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COLUMNS: Along
The Way... With P. Jay
Nothing is more bothersome to me than telemarketing phone calls or what I refer to as nuisance calls. If it isn’t somebody trying to give me a credit card, it’s Omaha Steaks with their monthly specials, or a free set of luggage if I visit a summertime retreat in The Poconos. Well, my friends, I recently learned that Pennsylvania has joined a number of other states in passing a "Do Not Call" law. As a result, we now have the option of eliminating many of these calls by placing our names on a statewide "Do Not Call" list. The Office of Attorney General Mike Fisher has enrollment options that will speed the process and make it easy to sign up. You can call the toll-free hotline at 1-888-777-3406 and follow the prompts, or, if you have access to a computer, you can go to http://www.nocallsplease.com/index.cfm click on the free "Online Enrollment" option, fill out the required information and, Bam! Within a month or so, most of the calls will stop. Once you are enrolled, your name and telephone number will remain listed for five years, or until that telephone number is no longer valid. Important dates for candidates… February 18-----------First day to circulate nomination petitions March 11--------------Last day to circulate and file nomination petitions March 26--------------Last day for withdrawal by candidates who filed nomination petitions April 21----------------Last day to register to vote before the primary May 13--------------- Last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot May 16----------------Last day for the Board of Elections to receive absentee ballots May 20----------------Primary Election Surprise! Surprise! The list of county residents who have not paid their 2002 taxes is quite large but one name sticks out like a sore thumb –County Commissoner R. Calvin Dean. As of last week, Mr. Dean had not paid his 2002 county, municipal or school taxes that amount to $2,826.52, plus $282.65 in penalties. In the seven years that Mr. Dean has been a county commissioner he has been paid more than $250,000. That money comes directly from the county coffers which is where our tax dollars go. Another interesting name on the uncollected tax list caught my eye, -Thomas J. LaMont, mayor of Montrose Borough. Those new businesses… Not too long ago, Justin Taylor, director of the county’s Economic Development Department, was quoted as saying that 47 businesses opened up in the county in 2002. Frankly, I had some doubts about that until I looked at the EDD page on the Internet. I found 45 of them listed and I am sure that there are two more out there someplace. For anyone else out there who might have the same doubts I had, here is the list: Ararat: Arlo’s County Store; Choconut: Choconut News Service; Clifford: Endless Mountains Pharmacy, Lunkerz Deli, The Shoppe; Elk Lake: Elk Lake Publishing; Forest City, Next level Hoops, Forest City Inn; Franklin Twp., Voyager Motorcycle Tour Conversion of NE Pa.; and, Gibson: Spectacular Fireworks. Also Great Bend: Pure Pennsylvania (expansion); Hallstead: Burger King, Mountainside Small Engine Repair, Smokin’ Joe’s (expansion); Harford: Subway; and, Hop Bottom: This Old Shack; Jackson: Aged Gracefully, Olde Church Emporium and Skip’s Sports Shop. Also, Lawton: Electric Hillbilly; Kingsley, WTO Motors; Montrose: Acorn Bakery, Biker Mike’s, The Butler’s Pantry, Cheesecakes by Angela, Endless Mountains Hair Design (relocation), Endless Mountains Taxi, The Horse Shop, Masterpiece Weddings, the Montrose Country Store, The Montrose House (new ownership), Personally Yours, Robinson’s Lawn Care, Sbarra & Wells, Century House (new ownership), Stone’s Tree & Lawn Care. Subway, Toni’s Restaurant; and Twisted Ink. And, New Milford: Electrolysis by Kathy; Medieval Days and Knights, Ho-Mart (expansion); Susquehanna: Dollar General Store, Mountain Laurel Soaps, and Snyder Realty. Slices
of Life
For several days now the temperature has hovered between zero and fifteen above. It seems that the cold has been as relentless this winter as the heat was last summer. Personally, I’ll take the cold. I figure that I can always put on another layer of clothing or jack up the heat a few degrees. Also, when I’ve been sitting for awhile and I’m starting to get chilly, I decide that’s a good time to do my walking. So I do the circle route in the house for half an hour, and even before the timer rings, I’m ready to discard the extra shirt. Watching the snow blow across the open lawns reminds me of the 1940’s. Then the frigid weather, with its piercing winds that sent the dry, hard snow swirling in mad dances, seemed to hang on much longer than it presently does. Our long dirt driveway had been carved from one field, so now the banks on either side of this driveway were considerably higher than the tracks. The howling wind would fill the driveway full of snow in no time. A stranger wouldn’t even recognize that a driveway existed. Dad would park the car at the macadam road and laboriously walk to the house; his long legs and high top shoes making it possible for him to accomplish this feat without getting soaked. Then the snow shovels would come out, and everyone old enough to withstand the wind and cold would take a turn at making the driveway passable. Central heat had not been installed yet, and a gas parlor stove valiantly glowed, trying to keep two big rooms warm. The gas cook stove that sported warming ovens, open burners and a cast iron griddle, served the kitchen. The downstairs hall, bathroom, and upstairs bedrooms had no heat. In fact, a blanket was hung over the open doorway to the hall, deliberately keeping the heat contained in the kitchen. At night, we girls would huddle together under layers of quilts, our body heat keeping each other warm. Oh, the shock of stepping out onto those cold floors in the morning! Even, later, when the cast iron radiators arrived to keep the first floor warm, the upstairs remained a cold storage locker. (Years later when we, as adult children, arrived home with our spouses, there was much howling at bare feet hitting the floor, and laughter from the next room where the occupants were already under the covers.) Working in the barn during those early years was labor intensive. It included hand-milking, throwing down hay and distributing it to each cow, parceling out the dry feed in the same way, carrying pails of drinking water to the cattle, and cleaning the drop before the manure froze. While this was hard labor under duress, there was comfort in the heat the cows produced and the warmth created by strenuous activity. Mom in her green fuzzy coat, definitely a hand-me-down, and Dad in his Woolrich zipper-yoke shirt plugging away at chores night after night. They never complained; that was their life. They each knew their roles both in the barn and in the partnership of their marriage. And neither the heat of summer nor the cold of winter could deter them from their path. In my mind, the picture of life at home always comes up as the era of the 1940’s, and I love the scene. So as I hunker down in this frigid weather, I’ll keep running those home movies through my mind, and I’ll be snug, warm and well. Ah, the power of memory! 100
Years Ago – 1902-2002 HOPBOTTOM: The team of E. Conrad fell into Struppler's pond, from which ice was being drawn to the creamery. While loading ice, in some way, the bobs got off the ice into the water and backed the team in too. Ready help rescued the team, which was driven home. GREAT BEND: Erastus Green, while adjusting a belt at the chamois factory, Monday, was caught in the pulley. His clothing was torn from his body and one of his shoulders was dislocated. FOREST CITY: The Coal Commission investigation has brought out the fact that the Hillside mine, at Forest City, pays the best wages, has had the least trouble, and is withal one of the most prosperous mines in the anthracite region. Old Susquehanna county always leads and such a conclusion was to have been expected. AND: All telephone, telegraph, electric railway and other poles will hereafter be taxed twenty:five cents per pole each year in Forest City. MONTROSE: Street Commissioner Rutan was out with his snowplow Sunday morning and soon had the sidewalks in such excellent condition that all who wished could, without difficulty, attend the morning church services. Mr. Rutan can now accomplish the work of a score of men by the use of the plow and the fine manner in which the thoroughfares are cleared of snow, making it much more convenient to the traveling pubic, is very much appreciated. Property owners should not think, however, that the snowplow can do all the work properly, as the loose snow on the sides cannot be prevented from falling back to some extent. The use of the shovel will make a decided improvement and give our streets the reputation of being kept in the best condition of any town its size in the State. HALLSTEAD: John Robinson was instantly killed on the Lackawanna track near the silk mill last Friday evening. Mr. Robinson was the drillmaster on engine No. 2. He was riding down the long switch by the silk mill on an engine. Upon nearing the mill he stepped off the platform of the engine without noticing that another engine was following close behind. He stepped off the track directly in front of this engine, which knocked him down, and he was immediately killed by the train running over him. Deceased was about 45 years of age and for a number of years had been a faithful employee of the Lackawanna company. He is survived by a wife and three children. BIRCHARDVILLE: The Center school, drawn by a 4 horse team, attended the closing exercises of the Hamlin school last week. LENOXVILLE: A merry party of young people gathered at the home of Mr.& Mrs. W.E. Ross, on the evening of the 15th inst., it being the 17th birthday of their daughter, Ruth. Games were indulged in until midnight, when elegant refreshments were served, after which the company was photographed by flashlight. In the "small hours" the young people departed, leaving some fine gifts as a testimony of their good will towards Miss Ruth. Those present were Misses Gertie and Mae Lewis, Sadye Sager, of Foster; Debbie Davis, East Lenox; Leta Green, Glenwood; Flora Kennedy, Orla Severance, Inez Roberts, Veda Sherman, Jennie and Fae Halstead, Mary Skinnard, Minnie Everts, Emma, Ruth and Shirly Ross, Lenoxville. Messrs Sammie Lewis, John Sager, Foster; George Hasbrouck, West Clifford; Clarence Gumaer, Marshbrook; Willie Bennett, Clifford; Silas Decker, Clarence Sheridan, Ray Roberts, Glen Harding, Fred Skinnard, James Bennett, Lenoxville; and Lee Swingle. SUSQUEHANNA: The Boston Musical Dramatic Company will appear in Hogan Opera House, Feb. 21, under the auspices of Grace Episcopal church, Oakland. AND: Jas. Montgomery has purchased the cigar and tobacco store of J.J. Ryan. Mr. Montgomery is a man well known and highly respected and we predict for him success in his new calling. FOREST LAKE: There was a large wood bee for Dwight Rhinevault on Tuesday of last week and about 25 cords of wood were cut. SPRINGVILLE: A merry crowd of Epworth Leaguers gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Haldeman last Friday evening. The time was pleasantly spent in various games, the most interesting item being the knot-tying contest. One of our young men broke the record by tying 26 knots in 5 minutes. A bountiful lunch was served at 11 o'clock. GLENWOOD: And still it snows and the logs are piling up around the mill of G.N. Bennett. AND: A horse and cutter was found standing in front of George White's residence on Sunday morning, about 5 a.m. Mr. White took the horse to the barn of A.W. McAloon and gave it a good feed. The cutter was somewhat broken and the horse was shivering with cold, he being covered with snow. Later in the day G.W. Hinkley, of Nicholson, came up and claimed the out-fit but who the parties were that had the horse was not learned. JONES' LAKE (now Lake Montrose, Bridgewater Twp.) The residence of Mr. Hoyt, on the south side of the lake, was destroyed by fire early Monday morning with nearly all its contents. The fire originated from the kitchen stove. No attempt was made to get the fire fighting apparatus on the grounds, owing to the distance and depth of the snow. Mr. Hoyt and son, Charles, worked vigorously in getting out the furniture and other valuable articles and they succeeded in saving the piano, sideboard and other loose articles, besides some men's clothing, but that belonging to Mrs. Hoyt and little daughter, Nora, was burned, except that in which they were attired and a few other articles of wearing apparel hastily collected. The family will occupy the Crocker house on Mill street, but they are at present located with a neighbor - Bert Sprout. NEWS BRIEF: The story comes from Judge Pennypacker's hometown, and there is no reason to doubt it, that the governor has returned all the complimentary passes sent him by railroad companies. He says that he prefers to pay his traveling expenses just the same as any other man, and he believes that his salary will enable him to pay his own way.
It was not only a sad day for the people of the three boroughs - Susquehanna, Oakland and Lanesboro - when editor U. G. Baker died in the Barnes Memorial Hospital, February 4, 1954, after battling a lingering illness, it was a double blow to me; without Mr. Baker’s guidance, I would never have attained the position of "Editor and owner of the Susquehanna Transcript." At the early age of 16, I was doing small chores for the Transcript. Come September, I was reminded of the schools’ opening by Mr. Baker. I had no intention of returning to school, due to financial (family) reasons. Mr. B. insisted I get an education. But seeing that I was set in my ways, he offered me a full-time job. That’s when my life began. That is why I am able to do this article on "one of the greatest men that ever walked the Earth and one of the kindest men I ever met." It was the year before his death that Susquehanna Borough celebrated its 100th anniversary. When in good health he never refused an invitation to participate in the activities of "my hometown, Susquehanna, the best town on Earth." Mr. Baker was a talented speaker and was in considerable demand to appear at church, social, civic, school and other gatherings, great and small. His last public appearance was during Susquehanna’s Centennial, 1953, when he "Crowned the Centennial Queen," Joan (Vaughn) Prentice at the celebration pageant presented on the night climaxing "Evening Transcript Day," honoring the youth of the community. According to all reports this year’s centennial should be a good one. It will have something for everyone. Starting July 12 (Saturday), a tentative calendar has been put together. A ball is planned for July 12. Next day, breakfast at the American Legion and foot races. Opening ceremony, recognizing eldest citizens. Also Kids day. July 14, 15 and 16, "Merchants Days." July 17 (Thursday) Block Party, beer, clams, etc. Rest of the week: Historical Decoration Contest, Block Parties, Band Music, Parade, Arts Exhibition, Crafts Festival, Barbecue, and the BIG ONE, Fireworks, believed to be set for Victory Park. Remember this is Tentative. An up-to-date program will be published at a later date. Need a Centennial book saved? Call either Mary Jo Glover 853-3657 or Pam Hennessey 853-4538. The books will also be on sale during Centennial Week. Only a few days left to see "your" congratulatory ad in the book. Call Lou Parrillo 853-3835. Blue Ridge Cagers Whip Susky Hi Sabers 57-37 I haven’t seen a local school basketball game in quite some time. But on Friday, January 10, I decided to take in the Saber/Blue Ridge Raiders game in the local high school gym. A couple of things helped me decide to watch the game - one was the fact that the schools are planning a merger of sorts, the other was that a Susquehanna resident, Brian Lewis, is the head coach of the Blue Ridge Varsity team. Brian, just a couple of years ago, was assistant varsity coach of the high school Sabers. After a year of absence, he became a business teacher at Blue Ridge, and assumed the role of varsity coach. So, what better game to watch for my "first comeback." At the time of the game, Blue Ridge had a 5-1, 9-6 record. Susquehanna was 0-6, 0-14. From the beginning of the game, Blue Ridge was off and running. On the very first play, BR was fouled, making two baskets for a 2-0 lead. Another two-pointer gave them a 4-0 lead, a lead which they never gave up. Even though BR led by several points throughout, it was a well-fought game with both sides playing their hearts out; the Sabers just couldn’t catch Coach Lewis’ boys. Blue Ridge had a 15-7 first quarter lead and led 26-14 at the half. The BRs picked up the pace in the third quarter, leading at the end 45-23. At the end of the game they increased their lead by 22 points and a 57-35 win. I don’t know what the latest is in the merger talk, but I do know that the high school was packed to the rafters, with fans from both schools attending, and applauding their teams - win or lose. Shawn Venesky, with 12 points and Kevin Lee, with 11 led the Sabers. Keith Geisenhof and Lance Landes, each scored 14 points with Wes Parks adding 13 for BR. Not everything was lost as the Saber Junior Varsity won their game, 52-42 leading throughout the contest. Team coaches: Susquehanna - Scott Glidden, varsity; Rick Soden, juniors; Blue Ridge - varsity, Brian Lewis; juniors, Mitchell Less. BE CAREFUL. Know your baby-sitters: A young Oakland man was recently arrested for the abuse and robbery of a Vestal lady. The 25-year old told authorities that he earned a living by "baby-sitting." (Readers please note: this article is to warn families in need of baby-sitters to PLEASE, check out the sitter. If you don’t know them, don’t ask them to sit. When someone calls to baby-sit, check them out thoroughly, ask who they have been sitting for. Call the family. Too many "fakers" are running around. Play it safe. Call the police if you need information about a certain individual. Don’t take chances – PLAY IT SAFE! Children are priceless! Also, if you don’t know the person at your door, DO NOT OPEN your door. If they keep knocking, call the police, or 911.) AMERICAN LEGION Family to honor Christine (Chris) Davis: the exact date will be published a bit later. The Legion Family, composed of Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, and Sons of the Legion, will, now and then, honor a local person who has been active and contributed to community projects. CAN YOU HELP? I am in need of the year and date, if possible, when the coach shop offices, located across from the Post Office, were torn down. You can leave a message at 853-3835. A LOT of Mushrooms: in Pennsylvania, during the 2001-02 season, 400 million pounds of button mushrooms were grown, worth $390 million - the state’s largest food crop. BUSH VISITS Scranton. WHY? Why was Governor-elect Ed Rendell snubbed by President Bush on his trip to the Scranton area? He invited Gov. Schweiker, but not Ed Rendell. White House spokesman, Mr. Stanzel, when asked why Mr. Rendell was not invited, kept evading the question, by answering, "We invited Gov. Schweiker." (Do wonder why the Dems and GOP are far apart. The above is one reason. Why would Bush want Democrat Rendell at his side? Why not let Rendell tackle the malpractice situation?) WAR-FOR-OIL: Trudy Rubin, a national columnist, had this to say, "Is the United States going to war with Iraq to get its hands on Iraqi oil fields? Nearly everyone in the Middle East thinks so. So do some Americans." Iraq has the world’s second-largest oil reserves, with rich new fields to explore. WHAT A WEIRD Thought: According to a news release out of Boston, surgical teams accidentally leave clamps, sponges and other tools inside about 1,500 patients nationwide each year, according to a big study of the problem. IT’S WIN, WIN or you’re out: The San Fran 49ers football owners recently fired coach Steve Mariucci after six seasons, compiling a 57-39 record. This year they were 10-6, won the NFC West title. Evidently not good enough to keep his job. BANKS "Still Around": George Banks of Luzerne County, convicted of killing 13 people, including family members in 1983, seems to have "many" lives. The DA’s office is still reviewing pages of opinions handed down by the court. Twice, his death sentence has been overturned. ST. PETER’S Parish in Scranton will be celebrating (this year) its 150th year as a parish community. The church has planned a series of events. The year-long celebration will include eight concerts. ACTIVE DUTY GI’S: The number mobilized in the Army (January 15) now stands at 34,280; Air Force 15,015; Navy 5,238; Marine Corps 3,668; Coast Guard 693. RIPKEN & MATTINGLY baseball team owners: Don Mattingly (Yankees) and Cal Ripken (Orioles) have banded together and purchased the Single-A South Georgia Waves of the South Atlantic League, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. (I just can’t remember the date, but I was present at Yankee Stadium with friends on the last game of the season, to watch Mattingly and Dave Winfield battle it out for the league batting championship, with Mattingly edging Winfield by a couple points.) WELLS "WINS" ONE: Last September 7, (then) Yankee pitcher BIG David, in a restaurant fight, had two of his teeth knocked out by Rocco Graziosa. Rocco was sentenced to 45 days for the "win." Wells’ win is his attacker’s 45-day jail sentence. ALL-STAR Game Winners may be rewarded: A plan is on the Major League table regarding the winners of the All-Star game. A vote will be taken, to give the League that wins the All-Star game home advantage in the World Series. No doubt, this will make the game a lot more important. "BILL" Is Still popular: Ex-President Bill Clinton, that is, is still in demand. Undergraduates at Oxford University, England, want Clinton as their new chancellor. Clinton is a former Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. GOVERNOR RENDELL Blasts Bush: Pennsylvania's new governor, Ed Rendell, a Democrat, who was snubbed by Bush when he appeared in Scranton recently, said that Bush’s malpractice proposals "are way out of line." Rendell said the "cure" is to "stop cutting Medicare and Medicaid spending and increase both to help doctors pay higher malpractice premiums." Straight
From Starrucca Another delayed Christmas because of the snowstorm finally took place last Saturday, January 18, at the home of Kirk and Alice Rhone, entertaining in their jovial best about thirty-eight members of the Buck family. One of their special guests was a former exchange student from Sweden – Caterina, who graduated from Slippery Rock U. and is now in New York City pursuing her master’s degree in the political arena. The local Girl Scout troop is looking forward to the first weekend in February when they will join other troops at Camp Archbald for winter games. Sorry to report that Jim Herr went to meet his maker the night of January 20. Attending his funeral in Orange, NJ from here were Roger and Barb Glover and Clarence and Wally Smith. My deepest sympathy to his wife, Sally. Last Tuesday, January 21, on hand to greet Rev. Doris Gunderson and her nine parishioners from the Baptist Church in Pittston, PA at the local Baptist Church were Marie Swartz, Julia Smith, Bridget D’Agati and the founders of the project, "My Brother’s Keeper," Jim and Flo Wheatley, Hop Bottom, PA. The group was here to learn how to make the quilts for the homeless. After a delicious lunch the ladies went home determined to add their craftsmanship to the worthy cause. Marie Swartz was a guest at the Lika Excavating banquet last Saturday night, the 18th, at the Shadowbrook in Tunkhannock. She joined her daughter and husband, Sue and Rich Cottrell. Son Dan, a herdsman for Winsor Bros. in Center Village, NY, was down for awhile over the weekend. He brought his lively Australian shepherd puppy with him - a beautiful, smart dog. Local folks were sorry to hear of the death of Duane Koehler, whose roots were here in Starrucca. His funeral services were held from the Tuttle Funeral Home in Great Bend, PA, January 20. The members of the local Baptist Church were to have their own "souper bowl" Sunday, when they gathered at the church for soup and sandwiches. The get-together means a great deal to the Wayne County Food Pantry, as the guests bring food items for the cause. Anyone who has info on (or who remembers) Pearl Blauvelt, who lived in the red house by the creek in Starrucca and would like to share their impressions to be used in a documentary about the house and its occupants, please contact me at Starrucca, PA, soon. Cheerio! Food
For Thought I learned a lot from my father. I still learn from him, indirectly. One thing I learned is to follow the money trail. For all of my life, until I moved to Susquehanna, I drank fluoridated water. My cousins gave their children fluoride drops. I have tried to buy toothpaste recently without fluoride, and have found that very difficult. Only a couple of brands have been available to me, and only through mail order, or special order at some health food stores. Interesting research has been released recently on fluoride and tooth decay. It seems that fluoride is only effective when applied topically to teeth. When it is swallowed in water or in drops it has no effect on the tooth enamel whatsoever. (It has other effects in the body which we will talk about later.) The American Dental Association (ADA) has also concluded that improved hygiene and improved nutrition has more of an effect on preventing tooth decay than fluoride does. ( The Australian Dental Association has come to similar conclusions with their research). If fluoride alone were the beneficial factor, why do the children in underprivileged neighborhoods show very little improvement in the tooth decay rate, even though their water has been fluoridated the same amount as the rest of their urban area? In the world, only 39 countries add fluoride to their water in at least on community. In some of those 39 countries, the only communities fluoridated are the US military bases, such as in the Philippines. Most of the Western European democracies have voted against fluoridation, including Finland, Denmark, France and Germany. According to the WHO, the children in those countries have as good as or even better teeth than the children in the countries using fluoride in their water. Fluoride has a down side. It causes delay of eruption of the secondary teeth. Fluoride can also cause discoloration of the enamel of the permanent teeth, especially when it is consumed in excess. There is a high correlation of bone fractures in children who consume fluoridated water, and or fluoride drops. There is a very high correlation of hip fracture in the elderly after long term consumption of fluoridated water. Fluoride is toxic. It is an active ingredient in pesticides. 500 mg. will kill a child, and poor nutrition enhances the toxic effects. Calcium, magnesium, and Vit. C deficiencies, kidney failure and cardiovascular problems all make people more susceptible to the toxic effects of fluoride. Fluoride levels are increasing constantly. Pesticide residues in our water, fluoridated dental care products, processed foods and beverages containing fluoridated water, mechanical processing of meat products, all increase the concentration of fluoride consumed daily. Even in areas that do not fluoridate the water artificially, the average person consumes the "optimal" level. Almost 50% of the fluoride consumed daily accumulates in the body. Skeletal flourishes is a crippling bone disease caused by over consumption of fluoride. Its early symptoms mimic arthritis, and is frequently misdiagnosed according to the WHO. ( Approximately 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis.) Fluoride also stimulates abnormal bone development. The amount of bone produced is increased, but it is weaker and more brittle than normal bone. This may be why high fluoride levels are associated with increased bone fractures in children, and increased hip fractures in the elderly. In 1995, a study released in the Journal of Neurotoxicology and Teratology found evidence of fluoride accumulating in specific brain areas, causing age-specific behavioral changes. These brain areas are the same brain areas that malfunction in hyperactivity disorders, and in IQ functions. Fluoride has also been shown to accumulate in the pineal gland, and to interfere with melatonin production. The pineal gland and melatonin regulate sleep function, puberty and some seasonal mood disorders. Fluoride has also been linked to thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction is the most common medical problem in America today. Fluoride also increases the bodies ability to ingest aluminum. Excess aluminum accumulation is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia. Fluoride has also been linked to cancers, particularly bone tumors. It is linked to infertility. How did fluoride come to our water? The fluoride in our water is an industrial waste product. It is the by product of the fertilizer industry. When this all began, in the 1940’s, fluoride as a tooth decay preventive was just beginning to be explored. The mistaken belief was that fluoride needed to be taken internally to be beneficial. The fertilizer industry had an overabundance of fluoride as a waste product. And so a marriage was made. Unfortunately, the forms of fluoride used to fluoridate our water were never tested for safety or effectiveness. Nor is the fluoride pure. Rather it is contaminated with several toxins, including arsenic. The fluoride used in drops are available by prescription only. No fluoride products have ever been tested for safety by the FDA. The Union of Scientists has called on Congress to place a moratorium on fluoridation. They have declared fluoridation to be an unreasonable risk to the public well being. The Sierra Club is agreeing that fluoride is a significant environmental risk. It is time to write to your congressmen and let them know that once again they need to put the best interest of you, the individual, ahead of the profits of industry. It is time to stop experimenting on our children. Instead of putting toxic compounds into our food and water untested, and then only withdrawing them after disease and death are linked to them, we need to test first, and implement only when proven safe. Don’t think that you are safe because Susquehanna does not fluoridate, or because you have a well. If you drink soda, or bottled beverages, you are consuming fluoride. If it rains or snows in your area, then fluoride residue from pesticides and fertilizers are running into your streams and rivers and reservoirs. If you buy meat in the grocery store, or any processed meat products, you are consuming fluorides. And if your children swallow tooth paste, or have been given fluoride drops, they may be consuming too much fluoride. What if some of the hyperactive children didn’t need ritalin, they just didn’t need fluoride?
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Stop Those Annoying Calls…
The Power Of Memory
Feb. 4, Anniversary Of U. G. Baker’s
Death