My opinion is that we are not only bender as the Commonwealth’s official disadvantaged, but also discriminated against. … state amphibian. There’s not just a deficiency in health care access; (the lack of Eastern hellbenders, the largest sala- broadband affects) access to local news … radio … television … education. … Your article is very well-written, and there is nothing more important than our health mander species in North America that care. However, there are so many other important disadvantages (to not having broadband can grow up to 2 feet long, are found access) that very much make me feel discriminated against in the rural area. I’ve only in cold, clear, swift-running rivers and touched the surface. … streams in the Susquehanna watershed NJ King, Clarksburg, Pa. in Pennsylvania. According to the CBF, (REA Energy Cooperative) the nocturnal Eastern hellbenders prefer rocky streambeds with crevices, naming the salamander as the state tion. To become law, it needs to pass which they use for protection and nest- amphibian. With the assistance of both houses of the General Assembly ing sites. The loss of forested buffers students at Lycoming College’s Clean and be signed by the governor. Other along these waterways is resulting in Water Institute in Williamsport, they species previously designated by the warmer waters and silted streambeds, drafted suggested legislation they state include: the white-tailed deer as degrading their habitat and decimating presented to elected officials. State the state animal; the ruffed grouse as their numbers in streams where they Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) agreed to the state bird; the Great Dane as the were plentiful as recently as 1990. sponsor the legislation. state dog and the brook trout as the The council, made up of high school “Because the Eastern hellbender state fish. students, studied the Eastern hell- exemplifies what is good about Penn- bender and the problems it is facing sylvania’s waterways, it is the perfect Penn State research team and decided to bring the situation to selection to become the official state discovers oldest known the attention of state residents through amphibian,” Yaw explains. “It is an plant virus excellent natural Researchers from Penn State Univer- indicator of water sity (PSU) who were studying ancient quality, so, in effect, corncobs found at a Native American if you have hellbend- archeological site have recovered a ers in your water, the 1,000-year-old virus, the oldest plant water quality most virus ever reported. likely is very good. According to a PSU report, the new The hellbender will discovery came as a research team be a visible symbol examined ancient plant material from of Pennsylvania’s Antelope House, an ancestral Puebloan commitment to clean ruin at Canyon de Chelly National water.” Monument in Arizona. In early February, “Using carbon 14 dating,” the report ambition: Pennsylvania students hope the Eastern hellbender is on its the state Senate ap- says, “researchers confirmed that the way to being named the state amphibian. proved the legisla- age of the ancient samples was about
6 | MARCH 2019 | MARCH 2019 1,000 years old. While analyzing cobs, million each year for the next 10 years rainbow trout that weigh an aver- the scientists isolated three nearly in an effort to repair deteriorating age of 1.5 pounds and are 14 inches complete genomes of a previously buildings, water and sewer treat- long. Sections of 21 streams across unknown virus of the family Chrysovi- ment systems, and trails and roads in the state will be stocked with 14-inch ridae, which infects plants and fungi.” Pennsylvania’s 121 state parks and 2.7 to 20-inch trout under the Keystone The researchers reported their find- million acres of state forests. A specific Select Stocked Trout Waters program. ings in the January 2019 issue of the funding source has not Journal of Virology. been identified, but offi- cials remain committed Mussels to help clean up to the idea that entrance muddy water to state parks and forests Through its PENNVEST program, should remain free to the the state is investing $7.9 million for a public. mussel hatchery at Bartram’s Gardens The nonprofit founda- in southwest Philadelphia. Freshwater tions says many of the mussels, which once thrived in rivers, buildings and systems streams and lakes across the state, pro- in the state parks and vide a natural filter to clean up muddy forests were constructed water, which provides a healthier TROUT SEASON AHEAD: The Pennsylvania in the 1930s through the 1960s and Fish and Boat Commission is preparing for the aquatic ecosystem. are in need of major repairs. The cost 2019 trout season by stocking streams and The hatchery, which will produce breakdown is: nearly $200 million for lakes. 500,000 baby mussels annually, is office buildings, visitor centers and scheduled to begin operating in 2023. service facilities; $95 million for dams Approximately 6,500 of the large trout Adult mussel colonies will be placed in and impoundments; $49 million for are distributed among all 21 streams. the Susquehanna and Delaware water- campgrounds, cabins, restrooms, etc.; In addition to trout raised at state fish $546 million for abandoned mine hatcheries, PFBC cooperative nurseries lands, abandoned oil and gas wells, operated by sportsmen’s clubs across marinas, ski areas, picnic areas, etc.; the state will add another 1 million $110 million for roads and bridges; trout to waters open to public angling. and $66 million for water and sewer The 2019 trout season kicks off with facilities. a Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day A legislative caucus focused on state for 18 southeastern counties on March parks and forests is being formed to 23, with the regional opening day of help bring attention to the need for trout season for those same 18 coun- upgraded infrastructure in the state ties on March 30. A second Mentored parks and forests. Youth Trout Fishing Day is April 6 in the remaining parts of the state, with MORE MUSSELS: The state is investing in a mussel hatchery that will provide colonies for It won’t be long before trout April 13 as the regular statewide open- streams where native mussel populations were season opens ing day of trout season for those areas. once found. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has placed the End of the line for a piece of sheds in streams where native mussel 2019 adult trout-stocking schedule railroad history populations were once found. online at fishandboat.com and on The historic, flipping departures Freshwater mussels are not edible by its FishBoatPA mobile app available board at the 30th Street Station in humans, but they clean waterways by through the Apple App and Google Philadelphia has been moved to The eating microscopic particles of clay, silt Play stores. Railroad Museum in Strasburg, Pa. The and algae. One adult mussel filters 10 The PFBC stocks approximately board, which featured a loud click- gallons of water daily. 3.2 million adult trout in 707 streams ety-clack noise as the display changed, and 127 lakes open to public angling. was removed as part of a moderniza- State parks, forests face This includes 2.1 million rainbow tion plan at the Amtrak station. $1 billion in infrastructure trout, 640,000 brown trout and After an effort spearheaded by U.S. repairs, reconstruction 440,000 brook trout. The average size Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd) to save The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests of the trout produced for stocking is the board, Amtrak officials said the Foundation is promoting a 10-year 11 inches in length. The PFBC also company will explore ways to re-incor- plan that calls for spending $100 stocks about 9,600 trophy golden porate the flip-board in the station. l
| MARCH 2019 7 Barnstorming history Group seeks to preserve Mail Pouch art
oger Warrick and Maxine Zim- By Kathy Hackleman RURAL SCENE: This barn, located on Route merman Dudley are not house- 31 in Bedford County, still advertises Mail Senior Editor/Writer Pouch Tobacco to passersby. Rhold names, but it’s a sure bet that anyone who has traveled a major of the historic chewing tobacco adver- thing” on the Barnstormers website. Pennsylvania highway has seen their tising campaign, and when feasible, to While a large sign wouldn’t be suit- families’ legacy. Their late fathers — provide monetary assistance to barn ed to his space, he improvised and Harley Warrick and Maurice Zim- owners who want to have their histor- came up with a smaller version of the merman — were two of the painters ic signs preserved and restored. original design to install on his tiny responsible for the iconic Mail Pouch John Learn, a member of the board barn. Today, it’s not unusual to have Tobacco barn advertisements that dot of Indiana-based REA Energy Coop- intrigued passersby on his rural road parts of the rural American landscape, erative, ran across the group’s website near Commodore, Pa., stop to photo- including Pennsylvania. while looking for information about graph his version of the original Mail barn decorations. Pouch advertisement. The passing of decades and weath- “I had a large shed that looked like er have taken a huge toll on the a miniature barn that was about 130 Treasure hunt once-colorful signs, but the Mail years old that I had recently moved Learn didn’t stop there, though, as Pouch Barnstormers are not going to to my place from the farm where I his interest and commitment to saving let them disappear without a fight. grew up,” Learn says. “I relocated it the old, original signs grew. As a new The Barnstormers, as it is known, is and then did some repairs, but it just board member of the Barnstormers, an organization made up of people looked like it was missing something.” he hopes, along with the other 140 determined to document the remnants Learn found that “missing some- members, to someday find an undocu-
8 | MARCH 2019 mented Mail Pouch advertisement. school in 1950 while her father was After Zimmerman married in 1926, “Finding a new Mail Pouch barn still on the road painting signs, re- Dudley says her mother traveled with that isn’t documented is like a massive members going for car rides with her him and his crew. treasure hunt,” says Bill Vint, the ex- family, always keeping a sharp eye out “They pitched tents as they trav- ecutive director of Mail Pouch Barn- for a highly visible, large barn near a eled,” she says. “Mom would cook in stormers. “We are pretty sure there major highway. the tent and the guys would come in at are not a lot more barns out there that “Dad painted barns in New York, night after a day of painting, and she are still standing that we don’t already Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, would feed them. They did that until know about. Our archives document Michigan and Ohio,” she recalls. “If they had kids. That was the way peo- every known barn, wherever it is.” I see a real old one now, I can almost ple lived back then. Everyone in the As an aside, Vint does note the visualize him standing there painting.” 1920s and 1930s had a tough life.” group has learned of a dozen or so new Mail Pouch Tobacco signs in the past four or five years. But they differ from the barn signs as they were paint- ed on brick commercial buildings in the late 1800s. “We are finding these signs when an adjoining building is demolished and all of the sudden, the sign is exposed,” Vint says. “These are very unusual signs because they are not typical of the same basic Mail Pouch signs that the barn painters did. These are more artistic. They have images of a pouch of tobacco and use different fonts in a much more creative process. These are being found in places we never even imagined, including downtown Detroit.” But back to the barn signs — Dudley says her father was one of the original group of six men (two per Ford Model T) hired back in 1925 to blanket the country, painting the advertising signs on as many barns as possible. Around the turn of the 20th century, the company had hired a few individual painters, but in contrast to the later “traveling sign painters,” they were mostly local folks concentrated in a small area. In addition to getting the side of their barn painted for free, the owners of the barns selected to feature the ad- vertising also got a nominal “lease fee” (usually $5 to $10 a year) and some- times, some free chewing tobacco. Dudley, who graduated from high
BARNSTORMERS: REA Energy Cooperative members John and Bunny Learn, members of the Mail Pouch Barnstormers, show their inter- est in the iconic advertising campaign with a personalized sign on a shed at their residence near Commodore, Pa. They are pictured with their sons, Evan, Gregory and Eric.
| MARCH 2019 9 “There was kind of a resurgence after Congress declared the signs as national landmarks in 1973, but my father was the only painter the company hired back,” Warrick recalls. The younger Warrick, who vividly recalls his father’s days — and nights — on the road as a sign painter, has been involved with the Mail Pouch Barnstormers since its founding in 2001. “We focus on keeping a database of where the barns
are located, down to the GPS h t location, because they are disappearing, and we know we will keep losing them as time goes on,” Warrick says. The group has documented
r Hollingswo Doug more than 2,500 signs; most IN A PENNSYLVANIA FIELD: This barn in tion and the subsequent passage of the are within a several-state radius of Greene County featuring an old Mail Pouch Highway Beautification Act in 1965, the company’s headquarters in West Tobacco advertisement is one of the signs along with a growing understanding of Virginia, but there are random, single highlighted in a recent Mail Pouch Barnstormers calendar. The group sells calendars to make the negative health benefits of tobacco, locations in many states, including money to help owners restore the signs across nearly shuttered the company’s long- California, and even Canada. the U.S. time advertising program. “If people want to repaint the sign and the barn is in good condition, (the Last touches Barnstormers) try to help out with a While Dudley’s father was in the little money,” Warrick says. “A lot of first group of Mail Pouch Tobacco sign people paint them themselves if they painters, Warrick’s father was the last of can. Many of the owners try to keep the company’s traveling sign painters. them up, but a lot of the barns that In 1946, Harley Warrick went to work the signs are on have collapsed. … We for Blouch Brothers Tobacco Co., cre- are trying to maintain interest as long ator of the Mail Pouch Tobacco brand as people have any connection to the headquartered in Wheeling, W. Va. He paintings.” retired in the early 1990s as the final Every time Warrick sees a Mail Mail Pouch Tobacco sign painter. Pouch Tobacco sign on a barn, it re- “He had just come back from minds him of his father. serving in World War II in 1945 “I have this sixth sense,” he says. or ’46, and there was a Mail Pouch “I can look at a barn and think it s
crew painting the barn at his family’s r looks like it should have a sign on it, home,” the younger Warrick says e and sometimes it does. I can tell if he rm of his father, who died in 2000. “He painted it. Everybody kind of did their needed work, so he joined up with the nsto own lettering; some are blocky, some crew as an apprentice. At that time, are skinnier, so you kind of can tell there were four crews of two men. He ch B ar who did it from that if you know what later became the main sign painter on you are looking for.” a crew. Eventually, through attrition, M a il Pou In an NPR radio interview before he was the only one left.” EARLY PAINTER: The late Maurice Zimmerman poses beside a barn he painted. Zimmerman was he died, Harley Warrick estimated he Former First Lady Lady Bird John- one of the original six men hired in 1925 to blan- had painted or retouched more than son’s emphasis on highway beautifica- ket rural America with the iconic advertising signs. 20,000 Mail Pouch Tobacco signs
10 | MARCH 2019 painter Bryan Maurer, however, has a thrown your money out the window.” different approach. Maurer enjoyed the sign restoration In 2010, the Somerset County resi- and hopes there are more Mail Pouch dent from Davidsville, Pa., took sever- Tobacco advertisements in his future. al weeks to restore and reroof a large If a prediction by Vint comes true, barn along Route 985 north of Jen- they probably will be. nerstown that included a Mail Pouch “If anything, interest is growing,” Tobacco advertisement, his second Vint says. “There are thousands of s
r such sign restoration. A barn painter people across the country who just e by trade, Maurer typically repairs dam- love old barns. But they are deteriorat- rm aged boards, sands down a barn with a ing and falling apart because farmers nsto power sander, then primes and paints no longer use the barns in the same it. In this case, the barn’s owners, Tim way as they used to. They are falling ch B ar and Kim McQuaid, told Maurer that, down because of their age. Sometimes along with getting their barn repaint- there is no sense to making the invest- M a il Pou ed, they wanted a historic restoration ment to keep them in existence. But of the Mail Pouch Tobacco sign. To we do the best we can to tell people accomplish that, Maurer strung lines who may own a Mail Pouch barn that from one side of the barn to the other, it has historic significance.” sketched in the design and then filled To view locations of advertisements, it in by hand with color, using a 4-inch log onto mailpouchbarnstormers.org. paintbrush. There are 458 sites listed in Pennsyl- “You can’t just use any color; you vania, second only to Ohio with 803 gotta know colors to be able to paint (some of the barns listed are no longer barns,” he says. “The paint I use standing). Anyone who knows of a makes the barn look like it was built location not listed is asked to email yesterday. I have worked on barns that Vint at billvint@mailpouchbarnstorm- LAST OF THE BUNCH: The late Harley Warrick, were built back to 1804. A lot of these ers.org. In addition to the listings and a sign painter who retired in the early 1990s, structures that people tear down could information about becoming a mem- is remembered in a book, bottom, available at be fixed or repurposed. I am the type ber of the Mail Pouch Barnstormers, mailpouchbarnstormers.org. Warrick, top, who began working on the signs in 1946, was the last of person who likes to preserve history the website also has several related of the traveling Mail Pouch advertising painters. instead of destroying it. … If you don’t items for sale, including calendars, prep it right, a year or two later, the commemorative patches, postcards across 30 states in his career, usually paint will scale off and you have just and books. l spending less than a day on each barn. After the first 1,000 or so, Warrick said he always painted free-hand, start- ing with the letter “e” in “chew.” He then worked to the right and the left, ensuring the design was centered on whatever size barn he was working on.
Preserving history The original sign painters worked fast and readily admitted their work wouldn’t stand up to close scrutiny be- cause it was designed to be viewed in seconds from the highway by a person in a speeding vehicle. Current barn
NEWER VERSION: Somerset County resident Bryan Maurer, owner of Maurer Painting and Restorations, enjoys painting barns and preserv- ing history. In 2010, he restored this Mail Pouch Tobacco advertisement when renovating a barn on Route 985 north of Jennerstown, Pa.
| MARCH 2019 11 smartcircuits Weighing your lawncare options By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen
ear Pat: I’m seeing a lot of advertisements lately for elec- Dtric lawn mowers. I want to save money and help the environment, but from what I’ve heard, a lot of elec- tric mowers can be underpowered, and the cordless ones lose their battery charge too quickly. Do you think it’s worth making the switch from a gas mower to an electric mower? — Eric
Dear Eric: Until recently, corded and cordless electric mowers tended to be underpowered. For cordless mowers, this fact was made worse by their sub- par battery life. But today, with those problems largely solved, the best electric mowers hassle of navigating around the cord. while protecting the environment, you have the power and battery life to keep There are additional benefits of elec- can minimize your need for a mower, pace with a gas mower, depending on tric mowers besides lower fuel and or get rid of the need completely. the size of your lawn. maintenance costs. Electric mowers are If you’re willing to keep your lawn A cordless, electric mower with a much quieter than gas mowers, and mowed regularly and don’t mind large 56-volt battery can run for about they start instantly. Electric mowers breaking a sweat, consider a manual one hour. Plug-in electric mowers produce less tailpipe emissions, but the reel mower. Some models are more don’t have this limitation, but using a overall environmental impact depends effective than you might think, and long electrical cord can be challenging. on how the electricity you’re using to they’re far less expensive and require Quality electric mowers, especially charge the mower is generated. The little maintenance or storage space. the cordless, rechargeable ones, tend to environmental benefits will be greater The most dramatic step you could cost twice as much as a new equivalent if the electricity is generated from take is replacing your lawn completely, gas model. But you can recoup some renewable energy sources. perhaps with water-efficient landscap- of the expense with cheaper operating Given all these considerations, my ing, a rock garden, a vegetable garden costs, since electricity is a less expen- advice is to weigh your priorities. If or even an artificial lawn. This could sive fuel than gas, and electric engines you are looking to buy new, have a dramatically cut your water bill generally require less maintenance than small- to mid-size lot, prioritize envi- and the environmental impact of a gas engines. ronmental concerns, and don’t mind lawn. Another important cost consider- navigating a cord or recharging bat- Any change you make, whether in ation is that rechargeable batteries teries, an electric mower could be the mowing or landscaping, will require a typically need to be replaced after three right choice for you. little research. But it’s great to know to five years. The cost savings also If you don’t mind the noise, main- the option of an electric mower is depend on the size of your lot. A small tenance and other hassles of a gas more viable than ever! l lot uses less gas, so fuel cost savings mower, have a large lot and prefer not This column was co-written by Pat are less significant. to invest in the upfront purchase price, Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collabora- You can save a significant amount a gas mower may be a better option. tive Efficiency. For more information on of money on the purchase price with a There’s also a third choice. If your mower options, please visit: www.collab- corded mower, if you don’t mind the goals are to save money and hassle orativeefficiency.com/energytips.
12 | MARCH 2019 Chicago Doctor Shakes Up Hearing Aid Industry ADVANCED HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY... For Less Than $200! Chicago – A local board-certifi ed physician The doctor evaluated the high priced has done it once again with his newest invention hearing aids on the market, broke them of a medical-grade, aff ordable hearing aid. down to their base components, and This new hearing aid is packed with all the then created his own aff ordable version, features of traditional hearing aids found at called the MDHearingAid, for less clinics for a mere fraction of the cost. Now than $200. most people with hearing loss are able to enjoy Nearly crystal clear, natural sound — in a crowd, on A ordable Hearing Aid the phone, in the wind — without suffering Invisible! Technology through “whistling” and annoying SAME FEATURES AS Using advanced technology, the background noise. EXPENSIVE COMPETITORS MDHearingAid adjusts to your listening FDA-Registered MDHearingAid® Behind-the-ear for a environment — prioritizing speech and Outperforms nearly invisible profi le de-emphasizing background noise. Experience all of the sounds you’ve been Expensive Competitors Accommodates Mild, Moderate, and missing at a price you can afford. This This sleek, fully programmed, light-weight, Moderately-Severe doctor designed and approved hearing aid hearing aid is the outgrowth of the technology hearing loss comes with a full year’s supply of long- revolution that is changing our world. While Amplifi es the critical life batteries. It delivers crisp, clear sound demand for new technology caused most prices frequencies of the all day long and the soft flexible ear to plunge (consider DVD players and computers, human voice, without domes are so comfortable you won’t amplifying background realize you’re wearing them. which originally sold for thousands of dollars sounds and today can be purchased for less), the cost Multiple sized ear domes of a medical-grade hearing aid remains allow for the perfect size Can a Hearing Aid Delay or out of reach. 2-Programs for Prevent Alzheimer’s & Dementia? The doctor knew that many of his patients customized hearing. would benefi t but couldn’t aff ord the expense Decrease background A study by the National Institute on for these new hearing aids. Generally they are noise and choose the Aging suggests older individuals with best program for your not covered by Medicare and most private hearing loss. hearing loss are signifi cantly more likely to health insurance plans. develop Alzheimer’s and dementia over time Compare MDHearingAid to High-Priced Store-Front Clinics than those who retain their hearing. They suggest that an intervention — such as a FEATURES Hearing Aid Clinic hearing aid — could delay or prevent this FDA-Registered Hearing Aid Yes Yes by improving hearing! Feedback Cancellation Yes Yes Try It Yourself at Home Speech Enhancement Noise Reduction Yes Yes 45-Day Risk-Free Trial Appointments Needed None 3-4 Of course, hearing is believing and we Phone Support and 24-7 Email Support Yes NO invite you to try it for yourself with our RISK-FREE 45-day home trial. If you are 45-Day Risk Free Trial Yes Rarely not completely satisfi ed, simply return it 100% Money Back Guarantee Yes Rarely within that time period for a full refund of your purchase price. 1-Year Supply of FREE Batteries Yes Rarely Time to Receive Your Hearing Aids Just 1-5 DAYS 3-5 WEEKS Hearing Aid Price Under $200 $2,250+
Buyers Agree, “MDHearingAid is the Best Value!” For the Lowest Price Plus “I am hearing things I didn’t know I was missing. FREE Shipping Call Today! Really amazing. I’m wearing them all the time.” — Linda I., Indiana “Almost work too well. I am a teacher and hearing Proudly assembled much better now.” — Lillian B., California 45-DAY “I would defi nitely recommend them to my RISK-FREE TRIAL in America! patients with hearing loss.” — Amy S., Audiologist, Indiana Call: 1-800-955-1273 or Visit: www.GetMDHearingAid200.com Use O er Code JF84 to Get FREE Shipping and FREE Batteries for a Full Year! timelines Your Newsmagazine Through the Years
1999
2009 Rigs drilling for natural gas are a common sight across rural Pennsylvania as companies begin development of the Marcellus Shale, which underlies much of the state.
1989 Volunteer fire com- panies, which date back to 1736 when Benjamin Franklin organized the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia, contin- ue to operate across Pennsylvania.
dvertising signs encouraging passersby to “Chew Mail Pouch” began appearing at the turn of the 20th century 1979 Awhen Blouch Brothers Tobacco Company — creators of Wood-burning the Mail Pouch brand — realized small towns and farms provid- stoves and heaters ed a prime market. are popular, both as energy-saving and Instead of constructing costly billboards, the company had a attractive additions better idea – why not use existing structures as displays? And to homes, but there what better billboard-sized structures to use than barns? The are hazards involved company offered to paint the side of the barn — at no charge — in their installation and pay $5 or $10 per year or provide free tobacco to the farmer and operation. for the privilege of using his barn. The advertising campaign proved eminently successful. During the peak of chewing tobacco consumption in the 1930s, Mail Pouch held 65 percent of the market share. But times change, and 1969 so it was with the signs. Hampered by Lady Bird Johnson’s cam- Sponsors of the paign as first lady to beautify America’s highways (and subsequent “Electric Consumer passage of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965), the company’s Protection Act” are sign painters were forced off the nation’s major highways. Reps. C.L. Schmitt Today, there are few remaining signs as time and weather take (D-Westmoreland), Francis Worley (R-Ad- their toll on the aging barns. (See the story about Mail Pouch ams), Budd Dwyer Barnstormers, a group trying to document the location of all (R-Crawford) and Doyle remaining Mail Pouch barns, on pages 8-11 of this issue.) Steele (D-Armstrong).
14 | MARCH 2019 cooperativeconnection REA Energy From the President & CEO Cooperative, Inc.
REA ENERGY Nuclear power is co-op power One of 14 electric cooperatives By Chad Carrick, MBA, CFPC serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey President & CEO
From the time our alarm goes off, percent of the Commonwealth’s we’re on the grid. Electricity powers carbon-free energy, helping Pennsyl- much of our daily lives. And as long vanians avoid billions in health and as the lights come on, we don’t give it environmental costs. No other genera- much thought. We rarely think about tion resource comes close to having this Chad Carrick where our electricity comes from. kind of impact. President & CEO But as a consumer-member of REA The future of our nuclear plants, REA Energy Cooperative, Inc. Energy Cooperative, Inc., you have however, is a matter of serious con- 75 Airport Road • P.O. Box 70 an ownership interest in your power cern. Recently, two plants — Beaver Indiana, PA 15701-0070 724-349-4800 • 800-211-5667 resources. Did you know most of the Valley and Three Mile Island — have Ebensburg District Office energy used in cooperative homes and announced premature closures if action 127 Municipal Road businesses throughout the Common- is not taken to correct current market Ebensburg, PA 15931 wealth is generated by self-owned nu- dynamics. Such closures would have 814-472-8570 Website: www.reaenergy.com clear power? It’s true. In Pennsylvania, devastating, long-term consequences, Email: [email protected] nuclear power is co-op power. because once a nuclear plant closes, it’s Staff Since 1977, Pennsylvania’s electric closed forever. Barry Baker cooperatives have been partners in the While our Susquehanna plant is not Indiana Operations Manager ownership of the Susquehanna Steam currently in danger, if this troubling Erin Bauer ACRE Coordinator Electric Station (Susquehanna), a nucle- trend continues, it will result in higher Shane Cribbs ar facility in Berwick, Pa. For decades, energy prices and higher environmental Network & Systems Manager this cooperative investment in nucle- costs for us all — something that will hit Dave Daugherty Safety & Right of Way Manager ar power has been a driving force in our rural communities particularly hard. Jeff Dishong providing our communities with safe, re- To avoid this fate, Pennsylvania needs Ebensburg Operations Supervisor liable and affordable electric energy. The a market design that recognizes nuclear Lisa Gardill Accounting & Finance Manager plant supplies approximately 60 percent power’s positive contributions. Electric Stacy Hilliard, CCC of our energy needs, and is one of the cooperatives are working with legislative Communications & Marketing Manager main reasons cooperative consumers leaders on a bipartisan effort to secure Local Pages Editor Chris Masterson enjoy one of the lowest and most stable the future of nuclear power in Pennsyl- Reliability Supervisor electric generation rates in the region. vania. These lawmakers are introducing Patrick McAndrew But cooperative members aren’t the legislation to equitably compensate Manager of Engineering Bryon Roland only ones benefitting from nuclear nuclear power for its zero-carbon emis- Purchasing & Facilities Manager power. According to a report by the sions and grid dependability. Brendan Short General Assembly’s bipartisan Nuclear Rural electric cooperatives under- Right-of-Way/Forestry Supervisor Renee Spalla Energy Caucus, without the state’s nu- stand the benefits of nuclear power, and Supervisor of Consumer Services clear plants, Pennsylvanians would pay we can help to educate others on its im- Chris Weller close to $800 million more annually for portance. Please take a moment to visit Load Management Supervisor electricity. The plants annually contrib- PARuralAction.org and send an email Outages & Emergencies 1-800-332-7273 ute $2 billion to the state’s economy, to your local legislators urging them to 724-463-7273 pay $69 million in net tax revenues and support efforts to ensure nuclear power Office Hours employ 16,000 Pennsylvanians. remains viable in Pennsylvania. After Indiana Office: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Nuclear power also provides 93 all, nuclear power is co-op power. l Ebensburg Office: 7 - 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday | MARCH 2019 14a rea energy cooperative, inc
Milner, longtime employee, retires February 4, 2019. This date for longtime REA Energy employee and Chief Lineman Joseph (Joe) Milner holds special significance. It represents the culmination of a career spanning 40 years at the cooperative and the start of the next chapter of his life. Milner began his employment at the cooperative in February 1979 as a storeroom helper. Through the years, he has held various positions including: storeroom keeper, utility man, appren- tice, and journeyman lineman. His most recent position was chief lineman. When asked what he enjoyed the most about working at the cooperative, he stated he enjoyed working outside and always being in a different place in REA Energy Chief Lineman Joe Milner is retiring after 40 years of service to the our service territory. But, most of all, cooperative. he enjoyed working with a great group of linemen over the years. storm work. the possibility of volunteering at a Milner says he will miss his cowork- In his retirement, Milner plans to soup kitchen. ers and line work, sharing knowledge relax a while, spend time with family The board of directors and employ- and experiences; however, he says he and friends, spend time cooking and ees at REA Energy Cooperative, Inc. will not miss getting that one “last” baking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wish to bid a fond farewell to him as he outage after an exhausting round of traveling. He also intends to explore begins a well-deserved retirement. l Petitions for director candidates due by June 21 By Stacy Hilliard, CCC, Communications & Marketing Manager The board of directors for REA Energy Cooperative, Inc. is k Not be employed by, or financially interested in, any business in comprised of nine cooperative members who are elected to four- competition with REA year terms on a rotating basis. k Never been an employee of REA or any electric cooperative or In 2019, Districts 1 and 2 are up for re-election. District 1 in- association cludes the following township in Armstrong County: Cowanshan- k Not a close relative of a director or employee of REA nock. District 1 also includes the following townships in Indiana k Have paid all balances due REA within 90 days of billing during County: East Mahoning, North Mahoning, South Mahoning, the previous one-year period Washington, and West Mahoning, as well as Creekside Borough. k Have not been convicted of theft of services from REA In Jefferson County, District 1 includes: Bell, Gaskill, Perry and k Have not been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, a felony or Young townships. crime of moral turpitude District 2 includes the following townships in Blair County: Complete director qualifications are detailed in the coopera- Allegheny, Juniata and Logan. District 2 also includes these tive’s bylaws in Article III, Section 2. (a). Packets containing all of townships in Cambria County: Adams, Allegheny, Conemaugh, the necessary information and forms are available at cooperative’s Cresson, Croyle, East Taylor, Gallitzin, Middle Taylor, Portage, offices, or by emailing [email protected]. Richland, Summerhill, Washington and West Taylor. Important dates to remember Qualifications This year, the first day members can submit petitions to run for To be eligible for director candidacy, individuals must meet the director is March 22, 2019. To register as a candidate, you must following criteria and all other guidelines listed in the coopera- reside in District 1 or 2. tive’s bylaws: Interested applicants will need to have their petitions submitted k Be at least 18 years old and received at the cooperative by 3 p.m. June 21, 2019. k Signed and submitted an application for service at primary A ballot containing the names of all the nominees will be mailed residence to members in Districts 1 and 2 in the beginning of September. k Received electric service at primary residence continuously for Election results will be announced at REA Energy’s annual meet- the past year ing on Sept. 19, 2019. l
14b | MARCH 2019 rea energy cooperative, inc
Right-of-way maintenance scheduled for 2019 By Brendan Short outage location. Once the location of In 2019, the following cycle trim- Right-of-Way/Forestry Supervisor the outage has been determined, util- ming, mowing and herbicide projects ity personnel may be engulfed within are scheduled: REA Energy is committed to and an overgrown ROW. Untangling the k Laurel Substation – 126 miles strives toward providing the highest utility lines is very time consuming for k Parkwood Substation – 143 miles quality service to our members. Right- vegetation management crews. This k Livermore Substation – 108 miles of-way (ROW) vegetation maintenance makes it very hazardous for utility k Washington Substation – 138 miles plays a major role in achieving this personnel and the public. k Clyde Substation – 70 miles commitment, so REA can provide safe and reliable electric to its members. Landowner notification Reliability There are benefits of having a REA utilizes various notification Our focus this year is to reduce well-established vegetation main- methods before any vegetation man- tree-related outages. This is achievable tenance program (VMP). The first agement work takes place on the prop- with proper maintenance and the coop- benefit is public safety. Distribution erty. All attempts will be made to noti- eration of members working with the lines are high-voltage lines that can fy landowners. Methods of notification cooperative to maintain the ROW. REA be a danger to the public. If trees are used to notify landowners of the pend- Energy appreciates your cooperation allowed to grow into any form of ing work are automated phone calls, with tree trimming and vegetation con- high-voltage line, this can create a very letters, newspaper ads, Penn Lines, trol within ROWs. Working together, dangerous situation for utility person- Twitter and Facebook posts. Final we will reduce outages, keep the system nel, unaware landowners or the public. notification will be a personal message safe for employees and landowners, and Electrical energy is always trying to from a representative from the profes- reduce outage time. If you have any find its way to ground. But to get there sional tree contractor. At this time, the questions regarding ROW issues, you it needs a conductor, a healthy looking representative will be explaining what can visit our website at reaenergy.com tree, for example. When tree limbs are work must be accomplished within to see proper specifications for ROW touching or lying on distribution lines, the given property. Landowners at this clearance, or contact the Indiana office there is the potential that the distribu- time should ask questions so they at 724-349-4800 or the Ebensburg tion energy is using that tree to find a have a complete understanding of office at 814-472-8570.l path to ground, which has the possi- the work that will be bility to energize a portion of that tree. performed within their If landowners notice this situation, property. they should not take matters into their own hands. Instead, call REA Ener- REA cycle gy and report the situation. Trained trimming program professionals in the industry can assess There are approxi- the situation and work to resolve it. mately 2,600 miles of The second benefit of a well-estab- electric line to maintain lished VMP is storm restoration time. in the cooperative’s With a proper VMP in place, storm territory. REA Energy restoration times may be reduced dras- requires tree trim- tically. This is because a properly main- ming, tree removal and tained ROW allows utility personnel to herbicide treatment on have better access to the lines and they a cyclical basis. Cur- can more easily see where the outage is rently, the cooperative located. This allows personnel to assess has adopted a five-year the situation and determine what tools vegetation management and materials may be needed to prop- cycle to take care of erly restore the line. all of the ROW in our With a non-maintained ROW, utility service area. Adequate lines can become entangled within trimming and spraying brush and tree limbs. When ROWs programs make it pos- are in this form, restoration times sible to provide reliable may increase because personnel have electric service and to spend more time looking for the reduce outage time.
| MARCH 2019 | MARCH 2019 14c rea energy cooperative, inc
REA’s safety internship program Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) student Brandon Prenni started in the position of safety intern on Jan. 14. Some of his duties will include completing safety work and conducting safety checks. Prenni will graduate from IUP in May 2019. In his free time, Prenni enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, powerlifting, snowboarding and working on cars.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: Brandon Prenni is a safety intern at REA Energy. He began work in January.
Right-of-way management/facility construction news Don’t forget to stop by REA Energy’s booth at REA Energy contractors will be completing tree-trimming work the Indiana-Armstrong Homebuilder’s Show at in the following areas in March: k Contractor crews from Penn Line Tree Service will be trimming the Kovalchick Complex March 22-24. Members the rights-of-way of the Laurel, Parkwood and Uniontown who visit the booth will receive a free gift. substation areas, in addition to emergency maintenance areas. Notification of work will be made to members in the areas affected. Contractors will perform all right-of-way work per REA Energy specifications. All contractor employees will carry em- ployee identification cards and their vehicles will display their company name. If you have questions, call 724-349-4800, or view specifica- tions at: reaenergy.com. Your Board of Directors
Michael J. Bertolino Wayne Farabaugh Robert P. Neese Sandra Dill Sam Eckenrod Anthony Enciso Howard Terndrup John R. Learn J.R. “Rick” Shope Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary/Treasurer District 9 District 1 District 7 District 4 District 6 District 2 District 3 District 8 District 5 REA Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
14d | MARCH 2019 YOUR CO-OP timelines LOGO HERE
Touchstone Energy cooperatives work side by side Working with member owners to make decisions locally, that best serve your area. That’s the way they’ve always Side done it, and the way they’ll always do it. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. by Side Your source of power. And information.
| JUNE 2018
03_PL0618.indd 13 5/17/18 8:03 AM countrykitchen
Grilled cheese, please! By Janette Hess
“I’ll just have a grilled cheese, please.” A trained journalist, Janette Hess Just? Without much effort, a simple grilled cheese sandwich can become a satis- focuses her writing on interest- fying treat. Then, with the addition of unexpected seasonings and garnishes, that ing people and interesting foods. same grilled cheese can become an unforgettable indulgence. With this month’s She is a Master Food Volunteer with her local extension service recipes, you choose how far you want to take your grilled cheese experience! and enjoys collecting, testing Kids of all ages appreciate well-crafted sandwiches. In fact, the Classic Grilled and sharing recipes. Cheese Sandwich is a great project for beginning cooks. It easily is assembled from refrigerator staples, as is Dilled Grilled Cheese. Grown-up Grilled Cheese might require a trip to the store — unless you keep herb cheese spreads on hand — but it’s worth the effort. Keep in mind that some cooks use mayonnaise instead of soft butter when grilling sandwiches. Experiment to see which you prefer. l
Classic Grilled Cheese Heat frying pan or grill to medium. To make sand- wich, lightly butter one side of each bread slice. Place 2 slices white or wheat 1 heaping tablespoon one slice, buttered side down, in pan. Layer with sandwich bread grated sharp cheddar cheese slice, grated cheese and second cheese slice. 2 slices American cheese cheese Soft butter for grilling Top with second slice of buttered bread. Grill to gold- en brown before carefully turning over to grill reverse side. Reduce heat as needed to prevent burning before cheese has melted.
Dilled Grilled Cheese To make filling, combine all ingredients except bread and butter. To make sandwich, spread desired amount 1 cup (4 ounces) finely 2 tablespoons of filling between two slices of French bread. Butter grated sharp cheddar mayonnaise cheese outsides and place on heated grill or frying pan. Grill 1/4 teaspoon dried dill to golden brown before carefully turning over to grill 1 dill pickle, blotted dry French bread cut into reverse side. Reduce heat as needed to prevent burning and finely chopped 3/4-inch thick slices before filling has softened. Makes enough filling for 3 Soft butter for grilling to 4 sandwiches.
Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Heat frying pan or grill to medium. To create sandwich, spread herb cheese on one slice of bread, add cheddar 1 tablespoon herb-and- 1 slice cheddar cheese cheese (fold to fit) and then top with second slice of garlic cheese spread 2 slices French bread, bread. Lightly butter outsides of sandwich. Grill to OR 1 tablespoon onion- each 3/4-inch thick golden brown on both sides. Reduce heat as needed to and-chive spreadable Soft butter for grilling prevent burning before cheese has melted. cream cheese
Onion Jam with Bacon Place bacon pieces in large frying pan. Cook and stir until crisp, reducing heat as needed to keep bacon from 1/2 pound smoked 1 tablespoon aged browning too quickly or burning. Transfer to paper bacon, cut into small (syrupy) balsamic towel-lined plate. Leave 1 tablespoon bacon fat in pan; pieces vinegar discard excess. Add onion to pan and slowly cook over 1 large yellow onion, 1 tablespoon tomato low to medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring finely chopped paste occasionally to keep onion from browning. When onion 2 tablespoons light 1/4 teaspoon dried is slightly golden, add brown sugar, vinegar, tomato paste brown sugar thyme and thyme. Stir to combine. Add water and bacon. Cook 6 tablespoons water and stir for 10 minutes, using spatula to break up any large pieces of bacon or onion. Turn off heat and allow jam to rest in pan for 10 minutes. Serve warm as a con- diment with cheese sandwiches. Jam also may be served as a spread with cheese and crackers. Makes 1 generous cup. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
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The important thing is that, right now, you can make a decision that Age Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female could help make a difficult time a little easier for your loved ones. 45-49 $10.45 $8.80 $16.75 $14.00 $32.50 $27.00 $79.75 $66.00 It’s a responsible, caring and affordable decision. And, right now, it’s 50-54 $11.50 $9.70 $18.50 $15.50 $36.00 $30.00 $88.50 something you can do with one simple phone call. $73.50 55-59 $14.20 $11.95 $23.00 $19.25 $45.00 $37.50 $111.00 $92.25 You may have been putting off purchasing life insurance, but you don’t have to wait another day. This offer is a great opportunity to 60-64 $17.20 $13.30 $28.00 $21.50 $55.00 $42.00 $136.00 $103.50 help start protecting your family today. 65-69 $20.50 $16.00 $33.50 $26.00 $66.00 $51.00 $163.50 $126.00 70-74 $27.40 $21.40 $45.00 $35.00 $89.00 $69.00 $221.00 $171.00 75-79 $37.00 $30.10 $61.00 $49.50 $121.00 $98.00 $301.00 $243.50 80-85 $50.50 $42.55 $83.50 $70.25 $166.00 $139.50 $413.50 $347.25 The rates above include a $12 annual policy fee.
This is a solicitation of insurance, an agent (In OR & WA: producer) may contact you. These policies contain benefits, reductions, limitations, and exclusions to include a reduction in death benefits during the first two years of policy ownership. Policy Form ICC11L057P or state equivalent (in FL: 7722L-0505; in NY: 827Y-0505). Not available in all states. In NY, during the first two years, 110% of premiums will be paid. Website unavailable for NY residents. EASY WAY Whole Life Insurance is underwritten by United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, Omaha, NE 68175, which is licensed nationwide except NY. Life insurance policies issued in NY are underwritten by Companion Life Insurance Company, Hauppauge, NY 11788. Each company is responsible for its own financial and contractual obligations. *Age eligibility and benefits may vary by state. **In FL policy is renewable until age 121.
AFN44167_0113
| MARCH 2019 ruralviews
Why are there always cats in my bathtub? By Mitchell Kyd “News from the Path Valley Hotel”
ne of our amenities here at ones and, when the time is right, add the PVH is a beautifully refin- newspaper and a litter box. Clean up Oished, old cast iron tub, the is a breeze; what’s easier to clean than kind with ball-and-claw feet. It’s nar- an open, waterproof container with row and deep, and a winter fill melts its own spout and drain? When oops you into a sleepy pile of goo you want happen, you’re also motivated to deal to pour directly into your pajamas. But with those training lapses promptly in the spring? Forget any thoughts of because you’ll want to use the shower spa-like soaks. I’m probably growing later as intended. cats in my bathtub. Last summer I brought a litter of four home after their sweet mama lay There’s no reason to think this year down and died beside them. We never will be any different because I’m an knew what happened and only found old softie. As long as there are barn- her when her babies finally poked yard cats and roving Romeos, none their heads out and cried for our of whom would willingly choose my attention. I warmed water bottles for offer to stop the insanity with a trip to my tub and did my usual magic ... but the vet, there will be kittens. At least I failed. I lost them all, one by one, in one will end up in my bathtub. less than a week. After years of being If you aren’t a cat person, now is the kitten Wonder Woman, I was devas- time in this story where you should stay and watch them eat if I step back. tated. And humbled. I was reminded substitute the image of whatever baby Eventually, I will earn their trust and that not everything broken can be critter can charm you into caregiver they’ll let me socialize their babies as fixed and there are times we must insanity: an orphaned calf, a wobbly they grow so I can scoop them up for give ourselves some grace before we pygmy goat kid, or the struggling runt adoption. (Chances are if you’re my can move on to acceptance. How else of the litter — bunny, pig, or puppy. friend, I’ve already factored in your would we open our hearts again? My stories usually start with a mother potential to be a servant for a cat at I’ll always be a sucker for a furry cat that has wandered across the road some point in the future.) face, and I’ve grown some great com- to our house in search of a safe place When a single waif comes across panions in my bathtub. Just ask my to hide her babies. There has been a my radar or a litter gets abandoned, I vet about three decades of my fosters. steady parade of them over the years have food droppers, cat milk replace- Let’s see, there was All Ball, Half Pint, as the moms instinctively work to ment and eye ointment ready for a Motortrend, Henry, Crosby, OhBeau, protect their kids from the marauding rescue. I discovered that my bathtub Sadie, Short Cat, Fat Middles, Hip toms that fathered them. Sometimes makes a great transition space for kit- Boots, Bart, Houdini ... l their tummies are still bulging when tens. It’s safe, confined, and the steep, they first arrive, but often they come slippery sides make it escape-proof. Yvonne Butts-Mitchell dragging their tiny new tribe in tow. The deep surroundings also create writes and blogs (deadmousedi- aries.com) under the pen name Whatever their situation, it’s unthink- a great amphitheater, which means Mitchell Kyd. The “News from able to me not to feed them. you’ll never miss their feeding times; the Path Valley Hotel” series At first, the wild-eyed mamas crouch the escalating meows are intensified, was inspired by her encounters with contractors, critters and out of reach in launch position as they making sure you cannot sleep through assorted creepy crawlies while watch me scoop out crunchies and fill them. Lay down some old towels and rehabbing her family cabin after a water bowl. Later, they will let me you have perfect bedding for the wee its 17-year stint as a giant closet.
18 | MARCH 2019 GROW MOREL MUSHROOMS CREATE A PERENNIAL MOREL KILL GARDEN IN YOUR OWN Energy Matters BACKYARD We provide the spawn and easy to use (continued from page 4) instructions for preparing an outdoor Morel Habitat. You just sow the seed, LAKE tries, and organizations, or from the maintain the Morel Habitat, and pick & army of automated “bots” roaming the enjoy fresh Morel Mushrooms. internet worldwide, testing for weak- $32.95 + $8.65 S/H WEEDS ORDER (800) 789-9121 nesses where a hacker could enter. Proven AQUACIDE PELLETS For a utility, a troublemaker inside GOURMET MUSHROOMS P.O. BOX 515 NC8 * GRATON, CA 95444 Marble size pellets. Works at any depth. the computer network could affect www.gmushrooms.org electric service, and that’s why NRECA Before After 10 lb. bag has organized a variety of cyber reli- treats up to ability programs. 4,000 sq.ft. $91.00 Bourge says those cyber reliability programs aim to help protect against a 50 lb. bag range of threats, from broad attempts to treats up to 20,000 sq.ft. shut down parts of the electric grid, to Reach nearly 166,000 $344.00 more focused efforts to corrupt pieces of rural Pennsylvania software used by electric cooperatives. households! FREE SHIPPING! Certified and NRECA’s cyber protection efforts approved for use by state agencies. Advertise in Penn State permit may be required. include a national program of work- Registered with the Federal E. P. A. ing closely with the nation’s electric Lines. For more co-ops to share the techniques for information, please 800-328-9350 protecting utility systems from internet visit our website at KillLakeWeeds.com invaders. NRECA also works closely Order today online, or request free information. with federal government cybersecurity www.prea.com/ groups in the Departments of Energy Our AQUACIDE CO. penn-lines-magazine 64th year PO Box 10748, DEPT 343 and Homeland Security. or call 717.233.5704 White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748 NRECA is also part of a national program to create a cyber mutual assistance agreement. Much like how groups of lineworkers from an electric co-op travel to help restore power after a hurricane, these cyber agreements would be able to utilize teams of infor- mation technology experts in the case of a cyber incident. Bourge sees electric co-ops as well- placed to pay attention to cybersecu- rity. She says as community-based, member-led businesses, electric co-ops have a unique interest in protecting the reliability of the local community’s energy supply. “Electric cooperatives take cyber- security very seriously,” says Bourge. “It’s built into their DNA.” l Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association represent- ing more than 900 local electric cooper- atives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic develop- ment for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape. GARDEN WORK: Ease those aching, aging backs by gardening smarter.
Split jobs over several days instead of one-day marathons. You may even be able to spread work into the off-sea- son, such as clipping spent perennials or edging beds during a winter thaw. Zone it. Carve the landscape into zones (front, back, vegetable garden, etc.) and worry about just one of them at a time. Tackle each by priority. This breaks one mammoth job into a series of manageable small ones. Vary the work. Don’t overdo it repeating the same motion hour after hour. Do a little digging, a little weed- ing, a little watering. Variety reduces soreness, blisters and repetitive-mo- tion injuries. Simplify. Walk the yard and assess which plants or gardens are causing an unacceptable amount of work. Bite the bullet and replace them with plantings ge W eigel r that need less care. eo
y G Re-evaluate. Can you reduce or let go of unrealistic standards? Does the oto b oto h
P lawn really have to be totally weed- free? Can the hedge grow looser instead of being tightly clipped three times a season? Is that fresh coat of mulch really needed every spring? Great gardens, Get help. Hire out the toughest jobs first. Spreading truckloads of mulch less work might be a good place to start. Jobs to skip Tilling. You’ll probably need to till a How to keep the yard looking good when your new bed and work in compost, but af- body says, ‘Slow down!’ ter that, regular tilling is counter-pro- ductive. It stirs up weed seeds, kills By George Weigel earthworms, and harms soil structure Penn Lines Contributor when wet soil is tilled. Raking. No need to rake every last ardening doesn’t get easier as “Experienced” gardeners, though, leaf out of the yard. Leaves insulate you age, as your creaky bones can compensate by gardening smarter plants over winter and feed the lawn Gand sore back might remind instead of harder. when they’re mowed in rather than you after that first yard-cleanup By doing necessary jobs more effi- raked off. Rake only if there are too weekend of spring. ciently and skipping a few unnecessary many leaves on the lawn to effectively ones, it’s possible to maintain a nice mow them. Pretty much everything involves yard with less stress. And that’s a good Spraying. Be more forgiving of tem- getting down, getting up, bending goal no matter your age. porary, cosmetic plant damage. Few over, or lugging items around. AARP- bugs and diseases are plant-killers. For aged backs don’t tolerate that as well A few general labor-savers plants threatened by repeated potential as 30-year-old ones. Pace yourself. It’s OK to take breaks. fatal problems, consider replacing them
20 | MARCH 2019 | MARCH 2019 rather than constantly rescuing them. weeds before they go to seed or fruit. twice a year. Mass-planting annuals. Cut back on Better to police for weeds often than to Overseed to keep lawn thick. Dense planting and watering annual flowers try to undo a massive invasion. grass is a great defense against weeds. by spotting them in smaller clusters. Weed when wet. Weeds come out There’s no room for anything else. Or switch to using them just in pots, easier in damp soil. hanging baskets and window boxes. Hoeing is more effective Bulb care. Skip braiding bulb foliage in dry soil since cut-off weeds are less likely to regrow then. Right weapons. Switch to long-handled weeding tools if bending over is too hard on your back. Or spot-spray weeds with an herbicide or vinegar. Watch what you plant. Some plants be- come weeds by rampant re-seeding (i.e. morning glory, johnny jump-ups, nigella, sweet annie, borage, snow-on-the- CLOSE PLANTING: Close planting with plants you want defends mountain). And some your gardens against weeds elbowing in. “pass-along plants”
ge W eigel given by friends and r
eo neighbors (i.e. ribbon
y G grass, bishop’s weed, houttuynia, lamiastrum, otos b otos
h mints) become invaders P MOW LEAVES: Save raking work by mowing since people tend to dig light to moderate layers of leaves into the lawn. up and give away what’s getting out of control in after the flowers bloom. It’s a waste of their garden. work and is counter-productive any- way. Interplant bulbs with perennials Lightening so the emerging perennial foliage will lawn work hide the decaying bulb foliage or lean Cut high. Longer but toward short, small-leafed bulbs whose level grass still looks foliage fades away. neat, conserves moisture and shades emerging Weed-fighting weeds. Cutting short Prevention is the best medicine. just encourages faster OVERGROWN BUSHES: Most pruning work is created by planting Keep 2 to 3 inches of bark or wood growth and more plants that get too big for the allotted space. mulch over beds. Or use granular mowing. weed preventers over garden beds in Stop bagging. Let grass clips lie. It Reduce lawn size. In the long run, early spring before new weeds begin to saves work and cuts landfill costs, and low-care beds of dwarf shrubs, peren- sprout. decaying clips return nutrients to the nials, compact evergreens and ground- No openings. Plant closely so that soil. Cut often enough that clips don’t covers are less expensive and less work your plants occupy all of the space. form clumps. than lawns. What other plant do we Low, spreading groundcover plants are Fertilize less. Do you really need prune 25 times a year? especially effective. Remember, weeds four or five applications per year? love bare soil. Organic or “slow-release” nitrogen Smarter plant selection Get weeds when they’re little. fertilizers give you good but slow- Watch sizes. Most pruning work is You’ll save a ton of trouble by stopping er-growth results and can be done just done because we put too-big plants
| MARCH 2019 21 EDGING FOR LESS WORK: Eliminate bed-edging work by laying two sets of stones – one up and one flat.
in too-little spaces. Lean toward compact, dwarf varieties in any new plantings or at least give adequate growth space. More trees. Some of the lowest-care landscaping is island beds of ground- covers, shade-tolerant shrubs and low-care perennials growing under trees. Pick small to mid-size ornamen- tal trees that do more than one thing in one season. Homework. Research how much care a plant is going to need before buying it. Especially lean toward varieties that seldom run into pest problems. Good resources include gar- den centers, public gardens and local Extension services.
Other labor-savers … Prune when needed. For plants already outgrowing the space you’ve given them, it’s better to prune them lightly each year than to let them overgrow for several years, then try to whack them back into submission. Let perennials stand over winter. It’s easier to rake off semi-decayed perennial plants at winter’s end than to cut still-rigid ones in fall. Plus, birds appreciate the dried seeds and nesting material. Eliminate edging. Lay stone or brick around bed perimeters. Set one upright and butt a second one against it flat and level with the ground on the lawn side. This holds in mulch, keeps grass out, and lets you run the mower wheels over the flat course. Use tools that fit. Switch to more ergonomically designed tools that are comfortable to use. You may need to switch to power tools from peo- ple-powered ones as you age. Keep whatever garden tools you’re using sharp. l (George Weigel is a Pennsylva- ge W eigel r nia-based horticulturist, garden con- eo
y G sultant, author and newspaper garden columnist. His website is http://george- oto b oto h
P weigel.net.)
22 | MARCH 2019 techtrends
In the age of LEDs, smartphones and Wi-Fi, programmable lighting options readily available By Brian Sloboda
n the past, the ability to easily control lights within the home Ihas been fairly rudimentary. You flipped a switch on or off. Perhaps you had a dimmer switch. To turn lights on when you were on vacation, you plugged a lamp into a gadget with a dial and it turned the lamp on and off. But today, consumers have more options than ever before.
The growing use of LED bulbs and the proliferation of smartphones and Wi-Fi have brought lighting options to a new level. In addition to using less energy, many LEDs can be controlled from a smartphone app, making the LED more of a consumer electronic c o m than a lightbulb. y. f When shopping for new LEDs, you S igni essentially have two options. EASY TO CONTROL: Many LEDs can be controlled from a smartphone app, making the LED more A less expensive LED still offers of a consumer electronic than a lightbulb. longer life, lower energy use and will work for most fixtures. However, con- patible with different hubs or systems, more smart home products will sumers with older dimmer switches but if you’re planning a major over- become available. Many of these prod- often find that they must replace haul to your home lighting, it’s best to ucts will include features that focus on switches to work with newer LEDs. buy one brand and stick with it. home security and quality of life. The second and more expensive Smart lighting options aren’t neces- If you’re interested in smart technol- option is a “connected” LED. These sarily about saving energy, but if they ogies for your home, the key will be to LEDs offer features like controlling can help you remember to turn the research your options and understand lights remotely from a smartphone light off when you are not in a room, how the system works with the other app or via voice control through an then a small amount of energy savings devices within your home. l in-home speaker. They can also be can be achieved. Brian Sloboda is a program manager connected to a home security system As technology continues to advance, specializing in energy efficiency for the or dimmed to enhance entertainment. National Rural Electric Cooperative Connected LEDs require a central Association, the national trade associ- controller or hub, like Amazon’s Alexa ation representing more than 900 local
or Apple HomeKit. The hub can con- c o m electric cooperatives. From growing y. trol other smart devices and become f suburbs to remote farming communities,
the center of a smart home system. S igni electric co-ops serve as engines of eco- Consumers can choose from a vari- nomic development for 42 million Amer- OPTIONS: Consumers have many options ety of manufacturers when purchasing for smart lighting systems. Shown here is the icans across 56 percent of the nation’s connected LEDs. Some bulbs are com- Phillips Hue White Ambiance Starter Kit. landscape.
| MARCH 2019 23 Classified Advertisements Classified Advertisements
ISSUE MONTH AD DEADLINE Penn Lines classified advertisements reach nearly 166,000 rural Pennsylvania households! Please note May 2019 March 20 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- June 2019 April 19 ceived 30 days prior to the issue month. Classified ads will not be accepted by phone, fax or email. For July 2019 May 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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24 | MARCH 2019 Classified Advertisements
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Portable Generator Safety Tips Take precautions for your safety and the safety of those working to restore your power Always Never k Read and follow all manufacturer’s operating instructions k Never use a generator inside your home, garage, k Use your generator outdoors, away from open windows, basement, crawl space or other enclosed area, vents or doors even with ventilation, as carbon monoxide buildup k Allow the generator engine to cool at least 2 minutes can kill before refueling k Never operate the generator near combustible k Store the recommended type of fuel for the generator in materials an approved, properly labeled safety can k Never plug your generator directly into your home k Maintain your generator according to the manufacturer’s outlet as this presents an schedule electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors k Have a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm to served by the same utility transformer – have a check for deadly buildup qualified electrician install a power transfer k Turn off the generator and let it cool switch instead before refueling to prevent a fire k Never operate a generator under wet k Start or stop the generator ONLY when conditions or touch it with wet hands no electrical loads are connected (put it on a level, dry surface under an k Allow at least 4 feet of clearance on open, canopy-like structure) all sides of the generator when it is k Never overload the generator or operating connected appliances and components k Keep children away from generator at can be damaged all times k Never cut corners when it comes to safety
| MARCH 2019 25 punchlines Let’s hear it for the all-you-can-eat, country buffet By Earl Pitts, American
o you remember about how And we definitely got meatloaf. There on account of I’m not a prince, so I’m last month I was complainin’ may not be much there that’s gonna thinkin’ I probably would still have Dabout them worthless young appeal to some of those citified 20 and to be goin’ to work every day. And idiots who don’t eat meatloaf? Yeah, 30-somethings. But that’s OK. I don’t think the gracious people of I had seen this story about how there And we ain’t even got to the dessert England would be chippin’ in to get were lots of things they didn’t like table yet. When we have put away a me a driver to get me there every day. from our generation, and how they few plates, Pearl will get up and say, But I’ll tell you one thing, when I’m wanted the world to change for them. “Do you want me to get you a cake, a 97, I ain’t gonna be drivin’ like some Because everythin’ changes for them. pie or ice cream?” And I smile and say, demolition derby nut-job. Yeah — if They said nobody likes meatloaf any- “Yes!” Ol’ Prince Philip blows past me like I’m more. So I took exception to that. Wake up, America! There may be a standin’ still, that’s fine with me. No bunch of young folks that don’t get the sir, I am gonna slow it down, turn up Well, here I am, still worked up appeal of a real, all-you-can-eat, coun- the radio and enjoy the ride. Because I over this list of things these youngsters try buffet. That’s their loss. I’m Earl firmly believe that when you’re 97 years think should go the way of the Model Pitts, American. old, you can be late to work any day A, ‘cause it includes one of my all-time you want, and there ain’t anyplace else favorites — the all-you-can-eat buffet. id you see where the Queen of that you got to be at a specific time. First though, let me just say “Halle- England’s old man flipped his Do you ever pass them old people lujah!” On account of, the last thing Dcar? Yeah — Prince Philip. The on the highway? They’re doin’ like we need on this planet is for more dude is 97 years old. He was drivin’ by 45, with their turn signal on and their people to be hangin’ out at my favorite hisself when he hit another car — and little white-haired head barely peekin’ all-you-can-eat buffets. No, sir. flipped his Ranger Rover. He wasn’t hurt over the steerin’ wheel. Someday that’s You know how them stuck-up — thank God, but a couple of people gonna be Earl Pitts, drivin’ like a boss coastal elites like to call the middle in the other car did have some minor to my girlfriend’s house. ‘Cause I’m of America “fly over country?” That’s injuries, but they’re goin’ to be OK. just thinkin’ there’s no way Pearl is how I like to think of regular, country, So, it turns out over there in makin’ it to 97. Let’s be serious. all-you-can-eat buffets. “Fly over food.” England that the Dukes of Hazzard are Wake up, America! The only thing I We don’t got no “ors-du-vores” or real dukes. can figure is Ol’ Prince Philip seen that “cru-da-tay” or gluten-free nothing on My question is — what the heck Clint Eastwood movie, “The Mule,” a real, country, all-you-can-eat buffet. is a 97-year-old Prince Philip doin’ and got hisself a side gig. I’m Earl But we do have fried chicken. Yes sir, blowin’ down a country road like he’s Pitts, American. l stacked up in a hot pan elbow high. at the Daytona? Now — I realize as We got tater tots, french fries, and the husband of the Queen of England, Social commentary from Earl Pitts — a.k.a. Gary Burbank, mashed taters and gravy — lined up Ol’ Philip can do whatever the heck a nationally syndicated radio right next to each other. And you don’t he wants. That’s how it works over personality — can be heard on got to choose — you can take ’em all. there. The royalty over there is above the following radio stations that cover electric cooperative ser- We got chicken-fried steaks, fried the law. But I also think there comes a vice territories in Pennsylvania: catfish, chicken tenders, pork chops an’ point in your life for honest reflection WANB-FM 103.1 Pittsburgh; gravy. We got wieners, corndogs and and rational decisions about when WARM-AM 590 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton; WIOO- AM 1000 Carlisle; WEEO-AM 1480 Shippens- sausages. We got a carving station with you’re too old to drive. burg; WMTZ-FM 96.5 Johnstown; WQBR-FM a woman in a hairnet attackin’ a ham, Now me — if I ever got to 97 years 99.9/92.7 McElhattan; WLMI-FM 103.9 Kane; and on Friday nights and Sunday after- old, I am not gonna lie to you, I would and WVNW-FM 96.7 Burnham- Lewistown. You noon, she’s slicin’ up a prime rib, too. probably still be drivin’, too. But that’s can also find him at earlpittsamerican.com.
26 | MARCH 2019 ruralreflections
Waiting for spring arch can be cold and snowy, or sunny and warm, sometimes on back-to-back Mdays. But no matter what the Pennsyl- vania weather brings, we want to see your photos highlighting Pennsylvania’s people and places. Amateur photographers are encouraged to send photos to Penn Lines Photos, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. Include name, address, phone number and the name of your electric cooperative. Please send spring photos by late March; summer photos by May; fall photos by July and winter photos by September. 2019 photos will be returned in early 2020 if you include a self-ad- dressed, stamped envelope. l
Debra Maloney Northwestern REC
Barbara Jarmoska Sullivan County REC
T. Craig Miner Valley REC
Kris Berezansky REA Energy
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